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*****
"However, giving up their divine tool to leave the divine realm isn't out of the question. With their experience, they could forge another one. Plus, leaving the divine tool for a successor saves them the time of re-forging it, allowing the new god to quickly harness the full power of their position."
"Tsk, this world really is extraordinary," Electrolux marveled at the wonders of Douluo Continent, then addressed Tang San's question. "You're right. That remnant soul does absorb faith energy at specific times to nourish its divine essence, but it can't be resurrected. The amount of faith energy is too small, and the method it uses…"
"While I don't know the exact method of utilizing faith energy, I'd guess that remnant soul's use of it is as crude as most soul masters using soul power—just a matter of quantity."
Electrolux's top-down perspective was understandable. Despite the Douluo Continent's wondrous martial spirits, their methods for using soul power were rudimentary, akin to primitive people tying stones to sticks.
As for the intricacies of soul skills… those were derived from the soul rings of spirit beasts, not the soul masters themselves.
"Tang, why don't we seize that phoenix remnant soul tonight? I can refine it into a phoenix undead, turning it into our summoned beast," Electrolux proposed. "In the future, this continent will undoubtedly produce divine-level experts—at least two, the Rakshasa and the Angel. We need to be prepared."
Electrolux had gleaned from Tang San's memories that certain elements of the story in Douluo Dalu could serve as reference points, though much remained uncertain aside from the eventual appearance of the Angel and Rakshasa Gods.
For Tang San's and his own safety, having a divine-level undead bodyguard was essential.
"A bodyguard, huh?" Tang San looked at the phoenix paulownia with a different idea in mind. "I'd rather see the paulownia tree absorb the phoenix beast's remnant soul and become a spirit beast."
Electrolux frowned, pondering Tang San's words, then tentatively asked, "Nirvana?"
"Rebirth through death—that's nirvana," Tang San's eyes gleamed with determination. "Compared to gaining a bodyguard, I'd prefer the sycamore tree becoming my ninth spirit ring and spirit soul."
"Of course, this is just an option. If a better one comes along later, we can choose that instead."
Electrolux thought for a moment and then nodded. "Very well. Summoning beasts can be made from the corpses of soul beasts or soul masters. When we go to the City of Slaughter, the fallen there can be repurposed."
The fallen, who had become as monstrous as demons, were perfect candidates for undead materials, carrying no moral baggage.
Even if there were innocents, Electrolux wouldn't be particularly concerned.
Before his death, in his quest for revenge, he had created an undead army, causing countless innocent casualties either directly or indirectly.
"The City of Slaughter is indeed a prime place for you to gather 'raw materials,'" Tang San agreed. Initially, he had planned to study the fallen there after establishing his power, researching their psychology and physiology.
Unfortunately, plans couldn't keep up with changes.
Electrolux's involvement had altered his future plans for the City of Slaughter…
"Brother San," Xiao Wu interrupted Tang San and Electrolux's conversation, pointing to a nearby church with a phoenix statue above its main entrance. "Is that the Wuhun Hall of Phoenix City? Why are so many people gathered there?"
Tang San noticed the angel emblem of the Spirit Hall under the phoenix statue and nodded. "Yes, it is the Spirit Hall. But this one in Phoenix City is quite unique, with the phoenix symbol above the hall's emblem. Let's go take a look."
As they approached the entrance of the Spirt Hall, Tang San tapped a man in line on the shoulder and asked, "What are you all doing here?"
The man turned around, his gaze wary upon seeing Tang San's masked face. However, his expression softened when he saw the three girls behind him. Despite their veils, Xiao Wu and the others exuded an enchanting presence.
The man replied, "You must be from out of town. This is where people sign up for the 'Phoenix Seeking Phoenix' dance event. My girlfriend and I are here to register."
"Your girlfriend?" Tang San was puzzled since the person ahead of this man was also male. Most of the queue was composed of men.
"How could I let her wait in line?" the man said earnestly. "I'll handle this tough job. All the men in front of me are doing the same. By the way, you've got three female companions with you?"
"We're travelers passing through Phoenix City," Tang San smiled, avoiding a direct answer, and led the girls past the crowd into the hall.
"He must be a soul master..." the man mused, wondering if he had said anything offensive. To common folk, most soul masters were known for their arrogance and short tempers, prone to violence at the slightest provocation.
Inside the Spirit Hall, Tang San removed his mask. The local hall master, Thanos, immediately rose to greet him, bowing respectfully. "Welcome, Holy Son of Spirit Hall."
Although the Continental Elite Tournament had ended, the influence of the mother-son soul guide projector was ongoing, and recordings of the event continued to spread.
The Spirit Hall easily recognized Tang San. Despite recent impersonations by those cosplaying as Tang San, Xiao Wu, and others, discerning the genuine article was straightforward for those familiar with the real individuals. Moreover, Tang San presented the Holy Son token, personally bestowed by Bibi Dong before he left the Spirit Hall.
"No need for formalities," Tang San waved his hand casually. "We're just passing by and wanted to join in the festivities. Mainly, I'm interested in seeing the phoenix paulownia tree."
"I'll make the arrangements immediately!" Thanos responded promptly.
"No need to trouble anyone. Isn't the 'Phoenix Seeking Phoenix' dance happening in three days? Just sign us up," Tang San requested.
"That's easily done," Thanos sighed in relief. The Holy Son was approachable, making his task easier. But then—
"Four people?"
"Tang San and I will be a pair, and Xiao Wu and Lan Yinzi will be another. There's no rule saying girls can't dance together, right?" Tang San asked with a smile.
"There's no such rule..." Thanos agreed, albeit somewhat speechless.
"Why are you paired with Guang Ling?" Xiao Wu asked, pouting like an agitated rabbit.
"Relax, we can switch partners later." Tang San quickly reassured her, knowing that if he didn't, Xiao Wu might sneak into his room tonight to steal his precious virtue.
Xiao Wu huffed, "That's more like it."
Thanos couldn't help but sigh inwardly at how playful the Holy Son was, feeling a bit inferior in comparison.
Three days later, the festivities began.
Phoenix City was bustling with activity. Long tables filled the streets, laden with various foods. For just a silver soul coin, one could get a pass that allowed them to sample all the delicacies on any given street.
Tang San, Xiao Wu, Guang Ling, and Lan Yinzi found a street to enjoy the local wine and delicacies. Despite the pervasive air of romance around them, they were quite content.
Thankfully, no nobles approached them for small talk.
They had disguised their faces, and although Xiao Wu's long braid drew some attention, no one came up to flirt with them. Their way of eating—grabbing food with their hands, lifting their masks or veils, and stuffing their mouths—was far from the refined manners of the nobles.
Phoenix City was predominantly inhabited by noble families and retired Spirit Hall officials and their children. Seeing Tang San and the others eating so casually, even the glimpses of their attractive faces didn't encourage anyone to approach.
In this city, commoners and nobles lived in separate worlds. Behavior and etiquette often revealed one's social status.
However, during the "Phoenix Seeking Phoenix" festival, everyone was equal. Nobles and commoners mingled, danced, and sang together. Boys from the countryside could invite noble girls to dance, and common girls could choose noble boys to sing with. Everyone could refuse invitations, but not more than three times, or they would be barred from participating further.
Under the watchful eyes of the Phoenix God, on this day, everyone in Phoenix City was equal—no distinctions of high or low, noble or common.
At least, that's what the festival propaganda claimed.
When the dance truly began, Tang San suspected that despite the shared space, there would be few instances of common b