After letting out her frustrations and anguish, Tang Yue finally calmed down a bit, her breathing uneven but steadying.
No matter how mature she seemed or tried to act, Mo Fan reminded himself that this Tang Yue was still, after all, just a 20-year-old young adult.
She was still navigating her emotions and responsibilities, caught between loyalty to her Totem Beast and her concern for him.
She clung to his jacket sleeve like a lost child, her head buried in his chest. Mo Fan gently patted her head, offering quiet reassurance.
Sniff.
Tang Yue eventually pulled away with a soft sniffle, wiping her reddened eyes with the back of her hand. Mo Fan tilted his head slightly. "Feeling better now?"
She nodded silently, avoiding his gaze.
"..."
"..."
For a moment, an awkward silence hung between them. Mo Fan's thoughts swirled, piecing together her words and actions.
Though she hadn't said it outright, her earlier apology had felt like a confession—an admission that she cared for him more deeply than she wanted to admit.
He thought about asking her what she really felt but decided against it.
The mood wasn't right, and she seemed too emotionally drained for such a conversation.
"... It still doesn't sit right with me that you forgave Big Guy so easily," Tang Yue suddenly said, breaking the silence.
"You're still on about that?" Mo Fan raised an eyebrow.
"...I just think he should at least apologize to you directly," she murmured, her voice firm despite her earlier tears.
"Wait, what—"
Before Mo Fan could finish, Tang Yue suddenly twisted her Totem Orb bracelet, and a brilliant burst of light engulfed the hilltop.
VOOOONNMMM!!!!
The air grew heavy, and a low, ominous hum reverberated through the surroundings.
SWOOOSHHHH!!!
The dazzling light faded after a moment, but a thick, purple-green fog now blanketed the hill.
Ba-thump!
A massive shadow suddenly fell across the hill, blotting out even the light of the moon.
Mo Fan's heart raced, his instincts screamed at him as he felt an ominous presence looming over them.
Hefroze, a shiver running down his spine.
Slowly, he looked up and was met with two colossal golden eyes glaring down at him, their piercing gaze freezing him in place.
Cold sweat dripped down Mo Fan's back. His throat went dry as he stumbled a step back, the oppressive presence of the Black Totem Snake pinning him in place like prey.
_Damn it, Tang Yue! Why did you bring it here?!_ he cursed inwardly, his back drenched in cold sweat.
Grrr....
The Snake emitted a low, guttural growl, its hostility palpable.
The Black Totem Snake's massive head lowered, its golden eyes narrowing as it focused on him.
To it, Mo Fan wasn't just a human; he was something far more sinister. Its magical senses perceived the dark, ominous aura of the Sacred Evil God's power bound to his soul.
Mo Fan instinctively stepped back again, his mind racing. He was powerless against a creature of this scale.
The Black Totem Snake was a Supreme Ruler-level Totem beast; even with his full arsenal, he wouldn't stand a chance.
His best hope right now was Qin Yu'er who was still 5miles away from him watching her romantic drama, blissfully unaware that her Sugar Brother was going to kick the bucket tonight.
"M-Ms. Tang Yue," he whispered urgently.
Before the snake could make a move, Tang Yue stepped between them, her arms outstretched protectively.
"Big Guy! Stop that right now!" she shouted, her voice sharp but pleading.
The Black Totem Snake's gaze softened slightly as it shifted to her, but its hostility toward Mo Fan remained.
"This is Mo Fan," Tang Yue continued, her tone a mix of frustration and urgency.
"He's my friend, my student... and the same person you almost killed a month ago!"
Hiss!
The Black Totem Snake hissed softly, its massive body coiling slightly as if in disdain.
"What's with that attitude?" Tang Yue scolded, glaring at the massive creature. "You attacked him without reason and almost killed him! You owe him an apology!"
Hiss!!
The snake huffed, its golden eyes narrowing in stubborn defiance as it turned its head away.
Mo Fan stood frozen, trying to avoid drawing the snake's attention while mentally cursing his situation.
He glanced at his Evil Essence Orb which was the reason why the snake was so hostile towards him. It was an item now bound to his soul just like his Little Loach... He couldn't even turn the DAMN thing off...
Tang Yue clenched her fists, frustration bubbling to the surface. "If you don't apologize," she said, her voice shaking with emotion, "then... then I won't be your Totem Guardian anymore!"
The snake froze, its golden eyes widening slightly.
Mo Fan's own eyes widened. "H-Hey, don't make rash decisions like that!" he whispered urgently.
_Why the hell are you trying to make it more angry??_ Mo Fan genuinely wanted to cry right now!!
Her declaration hung in the air, heavy with emotion.
The Black Totem Snake stared at her for a long moment. Then it suddenly shifted it's gaze back to Mo Fan.
The moment the ginormous eyes fell on him, he flinched.
The Snake's eyes suddenly glowed in a brilliant golden light!
It chose to attack Mo Fan.
Before Tang Yue could respond, the Black Totem Snake lunged towards Mo Fan as it opened its massive Maw filled with Poisonous toxins.
"Shi—"