Bei Bei released Tang Ya from his tight embrace. His eyes were still rimmed with a painful red.
From Tang Ya's broken sobs, he had pieced together most of what had happened in Heaven Dou City.
Faced with a level ninety-three Evil Soul Master and Titled Douluo, he—the senior brother who should have sheltered her—had been able to do nothing. In the end, it was this junior brother, who had joined less than a year ago, who had dragged Tang Ya back from death's door.
He owed Huo Yuhao more than he could ever repay.
Bei Bei drew a deep breath, stepped back without hesitation, and bent both knees, about to drop straight onto the obsidian tiles.
Huo Yuhao's eyelid twitched. He hurriedly reached out and caught Bei Bei firmly by the arm.
"Stop right there. I can't accept a gesture like that."
Huo Yuhao pulled Bei Bei upright, patted his slightly stiff shoulder, and gave him a teasing smile.
"I'm part of the Tang Sect too. Isn't it only natural that I help my own sect with a little trouble?"
He raised an eyebrow at Bei Bei, his tone breezy and irreverent. "If you really want to thank me, just remember to address me properly as Sect Master from now on."
Bei Bei: ...
Tang Ya: ...
The scene had been building toward a tearful, heartbreaking embrace. One offhand remark from Huo Yuhao shattered it completely.
Bei Bei looked at the seemingly carefree boy, torn between laughter and tears. Miraculously, the crushing weight on his chest eased.
"All right. You'll have plenty of time to catch up later."
Mu En spoke from his rocking chair, cutting the young people short.
His withered fingers tapped a measured, dull rhythm against the wooden armrest. His gaze passed over Huo Yuhao and