To become a Borisin person and gain vast life force, even the Holy Spirit Church's fanatics often failed, let alone Tang Ya in her puppet-like state. One misstep, and she'd become a mindless monster.
And even if Tang Ya's memory returned, with her original will, could she really succeed in the transformation?
That thought flashed through Huo Yuhao's mind but he suppressed it.
Bei Bei's fingers dug so deep into his palm they bled, but he didn't feel any pain.
His usually gentle blue eyes were now bloodshot, locked on Tang Ya's empty face.
He'd dreamed of reunion countless times—perhaps a tearful hug, perhaps playful scolding. He'd never imagined this—she stood here, but like a soulless doll, even her breath cold and puppet-like.
Bei Bei looked up at Xu Sanshi.
His friend's face was pale, his eyes full of fear and protest, lips moving in a soundless "don't."
Suddenly Bei Bei felt it was all pointless—not towards Xu Sanshi, but this damned, inescapable fate.
Obsession... truly the heaviest shackle, locking him on this path of no return.
"Bei Bei! Wake the hell up!"
Xu Sanshi finally roared, his voice hoarse with panic, grabbing Bei Bei's arms so hard his nails nearly broke the skin.
"That's the Holy Spirit Church! The Evil Soul Masters' lair! Our Shrek investigation team sacrificed countless lives to destroy them! Have you forgotten those who died on missions? Have you forgotten Elder Mu's hopes for you? You're the heir to Sea God's Pavilion!"
"Xiao Ya..."
But Bei Bei seemed deaf, staring only at Tang Ya—her once lively eyes now as dull as dusty glass beads.
There was no more light in them, no more him—only gray death.
And it was this deathly stillness that crushed all his balance—reason, principles, loyalty, all shattered without resistance.
If that lifeless gaze could be revived, he was willing to pay any price.
Huo Yuhao's lips curled almost imperceptibly.
He knew Bei Bei too well.
Bei Bei's only weakness had always been Tang Ya—for her, he could become a Buddha, or a devil.
"Joining the Holy Spirit Church doesn't necessarily mean falling."
Huo Yuhao's voice sounded, calm and analytical.
"Just like Dragon Emperor Douluo Long Xiaoyao—he's a Supreme Elder of the Church, but has he ever used Evil Soul Master methods? Senior Brother, you're Elder Mu's great-grandson, Shrek's chosen successor. If you join, the leader will treasure you, giving you a high position."
"With Elder Long and Ye Xishui looking after you for Elder Mu's sake, you'll have a say in the Church. Protecting Teacher Xiao Ya won't be difficult."
These words were the precise key, unlocking Bei Bei's last defenses.
"Join the Holy Spirit Church..."
Bei Bei was silent for a long, long time—so long it seemed the air itself froze—before rasping, voice raw and bloody.
"Can they... really restore Xiao Ya's memory?"
"Bei Bei! Are you crazy?!"
All color drained from Xu Sanshi's face as he gripped Bei Bei's arm, nearly crushing it.
"Do you know what you're saying?! Turn back! There's still time!"
"Sorry, Sanshi..."
Bei Bei lowered his head, his voice full of endless exhaustion and near despair.
"Forgive me."
Yet Xu Sanshi knew—this was Bei Bei. He loved Tang Ya to the bone, willing to fall into the abyss for her.
He knew it was a bottomless pit, but he couldn't let go.
He'd rather believe in the faint hope Huo Yuhao offered—Shrek couldn't save Xiao Ya now. Only the abyss itself might hold a sliver of hope.
"I won't allow it!"
Xu Sanshi spun him around, face bulging with veins.
"Even if I have to knock you out, I'm dragging you back!"
He couldn't just watch his best friend leap into the fire!
"Master, things are looking bad! How about a strategic retreat?"
Cú Chulainn suddenly appeared beside Xu Sanshi, the red spear pointed at the ground, eyes warily watching Xiao Wu.
That earlier kick still left his arm tingling, his fighting spirit burning, but also a deep sense of dread.
Despite his talk, Cú Chulainn's fighting spirit was blazing. If not for his Master's safety, he'd be eager for a battle.
But he wasn't one to act recklessly—he had principles.
"Bei Bei, do you really have to go this far? Isn't there another way?"
Xu Sanshi's face was heavy. As Bei Bei's best friend, he understood, but couldn't accept it emotionally.
"Leave, Sanshi. I can't risk Xiao Ya's life."
Bei Bei shook his head.
Maybe there was another way, but he wasn't willing to gamble, not with Tang Ya's life.
Xu Sanshi shook his head as well—he couldn't just walk away.
If he and Cú Chulainn left, Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu would surely die, and Siegfried would be forced out.
Now, Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu had lost their combat power, Siegfried was heavily wounded, and facing Yae Sakura. If Xu Sanshi left, they'd be finished.
"Lancer, do your best. Whether we can hold out until reinforcements arrive is up to you!"
Xu Sanshi gritted his teeth, forced himself upright, and slammed his giant Black Tortoise Shield into the ground.
"Buzz—!"
Dark light shot skyward, with a deep, ancient roar as a massive Black Tortoise phantom appeared.
Xu Sanshi's shield fired a black beam, instantly enveloping Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu.
With a twist of space, the two appeared behind Xu Sanshi.
This was his fourth soul skill—Black Tortoise Displacement, able to bring targets within a hundred meters to his side.
Immediately after, countless smaller black shields appeared, swirling in layers, forming an impenetrable defensive array.