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*****
"San ge, try this. It's pretty good," Xiao Wu said, picking up a gelatinous, gray-brown agar-like substance from the long table nearby. She pulled down Tang San's mask and popped it into his mouth.
Tang San instinctively opened his mouth, chewed, and swallowed. He paused for a moment, then savored the taste, saying, "It does taste good. It's cool and slightly sweet. Perfect for summer."
"Just enjoy the food and stop analyzing it," Xiao Wu pouted, dissatisfied. "Just say if it's tasty or not."
"It's tasty," Tang San replied with a smile. As he was about to pull his mask back up, Guang Ling handed him a crescent-shaped cookie. "San Ge, try this. The moon-shaped cookies are delicious too."
"Hmm, it is indeed good," Tang San commented.
However, this kind of response made Xiao Wu unhappy. She took a star-shaped pastry, bit off a small piece, and then shoved it into Tang San's mouth. "This is also very tasty."
Following suit, Guang Ling picked up a round pastry, took a small bite, and brought it to Tang San's lips. "This round pastry is also quite refreshing."
In this manner, with the two of them feeding him alternately, Tang San accepted everything without hesitation, devouring it all like a bottomless pit, his stomach showing no signs of bulging.
Lan Yinzi wanted to join in, but Xiao Wu and Guang Ling stopped her with threatening glares.
Xiao Wu knew that Lan Yinzi was Tang San's mother on a soul level, but not in body. To prevent anything unethical from happening, Xiao Wu felt it necessary to keep Tang San and Lan Yinzi at a distance. She had a lingering feeling that Lan Yinzi's gaze towards Tang San was not right—most likely due to occupying someone else's body, which had twisted her personality.
Lan Yinzi could only pitifully eat the pastry in her hand.
Xiao Wu and Guang Ling, who started out feeding Tang San, eventually turned it into a competition between themselves, with their eyes only for each other.
Onlookers either envied, sighed, or scorned them.
"Miss, may I have the honor of a dance with you?" At this moment, a raspy yet slightly delicate voice sounded in Lan Yinzi's ear.
Lan Yinzi looked up and saw a figure in a red jacket, as round as a ball, with a pair of tiny mustaches on his upper lip, giving him a comical appearance.
Shrek Academy's Ma Hongjun?
What is he doing here?
"No, you're too ugly," Lan Yinzi bluntly refused his invitation. Although she wasn't particularly focused on looks, she wasn't willing to entertain someone unattractive, especially someone with a bird-like appearance and a sleazy personality who had likely been with many women.
"Uh... I may look fat, and, well, I am a bit chubby, but I have a kind heart," Ma Hongjun said, feeling somewhat aggrieved. He didn't understand why every beautiful woman cared so much about appearance. Only Cuihua seemed to understand him, but unfortunately, she wasn't a soul master and couldn't withstand his powerful presence.
This evil fire was truly a love-hate relationship for him.
"Sorry, whether you are kind or not has nothing to do with me," Lan Yinzi said, looking at him with disdain. "Rejected for being ugly!"
However, Ma Hongjun didn't intend to give up. Noticing that Lan Yinzi's attention was mostly on Tang San, who was being "fed" by Xiao Wu and Guang Ling, he decided to demonstrate his strength, keeping in mind Shrek's teaching that "not daring to cause trouble is the mark of a mediocrity." He shouted at Tang San, "Hey, pretty boy with the covered face, isn't it wrong to juggle three women at once?"
"Who the hell are you?" Xiao Wu's mood soured at the interruption, and she glared at him fiercely. After a brief pause, she said, "You look a bit familiar."
Xiao Wu had met the Shrek students a few times, but Ma Hongjun's performance in the tournament had been lackluster, making him less memorable.
Therefore, Xiao Wu had a vague impression of him, but not much. Unimportant people weren't worth remembering, and Ma Hongjun's main distinguishing feature was his round, chubby figure.
"He's Ma Hongjun from Shrek Academy," Guang Ling recalled. After all, anyone who might become an obstacle to Tang San in the future was on her "elimination" list.
Among them, Ma Hongjun posed a minimal threat, scoring two out of a hundred, primarily due to his unique, viscous, and corrosive purple-red flames.
Without that evil fire, Ma Hongjun wouldn't have made her list at all.
"Yes, I am Ma Hongjun, one of Shrek's top students," he said, striking a pose with his right hand making a "seven" under his chin and flashing what he thought was a charming, devilish smile. He kept trying to flirt with Xiao Wu, Guang Ling, and Lan Yinzi. "Are you all smitten by my handsome looks?"
"Ugh," Xiao Wu gagged. "I'm about to throw up. Who gave you the confidence to call yourself handsome?"
Guang Ling was more blunt, "Shameless."
Lan Yinzi nodded, "Confidence is good, but keep it to looking in the mirror at home."
Meanwhile, Tang San was pondering why Ma Hongjun was here—Phoenix City, the Evil Fire Phoenix...
Without the Phoenix Crest Flower to solve the evil fire problem, the stronger Ma Hongjun's power grew, the more severe the influence of the evil fire on him. If this issue wasn't thoroughly resolved, reaching the Soul King level could spell his demise.
After all, when it comes to willpower, Ma Hongjun is far inferior to Ma Xiaotao from Peerless Tang Sect.
So, seeking a solution to his evil fire problem, Ma Hongjun's decision to explore a place known for its phoenix legends isn't unreasonable. However, the remnant phoenix spirit within Feng Wutong would never choose him.
Given Ma Hongjun's talent and character, even in the original story, he only qualified to receive the Phoenix God's legacy after consuming the Phoenix Crest Flower and the core of the Ten-Headed Fierce Yang Serpent.
As for the Fire God's position, he was unworthy.
Currently, with his evil fire flaw, Ma Hongjun's strength is only at the Soul Elder level. If the remnant spirit of the phoenix beast chose him, it would have to be blind.
At this moment, Ma Hongjun's face turned red with anger. He shouted at Tang San, "If you have guts, let's fight in the arena here and see who's stronger!"
"Have I offended you?" Tang San remained calm. "Don't rush to show off like a rooster. Even if your spirit is a rooster, people are not poultry."
Rooster?
Chicken?
Although he started it, calling his spirit a chicken was a blatant insult!
"My spirit is a phoenix!"
Ma Hongjun's spirit possession activated, a blood-red comb appearing on his head, red feathers sprouting on his arms. Ignoring the city's rules against private fights, he prepared to use his first spirit ability.
However, as the flames began to form, Ma Hongjun's pupils contracted sharply. He abruptly closed his mouth, causing the flames to explode within, releasing gray-black smoke from his nostrils, mouth, ears, and eyes, vividly illustrating the phrase "smoke from seven orifices."
"Um, I was wrong. Can you forgive me?"
The reason for his sudden change in attitude was seeing Wu Lin and Wu Tong perched on Tang San's shoulders. Those two little girls were unforgettable—when the ground fire lizard of Mu Tian was touched by the red-haired girl, it vanished. If she touched him, he might die too.
More importantly, through these two tiny girls, Ma Hongjun realized the identity of the person before him.
This was that monster among monsters!
Absolutely untouchable!
"Let's go."
Tang San ignored the extremely tense Ma Hongjun and, after calling to the three women, headed toward the center of Phoenix City.
Ma Hongjun, relieved to have survived, muttered, "He's actually quite easygoing... Forget it, I won't stay here. I'll go to other places with phoenix legends. I refuse to believe I can't solve this evil fire problem."
The four who reached the city center soon forgot about Ma Hongjun.
At this moment, within a kilometer radius centered on Phoenix paulownia, the railings had been removed. The local Spirit Hall's master, Thanos, was personally hosting and leading the crucial dance party!
As night descended, flames ignited in the trenches around the area, illuminating the entire dance venue and complementing the starlit sky.
"Welcome, everyone, to the annual 'Phoenix Seeks the Phoenix' dance party!"
Thanos, holding a microphone-like amplification soul guide, shouted excitedly, capturing everyone's attention.
"For the locals, this might be old news, but I must introduce the origins and rules of this grand event to our guests and friends from other cities:"
"Legend has it that ten thousand years ago, a Phoenix God Beast was reborn here, its blood spilling across the sky, staining the outer city walls. Its sacred beast soul resides in this Feng Wutong, eternally guarding our peace and tranquility."
"This event initially served to worship the Phoenix God Beast, but over time, it evolved into a festival where men and women express their love. Under the witness of the great divine phoenix, lovers will eventually become partners!"
At this point, most of the crowd, whether locals or travelers, cheered.
"Now, let me explain the rules!"
"First, due to the limited space, the dancing men and women will be divided into several groups. Based on the number of current registrants, there will be thirty-three groups, each with about a hundred participants."
"Second, soul masters, civilians, and nobles can all participate. Nobles cannot use their status to oppress others. In this festival, the Phoenix God Beast treats everyone equally, meaning everyone is of equal status today."
"Third, anyone can refuse invitations, but not more than three times; otherwise, their participation will be canceled. It wouldn't be fair to occupy a spot and not engage."
"Fourth, if the refusal count is within three times, those who issue the invitations must not persistently press the invitee."
Thanos continued to explain, ensuring that all participants understood the fairness and equality upheld during this significant event.
"Fifth…"
Thanos detailed twelve rules in total and concluded, "If you do not wish to follow these rules, you may withdraw. If you insist on violating them, I, Thanos, the Hall Master of the Phoenix City Spirit Hall, along with the City Lord of Phoenix City, will not tolerate anyone who dares to disrupt our traditions and regulations!"
With these words, the atmosphere became solemn.
Then, Thanos shifted his tone and laughed heartily, "Now, let the dance officially begin! If you earn the favor of the Phoenix God Beast residing in Feng Wutong, you might receive its blessing for eternal companionship!"
The crowd erupted in cheers!
"Ahem!" Thanos cleared his throat and used a bit of his soul power to amplify his voice, "Now, let's welcome the first group of participants!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a middle-aged woman joined Thanos. She had some wrinkles around her eyes but maintained a well-kept appearance. She was the City Lord of Phoenix City.
Only today would the City Lord appear in the public eye, celebrating with the citizens.
From the surrounding conversations, Tang San learned that the City Lord's name was Feng Xi, and her spirit was the Wind Spirit Peacock, which possessed phoenix bloodline traits. Moreover, she was Thanos' wife.
Wow! Phoenix City belonged to the Tian Dou Empire, and though it was autonomous, the fact that the City Lord and the local Spirit Hall Master were married was quite unexpected.
Feng Xi pulled out a list and began calling out names.
Those called had to enter the venue. If someone failed to appear after three calls, they were considered to have forfeited, and the next person on the list would take their place.
Upon hearing "Guang" and "Wu," Guang Ling and Xiao Wu entered the venue and were placed closest to Phoenix paulownia—a clear display of privilege.
Once a hundred men and women were in their respective positions, Thanos announced, "Now, will the partners of these one hundred men and women please step forward!"
"You may choose your pre-determined dance partner, but you can also invite others until the dance ends."
His words, like the whispers of a devil, tempted those with weak wills.
This was also a test of the sincerity of relationships.
If someone wasn't sincere in their feelings, this dance would expose them. Not only would they fail to find new love, but their current partner would see their true colors, potentially resulting in losing everything emotionally.
Unless one possesses qualities that make their partner irrevocably loyal—such as wealth, power, or immense strength.
With the crowd, Tang San, wearing a mask, and Lan Yinzi, with her face veiled, entered the venue.
"Would you like to dance with me?" Tang San extended his right hand to Guang Ling.
"Of course!"
Without hesitation, Guang Ling placed her hand in Tang San's, reminiscent of that first moment in the village when he invited her to dance. She had already given her all to him.
Eternal devotion, with no regrets.
Nearby, Xiao Wu couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy, but then she heard Lan Yinzi's gentle voice in her ear, "Dear sister, would you dance with me?"
"Sure, but don't get the wrong idea. I have a normal orientation." Xiao Wu took Lan Yinzi's hand and began to dance.
However, Xiao Wu, having never danced before, stepped on Lan Yinzi's toes several times, causing Lan Yin to wince in pain.
"Sorry, I've never danced before." Xiao Wu blushed, glancing over at Tang San and Guang Ling. She noticed that Tang San's dance steps were also clumsy, with Guang Ling frequently stepping on his feet and repeatedly apologizing.
Hmm, that made her feel a bit better.
"It's okay. It's always a bit awkward the first time." In reality, Lan Yinzi was equally unfamiliar with dancing. Even in her "previous life," she had never danced with Tang Hao here, primarily because he was a "fool," and they hadn't officially confirmed their relationship back then.
On Guang Ling's side, Tang San noticed her flushed face, full of excitement and embarrassment, and whispered, "Don't be nervous, it's okay. I'm not very familiar with dancing either, right?"
Meanwhile, Electrolux, observing Tang San genuinely enjoying the dance, couldn't help but interject, "Hey, have you forgotten what this event is actually about?"
The goal is that Phoenix paulownia tree right in front of you!
"Brother Electrolux, you handle it. I have something more important right now." Tang San replied, focusing on his dance with Guang Ling and calming her anxious, restless heart.
"Damn it! You've forgotten your friends for a woman! Teacher-student relationships weren't exactly well-received in your previous life, you know. Isn't this a bit too avant-garde? And you raised Guang Ling, right? Isn't this grooming? Scumbag!" Feeling like he'd just been fed a large bowl of dog food, Electrolux thought, (°ー°〃), "Whatever, I'm too kind for my own good."
Suffering an emotional blow, Electrolux released a wisp of his consciousness, searching within the peculiar space of the Phoenix paulownia tree for the remnant soul of the Phoenix God Beast.
The Phoenix remnant soul detected the intrusion, flapping its wings and approaching menacingly, its fiery red eyes filled with hostility, devoid of any intelligence.
"Reduced to mere instincts, I see," muttered Electrolux, an expert in manipulating souls. Even with just a wisp of his consciousness, he was not easily overpowered by the Phoenix remnant soul. "It seems the gods are highly wary of beast-like deities."
"Is it because of the Dragon God?" Electrolux pondered the tensions between deities and divine beasts as he deftly avoided the mindless attacks of the remnant soul. Simultaneously, he was not just dodging.
While evading, Electrolux inscribed magical runes within the mental space, gradually trapping the Phoenix remnant soul. He then imprinted the edges of these magical runes onto the walls of the mental space.
"With this, the remnant soul can be absorbed by the Feng Wutong tree, allowing it to develop its own unique intelligence. And since this Phoenix remnant soul has reached a divine level, the Phoenix paulownia tree can directly avoid heavenly tribulations."
Electrolux sighed in relief and quickly documented the energy flow patterns of divine power on the Phoenix remnant soul, marveling, "This is the most precious thing!"
Outside, sensing Electrolux's return, Tang San took the opportunity during a dance partner exchange with Lan Yinzi to discreetly activate the Blue Silver Emperor, merging it into the Phoenix paulownia tree. The life aura and the ancient golden tree's essence prompted the Feng Wutong tree to develop its own unique intelligence instantly.
The newly awakened Phoenix paulownia tree immediately sensed the warm and familiar aura, yearning to leap into Tang San's embrace. However, due to its nascent intelligence, it couldn't manifest an energy form or even move its body.
"Don't get excited. Grow well, and when the time is right, I will come for you," Tang San whispered reassuringly.
Tang San's mental power flowed into the Phoenix paulownia tree, soothing its fledgling intelligence.
"The remnant of the Phoenix soul has occupied your body for years. Now, my friend has trapped it, and you can absorb it as nourishment."
"In the past, it used your mental space to recuperate; now, you can absorb its shattered divine soul to grow."
"An eye for an eye, balance restored."
With these words, Tang San reassured the nascent intelligence of the Phoenix paulownia tree, ensuring it could peacefully integrate the remnants of the Phoenix soul and grow stronger.
(End of Chapter)