In his previous life, he had been an outer disciple of the Tang Sect. After secretly learning the inner sect's secret techniques, he had been forced to leap off a cliff to prove his resolve.
He had thought he was dead.
But when he opened his eyes, he had arrived in a world called the Douluo Continent, reborn as a baby.
He had gained a father, Tang Hao.
A blacksmith who, though worn down by life, had given him warmth.
He had thought it was all a gift from heaven, compensation for the loneliness and hardship of his previous life.
But now, reality had dealt him its heaviest blow.
What if...
What if what Ah Yin said was true?
What if this body was supposed to have another soul?
Then what was he?
A robber who had usurped another's nest?
The thought gnawed at his heart like a venomous snake.
"Creak—"
The door was gently pushed open.
Xiao Wu came in, carrying a bowl of hot porridge.
"Third Brother, you're awake."
When Xiao Wu saw Tang San's open eyes, a hint of joy appeared on her face, but it was soon replaced by worry.
She set the bowl on the table and sat down beside the bed.
"How are you feeling?"
Tang San didn't answer, still looking utterly lost.
Xiao Wu's heart ached. She took his hand.
"Third Brother, don't be like this. You're scaring me."
Tang San's hand was ice-cold.
At last, his eyes moved, turning toward Xiao Wu.
"Xiao Wu..."
His voice was as dry as sandpaper scraping against itself.
"Tell me... who am I?"
Xiao Wu froze.
"Third Brother, what are you talking about? You're you! You're the Third Brother I love most."
"No..."
Tang San slowly shook his head.
"What if I'm not 'Tang San'?"
"What if I'm just... a wandering ghost from another world, occupying someone else's body?"
Xiao Wu's heart clenched.
She knew Tang San's mind was on the verge of collapse.
"Third Brother!"
Xiao Wu threw her arms around him.
"I don't care who you are! I don't care where you came from!"
"I only know that you protected me when I was being bullied, that you stood in front of me in the Soul Hunting Forest, and that you'd give up your life for me!"
"You're my Third Brother! You always will be!"
The girl's warmth and tearful cries finally stirred a ripple in Tang San's hollow eyes.
His rigid body seemed to regain a little warmth, too.
Outside the door.
Grandmaster, Flender, Dai Mubai, and the others stood silently.
They had heard the conversation inside, and each wore a complicated expression.
"A wandering ghost from another world..."
Grandmaster murmured to himself, shock flashing in his eyes.
The explanation was unbelievable, but it seemed... to account for everything that had happened today.
Why Tang San possessed a mind far beyond his years.
Why he had so many peculiar Hidden Weapons no one had ever heard of.
And why Ah Yin had said those things.
"Xiaogang, this..." Flender looked at Grandmaster.
Grandmaster slowly closed his eyes.
"Wherever his soul came from, it doesn't matter."
"His body carries the blood of Tang Hao and Ah Yin. That much is beyond question."
"He is Tang San."
"He is my, Yu Xiaogang's, one and only personal disciple."
Grandmaster's tone was firm as iron.
"For now, let him stay with Xiao Wu."
"We'll go discuss tomorrow's tactics."
Meanwhile.
At Blue Silver Academy.
In the courtyard behind the hills, Chen Xuan lounged lazily in a rocking chair while Ah Yin carefully trimmed the branches and leaves of a pot of Blue Silver Grass beside him.
The moonlight flowed like water, and the atmosphere was quiet and peaceful.
Dugu Yan, Ning Rongrong, and the other three disciples stood respectfully nearby.
"Teacher."
Dugu Yan stepped forward and spoke.
"Will Shrek Academy really come again tomorrow?"
In her view, Shrek had already lost all face and morale today. If they fought again, they would only bring further humiliation upon themselves.
Chen Xuan opened his eyes and glanced at her.
"They'll come."
"Why?" Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
"Because of Yu Xiaogang."
Chen Xuan replied calmly.
"He's rich in theoretical knowledge, but extremely proud and stubborn. He won't allow himself and his disciples to be defeated like this."
"Besides, he needs a battle to confirm some of his suspicions."
Dugu Yan nodded thoughtfully.
"Teacher, how should we respond tomorrow?"
Chen Xuan sat upright and swept his gaze over his five disciples.
Dugu Yan, a fifty-eighth-rank Power Attack System Battle Soul King.
Ning Rongrong, a forty-fifth-rank support-type Soul Ancestor.
Ye Lingling, a forty-sixth-rank healing-type Soul Ancestor.
The Shi Mo brothers, both forty-seventh-rank defense-type Battle Soul Ancestors.
Among their peers, this lineup was already overwhelmingly powerful.
"You have only one objective."
Chen Xuan raised one finger.
"Tang San."
Everyone was taken aback.
"Teacher, you mean..." Shi Mo asked in his deep, rumbling voice.
"I mean, ignore everyone else from Shrek."
Chen Xuan's tone was calm, yet carried an authority that brooked no defiance.
"Leave Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing's Martial Soul Fusion Skill to Shi Mo and Shi Pan. Your task is to hold them off. You don't need to win."
"Yes, Teacher!" the brothers replied at once.
"Ye Lingling, your Nine Heart Begonia will keep the whole team going. At the same time, make sure of one thing."
Chen Xuan looked at Ye Lingling.
"Make sure Tang San stays conscious until the battle is over."
Ye Lingling's body trembled slightly before she lowered her head.
"Yes, Teacher."
Heal, but don't cure.
Let him remain conscious and bear every bit of pain.
"Ning Rongrong."
"Teacher, I'm here!" Ning Rongrong replied sweetly at once.
"Use your Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda to support Dugu Yan with all your strength."
"Got it!"
Chen Xuan's gaze finally settled on Dugu Yan.
"Yanzi."
"I'm here, Teacher."
"Your task is to crush him."
Chen Xuan's gaze grew profound.
"Use your poison, your Soul Skills, and every means at your disposal. Face him head-on and defeat, openly and squarely, everything he takes pride in."
"I want everyone to see that the path he's taken was wrong from the very beginning."
A gleam of excitement flashed in Dugu Yan's emerald eyes.
She licked her lips.
"I understand, Teacher."
"This will be a... very interesting hunt."
The next day.
The Heaven Dou City Grand Arena.
When the seven members of Shrek stepped onto the field again, their mood was utterly different from the day before.
Their initial confidence was gone, leaving only the resolve of those with their backs to the wall.
Tang San walked in the middle of the group. His face was still pale, but his eyes had regained some of their light.
It seemed that overnight, he had come to terms with something.
Or perhaps Xiao Wu's company and Grandmaster's words had temporarily subdued the demons in his heart.
No matter who he was.
His companions were right beside him.
His teacher was right behind him.
That was enough.
He would fight for them.
Before you continue