Chapter 33: Darkness

Chapter 33: Darkness

Tang San stood rooted to the spot, staring blankly as Zhong Yan, encircled by a small, orbiting celestial star, walked toward him step by step. Had that star been aimed at him, Tang San would no longer have the strength to stand.

He looked at the scene of devastation not far away. Centered on the massive crater that reeked of destruction, every plant and soul beast that had failed to escape had been turned to stone. A moment later, a crisp "crackling" sound echoed, and the petrified life forms crumbled into fine dust.

Tang San’s eyes widened as he watched. Even Bibi Dong felt a shiver of trepidation at the sight. If Zhong Yan were to reach the level of a Titled Douluo, she would have no choice but to evade such a technique.

For the first time, Tang San felt a sense of doubt toward himself, his master, and the secret arts of the Tang Sect.

*Could I achieve this? The Blue Silver Grass cannot. That small hammer? No, it’s impossible. Wait, there is that—if I can just create that, if I can just…*

"Tang San, have you calmed down?"

Tang San merely lifted his head, staring hollowly at Zhong Yan. Several minutes later, he whispered, "I lost. Come, do as you will with me."

"Xiao San, you are too arrogant. You do have the right to be proud, but you cannot afford to be so in front of everyone. For instance, in front of my teacher, your arrogance would only be the fuse that leads to your demise. You have always been level-headed, but the moment Xiao Wu suffers even the slightest harm, your vaunted intellect flies to the heavens. Can you truly protect her like this? It would be a miracle if you didn't get yourself killed."

Tang San remained slumped on the ground, his head bowed. "You are going to take Xiao Wu away."

"Yes."

"But what about me? I almost lost her. Now that she has only just returned to my side—I promised her, I promised I would protect her..." Tang San shook his head, muttering incessantly. "I can't. I can't protect her. I can't do it..."

"Brother—" Seeing Tang San in such a state of despair, Xiao Wu could no longer hold back. She rushed forward and embraced him. "It’s not your fault. I don’t blame you."

Watching this, Zhong Yan didn't know what to say. When he had read the novel in his past life, he hadn't seen any issue with such scenes; in fact, he had even been moved to tears by the author. In the original plot, the protagonists would always emerge unscathed, and such moments only served to deepen their emotional bond. But in this real world, he only thought… what a complete idiot.

"Tang San, you have changed."

"You have found a weakness, and you let Xiao Wu become that weakness. A weakness is supposed to exist so that you work twice as hard for the sake of those you wish to protect. Yet, it seems you have been blinded by the reputation of Shrek Academy—a place that only accepts monsters—by the string of victories in the Soul Fighting Arena, and by the narrow escapes you’ve pulled off with your hidden weapons."

"Reality has made you fragile!"

"To slow your pace of progress is to regress."

After a long silence, Tang San stood up and looked calmly into Zhong Yan’s eyes, as if nothing had happened. Zhong Yan marveled inwardly; this was the Tang San he recognized. If he were still the man from moments ago, he could never have achieved those impossible comebacks.

Tang San spoke slowly, "You may take Xiao Wu. Since you managed to protect her under the Pope’s nose, it means you can either persuade her or provide enough benefit to silence the rest of the Spirit Hall."

"I have only one request: do not let Xiao Wu suffer any grievances. When I am strong enough, I will return to take her back. Even if you try to stop me then, I will kill you." A flash of pain crossed Tang San’s eyes, but he suppressed it immediately.

"That is the Tang San I know. But I never said I was only taking Xiao Wu."

"Really?" Tang San felt a flicker of joy, but he quickly regained his composure. "I cannot go with you. I cannot guarantee that following you will make me stronger, and neither can you. I will stick to my own path. I am confident that in ten years at most, you will wait for me at Spirit Hall. I will come to defeat you and take Xiao Wu back."

"Is that so?" Zhong Yan pondered whether to tell Tang San about the Immortal Herbs. He thought for a moment and decided against it. Let it be. If he brought Tang San along, he wasn't sure he could maintain control.

In the original work, you didn't leave a way out for Dugu Bo and his granddaughter, so now, don't go coveting their herbs. Without those herbs, I want to see if the people of Shrek can still earn the favor of the gods.