Soul Land 5: The Rebirth of Tang San

Chapter 457: Three Plus Five Equals Two

Everyone moved to the front hall. The two phoenix demons ignored Tang San and Big Cat, registering Mei Gongzi first.

"This year, the Ancestral Court Elite Competition not only has an individual competition but also a doubles competition, and the rewards for the doubles are very generous..." The phoenix demon repeated to Mei Gongzi and the Peacock Great Demon King what it had told Tang San and Big Cat earlier.

As the phoenix demon spoke, Big Cat looked at Tang San, whose eyes never left Mei Gongzi, and suddenly had a bad premonition.

"Can I join the doubles competition?" Mei Gongzi turned to the Peacock Great Demon King.

"With whom?" asked the Peacock Great Demon King, puzzled.

"With me!" Asura said without hesitation. He stepped forward to the Peacock Great Demon King, bowed slightly, and continued, "I'm Mei Gongzi's vassal. I can participate with her."

"You?" The Peacock Great Demon King frowned. "You only have a second-tier bloodline, and your aura is barely at the ninth order. You would just be a burden."

Asura immediately took out the Sword Saint token and handed it over. "I believe I have the abilities."

"Yes, he is very strong," Mei Gongzi nodded. She gave Asura a strange glance when he claimed to be her vassal, but she didn't say much. To her, it seemed Asura was just saying that to participate with her. Naturally, she didn't mind having him as a partner.

Seeing the Sword Saint token in Asura's hand, the Peacock Great Demon King was moved. "You are from Kali City?"

Asura nodded. "Yes, City Lord."

The Peacock Great Demon King looked at Mei Gongzi again, this time squinting a little. "Well, what can I say. The future world belongs to the young. You decide for yourself."

The phoenix demon looked at Tang San, then at Mei Gongzi and Big Cat, muttering, "Weren't you two going to participate together?"

Tang San turned to Big Cat, looking apologetic. Big Cat raised an eyebrow and looked at Tang San understandingly, showing no sign of displeasure.

Tang San gave him a thumbs up, conveying everything without words. Then, he turned to Mei Gongzi

"Is that fine with you?"

Mei Gongzi nodded to him. "Sure."

Seeing her delicate and charming face, Tang San suddenly wanted to kiss her. Finally, they could fight side by side again. At this moment, his excitement was hard to contain. Memories of their past life flooded his mind.

He clearly remembered their past life as Xiao Wu and Tang San. Their duo had once dominated the arena, their cooperation seamless and unbeatable, defeating countless opponents.

Now, they would once more walk side by side into an arena. What could be more wonderful than this? Although he felt slightly sorry for Big Cat, he had his priorities, and he knew that Big Cat also had his own. All Tang San’s composure vanished in front of his Mei Gongzi, his Xiao Wu.

Registration, confirmation, receiving the competition badge, and confirming the competition time—after this series of procedures, the preparation for participation was complete.

Tang San, Mei Gongzi, and Big Cat all entered the individual competition. Then Tang San and Mei Gongzi entered the doubles competition.

What intrigued Tang San was that Mei Gongzi covered her name during the registration, not letting him see it. Was there a problem with her name? Was she going under an alias, the way he himself did?

"Let's go," the Peacock Great Demon King told Mei Gongzi.

"Okay. See you at the arena," she said, turning to nod at Asura.

"Alright. See you there."

After seeing her, Tang San's whole demeanor changed. His eyes sparkled with energy.

He had been somewhat hesitant to participate, but since Mei Gongzi was here, then all that went out the window.

After leaving the registration area, the Peacock Great Demon King and Mei Gongzi disappeared in a flash of silver light.

Their rapid arrival to the Ancestral Court was naturally due to spatial jumps, a specialty of the Peacock Demon clan. Of course, this ability was on an entirely different level when used by the mighty Peacock Great Demon King.

"Stop looking. They're already gone," Big Cat's teasing voice rang out.

Tang San turned to him and said, with a bitter smile, "Sorry, sorry, Big Cat. It's all my fault."

Big Cat waved his hand and said, "It's nothing, I understand. Prioritizing love over friendship is normal. If it were me, I'd do the same. I have to protect my loved one. Everything else is secondary. I understand."

Tang San held back and didn't mention that he was friends with Mei Gongzi before meeting Big Cat.

"Let's go. As compensation, I'll treat you to a really good meal. And if we place in the doubles competition, I'll pick something good for you."

Big Cat shook his head at Tang San's words and said, "Asura, you are my benefactor, and I now consider you my true brother. If you see me as a brother, don't say things like that in the future. I must strive for whatever I want with my strength; otherwise, I will never truly be strong. You've already set me on the path to obtaining the God-Slaying Sword. In this competition, I will prove to all those who look down on the Lion-Tiger clan that we are strong enough."

Seeing the determined light in his eyes, Tang San nodded slightly. Big Cat was right. You can never truly reach the top by relying on others.

Big Cat looked at him intently and continued, "But no matter what, the Lion-Tiger clan will be on your side. Just say the word, and we'll go through hell and back for you."

***

The Peacock Great Demon King teleported back to his residence with Mei Gongzi.

Now that there were no outsiders, his expression softened considerably when he looked at Mei Gongzi.

"Who is that Asura? Is he from your Redemption Society?" he asked.

"Yes. When we were in Kali City, he always helped me. Those few times where I took action personally... he assisted me."

In truth, she was not sure if Asura was part of the Redemption Society, and there was a genuine possibility that he wasn’t. But considering his actions and especially the oath he’d pledged to her...

The Peacock Great Demon King looked at his daughter with deep meaning and said, "If you believe he is an important ally for your future, you must make efforts to win him over. But if you can't be sure he will truly help you, you must remain vigilant. As a leader, you can't always control every one of your subordinates, but every core team member must be a trusted confidant."

"Understood." Mei Gongzi nodded.

Regarding Asura, she always maintained a sense of caution. That time she asked to see his true face was for this reason. That mask seemed a barrier, preventing her from fully letting go of her doubts even after that oath. But she could also feel Asura's complete devotion to her... and the undisguised joy and deep emotions in his eyes whenever they met.

"Alright, get some rest. You've been traveling nonstop since you passed the inheritance test and haven't rested properly," said the Peacock Great Demon King. Then his figure flickered and disappeared.

After her father left, Mei Gongzi relaxed. Seeing Asura today had indeed been a pleasant surprise for her, but it felt somewhat strange to form a team with him for this competition.

They had worked together before, but a long time had passed and her power had evolved immensely. Could they cooperate like they used to? She wasn't entirely sure of Asura's true strength, but she knew he was very powerful, always capable of what others couldn't achieve.

What about the Lion-Tiger who was with him earlier? Is he Asura's friend? Were they planning to compete in the doubles together?

But when he saw her, Asura chose to team up with her without hesitation.

What does he truly feel about me?