Douro Continent

Chapter 681 The Sea God's Legacy: The Treasure in the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's Head

Even Tang San himself had overlooked this; after successfully passing the eighth trial of the Sea God, his desire to become the Sea God had only intensified. He had already wasted a considerable amount of time here, and Tang San shared Dai Mubai's initial concerns. If Qian Renxue had gone to the battlefield, it would be a huge problem. Their family and friends were all there! Only now, reminded by Xiao Bai, did he remember that the Deep Sea Demon Whale King might have left him something valuable. Xiao Bai wouldn't speak without reason. As a fellow fish-type soul beast, her understanding of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King was certainly deeper than his own.

Tang San nodded to Xiao Bai and smiled, "Thank you." Although he was still somewhat confused about his situation, he had passed the eighth trial of the Sea God. Everything else would have to wait until they reached Sea God Island. The process of killing the Deep Sea Demon Whale King and absorbing the spirit ring was difficult, but relatively smooth. At least everything was completed according to plan and didn't cause him too much trouble. Especially after his spirit power reached level ninety-nine, Tang San was confident that even if he encountered Qian Renxue now, he wouldn't be killed by her in a short time. Of course, this was on the premise that the battlefield was on the sea or in a forest.

He leaped into the air, his surging soul power instantly pouring into the Trident of the Sea God. Although this divine weapon could no longer display its original brilliance, with Tang San's massive soul power and the release of his Blue Silver Emperor Martial Soul, a strong blue-gold light instantly filled the Trident of the Sea God, causing its three main blades to shine again.

The Deep Sea Demon Whale King truly lived up to its reputation as a million-year-old soul beast. Although seven days had passed and its body had been immersed in seawater, the corrosion on its skin was minimal. Moreover, when Tang San leaped to his feet, he discovered that the surrounding Demon Whale Sea was now teeming with Demon Soul Great White Sharks. Clearly, Xiao Bai had used a special method to summon her people, undoubtedly because she couldn't bear to part with the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's prized flesh.

Although he had absorbed most of the energy from the corpse when he killed it, there was still some left. In addition, the body of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King had reached a level close to that of a god. Letting these Demon Soul Great White Sharks eat some of it would be of great benefit to their own evolution. It is conceivable that after this battle, the overall strength of the Demon Soul Great White Shark group will definitely increase significantly. Little White may even transcend the age limit of a 100,000-year soul beast and become the true overlord of the sea.

However, Xiaobai protected the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's head very well, and only its flesh and bones were eaten. With its level 99 soul power, Xiaobai unleashed its full power. Without needing any soul skills, it relied entirely on the strength of its body and the infusion of soul power into the Trident of the Sea God. The sharp main blade went straight for the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's head.

"Be careful from the side," Xiaobai quickly reminded him.

Tang San nodded in mid-air, and the Trident of the Sea God tilted slightly, inserting itself into the gills of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. This was originally a relatively vulnerable part of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's body, and now that it had lost its energy protection, the Trident of the Sea God easily pierced through it, making a soft "poof" sound.

Tang San twisted his wrist, his body flying horizontally in mid-air, and forcefully slashed open the head of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King from the point of entry.

Unexpectedly, the foul stench that Tang San had imagined did not appear. Instead, a rich and intense fragrance gushed out from the breach. The person closest to the breach couldn't help but take a few deep sniffs, and immediately felt a sense of exhilaration.

The great white sharks in the sea stopped what they were doing and stopped swimming. They all looked in this direction, and even Little White's eyes showed a hint of longing.

With a flick of the trident, the head of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King was lifted. Instantly, golden light filled the sea surface. This Deep Sea Demon Whale King was enormous; its head alone was over ten square meters in size. Lifting its head revealed its whale brain.

Although whales are large, their brains are relatively small, even for a powerful being like the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. This limitation in brain size is a significant reason why its mental strength is inferior to Tang San's. At this moment, after the skull, which spanned over ten square meters, was opened, the exposed brain was less than one square meter. However, the rich aroma emanated from this tiny area of ​​whale brain.

The whale brain was a pure gold color, appearing like a paste, like molten gold, with an extremely enticing rich aroma. In the very center of the whale brain, a fist-sized bead, radiating a purplish-gold hue, lay quietly. Although the whale brain was already very attractive, Tang San's gaze was fixed on this bead.

He had seen a bead when he killed the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger; that bead was tri-colored, but much smaller than this one. The only difference was that the bead transformed from the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger possessed more spiritual energy, while this one appeared to be an inanimate object. However, in terms of the energy contained within, this whale bead was far more immense. With just a glance, Tang San realized that this was undoubtedly a rare and precious treasure.

Xiao Bai's voice came softly from behind, "Sea spirit beasts that are over 100,000 years old will have their brains evolve into a special medicinal material. This material is extremely nourishing for any creature and contains enormous energy, which can have many uses. This Deep Sea Demon Whale King has cultivated for a million years, so its whale brain is naturally a good thing. Not to mention bringing the dead back to life and healing flesh and bones, it is definitely a treasure. As for how to use it, that's up to you. You killed it, so this is what you deserve. I'm not afraid to tell you, after you helped us kill the Demon Orca King, I secretly ate its whale brain. Do you think I'm selfish?"

Tang San shook his head and said, "What's the big deal? I consider you a friend. Besides, I already gained the greatest benefit back then; I even absorbed the Demonic Orca King's spirit ring and spirit bone. Let alone that whale brain, you can take this piece if you want."

"Really?" Xiaobai's eyes widened in surprise.

Tang San smiled slightly and said, "What? Have I ever gone back on my word?"

With a sigh, Xiaobai shook her head and said, "Never mind, I appreciate your kindness, but you should keep this for yourself. I can't accept it. It's not that I'm being polite, it's just that I've absorbed too much external energy lately, enough to raise my cultivation level to the next level. I understand the principle of not biting off more than you can chew. You keep it. Judging from the appearance of this Deep Sea Demon Whale King's brain, even if you become a god, eating it would probably be beneficial to your body. You still need to inherit the Sea God's divine power, and with it, it might help you overcome the final hurdle."

Tang San nodded slightly, pointing to the whale pearl lying flat on the whale's brain, and asked, "What is that? Is it something that grew out of the brain of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King?"

Xiao Bai said somewhat blankly, "I don't know either. It's possible that something like this only appears when one reaches a cultivation level of a million years. But I imagine it was formed by the Deep Sea Demon Whale King absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth over many years of cultivation, so it must be a treasure. If you use it to embed in your weapon, you might be able to forge a divine artifact."

Hearing Xiaobai's words, Tang San's heart stirred, and he looked at the diamond-shaped hole on the Trident of Sea God in his hand. Turning to his companions, Dai Mubai smiled and said, "Why are you being so polite with us? Even if these things are useful to us, let's wait until we get to Sea God Island. Senior Poseidon certainly knows more about these things than we do. You should put them away quickly so we can set off."

Tang San nodded and took off the Ruyi Treasure Pouch from his waist. The Ruyi Treasure Pouch was the most suitable for storing medicinal herbs. However, there were too many whale brains, and he didn't have a container that big. He could only put them in a space in the Ruyi Treasure Pouch first.

With a grasping motion of his right hand, a faint blue-gold light enveloped Tang San's fingers and palm. A powerful suction force drew the whale pearl out from the air, which Tang San caught. The rich fragrance cleared his mind, and he took several deep breaths, feeling indescribably comfortable.

The whale pearl felt soft and warm to the touch, like an egg yolk, only much larger. Although it was very soft and warm to the touch, the outer skin of the whale pearl was actually quite tough, and it would not be easy to break through it. Moreover, Tang San vaguely sensed that the inside of this soft whale pearl was not liquid, but rather it was very soft overall, like a gelatinous substance.

Without a careful examination, Tang San first put the whale pearl into his Ruyi Treasure Pouch. Then, he unleashed a powerful suction force from his palm, using the Crane Control and Dragon Capture technique. Faintly, the blue-gold light emanating from Tang San's body flowed to his arm, and a faint dragon's roar resounded, as if a dragon was growing on his arm, making a whale-like motion as if it were sucking water. The pus-like whale brain was instantly sucked out like a golden strip and directly put into the Ruyi Treasure Pouch.

Hunting the deep-sea demon whale was painful, but the rewards were equally enormous. The unknown level of the spirit ring and the powerful torso spirit bone alone raised Tang San's strength to another level.

"Let's go." With a splash, Xiaobai swept past Tang San and landed on the water in front of him.

Tang San smiled slightly, leaped into the air, and with a wave of his right hand, a Blue Silver Emperor Staff wrapped around Xiao Wu's waist, bringing his beloved to land on Xiao Bai's back with him. The several Great White Sharks infused with the energy of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King by Tang San using the Devouring Golden Silk also carried the other Shrek Seven Devils, accelerating as they swam towards Seagod Island.

Xiao Wu leaned against Tang San's chest without saying a word, simply holding his waist quietly. Her silence struck Tang San as odd, as it seemed different from the Xiao Wu he knew.

"Xiao Wu, what's wrong? Are you angry? I don't want to take any risks either, but you know..."

Xiao Wu quickly shook her head. "No, I'm not angry. Brother, I know you were forced to do this. If you don't become stronger, how can you deal with those powerful enemies? I just hate that I can't help you."

Tang San pulled Xiao Wu's alluring body close to his with his arms, whispering, "Who says you can't help me? Just having you by my side is the best help you can give me. Only when I see you can my heart find peace, and only then does everything I do have any real value. Whenever I think about how, after all this danger is over, I can live a peaceful life with my beloved Xiao Wu, my heart is filled with happiness. It is this future happiness that motivates me. When I was being chased by Qian Renxue, all I could think about was you. I kept telling myself that no matter what, I had to survive, to survive for my Xiao Wu. I could never let you suffer again. If it weren't for this unwavering determination, I might not have been able to survive and come back to see you all."

"Brother..." Hearing Tang San's words, which weren't exactly sweet talk but were so sincere, Xiao Wu felt a lump in her throat. She hugged Tang San tightly, her vision blurring.

Tang San said apologetically, "It's all my fault. Since you were resurrected, I haven't had much time to spend with you. Xiao Wu, do you know how much I want to marry you, to have the grandest wedding on the continent and make you my bride. Remember, this is my promise to you. It won't be long before we defeat the Spirit Empire, and I will definitely make you my wife. From then on, I will spend all my time with you, okay? When that time comes, you can give me a few more children, and wherever you like, we will live there."

"Cough cough, I can't stand you guys. I'm here, can you stop being so mushy?" Xiaobai swayed slightly. However, what she revealed in her eyes was envy.

Tang San smiled without saying a word, but Xiao Wu's pretty face flushed red with embarrassment. She buried her head in Tang San's arms, her charming appearance breathtakingly beautiful. Tang San couldn't help but be captivated by her.

It took only one day for the Great White Sharks to reach Poseidon Island from the waters where the Deep Sea Demon Whale King resided.

Seeing the azure sea and silver sands again, the Shrek Seven Devils felt a sense of triumph. The last time they came here, they were like thieves, barely managing to use the invisibility ability of the Vast Ocean Shield to walk across from the seabed. Back then, even Tang San, the strongest among them, only had a soul power of around level sixty.

However, at this time, the strength of the Shrek Seven Devils had undergone a tremendous change. Not to mention Tang San, who had reached the peak of the Peerless Douluo level 99, the soul power of the others had also greatly improved after absorbing the energy of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King.

Calculated by level, Dai Mubai's level increase is the smallest, but that's because his cultivation is the highest besides Tang San's, having reached level 88. He's very close to becoming a Title Douluo. With his talent, if he cultivates normally, he'll definitely become a young Title Douluo within five years. Although not as freakish as Tang San, Dai Mubai isn't even thirty years old yet!

Due to his physical condition, Oscar absorbed less energy, but his soul power still improved, reaching level 85. As a food-type soul master, reaching this level was already incredibly terrifying. Oscar believed he could become an unprecedented food-type Title Douluo. At that time, he would definitely possess even more powerful Title Douluo-level sausages. He just prayed that he wouldn't get another soul curse like "I have a caterpillar." Even with the thickest skin, his mental fortitude was ultimately limited.

Ma Hongjun's soul power is one level higher than Oscar's, undoubtedly due to his superior physical strength and the greater amount of energy he absorbed from the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. At level 86, his attack power is even more terrifying, and the power of his Phoenix Flame is subtly increasing. The higher the level, the more pronounced the advantages of his top-tier martial soul become. Among the Shrek Seven Devils, only Dai Mubai, besides Tang San, can compare to his strength.

Xiao Wu's soul power has reached level 80. Of course, this is only the current situation. According to Tang San's estimation, Xiao Wu absorbed more energy than he did, so her soul power should be able to increase by at least three more levels. In other words, when Xiao Wu obtains her soul ring and reaches level 81, she might jump directly to level 84. In this way, she would be very close to her companions. Moreover, Tang San has never forgotten that Xiao Wu underwent the top-level trial on Seagod Island. This top-level trial will not be considered complete until Tang San completes the last of the nine trials of Seagod. All the previous rewards will be added together. Obviously, the benefits Xiao Wu will receive from this top-level trial will exceed those from Ning Rongrong's top-level seven trials. Tang San clearly remembers how many soul power levels Ning Rongrong rewarded. After he completes the inheritance, Xiao Wu's soul power might even catch up with Dai Mubai's.

Ning Rongrong's soul power reached level 87, making her second only to Dai Mubai. Although she didn't absorb much energy from the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, her Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul was truly outstanding. Moreover, after passing the top-level seven trials, her soul power increased more than her companions. At this moment, her soul power had not only surpassed Ma Hongjun's but had also reached a stronger level.

Zhu Zhuqing's soul power is level 86. Her individual strength isn't much in the team, but don't forget that once she and Dai Mubai unleash the Netherworld White Tiger together, even Tang San, at level 99, wouldn't dare say he could defeat them in a short time. Moreover, this martial soul fusion skill becomes increasingly terrifying as their own strength increases.

With their lowest soul power at level 80, an average increase of over 20 levels compared to six years ago, and the presence of Tang San, a peak Douluo, the Shrek Seven Devils now possess a formidable foundation to challenge even all the powerful figures on Seagod Island. It's worth noting that their teamwork and coordination are unmatched even by the seven guardian Douluos of Seagod Island.

From the day they entered Shrek Academy, they had been training together for over a decade. The tacit understanding forged through life-and-death experiences was something that ordinary Soul Masters could not achieve simply by training together every day. The Shrek Seven Devils were all capable of entrusting their lives to their companions.

"That's all for you. I need to go back and digest my energy. Tang San, good luck. When you truly become the Sea God, I will congratulate you along with all the creatures of the sea." Xiao Bai stood upright in the water, waving her fins at the Shrek Seven Devils. Then she turned around and led her people into the sea.

Tang San took a deep breath, gripped the Trident of the Sea God in his right hand, took Xiao Wu's hand with his left, and looked up towards the direction of the Sea God's Temple. Although his view was obstructed from his current position, the aura of the Sea God's Temple resonated with him, as if calling to him.

Poseidon Island, Poseidon Mountain, Poseidon Temple—I, Tang San, am back! The final test is approaching. Poseidon, I will surely possess your power and once again display your majesty in this world.

Dai Mubai approached Tang San. "Shall we head straight there now? Do you need to rest?" His question was well-founded. Since leaving the Heaven Dou Empire's army, Tang San had been relentlessly hunting powerful spirit beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest, then encountering the pursuit of the god-level Qian Renxue. He barely escaped to the sea, and before he could even recover from the effects of the exploding spirit rings, he began his battle against the million-year-old spirit beast, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, and then absorbed its immense energy. Tang San's exhaustion was palpable.

Seeing the concerned looks on his companions' faces, Tang San smiled and shook his head, saying, "Don't worry, I'm fine. My body has a strong recovery ability now. Even if I don't sleep for a month, there won't be any problems."

Oscar chuckled and said, "That's right. With my Crystal Caterpillar Intestines, I'm not afraid of getting hurt. Besides, don't forget, Little San is a monster. Although we Shrek Seven Devils are all monsters, he's definitely the biggest one. Don't waste time. Even if we need to rest, let's wait until we get to the Sea God's Temple. I'm sure Senior Poseidon wouldn't let Little San receive the Sea God's inheritance when he's not in good condition."

Just as the seven were about to set off, Tang San suddenly frowned and looked up at the woods ahead.

One by one, figures slowly emerged from the forest. Tang San and his companions were surprised to see them. Seven people in total emerged—the Seven Sacred Pillar Douluos of the Sea God, who had served as the group's test and each guarded a Sea God Pillar. They could be considered the backbone of Sea God Island, and under the leadership of Sea God Douluo Poseidon, their strength was enough to rival any Soul Master on the continent.

Sea Dragon Douluo walked at the front, with the other six following behind him. As they slowly approached, Tang San frowned slightly at the expressions on their faces. He noticed that none of the seven Title Douluos looked well; their brows were furrowed, and a faint sadness lingered between their brows.

Had something happened on Seagod Island? Tang San was startled and quickly went to greet them, "Seniors, what's going on?"

Sea Dragon Douluo forced a smile and said, "We learned of your and your friends' return and came to welcome you. Lord Poseidon is waiting for you at the Sea God's Temple."

Judging from the meaning behind Sea Dragon Douluo's words, it would be strange if nothing happened on Seagod Island, but what's with the expressions on their faces?

Tang San asked in confusion, "Senior Hailong, has something happened on the island? Why do you all look so pale?"

Hailong Douluo's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly composed himself, saying respectfully, "It's nothing, it's just that after waiting for so many years, our guardian mission is finally coming to an end with your inheritance, and I feel a little sad."

Tang San suddenly realized, "Yes! Once I take over the position of Sea God, there will be no need for these seven Douluo to guard the Sacred Pillars anymore. Their responsibility will be relieved." For so many years, they have silently dedicated themselves to guarding the Sacred Pillars, which has become a habit. It's no wonder they feel uneasy and reluctant to leave now that they have free time.

At that moment, he couldn't help but comfort them, saying, "Seven seniors, no matter what the future holds, you will always be the backbone of Poseidon Island. We can't do without you here."

Sea Dragon Douluo smiled and nodded, saying, "My lord, please follow us to the Sea God's Temple." As he spoke, he turned around, and when his gaze met that of the other seven Sea God's Seven Sacred Pillar Guardian Douluos, his smile vanished, and a deep sorrow flashed in his eyes. However, since his back was to Tang San, Tang San did not see it.

All of them were powerful Soul Masters. They spread out their forms and, within half an hour, they could see Seagod Mountain again. Seagod Mountain looked no different from before. Tang San's eyesight had become even stronger now. Looking at the top of Seagod Mountain, he immediately spotted Seagod Douluo Poseidon, who was wearing a long blue dress and standing quietly on the mountaintop, looking in his direction.

However, seeing Poseidon also surprised Tang San. In Tang San's memory, or rather, the Poseidon who hadn't changed since his first meeting, was a beautiful woman who looked to be around thirty years old. She possessed a noble, elegant, gentle, and reserved charm that gave people a sense of unapproachability. Her beauty was breathtaking yet didn't arouse any fantasies.

Tang San still vividly remembered that when he first saw Poseidon, she was dressed in a red robe and held a golden scepter, leaving a very deep impression on him. However, when he gazed at her now, the Poseidon he saw had completely changed.

She still wore the same red robe, still carried the same golden scepter, and even her deep blue, ocean-like eyes remained unchanged. However, her youthful appearance was gone. Her skin was wrinkled, her hair white, and her aged face resembled that of a person nearing the end of their life. Although she still exuded an aura of supreme power and unmatched superiority when standing before the Sea God's Temple, the change in her appearance deeply shocked Tang San.

If it weren't for the still incredibly powerful aura emanating from her, Tang San truly wouldn't have believed that this was still the strongest being on Seagod Island, the Seagod Douluo Poseidon. How could this be? How could she have become like this? With Poseidon's strength, she didn't need to deliberately maintain her youth; she could remain young forever until the moment of her death. However, while her cultivation level remained unchanged, she had aged considerably, seemingly on the verge of passing away at any moment.

"Tang San, I've been waiting for you for a long time. Come up." A faint voice came from Seagod Mountain. Although there was still some distance between them, Poseidon's voice clearly reached the ears of every one of the Shrek Seven Devils. Her voice was calm, as if nothing had happened, but Tang San could detect a hint of indifference in that calmness.

Tang San looked at the seven members of the Sea Dragon Douluo group. From his eyes, the Sea Dragon Douluo knew that Tang San had already seen Poseidon's appearance. He sighed, shook his head at him, and without saying anything more, quickened his pace and headed towards the direction of Sea God Mountain.

Tang San frowned slightly and followed along with his companions. In a short while, they arrived at the outer edge of the Ring Sea. At this point, the Ring Sea was no longer a challenge for them. Tang San simply leaped into the air, unleashing his six Blue Silver Emperor swords, and led his companions smoothly across the two-to-three-hundred-meter-wide sea surface, arriving at the foot of Sea God Mountain.

The light of the Sea God on Mount Poseidon was still as captivating as ever, and all the scenery was exactly the same as when they left—the clear air and breathtaking views were invigorating. Unfortunately, Tang San had no time to appreciate it. Without waiting for the Seven Sacred Pillars of the Sea God to lead the way, he suddenly accelerated, heading straight for the summit. In just a few leaps, he arrived at the Sea God Temple atop Mount Poseidon.

Tang San was not mistaken; everything he had seen before remained unchanged. Poseidon had aged, and her frail, elderly appearance caused Tang San a pang of sorrow. This old woman, who had devoted her entire life to Seagod Island, why had she become like this at such an advanced age…

Poseidon looked at Tang San quietly. Something seemed to have changed in her clear blue eyes, but she didn't say anything, as if she was trying to find something on Tang San's face.

Tang San didn't speak, letting her gaze upon him. He wanted to ask a question, but under Poseidon's clear and pure gaze, he couldn't bring himself to ask.

The others also arrived at the mountaintop one after another. When Dai Mubai and the others saw Poseidon's appearance, they couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, in particular, covered their mouths. Only Xiao Wu, who hadn't had much direct contact with Poseidon, was a little better off.

Poseidon's kind gaze swept across everyone's faces. "It's strange, isn't it? Actually, it's nothing. Appearances mean nothing to me anymore. You all wait outside for a moment. Tang San, come in with me. I have something to tell you."

Tang San nodded silently and followed Poseidon into the Sea God Temple.

With a casual wave of her hand, Poseidon's gentle soul power supported the two large doors as they slowly closed, isolating them from the outside world. The Temple of the Sea God remained dark, devoid of light, and the seven platforms were exactly the same as before.

After entering the main hall, Poseidon did not walk inside, but stopped and walked to one side of the doorway, where she sat down cross-legged. She then pointed to the opposite side, indicating that Tang San should also sit down.

Tang San sat down as she asked, looked at Poseidon, and took a deep breath. "Senior, is your current state related to my great-grandfather? Doesn't he understand your intentions?"

As a top-tier Douluo of the era, the reason Poseidon could undergo such a drastic change couldn't be due to an enemy. Given Poseidon's status, even if she had encountered a god-level powerhouse, she would have undoubtedly sacrificed her life to protect Seagod Island, rather than becoming this decrepit old woman. In Tang San's memory, Poseidon was an extremely arrogant person; otherwise, she wouldn't have rejected her great-grandfather Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu in that way.

Therefore, there is only one explanation for her current state: it is related to her great-grandfather who came here after their separation. Poseidon loves her great-grandfather; he is the only man she has ever loved in her life. This is the only situation Tang San can think of that could cause such a drastic change in Poseidon's body.

Looking at Tang San, Poseidon's eyes revealed a faint smile, but this smile contained more strange emotions.

"Tang San, you're very clever, and I also want to thank you. You finally let me see him one last time. I really should thank you. You were able to guess right away that I became like this because of him; even Tang Chen probably didn't expect that."

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We're 500 votes behind first place. If my 500 Tang Clan brothers all come out of seclusion, one vote each, we can catch up. I'm still preparing my drafts for everyone. Also, please vote with your recommendation tickets every day, thank you.

(End of this chapter)