From afar, Zong loudly called out, "Xiao San, Xiao San, I'm here!"
Look at that expression, that tone! So warm and affectionate, full of camaraderie (and no, not the romantic kind). If you didn't know any better, you'd think they were best buddies, the kind who down drinks together!
Even Meng Yiran felt happy that Tang San had such a friend. "Xiao San, just let go of what happened with the first spirit ring."
Tang San nodded halfheartedly. It wasn't just the first spirit ring incident that made him dislike Zong; it started way back when he was six years old.
If you wanted to trace it back, it all began a month before his martial spirit awakened. For some unknown reason, while he was practicing his Mysterious Heaven Skill, he suddenly lost strength in his limbs and collapsed. He felt as if he had lost something important, but he couldn't figure out what. Ever since then, every time he encountered Zong, trouble followed.
Soon after, Tang San, Meng Yiran, Flender, and Zong met face-to-face.
Tang San first greeted Flender, then glanced at Zong. His expression immediately grew serious. From a distance, he hadn't noticed anything, but now, standing closer, his hackles almost rose.
If three months ago Zong had seemed merely strong—stronger than all of Shrek's Seven Devils—now he could only be described as dangerous. Zong's aura was restrained, yet it ran deep, like the ocean.
With his experience of two lifetimes, Tang San's intuition told him Zong was a serious threat—someone he definitely wasn't ready to face.
"Damn it, how has he improved so quickly? If this keeps up, I'll be left in the dust." Tang San clenched his fists within his sleeves, grinding his teeth in frustration.
At the same time, Tang San felt deep regret. Three months ago, after being defeated by the Emperor Battle Team, he'd fallen into a slump. Despite Yu Xiaogang's frequent words of comfort, he couldn't shake off the shadow of defeat. Looking back now, it was wasted training time. If he hadn't been so lost, he might have already reached level 34. As it was, he had only broken through to level 33 yesterday.
Zong, of course, noticed the shift in Tang San's expression. He had expected Tang San to fly into a rage and shout for a fight, but to his surprise, Tang San held it in. Was Zong not doing enough to provoke him?
Feigning friendliness, Zong said, "Ah, Xiao San, long time no see!"
"Oh, and it's been a while for you too, sister-in-law," Zong added, turning toward Meng Yiran.
In all honesty, while Tang San didn't like Zong, Meng Yiran thought he was at least better than that fraud of a "master," Yu Xiaogang. And hearing Zong refer to her as "sister-in-law" felt like an acknowledgment that she was Tang San's wife.
With that thought, Meng Yiran, who had been in a sour mood because of Yu Xiaogang, felt much better.
Meng Yiran smiled faintly. "Hello, Zong. I heard from Teacher Qin Ming that Dugu Bo had captured you. Everyone was worried for a while."
Zong and Meng Yiran chatted casually, which made Tang San feel uneasy. Though he was wary of Zong, he wasn't about to be polite. In his mind, Zong had already taken Xiao Wu from him, so he absolutely had to hold onto Meng Yiran.
Without so much as a word, Tang San pulled Meng Yiran along, heading straight for Yu Xiaogang's quarters, almost causing Meng Yiran to stumble.
"Xiao San, what are you doing? You're hurting me," Meng Yiran said.
"Sorry, Yiran. I'm just really worried about Teacher," Tang San replied softly.
Seeing Tang San act so jealous amused Zong. He thought, It's not like I've done anything to Meng Yiran.
After Flender left, just as Zong was about to lead Zhu Zhuqing to "visit" Yu Xiaogang, a rough voice called from behind, "Hey, blue-haired kid, stop right there."
Zong turned to see Tai Long—the guy he had beaten up the day before—accompanied by a burly middle-aged man.
This middle-aged man was even bigger than Tai Long, glaring angrily at Zong. His features were strikingly similar to Tai Long's, just more weathered. His clothes couldn't hide his bulging muscles, and his face radiated a fierce demeanor.
Zong thought to himself, Looks like this even bigger brute must be Tai Long's father, the Soul King, Tai Nuo.
While Zong was sizing him up, Tai Nuo was doing the same to Zong. Though his muscles were well-developed, his mind wasn't simple. He was amazed that such a young man could defeat his son.
However, admiration aside, he still had to restore his family's honor. His son, Tai Long, had been humiliated, to the point where even going to the bathroom caused pain. As the Strength King, Tai Nuo couldn't let this go unpunished.
"Blue-haired kid, are you the one who beat up my precious son?" Tai Nuo asked coldly.
Zong let go of Zhu Zhuqing's hand and replied indifferently, "So what if I did?"
"Well, well, so it was you, punk. You beat my son so badly he can't even use the toilet in peace!" Tai Nuo, having searched for Zong all day, felt his rage build as he finally found the culprit. He reached out with his large hand, aiming to grab Zong by the shoulder.
But Zong was ready. He channeled his soul power into his feet and dodged Tai Nuo' grab with a swift movement. "So, you're the father of that big dumb brute over there."
Tai Nuo stood tall and proud. "That's right, I'm Tai Nuo. You beat my son—don't you think you owe me an explanation?"
Zhu Zhuqing glanced coldly at Tai Long. "Wasn't it you who started the trouble yesterday?"
Tai Long hesitated, touching his still-sore rear end. Shame flashed in his eyes. "Zhuqing, don't misunderstand. It's just that my dad saw me clutching my butt and..."
"And he pulled my pants down to check." Of course, Tai Long couldn't bring himself to say that last part, as it was far too embarrassing.
"Call me Zhu Zhuqing," she said icily.
Tai Nuo shot Zhu Zhuqing a sharp look. "Little girl, this is all your fault too. If you hadn't led my son on, he wouldn't have gotten beaten so badly. Women like you are nothing but trouble. So young, and already seduc—"
Before he could finish saying "seducing men," a stone, the size of a fist, flew straight into his face. It hit him squarely, and as the stone fell to the ground, so did one of Tai Nuo' front teeth.
This was Zong's skillful use of the long-unused shuriken-throwing technique.
Zong's voice was cold as he said, "Old man, watch your mouth."
Blood dripped from his mouth as Tai Nuo spat on the ground, his anger erupting. "Kid, you're asking for death!"
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