The Harem of Power: A Journey Across World’s

Part 1: The Soul Beast's Fury

The night had fallen over the dense forest with an eerie calm, the air thick with tension as Xiao Wu and her mother tread quietly along the path. Xiao Wu, in her small, rabbit form, hopped beside her mother, her large ears twitching at every sound. The two shared a bond that went beyond mother and daughter, something deeper—an unspoken connection that kept them attuned to one another.

Xiao Wu's mother, in her human form, moved with a graceful authority, her eyes sharp and alert. Though she appeared to be in her late twenties, there was something otherworldly about her—an ancient wisdom that emanated from her every movement. Her long, dark hair fell in waves around her shoulders, and her golden eyes seemed to pierce the darkness ahead, seeing things that others could not.

As they moved deeper into the forest, a sense of unease settled over them. Xiao Wu's mother paused, her senses alert, and looked toward the dense thicket ahead. "Something is coming," she whispered, her voice carrying a mixture of concern and resolve.

Xiao Wu, small but equally sensitive to the surrounding energy, nodded. "I can feel it too, mother."

Just as they began to prepare for what was to come, a low growl echoed through the trees. From the shadows, a massive soul beast emerged—a hulking creature with sharp claws and a menacing presence. The beast was unlike any other they had encountered, its body armored with a dark, stone-like shell that seemed to absorb the light around it. Its eyes glowed red with primal fury as it locked onto the pair.

Xiao Wu's mother immediately stepped in front of her daughter, her aura flaring as she summoned a protective barrier. "Stay behind me, Xiao Wu," she commanded, her voice calm yet firm.

Xiao Wu's heart raced as she watched her mother brace herself for the incoming battle. She wanted to help, but in her small form, she was no match for such a powerful creature. She knew her mother would protect her, as she always had, but there was a part of her that wanted to be more than just the one who was protected.

The beast lunged forward, its massive claws slashing through the air. Xiao Wu's mother moved with lightning speed, sidestepping the attack and using her energy to push the creature back. The air around them crackled with power as she summoned a barrier of light to shield them from the beast's onslaught. Every movement was calculated, every strike purposeful, as she fought to keep Xiao Wu safe.

But the soul beast was relentless, its anger driving it to strike with even more fury. Xiao Wu's mother's golden eyes flickered with determination. She would not let this creature harm her daughter.

Just as the battle seemed to reach its peak, a powerful surge of energy shot through the trees, and suddenly, the beast was knocked back, its massive form crashing into a nearby tree with a loud thud. Rylan, Selene, and Elyra stepped into the clearing, their powerful auras lighting up the night.

Rylan's eyes scanned the scene quickly. "You're in danger," he said, stepping forward, his voice steady but filled with urgency. His gaze shifted to Xiao Wu's mother. "We need to finish this quickly."

Xiao Wu's mother nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude yet still focused on the creature before them. "I appreciate your help. This beast is strong, but it will not defeat us."

Selene and Elyra stood at the ready, their auras emanating a sense of power and determination. Rylan, with a quick motion, summoned his own energy, creating a blinding beam of light that struck the soul beast directly in its chest.

The beast let out a roar of pain, its form beginning to falter. It swiped at the air in a final, desperate attempt to fight back, but it was too late. With another coordinated attack, Rylan, Selene, and Elyra sent the creature crashing to the ground, defeated and broken.

As the dust settled, Xiao Wu and her mother stood in the clearing, their faces reflecting a mix of relief and lingering tension. Xiao Wu, still in her rabbit form, hopped toward Rylan, her large eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you for saving us," she said softly, her voice light but sincere.

Rylan smiled warmly down at her. "You're welcome, Xiao Wu. We're all in this together."

Xiao Wu's mother stepped forward, her gaze focused on Rylan. "I must thank you as well. That beast would have been a serious threat if we had faced it alone."

Rylan tilted his head slightly, his curiosity piqued. "I didn't expect to find anyone out here, especially not someone like you. You're quite powerful. You fought that beast with ease."

Xiao Wu's mother smiled, though there was a sadness in her expression. "I've had a long time to hone my skills, but it's not just power that keeps me standing. It's the love I have for my daughter." She glanced down at Xiao Wu, who had now shifted into her human form, her delicate features still reflecting the innocence of youth. "And it's my duty to protect her."

Rylan nodded, understanding the bond between them. "I can see that. But I must ask—who are you? I've never seen anyone quite like you before."

Xiao Wu's mother sighed, her gaze drifting toward the distant trees. "My name is Yanli, and this is Xiao Wu, my daughter. I've kept my true form hidden for years, protecting her from the dangers of the world. We've had to stay out of the public eye, but it seems fate has led us here."

Rylan's eyes widened as he pieced the puzzle together. "Xiao Wu... you're her mother? That explains everything. Your power, your connection to the soul beasts, and... your aura. It's the same as hers."

Xiao Wu's mother nodded, her expression serious. "Xiao Wu is not just any ordinary soul beast. She's a rare creature, one that was once believed to be extinct. I've kept her hidden, hoping she could grow and live without the fear of being hunted."

Rylan's heart raced as the weight of Yanli's words settled in. Xiao Wu, the kind-hearted, innocent soul he had come to care for, was a creature of immense power and history. Her bond with her mother was unbreakable, and together, they had faced dangers that most could never even comprehend.

"I understand," Rylan said, his voice soft but filled with respect. "But you're not alone anymore. We'll help you protect her. You have our word."

Yanli's eyes softened with gratitude as she gazed at Rylan, Selene, and Elyra. "Thank you. That means more than you know."

As the group stood together in the quiet aftermath of the battle, a new understanding was born. Rylan had learned of Xiao Wu's true nature and the bond she shared with her mother, and in that moment, the threads of fate seemed to intertwine more tightly than ever before.

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Part 2: The Unveiling of Truth

The aftermath of the battle left the forest quiet, save for the soft rustling of leaves in the cool night breeze. The soul beast, once a terrifying presence, now lay motionless on the ground, defeated. Rylan, Selene, and Elyra stood beside Xiao Wu and her mother, their gazes drawn to the fallen creature, but more importantly, to the two beings whose lives had been intertwined with the beast's appearance.

Xiao Wu, still adjusting to her human form, stood next to her mother, her expression a mix of gratitude and something more profound. Her large, dark eyes glanced toward Rylan, her mouth curling into a soft smile. It wasn't the playful, carefree smile Rylan had grown accustomed to—it was deeper, laden with the weight of the truth that had just been revealed.

"Thank you, Rylan," Xiao Wu said quietly, her voice almost a whisper as she shifted nervously. "You... saved us. Again."

Rylan smiled back, though the depth of what he had just learned about her left him slightly overwhelmed. "I told you before, Xiao Wu, you don't need to thank me. We're in this together."

He turned his gaze toward Yanli, who stood beside her daughter, her golden eyes steady, her face a mixture of relief and guarded emotion. Her strength was evident, but there was something more behind those eyes—an untold story of a mother's love and sacrifice, the kind of history that could shape destinies.

"You both fought bravely," Rylan said, his voice sincere. "But I need to ask—what was that beast? It was like no creature I've ever seen before."

Yanli's expression softened, and she took a slow breath before speaking. "It was a Beast of the Abyss, a rare, vicious creature that lurks in the darkest corners of the world. They are drawn to power, to life force, and they feed on it." Her eyes darkened as she remembered the creature's savage power. "I didn't expect one to be this close to our home. But the creature wasn't what frightened me most."

Rylan furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"

Yanli's gaze turned to Xiao Wu, her expression tender. "It has been a long time since I allowed myself to be seen by others. I thought I could protect her from the dangers of this world, but my true nature... I've hidden it for so long. And now that Rylan, Selene, and Elyra know, there is no going back."

Rylan nodded, his eyes searching Yanli's face for understanding. "You're a soul beast, aren't you?"

Yanli's gaze shifted, a shadow passing over her features. "Yes. I am the last of the Soft Bone Rabbit clan, a lineage that was thought to be extinct. And Xiao Wu—she is the heir to that legacy. But her power is far beyond what even I have, which is why I've kept her hidden for so long. I've watched over her, making sure she would be safe, free from those who would seek to exploit her."

Rylan's mind raced as he tried to process everything he had just learned. Xiao Wu was not just an innocent, sweet soul—she was the heir to a powerful lineage of soul beasts. Her mother, too, was an ancient soul beast with a power that rivaled anything Rylan had encountered. He glanced at Xiao Wu, trying to reconcile the image of the playful girl he knew with the formidable legacy she carried.

"You've been hiding your true identity, haven't you, Xiao Wu?" he asked gently, turning toward her.

Xiao Wu bit her lip and nodded, her eyes dropping to the ground. "I never wanted to be seen as different. I just wanted to be... normal, like everyone else. I wanted to be a part of your world, Rylan." She looked up, her voice barely a whisper. "I wanted to be with you, without anyone finding out what I really am."

Rylan's heart tightened as he stepped closer to her, his hand reaching out to gently lift her chin, making her meet his gaze. "Xiao Wu, you don't have to hide who you are. You've never had to."

Her eyes softened, the weight of her worries slowly lifting. "But... if anyone finds out, they might want to hurt me, or worse. My power—it's dangerous, Rylan. I'm afraid of what might happen if they come after me. What if I can't protect those I care about?"

Rylan's expression softened, and he shook his head. "We'll protect you. I'm not going to let anything happen to you. You've already fought for me more than once—now it's my turn to fight for you."

Xiao Wu's breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, she simply looked at him, her eyes filled with an emotion he couldn't name. She had always trusted him, but now, more than ever, she felt a deep bond with him—one that wasn't based on any duty or obligation, but on something pure. Something real.

Yanli, watching the exchange between them, smiled softly, though her eyes were filled with both pride and sorrow. She knew the dangers her daughter would face, but she also saw how Rylan had become someone Xiao Wu could rely on. He would be the strength her daughter needed in this world full of uncertainties.

"I will protect you, Xiao Wu," Rylan repeated, his voice strong and unwavering.

Xiao Wu nodded, the warmth of his words wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. She could feel the sincerity in his promise, and it made her heart swell with a hope she had long kept buried.

But just as the moment of quiet understanding between them deepened, a distant roar broke the silence—a terrifying, primal sound that sent a chill through the air. The earth seemed to tremble slightly beneath their feet, and the night sky grew unnaturally still.

"Another one?" Yanli whispered, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the horizon.

Before Rylan could respond, a massive shadow appeared on the edge of the clearing. It was enormous—its body rippling with dark energy, its red eyes gleaming with malevolent intent. Another Beast of the Abyss, more powerful than the one they had just defeated, had arrived.

"It's after us," Yanli said, her voice calm despite the danger. She turned to Rylan, Selene, and Elyra. "We have to move quickly. We can't let it reach Xiao Wu."

Rylan, Selene, and Elyra immediately sprang into action, their auras flaring with power. Xiao Wu and her mother stood side by side, ready to face the beast together. The air was thick with tension as the new beast lumbered forward, its claws scraping against the earth.

Rylan clenched his fists, his energy surging around him as he prepared for the fight. But he knew this time, it wasn't just about strength—it was about protecting those who mattered. The bonds they had formed in this moment would carry them through the coming storm.

Xiao Wu's mother, her golden eyes flashing with resolve, turned to her daughter. "Stay close, Xiao Wu. This will be a battle unlike anything we've faced before."

Xiao Wu nodded, her heart racing. She was no longer the innocent, playful girl she once was. She was ready to fight for her life, for her mother, and for the people she had come to love.

The battle for their survival was about to begin.

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To Be Continued...