Chapter 5: I Will Kill Tang San
"I know your future. One day, you'll become that man Tang San's spirit ring…"
"Not just you—your friends in the Star Dou Forest as well."
"The Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape will both become Tang San's spirit rings."
Luo Ling spoke one line after another, each sentence driving the color from Xiao Wu's face.
Unknowingly, her cherry-red eyes began to take on a deeper hue—like roses dyed with blood.
"You… you must be lying to me, right?" Xiao Wu's voice trembled. "Da Ming and Er Ming are the kings of the Star Dou Forest! How could they ever become someone's spirit rings?"
"You don't have to believe me," Luo Ling said calmly. "Let time prove it. That Tang San I mentioned doesn't just have the Blue Silver Grass martial soul."
"He also possesses another one—the Clear Sky Hammer, the greatest tool-type martial soul in the world. Tell me, your Da Ming and Er Ming—how could they compare to the might of the Clear Sky Sect?"
He spoke without even blinking. Indeed, Xiao Wu, Da Ming, and Er Ming all eventually became Tang San's spirit rings—though by self-sacrifice—so technically, he wasn't lying.
"How… how could that be?" Xiao Wu murmured in despair, her voice trembling. She hadn't wanted to believe him, but when he mentioned the Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape by name, she faltered.
Their relationship was something no human could possibly know; even among soul beasts, few were aware.
"Why are you helping me?" Xiao Wu suddenly raised her head, her gaze sharp and uncertain, eyes full of conflicting emotions.
Luo Ling froze for a moment, unsure how to respond.
What could he say? That he intended to ruin her bond with Tang San?
After a few seconds of awkward silence, he improvised, "Because… in the future, we're friends."
"Just friends?" Xiao Wu pressed.
What else would she think?
Raising an eyebrow, Luo Ling forced a neutral expression. "Yes, just friends."
Xiao Wu didn't reply. She simply stared at him, a strange emotion flickering behind her eyes.
Feeling oddly unsettled by her gaze, Luo Ling broke the silence. "Alright, I've told you everything you needed to know. Now, you understand what to do, don't you?"
As he spoke, the crimson gleam in his eyes grew brighter.
The power of the Soul of Desire began to stir. Xiao Wu's gaze turned hazy; a faint red shimmer gradually enveloped her vision.
"I will be cautious of that man named Tang San," she whispered softly, her tone strangely distant. "If Tang San really tries to harm me, or Da Ming and Er Ming… I will kill him."
Hearing those words, Luo Ling nearly laughed aloud.
The Soul of Desire's influence had made Xiao Wu subconsciously utter those chilling words!
If Xiao Wu really did kill Tang San one day… what a sight that would be.
Suppressing his laughter, Luo Ling composed himself. "That's enough. You can rest now."
At his words, Xiao Wu's eyes slowly closed.
The Soul of Desire's hypnotic effect lulled her into sleep, planting the suggestion deep within her mind—to beware Tang San.
When she awoke, she would think it had all been a dream. But every detail of that dream would be etched into her subconscious.
When Xiao Wu eventually met Tang San at Notting Academy, if he matched Luo Ling's description exactly, things between them would never unfold like they did in the original timeline.
Luo Ling didn't expect a mere suggestion to make Xiao Wu truly kill Tang San. All he needed was to sow doubt and discord between them.
That was his goal—the first step in destroying Tang San.
"Well then, good night… little rabbit."
He watched the sleeping Xiao Wu for a moment, then quietly left the house. The sky outside had darkened into dusk.
Closing the door behind him, Luo Ling paused briefly before walking toward the village graveyard.
…
Meanwhile, in Spirit City, within the grand Pope's Hall, Bibi Dong received a report from Chrysanthemum Douluo.
Ever since Yu Xiaogang had left, Bibi Dong had ordered Chrysanthemum Douluo to investigate his whereabouts. Now, at last, news had come.
Inside the bright, spacious hall, Bibi Dong sat upon the ornate throne of the Pope.
She wore a white-and-gold ceremonial gown studded with jewels, shimmering in divine radiance. The purple-gold crown on her head reflected her absolute authority.
Setting her scepter aside, she lifted the letter that Chrysanthemum Douluo handed her. As she read, a look of shock crossed her flawless face.
Her eyes widened as she whispered, "Xiaogang… involved with a man? Practicing forbidden techniques? Crippled?"
The hall fell silent. Bibi Dong continued to read, her hands trembling until the letter slipped onto the table.
"This can't be!" she shouted suddenly, slamming her palm against the table so hard it shattered instantly.
"Elder Ju! Where did this news come from?" she demanded, her furious voice echoing through the hall.
Chrysanthemum Douluo quickly stepped forward, bowing. "Your Holiness, this information comes from the Heaven Dou Empire—specifically from the Fasno Province."
"Which city?" Bibi Dong asked, her tone cold but slightly steadier.
"Notting City, in Fasno Province," Chrysanthemum Douluo replied.
"Prepare my carriage. I'm leaving Spirit City," Bibi Dong said without hesitation.
"Yes, Your Holiness." Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded, unsurprised. He had long known Bibi Dong's connection to Yu Xiaogang. For years, she had ordered him to track down information about the man. Now that such scandalous news surfaced, it was only natural she'd want to see for herself.
"I'll make the arrangements immediately," Chrysanthemum Douluo said before departing the great hall.
As he left, a young girl of about twelve or thirteen with short golden hair entered and bowed deeply. "Teacher, has something happened?"
"See for yourself." Bibi Dong sighed and handed her the letter.
The girl—Hu Liena, her most beloved disciple—took it and began to read. The scandal had already spread throughout Fasno Province, and soon the entire continent would know. There was no point in hiding it.
"Yu Xiaogang… that man… he actually…" Hu Liena's face twisted with disgust.
"I'm going to Notting City in Fasno Province," Bibi Dong said quietly, her voice trembling slightly. "It's near the Spirit Hunting Forest. You'll accompany me—it'll be part of your training."
Hu Liena nodded obediently but couldn't hide the contempt in her eyes as she glanced back at the letter.
To her, Yu Xiaogang was nothing but a despicable man who had abandoned her teacher—a hypocrite beyond redemption. To hear he had practiced forbidden arts and consorted with men only deepened her disgust.
After staying in the hall a moment longer, Hu Liena excused herself, leaving Bibi Dong alone.
Once the hall fell silent again, Bibi Dong clenched her lips tightly, hatred and heartbreak twisting her expression.
"Xiaogang… how could you become like this? Were you lying to me all along?"
(END CHAPTER)
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