Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 271: Tang San's Progress

On the Douluo Continent, on Sea God Island.

After two years of dedicated training, Tang San and his companions had finally completed the first two trials. The first trial, passing through the Sea God's Light, wasn't as difficult as in the original story—only 136 steps. With Tang San's potential and effort, he was able to achieve it without much struggle.

A year of training under the Sea God's Light had significantly boosted all four of them. Xiao Wu and Tang San reached the rank of Soul Sage, while Dai Mubai and Oscar reached the rank of Soul Emperor. Each had gained a substantial increase in spirit power.

After absorbing their god-bestowed spirit rings, each of them received an impressive new ring and skill. Just like in the original, Tang San's seventh spirit ring was a god-bestowed one. Even though he pushed his limits, he couldn't quite reach the 100,000-year level, but he managed to achieve a spirit ring of 70,000 years, which still exceeded most expectations.

Though the ring was "only" black and didn't reach the red level, Tang San was thrilled with the new skill it provided, which had given his power a considerable boost. Over the years, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass spirit had developed along the lines of control and poison, but this time, his seventh spirit skill added a unique new ability: Devouring Golden Silk.

Tang San's seventh skill was Blue Silver True Form. When activated, it multiplied the poison properties of his Blue Silver Grass several times over, dramatically enhancing its control and durability. He could even transform it into Devouring Golden Silk, capable of absorbing the life force of surrounding creatures for his own use.

With Tang San's intellect, he quickly recognized the potential of this new ability. If he mastered the Devouring Golden Silk, he could drain energy from nearby soul beasts or spirit masters to speed up his growth.

Poseidon, however, was concerned. As an Ultimate Douluo, she had seen many things over her lifetime, especially spirits and skills that absorbed energy or life force.

Poseidon looked at Tang San with a grave expression. "Tang San, this skill is indeed powerful, but be very cautious. Do not absorb the life force of opponents or soul beasts unless absolutely necessary. Both humans and soul beasts contain chaotic, unstable energies. Though your Blue Silver Grass is highly adaptable, absorbing too much fragmented energy could slowly impact your mind."

She continued, "Both human and beast life force carry fragments of their souls. Letting these remnants enter your body could affect your spirit, pulling it toward darkness. It could lead you down a dangerous path."

Tang San bowed respectfully. "Thank you for the warning, Senior. Please rest assured—I've always gained my strength through hard work and wouldn't risk myself by taking shortcuts."

Inwardly, however, Tang San's thoughts were different. Absorbing energy and life force to grow stronger faster—that's definitely an incredible ability. And with the intricacies of my Mysterious Heaven Technique and the versatility of Blue Silver Grass, I'm sure I can handle any chaotic energy.

Poseidon nodded at Tang San's response. "There are indeed many who pursue shortcuts with energy-devouring spirits or techniques. However, most of them end up falling into madness, becoming Dark Spirit Masters. Over the years, Spirit Hall has been vigilant against them, capturing or eliminating Dark Spirit Masters and confining them to the Slaughter City."

"Though our Sea God Island stands opposed to Spirit Hall, I support their actions in this. Any Dark Spirit Master I encounter faces the same fate—either executed or locked away in the Slaughter City."

Hearing this, Tang San's expression grew serious. On Sea God Island, offending Poseidon was out of the question.

Tang San then trained even harder. After two years, he and his companions completed the first two trials. Passing these trials, Tang San's spirit power even surpassed what was seen in the original story, as he didn't receive the same affinity boosts from the Sea God. Instead, he was rewarded with an additional level of spirit power each time he passed a test, but without the 100,000-year spirit rings, his power growth was slightly slower. Now, his spirit power had reached level 79.

The third Sea God Island trial for Tang San and his group, just as in the original, was Tide Body Refinement, although this time, it was a much shorter process.

Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing, Tai Long, and Bai Xiaofei had long since completed their trials. While they continued to train alongside Tang San, they had effectively become stewards of Sea God Island and were no longer eligible to take part in the advanced trials.

Back in Tian Dou City, the Empire had begun to recover slightly over these two years. Empress Xue Ke had consolidated her rule through judiciously dealing with rebellious nobles, gathering allies, and winning loyalty. Though Tian Dou was regaining some wealth, most resources were directed toward strengthening the army and developing new spirit masters.

The imperial family had reestablished its authority over the commoners of Tian Dou, but it was still far from matching the Clear Sky Clan or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. They still lacked high-ranking spirit masters, and Title Douluo were virtually nonexistent, with only a few spirit sages available.

The Clear Sky Clan, meanwhile, had also recovered, using its legendary status to attract several small spirit master families, bringing the clan's overall spirit master count to about 900. However, whether these minor allies could hold their ground in battle was yet to be seen.

After two years, Tang Xiao's strength was fully restored. With his level 97 spirit power, the mighty Clear Sky Hammer spirit, and the formidable Clear Sky Nine Absolution, he was the most powerful figure in Tian Dou Empire, even surpassing the now one-armed Sword Douluo.

Tang Hao, on the other hand, had only partially recovered, despite persistent treatment. Having lost his critical right arm and the spirit bone attached to it, his spirit power was capped at level 89, and he would likely never reach Title Douluo again.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had fared well. Ning Fengzhi had spared no expense in recruiting small spirit master families, bringing the clan's spirit master count to over 1,000. Though three of their precious vaults had been taken by Yang Potian, they still held two, and their immense wealth was unmatched.

In his study, Ning Fengzhi looked over numerous letters, including one from Ning Rongrong and others from intelligence reports. When Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo entered and saw the slight smile on his face, they exchanged puzzled glances.

Sword Douluo spoke first, "Fengzhi, have you received good news? I haven't seen you this pleased in quite some time."

Ning Fengzhi handed the letter to the two elders. "Rongrong just sent word—she's now a Soul Emperor. I didn't expect her to advance so quickly in the Almo Mountains."

Bone Douluo eagerly took the letter, his face lighting up. "Rongrong has done exceptionally well, truly one of the most talented disciples in the history of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. At this rate, she might even surpass you, Fengzhi."

Bone Douluo finished reading the letter, but his expression soon grew serious. "It's surprising that Yang Potian really has a way to evolve the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda spirit. Unfortunately, it's too late now, both for Rongrong and you."

Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly. "Yes, it's already too late for both Rongrong and me. With her talent, had we entrusted her to Yang Potian's guidance from a young age, her spirit might have already evolved by now."

Sword Douluo, after reading the letter as well, shook his head. "Fengzhi, Yang Potian's method might indeed be effective, but the requirements are incredibly high. Finding dragon-attributed spirit beasts and all the various types of earth-attribute spirit beasts would be difficult, not to mention creatures like the Earth Dragon and Earth Dragon King."

After a moment of contemplation, Ning Fengzhi asked, "Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, do you think Yang Potian has another, more feasible method that he hasn't shared? Or perhaps he's confident he can help Rongrong evolve her spirit?"

Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo exchanged glances before Bone Douluo finally spoke up. "Yang Potian's knowledge of spirits is incredibly vast. Even if he does know of another way, I doubt anyone could make him reveal it."

Ning Fengzhi pondered this for a while, then took out another letter.

Once Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo had read it, Ning Fengzhi continued, "Why would Yang Potian suddenly head to Spirit City? Could he be considering supporting the Spirit Empire's ambition to unify the continent? If that's the case, he won't be able to maintain his current neutral position, and who knows if the Spirit Empire, after achieving unification, would eventually turn on him."

Sword Douluo's expression grew serious. "Two years ago, Yang Potian was already capable of holding his own against Qian Daoliu. While he's likely improved since then, it's hard to believe he could overpower Qian Daoliu on his own, especially in Spirit City. Could he really have some hidden backing?"

Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "I can't say for sure. But it's strange for Yang Potian to travel to Spirit City, given that Spirit Hall doesn't seem to offer him much. Both the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires have long extended offers, stating that they would pay any price for his help."

Sword Douluo hesitated. "Fengzhi, Rongrong is still at Skywalk Academy. Should we call her back?"

Ning Fengzhi shook his head again. "Yang Potian may be many things, but I don't think he'd harm a child. Rongrong is likely safe at the academy."

"What concerns me more is the Spirit Empire itself. Since establishing its rule, they've been relatively quiet, but the moment the three empires clash, the impact will shake the continent. When that time comes, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's foundation may struggle to endure."

He sighed. "I find myself envying Yang Wudi. If our clan had relocated to the Almo Mountains back then, we might not be facing such a precarious situation now."

…

In the Clear Sky Clan, Tang Xiao looked at his younger brother Tang Hao, who wore a dark expression. "Hao, there's no need to worry about Little San and the others. They're under Poseidon's care on Sea God Island—they shouldn't encounter any real danger. Instead, you should focus on your own recovery. For the clan's sake and for Little San, you need to regain your strength."

Tang Hao forced a bitter smile. "Brother, I know my own condition better than anyone. After losing my right arm, and especially the clan's legacy spirit bone, there's no way I'll ever return to my former strength."

Tang Xiao tried to reassure him. "Hao, don't dwell on it too much. The world is full of rare and miraculous treasures—we'll find a way to help you recover."

Tang Hao sighed heavily. "Heavenly treasures… They're rare enough as it is. Little San once coveted the heavenly treasures owned by Yang Wudi and his clan, which is what led to our falling out with the Po family, and to you being gravely injured, barely surviving."

Tang Xiao quickly intervened. "You don't need to worry about that anymore. I've been sending people to search for these treasures for two years now, and I believe we'll find something eventually. And as for Skywalk Academy, that's all in the past now."

Tang Hao's bitter smile returned. "Brother, you don't need to console me. Even though Skywalk Academy hasn't made a move against our Clear Sky Clan, I'm certain that Yang Potian will come looking for trouble eventually. And I have a feeling that day isn't far off."

In light of Douluo Dalu II and III, should Tang San be classified as a Dark Spirit Master?

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