160 Gu Yue’s Decision

Gu Yue’s eyes were blank. Wu Zhangkong glanced at her, not particularlysurprised at her expression. “Gu Yue, your opponent was the Spirit Pagoda’sfounder, the Spirit Ice Douluo Huo Yuhao back when he only possessed two soulrings.”

“So you three shouldn’t be discouraged. You were defeated by powerful legendsafter all. If you do well in the Hall of Heroes and keep rising up, you mighteven get the chance to battle the original Shrek Seven Monsters one day.”

Tang Wulin subconsciously swallowed at these unbelievable words. He didn’teven need to think about his answer and directly shouted out, “I want to join!”

Having heard the tales of the legendary Tang Sect since childhood, one couldonly imagine his burning desire to join the organization. These stories,however, weren’t the main reason behind his willingness to join—it was hisidol, the founder of the Tang Sect who possessed the same martial soul as him!Any previous doubts he held towards joining Wu Zhangkong’s organization wereblown away after hearing that it was the Tang Sect.

Xie Xie came to a similar conclusion after a moment of hesitation. “I want tojoin too.”

Wu Zhangkong cautioned them, “You don’t need to decide so quickly. You can gohome and ask your family first.”

Xie Xie shook his head. “There’s no need. I don’t want to miss out on such anopportunity. Teacher Wu, I will join. I’m sure I can convince my family too.”

Tang Wulin’s and Xie Xie’s gazes drifted to Gu Yue. Neither of them knewwhether she would join or not, but it was indisputable that her performance wasthe best out of all of them today.  

In reality, their only requirement was to pass the first trial of the mediumlevel to be eligible for membership. The trials after that were to push them totheir limits.

“I’m sorry, Teacher Wu. Wulin, Xie Xie, I won’t join,” Gu Yue said with utmostcalm. There wasn’t a single shred of regret in the depths of her eyes, as ifshe was only dealing with a mundane matter.

“Huh, why?” Xie Xie and Tang Wulin asked in unison.

Gu Yue simply shook her head. “There’s already another organization that Iwant to join, so I can’t join the Tang Sect.”

Tang Wulin wanted to say something, but Wu Zhangkong cut him off. “That’sfine. Everyone has their own ambitions, so it’s fine as long as you havethought things through properly. Gu Yue, you’re very talented and would be ableto shine no matter where you go in the future. With this being the case, I’llmake some other arrangements for the combat component of your education.”

“Thank you, Teacher Wu.” Gu Yue curtly nodded.

Still in disbelief, Tang Wulin approached Gu Yue. “But Gu Yue, it’s the TangSect! The Tang Sect that has traditions from 20,000 years ago and countlessmysteries!”

There was a slight change in Gu Yue’s expression, but her mind was firm. Sheshook her head once more at Tang Wulin’s words. “I’m sorry Wulin. I had alreadydecided to join the Spirit Pagoda before we came here, and they require that Idon’t join any other organization.”

While Tang Wulin was stunned at these words, Wu Zhangkong’s eyebrows jumped upin surprise.When did the Spirit Pagoda approach Gu Yue? They made their move soquickly!

But Gu Yue’s excellence had been apparent from the beginning. Regardless ofwhether it was during the rebellion period or the ordinary spirit ascensionplatform, Gu Yue had always demonstrated extraordinary strength and potential.Neither Tang Wulin nor Xie Xie could compare to her, especially with hernever-before-seen martial soul which could control six elements. Moreover, hercontrol power was formidable, allowing her strength to far surpass her peers.The Spirit Pagoda had undoubtedly paid a tremendous price to rope her in.

It was exactly as she had said. There would be some disputes if she joined theTang Sect after joining the Spirit Pagoda.

Wu Zhangkong’s gaze returned to Tang Wulin and Xie Xie. “What Gu Yue said wascorrect. Both the Tang Sect and the Spirit Pagoda are top-notch organizationson the continent. An organization isn’t like an association; you can only joinone organization. If you choose to join the Tang Sect, then in the future, youcannot join the Spirit Pagoda. If you want to leave the Tang Sect, then you’llneed to return everything you received from it, including cultivation methods.With this in mind, you two should carefully consider your decision again andtell me at a later time.”

Without the slightest hesitation, Tang Wulin said, “I don’t need to think itover. I want to join the Tang Sect. It’s my dream!” That was right, he haddreamed of joining the Tang Sect since childhood.

Though he didn’t want to separate from Gu Yue, he had to prioritize his dream!

Xie Xie looked back and forth between Tang Wulin and Gu Yue before nodding tohimself. “Teacher Wu, I have also settled on joining the Tang Sect.”

“Fine. We’ll end today’s testing here. After filling in some forms later, youwill officially become outer members of the Tang Sect. I’ll explain to you at alater time everything you need to know about the organization such as rules,benefits and duties.”

On the bus ride home, Tang Wulin stared off into the distance with a lonelyexpression.

Wang Jinxi had left. Zhang Yangzi had left. Even Gu Yue was choosing adifferent path from him. His companions were leaving one by one, and he trulyfelt powerless since he had no basis to influence their decisions. If joiningthe Tang Sect hadn’t been his dream, he definitely would have chosen to jointhe Spirit Pagoda with Gu Yue. Companions had to stay together after all!

Yet, it was as if fate had decreed that he must be alone. His family andfriends were leaving one after the other, and the only one left by his side wasXie Xie.Will Xie Xie leave me too?

Seated beside him, Xie Xie prodded him with a few words. “What’s up? Are youfeeling down because Gu Yue isn’t joining the Tang Sect?”

Tang Wulin shook his head. “I just feel like everyone I hold dear is leaving.My parents and Na’er left. Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi left, and now Gu Yue haschosen a different path. Maybe I really am meant to be alone.”

Xie Xie heartily laughed. “How can that be? Don’t you still have me? I won’tleave.”

A depressed sigh escaped Tang Wulin’s lips. “Maybe you won’t have a choice butto leave me in the future too.”

“Who said I’m going to leave?!” Gu Yue suddenly appeared beside them. Shepulled Xie Xie out of his seat before stealing it to sit beside Tang Wulin.

“You’re so emotional,” Gu Yue said, displeased.

Tang Wulin was startled by her words. “Maybe.”

Gu Yue pressed on. “I only chose not to join the Tang Sect, and it’s not likeI’m leaving class zero. Whatever organization I join doesn’t change the factthat I’ll always be together with you guys.”

Seeing an opening, Xie Xie took this chance to cut in. “If you just say ‘you’instead of ‘you guys’, he’d be far more moved.”

“Go away!” Tang Wulin and Gu Yue yelled at him in unison.

“You guys are bullies!” Xie Xie said with grievance.

Tang Wulin chuckled. “Sorry Gu Yue, I didn’t mean to blame you. Everyone makestheir own decisions. I just feel a bit frustrated. You were right. Maybe it’sbecause my family left, but I’ve been very emotionally weak. I’ll do my best tofix that.”

Poking his head in once more, Xie Xie said, “Just vent your feelings wheneveryou need to. For example, let me beat you up once.”

Tang Wulin snorted. “I’m not so certain I’d be the one getting beat up.”

☀

The end of a semester was a joyous occasion for all students as it marked thestart of their one month long vacation. They could finally relax and forgetabout studying or cultivating during this time. Despite their status asprestigious Soul Masters, in the end, they were only children.

After one more trip to the Dazzling Era Tang Sect the next day, class zeroalso began their vacation. Gu Yue and Xie Xie chose to spend their vacationaway from campus.

Naturally, they were both going home to play and relax, leaving Tang Wulin theonly one left in the dormitory.

Where can I even go? Back to Glorybound City?

Mom and dad aren’t there anymore, so can that place even be called homeanymore?Tang Wulin bitterly laughed at his lonesome thoughts.

The only place he had now was Mang Tian’s workshop. He hoped that by devotinghimself to cultivating and work, he’d be able to forget about his family.

He had already filled out the Tang Sect’s registration form and handed it toWu Zhangkong, who submitted it to the Dazzling Era Tang Sect for review. Onlyafter approval would he officially become a member of the Tang Sect.