The campfire continued to crackle, and the aroma of roasted fish and rabbit filled the air, but at this moment, everyone's attention was focused on Tang Ya.
Tang Ya took a deep breath, her chest heaving violently as if she wanted to exhale all the burdens accumulated in her heart. Her gaze slowly swept across the faces of Furina, Bei Bei, and Huo Yuhao, finally fixing on Furina's azure eyes.
"I, Tang Ya, the current Sect Leader of the Tang Sect," her voice trembled slightly at first but quickly became firm, "am willing to lead the Tang Sect to join the Axis Cult."
These words echoed through the silent forest like a clap of thunder.
Tang Ya thought to herself: Since Ancestral Master Tang San was unkind to the Tang Sect, why should she stubbornly cling to a Legacy that had long since soured? The Pope of the Water God Cult before her, who was about the same age as her, had not only produced the complete version of the Mysterious Heaven Skill but also displayed a convincing breadth of mind and character. Even if the Tang Sect became a subordinate School of the Axis Cult, as long as it could retain a fair amount of autonomy, this gamble was worth a try.
Bei Bei's eyes widened in surprise; he hadn't expected Tang Ya to make a decision so quickly. "Xiao Ya, have you really thought this through?" he asked with concern, a hint of worry in his voice.
Tang Ya nodded firmly, her gaze like fire: "I've thought it through very clearly. Bei Bei, if you are unwilling to join the Axis Cult, it's not too late to back out now."
Bei Bei immediately shook his head, a gentle smile appearing at the corners of his lips: "How could that be? Since I promised to help you rebuild the Tang Sect, I will definitely accompany you to the end." He paused, his voice suddenly becoming soft, "Besides, I like you."
Tang Ya's cheeks instantly flushed crimson. She lowered her head shyly and muttered in a small voice, "How annoying, couldn't you pick another occasion to say these things? There are others here..."
Beside them, Furina and Huo Yuhao simultaneously showed helpless smiles. The roasted fish in Huo Yuhao's hand suddenly didn't seem so fragrant anymore, while Furina elegantly tapped her chin with her fingertip, a mischievous glint flashing in her eyes.
Meanwhile, in Huo Yuhao's Sea of Consciousness, the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm was imitating the behavior by fawning over the Ice Empress: "Bingbing, I love you~"
The Ice Empress unceremoniously swatted him away with her tail, her tone icy: "Tianmeng, get far away from me! Stop saying such disgusting things; I don't love you at all."
"But I really do love you!" Tianmeng defended himself aggrievedly.
"If you dare say one more word, I'll twist you into a fried dough twist!" the Ice Empress threatened.
"Fine, fine, fine, I won't say it, I won't say it." Tianmeng immediately backed down and obediently shut his mouth.
In reality, Bei Bei was still gazing affectionately at Tang Ya: "Because I really do like you. No matter where you go, I will stay by your side."
"Mm," Tang Ya responded softly, the blush on her face deepening.
She turned back to face Furina again, her expression becoming exceptionally serious: "However, before officially joining, I have one request. As long as you can agree to it, I will immediately hand over all the secret techniques and Hidden Weapons blueprints of the Tang Sect, and I swear in the name of my parents never to betray the Axis Cult!"
A resolute light shone in Tang Ya's eyes, leaving no doubt about her sincerity.
Furina seemed to have anticipated this and nodded composedly: "Feel free to speak. As long as it is within the capabilities of my Axis Cult, we will certainly do our best to help."
"Please help me wipe out the Iron Blood Sect and reclaim the Tang Sect's foundation!" Tang Ya's voice suppressed a deep hatred, "My parents died at the hands of the Iron Blood Sect. I must avenge this debt!"
Furina gave an answer almost without hesitation: "This is an easy matter. Although my Axis Cult has always been close to the common people and rarely uses force, your request is reasonable. A life for a life, and a debt paid in kind—this is only natural." Her tone suddenly turned cold, "However, I do not like harming the innocent. When the time comes, you only need to point out the true enemies, and I will see that they receive their due punishment. When do you wish to act?"
"The sooner the better!" Tang Ya answered without hesitation, the flames of revenge burning in her eyes.
Furina nodded slightly: "Good, I promise you. Once we have settled in at Shrek Academy, perhaps during a holiday, I will help you take your revenge, disband the Iron Blood Sect, and reclaim the Tang Sect's foundation. After all, Shrek Academy has strict management, and it's not convenient to take leave casually. What do you think?"
"Good!" Tang Ya nodded heavily, the hatred in her eyes gradually replaced by hope.
At this time, Furina took out an ancient scroll and a shimmering card from her storage ring. "This Cultivation Technique is called the 'Heavenly Wood Manual'; it is more suitable for your Cultivation than the Mysterious Heaven Skill."
She explained, "Because it is a pure Wood-attribute technique, and your Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul belongs to the Wood element. Cultivating this technique will not only make your progress faster, but it might even provide unexpected benefits to your Martial Soul."
She handed the card to Tang Ya: "This stored-value card contains two hundred thousand gold coin. Although it's not much, it's enough so that you no longer have to struggle for a living and can focus on your Cultivation. Since you are already a member of my Axis Cult, and the Tang Sect will become an important department within the cult, these basic benefits should be provided."
Bei Bei watched from the side, clicking his tongue in secret. To casually take out two hundred thousand gold coin and a top-tier Cultivation Technique—the financial power of this Axis Cult was truly unfathomable. He even began to wonder: Could Furina really be the Water God herself? But he quickly shook his head, dismissing the seemingly absurd idea. A more reasonable explanation would be that she came from some hidden ancient Family and had inherited a precious Legacy.
Tang Ya was also shocked by Furina's grand gesture. She held the technique and the stored-value card, her hands trembling slightly: "This... these are all too precious..."
"Accept them," Furina smiled warmly. "The stronger the followers are, the more beneficial it is for the Axis Cult. Besides, I believe in your talent; you will surely make the Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul bloom with dazzling light and let that Old Ancestor see what the true potential of Blue Silver Grass is."
She paused and added: "As for the Tang Sect's other secret techniques and Hidden Weapons blueprints, it won't be too late to give them to me later. For now, I have more important things to handle."
What she didn't say was that she already had the other secret techniques, as they were included when she drew the Mysterious Heaven Skill.
The forest breeze blew, carrying the charred aroma of roasted fish and the freshness of green grass. Tang Ya carefully put away the technique and the card, her heart filled with mixed emotions. This decision undoubtedly violated the Tang Sect's ten-thousand-year tradition, but she believed it was the only way for the Tang Sect to be reborn.
Bei Bei gently held Tang Ya's hand, giving her silent support. Huo Yuhao timely handed over the newly roasted fish and rabbit meat, saying with a smile: "Since the big matter is settled, why don't we fill our stomachs first? In a while, we won't have such leisurely time."
Furina took the roasted fish and tasted it elegantly, a thoughtful light shining in her eyes. This seemingly accidental encounter was quietly changing the trajectory of many people's fates. For Furina, recruiting the Tang Sect was only the first step in her grand blueprint; more challenges and opportunities were waiting for them ahead.
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