At the film site.
With the miasma cleared, its effects dissipated as well. When the director and staff saw Ju Fufu carrying Cang Huang back, they thought the two had added an extra scene, completely unaware of the danger that had just occurred.
Not that it had been much of a danger anyway.
"I schemed and staged such an elaborate play, and in the end it still… cough cough cough!"
Cang Huang slumped dejectedly against the railing, waiting for New Eridu Public Security to arrive and arrest him.
He looked at Ju Fufu, who seemed somewhat excited after having eliminated harm for the people. "As expected of the great hero who saved New Eridu. I knew you were strong—I just didn't expect you to be this strong."
At this point, Cang Huang suddenly felt curious. "Is Daoist Arden and Grandmaster Yixuan also as strong as you?"
"No! They're way better fighters than me!"
Ju Fufu answered modestly—and truthfully.
"Heh, is that so."
Hearing this, Cang Huang let out a self-mocking laugh. "Looks like from the very beginning, I never had even the slightest chance. I devoured so many Tiger Thirens for power… what was it all for!?"
If I'd known Yunkui Summit was this powerful, why would I have messed with the Tigerbane Bell at all? I should've just joined Yunkui Summit and become a proper disciple.
If Cang Huang had become a disciple of Yunkui Summit and devoted the same effort he wasted on the [Tigerbane Bell] to cultivation, perhaps he could've grown as strong as Ju Fufu.
"Was the real Mr. Cang Huang already… already killed by you with the Tigerbane Bell?"
Ju Fufu demanded an answer.
"I stole the lives of my kin, took the power from their flesh and blood, and swallowed their hatred, pain, and resentment along with it."
Now, all that remained in Cang Huang's heart was regret. "Eat others, or be eaten… step by step, that's how I ended up here."
Had he known the [Tigerbane Bell] was such terrible value, he would never have walked this irreversible path.
"Now you understand why everyone back then refused to use the [Tigerbane Bell]."
Ju Fufu weighed the Tigerbane Bell in her hand. "This thing is just a worthless failed product. The path I'm walking now—that's the truly correct choice!"
Growing stronger while upholding justice, and also… also doing enjoyable things—there was no better road than that.
"Damn it!"
Cang Huang slammed his fist into the ground. "If only I'd known earlier, why would I… why would I… sigh!"
In the end, all his regret turned into a single sigh.
"Ju Fufu."
"Hm? What do you want to say now?"
"I hate your name…"
At this moment, only loathing remained in Cang Huang's heart. "Your name makes me feel like you've lived so happily this whole way."
From the bottom of his heart, he loathed Ju Fufu—her strength, her justice, her kindness, her happiness!
They were both Tiger Thiren—so why was the gap between them so vast!?
If only I'd had someone who cared about me… someone to guide me…
Of course, the one Cang Huang hated most was himself.
"I like my name!"
Ju Fufu said earnestly to Cang Huang. "It makes me feel like I've lived very happily along this journey!"
The Tiger Thiren who was neither a great hero nor "Cang Huang" was subdued by Ju Fufu. What awaited him was not retribution or blood for blood, but judgment by New Eridu Public Security.
The film crew members who had entered the Hollow were escorted out by Ju Fufu, Astra Yao, and Evelyn Chevalier, then sent to the hospital for examination and treatment.
Suibian Temple.
Clap… clap!!
Arden and Yixuan Shifu applauded, welcoming Ju Fufu's victorious return.
"You've really grown a lot, Fufu."
"My Fufu has finally become an adult who can shoulder great responsibility on her own."
"Hehe!"
Ju Fufu smiled shyly.
In truth, after Cang Huang was defeated, Arden and Yixuan stopped hiding. Ju Fufu sensed them as well and realized they had been silently protecting her all along—they hadn't actually abandoned her to enjoy themselves at a five-star hotel. Her heart instantly felt warm.
"Shifu, where exactly have I improved? Martial skill, techniques, or strategy?"
"I mean your ability to reason with bad guys."
"Mm… Shifu, you're teasing me again!"
Ju Fufu puffed out her cheeks.
"Hehe, verbal combat is also a very important skill—don't underestimate it."
Arden reached out and poked Ju Fufu's puffed cheeks.
"That's right, Arden is correct. Verbal combat is an important ability too."
Yixuan echoed. "Especially for us 'righteous characters.'"
"Mm… that's true!"
Thinking about the novels, anime, and movies she'd seen, Ju Fufu realized that righteous characters often excelled at verbal combat—and sometimes its power surpassed even peerless martial arts.
That night!
Ju Fufu couldn't fall asleep. She tossed and turned, went to the bathroom once, and still couldn't sleep after returning.
"Sigh~!"
Thinking about the events of the day, Ju Fufu let out a sigh.
"Can't sleep?"
Lying beside her, Arden opened his eyes and asked with concern.
"Yeah!"
Ju Fufu wore a worried expression. "The number of Tiger Thiren was already small, and the [Tigerbane Bell] harmed so many… Brother Arden, do you think our Tiger Thiren might go extinct like endangered animals?"
Hearing this, Arden felt a tremendous weight and an unparalleled sense of responsibility settle upon him.
"So, for the grand plan of Tiger Thiren prosperity, we must work even harder."
"Work… work harder at what?"
Ju Fufu didn't react immediately—until she felt something… pressing…
"Mm… ah… ah~!"
Yunkui Summit, cafeteria.
"Fufu, this is for you!"
Arden handed Ju Fufu a pair of metal claws.
[Tiger-Subduing Claws]—after melting down the useless forbidden relic that was the Tigerbane Bell, Arden forged this weapon. Its power was decent, and he gave it to Ju Fufu as a supplement for close combat, also serving as a keepsake.
"Oh!"
Judging by Ju Fufu's reaction, she didn't care much about the [Tiger-Subduing Claws] at all. Her focus remained on filling her stomach.
"Junior Brother Pan, give me three more baskets—no! Make it five baskets of buns, and two orders of lemon chicken feet!"
Arden suddenly felt something was odd.
Five baskets of buns weren't unusual—Ju Fufu had always been able to eat a lot, and since she was still growing, eating more was understandable. But lemon chicken feet…
I remember Ju Fufu loves meat and sweets, but absolutely hates sour foods. Why now… could it be?
Arden thought of a possibility.
"Fufu, give me your hand!"
Thinking of that possibility, Arden could barely suppress his excitement.
"Mmhm mmhm… gulp!"
Ju Fufu swallowed a meat bun in two bites. "What for?"
"Don't ask, just give me your hand!"
"Oh!"
Ju Fufu extended her hand. Arden reached out and placed his fingers on her pulse.
Moments later!
"Hahahaha! I'm going to be a dad!"
"I'm going to be a dad!!!"
Arden's excited, joyful shout echoed throughout Yunkui Summit.
===BREAK===
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