In the following days, Yang Podi led a group of people to practice swimming by the beach. Most of them had never been in the water before and were complete landlubbers. If they fell into the sea, it would be a disaster. Becoming a drowned Soul Emperor would be a laughingstock. Especially considering the later Sea God trials, several tests involved the sea. It was a good idea to get accustomed to the water in advance.
Meanwhile, Niu Meng, after absorbing a spirit bone and taking another dose of whale glue, finally reached level 60. Now, even if it required brute force, they were determined to push him to this level. Yang Zhentian personally led Niu Meng to obtain his spirit ring.
Of course, Yang Podi was unaware that his actions had already caused significant changes on the Douluo Continent.
First, due to the spread of various manuals, all major powers were now deeply engaged in rigorous cultivation. The Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, in particular, had obtained almost all the manuals. After thorough research and confirmation of their effects, they began organizing large numbers of their members to train.
Although Mysterious Heaven Skill had been trimmed and altered, it still didn't entirely hinder cultivation. However, its difficulty had significantly increased, especially with the omission of the fourth layer. Cultivating it was now much harder. Nonetheless, the abridged version of Mysterious Heaven Skill was still a top-tier technique, far superior to the current meditation methods.
As for the absence of the ninth layer, it would only affect those who had cultivated the technique to extremely high levels. Such impacts would not appear for at least another five years. Even now, Yang Podi himself had only reached the fifth layer.
According to Yang Podi's own estimation, the spread of Mysterious Heaven Skill would likely increase the number of Soul Douluo on the continent, but the number of Title Douluo wouldn't see much growth unless those with exceptional talent or understanding emerged.
Another major influence came from the dissemination of hidden weapon blueprints. Not only the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan but also other sects acquired a large number of blueprints. The two empires, in particular, treated these as treasures beyond compare.
The blacksmiths of Gengxin City suddenly became highly sought after, with countless factions competing to recruit them. The Spirit Hall managed to secure the largest share, thanks to its pre-existing presence in Gengxin City, which allowed it to act quickly.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, being slower to act, recruited fewer blacksmiths.
Meanwhile, the Heavenly Academy used its foresight advantage to secretly recruit several blacksmiths from Gengxin City during the dissemination of the manuals. Although these recruits weren't divine craftsmen like Lou Gao, their forging skills were decent.
Furthermore, Heavenly Academy wasn't aiming for expert craftsmen but rather preferred low-profile and moderately skilled blacksmiths since the academy had no intention of mass-producing hidden weapons. In fact, internal debates had arisen within the academy.
At the time, Yang Podi had decisively stated: "Grandfather, these hidden weapons, while ingeniously crafted, are relatively weak and not suitable for sect defense. They are overly complicated, extremely costly, and have poor cost-effectiveness."
"Moreover, hidden weapons are more suitable for ambushes, which have little relevance to defending our sect. It would be better to create other, more powerful tools."
As Yang Podi suggested, the academy's mountain base didn't feature anything like Zhuge Divine Crossbows. Instead, other items had been built, such as ballistae akin to ancient battlefield repeating crossbows. Additionally, larger siege crossbows were crafted. Though less portable, they were much more potent for defensive purposes.
In short, a military arms race had ensued among the major factions. The two empires were leading due to their complete forging systems. The Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan followed, while the remaining sects lagged far behind.
The Purple Demon Eye was another widely spread technique, as it was a rare method for cultivating spiritual power. Even some high-level soul masters began practicing it.
As for other manuals, they were also broadly disseminated but received less attention compared to the Mysterious Heaven Skill and hidden weapon blueprints. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was particularly interested, given its martial soul's lack of offensive capabilities.
The most unfortunate situation befell the Clear Sky Clan. Tang Xiao and the five elders looked at the collection of manuals they had acquired with helpless expressions.
Now that the manuals were widely circulated, they were attributed to the traitors of the Clear Sky Clan. Even the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique had been leaked.
However, after thorough research, the manuals turned out to have little connection to the Clear Sky Clan. Yet the inclusion of the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique and the hidden weapons, which only the Clear Sky Clan could forge, pointed directly at them. This led to widespread suspicion that the clan was involved, putting them in a precarious position.
Tang San, after training with Tang Hao for just over a year, had already reached level 50. In terms of soul power level, he was ahead of his original progress. However, his hammer technique training was slower due to the lack of the Ice-Fire Refinement and Immortal Herb's. Both his physical and spiritual qualities were inferior.
Despite this, Tang Hao decided to help Tang San acquire his fifth spirit ring first before continuing his hammer technique training. This way, Tang San's overall cultivation progress wouldn't be affected.
When Tang Hao and Tang San arrived at the Blue Silver Forest, they were dumbfounded. The once lush forest was now barren. Not a single trace of the 85,000-year-old Blue Silver King could be found, nor were there any thousand- or ten-thousand-year Blue Silver Grass.
Tang San repeatedly used his Blue Silver Grass martial soul to sense the area. Although his soul power increased slightly faster in this environment, he felt no other changes, nor could he sense any affinity with the Blue Silver Grass.
After searching multiple locations to no avail, they were forced to give up.
Tang San looked at his father suspiciously. "Dad, this place doesn't seem special at all. Were you deceived?"
Tang Hao shook his head helplessly and finally explained, "Your awakened martial soul isn't an ordinary Blue Silver Grass but the Blue Silver Emperor, stemming from your mother's bloodline. Your mother once brought me here, where an 85,000-year-old Blue Silver King helped awaken her bloodline and martial soul. But now, it's gone."
Tang Hao then recounted the story of how he was hunted by Spirit Hall's Qian Xunji and the subsequent sacrifice of the Blue Silver Emperor. He appeared deeply sorrowful.
After hearing this, Tang San was enraged. "I can't believe Spirit Hall was so despicable to harm my mother. I will avenge her!"
After contemplating for a moment, Tang San asked, "Dad, how can I awaken my Blue Silver Emperor martial soul now?"
Tang Hao shook his head. "I don't know. It might only be possible when your mother grows again."
Tang San's face darkened. His mother was now an ordinary Blue Silver Grass. It could take tens of thousands of years for her to grow, an impossible wait.
After thinking for a while, Tang San decided, "Dad, I plan to visit Heaven Dou City. On one hand, I'll consult my teacher about the next steps in my cultivation and see if he knows how to awaken the Blue Silver Emperor or how I should choose spirit beasts for my Blue Silver Grass. On the other hand, I want to check on the Tang Sect's development. We've been gone for over a year. Spirit Hall shouldn't be pursuing us as strictly now."
Tang Hao, with no knowledge of how to cultivate the Blue Silver Grass, reluctantly agreed. Besides, with his strength, he could easily escape even if multiple Title Douluo appeared.
However, when they returned to Heaven Dou City, everything was beyond their expectations.
First, Tang San and Tang Hao snuck into the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Faced with Tang San's questions, Yu Xiaogang was utterly baffled. Having never heard of the Blue Silver Emperor, he had no idea how to awaken it. After analyzing the situation, Yu Xiaogang suggested that Tang San focus on obtaining spirit rings from poisonous snakes or spiders, as these suited the control aspects of his Blue Silver Grass martial soul.
Tang Hao fully supported this since he believed Tang San's true path to power lay with the Clear Sky Hammer.
Next, Tang San and Tang Hao returned to the Tang Sect, but they were greatly disappointed by the current situation.
The Tang Sect, once profiting immensely from hidden weapon trades with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, had now lost its orders from the clan, leading to a sharp decline in revenue. The Tang Sect's situation was even worse than before since it now had to support the Speed Clan while the Breaking Clan had left.
After hearing the details, Tang San was furious. "I can't believe the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan stopped purchasing our hidden weapons. What are they doing now, abandoning our partnership?"
Tai Tan gritted his teeth and finally decided to explain. "Young master, it's not just the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. None of the other sects are likely to purchase hidden weapons from us anymore."
Tai Tan then detailed how numerous manuals and blueprints had appeared on the black market. These included the exact techniques Tang San cultivated and numerous hidden weapon designs. Now, the major sects and the two empires were crafting their own hidden weapons, eliminating the need to buy from the Tang Sect.
Hearing this, Tang San's face darkened further. He couldn't believe that the Tang Sect's precious manuals and blueprints, once held in such high regard, had become commonplace. How could he possibly revive the Tang Sect now?
Tang San hurriedly asked, "Senior Tai tan, who leaked these manuals and blueprints? Is there any news about their source?"
Tai tan shook his head helplessly. "It's said that two people dressed in black were responsible, but no one has been able to uncover their identities. However, it's rumored that one of them had a Clear Sky Hammer martial soul. If the young master wants more detailed information, it's best to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect or the Clear Sky Clan. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, as the largest sect now, has business operations spanning the entire continent, and their intelligence is definitely more extensive and accurate than ours. As for the Clear Sky Clan, they might have information about the person spreading the manuals."
Hearing this, Tang San shook his head in disbelief. "A Clear Sky Hammer martial soul? That's impossible. My father and I have never returned to the Clear Sky Clan."
Tang San was confident about the confidentiality of the Tang Sect's techniques. Apart from himself, not even his father knew about them. How could the Clear Sky Clan possibly have them?
After some discussion, Tang San decided to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, both to address future business concerns and to investigate the leaked manuals.
When Tang San and Tang Hao arrived at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, they were personally received by Ning Fengzhi, with both Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo present as well.
Ning Fengzhi didn't waste any time and asked directly, "Tang San, what brings you to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect today?"
Tang San seemed a little impatient and replied, "Sect Master Ning, I want to inquire about two matters. I hope you can provide some information."
Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly. "We are both part of the upper three sects. Whatever information I have, I will certainly share it with you."
After thinking for a moment, Tang San said, "Sect Master Ning, do you know about the recent issue of leaked manuals? Also, I'd like to discuss the matter of the Tang Sect's hidden weapons trade with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
Without hesitation, Ning Fengzhi retrieved a large pile of items from his soul tool. Among them were various Tang Sect manuals and hidden weapon blueprints.
Tang San's expression darkened further as he examined the items. As the original owner of these manuals, he was naturally more familiar with them than anyone else.
However, at this moment, Tang San couldn't bring himself to speak. He couldn't possibly point out the flaws in these manuals, as doing so would risk exposing their incomplete nature. If people knew where to find the complete versions, the entire world would come looking for them.
After reviewing the manuals, Tang San left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect feeling utterly defeated. He didn't even bring up the issue of future business dealings.
With blueprints and craftsmen already in hand, Ning Fengzhi had no need to purchase from the Tang Sect unless he was a fool.
Seeing Tang San in such a despondent state for several days, Tang Hao slapped him across the face. "Tang San, what are you doing? Have you forgotten your mother's vengeance?"
But Tang San still looked dejected. "Those manuals are mine. I don't know who leaked them, but it's cut off the very foundation of the Tang Sect."
Hearing this, Tang Hao slapped him again. "What is the Tang Sect compared to the grand scheme of things? It's nothing more than a child's plaything. In this world, strength is what truly matters. As long as you are strong enough, everything will be yours to control."
"Our Clear Sky Clan's Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer technique isn't particularly difficult for skilled blacksmiths, but who dares to practice it in this world?"
"As long as your future strength is unmatched, you can take back these manuals and techniques with just a single word. When you become invincible, not only can you reclaim these things, but you can also exact your vengeance without any opposition."
After hearing his father's words, Tang San seemed to regain some of his confidence. He resolved to redouble his efforts in cultivation to one day restore the Tang Sect.
As for his next spirit ring, he ultimately followed Yu Xiaogang's suggestion and chose a ten-thousand-year-old Soul-Devouring Demon Spider.
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