Outside the gates of Shrek Academy, Tai Long and Tai Nuo stood beside an old man. The elder had white hair and a short, bristly head of hair that stood up like steel needles. His physique was similar to that of the powerful Tai Nuo, but his eyes were far more profound. Standing there, he exuded a natural aura of authority without needing to express anger. From the reverence in the eyes of Tai Long and Tai Nuo when they looked at him, it was clear how important this elder was within their family.
"Grandfather, I'm begging you. Please just go back. If this keeps up, I really won't be able to stay at the academy," Tai Long pleaded with a bitter smile. At this point, the illusion spell that Zuzong had cast on him had already been lifted, and even he didn't know why he had told his father about getting beaten a week ago, just when his grandfather overheard.
The old man standing between Tai Long and Tai Nuo was none other than Tai Long's grandfather, Tai Tan, the patriarch of the family.
Tai Tan, with his hands clasped behind his back, gave his grandson a cold glance. "Shut up. You don't even know who beat you."
Not only Tai Long, but even Tai Nuo was confused as to why the old man insisted on coming to Shrek Academy today. Since being beaten by Zuzong a week ago, Tai Long found that he couldn't even recall his attacker's face.
Yesterday, Tai Long had asked Tai Nuo whether they should tell their grandfather about being beaten by a Blue Silver Grass Spirit Master. Unexpectedly, Tai Tan had overheard the conversation.
Tai Nuo dared not hide anything and recounted the events. The result was a slap from Tai Tan and a scolding: "Shameful!" They had been beaten and hadn't even gotten a good look at their opponent.
At this moment, Tang San and Oscar, surrounded by a group of students, walked out of the academy.
When Tang San first saw the old Tai Tan, his heart involuntarily tightened. Although his Purple Demon Eyes were not yet at their peak, he could still discern some things. This old man was probably even stronger than Zhao Wuji.
This wasn't a man, but a mountain!
"Whose spirit is the Blue Silver Grass?" Tai Tan's deep, powerful voice asked calmly.
In response, a trembling voice came from the crowd, "Tang San's spirit is Blue Silver Grass."
Who was speaking? Of course, Zuzong had controlled an ordinary student to shout it.
Tai Tan glanced at the student who had spoken, who was on the verge of wetting his pants, and snorted disdainfully. "Who is Tang San?"
"I am," Tang San stepped forward, his body prepared for anything.
"You've got some guts. A week ago, was it you who injured my son and grandson?" Tai Tan asked coldly.
Tang San shook his head. "No, I haven't fought anyone during this period."
Tai Tan sneered, "You act as if you have nothing to fear. Just because my disgraceful son and grandson didn't get a good look at you, you think you can fool me? Spirits don't lie. Besides you, who else here has the Blue Silver Grass as a spirit? I'd guess you used some underhanded methods!"
Tang San winced slightly. He was, after all, from Tang Sect, known for using hidden weapons and poisons. His spirit was indeed Blue Silver Grass, but he genuinely hadn't done anything this time.
Suddenly, Tang San had a realization. There was someone else whose spirit was also Blue Silver Grass—it might have been him. Should he rat him out?
As soon as the thought came to him, Tang San dismissed it. When had he become so cowardly? He didn't like Zuzong, but he had his principles. If he backed down now and let someone else take the fall, he would lose respect for himself.
Tang San looked Tai Tan in the eye, "I didn't do it."
"I don't care whether you did it or not," Tai Tan said indifferently. "My son and grandson were beaten because they were weak, but that doesn't mean the Strength Clan is weak. Since you dare to stand here and talk back to me, I need to save face. Don't worry, I won't bully you by fighting. Let's make a bet instead."
Tang San gritted his teeth but showed no fear. "What's the bet?"
Just like in the original story, Tai Tan lit a stick of incense.
If Tang San could withstand the pressure from Tai Tan without him attacking or using his spirit, the Strength Clan would join the Tang Sect. If not, Tang San would join the Strength Clan.
With a warning from Tai Tan, Tang San prepared himself.
Suddenly, the air between Tang San and Tai Tan seemed to warp, sending out ripples like water, though nothing could be seen. In that instant, Tang San's expression changed, and he took a step back, immediately releasing his spirit.
Without his Eight Spider Lances or the Ice and Fire Body, Tang San's physical strength, though enhanced by his martial arts, was only slightly stronger than a typical Spirit Elder. He quickly showed signs of struggle.
"Ah!"
With a cry of pain, Tang San was overwhelmed by Tai Tan's brutal pressure and collapsed to the ground. His Blue Silver Grass spirit helped him to barely stay upright, and he sat down to circulate his internal energy to the maximum. Sweat drenched him, and his bones crackled under the strain.
Tai Tan observed Tang San's struggle, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. For someone who could defeat his son and grandson so easily, Tai Tan had expected more. "Could it really not be him?" he wondered.
Regardless of his doubts, Tai Tan showed no mercy. A promise was like spilled water—it couldn't be taken back. If he held back and Tang San managed to endure the incense, his clan would become servants to Tang San.
At this point, Zhao Wuji, summoned by Meng Yiran, arrived but could only shake his head helplessly. He hadn't expected Tang San to offend such a lunatic.
Meng Yiran grew anxious and shouted, "Tai Tan, if you hurt Tang San, my grandparents will avenge him!"
Tai Tan glanced at her coldly, "Oh? You're the granddaughter of that Dragon and Serpent couple. Their spirit fusion is indeed tricky, but we've already made a bet. Even if they came, they'd have no say."
As he spoke, Tai Tan increased the pressure.
"You—" Meng Yiran was left speechless and turned to Tang San. "Little San, give up! Stop being stubborn!"
Splurt—a mouthful of blood sprayed from Tang San's lips. Already struggling, he couldn't hold out under the intensified pressure.
Meanwhile, Zuzong, who had returned to Shrek Academy, sat on a rooftop, watching everything from afar with a smirk. Without his Eight Spider Lances and his mystical herbs, let's see how Tang San could endure this. If that old man could cripple or kill him, Zuzong would be spared a lot of trouble.
Just as Zuzong was enjoying the show, a sudden sense of danger struck, and he instinctively used a movement technique to escape.
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