Chapter 1233 - 187: Tang Haofei’s Current Situation

They poured their own brewed tea, enjoyed the wild fruits from the mountains, and sat silently at the small table for a while.

Three years apart, they met again and were silent for a moment—not due to emotional estrangement, but because both were contemplating how to initiate the conversation.

There was much to discuss, but precisely because of this, they didn’t know where to begin.

Finally, Tang Haofei spoke first: "How have you been these years?"

"I’m alright, went to the Demon Realm, solved a big problem, and helped a friend with some things, that’s about it."

In one simple sentence, Wen Yu described the entire journey to the Demon Realm. As for the finer details, he didn’t mention them, nor was there a need to—such as the identity of the Demon Spirit, the changes in the Demon Realm. Telling Tang Haofei wouldn’t solve anything; in reality, Wen Yu couldn’t resolve it either. Rather than distressing others, it was better to keep these matters to himself.

"By the way, after a few years, you seem to have grown much stronger."

Tang Haofei’s aura was indeed much stronger than when they exchanged blows years ago—about an 80% increase, which was quite an impressive figure given Tang Haofei’s foundation.

Tang Haofei nonchalantly nodded and glanced at Wen Yu, his lips curling into a smile.

"Seems like I’m still far behind you."

Even the footsteps and breathing couldn’t be sensed, though due in part to the Heaven-covering Robe’s effect, realistically speaking, the disparity between Tang Haofei and Wen Yu’s power was growing larger.

After chatting about these things, the atmosphere between them warmed up considerably. Old Tang talked about the interesting events that happened after Wen Yu left—including the Sequence Member-Ranking Battle and the situation at the main battlefield. Wen Yu then selectively shared some happenings from the Demon Realm, which left Old Tang astonished.

They chatted for about half an hour until Wen Yu looked at Tang Haofei, his face serious, and asked discreetly.

"How are those two inside your body... doing?"

Regarding the cost of power, Wen Yu was still quite curious.

In response, Tang Haofei remained silent, then smiled as he shook his head: "The situation is somewhat bad..."

"How bad?"

Hearing Wen Yu’s retort, Tang Haofei pondered for a moment, then raised his fist and aimed a blow at Wen Yu’s head.

...

A swift punch, without stirring any wind. From this punch, Wen Yu discerned that Tang Haofei’s ability to control power had greatly improved, reaching the peak of a particular technique. Nevertheless, Wen Yu simply extended his hand to block Tang Haofei’s fist, felt the feedback force, and then shook his head with a sigh.

"Weaker... far too much weaker..."

The force of this punch was hardly different from the power during the second Sequence Member-Ranking Battle. However, although Tang Haofei’s physical qualities had nearly doubled in the past few years and his control over power greatly improved, the lethality he could exert was no different than the second Sequence Member-Ranking Battle.

There’s only one explanation—he had grown weaker again.

No, more precisely, Tang One had grown weaker again.

"I now even have the illusion that my body doesn’t belong to me."

Tang Haofei’s expression showed distress as he told sorrowfully in a low voice.

"My power keeps declining, no matter how much my physical attributes improve, the power I can control is continuously weakening. Tang Two is slightly better... but only a little bit. Over these years, the body’s strength continually increased, but Tang Two’s combat capabilities have not seen much improvement, whereas Tang Three..."

Speaking about Tang Three, Tang Haofei’s expression became sombre, and he glanced at Wen Yu as if considering something. After a pause, he still said to Wen Yu.

"You should come and see for yourself..."

...

Tang Haofei’s World of the Heart’s Image was larger than when Wen Yu visited last time, and the environment altered drastically—it had formed into the appearance of Tang Haofei’s cabin outside.

Undoubtedly, this was thanks to Tang Two’s efforts.

When Wen Yu and Tang Haofei entered the World of the Heart’s Image, they saw Tang Two lying on a rocking chair, comfortably basking in the sun.

"Hey, you’re back..."

A simple greeting, Tang Two didn’t bother standing up, he just waved at Wen Yu and returned to his idle, carefree demeanor.

Tang One ignored Tang Two, leading Wen Yu past the yard straight to the cliff behind.

The journey wasn’t far. While chatting casually, they strolled, taking less than three minutes to reach the entrance of a cave. The cave mouth was still filled with the sealing power of True Words, yet in Wen Yu’s view, its intensity hadn’t changed much in the past decade.

It’s clear that Tang One and Tang Two’s combined control over power hasn’t significantly improved over the years.

Wen Yu approached and touched the True Words seal, then looked at Tang Haofei with surprise.

"Is this enough? Can this power seal Tang Three?"

Ten years ago, indeed this amount of power was enough to lock down Tang Three; however, as Tang Haofei grew stronger, Tang One and Tang Two’s strength hadn’t changed. Obviously, the power had gone elsewhere.

Even with just a whim, Wen Yu could realize that Tang Three’s strength was certainly vastly stronger than it was years ago!

Upon hearing Wen Yu, Tang Haofei merely nodded.

"Indeed, it’s incapable of sealing..."

"But I just find this environment pleasant and don’t want to leave."

The latter voice echoed from within the cave...

...

As the voice resonated, footsteps approached from afar; these steps seemed to tread on some unknown rhythm, accompanied by a slight yet deafening rumble, as another Tang Haofei gradually appeared in the depths of the cave.

Morning light trickled down, illuminating the cave entrance, casting the figure of Tang Three.

In appearance, build, undoubtedly identical to Tang Haofei, yet unlike the rough cloth attire of Tang One, Tang Three was dressed in a suit and tie, with black glasses perched on his nose, hair perfectly styled, his complexion slightly pale yet not unhealthy, rather with a delicate elegance.

He wore a gentle smile, first glancing at Tang One—just a glance, Tang One instantly recoiled as if frightened, then Tang Three’s gaze fixed on Wen Yu.

"You’re Wen Yu, aren’t you?"

He spoke thus, voice unhurried, tone neither high nor low.

Wen Yu acknowledged with a nod, then countered with a question: "And you are?"

"Tang Three, that’s what you all call, isn’t it?"

Regarding the name Tang Three, this Tang Haofei felt no resistance; he simply accepted the title and waved at the two before turning into the cave depths.

Seeing this, Wen Yu wordlessly followed at once.