Chapter 267: Wariness
In the heart of the God Realm, Tang San stood alongside the God of Destruction, the Goddess of Life, the God of Kindness, and the God of Evil—all eyes fixed on the celestial star representing the Douluo Continent.
Moments ago, the star had flared crimson and trembled violently, its chaotic aura making every God King's heart tighten.
The God of Destruction frowned, dark-purple energy rippling faintly around him. "I didn't expect the Abyss to set its sights on the Douluo Continent."
The Goddess of Life sighed softly. "The Abyssal Plane is greedy and wicked. Once it marks its prey, the consequences are unthinkable. With the continent's current strength, I doubt it can withstand a full-scale Abyssal invasion."
The God of Kindness turned his gaze toward Tang San, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Tang San, the Douluo Continent is your foundation. With things developing this way, what will you do?"
Tang San stared at the star until its red glow finally faded, replaced by a more brilliant radiance than ever before.
Only then did he exhale faintly.
"The Golden Tree has completed its evolution," he said. "It has repelled the Abyss—for now, the situation is stable."
But his brows soon furrowed again. "That stability won't last. The Abyssal Plane won't give up so easily. We need a plan, and quickly. Besides…"
Worry flickered in his eyes. "My mother is still within the Golden Tree. I must go down and see her."
"No!"
The God of Destruction's voice thundered with authority. "Have you forgotten your punishment? You're forbidden to descend without approval! You've already violated the rules once—will you defy us again?"
"This is a special case," Tang San replied evenly, meeting his gaze head-on.
"The Abyssal invasion endangers not only the Douluo Continent but the stability of the God Realm itself. I go down not for personal reasons, but to deal with the crisis. Or would you rather watch the Abyss devour the mortal plane and spread its corruption here?"
The God of Evil chuckled, his expression amused. "Destruction, he has a point. If the Douluo Continent falls, it will only harm our realm in the end."
The God of Kindness nodded. "Indeed. Tang San knows the continent better than any of us. If anyone should handle the Abyss, it's him."
The God of Destruction's eyes narrowed. After a long silence, he cast one last look at Tang San and then at the others, finally letting out a cold snort.
"Fine. You may go down."
"But remember this—only to handle the Abyss. If you interfere in anything else or cause new unrest, don't say I didn't warn you."
"I understand," Tang San said simply.
Golden light flared around him, and a heartbeat later, his figure vanished, streaking down toward the mortal world.
…
Within Shrek Academy—inside the Golden Tree.
A peaceful, luminous space shimmered with floating golden motes, overflowing with abundant life energy.
At its center stood a breathtaking woman clad in a light blue dress, her presence gentle yet radiant.
It was Ah Yin's soul, serene and graceful.
Sensing a familiar energy approaching, she turned. Her lips curved into a warm smile. "Xiao San."
"Mother!"
Tang San hurried forward, his eyes bright with relief and longing. "Are you all right? The Golden Tree released such a massive surge of power earlier—I feared for you."
Ah Yin's eyes softened as she reached out, brushing his cheek affectionately.
"I'm fine, look," she said gently. "The Golden Tree's evolution is complete. I feel better—stronger—than ever before."
Pulling him to sit beside her, she smiled. "Why have you come down?"
Tang San gave a small, weary sigh. "The God Realm sensed the disturbance and learned of the Abyssal Plane's intrusion. I was worried about you, so I came to see for myself—and to deal with the Abyss problem."
His tone hardened. "Mother, you were right about the Abyss returning. With the God Realm choosing not to intervene, how can the Douluo Continent fight back?"
Ah Yin's expression grew serious. "The Abyss has existed for eons. Its creatures are countless, their power terrifying. But the real threat is their ability to reproduce and consume. If they gain a foothold on the continent, the consequences would be disastrous."
Then her voice softened. "Still, you needn't worry too much. The Golden Tree's evolution has bound me completely to the Douluo Plane's origin. I can feel every corner of this world and draw upon part of its source energy."
"If the Abyss invades again, I can use the plane's power to strike back."
Tang San felt a measure of relief at her words. His thoughts shifted to the Star Auction Pavilion, his expression darkening.
"Mother, since you're connected to the plane's source, you must have sensed the Star Auction Pavilion. They can resurrect ancient soul beasts—ones thought extinct. Their methods are unnatural. Do you know what they are?"
Ah Yin's eyes flickered. Her tone turned heavy.
"Yes… I've sensed them. Two incredibly powerful presences reside there—so profound that even I dare not probe too deeply for fear of drawing their attention."
Tang San's heart clenched. Even now, with Ah Yin's essence merged with the world's foundation, she couldn't see their true depths.
That realization was deeply unsettling.
If even she couldn't gauge their power, then fighting them would be like walking blind into an abyss.
"That's right," Ah Yin continued. "And more than that—there's a being in the Star Dou Forest whose strength has reached half-step God King level. The Douluo Continent hides too many secrets now."
Tang San's eyes dimmed with contemplation.
The Abyss was not yet defeated, and now another mysterious force loomed—the Star Auction Pavilion. The continent's future seemed more uncertain than ever.
"Mother… do you think there's a connection between the Star Auction Pavilion and the Abyss?"
Ah Yin shook her head. "It's hard to say. The Pavilion's power is mysterious but not evil. Its aura differs completely from the Abyss. They may not be allies—but perhaps they are using the Abyss as a tool for their own ends."
Her expression turned solemn. "Xiao San, do not challenge the Star Auction Pavilion lightly. Their strength runs deeper than you imagine. Focus first on the Abyss. Once that threat is contained, we can afford to investigate further."
Tang San nodded. "I understand. Still, the fact that they can resurrect ancient beasts—beings like the Eternal Day Burning Heaven Phoenix—means their motives can't be pure. We can't ignore them forever."
"I know," Ah Yin said softly. "But take care. For now, leave the continent's protection to me and the academy. You should return to the God Realm before they grow suspicious."
Tang San rose to his feet, reluctant but resolute. "You're right. I'll go back… but if anything happens, send word to me at once through our link."
Ah Yin smiled gently and nodded. "Of course."
Tang San's body shimmered in golden light, and before long, he vanished from the sanctuary, leaving Ah Yin standing alone amidst the glow of the Golden Tree.
(END CHAPTER)
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