Douluo Continent: From Internal Martial Arts to the Law of Heaven and Earth

With a crack of the whip, the tall steed galloped away into the distance, its hooves flying.

Standing at the city gate, Dai Jie frowned and subconsciously glanced in the direction where Tang Shan and Gu Yue had left, but the place was now deserted.

"Is it just my imagination?"

He shook his head, his gaze returning to Starfall City ahead, his eyes deep: He's too late again. Tang Shan should have already left by now. He's so slippery.

Hopefully, those few Soul Saints who were scattered can play a role.

Chapter 314 Gengxin City

The vast and majestic city resembles a lurking beast, constructed entirely of thick bluestone. Its towering walls and continuous battlements stand quietly between heaven and earth, exuding a profound and awe-inspiring aura.

Horse-drawn carriages moved slowly along the wide, flat road, their wheels rolling steadily over the surface, the carriages slightly slumped, clearly indicating that they were heavily loaded.

Da da da!

The crisp sound of hooves rang out, and a strong horse came from afar with steady steps, its body agile and powerful, each step carrying a unique rhythm.

A man and a woman sat on horseback. The warm afternoon sun, around two or three o'clock, gently bathed them in a soft golden light. Their features were exquisite, and from a distance, they looked like a divine couple descending from the heavens.

The girl's black hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, her skin was as white as jade, her eyes were bright and her teeth were white, and her eyes were clear and lively. Her two fair and delicate arms gently wrapped around the waist of the young man in front of her, her cheeks obediently pressed against his broad and warm back, the corners of her lips slightly upturned, and her brows and eyes were full of peace and comfort.

The young man was tall and handsome, with an extraordinary air about him and an air of composure and restraint. His hands gripped the reins firmly and steadily, his knuckles distinct, demonstrating skillful and composed control of the horse, ensuring it moved forward at a steady and gentle pace.

The two did not dismount, but rode straight towards the city gate of Gengxin City.

Compared to other cities, Gengxin City's gates were not heavily guarded by soldiers. Only eight soldiers stood symbolically on either side of the gate, and to enter, one only needed to pay five copper soul coins.

This is inconsistent with the important position of Gengxin City in the Star Luo Empire. It should be noted that as the capital of blacksmiths, a large number of weapons and armor were produced here. If this were Tang Shan's previous life, this region would definitely be an extremely important military stronghold.

However, upon further reflection, considering the limited military theory in the Douluo Continent world, this doesn't seem so surprising. This can also be seen from the recent successful operations in Tangshan.

The exact locations of all the strongholds Tang Shan breached came from the memories of the Soul Master who assassinated him. Leaving aside how a frontline spy could possess so much intelligence on so many strongholds, the result alone suggests that if the strongholds were known to be in danger of being exposed, they should have moved immediately. Tang Shan's series of successful operations precisely illustrate this—the Star Luo Empire had never anticipated such a thorough investigation, and all the stronghold locations remained completely untouched.

As for setting traps at strongholds, that's utter nonsense—even Tangshan himself doesn't know where he'll go next, so what's the use of setting up an ambush in advance?

Getting back to the point, without any strict entry procedures, Tangshan and Guyue entered this metal capital very smoothly.

Before your eyes are wide streets, rows of houses, and the most iconic building in Gengxin City—the blacksmith shop.

The clanging of metal filled the air, like a symphony resonating with steel; though not melodious, it was nonetheless deeply moving.

"Let's go to the west side of Gengxin City first. I heard there's a steamed bun shop there that's really good."

Gu Yue, as always, was interested in food. Not long after entering the city, she looked up with her little face, her tone filled with anticipation and excitement.

"Okay, sit tight."

Tang Shan responded gently, spurring his legs slightly to increase the horse's speed, as a gentle breeze brushed against his cheek.

Gengxin City truly lived up to its reputation as the metal capital and blacksmith capital; every so often, a blacksmith's shop could be seen. The clanging of metal rose and fell with their advance, making even the air seem hotter.

"Tangshan, are you very interested in forging?"

Sitting behind Tang Shan, Gu Yue noticed his probing gaze, tilted her head slightly, full of curiosity.

"Yes, I studied it for a while before, but I stopped practicing later," Tang Shan replied naturally.

Why?

Gu Yue was somewhat puzzled, because in her opinion, Tang Shan was never one to give up halfway.

“I think cultivation is the most important thing. It’s not too late to go back and learn later when your cultivation level is higher.”

Gu Yue was somewhat surprised: "But once your cultivation level is high, forging shouldn't be of much use to you anymore, right? Why would you still need to learn it then?"

"That's not necessarily true." Tang Shan gave an ambiguous answer, without revealing his plans regarding the battle armor, as it was difficult to say whether the matter would succeed.

……

The main reason Tang Shan gave up forging was that it was too time-consuming. At that time, he had too many things to cultivate, and if he were to devote his energy to forging, it would inevitably affect his progress in cultivation, which was obviously not advisable.

Later, Tangshan simply decided to suspend forging training for a long period of time and focus all his efforts on improving his cultivation. Once he reached a higher level, he could then turn his attention back to mastering forging, and with a broader perspective, his progress would inevitably be much faster.

Moreover, even if he could refine thousand-refined and spirit-forged metals, the soul guide cores used for amplification would still be a problem. The only solution Tang Shan could think of was to go directly to the neighboring Sun Moon Continent to find them.

When his cultivation reaches its limit and he successfully finds the Sun and Moon Continent, that will be the day he officially resumes forging.

……

Gu Yue didn't press Tang Shan's vague answer. Everyone has secrets, and she was no exception. As long as Tang Shan treated her well, that was enough; why think so much?

Gu Yue nestled quietly behind Tang Shan, feeling the warmth and reassuring aura emanating from him, her heart growing calmer and more serene. At this moment, there was no Silver Dragon King, no Lord of Soul Beasts, only a naive young girl who, having witnessed the world's splendor, leaned on the young man traveling with her with tender eyes, a picture of peaceful bliss.

After an unknown amount of time, the cacophony of voices reached her ears, and Gu Yue slowly snapped out of her daze, a hint of languor still lingering on her face. At the same time, Tang Shan's voice rang in her ears: "Gu Yue, we should be here. There are quite a few people here."

A long line of muscular, bronze-skinned men stretched out, winding and densely packed together.

At the front of the line was a shop of moderate size, occupying no more than forty or fifty square meters, from which a rich aroma of carbohydrates and oils wafted through the streets and alleys.

Gu Yue immediately perked up, took a gentle sniff through her small nose, and her eyes lit up instantly. Based on her years of experience exploring food streets, she could tell with just a light sniff that the steamed buns at this shop were definitely delicious.

Tang Shan dismounted with a swift and composed movement, and Gu Yue also landed lightly on the ground. He held the horse steadily with one hand, and naturally reached out with the other to gently grasp Gu Yue's slightly cool and soft hand, the warmth of his palm enveloping her tenderly.

Gu Yue's ears instantly flushed a light blush. She glanced at Tang Shan shyly, but didn't pull her hand away. She simply let him hold her hand, her attention quickly drawn to the fragrant steamed bun shop ahead. Tang Shan, on the other hand, pricked up his ears, listening to the blacksmiths' idle chatter.

"Old Wang got a big order; I heard it's for ten suits of heavy armor."

"Are you sure you heard me right? I remember Old Li took this order, right?"

"You've all got it wrong, I'm the one who took this order."

"How could that be? I've seen Lao Wang before. He was grinning from ear to ear that day and even showed off to me. How could it be fake?"

"What's so strange about that? It's not just one order; many people have received them."

The blacksmiths, who had been discussing the matter, fell silent for a moment before erupting into a clamor.

"How is that possible? The price of a set of heavy armor is what it is, and the association didn't say there was any war recently, so why would they need so much armor for no reason?"

……

Tang Shan's lips curled slightly; he had a rough idea of ​​where these heavy armor orders came from. During the earlier attack on the Star Luo stronghold, any heavily armored soldiers who attacked him were killed on the spot; even those who didn't fight were ordered to remove their armor. The goal was simple: to inflict as much damage as possible on the Star Luo Empire.

Even though the Douluo Continent is different from the ancient times of Tang Shan's previous life, maintaining a heavy armored army is not that difficult, but each suit of armor is made of real gold and silver, and the price is still very high.

The more armor I destroy, the more the Star Luo Empire will suffer. Even if it's just a drop in the ocean, it's enough to vent my anger.

As for the Star Luo Empire providing resources for the blacksmiths of Gengxin City to forge the items for free, that's basically impossible, because this is the Douluo Continent.

You can never guarantee that the blacksmiths you oppress will not give birth to children with innate full soul power, nor can you guarantee that the soul masters who work part-time as blacksmiths will not retaliate.

"New steamed buns are ready! Everyone line up, don't push!"

A plump woman strode out, wearing a clean coarse cloth apron around her waist. She steadily carried a large, steaming steamer in her hands. With a loud voice, she swiftly and efficiently lifted the lid of the steamer.

The heat wave, carrying the enticing aroma of noodles, spread rapidly, even making Tangshan swallow hard.

"Big sister, give me two!"

"I want three!"

"Just give me one!"

The line moved slowly forward, and Tang Shan was somewhat surprised to find that most of the blacksmiths in line only bought two, and even the more robust ones only bought three, which was quite strange.

However, when Tangshan saw the "steamed buns" in those people's hands, he understood why they didn't buy more.

The reason is simple—the buns are too big, about the size of two palms of an average adult. Moreover, Tang Shan could tell with a quick scan that both the dough and the filling were very substantial; an average person probably wouldn't even be able to finish half of one before feeling stuffed.

The line moved forward quickly, and soon it was Tangshan and Guyue's turn. Looking up, four large, square characters came into Tangshan's view: "Metal Buns".

Tang Shan chuckled inwardly; what a unique name.

"Little girl, you're so pretty! How many steamed buns would you like?"

Upon seeing the charming and beautiful Gu Yue, the woman selling steamed buns immediately softened her originally forthright and fierce demeanor, and her tone became more friendly.

Gu Yue gently tugged at Tang Shan's sleeve, tilting her head slightly to indicate that he should make the decision.

Tang Shan withdrew his gaze, glanced into the steamer, roughly estimated the number of remaining buns, and simply said, "Boss lady, give me ten."

The plump woman was taken aback, but couldn't help but kindly advise, "Young man, can the two of you finish ten? These buns won't taste good if we leave them until tonight."

Tang Shan smiled and said, "Don't worry, boss lady, I'll definitely be able to finish it. I'm a Soul Master, so I have a big appetite."

The proprietress suddenly realized and nodded repeatedly: "Oh, you're a Soul Master, then no problem!"

"Five Silver Soul Coins."

The woman casually quoted the price, her hands moving without stopping. She deftly lifted the lid of the steamer, quickly picked up the buns amidst the rising steam, and put them into a paper bag with practiced ease.

Chapter 315 The Limitations of Premonition

"Alright, you two."

The plump woman handed the packaged meat buns to Gu Yue, who reached out and took them.

Tang Shan took out a gold soul coin and placed it on the table: "Keep the change."

"This……"

The plump woman's expression changed, and she was about to decline when Gu Yue and Tang Shan had already mounted their horses. Tang Shan spurred the horse and galloped away into the distance.

"Old Wang, since they've given it to you, just accept it. They're a Soul Master, they don't care about this little bit of money."

A blacksmith standing behind Tangshan and Guyue stepped forward, grabbed a steamed bun from the oven, stuffed it into his mouth, and ate it heartily. After swallowing the filling, he said...

"Hey Liang, you're eating before you've even paid. Watch out, or I'll give you a good beating."

The woman frowned immediately upon seeing the unruly blacksmith, pulled out the cleaver stuck in the chopping board beside her, and looked menacing.

The blacksmith, quick-witted, hurriedly pulled out a silver soul coin, pleading, "Hey, don't do it, I'll pay right now."

……

Holding a paper bag of steamed buns, the aroma wafted from it. Sitting behind Tang Shan, Gu Yue couldn't help but swallow, her eyes sparkling and her lips glistening.

After riding their horses for a while, Tangshan gradually slowed down. When the horses stopped, they had arrived in front of an inn.

"Gu Yue, shall we stay here tonight?"

Tang Shan spread his mental energy and quickly scanned the cleanliness of the empty room. He was very satisfied and asked the girl behind him.

Okay.

Gu Yue casually agreed, her nose twitching slightly, and her little tongue secretly licking the corner of her lips before she reluctantly looked away from the paper package.