Chapter 363: Tom Gained Power from the Evil Altar, His Body Becoming Stronger

After playing Brighton, United's only remaining match in March is on March 31.

Premier League teams are like this—when busy, they're swamped; when idle, they're utterly empty.

No matches aren't good news for fans, because it means they won't be able to watch Tom's performances for a while.

The same goes for the players.

Standing at the gym door, Tang Ye and Rashford exchanged a glance, both looking helpless.

The Tom-Jerry duo is definitely the most miserable right now.

With the schedule cleared, Clare will load them with an enormous amount of strength and endurance training!

"Come on in, guys."

Van der Gaag pushed Tang Ye and Rashford inside together.

"To gain something, you must give something up."

Hmm…

Tang Ye felt he'd heard this phrase somewhere before.

Was it Mr. Eric who said it, or Mr. Ferran?

Tang Ye couldn't recall where exactly he'd heard it, but the principle behind it was undeniably sound.

Tang Ye craved power.

Like the villain kings in cartoons, he was utterly obsessed with power.

But those cartoon villains always paid a terrible price to gain power!

Tom is no different!

Now he was about to step onto the evil altar, paying a price to gain power!

"Start with light weights for warm-up; call me when you're done."

Clare assigned Tang Ye his task, then went to find the other players.

As the club's head fitness coach, he was responsible for all players' physical training—a very difficult job.

But strangely, Clare had barely left when he came back.

"What's wrong, sir?"

Just as Tang Ye hoisted the barbell onto his shoulders, he looked up at Clare, who pointed behind him: "Eric told me to keep a close eye on you—your potential for growth is the greatest."

"… "

Shook his head.

Of course—it was that damn Mr. Eric.

Too bad—Clare was watching him closely, so he couldn't slack off at all.

Clare wasn't strict, but he was a real tattletale.

Like when you were a kid in school and a classmate snitched on you for doing something bad.

That was always awful!

"Pay attention to your breathing—let your movements follow your breath…"

"… "

"Duang!"

"Duang!"

At first, Tang Ye could still make the barbell bar clank—it was because he rose from the squat with explosive speed.

But once the weight increased, he could no longer make any sound.

Because Tang Ye had to strain hard, pushing inch by inch just to lift the barbell!

"Huff!"

"Thud!"

The barbell crashed onto the rack; Tang Ye sat on the floor, drenched in sweat, gasping for air.

"Good. Keep your back straight when you descend. Rest for eight minutes—I'll come back then."

Clare walked away. Tang Ye shifted his body, leaning against the rack.

Physical training was as exhausting as ever.

Tomorrow they'd train endurance.

That was the most terrifying part!

He rolled up his shorts, placed his hands on his thighs, and squeezed slightly—muscles bulged visibly.

This gave Tang Ye some comfort.

The gym was Tom's evil altar.

Tang Ye sacrificed himself—and gained super strength!

【Physical Resistance: 79→80】

【Defense: 71→72】

Oh!

The altar delivered!

As soon as he offered the sacrifice, Tang Ye gained an upgrade!

Physical Resistance finally broke through the long-elusive 80 barrier!

With such a powerful villain, the heroes must be in trouble!

Tang Ye (40 years old)

【Ball Control: 86; Passing: 89】

【Shooting: 78; Heading: 55; Set Pieces: 76】

【Speed: 75; Endurance: 74; Physical Resistance: 80】

【Defense: 72; Vision: 97】

Overall Rating: 84

He gained two attributes at once, with Physical Resistance finally breaking past the long-standing 80 mark.

Tang Ye didn't know whether his rate of improvement was fast or slow, but he wasn't worried.

The heroes didn't understand the principle of sacrifice, so their growth could never match Tom's!

…

During these days of training, Tang Ye had felt his body changing.

Training was brutal, but Tang Ye's muscle quality simply couldn't match Rodrigo's.

This left Tang Ye in deep thought.

But thinking wasn't a problem for clever Tom.

According to Tang Ye's deduction, this must be what the system called "talent."

Rodrigo's physical talent was at least once-in-a-millennium level; Tang Ye's was average.

Even with the Ronaldo chicken breast boost, Tang Ye's gains from the same training were barely equal to Rodrigo's.

It was truly frustrating.

United already had one title; under the Ultimate Mission rules, Tang Ye could directly claim a once-in-a-millennium physical talent.

Tang Ye desperately wanted a stronger physical talent, but he knew he had to hold back.

Once-in-a-millennium, world-famous, unparalleled!

Only after steadying his mind could the once-in-a-millennium master earn the world's attention!

That was Tom's goal!

…

March 25—just days away from United's final match of the month.

In the evening cafeteria, Carrick gathered the players together.

"Whoa, what's going on?"

Tang Ye pressed his hands on Rashford's and Rodrigo's shoulders, eager to know what Carrick was about to say.

Was there an event?

"If there's an event, I'll join."

Tang Ye whispered to Rodrigo.

Since joining United, he'd played games less and less—but he needed something to pass the time.

Doing activities with teammates was a good option.

"Uh, um, um…"

Carrick looked hesitant; facing over twenty first-team teammates, he finally took a breath and spoke.

"After this season ends, I'm planning… uh… to retire."

…

"Rodrigo, why do you think Michael is retiring?"

Sitting in the passenger seat, Tang Ye posed his question to Rodrigo.

Rodrigo steered the wheel: "Michael's already 36, right? Most players retire around 35."

"But I feel Michael still really wants to keep playing."

Based on Tang Ye's understanding of Carrick, he was a man who adored football—he should've played until 40.

Yet in reality, Carrick's current competitive ability gave him no chance to play in a Manchester United midfield brimming with elite talent.

For Carrick, retiring at his favorite place might be the best choice of all!

"I'm telling you, Luo De, I have a feeling Michael will become a coach after retirement."

Tang Ye said suddenly.

"Why say that?"

"Because he loves football, and he loves Manchester United."

Tang Ye explained slowly: "Don't you notice, Luo De? Since we transferred here, Michael hasn't played a single match—but he still trains with absolute seriousness, like he's just a practice partner for the starters."

"Back when I was with Utrecht's reserve team, I was basically a practice partner too—but I never trained as seriously as Michael. If the coach wasn't watching, I'd just run off."

"Haha."

Must admit, Captain Carrick has many qualities Tang Ye needs to learn!

…

Dongqiu Di pinned: Manchester United legend midfielder Carrick announces retirement after the season, ending his 12-year career with the club.

Carrick began playing for Manchester United in 2006 and helped the club win the 2008 UEFA Champions League.

After Carrick's retirement, not a single player from United's 2008 Champions League squad remains at the club.

【True Red Devils are in tears; Tang Ye fans are probably still drinking milk.】

【Though I'm a Tang Ye stan, I'm also half a Manchester United fan—I'll cry first out of respect.】

【Now there's not a single Champions League winner left.】

When Carrick's retirement news broke, the fact that not one member of the "2008 Champions League squad" remained at Manchester United gave fans a sense that the club's glory had faded.

But the good news is, Manchester United just won a trophy at the end of February.

The fading glory is merely an illusion.

If they maintain this season's fierce momentum, Manchester United's revival is not an unreachable dream.

…

"Goal! Ashley Young!"

"In the 38th minute, Manchester United's persistent attack finally paid off!"

Ashley Young's powerful shot found the net—Manchester United leads 1-0 at home!

Ashley Young stood by the sideline, arms wide, when Tang Ye's voice came from behind.

"Yang!"

Tang Ye leapt onto Ashley Young's back, celebrating the goal with his teammates.

"United! United! United!"

The Manchester United fans in the stands were still singing.

This was Manchester United's final match of March.

If they won this match, Manchester United would earn the honor of winning every competition in March!

The camera cut to the home team's stands.

Originally, the Old Trafford stands were filled with banners for Tang Ye, Ashley Young, and Rashford—but today, every single one belonged to Carrick.

【Michael, forever Manchester United captain!】

【Manchester United will get better, Michael—you will too!】

Returning to the halfway line with his teammates, Tang Ye immediately saw the banners held by the fans.

Hmm…

Tang Ye hadn't played many matches alongside Carrick—but still.

If a player receives such an outpouring of farewell from fans upon retirement, his career must have been immensely successful—Tang Ye was certain of it.

Entering halftime with a 1-0 lead, Ten Hag made minor tactical adjustments, and the second half began quickly.

Learning from their previous FA Cup mistake, Ten Hag did not rush to substitute Tang Ye after taking the lead.

Let's see how Swansea behaves in the second half first!

"Tang Ye, move to the left flank!"

"Looking for space!"

Pah!

A 45-degree cross into the box.

Alea controlled the ball!

But his follow-up shot was blocked by a Swansea defender!

That was a pity!

"No worries, no worries!"

After regaining composure, five minutes later Tang Ye and Alea linked up again.

Another 45-degree cross—but this time from the right flank!

Pah!

The ball struck the edge of the box, bounced inside the penalty area.

Right in front of Alea!

Manchester United's center forward held off the challenge, lifted his foot, and calmly finished.

2-0!

"Keep going, keep going!"

Feeling in rhythm, Tang Ye quickly signaled to his teammates.

He would raise the tempo another notch!

"…."

Ball on the byline!

"Wow!"

Fans below the stands stood up, shouting instructions at Tang Ye.

"Cut inside! Cut inside!"

"Cut inside and you score!"

"Run in and shoot! Run in and shoot!"

Tang Ye dribbled along the flank, showcasing his exceptional ball control.

The ball seemed glued to his feet—utterly smooth!

Now's the moment!

Seizing the chance, Tang Ye executed a perfect between-the-legs dribble past the Swansea fullback.

Run forward!

Secure the ball!

Drop it back!

Tang Ye's low cross found Rodri in the center.

Rodri passed it forward to Herrera!

Herrera shoots!

3-0!

"Haha!"

So cool!

Tang Ye's mind replayed his between-the-legs dribble over and over.

It was truly brilliant—the broadcast replayed it along with the goal, showing fans the move.

"This is what we meant—this kid Tang Ye, heh heh, his ball control is among the very best in the Premier League, heh heh, just behind Hazard, Salah, and others, heh heh."

Commentator Zhang Lu gave Tang Ye the highest praise, and his three consecutive "heh heh" confirmed his identity to the fans.

At 67 minutes, 3-0—the score was rock solid. Ten Hag substituted Tang Ye.

"Tom!"

"Tom!! Wow!!"

Raising his hands to applaud, Tang Ye embraced Ten Hag, then walked straight to the stands and handed the last two pieces of gum in his pocket to today's lucky fans.

I wonder which lucky fan will receive my GGBond's gift.

So enviable!

…

Dongqiu Di match report: Manchester United defeated Swansea 5-1 at home, completing a perfect March across all competitions. Is the Manchester derby heating up?

Attached: Premier League standings (after Matchweek 32)

1. Manchester City, 84 points.

2. Manchester United, 78 points.

3. Tottenham, 64 points.

4. Liverpool, 63 points.

5. Chelsea, 58 points.

Manchester United's match against Swansea was actually Premier League Matchweek 32; Matchweek 31 had been postponed due to UEFA Champions League and FA Cup fixtures.

However, Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea, and other teams are the same—their 31st-round matches have also been postponed to May.

So now everyone is in the same situation: the league has reached the 32nd round, and the strong teams with busy schedules have generally played only 31 matches, one game behind, yet still firmly hold the top five positions in the standings.

Of course, unless you're a fan of Chelsea or Arsenal, teams fighting for European qualification, other fans don't care which clubs are in the top five or top four.

They care only about who wins the title this season.

Manchester United is on a crazy winning streak trying to catch Manchester City, but Manchester City is also on a crazy winning streak.

A month ago, the point difference between Manchester United and Manchester City was six points; now it's still six points.

To address this, reporters interviewed Manchester City's head coach, Guardiola.

"Manchester United's chase puts pressure on us, and that pressure will make us play better football—I believe Manchester United's chase will ultimately fail."

【I'm Guardiola, I'm freaking out right now】

【Hahaha】

【I thought Manchester City was already invincible this season, but it turns out there are still masters out there!】

Fans carefully analyzed the upcoming schedules for Manchester United and Manchester City.

Manchester City's remaining opponents are much easier than Manchester United's—this is bad news for Manchester United.

And one match is especially crucial.

That's the Manchester Derby on April 7th!

If Manchester City beats Manchester United for the second time in the Manchester Derby, they will essentially lock up the league title.

Conversely, if Manchester United wins, their chances of catching Manchester City will greatly increase.

But before the Manchester Derby, both Manchester Premier League teams have other tasks to complete.

Dongqudi Match Preview: On the morning of April 4th, the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, Manchester United hosts Juventus.

BBC commentator: Manchester United faces its greatest crisis since 2018; every match in April is vital for them. Unfortunately, Manchester United lacks sufficiently strong substitutes, which could become a hidden problem.

Professional Footballers' Association of England, March Premier League Player of the Month nominees:

1. Tang Ye, Manchester United.

2. Salah, Liverpool.

3. Son Heung-min, Tottenham.

4. David Silva, Manchester City.

5. Wood, Burnley.

Football Weekly Special Edition—KFC wants to sign Manchester United star Tom, but the player politely declined due to a busy schedule.

"KFC is under immense pressure; they want to finalize the Tom contract two months before the World Cup, just like Mengniu did. But the player's willingness is weak, so completing this deal by April will be extremely difficult."

"If the deal is finalized, KFC will launch a signature meal set featuring Tom, sold across Europe and mainland China."

……

"No, I really didn't lie to them."

In the apartment living room, Tang Ye is complaining to Luo De.

Yesterday, when chatting with KFC staff, he temporarily declined the sponsorship deal citing his busy April schedule.

But that genius KFC employee directly asked Tang Ye if he'd already signed with McDonald's.

"How could I have signed with McDonald's? McDonald's never even contacted me, Luo De. He even said I was lying—does that make sense?"

"If I were him, I'd suspect you've already contacted McDonald's too. You know, businessmen only understand money—they don't understand our April schedule."

"But I really haven't contacted McDonald's, and I rarely eat at McDonald's. Don't you think McDonald's burgers taste worse than KFC's?"

Tang Ye waved his hand, leaning back on the soft sofa, when the phone on the coffee table rang.

It was Bo'er calling.

"What's up, Bo'er?"

"McDonald's?"

Tang Ye froze.

He looked up at Luo De, whose cocky little brother was raising an eyebrow at Tom.

"..."

"Forget it, Bo'er. Don't call me this month—I'm swamped, really, really swamped. Gotta go. Thanks, Bo'er, talk next time."

Tang Ye hung up the phone.

"So, KFC or McDonald's?"

Luo De walked over to Tang Ye's side.

"What I just said—I prefer KFC."

"But it's not about which one you prefer to eat—it's about who offers more pounds."

Luo De pointed out Tang Ye's flawed thinking, but Tang Ye didn't think he was wrong.

"You should only endorse what you actually like."

Tang Ye explained.

If he endorsed McDonald's, KFC's Spicy Chicken Leg Burger would be heartbroken!

That would feel like betrayal!

His favorite was KFC's Spicy Chicken Leg Burger—Tom didn't want to make the thing he loved sad!

But whether it was KFC's Spicy Chicken Leg Burger or McDonald's Spicy Chicken Leg Burger wasn't something Tang Ye needed to consider right now.

"Shit... Luo De, how are Juventus and Manchester City supposed to win? They're just too strong."

……

(End of Chapter)