Chapter 108 So what is the price?
Chapter 108 So what is the price?
Chapter 108 So what is the price?
"So ever since last time, Sister Xiaoya has been avoiding Senior Beibei, sometimes even spacing out for hours on end, looking completely distracted?"
Huo Yuhao, who was walking out of the academy with Jiang Nannan, unconsciously frowned slightly.
"At first I didn't pay much attention, but her recent behavior has become too obvious."
Jiang Nannan's eyes also showed a hint of worry. "Yuhao, do you think Xiaoya is under too much pressure? Could it cause her talent seal to be broken again?"
Jiang Nannan's words also carried a hint of annoyance.
As Tang Ya's best friend and roommate, I only just realized that something was wrong with Tang Ya.
What if Tang Ya secretly breaks the seal and becomes an evil spirit master?
It was out of this concern that Jiang Nannan thought of asking Huo Yuhao to help persuade Tang Ya, hoping to bring her back before things got out of control.
"As long as Sister Xiaoya hasn't really taken that step, it's not too late."
As the two talked, they approached the gates of the academy.
From afar, you can see a figure kicking pebbles on the ground with his toes under the big tree at the school gate, looking rather bored.
Today, Tang Ya wore a light blue outfit with a white belt around her waist, which perfectly accentuated her slender waist.
Her high ponytail swayed gently with her movements, and her long, shapely legs gleamed with a healthy glow in the afternoon sunlight.
"Nannan, Xiaoyuhao, why are you taking so long? I'm so bored waiting!"
Seeing Huo Yuhao and Jiang Nannan walking side by side, Tang Ya forced a smile and waved to them. Then she excitedly ran to Jiang Nannan's side and affectionately took Jiang Nannan's arm.
"Xiao Yuhao, did you specifically seek out Sister Xiaoya because of something important?" Tang Ya's eyes crinkled, and she rested her fingers on her cheek as if deep in thought. "Does Xiao Yuhao know of any new students willing to join the Tang Sect?"
Huo Yuhao frowned slightly, but sighed inwardly.
Xiaoya's life was truly trapped by the Tang Clan.
The person above clearly showed no interest in this so-called Tang Clan inheritance.
If Tang San from the God Realm really cared, how could the Tang Sect have declined to this state?
If even one of those two from the Haotian Sect had been given to the Tang Sect, things wouldn't have turned out this way.
Not to mention the lack of Tang Sect's unique skills, does Tang San from the God Realm really fear that teaching his disciples would starve his master to death?
"Xiaoya, today is a rare holiday, so don't be so tense. Let's wander around Shrek City for a bit."
Jiang Nannan spoke up at the right time, clearly unwilling to let Tang Ya continue to dwell on the topic of the Tang Clan.
"Well……"
Tang Ya's expression visibly darkened, but she still forced a smile. "Nan Nan is right. It's been so long since I've had a proper stroll through Shrek City with you. Xiao Yuhao, you'd better be my protector today!"
The three of them began to wander around Shrek City.
Before long, Huo Yuhao was carrying several packages of various sizes, all of which were trinkets that Tang Ya had bought from different stalls.
Jiang Nannan quietly took a small step back and moved closer to Huo Yuhao. She lowered her voice as she watched Tang Ya rushing to a small vendor every now and then, excitedly picking out something.
"Yuhao, Xiaoya's problem is probably more serious than we thought."
Given Tang Ya's habit of splitting every gold soul coin in half, perhaps only Jiang Nannan could rival her in being stingy.
In just a short time, Tang Ya had spent several gold soul coins.
It is conceivable that Tang Ya has been under unimaginable pressure lately.
Huo Yuhao said softly, "A mental illness requires a mental cure."
"Yuhao, what are you planning to do?" Jiang Nannan asked Huo Yuhao.
She could sense Huo Yuhao's subtle hostility towards the Tang Clan. If she had a choice, Jiang Nannan would not want Huo Yuhao's actions to harm Tang Ya.
"Don't worry, after the holiday I will give Sister Nan a healthy and happy Sister Xiaoya back."
Huo Yuhao estimated that he would be returning to Tiandou City during the holiday anyway, so it was better to get some things done as soon as possible.
"Yuhao, Xiaoya has a boyfriend."
Jiang Nannan blinked. She didn't know exactly what had happened between Tang Ya and Bei Bei, but she figured they probably hadn't broken up yet.
Huo Yuhao's lips twitched slightly.
"Sister Nan, what image do you have of me now?"
"A succubus who has seduced more than ten ignorant girls." Jiang Nannan smiled mischievously. "Yuhao, do you know that the outer courtyard is saying you're partying every night? They're even saying you're the son of the Sea God Pavilion Master, otherwise why would you be living in the inner courtyard?"
"..."
Huo Yuhao didn't speak, his expression showing some helplessness.
Seeing Huo Yuhao like this, Jiang Nannan's smile became even more pronounced.
"By the way, Yuhao, you haven't finished collecting my leg data yet, have you? Could I go to the inner courtyard later?"
Upon hearing this, Huo Yuhao subconsciously swallowed, and for a moment he was even afraid to look directly into Jiang Nannan's bright eyes.
"Sister Nan, let's make this clear first. We're only collecting leg data, so please don't do anything crazy like last time."
When collecting data for Zhu Lu, it was done quickly and efficiently. The obedient kitten cooperated perfectly throughout the process without any resistance.
When it was Jiang Nannan's turn, Huo Yuhao truly understood what it meant for a rabbit to bite when cornered.
Before Jiang Nannan could answer, they heard Tang Ya calling out from not far away.
"What are you two whispering about behind Xiaoya's back? Nannan, come here quickly, look how pretty this necklace is, I think it suits you very well."
Jiang Nannan walked briskly to Tang Ya's side, but before leaving, she glanced back at Huo Yuhao with a very meaningful look in her eyes.
Huo Yuhao felt a sudden tightness in his chest.
As the sun gradually set and darkness fell, the three of them arrived at a riverbank outside the academy.
A gentle evening breeze brought a touch of coolness.
Tang Ya sat alone on the riverbank, gazing at the sky, which was glowing red from the sunset. Her purple eyes seemed to grow even deeper as she pondered something.
Before long, a rich aroma of meat began to waft into Tang Ya's nose.
She stood up, casually brushed the dust off her dress, and with a playful smile on her face, ran over to Jiang Nannan's side, gazing longingly at the sizzling, oily meat on the barbecue grill.
It looked incredibly cute, with a drooling expression.
"Wow, it smells so good. As expected of Xiao Yuhao, I wonder if I'll ever have another chance to eat this again."
"Later?" Jiang Nannan turned her head and glanced at Tang Ya, asking疑惑地问道, "Xiao Ya, what do you want to do?"
Huo Yuhao paused in his actions, and said jokingly, "Sister Xiaoya, you're not thinking of leaving the academy, are you?"
Realizing she had inadvertently let something slip, Tang Ya playfully stuck out her tongue, trying to get away with it in a cute way.
"I didn't say anything just now..."
But under Jiang Nannan's intense gaze, Tang Ya finally deflated as if she had lost her nerve.
"It's been almost a year since I broke through to the third ring, but my soul power is progressing more and more slowly. Blue Silver Grass is really not suitable for cultivation."
Staying in the academy might mean I won't even be able to graduate. In that case, I might as well drop out early, venture out into the world, and see if I can find any other opportunities. That's better than staying in the academy like this.
At this point, Tang Ya's pretty face noticeably dimmed, and her eyes welled up with tears.
Her shoulders bore too many burdens that a girl her age should not have to bear.
She couldn't even see any hope anymore.
Huo Yuhao handed the small bowl of sauce to Tang Ya.
"Sister Xiaoya, you're not thinking of going back to Heaven Dou City, are you?"
"Heavenly Dou City".
Tang Ya murmured softly, her eyes, which should have been bright, were now churning with intense hatred, and even faintly revealing a deep purple aura that carried the scent of death.
She grew up in Tiandou City from a young age.
Although she lived a simple life, she was still happy because her parents were by her side.
It wasn't until the Iron Blood Sect bribed the city defense forces of Tian Dou City and launched a surprise attack on the Tang Clan under the cover of night that the Tang Clan was finally defeated.
Her parents were brutally murdered, and she was the only one who managed to escape.
Her former home has now become the stronghold of her enemy's sect.
In the end, all she took away from Tian Dou City was the memory of hatred.
Tang Ya suddenly raised her right hand and hastily wiped away the tears that had silently streamed down her face.
She took the small bowl Huo Yuhao handed her, forcing back her sobs, "I'm not stupid, why would I go back now? If I die, then there will be absolutely no hope left."
Tang Ya picked up some grilled meat from the grill with her chopsticks, dipped it in the thick sauce in the bowl, and then put it in her mouth.
The next moment, Tang Ya was completely stunned.
Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face.
In a daze, she seemed to have returned to her childhood.
Her parents are still alive and well, and she is still that carefree little girl.
I can be lazy and don't have to get up early in the morning to cultivate the Purple Demon Eye.
You could pester your mother, begging and pleading to buy you a candied hawthorn from a stall not far from your house.
So, are candied hawthorns sweet or sour?
Tang Ya couldn't quite remember.
She felt her mouth was full of bitterness, so bitter that she just wanted to cry.
"Dad, Mom..."
Tang Ya closed her eyes in pain, but tears still streamed down her cheeks.
"Sister Xiaoya, in your heart, is avenging your parents more important, or is reviving the Tang Clan more important?" Huo Yuhao asked gently.
Tang Ya, whose mind was in a state of extreme shock, subconsciously replied, "Only by reviving the Tang Clan can I have enough power to avenge my parents."
"What if you don't need to revive the Tang Sect to still have the power for revenge?"
Huo Yuhao did not intend to tell Tang Ya the true identity of the founder of the Tang Sect at this time.
Everything should be done step by step. Being too hasty will only cause more doubts in people's minds and thus generate a rebellious mentality.
Although what he currently possesses is enough to completely overturn Tang Ya's understanding.
For example, the complete version of the Mysterious Heaven Skill that was previously taken from the reborn Tang San.
"I can't do it, I can't do anything..."
Tang Ya's emotions seemed to completely collapse at this moment, and she just kept muttering this sentence.
"Sister Xiaoya, didn't you previously think about leaving the academy to seek so-called opportunities outside? What if I could help you?"
Jiang Nannan listened to Huo Yuhao's words to Tang Ya, and then looked at Tang Ya beside her, who was already in a state of emotional breakdown, her cheeks stuffed with roasted meat.
She forced herself to remain silent so as not to disturb Huo Yuhao.
Even now, illuminated by the flickering firelight, Huo Yuhao's face remained as handsome and gentle as ever.
But Jiang Nannan also felt that he had completely become like a succubus seducing an innocent young girl.
Will Xiaoya be eaten in the end too?
"So what is the price?"
Tang Ya's dry throat bobbed, somewhat unable to look Huo Yuhao in the eye.
She was indeed experiencing a great deal of emotional fluctuation at the moment, but she still maintained a basic level of mental clarity.
It would give her the power to take revenge.
Will she really be able to repay Huo Yuhao for this kindness?
……
Dark clouds obscured the moon, and the night was as black as ink.
The entire Poseidon Island, except for the bioluminescent plants that emitted a faint glow, was shrouded in darkness.
For Huo Yuhao, this level of darkness was nothing.
But he kept pondering it in his heart.
Were the things he did to Tang Ya really right?
Perhaps there could have been a better solution?
Huo Yuhao walked along the familiar, but unclear, path toward the pavilion.
The bright light still shone through the attic window, dispelling the surrounding darkness.
Huo Yuhao pushed open the door and entered, where he saw Gu Yuena sitting on the sofa in the living room.
It seemed she had been waiting for him for a long time.
Gu Yuena looked at Huo Yuhao with her purple eyes, her brows furrowing slightly involuntarily.
She could sense that Huo Yuhao was somewhat emotionally disoriented at the moment.
Eyes facing each other.
After a moment, Gu Yuena spoke softly, "Would you like to tell me your story?"
Listening requires patience, and Gu Yuena happens to possess that quality.
Huo Yuhao's story is neither long nor boring.
Gu Yuena listened quietly, occasionally taking a sip of tea from her cup.
At this moment, she exuded the air of an elder: "So you're worried that you'll eventually become a dragon like the dragon slayer?"
Gu Yuena shook her head, her amethyst-like eyes revealing a deeper depth.
"Huo Yuhao, you are human. Humans have selfish desires and biases. Isn't what you're doing what you've always been doing? Just do what you believe is right."
"I……"
Huo Yuhao seemed to want to say something, but before he could speak, he was interrupted by Gu Yuena's next action.
She stood up and took Huo Yuhao's hand.
Why are you confused? I'll always be by your side. Do you know what I most want to hear you say right now?
Huo Yuhao looked at her and then spoke.
Are you hungry? I'll make you dinner.
Upon hearing Huo Yuhao's words, Gu Yuena blinked and then nodded.
"I'm hungry. Tonight I want to eat that grilled fish you mentioned before."
Gu Yuena looked at Huo Yuhao, who had tied on an apron and entered the kitchen, and then said:
"Oh, right. Actually, I don't like what I said earlier about 'the dragon slayer becoming the dragon.' How could you become a dragon by being with me?"
(End of this chapter)
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