Chapter 218: The Entangling Dream of Red Dust

"Ouch, go easy…… Wulin, you're using too much force, aren't you?"

Xu San Shi, with Zhou Sichen's help, struggled to his feet from the rubble, tears almost coming out, his whole body sore.

The recent battle could be described in one word: one-sided.

Tang Wulin's strength seemed to have entered a new realm; Xu San Shi never imagined anyone could withstand his Xuanwu Awakening state's Xuanwu Shock unscathed.

Not only was his defense formidable, but the attack power that shattered the Xuanwu Shield, even after being pulled forward by the Xuanwu Summon and left stiff, he still managed to dodge Xu San Shi's attack in that instant of stiffness and catch the Turtle God Collision barehanded, giving Xu San Shi the illusion he was facing not a human but a hundred-thousand-year soul beast.

Tang Wulin smiled helplessly:

"Sorry, third senior brother, I can't quite control my power right now."

He wasn't lying; in fact, contrary to what others thought, he was a little disappointed with his own performance.

During the previous Extreme Solo Soldier Project, his grasp of his body had reached an exquisite level; though still far from the legendary unity of heaven and man, at least perfect control of his bodily movements was no problem.

Yet now all his effort was wasted; his control over his body was even worse than before the Extreme Solo Soldier Project began.

This made him feel terrible.

Still, if it weren't for the Extreme Solo Soldier Project honing his close-combat skills and teaching him how to wield power, he might now struggle even with daily life.

The others also gathered around, their expressions somewhat strange.

Tang Wulin didn't strike them—or rather, hadn't had the chance yet—because when they saw him violently beating Xu San Shi, they tacitly chose to surrender.

They weren't masochists; they had no interest in taking a beating, and now facing Tang Wulin meant only getting hit.

Xu San Shi let out a long sigh.

"Ah, I thought I was already strong enough, but compared to you, a true monster, I'm still far behind."

Everyone nodded together.

Tang Wulin's performance in this battle could be said to have shattered the faint arrogance they had just generated.

Even when facing senior students from the inner court, they had never felt so powerless.

The group walked out of the Dou Hun Qu, only to unexpectedly bump into two familiar people.

It was the Red Dust siblings; these two were walking with an inner court disciple toward the interior of the Dou Hun Qu. Seeing Xiaohongchen and that inner court disciple fuming, and Meng Hongchen looking helpless, it was likely Xiaohongchen had clashed with the other party.

Given that guy's arrogant nature, this was hardly surprising.

Upon seeing Tang Wulin, Meng Hongchen's body shuddered violently; the image of Tang Wulin kissing Huo Yutong flashed through her mind.

It must be said that Huo Yutong's act of asserting dominance, though somewhat extreme, was effective—it indeed caused Meng Hongchen great harm.

But if that made her retreat, she wouldn't be herself.

Meng Hongchen whispered something to Xiaohongchen and the inner court disciple, then hurried over, smiling somewhat nervously at Tang Wulin.

"Tang Wulin, hello, do you still remember me? I'm Meng Hongchen."

"En."

Tang Wulin nodded lightly.

Even without mentioning her fondness for him, just based on her being his opponent in the final match of the previous tournament, he would find it hard to forget her.

Meng Hongchen instantly felt a surge of excitement.

"If I run into trouble while at Shilake Academy, can I come to you for help anytime?"

The others' gazes instantly turned odd.

They could see at once what scheme Meng Hongchen was hatching; knowing Tang Wulin had just announced his relationship with Huo Yutong before them, her behavior seemed almost provocative to them.

Yet they all stayed silent, standing aside, letting Tang Wulin handle it himself.

Tang Wulin shook his head firmly.

"Sorry, no."

Meng Hongchen's face stiffened at once, but she quickly put on a smile again.

"Why?" Tang Wulin said seriously:

"Because I don't like you."

Upon hearing this, Meng Hongchen finally lost control of her expression; her cheeks twitched, and a sheen of tears appeared in her eyes.

Seeing this, Xiaohongchen strode over.

"Tang Wulin, you brat, dare to make my sister cry! If you've got the guts, come fight me!"

To be frank, Xiaohongchen had never really taken Tang Wulin seriously; in his eyes, the biggest rival had always been Huo Yutong. During the previous tournament, Tang Wulin's brilliance had been completely overshadowed by Huo Yutong, so to him Tang Wulin was just a coward who hid behind women.

Now that Huo Yutong was gone, he naturally wouldn't fear Tang Wulin; he rolled up his sleeves, ready to give this pretty‑boy a taste of his own medicine.

Tang Wulin glanced at him lightly; a golden light flickered in his eyes, and Xiaohongchen's heart jolted, causing him to unconsciously halt his steps.

After subduing Xiaohongchen, Tang Wulin turned his gaze back to Meng Hongchen.

"I know you have feelings for me, but sorry, as you know, I already have a girlfriend, so I can't return your feelings."

His expression was utterly serious.

"You are the granddaughter of Ming De Hall Hall Master Jing Hong Chen, you're also quite beautiful; many people should like you, and there shouldn't be a lack of outstanding ones among them. I hope you won't hang yourself on this crooked tree of mine—seek a better match."

Having said that, he turned and left with the others.

Bei Bei secretly gave him a thumbs‑up.

When it's time to refuse, refuse; don't drag things out—that's the way to be.

From behind, Meng Hongchen's voice came over:

"Tang Wulin, I won't give up on you! Just because you have a girlfriend? I'll make you forget her in these two and a half years!"

Tang Wulin secretly shook his head, not taking her words to heart.

Having said all this, if she still refuses to let go, it would be too much of a self‑inflicted torment.

Meng Hongchen's status is so noble; there's no need for her to do this.

However, events gradually unfolded beyond his expectations.

Wulin, good morning.

Early the next morning, when Tang Wulin arrived at the inner courtyard and saw Jing Hong Chen crouching and watching him, he couldn't help but stare blankly subconsciously.

Didn't I tell you I don't like you?

It's fine; it's okay if you don't like me now, as long as you end up liking me later.

Jing Hong Chen clenched her little fist, eyes shining, and said:

I don't believe I'll lose to that Huo Yutong!

Damn, she seems serious.

Tang Wulin felt an ominous premonition rise in his heart.

His premonition was not wrong.

From this day on, whenever Tang Wulin left Haishen Dao, Jing Hong Chen would find a way to follow.

He couldn't strike her hard either, since she hadn't done anything to him, and she was Jing Hong Chen's granddaughter; if he acted rashly, who knows whether Jing Hong Chen would go after Huo Yutong.

But during this period he was annoyed enough, Jing Hong Chen kept clinging to him, to the point that his personal life was affected to some extent.

Tang Wulin suddenly could somewhat understand Jiang Nannan's feelings.

Continuing like this isn't a solution; he must quickly get away from her side.

Tang Wulin silently settled on a plan in his heart.

(End of chapter)