Chapter 23: Tang San Scheme
Paimon's words pierced everyone's hearts like an extremely sharp thorn.
Everyone looked at the arrogant figure sitting on the throne, unable to connect it with the personable and amiable big brother they once knew.
In the crowd, Huo Yuhao looked dazed, his mouth slightly open, but no words came out.
"God... Martial God! "
"Hahaha... I... I actually missed out on god's help..."
Huo Yuhao choked on his saliva, his mind in turmoil.
At only eleven years old, he had never experienced such a blow before.
The opportunity to change his fate had been right in front of him, but he failed to seize it.
At that moment, a calm yet arrogant voice broke the silence.
"Did I cross the line? What are you doing?"
Zhongli clasped his hands together and raised his head slightly, not even glancing at Tang San.
He only used his one Tenth strength if he used more of this continent wouldn't be able to bear. As for Tang San, why bother?
Hearing this, Tang San was filled with rage, his heart pounding and hands trembling.
Destroying Shrek Academy was equivalent to destroying his legacy and his influence in the mortal world.
Losing these influences meant losing his faith, and in a battle of beliefs, there was no room for retreat.
Looking at the arrogant figure in the air, everyone felt an inexplicable sense of security.
It was a feeling that Tang San, the Sea God, and even Shrek Academy couldn't provide. It was as if standing behind this person guaranteed safety.
"The Martial God is mighty, defeat the evil god Tang San!"
"The Martial God is mighty, kill the evil god Tang San!"
In the crowd, spies from other forces began to stir up the commotion.
If this wave could truly kill Tang San and destroy Shrek Academy, the world would seem so much brighter.
Tang San was already furious, and these provocations only fueled his anger.
He was about to act when a thought struck him.
Why had he been nurturing the Children of Fortune and new combat forces? Wasn't it to deal with Destruction God?
If sacrificing some could lead to the fall of Destruction, so be it.
Once Destruction was dealt with, Tang San would reign supreme in the God Realm!
And here before him was a perfect tool to handle Destruction.
Besides, the entire incident was indeed Shrek's fault. Slandering a god in such a manner deserved this calamity.
As for Zhongli's character... it's normal for young people to be arrogant.
They just need to be tempered, and they will surely become useful to Tang San.
As for how to temper him, doesn't Tang San have a daughter?
"This matter is indeed a result of Shrek Academy's misconduct, and the blame does not lie with you."
"You destroyed both Shrek City and Shrek Academy, and those who provoked you have also perished. Consider this matter settled."
Tang San spoke calmly, though a glint of calculation flashed in his eyes.
If such a powerful combat force could be his, what did it matter if he lost this much?
But as soon as these words were spoken, whether it was the common folk or the members of Shrek, everyone was stunned.
Was the Sea God backing down?
He was so furious earlier, yet now he was conceding?
For a moment, faith began to crumble.
Zhongli was momentarily stunned and glanced at Tang San with a hint of confusion.
He had heard a little about this person and knew his character, someone who would always seek retribution.
But why was Tang San being so conciliatory now?
After all, the strength Zhongli had displayed was likely only equivalent to a first-level god in this world.
Tang San, who was at the level of a "God King," had not made a move and instead admitted fault directly.
This didn't align with Tang San's usual demeanor.
Zhongli stroked his chin thoughtfully but ultimately said nothing, simply waving at Paimon.
"Paimon, let's go."
"Oh, okay!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, tomorrow there will be an island on the edge of the East Sea, which will be called Liyue."
"If you are willing, you may come to Liyue to build your homes."
With that, Zhongli waved his hand, and the divine throne disappeared.
He returned to his usual appearance and flew eastward with Paimon.
Tang San did not stop him.
He merely watched Zhongli's retreating figure with a thoughtful expression.
Seeing this, the crowd glanced at Zhongli's departing figure, then at Tang San in the sky, and finally swallowed hard.
This was the Martial God!
Even Tang San, who had become a god 10,000 years ago, didn't dare to confront him.
They could no longer stay in Shrek City.
Even if those troublemakers were dead, more would surely arise!
"Liyue?"
"Building a home?"
"I'm going! I'll follow the Martial God!"
Most of the people living in Shrek City were wealthy merchants and soul masters, and nearly all their valuables were stored in soul guides.
Although Zhongli had destroyed Shrek City, their losses were minimal.
Thus, without much cleanup, they headed straight east, even leaving before Tang San, the Sea God!
As some took the lead, many others followed, abandoning the ruined city.
Tang San exhaled slowly. Was he afraid of Zhongli?
No!
He was afraid that Zhongli, in a fit of anger, might join the Destruction faction!
Judging by Zhongli's destructive power, he was indeed more suited to the Destruction camp.
But Tang San intended to use his wisdom to win over this Martial God!
Suddenly, several elderly figures appeared below Tang San, kowtowing and pleading with him.
"Lord Sea God, please have mercy! Save my daughter!"
Xian Lin'er had died so quickly that even Elder Song, a level ninety-seven powerhouse, couldn't save her.
Besides, even the ninety-eighth-level Xuanzi couldn't withstand it.
At the ninety-seventh level, she was just here to meet her end.
"Xiao Song, stop talking nonsense!"
"They deserved to die. They should pay the price for provoking a god."
Mu En said with a dark expression.
Zhongli's actions could be seen as cleansing Shrek Academy of its corruption, though it might also lead to the academy's collapse.
The academy's reputation was in tatters, and its future was uncertain...
"Elder Mu, I only have this one daughter!"
"She was still your disciple!!"
In response to Elder Song's words, Mu En replied calmly, "It is my fault for not being strict in discipline. I will take responsibility and apologize for my crimes."
"Elder Mu... you..."
Hearing this, Elder Song, Elder Lin, and the others were utterly confused.
They had just lost so much of their combat power and were in desperate need of manpower.
Yet, Mu En was talking about taking responsibility and apologizing?
They didn't think Mu En was joking. At their level, every action was scrutinized, and they couldn't afford to joke lightly.
Tang San glanced at Mu En and the others, then at the remnants of Xuanzi and the others, feeling a wave of dizziness.
Who on earth had these people learned from, to be so foolish and reckless?
Knowing that Zhongli was a powerful figure, they still provoked him...
After a moment of thought, Tang San spoke, "The future of Shrek is in your hands."
"Although Xuanzi and the others deserved to die, they shouldn't have died at this time. That one truly went too far."
"That's it. I will resurrect them later, as part of Shrek's reconstruction."
"Thank you, Sea God! Thank you, Sea God!"
[They will be resurrected but not with full strength and for future plots it's a little bit necessary.]