Chapter 492: A Lifetime of Wandering, Regret for Not Meeting a True Master
Seeing Wang Dong'er's tear filled eyes, Xiao Xiao's heart ached. Though she wasn't Wang Dong'er's sworn sister, their friendship was deep, and she couldn't bear to see her suffer. But no matter how much she wanted to help, she had no solution to Wang Dong'er's predicament leaving her feeling utterly helpless.
So, all she could do was offer comfort:
"Dong'er, the Douluo Continent is vast, and there are countless hidden experts. Maybe somewhere out there, someone can cure your strange condition we just haven't found them yet.
I believe you'll find a way to overcome this. No matter what happens, I'll stay by your side.
I know that being possessed by someone else, even facing the risk of having your existence erased, must feel like endless torment. But you have to stay strong for yourself, and for all of us!"
As she spoke, Xiao Xiao hugged Wang Dong'er even tighter.
Hearing these words of encouragement, and feeling the warmth of Xiao Xiao's embrace, Wang Dong'er's emotions gradually calmed. She began recalling all the beautiful memories she had accumulated over the years.
If she were completely replaced by Tang Wutong, all those cherished moments might disappear forever.
And what about the people who had given her these wonderful memories? Would they not grieve her "departure"?
But Tang Wutong?
If she completely took over Wang Dong'er's body, she could pretend to be her stealing everything that was hers.
Wang Dong'er refused to let that happen. She was still a fighter at heart.
She wiped away her tears, her spirit rekindled.
"Xiao Xiao, you're right! I have to stay strong. I am Wang Dong, and I am Wang Dong'er I will never be Tang Wutong!"
Seeing her regain her determination, Xiao Xiao smiled, feeling relieved that the strong Wang Dong she once knew was returning.
After talking for a while longer, until Wang Dong'er's mood had significantly improved, Xiao Xiao carefully suggested:
"Dong'er, maybe you shouldn't join the rescue operation this time?
We still haven't figured out when or why Tang Wutong takes over. If she seizes control of your body during the mission, you'll be in grave danger. You know the Sun Moon Empire won't let us get away easily."
Wang Dong'er shook her head firmly.
"There's no need for that, Xiao Xiao. As a member of Tang Sect, I have a duty to rescue Teacher Xiao Ya from the demonic clutches of Holy Spirit Church! No matter what happens, I must take part in this operation."
Shrek Academy
In a dark, damp dungeon, Xu Sanshi slowly opened his eyes.
The stench of rot and mildew in the air made his stomach churn.
Ever since he had been thrown into this cell, he hadn't been able to bathe or clean himself. Worse still, he had no chance of escape the shackles binding him were imported from the Sun Moon Empire, designed to completely suppress the soul power of anyone below a Soul Sage.
For Xu Sanshi, this meant he couldn't use any soul skills. His entire strength was being sealed away.
Of course, Shrek Academy didn't invent this kind of soul tool.
This was a high grade soul suppressor, purchased at a steep price from the Sun Moon Empire.
He desperately wanted to break out and seek out Elder Mu, to plead his case and expose Xuanzi's abuse of power.
Because, truly he was innocent!
He had never been a traitor, yet under Xuanzi's threats, he had been forced to confess and even accuse Yan Shaozhe.
And now? There was no sign of being released.
He was beginning to fear that he would spend the rest of his life rotting in this dungeon.
After all, Mu En was old and frail. If he passed away, Xuanzi would surely succeed him as Sea God's Pavilion Master and when that happened, would he ever be freed?
Of course not.
But what was the difference between rotting here forever and a slow death?
At this thought, rage burned in his heart.
Xuanzi, that old bastard!
It was his fault that Xu Sanshi had been thrown in here, separated from Nan Nan, and was now facing a possible death sentence.
He had once respected Xuanzi, but now that respect had completely vanished!
Just then
Tap, tap, tap.
Footsteps echoed through the corridor.
Xu Sanshi instinctively looked up, staring in the direction of the approaching figure.
Soon, he saw Xuanzi walking toward his cell.
His brows furrowed.
Why was Xuanzi here?
The old man hadn't visited him in a long time.
Was he here to silence him for good?
A chill ran down Xu Sanshi's spine.
If Xuanzi wanted him dead, he had zero chance of resisting.
Xuanzi soon stopped outside the cell, his face twisted in anger as he played the role of an enraged elder:
"Sanshi, I've confirmed it the list of traitors you gave me was wrong!
Shaozhe isn't a traitor you lied to me!"
Before leaving for the rescue operation, Xuanzi wanted to test Xu Sanshi one last time.
Of course, he wouldn't use a powerful Spirit type Soul Master to probe Xu Sanshi's memories instead, he'd try to trick him with words.
Technically, he could have used a mental type expert to extract Xu Sanshi's memories, then killed the witness to keep the secret safe.
But years of indoctrination at Shrek Academy had convinced Xuanzi that he was a righteous man, and Shrek was a righteous academy.
Killing someone in cold blood?
That was something only an evil soul master would do.
Xu Sanshi's mind raced.
Did Xuanzi already confirm that Yan Shaozhe wasn't a traitor?
But he couldn't admit to lying if he did, it would prove he had deliberately deceived Xuanzi!
He put on an expression of shock.
"Elder Xuan, what do you mean? How could I have given false information?
I swear Yan Shaozhe is a traitor! Maybe he's just really good at hiding it!
Elder Xuan, please check again! I swear on my life I would never deceive you!"
Even as he spoke, he felt a pang of guilt for throwing Yan Shaozhe under the bus.
Xuanzi carefully observed Xu Sanshi's breathing, heartbeat, and expression.
He found no signs of deception.
His tone softened.
"You'd better pray I find real evidence against Shaozhe.
Otherwise, I won't spare you, traitor!"
Then, as if casually, he added:
"Oh, by the way… many people have been pursuing Jiang Nannan recently."
Then, without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away.
Xu Sanshi froze.
What?! Many people were pursuing Nan Nan?!
No!
Jiang Nannan was his future wife!
He couldn't allow this to happen!
Desperate, he shouted after Xuanzi:
"Wait! Elder Xuan, I have something to say!"
Xuanzi stopped, looking back at him.
Taking a deep breath, Xu Sanshi fell to his knees.
He had made up his mind.
If selling his soul was the only way to see Nan Nan again, then so be it.
With a loud voice, he declared:
"I, Xu Sanshi, have wandered through life, never meeting a true master.
But now, I have committed treason against the Academy. I have repented and wish to make amends.
If Elder Xuan does not reject me, I am willing to swear loyalty to you!
Let me infiltrate the traitors and help you root them out! I will strike them with an iron fist!"
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