Xie Xie said nothing for a while as he simply stared at the people passing by him and Tang Ziran. Tang Ziran didn't try rushing him either and just waited for him, as he knew it was hard to open up to your friend's dad.
"...I-I just don't know what to do."Said Xie Xie with his voice sounding tired with his body slumping and his head staring up at the sky.
"I have been chasing after Yuanen for years now, with me trying everything I could do to get her attention and love. It's not a surprise that I have feelings for her considering I have basically done everything but proclaimed my love to her." Said Xie Xie.
"At first she was very cold to me, to the point where it wouldn't be surprising if she told me she didn't care for me. Then after we all sat down and talked, she seems to be less cold, with her even starting to converse back with me instead of ignoring me." Said Xie Xie as a small smile began to slowly form.
"I even thought that once our relationship got even stronger when we were venturing through the demon world and the tower. But once we got back... She has been ignoring me as if the talk we all had and the journey down the tower of Mahal never happened." Said Xie Xie as his fist began to tighten.
"I don't know if something is wrong with her or if I did something that caused her to be angry. If I did something wrong, then that is fine, but I don't even know what I did. For the past two months from the day, we got back to the time we arrive on the Douluo Continent, she has been ignoring me and." Xie Xie face started to slowly contort up with and his fist clenched so hard, that Tang Ziran could even hear Xie Xie bone creaking.
"I'm tired." Said Xie Xie as his face began to sag down with him letting out an exasperated sigh and his head hanging down.
"I'm tired of it all."
He was tired of the constant frozen looks directed his way, of the constant looks of disdain, of always feeling guilty and inadequate. Xie Xie was sick of constantly trying to prove his love, of praying she will respond to his love, tried of chasing and being shunned.
But above all, he was tired of not knowing what to do.
"I-I just don't get it. What am I lacking? Is it because I can't compare to Wulin or Yue Zhengyu? Is it because I'm not that strong? Or is it because she already found someone she loves? I-" Xie Xie couldn't finish as he could feel water dripping down his face as his hair was hiding his eyes.
Tang Ziran just listens as he could hear the young man next to him emptying his feelings and thoughts.
"But you still love her?" Questioned Tang Ziran while looking up at the sky.
"Of course! Even though she ignores me or acts cold me to, I still love Yuanen." Said Xie Xie without a second thought with his eyes shining like emeralds.
"Then why are you hesitating?" Questioned Tang Ziran with a chuckle causing Xie Xie eyes to blink.
"You love her even though all the things you go through, yet you are still questing yourself? Xie Xie if you are still able to feel the warm and smooth feeling of love toward Yuanen even after all she has done. Then is there any need to be questioning what you should be doing now?" Questioned Tang Ziran.
"I-I..." Xie Xie began to fall silent as he begins furrowing his brow. Tang Ziran didn't say anything more as he continues looking at the lanterns floating through the water. He couldn't help but want to show this scene to Lang Yue.
It was then Xie Xie gradually began to stand up that Tang Ziran choose now to speak.
"You know what to do right?"
"I do." Said Xie Xie as his emerald eyes regain their confidence and determination.
"You understand why you love Yuanen right? Why you still keep chasing after her even if she rejects you constantly? What makes her so special out everyone you know or seen before?"Questioned Tang Ziran as he was still looking at the lantern.
"Yes." Said Xie Xie as he begins to take a few steps before stopping and turning back to Tang Ziran.
"Thank you!" Shouted Xie Xie causing a few of the people who were walking by to jump in shock and then he quickly dashes off, toward the event.
"I better go meet up with the rest of them." Thought Tang Ziran while he had a grin on his face as he recalled his memories of chasing after Lang Yue.
#
"You have information on the Spirit Beast? And also the destruction that Shrek will be facing?"Questioned Yun Ming with his eyes narrowed and strong imposing aura bursting from his body.
Yet Tang Wulin didn't seem fazed, considering he had been exposed to all types of pressure and his body was at the same level of Yun Ming. In fact, he was more amused than anything and was half tempted to just bait Yun Ming into a fight.
'Sadly, Zeref would throw a fit.' Thought Tang Wulin with a sigh.
"I heard that!" Shouted Zeref who was still standing next to Tang Wulin but Tang Wulin ignored him.
Yun Ming stared at Tang Wulin for a while before sighing and recalling the words his student told him.
'Intimidation won't work on my big brother nor will force. But My big brother also doesn't like to beat around the bush and tends not to lie.'
'Fine Na'er, I will trust you on this.' Thought Yun Ming.
"Alright, I'm listening." Said Yun Ming with a frozen look causing a grin to sprout on Zeref face.
"Number 1. Shrek will help grant safe passage for all the people in the destroyed cities, who wish to come to join the Body Sect."
Yun Ming was silent as he went over the condition of Tang Wulin with his eyes slightly narrowing.
'Could he be apart of the Body Sect? Were they using this as a chance to recruit people? But isn't their requirement for disciples strict?'
All of these questions flash through Yun Ming head in an instant but his expression didn't change.
"Will you be accepting everyone? Even the people who aren't soul masters or those who have a Body Spirit?" Questioned Yun Ming.
"Yes, it doesn't matter if their a soul master or not. All I need Shrek to do is have their elites station around as the people are boarding Ship, in case anything happens." Said Tang Wulin.
'...So the Body Sect moved? Was it to another continent?' Thought Yun Ming as he was a bit surprised at how stealthily the Body Sect has been over the years.
"I agree!"
"Second Condition. Shrek with all of their forces must act as an obstacle against any force that wishes to fight the Spirit Beast. I'm sure you are aware that a war between Spirit Beast and Humanity can not happen." Said Tang Wulin causing Yun Ming to let out a bitter laugh.
Of course, he knew that a battle between the two races must be stopped at all cost. It wasn't even about whether they won the war or not, as the result may be too much for the Douluo Continent to handle.
"I agree-"
"Before you say I agree. I don't just mean you guys flexing your position or reputation. You must utilize all of your resources and forces to destroy anyone who tries to fight the Spirit Beast." Said Tang Wulin with his eyes slightly narrowing.
Yun Ming was shocked at the full meaning of Tang Wulin's condition while thinking about the state of the world right now. If the Douluo Continent were to declare war on the Spirit Beast as of now, then Shrek must utilize all of its power to stop the Douluo Continent.
'Does he care about the Spirit Beast that much?' Thought Yun Ming but he only shook his head as even he couldn't help but agree with Tang Wulin.
'Even if Shrek must utilize force, we can't allow the war to happen.'
"I agree."
"The third Condition, Shrek will give me their full support in the future." Said Tang Wulin causing Yun Ming to slightly raise a brow.
"Pertaining to what exactly?"
"Don't worry, it will be beneficial to you all." Said Tang Wulin with a slight grin causing Yun Ming's lips to twitch. It would be wrong to say he 'trusted' Tang Wulin but in the situation, he is in right now, information is power.
"...I agree."
"The Fourth condition, You will owe me four favors. No matter what I want or when I want it, you will utilize all means to see them fulfilled." Said Tang Wulin causing Yun Ming to raise his brow.
"What is the difference between your fourth and third condition?"
"The difference is the favors will be from only you, not Shrek." Said Tang Wulin causing Yun Ming to slowly nod.
"...I Agree."
"And the final condition is you telling me about the state of the world as of now."
"Finally an easy one." Mutter Yun Ming with a sigh.
"I agree."
Tang Wulin and Yun Ming both nodded their head as their deal has been finalized. Zeref didn't doubt the Atlas Douluo would go back on his word, as his reputation wouldn't allow such a thing.
But of course, he did make prior arrangements before he had Tang Wulin start making the deal. Just in case the Atlas Douluo really did go back on his word.
He also didn't worry about the Atlas Douluo having doubts about Tang Wulin's words. As there was proof of evidence that will back up their claim and also the Gold Tree behind them.
"Alright, let's talk about the Federation." Said Yun Ming.
#
Sea God's Blind Date Festival is a place for one to find the potential lover of their dream. The person that they would spend the rest of their life with. Even those who already had a partner could still use this opportunity to express even more of their love.
Getting a partner in this event could be considered a blessing from the leader of the first generation of Shrek's Seven Monsters, the Sea God himself Tang San. Everything on Sea God Island and Sea God Lake was built to commemorate his existence.
'I gotta hurry.' Thought Xie Xie as he rushes through the bustling crowds of people as they were heading toward the festival's main event too.
Five minutes passed and Xie Xie could hear the loud shouts reverberate from in front of him, causing him to curse. He quickly stops and looks around before he notices the stands litter all around, giving him an idea.
'Telling Yuanen how I feel is way more important.' Thought Xie Xie as he gets ready to jump.
But before he could do that he felt someone grab onto his shirt.
"Hey!" A voice rang out causing Xie Xie to blink his eyes and then turn to the voice.
"You came?" Questioned Xie Xie in shock when he saw Dai Yun'er the princess of Star Luo Continent.
"What is that supposed to mean." Said Dai Yun'er with a pout while half glaring at Xie Xie.
"Nothing, anyway do you need something? I'm kind of in a rush." Said Xie Xie as he glances back behind him.
"Hm? Oh right the Sea God Fated Festival, I guess we do need to hurry up and go." Said Dai Yun'er with a nod of her.
"We? Wait you're participating too!" Said Xie Xie in shock causing Dai Yun'er to roll her eyes and sigh.
"Naturally I'm participating, why would I skip a fun event like this? While it's true I don't have someone I like, it doesn't mean I can't have fun." Said Dai Yun'er with a mischievous smile on her face causing Xie Xie to shiver.
It was only during his time in the Tang Sect and working with Dai Yun'er that he was able to understand her. Surprisingly enough she was more of an eccentric type of person than well being a spoiled brat.
He had to learn that the hard way, through her various pranks and mischievous deeds that caused him to suffer. Yet surprisingly enough, she was a good teammate and a person he honestly could consider a friend.
'Who would have thought...'
"Alright, let's go before we're late." Said Xie Xie with his voice sounding urgent causing Dai Yun'er to giggle.
"You do know the event won't start in another twenty minutes right? As it's not just only Shrek's inner court that is doing the event." Said Dai Yun'er with a laugh as she saw Xie Xie almost fall in shock.
'Is she telling the truth?' Thought Xie Xie in suspicion as this wouldn't be the first time he has gotten tricked by her.
Yet Dai Yun'er only smiled at him while walking past him at a leisurely pace causing Xie Xie to begin to have doubt.
'It's not like she would purposely miss an event like this?'
"Xie Xie!" A voice called out to him, causing him to turn around and see Yue Zhengyu walking toward him.
"You idiot, what are you doing here?! You know the event starts in a few minutes." Said Yue Zhengyu causing Xie Xie's eyes to widen in shock before glancing at Dai Yun'er and saw her giving him a dazzling smile.
"Y-You-"
Xie Xie couldn't finish his sentence as he knew almost fell into her trap. Just how screwed would he have been if he took his time?
Shaking his head, he quickly turned around and was about to dash forward but then he stopped.
"What's wrong?" Questioned Dai Yun'er with a tilt of her head.
"Can you do me a favor?" Questioned Xie Xie as he glances back at Yue Zhengyu.
"If it will get you to hurry up and go before you make the biggest mistake of your life, then sure." Said Yue Zhengyu in expiration causing Xie Xie to let out a smile.
"Show Dai Yun'er around for me ok! I owe her one, so help me repay her, and bye!" Shouted Xie Xie as his figure blurred away.
Yue Zhengyu and Dai Yun'er glance at each other with the former not knowing what to do, while the latter was coming up with some plans.
"Well? You heard him, let's get to exploring." Said Dai Yun'er with a smile that caused shivers down Yue Zhengyu back.