Chapter 194: 213. We'll Always Stand Behind You
Er Ming?
The moment Tang San heard the name, he immediately understood who the towering hulk before him was—the human form of the hundred-thousand-year Titan Giant Ape, one of Star Dou Forest's rulers, and indeed Xiao Wu's little brother.
But what did that have to do with him? When had he ever become anyone's brother?
He hadn't taken Xiao Wu as his "sister" because he wanted to play family—he intended to use that title as a stepping stone toward husband-and-wife intimacy, even divine "dual cultivation."
Tang San's expression stiffened. He turned his gaze toward the stoic, stone-faced titan and, deep inside, his soul seethed.
Er Ming, you damned mutt circling around Xiao Wu—all I had to do was wait to make you the first soul ring of my Haotian Hammer, and yet here you are, barging into my plans?!
Outwardly, Tang San forced a hollow smile and said, "Nice to meet you, Er Ming. I'm Tang San."
"Er Ming," the man replied flatly. He, too, felt a flicker of irritation toward this stranger—the so-called "brother" of Xiao Wu.
(They both had the same hidden agenda: to turn the sibling act into something far more intimate. Rivals not merely in affection, but in obsession.)
Er Ming extended a large hand. Tang San, keeping up appearances, reached to shake it.
He expected a standard handshake—but the instant their hands met, things went wrong.
Er Ming tightened his grip suddenly. His raw strength twisted Tang San's arm until his face flushed scarlet, veins bulging.
"Brother San, what's wrong?" Xiao Wu asked lightly, pretending not to notice anything amiss.
"N-nothing…" Tang San forced a strained smile, enduring the pain rather than appear weak in front of her.
He quietly activated his Xuan Yu Hand to resist the pressure, but Er Ming's brute strength far surpassed his, and Tang San's own injuries left him helpless.
By the time Er Ming finally released him, Tang San's forearm was grotesquely twisted—like overcooked noodles.
"Well, since you're fine," Xiao Wu said sweetly, "Er Ming and I will head out for a bit."
Tang San's face had gone pale as paper, but he still forced a smile. Only when the door shut behind them did he finally let out a guttural scream—half rage, half agony.
"AAAHHH—ahahaaa—AAAHHHH!"
Sweat streamed down his face. Deep within, hatred boiled like fire.
Er Ming, you've already stepped onto your death path.
If not for the fact that he was Xiao Wu's brother, Tang San would've already ended him with a hidden weapon. But he'd remember this. The day Er Ming sacrificed himself for him, Tang San would quietly crush his spirit—ensuring the brute never reincarnated again. Whatever excuse he gave Xiao Wu then would suffice.
Turning to the Shrek trio, Tang San demanded, "What's the meaning of this Er Ming business?"
Dai Mubai quickly replied, "Tang San, Xiao Wu's disappearance—it was because of him. Zhao Wuji brought this Er Ming back and wants to recruit him into the Shrek Seven Devils."
"So, you just let him join Shrek Academy like that?" Tang San pressed.
"Yeah," Ma Hongjun said. "His talent rivals yours, and his spirit—it's the Titan Giant Ape! And, uh…"
"And what?" Tang San narrowed his eyes.
Ma Hongjun shot Oscar a look. Oscar cleared his throat and said awkwardly, "He also seems to have a martial soul fusion technique with Xiao Wu."
"What did you say—?!" Tang San's eyes reddened instantly, his breathing harsh. "You're telling me Xiao Wu and that damned ape have a fusion technique?!"
"Calm down, Tang San," Oscar urged.
"Calm down?!" Tang San snapped. "Dai Mubai! This means Xiao Wu and Er Ming—she…"
She could become his mate!
Dai Mubai placed a reassuring hand on Tang San's shoulder. "Relax, Tang San. Their fusion skill isn't like that—it's like my Nether White Tiger with Zhu Zhuqing, with a dominant and subordinate link. Xiao Wu is the master; Er Ming's merely the auxiliary. She won't be influenced by him."
At that, Tang San exhaled slowly, a wave of relief washing over him. If Xiao Wu was the lead in the fusion, then there was no risk of her being controlled. Still, having that slobbering ape hanging around her made his skin crawl.
Ma Hongjun put a heavy hand on Tang San's other shoulder. "Don't overthink it, buddy. Anyone can see Xiao Wu loves you. Between her and Er Ming, it's just siblings. Besides, with him here, our Shrek Seven are now a complete team."
Oscar joined in, patting Tang San's back. "Exactly. And don't forget, you've got us. In our eyes, you and Xiao Wu belong together. Let that gorilla try—he'll have to go through us first. We'll always stand behind you."
Hearing their words, Tang San's heart swelled with emotion. "Thank you, Mubai, Fatty, Oscar. I'll never forget your loyalty."
(He failed, however, to notice that all three had conveniently forgotten Zhu Zhuqing entirely—and simply accepted this new eighth member as part of their "Seven Devils.")
The season had turned to early winter; the Heaven Dou nights grew bitterly cold. With poor heating in the hotel, Tang San trembled beneath his sheets. Dai Mubai hurriedly pulled out a bright green hat and placed it on Tang San's head. "It's chilly, Tang San—wear this to stay warm."
"Thanks, Mubai," Tang San murmured gratefully.
"No problem," Dai Mubai said with a knowing smile.
"Rest well," Oscar added, adjusting the green hat firmly. "Ignore Er Ming, he's just a backup. You're the true future of Shrek."
Ma Hongjun chuckled, patting the vibrant hat. "That's right. Get some rest, Tang San. Xiao Wu will always be our Sister-in-law—and Er Ming? He's just her little brother."
The three left the room together. Once outside, they exchanged glances.
Though they disliked the new competitor, they all knew the truth: their greatest obstacle wasn't Er Ming—it was Tang San.
As long as Tang San remained obsessed with Xiao Wu, they could only sneak affection in the shadows, constantly on edge.
Now, Er Ming's arrival provided the perfect distraction. He could draw Tang San's wrath, taking the spotlight, while they stayed behind Tang San—holding his "bunny girl," enjoying his treasures, his herbs, his godhood… all from the safety of his shadow.
(END CHAPTER)
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