The instant the system message appeared, Theodore felt a jolt of fear.
Hongjun's gaze?
Whatever "Hongjun" was, Theodore knew one thing—it was not benign.
The madness he had sensed earlier from the giant squid in the Black Lake far surpassed anything in the modern magical world.
And now that same presence had appeared again.
Where had it come from this time?
Theodore suddenly turned his head.
Deep within the Forbidden Forest, grey mist spread outward as though alive—filled with the same frenzied aura he had sensed before.
But this time, it was far stronger.
"Because this place is farther from Hogwarts?"
The thought flashed through his mind—but he had no time to dwell on it.
Even with his indestructible Vajra Body, Theodore had no intention of letting that madness touch him.
Fortunately, he had previously consumed the Demon-Refining Golden Pill. His Origin Sea surged, golden light blazing brilliantly.
Combined with the spiritual energy absorbed while searching for Hagrid, he was able to activate Three Heads and Eight Arms once more.
Though the duration was short and nearing its end—
This was still his absolute peak.
Cold light burst from Theodore's eyes.
Golden radiance intensified, illuminating the surrounding forest.
Vajra Body unleashed to its limit.
Three Heads and Eight Arms pushed to maximum power.
Staffs gripped in his hands—
The Sovereign of the Staff descended once more.
The Killing Curse erupted again, black sword-qi blazing.
With his remaining hands, Theodore grasped the sword-energy itself—
Heaven-Shattering Radiance manifested.
Staff and sword moved together.
A single, overwhelming strike crashed into the advancing grey mist.
The mist recoiled violently, as though it possessed flesh and blood.
Yet Theodore frowned.
Even without the Heavenly Eye, the danger-sensing ability he had gained from Lucius Malfoy screamed warnings.
That strike had angered something within the mist.
He sneered.
"If it's angry, that means it works."
"Take another one."
The Three Heads and Eight Arms faded—but Theodore still had other methods for purging evil.
A Silver Thirty-Six-Petaled Lotus bloomed.
Golden-red Ancient Burleigh Immortal Flame surged.
"The Lotus Path Opens the Heavenly Light!"
The spell detonated within the mist, forcing it to retreat even further.
Theodore did not linger.
He lifted Hagrid, burst into motion, and sprinted toward Hogwarts.
Behind him, the grey mist surged once more—tracking him relentlessly through the forest.
Its speed left no room for hesitation.
Only when Theodore felt the reassuring presence of Hogwarts' protective enchantments did the mist finally withdraw, sinking back into the forest depths.
He exhaled deeply.
"The Black Lake has Godric Gryffindor's transformed giant squid, tainted with madness."
"And the Forbidden Forest has the same presence…"
"Could this be connected to the Founders as well?"
"Hufflepuff?"
He shook his head.
Without evidence, speculation was meaningless.
Whatever this "Hongjun" was, it exceeded the limits of the magical world.
Even Dumbledore might struggle against it.
But Theodore had one advantage.
His trump cards did not belong to the magical world.
Honghuang methods.
Whether it was the Nine-Dragon Divine Fire Cover, the Pure Glaze Bottle, or—if necessary—the Heaven-Defying Sword Formation—
He would deal with it eventually.
After stabilizing Hagrid's condition with several healing spells, Theodore finally looked at the System Interface.
Hongjun intervenes, aligning with the Heavenly Dao to halt your clash with Duobao Daoren.
Duobao Daoren carries immense destiny—after the Investiture, he must enter the West as Duobao Tathagata.
This is the decree of the Dao.
Yet Hongjun did not expect you to raise your blade against the heavens.
On Mount Meishan, you slashed the sky itself.
Theodore raised an eyebrow.
Was the system making this up… or was it real?
Was Voldemort truly connected to this "Hongjun"?
Hongjun withdraws his gaze, choosing not to pursue the matter further.
Still not enough information.
Then Theodore noticed another system message.
You defied Duobao Daoren's pressure and risked your life to save Yuan Hong.
Your bond has become one of life and death.
Reward obtained: Eight-Nine Mysterious Art.
Theodore exhaled slowly, suppressing his killing intent.
He hoisted Hagrid onto his back and strode toward Hogwarts.
Half an hour later, Harry, Ron, and Hermione—still in their nightclothes—waited anxiously outside Madam Pomfrey's ward.
Madam Pomfrey emerged, her voice hoarse.
"No. His condition is too severe."
"He has been tortured by an extremely powerful Cruciatus Curse."
"He must be transferred to St. Mungo's Hospital, or there will be permanent damage."
Soon, Hagrid was rushed from Hogwarts to St. Mungo's.
Even beneath the covering, bloodstains were visible on the stretcher.
Hermione collapsed, sobbing.
Harry noticed something wrong with Hagrid's mouth.
His scar burned violently.
He knew—instinctively.
The one who had done this…
Was the same person who had given him that scar.
A hand rested on his shoulder.
It was Theodore.
No words were needed.
Harry nodded, forcing his rage down.
Then he looked at Theodore.
He had never seen him this exhausted.
This had been a brutal battle.
"Theodore… what can we do?"
Hermione looked up, lips bitten bloody.
Ron clenched his fists, shaking with fury.
Theodore met their gazes.
"Train."
"Get stronger."
"It won't be long before you have the chance to avenge Hagrid yourselves."
He turned and walked toward the Room of Requirement.
Cold light flashed in his eyes.
Whether for strength—or prevention—
There was something that needed to be done.
Voldemort's Horcruxes.
At the very least—
The diadem at Hogwarts.
It was time to destroy it.
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