Chapter 105

"Can these same-name-different-fate fate fragments also be fused?" Tang Luo asked.

Fate fragments of the same fantasy figure can be fused, instantly achieving a qualitative leap, elevating the strength of the fate fragment holder.

"They can also be fused, only, it's not as good as having the same fate effect." Kong Ming said, "But, it can broaden the 'path'."

Take Sun Wukong as an example.

The holder of the Journey to the West Sun Wukong fate can absorb and fuse fate fragments like those from the Hong Kong comic version of Sun Wukong.

The reverse is also true.

Such absorption, in terms of enhancing the strength of the fate fragment holder, is not as good as same-source fate fragments, but it might bring some never-before-seen new abilities.

Of course, the Journey to the West Sun Wukong fate fragment cannot be fused with the Dragon Ball Sun Wukong fate fragment.

It's not that just because they share the same name, fate fragments can definitely be fused with each other.

The fate fragments of Devil May Cry Nero and Fate Nero definitely cannot be fused.

"I see, then what exactly does fate have to do with gods and demons walking?" Tang Luo said, "Various influences, including personality and such, will there be any?"

"Yes, and no." Kong Ming said, "Ultimately, it still depends on the person."

Thirteen is a very good example.

The fate of the Evil King Shi Zhixuan ultimately caused him to suffer from split personality, so he would answer Qin Menglan with "It's me, yet not me" — such philosophically charged words.

A typical case of being too deeply influenced by fate, almost losing oneself.

Some people are completely unaffected, like Laozi acting as if fate is your father's doing.

"Is this a side effect?" Tang Luo pointed at Wind Junior Sister.

"... I'm leaving." Wind Junior Sister suddenly stood up; if she stayed any longer, she would be "backlashed."

"Be careful on the way." Kong Ming didn't try to stop her, to avoid Xiao Feng being angered to death by Tang Luo here.

"Cough, that's innate." Kong Ming whispered, indicating it wasn't Nie Feng's fate that made "Wind Junior Sister" flat-chested.

"What would happen if a man turned into a woman?" Tang Luo said eagerly.

"This..." Kong Ming felt something was off, are you here to study or to gossip? "Later, when you see Master Xuanzang, you'll know."

"Alright." Tang Luo said, "Then let's discuss the compensation issue."

"... Still need it?" Kong Ming felt a pang of frustration, we're all our own people here, still need compensation? You're not doing this right!

Tang Luo's face turned serious: "Even blood brothers must settle accounts clearly—do you really want to oppress new organization members?"

Kong Ming spoke with difficulty: "Alright, I remember Master you wanted some healing items; next time I'll bring them for you."

Tang Luo was very pleased, stood up, "Okay, then that's settled, Old Kong, I'm leaving first."

"Wait!" Kong Ming called out to Tang Luo, "Master Xuanzang, do you have no more questions, such as about the martial arts myths?"

Taking the compensation and running off—this is too real!

"No more, by the way, if anything comes up later, remember to find me—just call the number on my business card." Tang Luo said.

"... Alright, in a few days we'll send you your identification and the 'compensation' you want." Kong Ming said, he truly believed in Tang Luo's potential, thinking he's a malleable talent; if he doesn't die in vain, his future achievements will be limitless.

"You mean that all-black outfit and mask?" Tang Luo asked.

"Mm." Kong Ming nodded.

"No need, I, Tang Xuanzang, conduct myself openly and righteously—no need to hide my identity." Tang Luo said.

"... No, at least let everyone know you're one of us?" Kong Ming felt helpless, for the first time feeling that being too fond of talent isn't a good thing.

"Is there no other form of identification?" Tang Luo asked.

"There is."

"Then give me the other one, not that clothing or mask. I'm a monk; wearing all black and a mask—what would I look like?" Tang Luo said.

"... Alright." Kong Ming replied with difficulty, suddenly wanting to go talk to Qin Menglan about how to communicate with this Tang Xuanzang.

"Leaving." Tang Luo said, as the Heavenly Roaring Dog jumped onto Tang Luo's shoulder.

"Master, take care." Kong Ming said, feeling exhausted, as if more tired than after a fight.

Leaving the tea room, Tang Luo took out his phone, dialed Qin Menglan's number, the matter was settled, but he still needed to report in.

By the way, ask if they're injured, if they need treatment.

"Hello, are you okay?" As soon as it rang once, Qin Menglan's voice came from the other end.

"I'm fine, I've settled things here, how about you—do you need light-based healing?" Tang Luo asked.

"... We're at the café you mentioned." Qin Menglan said, this guy—just how obsessed is he with giving people enlightenment?

"Oh, it's fine, no need for light-based healing—then let's disperse, I happen to be heading home too." Tang Luo said.

"I'll come find you later." Qin Menglan said.

"Okay." Tang Luo agreed.

One hour later, at Tang Luo's home.

"You've already fought them?" Qin Menglan asked.

The Martial Arts Myths, a mysterious and powerful organization, hidden in the shadows, making it hard for people to sleep.

"No, I joined the Martial Arts Myths." Tang Luo said with a smile.

"..."

Tang Luo, an inscrutable man, likewise makes it hard for people to sleep.

Qin Menglan pressed her forehead: "Come on, seriously tell me, are you joking?"

"No, I really did join." Tang Luo said, "I even signed a contract—I can't reveal more related information."

"... What are you thinking?" Qin Menglan said, exhausted, really wanting to give up, never again be the contact for Near-Science, love it or leave it, she wants to retire.

"Isn't joining an organization perfectly normal? Unity is strength." Tang Luo said, "Moreover, having an organization means having people, people can punish evil and promote good, uphold socialist core values, develop the Eight Honors and Eight Shames, merit accumulates on the body—why not join?"

At this moment, Qin Menglan suddenly understood.

At first, Tang Luo readily agreed to join Get Close to Science, not because he was persuaded effectively, nor because Get Close to Science was a successful organization.

But this guy is just a scumbag at heart—he adds one after another!

For Tang Luo, joining various organizations is basically like a pig rooting for cabbage—it's pure instinct!

"So, joining organizations is your instinct?" Qin Menglan asked.

"Well, I'm not really interested in small organizations." Tang Luo said.

"You're not afraid of joining some evil organization and ending up on a thief's ship. The Martial Arts Myth may not necessarily count as evil, but its goals are unclear anyway." Qin Menglan said.

Tang Luo smiled faintly: "No problem— the more evil the organization, the better. Destroying them would be a great merit!"

"Suddenly I feel a bit sympathetic toward the Martial Arts Myth— are all the people inside just like you, 'undercover agents,' with only a few actually doing the work?" Qin Menglan tried to find humor in hardship.

Although she brought Tang Luo into Get Close to Science, some people in the Martial Arts Myth have done the same thing— everyone's the same, so thinking about it, her mind felt much more balanced.

"That's the Black Clothes Organization, right?" Tang Luo said.

"I'll keep your joining the Martial Arts Myth a secret." Qin Menglan sighed.

The more she knows, the more likely something will go wrong later?

"Okay." Tang Luo nodded.

For now, it's better not to expose that I'm a member of the Martial Arts Myth.

I can't determine how many people know about this organization, or whether they hold ill feelings toward this mysterious group, which might affect "business."

Once the Opening Light Society gains widespread fame and I become its golden brand, I won't need to worry about such issues anymore.

"In the future, don't forget me when there's a mission—I will always stand on the side of justice." Tang Luo said.

"Got it." Qin Menglan said weakly.

But for future missions, when they need Tang Luo, she will still bring him along— based on his strength and the Opening Light, it's impossible not to.

Besides, the salary is paid regardless— might as well make use of him a few more times!

Thinking this way, Qin Menglan's mood improved significantly.

Since Tang Luo signed the contract, Qin Menglan has no way to inquire further about the Martial Arts Myth's information.

After grabbing the Heavenly Roar Dog and taking a breath, Qin Menglan felt much better: "As for the bonus, it will be directly deposited into your bank account, though yours won't be too much."

Participating in the operation, regardless of success or failure, will definitely come with a reward.

God and Demon Wanderings really like this approach— more meticulous than God and Demon Games.

This time, the execution of the Thirteen, including A Tuo and the Observer, will all receive bonuses.

Tang Luo will too.

But Tang Luo took the Fate Fragment, so his bonus will be reduced slightly, to avoid making other God and Demon Wanderings feel unbalanced.

Why does he get both benefits and the bonus?

Not everyone can clearly recognize the gap between themselves and others, acknowledge it, and feel that the other person gaining more is justified.

It's not about fearing scarcity but fearing inequality— this has always been a difficult problem.

"It's fine if I don't use it— I really need money later. Won't the organization support me then?" Tang Luo said, picking at the wool.

Qin Menglan wordlessly rubbed the Heavenly Roar Dog.

Indeed, the God and Demon Wanderings of Get Close to Science have really encountered financial trouble, sought help— shouldn't we help solve it?

"By the way, you mentioned those two God and Demon Wanderings last time— Zhou Zhen Guo and Chu Chong Tian— they're still alive, we've found them, and they're both willing to join Get Close to Science." Qin Menglan said, "At the next gathering, they'll attend— you can meet them."

The two people Tang Luo provided are still quite suitable for Get Close to Science's requirements.

"Good." Tang Luo nodded.

His mission intervals are currently all over a month apart.

From the first mission to now, calculating the time, it's been over three months.

The fourth mission was just completed today; the next mission's start time is estimated to be over a month away.

"What does your dog like to eat?" Qin Menglan held up the Heavenly Roar Dog in front of her, such a good little cat— how did it end up with this owner?

"Dog food?" Tang Luo didn't know either.

Basically, it eats whatever he eats.

The Heavenly Roar Dog can eat anything— on the last mission, it even had an extra meal, eating four God and Demon Wanderings— you shouldn't tell Qin Menglan about this.

Tang Luo is still very considerate of others.

"This is a cat— why would it eat dog food!" Qin Menglan said, "I know a place with excellent cat food— wait, I'll send you the link."

"So troublesome." Tang Luo said.

"Meow." The Heavenly Roar Dog struggled in Qin Menglan's hands, looking at Tang Luo with pitiful eyes.

"What is cat food?" she thought, really wanting to try some. The world is so big— there are so many things she wants to eat.

"Sister will buy it for you— " Before Tang Luo could respond, Qin Menglan couldn't hold back, hugging the Heavenly Roar Dog again and rubbing it vigorously, "No matter how much you want to eat, I'll buy it for you."

"A sycophant ends up with nothing in the end." Tang Luo reminded.

"Get lost— whatever the little kitten does is right." Qin Menglan said firmly.

"I hope you can keep this thought until the end." Tang Luo thought silently.