Chapter 182: 200. You Have One Too
After that, Tang San and his companions faced Zhao Wuji's test.
Unlike in their previous life, Tang San—now without his Dragon Beard Needle or other hidden weapons—was significantly weaker and had no means of resisting Zhao Wuji.
When Xiao Wu was struck down by Zhao Wuji, Tang San's eyes turned red, his fury bursting forth as he challenged Zhao Wuji to a duel. He was promptly beaten into the ground and lost consciousness.
Of course, Zhao Wuji didn't get away unscathed.
That night, near the edge of the Shrek Academy grounds, the four reborn companions gathered—and the jungle echoed with Zhao Wuji's cries of agony.
"I'm afraid Teacher Zhao won't be getting out of bed for a few months," Dai Mubai said.
"Of course he won't," Ma Hongjun replied. "Even in the last life, after Teacher Zhao humiliated Third Brother, Haotian-dad showed up that very night and beat him half to death!"
"Oof, Tang San—your father sure looks out for you," Oscar said with envy.
Tang San said nothing, but pride gleamed in his eyes at the mention of his powerful father.
"Alright," Tang San said gravely, "let's officially convene the Shrek Seven Devils Reincarnator Council. Oscar, report the current situation."
Oscar stepped forward. "We can confirm for now that Dai-laoda, Fatty, me, and you are reincarnated. Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong are not. Zhu Zhuqing's whereabouts remain unknown."
Tang San nodded. "Sit."
Dai Mubai folded his legs and sat down.
Tang San sighed. Ever since that useless Yu Xiaogang had ruined his initial encounter with Xiao Wu, so many meaningful moments had vanished—the shared nights, the hotel room in the Rose Inn, everything that could've brought them closer. This version of Xiao Wu was adorable, warm, and soft-spoken, but there was always a distance between them.
He had spent his new life tirelessly chasing her, but somehow, no matter how he ran, he could never truly catch up.
Why had so many people been reborn, but not her? The thought filled his chest with frustration and resentment.
Pushing those feelings aside, Tang San turned to Dai Mubai. "Dai-laoda, talk about the situation after our rebirth."
Dai Mubai replied, "Unlike before, the current three upper sects are the Body Sect, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and Dragon Elephant Sect."
"Wait, shouldn't it be the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect and Clear Sky Sect?" Ma Hongjun asked in surprise.
"The Clear Sky Sect is still in seclusion," Dai Mubai explained. "Spirit Hall orchestrated a merger between the Holy Dragon clan and Elephant Armor Sect, creating the Dragon Elephant Sect, which joined the new top three. But the rise of the Body Sect disrupted their plans, so it replaced Clear Sky as the number one sect. The Dragon Elephant Sect then challenged Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect for its position."
"So… those two idiots, Hu Yanzhen and Tuo Ba Xi, actually replaced the Blue Lightning Clan?" Oscar exclaimed. "If I remember right, Yu Yuanzhen was a level 95 Titled Douluo! Even Spirit Hall had to send four Titled Douluos and lost one to subdue him last time!"
In truth, Dai Mubai hadn't paid much attention to politics in the Star Luo Empire—spending his years waiting for Zhu Zhuqing's awakening and fooling around in Soto City instead. So he could only stammer, "How would I know? The Dragon Elephant Sect just took over the Blue Lightning Clan. Maybe Spirit Hall pulled some dirty tricks."
"Yes, that must be Spirit Hall's scheme," Tang San said coldly.
"In that case," Tang San continued, "the sudden emergence of the Body Sect and the early re-selection of the top sects—much earlier than in the last timeline—clearly show this continent has other anomalies besides us." His expression was grave.
"What should we do then, Third Brother?" Ma Hongjun asked nervously.
"We take things as they come," Tang San said confidently. "Stay alert to every shift on the continent. And remember who I am—chosen by the Asura God himself. I led you all to godhood once. I'll do it again."
At his words, the other three exhaled slightly…but a heaviness soon replaced their relief.
Right—everything they had in the previous life, even their divinity, had come through Tang San. The same man who could make them gods could also see them fall. Following him guaranteed success—or doom.
And worst of all… there was a ticking time bomb among them.
Tang San noticed their sudden unease and asked suspiciously, "What's wrong with you all?"
"N-No, nothing," Dai Mubai said quickly. "I just need to use the restroom."
"Me too," Ma Hongjun added.
"I'll come along!" Oscar piped in.
The three hurriedly slipped out, leaving Tang San alone. He looked puzzled but decided against overthinking it—his faith in their loyalty was absolute.
Outside, the "runaway" trio gathered secretly in the forest near Shrek Academy.
"Oscar," Dai Mubai began, narrowing his eyes, "you're hiding something from me." Then he pointed at Ma Hongjun. "And you too, Fatty."
"N-no, I'm not," Oscar protested, shaking his head.
"I-I wouldn't hide anything either!" Ma Hongjun stammered, his flabby body trembling nervously.
"Don't play dumb," Dai Mubai pressed. "I can tell there's something between you and Xiao Wu. Be honest, or I'll go straight to Tang San."
"Wait! Don't!" Oscar waved his hands frantically. "I'll confess—it's not that I like Xiao Wu. It's that… I have a martial soul fusion technique with her."
"You too?!" Ma Hongjun blurted, shocked that Oscar had said it first.
Oscar looked at him. "Wait—don't tell me you also—?"
"Yeah," Ma Hongjun sighed miserably. "Me too."
"So you both have one?" Dai Mubai asked, incredulous.
The two nodded. "Yeah… and you, Boss Dai… don't tell us you do too?"
"M-me? No, of course not—why would I—" Dai Mubai stammered, looking away.
Ma Hongjun smirked. "Oh really? Should I tell Third Brother to keep an eye on the creepy 'neighbor Dai'?"
"Wait—don't!" Dai Mubai quickly surrendered. "Fine! When I awakened my martial soul outside, I also… felt Xiao Wu's resonance."
All three men stared at one another, their hearts pounding. Then slowly, they sighed in mutual relief.
At least they weren't dealing with this nightmare alone. Somehow, that made it all a little easier to bear.
(END CHAPTER)
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