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After the conclusion of the Elite Soul Master Academy Grand Competition across the entire continent, Tang San and his companions did not stay directly in the Spirit Hall City. Instead, they followed the team from the Tian Dou Empire to the Tian Dou Imperial Capital, Tian Dou City.
After all, Tang San and his companions represented the Tian Dou Royal Academy in the competition, bringing honor to the Tian Dou Empire. It was only proper for them to return and accept Emperor Xue Ye's reward.
During the journey, Tang San also passed on the method of condensing soul cores to Huo Wu, Yu Tianheng, and others, to compensate for the value of those three pieces of ten thousand years Soul Bone.
Compared to ten-thousand-year-old Soul Bones, the value of soul cores was self-evident.
Once condensed, soul power became purer, recovery faster, and there were great benefits to mental power cultivation.
Although it didn't increase their cultivation base, everyone present could see clearly that this method of condensing soul cores far exceeded the value of ten-thousand-year-old Soul Bones, and even one hundred Thousand-year-old Soul Bones were inferior.
Especially the purity of soul power, which greatly increased their chances of becoming Titled Douluo.
"Isn't this too precious?" Inside the luxurious royal carriage, Yu Tianheng couldn't believe it. There was actually such a marvelous cultivation method in the world. "If this were to be spread, I'm afraid the number of Titled Douluo on the continent would double in the future?"
For Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan behind him, many Soul Douluo in the past had died because their soul power was impure, unable to break through to the level of Titled Douluo.
And now, Tang San had directly provided a method to purify soul power.
Was this the weight of a Grandmaster of Martial Souls?
"This isn't something I researched alone; Xiao Wu also helped." Tang San smiled. "After all, I traded those three pieces of ten-thousand-year-old Soul Bone recklessly for a chance to challenge the Pope. I have to give you a better reward."
"I'm ashamed to accept." Yu Tianheng didn't know what to say and could only say, "Captain, rest assured, without your permission, I won't pass this on to anyone at home."
"That doesn't matter. After all, for most people, even if they know the method, it's difficult to condense. If their mental power doesn't meet the standard, their control over soul power isn't precise enough, perhaps they'll never be able to condense a soul core in their lifetime." Tang San waved his hand casually. "Don't think I'm losing out. After all, I have something better."
Except for Xiao Wu and Guang Ling, who knew that Tang San really had a better method of condensing soul cores, everyone else just thought Tang San didn't want to damage their friendship because of this and felt deeply moved.
"Alright, enough idle talk. I have another benefit here. Do you want to try it?" Tang San suddenly chuckled sinisterly, causing Yu Tianheng, Huo Wu, and others to break out in a cold sweat.
Huo Wu tentatively asked, "What benefit?"
"It's trying out my fifth soul skill."
The Blue Silver Emperor had two fifth soul skills: Intense Fire and Poison, Profound Ice and Poison. When both were used together, they formed a Golden Body that could assist in forging a body immune to all poisons.
It was called the Ice and Fire Body Refinement.
After obtaining the fifth soul ring, Tang San had never used this soul skill. Therefore, he wanted to experiment and see the specific effects, whether it could bring someone to the level of the protagonist in the original work.
"I won't die, right?" Yu Feng weakly asked.
"Don't worry, you won't." Tang San pulled Yu Feng forward, letting him sit cross-legged on the floor of the carriage. "Seeing how lively you are, I'll let you experience it first."
Oslo gave a thumbs-up, grinning, "I support you, Yu Feng. If you accidentally die, I'll go worship at your grave."
Yu Tianheng encouraged, "Come on, Yu Feng, you can do it."
Huo Wu smiled, "I have a newfound respect for you."
Ye Lingling said sincerely, "Don't worry, as long as you're still breathing, both the captain and I can help you recover."
"Wait, when did I agree?" Yu Feng was speechless. "And why do I feel like I'm about to die?"
"Get ready, I'm releasing the fifth soul skill." After Tang San finished speaking, ignoring Yu Feng's refusal, the fifth soul ring flickered, and the Blue Silver Emperor instantly enveloped Yu Feng in a large sphere.
Wulin and Wutong appeared, releasing the dual elements of ice and fire, complementing the red and blue patterns above the Blue Silver Emperor.
"It's so hot!"
"It's so cold!"
Muffled screams came from inside the Blue Silver sphere, but Tang San turned a deaf ear, letting Wulin and Wutong continue their work.
Half an hour later, the Blue Silver Emperor dissipated, revealing Yu Feng's body.
If only judging from the surface, compared to before, the only change in Yu Feng's appearance was that he was now naked, with his entire body exposed, but Tang San quickly covered him with Blue Silver Grass.
"Captain, you're responsible for this!" Yu Feng could feel that his body had become stronger, but all his clothes were destroyed. Wasn't this a bit embarrassing?
"Don't be funny, hurry up and put your clothes on." Tang San said impatiently, "There are many girls here. Do you want to streak?"
Helpless, Yu Feng could only hide under the Blue Silver Emperor and take out the corresponding clothes from the soul device, putting them on hastily.
"Any changes?"
As Yu Feng crawled out from under the Blue Silver Emperor, Huo Wu immediately asked, "Do you feel like you've grown three heads and six arms or something?"
"It's not that exaggerated. The Ice and Fire Body Refinement just cultivates a body immune to all poisons; it doesn't change one's species." Tang San pinched Yu Feng's muscles and bones, causing him to jump around in pain. After confirming the effect of the Ice and Fire Body Refinement, Tang San said, "Yu Feng's body strength, with the fifth soul ring in the future, can withstand the level of thirty thousand years, but considering his mental power, twenty thousand years is optimal."
"Really?" Yu Feng's eyes lit up, feeling that his hardship had finally paid off.
"Would I lie to you?" Tang San retorted.
"Is the immunity to all poisons real too?" Yu Feng asked excitedly. "In the future, when traveling the continent with Xiang Xiang, going on adventures, there's no need to worry about being tricked."
"If you're immune to all poisons, it's relative; some metallic and mineral poisons may still affect you," Tang San reminded. "Also, don't think you can indulge in poison; that's just asking for death."
"Heh heh, the wise avoid danger. I understand this principle." Yu Feng expressed that he had just broken free from some constraints, not that he was stupid. How could he possibly try poison? He would avoid it at all costs.
With the effect of the Ice and Fire Body Refinement known, the others were eager to try it too, but considering they would end up naked, they all looked embarrassed.
Noticing this, Tang San coughed twice and said, "Since Yu Feng has already volunteered, and my fifth soul skill is fine, let others try it when we return."
"Why? Why am I the only one who has to be naked?" Yu Feng protested, grabbing Oslo's collar. "At least this guy should try it too... Damn it, he even said he would worship at my grave. I can't stand it!"
Oscar made up an excuse, "I'm just concerned about you!"
"Who would believe that!"
The two struggled, but no one stepped forward to stop them. Everyone watched with smiles, even Ning Rongrong's eyes gleamed as she whispered, "Fight! Fight!"
Unfortunately, the two didn't end up fighting.
Mainly because Bai Chenxiang couldn't bear to watch anymore. She grabbed Yu Feng's ear, signaling for him to be quiet.
The others all showed disappointment...
Outside of Heaven Dou City,
Xue Qinghe led the Royal Knights to welcome them and congratulated Emperor Xue Ye, "Father, the champion of this continental elite competition has fallen to our Heaven Dou Empire, declaring the prosperity and flourishing of our Heaven Dou to the entire continent!"
"Hahaha! Cough cough!" Emperor Xue Ye laughed excitedly, but his laughter was mixed with coughs, as if telling him — he was getting old.
"This is indeed a fortunate event!"
"Qinghe, I plan to hold a grand banquet to celebrate Heaven Dou's victory and reward those who have performed outstandingly in Heaven Dou's many academies."
Tang San's talent was truly extraordinary.
Emperor Xue Ye wanted to hold the banquet mainly to win over Tang San, thereby consolidating the position of the Heaven Dou Empire.
"This is unnecessary."
However, Emperor Xue Ye shook his head, "For this banquet, I want all the people of Heaven Dou City to participate and celebrate with the people!"
"Will this not strain the people and resources?" Xue Qinghe hesitated.
"Qinghe, those who accomplish great things do not worry about trifles." Emperor Xue Ye felt that this son was a bit too pretentious, perhaps even he had started to believe it. He sighed and said, "Although the number of Soul Masters is only one-tenth or even one-twentieth compared to the ordinary people on the entire continent, this world is dominated by Soul Masters."
"Tang San's strength and talent, you've seen through the Ziwu Soul Guiding Photography Ball, right?"
"Although the scene of his challenge to the current Pope at the Spirit Hall was not fully recorded, who can deny his future? At the level of the Soul King, he can rival a Title Douluo, and even a ninety-eighth-level Super Douluo!"
Speaking of this —
Whether from Xue Qinghe's identity or from Qian Renxue's identity, as the Crown Prince accompanying Emperor Xue Ye, neither knew how to respond.
In fact, Qian Renxue even doubted whether she could subdue Tang San... in terms of martial prowess, charisma, although she didn't want to admit it, Qian Renxue knew she was no match for Bibi Dong.
The footage transmitted back through the Ziwu Soul Guiding Photography Ball finally confirmed one thing: Tang San had joined the Spirit Hall.
But the outcome between the two was still uncertain.
"Do you really have the confidence to subdue talents like Tang San?" Qian Renxue doubted herself for the first time.
Seeing Xue Qinghe silent, Emperor Xue Ye thought she had agreed and continued, "That's settled then. You go and arrange it. Well, let Xue Xing do it. Even if it strains resources, tarnishes reputation, let him bear it."
In the royal family, there's no familial love; the purpose of siblings' existence is just to bear the blame for each other.
If something goes wrong, let Xue Xing take the blame. Then, as the emperor, Xue Ye could reprimand him a bit symbolically and give him a nominal punishment to placate public anger.
Then, the matter would pass.
"I'll go arrange it now." Xue Qinghe nodded and left the group first, heading to Prince Xue Xing's mansion to inform him of Emperor Xue Ye's arrangements.
Xue Xing didn't have much reaction. He had experienced many such situations when he was young.
Isn't it just that when something goes wrong, he has to bear the blame?
He's used to it.
Therefore, when the teams of various academies entered Heaven Dou City with the Royal Knights of Emperor Xue Ye, they witnessed what true prosperity looked like.
The residents of the entire city cheered, brimming with joy at Heaven Dou Royal Academy winning the championship.
The crowds along the main roads showered Heaven Dou Royal Academy with flowers and shouted the names of Tang San, Xiao Wu, Huo Wu, Yu Tianheng, and others.
People also opened the curtains of the royal carriages and waved to the crowds on the roadside.
"Why is the Heaven Dou royal family making such a big fuss?"
Xiao Wu also witnessed the prosperity of Heaven Dou City for the first time, her mouth slightly open. "The most lively scene I've ever seen before was during the gatherings in the city of Noding. People from nearby villages would flock to Nuoding City, and the whole city would be like a pot of people."
"But compared to here, it's like a small witch seeing a big witch."
"That's because those small cities can't compare to Heaven Dou City," Huo Wu chuckled.
"However, even if we win, such a big fuss shouldn't be made, making the whole city lively," Yu Tianheng said thoughtfully, looking at Tang San. "I guess it's for you, Captain?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Huo Wu shrugged. "Only Captain Tang San, who can rival a ninety-eighth-level Super Douluo at the level of a Soul King, is worthy of such attention from Emperor Xue Ye."
"I'm a bit overwhelmed by the favor." Though he said so, Tang San remained calm, seemingly unaffected by the outside hustle and bustle, pondering how to repay Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
After all, the three commissioners had granted him access to the Heaven Dou Royal Library. The books inside could be read at his discretion, and this favor had to be repaid.
Apart from that, he also considered how to choose in case of conflicts between the Spirit Hall and the Heaven Dou Empire... etc. It seemed that as long as Xue Qinghe ascended, the Heaven Dou Empire and the Spirit Hall would be as one family.
He didn't intend to meddle in Qian Renxue's "switching of the prince" matter.
Tang San's position was always clear to himself—a researcher in soul theory, supplemented by research in soul tools, medicine, martial arts, etc.
Activities like vying for the throne, hegemony over the continent—
He truly had no interest in them.
Those kinds of things would only waste his time for cultivation and research, bringing no benefit.
"Aren't you being a bit perfunctory?" Huo Wu was speechless. No matter how you looked at it, it seemed that Tang San had no interest in such matters. But that was Tang San for you.
If Tang San were interested in power, they would all suspect he'd been swapped out by someone else...
When the members of the Heaven Dou Royal Team returned to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, the grand banquet officially began.
If the atmosphere had to be described, a poem could be used:
Laughter and joy filled the air, the fragrance of wine intoxicated many hearts.
Guests from the north and south drank together, delicious dishes complemented by fine wine.
Servers bustled around, old friends and new acquaintances felt like one big family.
However, Tang San didn't quite fit into such occasions, especially after his identity was revealed. Many nobles came to toast to him, which truly exhausted him.
He would rather have another major battle with Bibi Dong.
After three days and three nights, the banquet finally ended. Tang San and the others rested for a day and a night, rejuvenating themselves. They were also preparing to officially graduate from Heaven Dou Royal Academy and go their separate ways.
Yu Feng and Bai Chenxiang had made plans to explore and adventure in the unknown lands of the continent before their marriage.
Shi Mo and Shi Mo'er, the two brothers, set off with the personnel arranged by their family towards coastal cities.
Ye Lingling planned to persuade her family to open a clinic in Heaven Dou City where both commoners and nobles could seek treatment.
Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Huo Wu, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Lan Yin'er chose to join the Spirit Hall along with Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Guang Ling, among others.
However, these six individuals joined in their personal capacities. Even after joining the Spirit Hall, they could pursue other activities and were not obliged to follow the Spirit Hall's arrangements completely.
Especially Yu Tianheng and Ning Rongrong, they couldn't possibly follow Tang San to the Spirit Hall.
"Sob, we're about to part ways, it's really sad."
Originally, it was indeed quite sad, but when Yu Feng cried like this, the atmosphere suddenly dissipated, leaving everyone feeling a bit speechless.
"How about we set a time to gather again in the future?" Ye Lingling suggested, "Let's say five years. After five years, we'll all meet again and see how much progress we've made."
"That's a good idea." Yu Feng agreed, hugging Bai Chenxiang and looking at Tang San, "But Captain should slow down his cultivation speed a bit. If he becomes a Titled Douluo, we'll be embarrassed."
"Don't worry, I won't slow down in my cultivation. By then, whoever has the lowest cultivation will be embarrassed." Tang San joked, encouraging everyone.
Everyone looked at each other and burst into laughter.
"Oh right, the others haven't undergone the Ice and Fire Refinement yet. Who wants to go first?" Tang San suddenly spoke, and the laughter around him abruptly stopped.
"I'll go first. It's just right, we can have a good chat." Lan Yin'er smiled sweetly and spoke first.
"Sounds good."
Tang San nodded and entered the dormitory with Lan Yin'er, locking the door and drawing the curtains to prevent others from peeking.
In terms of character, Tang San didn't expect himself to be so "honest."
After the Ice and Fire Refinement, Lan Yin'er's clothes were torn, but she didn't try to cover up. Instead, she stood boldly in front of Tang San, "My good son, is mommy beautiful?"
Tang San squinted his eyes, chuckled twice, and said with interest, "This shouldn't be your body, right? From the perspective of bloodline inheritance, we're not considered mother and son... or are you expecting something NSFW to happen?"
Lan Yin'er instantly lost the mood to tease her son, quickly dressed herself, and asked, "When did you find out about my identity?"
"If we're talking about when I suspected, I had some guesses from the beginning, but the time I truly confirmed it was about half a year before the Elite Tournament started." At that time, a tenant had moved into Tang San's Upper Dantian...
(End of this chapter)