Master's departure returned the small library to its proper silence.
Only the faint mildew scent of old pages lingered in the air, accompanied by the occasional chirp of insects outside the window.
Han Yuchen gently closed the theoretical tome. Its spine struck the tabletop with a dull, soft thud.
Tang San, who had stood silently to one side and taken in everything, was still utterly stirred within.
He had never seen Master display such humility and reverence toward anyone—not even Dean Flender.
Han Yuchen's image in his mind rose once more, becoming ever more unfathomable.
Just as Tang San thought the conversation was about to end, Han Yuchen set down the book and looked calmly at him. Those deep eyes seemed to hold something even weightier than Soul Master theory.
"Little San," Han Yuchen said in a low voice, as though afraid of disturbing the sleeping words on the shelves, "besides all this, I actually came to Shrek for a more important purpose."
Tang San's heart tightened, and he immediately focused.
"In Nuoding City, and later while passing through Suotuo City, I sensed an extremely evil and secretive force."
Han Yuchen frowned slightly, as if recalling that unpleasant sensation.
"It was a... cold, chaotic aura filled with negative emotions, like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows of a city, silently spreading its poison."
He paused to observe Tang San's reaction. Seeing his solemn expression, he continued.
"I spent some time investigating in secret and discovered a name—'Shadow Contract.'"
"It appears to be an exceptionally secretive organization. Like leeches, they cling to the dark side of human nature, luring Soul Masters into corruption while carrying out some unspeakable experiments."
"Shadow Contract?" Tang San repeated the unfamiliar name. He could feel a sinister aura rushing at him from those four words.