The words Spirit Hall seemed to carry a certain magic. The moment they left his lips, they cast a shadow over the previously amicable atmosphere.
"Are you from Spirit Hall?" Poseidon scanned Wang Zhong, trying to ascertain if his earlier words were a jest or the truth.
"Yes." Wang Zhong readily admitted. Since he had already spoken, there was no need to hide it from the other party.
Poseidon was a top-tier powerhouse on the same level as the Great Enshriner Qian Daoliu. Even though Wang Zhong's current strength could suppress a hundred-thousand-year-old Demon Great White Shark, he still felt immense pressure from her.
Facing such a powerful figure, and considering the past rift between Sea God Island and Spirit Hall, silence and concealing his identity as a member of Spirit Hall would have been the best course of action. But he didn't want to do that.
To leverage the debt of gratitude owed to Hai Die, conceal his identity, and obtain benefits from Sea God Island felt like calculating over their sincere emotions, a thought he disdained and would not entertain.
Xiaobai's gaze towards Wang Zhong shifted instantly from curiosity to ferocity and disgust.
The attack initiated by Spirit Hall had ended with the loss of thousands of soul masters and a Titled Douluo for their side. But this was war; how could one side suffer heavy losses while the other emerged victorious without any sacrifice?
Sea God Island's casualties were equally staggering! As the guardian divine beasts, the Demon Great White Shark clan had suffered the most casualties in that battle!
Poseidon's delicate eyebrows furrowed, and her gaze towards Wang Zhong was filled with complexity and hesitation. It was a fact that Wang Zhong had saved Hai Die, and her promise was not false. However, Wang Zhong belonging to Spirit Hall complicated the entire matter. Would you agree to a condition from an enemy force when they might already be seeking to gain significant benefits for their own faction through it?
"It doesn't matter."
"Even if you are from Spirit Hall, my promise still stands. I can even give you a chance to choose again." As the High Priestess of Sea God Island, Poseidon displayed unparalleled magnanimity at this moment. What if they were enemies? Since you have shown us kindness, then I will acknowledge this debt of gratitude.
The smile on Wang Zhong's face slowly faded, replaced by admiration. Such bearing and fearlessness were not qualities possessed by just anyone.
"High Priestess, your righteousness is admirable."
"But as I said, if you insist, then take good care of Hai Die." Wang Zhong shrugged nonchalantly, still adhering to his previous request.
This attitude, however, made Poseidon scrutinize Wang Zhong more closely. He was letting go of such a golden opportunity, and she couldn't quite understand or see through him.
"Since you insist, then I agree to your request," Poseidon nodded and replied calmly.
"Thank you." Wang Zhong bowed slightly to Poseidon. He walked in front of Hai Die and said with a smile, "Xiao Yu'er, take care."
"We'll meet again!" As Hai Die watched him with reluctance, Wang Zhong was about to leave when Poseidon suddenly spoke, "Wait a moment."
"You must be aware of Hai Die's feelings for you."
"I can give you a choice: join Sea God Island!"
The moment this condition was uttered, Xiaobai's expression instantly changed. The Sea Maiden looked at Poseidon with surprise; she had not expected her to propose such a condition. Hai Die, on the other hand, was beaming with joy and anticipation. This outcome was the best for her, and she was the happiest.
But alas, her anticipation was in vain. Wang Zhong shook his head and calmly refused, "Thank you for the High Priestess's kind offer, but I cannot join Sea God Island."
Poseidon frowned, confused, "Why?"
"If you are worried about being hunted by Spirit Hall, or punished by the Judgment Hall, you can rest assured. I am old acquaintances with your Judgment Elder Qian Daoliu, and I can help you resolve this perfectly."
Wang Zhong chuckled at this and said, "The reason I cannot join Sea God Island is not for those reasons."
"It's because I cannot betray the place that raised me and taught me knowledge."
"My teacher is there, and my companions are there. I cannot abandon them, nor can I leave them behind." Although his tone was filled with a smile, the firmness within it was palpable to everyone present.
"The place that raised you? Are you a descendant of the Angel race?" Poseidon voiced her confusion.
"No."
"I am an orphan!" Wang Zhong looked at Poseidon's exquisite face, his smile gentle and natural.
Poseidon took a deep breath. She understood why Wang Zhong was so persistent. To others, Spirit Hall was merely an organization, but to this person before her, it was a home. To betray Spirit Hall would mean abandoning his home. Any normal person would not commit such a heartless act. If Wang Zhong had truly agreed, Poseidon would have seriously reconsidered Hai Die's relationship with him.
"I understand." Poseidon no longer mentioned asking Wang Zhong to join Sea God Island.
"Although you cannot join Sea God Island, I still hope you will reside on Sea God Island for a period of time." After pondering, Poseidon's words caused not only Xiaobai and the Sea Maiden to be puzzled but also Wang Zhong himself.
"This is considered an apology to Hai Die," Poseidon sighed lightly.
"Great Priestess, you haven't done anything wrong," Hai Die quickly said.
Poseidon approached Hai Die and gently stroked her cheek, softly saying, "No, some things may seem insignificant to outsiders, but to the people involved, they are a great hurt."
"I understand the feelings in your heart, and I understand the yearning and the fervent desire to be by his side."
"Because I know, I understand the pain of forcing you to remain in Sea God Hall to cultivate, and the sorrow of parting with the one you care about."
"If possible, I hope these things will not happen to you, but since they cannot be prevented, I also hope that your parting with him will be without sorrow, filled only with boundless anticipation for a beautiful future." Her gentle tone carried endless regret for certain people and things, and she hoped that these things would not happen to Hai Die.
"So, what is your decision?" Embracing Hai Die, who was so moved she seemed on the verge of tears, Poseidon looked up at Wang Zhong, awaiting his answer.
Looking at Hai Die, who was buried in Poseidon's embrace, Wang Zhong had no reason to refuse. He truly needed to bid farewell to this little fish properly, rather than simply returning the Mermaid Pearl to her and leaving decisively as he was about to do. This little fish, who entrusted her life to you, is truly foolish, truly innocent, but also truly heartbreaking.
"If the Great Priestess doesn't mind my Spirit Hall origins, then I would like to see the beautiful scenery of Sea God Island." Wang Zhong said with a smile.
"It should not disappoint you."