Chapter 240: 259. The Captain's Seat—A Shame for Me, Tang San
"What, you lose and now you won't admit it?" Er Ming said coldly, stepping up beside Yu Tianheng.
"Who said I—" Tang San began, but before he could finish, Dai Mubai clamped a hand over his mouth. Tang San blinked in confusion.
Dai leaned close and hissed, "Ah San, have you forgotten? The captain has the authority to decide who participates in each battle! If Yu Tianheng becomes captain, he'll send himself and Xiao Wu out together every round, using their Martial Spirit Fusion Skill. Can you stand watching that? You can't give up this position!"
Tang San froze. Losing without acknowledging it was disgraceful—but if he accepted defeat, if he had to watch Xiao Wu fuse souls with Yu Tianheng again and again right before his eyes… that was far worse.
Between two evils, he made his choice. Straightening his back, Tang San said coldly, "That's right. The captaincy was assigned by Teacher Yu Xiaogang. It can't be changed on a whim. The last match doesn't count!"
Yu Tianheng sneered. "Typical. You agreed to the match, and now that you've lost, you refuse to keep your word. Who would've thought Tang San, the so-called genius, was such a sore loser?"
"How about this," Ma Hongjun broke in quickly. "We'll have a fair internal vote among the Shrek Eight. Whoever earns the most support becomes captain—agreed?"
Yu Tianheng grinned and nodded. "Fine by me."
"Those in favor of Tang San remaining as the Shrek captain, raise your hands," said Dai Mubai, lifting his own immediately.
Ma Hongjun and Oscar raised their hands as well. Three votes.
"Those supporting me, Yu Tianheng, as captain, raise your hands," Yu Tianheng said confidently.
Er Ming and Ning Rongrong lifted theirs. (This life, Ning Rongrong wasn't nearly as close with Tang San and openly disdained his "lose but won't admit" attitude.)
That made it three to two. All eyes turned to the last person—Xiao Wu.
She looked at Tang San with soft, apologetic eyes. "Ah San giegie… Xiao Wu really wants to support you, but for the sake of the Shrek team, I think we need a strong leader to guide us."
And she raised her hand.
A crushing pain stabbed Tang San's chest. He didn't hate Xiao Wu—he hated his own weakness. Why? he screamed inwardly. Why do I have twin martial souls, yet still can't win her gaze? Why is it still fixed on Yu Tianheng? Am I not good enough?
Yu Tianheng, smirking victoriously, wrapped an arm around Xiao Wu in front of everyone. "See that, little weakling? A beauty belongs only to the strong. Remember that—pathetic losers don't get the girl."
Tang San's eyes turned blood-red, his breathing rough and furious. "Yu Tianheng," he growled, "your arrogance is temporary. Once I've mastered both my martial souls, you'll only be able to stare at my back!"
Yu Tianheng laughed. "Twin souls? Big deal. You've got two spirits, but no power! Out here, strength and fusion rule—do you have either?"
"I—" Tang San wanted to shout that one day he'd perform the unparalleled fusion "Dual Gods Coexistence" with Xiao Wu, but now he couldn't bring himself to say it.
Yu Tianheng released Xiao Wu, stepped up beside Tang San, and whispered in his ear. "Potential means nothing. You're still just a beaten, miserable little weakling."
Tang San's nostrils flared with steam, the veins in his forehead pulsing as rage boiled within him. His fingers brushed against a hidden sleeve arrow—ready to fire—when he suddenly noticed Xiao Wu was watching.
She hated underhanded methods. Grinding his teeth, Tang San forced himself to stand down.
Yu Tianheng straightened, spreading his arms in triumph. "I appreciate everyone's trust," he announced grandly. "I, Yu Tianheng, will lead us to victory in the upcoming Soul Master Tournament!"
Then, mockingly, he patted Tang San on the shoulder, pulled a green hat from his soul tool, and set it carefully on Tang San's head. "There we go—nice and straight. Let's be honest—Blue Silver Grass just isn't captain material. Relax, little weed, when I lead Shrek to victory, you'll have it easy. You'll get to sit down below and admire the glory of me, Xiao Wu, and Er Ming's fusion technique. You'll stand behind us on the winner's podium. You know what that reminds me of?"
Ning Rongrong laughed sharply. "Like a eunuch following behind the emperor and empress!"
"Exactly!" Yu Tianheng said, giving her a thumbs-up.
Tang San: "…"
Seeing Tang San on the verge of exploding, Dai Mubai quickly pressed a firm hand to his shoulder. Oscar and Ma Hongjun did the same, silently urging him to stay calm.
"Yu Tianheng," Oscar said, forcing a smile, "don't celebrate too soon. So what if Xiao Wu voted for you? The votes are tied—three to three. That means Ah San hasn't actually lost yet."
"Oh?" Yu Tianheng shrugged. "Then who decides?"
"Let Teacher Yu Xiaogang decide who leads the team," Dai Mubai said.
So they went together to Yu Xiaogang and reported everything.
Yu Xiaogang stood with hands clasped behind his back and said evenly, "If it falls to me, then Tang San shall remain captain of the Shrek team."
"What? Uncle, that's not fair!" Yu Tianheng protested. "I defeated him fair and square!"
"Strength alone doesn't make a captain," Yu Xiaogang said firmly. "A captain must be able to analyze calmly, strategize intelligently, and find solutions under pressure. Yu Tianheng, do you have Tang San's composure? His cleverness? You do not. Therefore, Tang San remains more suited for the role."
Yu Tianheng clenched his fists—then released them slowly, his face cold. He strode up to Tang San and jabbed a finger at him. "Fine, you little weakling. Keep the title if you must. But remember this—you lost to me. You just couldn't face it. You're clinging shamelessly to what isn't yours."
Tang San: "…"
Even Tang San, proud as he was, felt trapped between shame and necessity. He wanted to be captain—but he also wanted to earn it honorably. Staying after losing made him feel filthy.
Yet if he gave up the role, he'd have to sit helplessly on the sidelines, watching Xiao Wu fuse her soul with Yu Tianheng or Er Ming… and walk behind them on the podium like some powerless servant.
Never.
If being shameless was the cost of keeping her from them, so be it. He would endure the disgrace.
Only one thought blazed in his mind: This captain's seat disgusts me now… but Yu Tianheng, mark my words—one day, I will crush you.
(END CHAPTER)
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