Douluo Dalu: Starting With Tom Cat

"Nana, you're okay! That's great!"

"Yeah, Nana. You've absorbed a Limit-Breaking Soul Ring—your future is boundless. Looking across the entire soul master world, no one can compare!"

Xie Yue and Yan stepped forward one after another to congratulate Hu Liena.

Meanwhile, Tom and Jerry, having regained their souls, angrily walked up to Yue Guan. Tom reached out and poked Yue Guan with his paw.

The moment he was touched, Yue Guan didn't even turn his head. "Old Ghost, why are you poking me?"

"Chrysanthemum Guan, what are you talking about? I didn't touch you," said Ghost Douluo, confused.

A chill crept up Yue Guan's spine. If it wasn't Gui Mei, then who could've touched a Titled Douluo like him without a sound?

He stiffly turned his head—and his enchanting face instantly turned pale.

"Dear god, a ghost!"

Everyone turned to look. Shockingly, it was the Tom and Jerry they had just assumed to be dead.

Tom glared at Yue Guan. We helped you save someone, and you cursed us dead? Ptooey!

The two little critters simultaneously launched a spit attack at Yue Guan.

Yue Guan dumbly touched the saliva on his face. Strangely, despite being a clean freak, he didn't seem disgusted. He coughed lightly and said in wonder,

"Quite strange... They weren't even breathing just now, yet they're alive again."

Wait a minute. As he examined Tom and Jerry, Yue Guan silently exchanged glances with Gui Mei. Their eyes flashed—neither knew what the other was thinking, but both were thinking something.

"So, it was you two little guys who saved me just now, wasn't it?" Hu Liena walked over, smiling down at them.

Though it was posed as a question, there was no doubt in her tone. After all, the scene in her mind wasn't something that could be fabricated.

Her charming eyes shimmered with relief. Who would've thought that a simple act of kindness had ended up saving her life?

If Yue Guan had driven Shen An away, and she hadn't stopped him in time, she might have ended up brain-dead from the soul shock.

Tom nodded his little head and extended his paw in front of Hu Liena. I saved you—asking for a little something in return isn't too much, right?

Hu Liena stared blankly at Tom. What's he doing? For once, she looked adorably confused.

"Oh, you want something? I've got lots of tasty snacks here." After a dazed moment, she understood and pulled out a variety of exquisite treats from her soul tool.

Then she slowly walked up to Shen An.

"Thank you for your two pets saving me. My name is Hu Liena. If you ever run into trouble, feel free to come find me at Spirit Hall. Take this token."

As she spoke, she handed over a delicate token as a gesture of gratitude.

Shen An reached out and accepted it with a bright smile. "Now that the lady's fine, I'll take my leave."

Now that Hu Liena had completed her soul ring absorption, he needed to find an excuse to get away quickly. The scene of Tom and Jerry saving her was just too unbelievable.

It meant that as long as the body could withstand it, even a terrifying soul shock could be resolved. That kind of thing was too tempting for soul masters. Shen An wouldn't bet on everyone being grateful.

"Wait up, kid."

Shen An's heart tightened. Knew it—they're not letting me go, huh?

"Senior, is there something else?" Shen An turned with a polite smile toward Gui Mei.

"Your cat and mouse are quite fascinating. Why not join Spirit Hall? You'll enjoy a life of wealth and status," Gui Mei said.

These two creatures had resisted the soul shock of a ten-thousand-year soul beast and seemed completely unharmed. If they could be taken back to Spirit Hall, it would be a tremendous accomplishment.

Hmph, not only are they eyeing Tom and Jerry, they're eyeing me too, Shen An thought. Better refuse politely. If this old coot dares try force, I'll unleash the Kung Fu Headband and cripple them on the spot.

Then head straight for the Titan Giant Ape—doesn't matter if I find him or not. Once the time's up, I'm dashing out of Star Dou Forest.

"I've long heard of Spirit Hall's prestige, but I dislike constraints by nature. I hope senior will understand," Shen An declined tactfully.

Gui Mei and Yue Guan exchanged glances. Having been brothers for years, they instantly read each other's thoughts. These two creatures were too valuable.

If they could be brought back, Spirit Hall's next generation would surely surpass all others. They had to keep Shen An, no matter what.

The atmosphere shifted subtly. Shen An's heart began to pound.

"Grandpa Yue, Grandpa Gui, what are you doing? If he doesn't want to join, then let it be. No need to force him," Hu Liena said sweetly, standing between them and Shen An, blocking their view.

At the same time, she secretly gestured to Shen An—Hurry up and leave!

Shen An smiled faintly. Hu Liena really is kindhearted.

Yue Guan and Gui Mei exchanged a look. So, Hu Liena wanted to protect Shen An.

"Silly girl, Grandpa Ghost just wanted to invite him. The method may seem forceful, but surely you know what joining Spirit Hall entails."

"Besides, that cat and mouse are just too miraculous. Their potential value to Spirit Hall's future is unimaginable. Don't worry, Grandpa won't hurt him."

Gui Mei used sound transmission to whisper into Hu Liena's ear.

Hu Liena's expression froze. She understood. Gui Mei had made up his mind. If not for her being the Pope's disciple and someone he had watched grow up, he wouldn't even bother explaining.

If a Titled Douluo really made up his mind, how could she possibly stop them?

"Li Feiyu, joining Spirit Hall will do you only good. Both I and Old Ghost are inviting you. Don't tell me you're going to turn us down?"

Yue Guan's tone was soft, but the threat behind his words was clear.

Shen An cursed in his heart. So this is how Spirit Hall plays? Saving people just gets you bitten back? What is this—Mr. Dongguo and the wolf? The farmer and the snake?

Tom could feel the atmosphere growing tense. They were going to forcibly drag him and Jerry into some organization called Spirit Hall?

Isn't that just cat trafficking?!

Infuriated by cat traffickers, Tom pulled out the Kung Fu Headband, looking at Shen An. Just one word, and he'd become a martial arts grandmaster and beat these ungrateful villains half-dead.

Strangely, Yue Guan and Gui Mei both suddenly felt uneasy, an ominous chill creeping up their spines.

"Li Feiyu, come with me. Once you're at Spirit Hall, you'll understand we mean you no harm." Yue Guan's figure flickered, attempting to seal Shen An's meridians in one swift move.

"Please wait, Senior!" Shen An suddenly had an idea—one that could avoid using the Kung Fu Headband.

Yue Guan's blurred figure became clear again as he paused, speaking casually, "Since you saved Nana, I'll allow you a few more words. Speak."

"I just obtained my fourth Soul Ring. If that person over there can defeat me, I'll willingly go to Spirit Hall," Shen An said, pointing at Yan.

Releasing his aura would surely draw the Titan Giant Ape. Let the strong devour the greedy.

Saving someone, only to be backstabbed—he was in no mood to take that lying down.

And Yan had provoked him more than once. Time to beat him up a little—how delightful!

Thinking this, Shen An flashed Yan a most benevolent smile.