Shrek's Rift

Suotuo City had now been completely brought under Spirit Hall's control.

As for the people of Shrek, signs of division had gradually begun to emerge among them.

Perhaps going their separate ways was only a moment away.

Yu Xiaogang lowered his head and said dully, "Flender, my mind is made up. There's no need to say any more."

Flender narrowed his eyes slightly, a dangerous glint showing in them. "Xiaogang, are you really leaving?"

Yu Xiaogang could barely bring himself to meet Flender's gaze. "It's far too dangerous here. I need a safer, quieter place to conduct my research."

Disappointment was clear in Flender's eyes. He had not expected that after twenty years apart, Yu Xiaogang had become so cowardly and timid.

"Xiaogang, do you truly understand what this means?"

Yu Xiaogang said gloomily, "Whatever it means has nothing to do with me. I have great dreams, my theories. If they are fully proven, I will benefit the entire world of soul masters. So I cannot die, much less put myself in danger."

Flender panted heavily. He did not understand how time could change a person so much, making him lose even his most basic sense of morality.

"Are you worthy of Erlong? You're a coward! This is a crisis concerning the life and death of the entire continent, yet you think it is less important than your theories. Even a woman, even a child, knows that when the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact. Xiaogang, when faced with danger, all you want is to flee and retreat. Do you deserve to be the brother of me, Four-Eyed Cat Eagle Flender?"

Flender was furious. He tore off a corner of his robe, intending to sever ties with Yu Xiaogang.

Yu Xiaogang seemed to have been utterly enraged by Flender's actions and questioning. "What do you know?! Flender, am I the same as you? I only have a useless martial soul. No matter how hard I try, I can never surpass a Soul Elder. I haven't even reached level thirty. What am I supposed to do staying here? Beg those powerful people to protect me? I've had enough of this life! Sever ties, is it? Fine, then we'll sever ties! Flender, you don't actually think Erlong likes you, do you?"

Yu Xiaogang clutched his stomach and burst into laughter, pointing at Flender mockingly. "Even if I don't want Erlong, she could never like you, Flender."

With that, Yu Xiaogang flicked his sleeve and prepared to leave.

Flender staggered back two steps. Yes, Erlong, the continent... Flender struggled inwardly. What is it that I truly want...?

After a long period of thought, Flender let out a breath. Erlong was one of the continent's people; protecting the continent meant protecting Erlong. Don't worry, Erlong. No matter what, your big brother will protect you well.

Flender was about to leave and find Su Xuan when he discovered that Su Xuan was standing outside the door.

Flender looked puzzled. "Saint Son, I was just about to look for you. What brings you here?"

The corners of Su Xuan's lips curled up as he teasingly jerked his chin, signaling Flender to look to the side.

Flender looked in that direction and saw Yu Xiaogang bound into a bundle by Zhao Wuji, with something stuffed into his mouth. He was struggling with all his might. When Yu Xiaogang noticed that Flender had seen him, he struggled even harder, seemingly hoping Flender would save him.

Flender's face darkened. He slowly stepped forward and said coldly, "Zhao Wuji, what are you doing?"

Zhao Wuji spread his hands innocently, then scratched the back of his head and laughed. "Old miser, don't blame me for this. It was Saint Son's order. Don't even think about objecting."

Su Xuan had already walked to Flender's side. He comforted him, "Flender, do you still want to defend such a cowardly piece of trash? He isn't worth it."

Su Xuan was already showing Flender considerable respect. By the standards he used to govern the army, Flender's actions had absolutely crossed the line. Not directly punishing or demoting him was already a favor. He truly admired this wild Soul Sage who had risen from among commoners and built an academy with his own hands.

Flender's smile was bitter. "Your Highness, he is still one of the people, after all. Is it really appropriate to treat him like this?"

Su Xuan glanced at Flender. That gaze was so cold that Flender found it hard to believe. Regarding Yu Xiaogang, did even Flender, someone he admired, have the right to talk back?

"Flender, say less. Don't drag yourself down with him."

Flender felt cold sweat cover his back. Su Xuan's authority as a superior had grown ever more imposing.

"Do you know what Yu Xiaogang's actions amount to?"

Su Xuan's gaze was icy. "Desertion. I remember making it very clear: this city has been requisitioned, and everyone must submit to my military administration. I evacuated the women and children in advance. As for those in poor health or who were sick, I allowed them to apply to leave. Some of them faked illness. Guess what happened to them? And Yu Xiaogang? Perfectly healthy. Though he's a useless Soul Elder, he's still combat strength, at least. At a time of life and death, he didn't even say a word before trying to run away!"

Flender lowered his head and did not argue.

Yu Xiaogang's pupils went unfocused. Deserters... what happened to deserters? Yu Xiaogang had heard a little about the fate of those who fled from the army.

Su Xuan sneered. "Don't worry. You're such trash that even killing you would dirty my hands."

Hearing those words, a little hope rose in Yu Xiaogang's heart. I... I'm actually not going to die.

Seeing this man's desperate fear of death and pathetic struggle to survive only made Su Xuan feel irritated.

Heh. Not letting you die doesn't mean I'll let you have an easy time, Yu Xiaogang. You don't think the wrongs you committed in the past no longer count, do you?

A cold gleam flashed through Su Xuan's eyes. Though it vanished in an instant, Yu Xiaogang had lowered his head and did not see it. Flender, however, saw it clearly. He did not know what Yu Xiaogang would suffer, but it certainly would not be anything good.

Su Xuan beckoned and gave Zhao Wuji a few instructions. Zhao Wuji then slung Yu Xiaogang over his shoulder and left.

Su Xuan then put on his usual kind expression, looking utterly harmless.

Yet seeing Su Xuan like this only made Flender feel a chill run through his entire body.

"Oh, Headmaster, there's no need to misunderstand me. You are not my enemy. I only treat people I dislike that way. As for my allies, you can ask around about the reputation of Su Xuan, Saint Son of Spirit Hall."

Su Xuan patted his chest, his expression still rather proud. As an outstanding diplomat, he was quite confident in his relationships with the various factions.

Flender smiled bitterly. Forget it. He had boarded a pirate ship anyway. Still, perhaps it would add some meaning to his life. Protecting the continent might even be a title and honor worth being proud of.

"Does Saint Son have some business with me?"

Su Xuan chuckled.

"Actually, Flender, I only happened to run into Yu Xiaogang today and captured him while I was at it. The person I came to find today was you."