Yu Xiaogang experienced the feeling of being thoroughly slapped in the face for the first time – the kind that resounded with loud slaps.

His face flushed crimson with embarrassment; he was utterly at a loss for words.

Dai Mubai's words – "If her fourth soul ring is ten-thousand-year, doesn't that make Master's theory utter bullshit?" – still echoed relentlessly in his ears.

Seeing Yu Xiaogang's state, Zhu Zhuqing didn't press further and simply walked back to Tang Yin's side.

From the attitudes Flender, Zhao Wuji, Yu Xiaogang, and the others had shown her earlier, she realized she held little significance in their eyes.

She had made up her mind: rather than participating in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Grand Tournament with Shrek, she would go with Tang Yin.

Tang San glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, then at his teacher Yu Xiaogang. For the first time, he felt a flicker of doubt about the things Yu Xiaogang had taught him.

He knew very well that Zhu Zhuqing shouldn't compare to him. Yet, not only had her third soul ring surpassed the limit his teacher claimed was absolute, but her fourth was already ten-thousand-year. This wasn't just surpassing; it was shattering expectations.

It wasn't just Tang San. Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun also turned their gazes towards Yu Xiaogang, seeking a reasonable explanation.

But Yu Xiaogang had no idea how Zhu Zhuqing had achieved it. With no explanation to offer, silence became his only response.

"Master, if there's nothing else, we'll take our leave now."

That's right.

Tang Yin had no intention of staying. His destination was Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

After informing Yu Xiaogang and the others, he turned and walked out of the hotel.

Liu Erlong, Ah Yin, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu naturally followed Tang Yin.

Seeing Xiao Wu leave, Tang San looked at Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and Zhao Wuji. He desperately wanted to catch up with Xiao Wu immediately to ask her questions, but Yu Xiaogang was his teacher. Abandoning them to follow Xiao Wu felt wrong.

Tang San was caught in a dilemma.

"Let's go, head back first," Flender finally said, breaking the tension. He instructed everyone to gather their luggage and follow Tang Yin's group.

Tang Yin's chosen method of returning to Heaven Dou City was, as before, by carriage via the main road – quick and convenient. Hiring a carriage, they sped directly towards Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

After some time, Tang Yin's group finally arrived back within the grounds of Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Upon their return, Ah Yin left to attend to matters at home, while Zhu Zhuqing planned to go back with Xiao Wu.

Just then, Tang San caught up and stopped Xiao Wu.

"Xiao Wu, come with me. I need to talk to you." Tang San instinctively wanted to grab Xiao Wu's hand to pull her away, but hesitated and refrained.

Xiao Wu glanced at Tang Yin, then ultimately followed Tang San.

She intended to confess her pregnancy to Tang San directly.

The two arrived at a pavilion halfway up the mountain within the academy grounds.

Tang San looked at Xiao Wu; Xiao Wu looked back at Tang San. Both had things heavy on their hearts.

Tang San spoke first: "Xiao Wu, you are my little sister. I don't care what your identity is. You are now, and you will always be. So, please don't leave me anymore, okay?"

Xiao Wu's face showed a trace of apology. "Third Brother, I'm sorry. Actually, there's something else I've kept from you. The reason I wanted to leave wasn't just because of my identity."

"Whatever it is, I don't care, Xiao Wu. Just don't leave. That's all that matters," Tang San vowed earnestly.

Seeing this, Xiao Wu decided against further concealment and stated directly: "I'm pregnant."

"You… you… what?" Tang San stared at Xiao Wu in disbelief, convinced she was joking.

Observing Tang San's reaction, Xiao Wu continued, "Third Brother, I said I'm pregnant. It's been a while. The main reason I left before wasn't just my identity; it was mostly because I was already pregnant."

Snap! Tang San's mind and body trembled violently. It felt like his heart had shattered suddenly, the pain so intense he could barely breathe.

He looked at Xiao Wu, utterly unable to comprehend it.

He refused to believe it was true. It was impossible!

How could his Xiao Wu be pregnant? Absolutely impossible!

Tang San's voice shook. "Xiao Wu… you're… you're joking with me, right?"

"Third Brother, I'm not joking. I'm serious. I really am pregnant now. It happened back when you took me to Heaven Dou City that time. I was… tricked away by someone… and then… forced. The child in my belly… is that person's."

Snap!—

The last sliver of hope Tang San clung to vanished upon hearing Xiao Wu's words. His already fractured heart shattered completely. He was dumbstruck!

"X-Xiao Wu? Is this… is this true?" Yet, Tang San still held onto a final, desperate shred of hope. His gaze, filled with chaotic panic and a faint glimmer of longing, fixed on Xiao Wu as he forced the words out, his voice hoarse.

"Yes, it's true."

Snap!

Hearing Xiao Wu confirm it with her own voice extinguished any last trace of hope in Tang San. His heart, already in pieces, shattered once more. His face turned deathly pale.

Xiao Wu was truly pregnant. And it had happened during that trip he had taken her to Heaven Dou City.

Why?!

Why did this happen?!

Tang San screamed the questions inwardly, accompanied by overwhelming guilt. If only he hadn't lost Xiao Wu that day, none of this would have occurred.

Huuuuu—

Tang San took a deep, shuddering breath, forcing himself to regain some composure.

"So, Third Brother, I am now…" Xiao Wu began, intending to clarify their relationship.

Tang San cut her off, "Xiao Wu, do you know who that person is?"

It's your big brother, Tang Yin… Xiao Wu almost blurted it out. But the thought of the consequences for Tang Yin made her swallow the words. She chose to keep it secret.

She shook her head, feigning ignorance.

Seeing this, Tang San made a decision that went against his very core: "Xiao Wu, I won't despise you. Even though you were… forced… even though you're pregnant with someone else's child… you will always be my most beloved little sister."

Tang San himself didn't understand why he said it.

He just felt he couldn't lose Xiao Wu.

Even if she was pregnant with another man's child, he couldn't let her go.

Xiao Wu looked at Tang San with disbelief.

She knew Tang San's feelings for her were deep, but she hadn't imagined them to be this profound. Knowing she carried another's child, he could accept her without hesitation.

But if she hadn't encountered Tang Yin, hadn't been overwhelmed by his… imposing presence, hadn't conceived his child… perhaps she would have been deeply moved.

Now, however, it was impossible.

"Mm, Third Brother," Xiao Wu said, her gaze firm and resolute, "we can only ever be siblings."

Seeing the determination in Xiao Wu's eyes sent a jolt of panic through Tang San's heart.

He felt Xiao Wu genuinely intended to be nothing more than his sister for life.

But he knew his own feelings for her were far from merely fraternal.

Tang San desperately wanted to confess his true feelings immediately. Yet, the thought of Xiao Wu's current state – pregnant with another's child – made him fear pressuring her. In the end, he could only nod silently in reluctant agreement.