Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai Sever Ties

"Boom!!"

A terrifying, tangible blood-red force swept in from the horizon. A crimson Clear Sky Hammer descended before Tang San, forcefully shattering the Titan Giant Ape's fist shadow.

The savage gale sent Tang San flying dozens of meters away. Tang Hao hurriedly cast a Soul Power barrier to protect him.

"Who are you?" Tang San let out a breath of relief. The fact that he had not died on the spot filled him with immense surprise.

But when he clearly saw the appearance of the person who had saved him, his heart rose to his throat again, and his expression became incomparably horrified.

This figure wore a black robe, and his Soul Power was blood-red. Why did he resemble the person who had humiliated him alongside Yu Xiaogang before?

And with Tang San's nature of remembering grudges but not kindness, a look of hatred inevitably flashed through his eyes.

Yet Tang Hao did not even spare him a glance, keeping his attention fixed on the Titan Giant Ape and Xiao Wu.

When he acted this time, he had already anticipated exposing his identity before Tang San. But now was not the time to explain the reasons to him.

His greater concern was dealing with the Titan Giant Ape before him. Even as a level ninety-six Super Douluo, dealing with a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast like the Titan Giant Ape would not be easy.

Not to mention that he had suffered severe injuries while fighting Qian Renxue six years ago, then had been schemed against by Mu Zhe four years ago.

It would already be quite good if he could currently wield seventy percent of his strength.

"I'm very curious. How did you discover my existence? I clearly never revealed myself in front of you." Tang Hao questioned in a deep voice. His tone carried a trace of unwillingness and disbelief.

He had never expected that the Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast he had kept under watch for six years had actually discovered his presence.

Even after discovering him, she had cautiously chosen not to flee. Instead, she had pretended that nothing was wrong and stayed by Tang San's side, all to wait for the moment they reached the Star Dou Great Forest.

Tang Hao had observed Xiao Wu for years and had once believed that she was developing feelings for Tang San. Even if she did not love him, he thought she would never return to the Star Dou Great Forest.

But now, it seemed he had been completely wrong.

"Tang Hao!" Xiao Wu looked at the figure, and her eyes instantly turned scarlet. Her delicate body trembled uncontrollably, while her jade-like hands clenched tightly without her noticing. It was clear just how furious she was.

"Hmph, so what if you hid yourself well? There will always be someone who can see through it..."

A trace of delight rose in Xiao Wu's heart as she prepared to explain, but before she could finish, her voice abruptly stopped.

After a pause, she changed her words. "Have you forgotten the night four years ago when Tang San and I sparred? Your aura leaked out. Did you think I couldn't sense it?"

"Not to mention that you personally showed yourself in the middle of the night and sneaked into Seventh House to visit Tang San. I saw you with my own eyes."

Xiao Wu spoke disdainfully. Even now, she was unwilling to reveal Mu Zhe's identity.

When all was said and done, she was still rather grateful to Mu Zhe.

If Mu Zhe had not told her from the beginning that Tang Hao was secretly watching her, she did not dare imagine how things might have developed.

Perhaps she would have become good friends with Tang San, only to be hunted down by the father and son once he reached level ninety.

Or perhaps one day, on a whim, she would have wanted to return to the Star Dou Great Forest, only to be hunted down by Tang Hao along the way or imprisoned by him.

Of course, the main reason she had not exposed Mu Zhe's identity was that Mu Zhe had not stopped the Titan Giant Ape from coming to take her home just now.

Otherwise, even if Mu Zhe had once shown her kindness, she would have revealed his existence today and let the three sides fight it out.

"Since you had already discovered my existence, why were you still able to remain at Nuoding Academy as if nothing had happened?"

Tang Hao's face turned ashen, and his Soul Power suddenly erupted, showing signs of losing control.

Four years ago, he had been tricked by a weak ant using crude methods. Now, he had been tricked by a Soul Beast. Worse still, both times he had believed victory was certain. That feeling was unbearable to him.

"If I had revealed even the slightest abnormality, I'm afraid you would have hunted me down on the spot."

Xiao Wu's face was filled with contempt. "You despicable humans will stop at nothing for a Hundred-Thousand-Year Spirit Ring. I refuse to believe that if I had run away, you would have done nothing."

Tang Hao's expression darkened, as though she had struck a sore spot. A Hundred-Thousand-Year Spirit Ring was naturally useful, but this one had been exchanged for by his wife, Ah Yin.

And Ah Yin herself had been someone he had painstakingly plotted against...

If he had not loved Ah Yin, perhaps everything would have been easier to accept. But now, he regretted it beyond measure. Without Ah Yin, his life had become completely dark.

Xiao Wu continued, "And you already possess a Hundred-Thousand-Year Spirit Ring. You must understand its power even better. Even if you do not need one, your son does. No matter what, you would never allow me to leave."

"Not all Soul Masters hate Soul Beasts, and not all Soul Beasts are hostile toward humans. As long as you do not endanger human society, I definitely would not attack you," Tang Hao retorted.

Mm, what he said was indeed true.

Originally, he had not planned to personally attack Xiao Wu, of course, that was based on the premise that Xiao Wu did not run away.

Later, even if he did not act, Spirit Hall would.

Xiao Wu, would you rather become Spirit Hall's Spirit Ring, or my son Tang San's Spirit Ring?

"What a joke. If you don't hunt Soul Beasts for Spirit Rings, how can you become a Soul Master? In your eyes, can killing a Soul Beast truly be treated as if nothing happened?"

"And that Hundred-Thousand-Year Spirit Ring on your body—did she endanger human society, so you killed her?"

Xiao Wu looked at Tang Hao, her face completely devoid of patience. Humans like him were simply revolting to the extreme.

Soul Beasts and humans had slaughtered one another for many years. Whether humans died or Soul Beasts died, she would not say much about it—except for her mother.

But there had to be a human this disgusting, one who could even find a high-sounding excuse for killing a Soul Beast.

"Er Ming, attack. Kill him first, then kill that person from before as well."

Xiao Wu raised her hand, her slender jade-like finger pointing at Tang Hao, her eyes brimming with killing intent.

No matter what Tang Hao's character was like, she would not let him go today. It was all because of Tang Hao's imprisonment that she had spent these six years in unbearable suffering.

"As you command, Sister Xiao Wu." The Titan Giant Ape raised a hand and placed a Soul Power shield around Xiao Wu. Then it looked toward Tang Hao, its eyes likewise filled with boundless killing intent.

From the contents of their conversation, this man was the culprit who had bullied Sister Xiao Wu. He deserved to die.

The Titan Giant Ape exhaled heavily through its nostrils, then its might suddenly erupted, an ancient and desolate aura raging between heaven and earth.

The Soul Beasts within the forest all prostrated themselves upon the ground. Before the might of a king, all beasts submitted.

Tang Hao's expression changed slightly at the sight. Even though he was powerful, he had never fought against a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast before.

Back when he had seen Ah Yin's weak appearance, he had not taken it seriously. But now, it seemed that he had underestimated Soul Beasts.

But in the next instant, Tang Hao's face changed drastically again.

The Titan Giant Ape's attack was not as flashy as a Soul Master's Soul Skill. It was simplicity taken to the extreme. Yet when it threw a punch, it carried the force to destroy all things.

What was even more shocking was that the invisible air seemed to become tangible in its hand, visibly curling into a ball.

The Titan Giant Ape's control over power was terrifying. Whether in speed or force, this punch far surpassed the one it had used against Tang San.

Tang Hao himself was also a power-attack Soul Master, yet his strength seemed laughable before the Titan Giant Ape.

It was no wonder the Titan Giant Ape was taking this so seriously. This man was Xiao Wu's enemy, worthy of its full attention.

Moreover, it could sense that Tang Hao was not weak, and that his Soul Power was exceptionally deep and abundant.

"Hmph, a Soul Beast is still a Soul Beast. How many of them can understand the thoughts of humans? There's no point saying more. You dared attack my son just now. You have already become Death-Worthy."

Tang Hao snorted coldly, his Soul Power surging wildly. Then his Spirit Rings flashed, and his aura became even more terrifying.

Under the amplification of his Soul Skill, his strength and speed increased severalfold. His terrifying might actually matched the Titan Giant Ape's.

Although the Titan Giant Ape looked extremely powerful, he felt no fear whatsoever. His eyes were even filled with battle intent.

He had roamed the continent for many years and had never encountered an opponent. Even Qian Renxue at level ninety-five had been hammered to death by him on the spot. Why would he fear a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast?

"Boom!!"

Tang Hao immediately swung his hammer. The air itself rang out with violent tremors, and the might of the blow was actually several degrees greater than the Titan Giant Ape's attack.

"Hmph, if you want to hunt us, just say so. Would you really allow two Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts to leave before your eyes? But I had no intention of letting you go today either."

Xiao Wu snorted, the contempt in her eyes growing even stronger.

In the distance, Tang San had already found a place to observe the battle, waiting to reap the benefits. But when he saw the Clear Sky Hammer in Tang Hao's hand, his eyes widened.

This old bastard's Martial Soul... why did it look so much like his second Martial Soul?

He uncertainly summoned his Clear Sky Hammer and compared them carefully. They looked alike—so damn alike.

Aside from their color and size, they were practically carved from the same mold.

"Gulp!"

"Could he be my... close relative?"

Tang San could not help swallowing, his expression ugly and his mind on the verge of collapse. He had actually hated a relative for six years.

But before long, his mind calmed again. That man had humiliated him back then, so there was nothing wrong with hating him.

Besides, he was currently fighting the Titan Giant Ape. Only he had the ability to rescue Xiao Wu.

If he saved Xiao Wu, then Tang San might not be unable to forgive him.

After a while, the battle between Tang Hao and the Titan Giant Ape had already reached its fiercest stage.

The two still appeared evenly matched, but Mu Zhe could sense that Tang Hao was gradually falling behind. Of course, if he used his trump card, the result would be another matter.

"Boom!"

At that moment, the Titan Giant Ape loosely clenched its fist. Endless Soul Power and air frantically gathered within it, like a black hole with no limit.

Although it had not yet been unleashed, the might radiating from it had already changed everyone's expressions.

Titan Sky Break. This was a skill similar to a Soul Skill. Of course, nearly all Soul Beasts possessed their own skills, but the Titan Giant Ape used them with greater finesse and dominance.

"Run! They're going all out."

Dragon Duke's eyes filled with alarm as he hurriedly grabbed Snake Crone and Meng Yiran, flying toward the edge of the forest.

That aura could still be felt despite the great distance, and the violent presence within it made one's heart tremble in fear.

If even a little stray shockwave splashed over, it would be enough to kill an eighty-first-level Soul Master like him countless times over.

Watching experts fight was all well and good, but one's life was clearly more important.

"We need to leave the forest quickly too. Oscar, make a few Recovery Sausages."

Dai Mubai was equally alarmed and immediately gave the order. Oscar promptly recited his lewd incantation, and five sausages appeared in his hands.

"Here, one for each of us."

Oscar handed out the sausages, but Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing's expressions became extremely ugly.

"I don't need one. Give it to Zhu Zhuqing." Ning Rongrong spoke as she could not help backing away several steps.

Even at a time like this, she could not stand that lewd man.

She even felt that since this morning, Oscar had been giving off a disgusting aura. Simply getting close to him made her whole body uncomfortable.

"At a time like this, what matters more, your pride or your life?"

Oscar felt a sharp pain in his heart, and a hint of coldness flashed through his eyes. But the shadow Mu Zhe had left in his heart was too great, so he did not dare vent his anger on Ning Rongrong.

Seeing that Ning Rongrong still did not take the sausage, he could only turn toward Zhu Zhuqing.

"Zhu Zhuqing, take it. This is a Recovery Sausage. It can effectively restore your stamina. There's still quite a distance to the edge of the forest. If we travel without stopping, your stamina may not be enough."

"I..." Zhu Zhuqing's expression was equally unpleasant, and she was deeply conflicted.

She naturally knew Oscar was telling the truth, but she was still extremely resistant.

Oscar was becoming more and more lewd, and he also gave off an aura that made her nauseated.

Perhaps eating the sausage would provide support, but she worried that the disgust would leave her too sick to walk.

"Zhuqing, stop being stubborn. It was my fault to leave you alone in the palace back then, but now that we have met again, I am willing to face every hardship with you."

At that moment, Dai Mubai took the sausage from Oscar's hand, stepped before Zhu Zhuqing, and offered it to her as he spoke affectionately.

Zhu Zhuqing's expression changed instantly upon hearing this, and hatred surfaced in her eyes.

Dai Mubai had abandoned her alone in the palace back then, yet he still had the nerve to say something like that now.

Did he think a few affectionate words would make her put aside all resentment and unite with him wholeheartedly?

Did he truly think she was a toy he could draw close when he needed her and casually discard when he did not?

Zhu Zhuqing said coldly, "No need. We're so far away that we probably won't encounter any danger. Besides, I have Rongrong's support, so I can still keep up."

She paused, then a look of contempt appeared on her face. "And when did I ever agree to face hardships with you? The way you are now only makes me sick."

Did she really not see it?

The appearance of these boys this morning made it obvious they had held an orgy last night.

And seeing how weak Oscar and Dai Mubai looked, along with the way Ma Hongjun looked at the other three boys, it was hard not to think that Dai Mubai actually liked men.

He was useless now, so he had changed the way he experienced life?

Heh. Disgusting! He was absolutely revolting.

"What did you say?"

Dai Mubai's eyes nearly split open, and his face became incomparably twisted.

Ever since Shrek Academy began, he had not enjoyed a single comfortable day. Now, Zhu Zhuqing's words became the final straw that broke him.

Especially Zhu Zhuqing's contemptuous gaze—it stabbed into his heart like knives and caused him unbearable pain.

Then he roared, "Since you look down on me so much, why did you come all the way from the Star Luo Empire to find me?"

"When all is said and done, wasn't it for the position of standing above everyone but one person? What are you pretending to be so noble for now?"

"I did indeed want to fight for the throne before, but you are a cripple now. Do you think you still have the right to compete for it? Even if you defeat Dai Weisi, you cannot overcome this obstacle. For the rest of your life, the throne will have nothing to do with you."

Zhu Zhuqing said coldly, "Today, I am severing all ties with your Dai Family. From now on, I will live my own life and have nothing more to do with your farce of fighting for the throne."

"You... fine, fine, fine. I finally see through you. When I still had value, you were willing to fight for the throne with me. Now that I am crippled, you want to sever ties."

"Hahahaha! What a heartless woman." Dai Mubai laughed like a madman, then his eyes suddenly sharpened.

"But if you think you can escape the Dai Family's control, that is absolutely impossible. Sooner or later, you will face the endless pursuit of the Dai Family and even the Zhu Family."

"Boss Dai... shouldn't we run first?" Ma Hongjun could not help interrupting their argument.

That was because the Titan Giant Ape and Tang Hao had both unleashed their ultimate moves in the distance.

Moreover, the direction in which the Titan Giant Ape had unleashed its skill heavily overlapped with their side. If that man in black failed to block it...

Hiss!

Why did he have such a bad feeling about this?

"Hmph, let's go. Ignore those two women."

Dai Mubai snorted coldly and led Oscar and Ma Hongjun away without looking back.

Zhu Zhuqing watched Dai Mubai leave without feeling the slightest regret.

She had also needed to gather great courage before saying those words and turning against Dai Mubai.

Competing for the throne had indeed been real, but that had merely been a rule established by the Dai Family. She had been willing to follow it before only because she feared the Dai Family would target the Zhu Family.

Now that Dai Mubai was crippled, continuing to compete for the throne with him would only lead to death.

It would be better to live out these days freely and without restraint. Even if the Dai Family and Zhu Family hunted her down in the future, she would not regret it.

If the Dai Family truly caused trouble for the Zhu Family, then she would return and atone for her sins when the time came.

In short, she could not accept continuing to fight for the throne alongside Dai Mubai, a man who liked men.

Moreover, a certain figure had already faintly taken shape within her heart, making it even more impossible for her to accept Dai Mubai.

"Zhuqing, I never expected you to be a candidate for Empress of the Star Luo Empire?"