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Before leaving the White Cloud Forest, Tang San used his first soul skill: Endless Recovery, followed by his sixth soul skill: Twelve Celestial Nebulae. Utilizing immense life energy, he restored the entire forest to its original state. The soul beasts that had fled due to the falling leaves of the cloud trees returned to the forest.
During a previous experiment with his soul skills, Tang San had already used the Twelve Celestial Nebulae to rejuvenate the forest. Now, combined with his first soul skill, the vision created by the Blue Silver Emperor supporting the Twelve Celestial Beings was even more magnificent, reaching a height of over a thousand meters and covering nearly a thousand miles.
The abundant life force caused the edges of the White Cloud Forest to sprout numerous new cloud trees, expanding the forest's area by almost thirty percent.
"Daddy is amazing!" The cloud tree soul spirit, sitting on Tang San's head, clapped its little hands, feeling the revival of its fellow cloud trees with life force even stronger than before.
"Don't call me Daddy. Call me Master. Although you aren't from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, you are similar to Wu Lin and Wu Tong, both being plant soul beasts." Tang San planted a Blue Silver Emperor spirit where the original cloud tree had grown and then cradled the cloud tree soul spirit in his hand. "I'll give you a name, how about Lingyun?"
"Thank you, Daddy—oh no, Master. It's a lovely name, I really like it." Lingyun jumped from Tang San's head to his shoulder, kissed his cheek playfully, and said, "This is your reward."
After that, Lingyun joined Wu Lin and Wu Tong in Tang San's right hand, leaving Huo Wu looking at Tang San with a disdainful expression.
"Ahem, soul beasts are quite naive," Tang San explained, his voice growing softer until he changed the topic. "Let's go to White Cloud City to rest for the night. Tomorrow, we'll head to the extreme south of Douluo Continent to help you hunt for a soul ring."
Upon arriving in White Cloud City, the residents were buzzing about the celestial vision they had witnessed earlier. Some were anxious, so Tang San had to visit the local Spirit Hall to explain the situation, stating it was an effect of obtaining a soul ring, and asked the local hall master to reassure the city's populace.
However, Tang San chose not to stay in the accommodations provided by the local Spirit Hall. Instead, he opted for an inn.
Firstly, he didn't want to trouble the local hall master with extra expenses. Secondly, Huo Wu preferred the more spacious rooms of the inn, which also offered a view of the street from the windows.
For these reasons, they decided to stay at the inn.
"Welcome to White Cloud Inn."
As they entered, the receptionist behind the counter greeted them with a formal smile and a slight bow. "Would you like to book a room?"
"Two rooms, near the street," Tang San said, placing two silver soul coins on the counter.
"Very well, let me check..." The receptionist was about to record their booking when she noticed Huo Wu repeatedly winking at her. Realizing what was happening—a girl pursuing a guy—she thought the masked man must be very handsome under the mask, despite seeming a bit dense.
"Just a moment." After casually flipping through the register, the receptionist looked apologetic. "I'm sorry, we only have one room left near the street."
Tang San glanced at Huo Wu, who was examining the lobby decor, and asked, "Should we find another place?"
"No, let's stay here. I'm exhausted." Huo Wu yawned. "Besides, I need a bath and a change of clothes after a bird pooped on my shoulder earlier."
"But there's only one room..."
"Don't worry, our rooms have large beds that can comfortably sleep four people. There's plenty of space for both of you," the receptionist smiled, subtly assisting Huo Wu.
Tang San shot her a speechless look, about to protest, when Huo Wu spoke first. "You're a gentleman, right? You won't cross the line."
"You overestimate me. In fact, I'm beginning to suspect you want to take advantage of me," Tang San tightened his clothes, eyes full of suspicion.
"Do you think you're funny?" Huo Wu feigned disdain and told the receptionist, "We'll take the room. I trust this guy's integrity."
"Wait, isn't this my room?"
Just as the receptionist took out the key, an arrogant voice sounded from behind Tang San and Huo Wu.
Tang San turned around to see a young man about his age, holding a curvaceous woman with black hair, a wicked smile playing on his lips.
"This scene feels oddly familiar," Tang San thought to himself.
"Young Master Feng!" The receptionist exclaimed in surprise, quickly explaining, "I'm sorry, Young Master Feng, there's been a misunderstanding. Your reserved room is still available. These two were just asking for a room with a street view."
The young man, known as Young Master Feng, was momentarily stunned. The woman in his arms laughed, further aggravating him. His face twisted with anger as he declared, "I'll take all the rooms here!"
He then turned his gaze to Huo Wu, leering at her. "You there, take off your mask and let me have a look," he sneered. "I'm the eldest son of the Feng family in White Cloud City. I'm wealthy and a Level 36 Grandmaster. Why don't you come with me? That guy next to you probably isn't even fully grown yet. Heh!"
"I'm sorry, but you two need to find another place," the receptionist said apologetically. She then whispered to Tang San and Huo Wu, "Although it's first come, first served, Young Master Feng is from the Feng family, a soul master family with a Soul King. We can't afford to offend them. It's better if you find somewhere else to stay."
"I heard that," Young Master Feng sneered, pointing at Tang San. "You can leave, but the woman stays."
"What if I refuse?" Tang San wasn't one to start trouble, but he wouldn't back down if someone provoked him. After all, even a buzzing mosquito could be annoying.
"Oh, daring to challenge me? You're the first," Young Master Feng laughed coldly. He released the woman in his arms and stepped forward, his spirit power manifesting. Blue wings sprouted from his arms, and a red comb appeared on his head, revealing his spirit: the Blue Feathered Chicken.
The Blue Feathered Chicken wasn't an exotic species like the Titan Giant Ape, but it was a rare soul beast that ordinary people could raise. Its meat was delicious, highly nutritious, and it had a strong reproductive ability, laying nearly fifty eggs a month.
According to the Spirit Hall's "Secrets of Avian Soul Beasts," the Blue Feathered Chicken was believed to be a descendant of the phoenix, though its bloodline had degenerated.
Young Master Feng had three soul rings: two yellow and one purple. The first yellow ring was very faint, indicating it had just broken the hundred-year mark.
"Now, kneel and apologize, or don't think about leaving here unscathed."
"Does the Spirit Hall know about your arrogance?" Tang San's voice deepened as he stared at Feng. "Fighting is not allowed in the city."
"Rules are dead, people are alive, and my Feng family is the largest in this place. Even the Spirit Hall shows us respect," Feng sneered. "You have two choices: kneel and crawl under my legs, or get beaten up. Your choice, and I don't want to repeat myself."
Boom!
In an instant, Feng was forced to the ground by an invisible pressure, his bones creaking as if they might break at any moment.
Tang San removed his mask, revealing six soul rings: yellow, purple, purple, black, red, and red. The last two blood-red rings struck fear into everyone except Huo Wu.
"You are..." Feng's eyes widened in terror as he stared at Tang San, unable to believe what he was seeing.
"Have you learned to speak properly now?" Tang San's voice was calm and devoid of emotion, yet it chilled Feng to the bone, draining the color from his face.
This was someone he couldn't afford to offend!
Tang San, with his Soul King strength, could rival the Spirit Hall Pope. Now, as a Soul Emperor with a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, his power was even more formidable.
Such a status and strength meant that even if Tang San killed him in broad daylight, no one would dare to speak against him. Feng's reputation in White Cloud City was already poor, while Tang San was highly respected.
Tang San's influence was vast: he was a master of martial soul theory, benefiting most civilian soul masters across the continent; he was the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, which naturally sided with him; and he was the Silver Blue Earl, personally honored by Emperor Xue Ye. The city lord of White Cloud City, being his peer, would undoubtedly support him.
With a single word from Tang San, the city lord and the Spirit Hall could unite to bring down the entire Feng family, accusing them of disrespecting the Count of Tiandou and offending the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall.
"Please spare me!" Feng Shao pleaded desperately, despite the tumult in his chest and stomach, bowing repeatedly. "You're magnanimous. Consider me nothing more than a fart and let me go."
"No, I'm petty," Tang San replied flatly.
Bang! Huo Wu kicked Feng Shao, sending him sprawling towards the hotel's entrance. She sneered, "Do you think I'll let you off that easily for talking to me like that?"
"You're the first person to suggest the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall crawl under your legs."
Ignoring the blood at the corner of his mouth, Feng Shao scrambled back and continued kowtowing, the sound echoing in the lobby. "Please forgive me!"
Tang San had already withdrawn his spirit rings. "Fine. Just follow the rules from now on. Do you understand the principle of first come, first served?"
"Yes! I understand!" Feng Shao nodded vigorously, feeling a weight lift from his heart. He thought to himself, "Thankfully, this guy is reasonable. If it had been someone else, my family would be in serious trouble!"
"People like him only understand brute force. If it were up to me, I'd break his arms and legs," Huo Wu grumbled, clearly not satisfied. "He almost ruined my plans..."
"What plans?" Tang San asked.
"Nothing," Huo Wu quickly changed the subject, barking at Feng Shao, "Why are you still kneeling here? Get out of my sight!"
"Yes, yes!" Feng Shao hurriedly pulled his mesmerized companion away, fearing further angering the two.
"You're Tang San!" The receptionist's eyes sparkled with admiration. She nervously retrieved a notebook and a feather pen from under the counter, stammering, "Can... can I have... your autograph?"
"Sure," Tang San smiled naturally, taking the notebook and pen. He signed his name with fluid grace on the cover and handed them back. "One favor—don't tell anyone we're here. We're on a mission to hunt soul beasts."
"Don't worry, we never disclose guest information unless required by law enforcement," the receptionist said seriously. Then, she shyly produced a soul guide camera and asked, "Can I take a photo with you two?"
"No problem," Huo Wu agreed immediately, pulling Tang San in for a photo with the receptionist.
"Are there really no other available rooms?" Tang San asked nonchalantly after the photo.
"Well..."
"There aren't, right?" Huo Wu pressed, her tone carrying a hint of threat. Realizing the photo wasn't for free, the receptionist quickly nodded, "No, there are no other rooms. Young Master Feng didn't cancel his reservation, even though he left."
"Fine, one room it is," Tang San resigned himself to sleeping on the sofa.
---
"That was close. I almost died."
Feng Shao, having fled the White Cloud Inn, didn't care about the odd looks from passersby. He rubbed the bruise on his forehead, wincing but feeling relieved. He turned to his companion, "You go home first. I'll find you later."
"But Feng Shao..."
Before she could finish, Feng Shao dashed towards the family estate.
"Big brother, what happened?" A young man bearing a strong resemblance to Feng Shao approached the gate of the Feng family mansion, his eyebrows knit in concern. "Did you provoke the wrong person again? Who dares offend the Feng family?"
"Outsiders! And they're both Soul Emperors!" Feng Shao groaned, rubbing his forehead. "I tell you, they're no joke. They're members of the previous Tian Dou Royal Team, Tang San and Huo Wu!"
"Them!" The young man's eyes darkened as he recalled events from three years ago—
At that time, the Blood Sword Norman was wreaking havoc outside White Cloud City. He wanted to ask his father to join the city lord and the Spirit Hall in eradicating the evil soul master.
However, the head of the Feng family, his father, had declined, stating:
"Our family centers around direct disciples with the same martial soul. Even major sects and large families value their direct descendants highly, so what about our small family?
Every member's life is precious!
Providing financial support is sufficient. Protecting the city and its people is the responsibility of the city lord and the Spirit Hall, not our small family!"
In the end, Blood Sword Norman was cornered by the White Cloud City Lord and the branch head of the Spirit Hall in the White Cloud Plains and White Cloud Forest. Later, rumors spread that Blood Sword Norman possessed a soul bone, and eventually, he and his evil soul master companions became part of the renowned achievements of the three main battle teams: Tian Dou Imperial Academy, Star Luo Imperial Academy, and the Spirit Hall Academy.
At that time, one thing puzzled him—why did Tang San and others join Tian Dou Imperial Academy?
And Huo Wu, Guang Ling...
He had only one thought: the plot of Douluo Continent had gone haywire. Tang San might be a transmigrator like him. He even equated Tang San, who had written the "Soul Master's Self-Positioning Analysis," with the protagonist of the original Douluo Continent.
The opening of the Soul Master Tournament later confirmed his suspicions.
That Tang San was indeed a transmigrator, and there were quite a few transmigrators who appeared in the Continental Elite Tournament. Just from what he discovered, there were Mu Tian from Shrek, Xu Xing from Star Crown Academy, Wang Chen from Tian Dou's second team, Mi Xue from Tianshui Academy, and possibly Huo Yuhao from a parallel timeline.
Douluo Continent was terrifyingly real enough, but with so many transmigrators—and Tang San even killed Huo Yuhao, who had transformed into the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion, with a single punch during the tournament!
From that moment on, he began to "deeply" hide his identity—Douluo was too dangerous, with threats not only from natives but also from other transmigrators. He had to lie low to survive!
"Brother Feng Ming, what's wrong? You look a bit gloomy!" Feng Shao saw his face darkening like charcoal and, thinking he was about to confront Tang San and Huo Wu, hurriedly advised, "Don't act rashly, or our Feng family will be finished! If we truly offend them, no one will care if our entire clan is exterminated!"
"I know, big brother!" Feng Ming wouldn't foolishly seek death by confronting Tang San. This wasn't some brainless novel; Tang San was a transmigrator like him, and not the semi-native Tang San. Tang San had already risen to power, becoming the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall. If he confronted Tang San, he might be killed publicly without any consequences—both the Spirit Hall and the Tian Dou Empire would support Tang San and absolve him of any wrongdoing.
Public opinion is always controlled by those in power.
But it was extremely frustrating, this feeling of being wronged without being able to vent. Although, in this case, the one at fault was indeed his big brother, Feng Lie.
Feng Ming knew his brother's character well—just like Dai Mubai, full of tricks and scheming, having flirted with countless women by the age of twelve.
However, while Dai Mubai had some strength, Feng Lie was entirely a bully who surrendered immediately when faced with stronger soul masters.
"By the way, I was beaten by Huo Wu and survived. Can I brag about this for a lifetime?" Feng Lie suddenly asked, touching the shoe print on the corner of his mouth.
[He's got a bit of a humorous side...]
Feng Ming felt exasperated and said, "Indeed, you can brag about it for a lifetime. But you should really focus on cultivating. In this world, strength is paramount!"
"I know that, but you see, my martial soul is just the Blue Feather Chicken. My innate soul power is low, and now I'm only a Soul Elder... By the way, where have you been training these past two years?"