Ch. 181Tang San's Sudden Realization
Chapter Summary: “Tang San’s Sudden Realization”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Holy Guard No. 9 uses the combined soul power of the other Holy Guards to cast “Moving Mountains and Filling Seas,” a spell approaching Forbidden Curse level. The magic collapses a mountain peak and triggers landslides across the valley, devastating the Demon army of more than ten thousand soldiers.
- Long Haochen and his squad leave the Demon Race disguised within a large merchant caravan. During the journey, Tang Wutong secretly joins them after waiting for Long Haochen in Heart City.
- Tang Wutong explains that her father, Tang San, and the Demon God Emperor have suddenly become distant toward her. She is confused and hurt, believing she has done nothing wrong.
- She asks Long Haochen whether they could become a couple. Long Haochen finally answers honestly, saying that he is not the type of man who could tolerate and obey all her wishes. His blunt rejection deeply wounds Tang Wutong, who leaves in tears.
- In the God Realm, Tang San senses that Tang Wutong has destroyed the remnant of divine power he placed in her consciousness. Investigating her memories, he discovers that part of them is missing and that Niu Tian and Titan have disappeared.
- Tang San realizes that events on the Holy Demon Continent have escaped his control. After deducing what happened, he becomes enraged at Long Haochen and the Silver Dragon King. He sends a beam of divine guidance toward Tang Wutong, intending to retrieve her.
- Twenty days later, Demon Hunt Squad No. 64 returns to Holy City and submits numerous completed missions. They receive 2.8 million merit points, followed by another 3 million points for killing Dragon Rider Demon God Asmodeus, bringing their total reward to 5.8 million merit points.
- The squad meets Yang Haoyu, the Knight Temple’s chief elder and a Ninth-Tier, Fifth-Level powerhouse. He reveals that Long Haochen’s father, Long Xingyu, was his honorary disciple, making him Long Haochen’s martial grandmaster.
- Yang Haoyu praises Long Haochen’s extraordinary talent and advises him to train at the Knight Temple Headquarters in Dragon Resisting Pass, where he can learn secret techniques and consolidate his gains.
- Long Haochen decides that the squad members should return to their respective Temple headquarters for further training. He promises to meet them at Dragon Resisting Pass once they reach the Seventh Tier, after which he will lead them to a dangerous place containing great opportunities.
- With their newfound wealth, the squad purchases multiple legendary-grade items, celebrates at an expensive restaurant, and prepares to separate temporarily.
- Li Xin asks Long Haochen to detour through Bright Moon City so she can visit her father. She then reveals that she plans to stay with Long Haochen for the night, implying a more intimate development in their relationship.
Character Developments
- Long Haochen becomes more decisive and honest. Rather than continuing to avoid Tang Wutong, he gives her a painful but sincere rejection. His confidence also grows because he now has the Silver Dragon King’s protection against Tang San.
- Tang Wutong is shown as emotionally vulnerable and isolated. Her family’s unexplained coldness and Long Haochen’s rejection leave her distressed and uncertain about her place in the world.
- Tang San shifts from distant manipulation to direct intervention. The loss of control over Tang Wutong and the disappearance of key agents alarm him, revealing his growing concern and anger.
- Holy Guard No. 9 demonstrates remarkable magical control by coordinating with the other Holy Guards to produce a spell far beyond his normal level.
- Yang Haoyu recognizes Long Haochen’s potential and assumes a mentoring role, encouraging him to seek higher-level instruction.
- Demon Hunt Squad No. 64 grows increasingly powerful and wealthy, but the members now face a period of separation and individual cultivation.
Significant Themes
- Truth versus emotional protection: Long Haochen chooses honesty over continuing to give Tang Wutong false hope, even though he knows it will hurt her.
- Loss of control and hidden manipulation: Tang San’s discovery that parts of Tang Wutong’s memories are missing shows that multiple powerful figures have been acting behind the scenes.
- Growth through training and experience: The squad’s time in enemy territory has produced enormous gains, but they must now consolidate their strength through disciplined cultivation.
- Power and political influence: The Silver Dragon King’s support, Tang San’s divine authority, and Yang Haoyu’s position demonstrate the competing forces shaping the characters’ fate.
- Wealth as a reward for sacrifice: The squad’s massive merit gains and purchase of legendary equipment symbolize the tangible benefits of their dangerous missions.
Important Character Interactions
- Long Haochen and Tang Wutong: Their conversation ends their ambiguous relationship. Tang Wutong seeks reassurance and romantic possibility, while Long Haochen firmly rejects her.
- Tang San and Xiao Wu: Tang San explains that Tang Wutong is in danger and that he must intervene, showing Xiao Wu his anger and anxiety.
- Long Haochen and Yang Haoyu: Yang Haoyu praises him as an exceptional young knight, reveals their family connection, and advises him to study at Dragon Resisting Pass.
- Long Haochen and his squad: He directs the members’ future training and hints at a dangerous destination where they will pursue greater opportunities.
- Long Haochen and Li Xin: Their conversation reveals their continued closeness. Li Xin’s request to visit Bright Moon City and decision to stay with him suggest their relationship is becoming more intimate.