After a long rest, the three of them finally caught their breath.
Tang San looked toward the Restraining Door. It had opened, revealing a staircase that climbed beyond it.
Dai Mubai came over and put a hand on Tang San's shoulder. "Little Brother San, I know you stopped thinking of me as Boss Dai long ago. But even if you won't do right by me, I won't do wrong by you. Today, Boss Dai helped you open this door. Don't forget the one who dug the well once you've had your drink. Remember what Boss Dai did for you."
"Get lost." Tang San shrugged off Dai Mubai's hand.
"Oh, now you're angry, Little Brother San? Don't tell me you think you can turn on me just because the door's open," Dai Mubai said.
"Dai Mubai, this humiliation is something I'll remember," Tang San said.
"Fine by me." Dai Mubai shrugged. "You want to call a favor an insult? Go ahead. I just hope you never need my help again, Little Brother San."
"Don't worry. There won't be a next time." Tang San was certain the Divine Trial would not repeat itself.
"Don't be so sure. Until we meet again." With that, Dai Mubai vanished from the God Trial Space right before Tang San's eyes.
Tang San and Xiao Wu rested until their Soul Power recovered, then set off again.
As they walked, Tang San could not stop thinking about what had happened. Resentment toward Xiao Wu filled his heart.
Xiao Wu is no longer pure. She never was. She isn't the Xiao Wu I thought she was. But that did not mean Tang San had given up loving her.
If anything, his love for Xiao Wu had grown deeper—his love for the Xiao Wu of his Previous Life.
*Once I