Chapter 308: Tang San's Paradox?
Mu En, hearing the question, dared not conceal anything and quickly gathered his thoughts.
He recounted in full detail everything about the Human Altar.
"Lord Sea God, this Human Altar was the grand finale item at a major auction held by the Star Auction Pavilion half a month ago. Their spokesperson claimed it was designed to unite human faith."
"As for its specific function…"
Mu En paused to recall, "We discovered that as long as human soul masters hold the will to protect the continent and resist the soul beasts, the faith energy born from their conviction will be drawn into the altar."
"When this power accumulates to a certain level, those linked to it may use the faith energy to temporarily elevate their cultivation."
"For instance, Elder Xuan and I once used the altar's power to raise our soul power near the quasi-divine level. It gave us more confidence when facing the soul beasts."
He added, "But the altar's mysteries go far beyond that. The Star Auction Pavilion didn't explain much—they only advised us to study its capabilities ourselves. We are still exploring its other effects."
Xuan Zi nodded beside him. "Also, this altar isn't solely controlled by Shrek. To maintain fairness, the Pavilion required that it be shared by three factions—Shrek Academy, the Clear Sky Sect, and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Each time the faith power is invoked, representatives from all three must be present."
At the mention of "shared control," Tang San's fingers tapped lightly against the air, his expression turning profoundly deep.
Faith energy was the foundation of divine power. Even Ultimate Douluo could barely sense it, let alone command it.
For an artifact to materialize and quantify faith itself—that defied all reason.
"Do you understand that for mortals to channel faith energy is tantamount to drinking poison to quench thirst?"
Tang San's voice turned cold. "Faith energy comes from sentient will—it contains countless emotional fragments. Short-term use may enhance strength."
"But prolonged exposure will cause those fragments to corrode the user's soul. Eventually, the consequences will be catastrophic."
Mu En and Xuan Zi's hearts trembled.
They had never imagined such danger.
"This… the Star Auction Pavilion never mentioned any of that!" Mu En's face changed.
"Of course they didn't."
Tang San sneered, his gaze sweeping across the Golden Tree where traces of gray energy coiled within the currents of faith.
"The altar indeed grants temporary power. But among that energy seeps another presence—one that infiltrates your bodies."
"That fragmented force will pollute the very core of Douluo Continent's plane. When that happens, unimaginable changes will follow—far beyond your ability to bear."
Ah Yin interjected softly, "Little San is right. Those gray threads that mingle with the flow of faith carry an intent of devouring and transformation.
"If it continues, not only will my source be corroded—the foundation of all faith on Douluo Continent will be contaminated."
Mu En and Xuan Zi were shaken yet hesitant to believe it fully.
After all, the Star Auction Pavilion had aided the human race for years—often exchanging treasures that boosted their strength at low cost. Their actions hardly seemed malicious.
"Lord Sea God," Xuan Zi said, "the Pavilion has always operated honorably. The altar required only gold soul coins as payment.
"In past auctions they simply sold artifacts to strengthen humanity. If they meant harm, why go through such effort?"
Tang San did not answer immediately. He looked at them and asked, "Do you know what the essence of faith energy truly is?"
Seeing their confused expressions, he continued, "It is the recognition of intelligent life by a world's will. The very origin of Douluo's plane is bound to the faith of its living beings."
"This altar gathers and channels faith while steadily tainting the plane's core—it's a trap to monopolize the continent's life energy."
"As for why they so 'generously' gifted it to you…"
A sharp gleam crossed Tang San's eyes. "They merely use you as instruments. When the people of the continent pour all their faith into the altar, the Pavilion will simply reclaim it—and with that, seize control of the entire plane's faith network."
"When that happens… you can imagine the consequences."
Both Mu En and Xuan Zi shuddered.
The revelation was terrifying, yet irrefutable.
"Then… what should we do?" Mu En asked in a grave tone. "If we stop using the altar, the soul beasts—"
"The altar can still be used, but extreme caution is needed."
Tang San said thoughtfully. "Do not alert the Star Auction Pavilion yet. Follow their 'rules' as usual. But from this day forward, after each activation, immediately cleanse your mental seas with purification-type abilities."
"Also, send trusted spies to investigate the Pavilion's true nature—especially its master and anything behind it."
He paused. "And whatever you do, never attempt to probe the altar's core. The energy there surpasses your limits. One careless move would expose your suspicion."
Both men bowed deeply, their respect for Tang San intensifying.
Though he dwelt in the Divine Realm, his insight into mortal affairs was sharper than anyone's—his few words had exposed dangers they never imagined.
After their consciousnesses faded from the Golden Tree's inner space, Ah Yin turned to her son with concern.
"Little San, if the altar is corrupting the plane's core, why not destroy it directly?"
"We can't."
Tang San shook his head. "It's now entwined with the continent's network of faith. Destroying it abruptly would cause an instant backlash—the explosion of faith would shake the very plane. That would be worse than the corruption."
He stepped closer, lifting his hand to infuse her projection with a surge of golden divine power.
"This will temporarily block the gray corruption, though it's only a stopgap."
"Mother, stay vigilant. If you sense any changes within the altar, send a warning through your essence immediately."
Ah Yin nodded. "Understood. But you—will this cause trouble in the Divine Realm?"
"Don't worry. I'll handle it."
Tang San's eyes hardened. "For the Star Auction Pavilion to tamper with Douluo's foundation means declaring war on me. No matter who they are, I will never let them succeed."
After leaving a few more instructions, Tang San turned toward the Golden Tree's outer world. His form shimmered, becoming translucent until it vanished completely into the void.
…
In the Divine Realm, within the Sea God's Temple.
As Tang San returned, he found the Gods of Destruction, Life, Kindness, and Evil already waiting in silence within the grand hall.
(END CHAPTER)
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