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

Chapter 50 Joining a Powerful Force: The Advantages and Necessity of Subordinates to the "First Prince"

As dawn broke, a soft glow spread out, waking everyone from their slumber.

Emerging from the tent, Tang Shan quickly washed up and found an open space. Taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, his mind gradually cleared, and his heart naturally calmed down.

His martial spirit quietly activated, his body rapidly expanded, and his soul power circulated autonomously within him, awakening his still somewhat languid physique. Amidst the crackling of his bones, Tang Shan's figure grew increasingly agile, radiating a vibrant vitality in the morning sunlight.

The blood and qi surged vigorously within the body, nourishing the limbs and bones, allowing the entire body to gradually stretch out.

Tang Shan quietly sensed every detail of his body before activating the spirit ring beneath his feet.

It was a wondrous feeling, as if his control and understanding of his body had reached a whole new level, allowing him complete and effortless manipulation of every part of his body. The hidden energy was subtle and gentle, capable of forging bones and tempering internal organs. The effects of this hidden energy echoed in his mind as Tang Shan slowly extended his palm, his movements deliberate and slow, as if he were pushing a giant millstone. Streams of gentle, yin-like energy flowed through his body, penetrating deep into his bones, extracting impurities, and then expelling them through metabolism.

The so-called bone forging is not simply about increasing the hardness and strength of bones, but about achieving a balance of strength and flexibility: being as tough as steel and as graceful as tender hands.

An invisible force surged within his body, seeping deep into his bones, meticulously refining and forging them, bringing a slight tingling sensation and a subtle stinging pain. This was the feeling Tang Shan experienced when tempering his bones with hidden force. Fortunately, his years of cultivation had already honed his willpower to far surpass that of ordinary people, and these subtle sensations could not stir up any ripples in his heart, only creating a few barely perceptible waves.

The vital energy continuously extracts impurities, and the blood and qi continuously nourish the bones. In this cycle, the bones become increasingly hard and flexible. The surging blood and qi flow through the body, and heat continuously accumulates under the skin. If someone were to touch Tangshan's skin at this moment, they would be surprised to find that his body temperature is far above that of an ordinary person.

Tang Shan's punches and kicks were not swift, but rather slow and unhurried, yet his face was tense, as if he were cultivating under a heavy burden.

call!

With a long breath, Tang Shan finished his daily morning exercise routine.

Unbeknownst to them, Su Yuntao had already silently taken up stances to the side, his movements as if a real steed were galloping beneath him. Tang Shan did not approach to disturb him, but watched him gaze at the horizon, nodded slightly, and then turned back to their previous encampment.

Su Haichao had just relit the campfire and set up the iron pot to boil water when he saw Shanzi return and asked, "Shanzi, will you be cultivating in Tiandou City for the next few years?"

He fiddled with the coarse grains in his hands, processed them briefly, threw them into the pot, patted the bits of grain off his clothes, and looked solemnly at Tangshan.

"That's probably the case." Tang Shan nodded. "After all, we don't have the abundant resources of major sects. If we want to go further, we have to go to more developed regions to obtain what we need for cultivation."

This statement did not fully express the meaning.

With his original martial soul and years of dedicated study, Tang Shan is confident of becoming a Title Douluo, and even reaching the Super Douluo level wouldn't be difficult. However, to reach the Limit Douluo level or even become a god, his current accumulation is far from enough. Therefore, he must step onto a larger stage and leverage more resources to achieve his goal.

Even setting aside long-term plans, Tang Shan does indeed need to rely on a powerful force in the short term. After all, he's about to break through to level 20, and at this rate of cultivation, he'll likely need to hunt ten-thousand-year-old soul beasts within five or six years. At that point, Su Haichao's Soul Master level strength alone will be insufficient. Forget ten-thousand-year soul rings; even his second soul ring would be a significant challenge for Su Haichao. Last time, he hunted soul beasts of fourteen or five hundred years; it's reasonable for him to absorb soul beasts of three or four thousand years this time. However, dealing with four- or five-thousand-year-old soul beasts would be extremely risky for a Soul Master, a point Tang Shan firmly disagrees with.

Moreover, setting aside the difficulty of hunting four- or five-thousand-year-old soul beasts, finding a suitable power-type soul beast is a huge problem, which must require a powerful force to support it.

"Then why target the Heaven Dou Prince? Why not the Spirit Hall?" Su Haichao finally asked the question he had been holding back for so long. Putting everything else aside, just based on Tang Shan's status as a "master's disciple," he believed that going to the Spirit Hall would definitely bring him good treatment. In addition, he himself was a member of the Spirit Hall, and with such a direct lineage, the Spirit Hall should be the best choice.

"The new pope has just taken the throne, and the power transition is underway, making this the most complex time for internal struggles," Tang Shan explained slowly. "A soul master with innate full soul power might become a victim of the power struggles at the top if they go in now. After all, I am not a genius with innate full soul power in the traditional sense of a beast or weapon soul, but rather someone with full soul power in my physical body, so my value for cultivation is questionable."

Those power struggles at the higher levels might temporarily subside for the sake of true geniuses, after all, there's the Hall of Offerings above to suppress them, but for me, a Soul Master with a true-body Martial Soul, it's hard to say.

He still had a concern he hadn't mentioned. It was indeed inappropriate to directly reveal the "master" identity he had painstakingly cultivated over the years—it would be too eye-catching. However, creating the identity of a "master's disciple" to acquire resources was the best option.

As for the Spirit Hall, Tang Shan knew a little about the personality of the current Pope, Bibi Dong. She was a woman who, even after becoming a god, still couldn't forget Yu Xiaogang until her fall. This deep-seated obsession made Tang Shan seriously suspect that once he stepped into the Spirit Hall, he would probably disappear into thin air, and the "master" who appeared in the Spirit Hall afterward would definitely be Yu Xiaogang himself.

To avoid such a tragedy, Tangshan decisively chose to stay away from the Spirit Hall.

"Then why didn't the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School choose it either?" After hearing his explanation, Su Haichao felt that it made sense and stopped trying to persuade him.

He wasn't a mindless fanatic of the Spirit Hall; it was just a job, and there was no need for him to feel such a deep sense of belonging. Now, he was more curious as to why Tang Shan had also abandoned the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.

"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School..." Tang Shan muttered to himself. He naturally wouldn't say that he was too lazy to train a certain witch, nor did he want to be "taught a lesson" by two Title Douluos because of a conflict with her. Moreover, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was destined to perish in the future if he didn't intervene.

After some thought, he came up with a suitable reason: "It's not about abandoning the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, but rather the Heavenly Dou Prince, or rather the Heavenly Dou Empire, that's a better choice."

"What do you mean?" Su Haichao was increasingly puzzled.

"The situation on the mainland seems complicated, but in reality there are only six core forces: the three sects, the two countries, and the hall." Tang Shan analyzed clearly, "Let's start with the Spirit Hall. It is the only one that is dominant and basically acts as a referee who watches from the sidelines. It is not on good terms with the three upper sects. Although it is a mediator between the two great empires, its relationship with them is also very average. I have already explained the reasons for not joining before, so I will not repeat them here."

Of the two empires, the Star Luo Empire is clearly stronger. Coupled with its cruel system of eliminating princes and its powerful martial spirit inheritance, if we were to join, we would likely not receive much resource support.

As for the Heaven Dou Empire, its own foundation in Soul Masters is relatively weak, requiring the assistance of various noble and ducal kingdoms. Its royal martial souls are also unremarkable, making it a natural choice for talented Soul Masters. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is essentially bound to the Heaven Dou Empire. If any geniuses emerge from the royal family, they will undoubtedly spare no expense in nurturing them. After all, only by relying on the vast territory of the empire can they gather geniuses with the potential to become Title Douluo, like Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. Therefore, maintaining a good relationship with the Heaven Dou Empire is essential.

Joining the royal family would be like getting two birds with one stone: access to imperial resources and the power of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, on the other hand, would only grant access to one family's resources. Is there any need to hesitate?

“From this perspective, the Heaven Dou Royal Family is indeed a good choice.” Su Haichao paused, then added, “But Shanzi, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School may not be willing to fully cultivate you, after all, you are ultimately a member of the Heaven Dou Royal Family, not their own disciple.”

"It's alright. As long as we can get some resources from them, that's a victory." After dealing with Su Haichao's questions, Tang Shan ate a simple breakfast and returned to the carriage, lost in thought.

He harbored even grander plans. If he could truly follow the cultivation path he had planned, he was certain that, let alone reaching the Title Douluo level, even if he only reached the Soul Emperor stage, his strength would likely reach an astonishing level.

At that time, it will inevitably attract the attention of major powers, and it is absolutely not advisable to do so without a powerful backer. As for wanting to keep a low profile and cultivate in secret, putting aside everything else, just finding a soul ring is enough to give anyone a headache.

Even if he reveals his identity as a disciple of a master or even a master himself, it may not be feasible, and may even further arouse the unease of various forces.

After all, with his fame, skill, and terrifying talent that is visible to the naked eye, it is inevitable that the top forces would suspect that he also wants to get a share of the pie in Douluo Continent.

Therefore, Tang Shan's choice was inevitably to join a major power directly, and among the many major powers, in his opinion, there was no one more suitable than Xue Qinghe, the "First Prince" of the Heavenly Dou Empire.

Once you join her ranks, you feel incredibly safe.

Putting everything else aside, the two Title Douluos beside her would be the best bodyguards if they could gain her trust.

Moreover, the other party will become Ning Fengzhi's student in the future, so the threat from the two major forces will be completely eliminated.

And let's not forget that "Crown Prince of Tiandou" Xue Qinghe has another identity: the granddaughter of Qian Daoliu, the master of the Hall of Offering.

As long as she speaks up, the Spirit Hall will at most give him a token reprimand; they won't go so far as to kill him like they did with Tang San when he participated in the Soul Master Competition. As for the possibility that the love-struck Pope might want to kill him, don't underestimate Qian Daoliu. In Tang Shan's view, as long as he occupies a sufficiently important place in Xue Qinghe's heart, it will be enough for Qian Daoliu to keep a close eye on her until Bibi Dong becomes a god.

P.S.: Please subscribe, follow my story, and give me monthly tickets. It would be great if you could also add some recommendation votes and add it to your favorites. Please leave lots of comments; I'll definitely read them all. Please also recommend some soul beasts for the main character's second soul ring!

Chapter 51 Arrival at Iron Wall City, Qian Renxue: Kill Yu Xiaogang

drive!

A carriage moved slowly along the official road, the soft sound of hooves breaking the morning's tranquility.

"Dad, why does it seem like there aren't many pedestrians around?"

Su Yuntao looked at the relatively empty official road with some curiosity.

"That's because Iron Arm City is a shield in front of Heaven Fighting City. The city is mainly inhabited by the military, and most of the civilians are military dependents."

Su Haichao provided an explanation.

"Are there many military experts in the Great Soul Arena in that city?"

Su Yuntao astutely grasped the key point, leaving Tang Shan, who was sitting to the side, somewhat helpless.

"Brother, it's not too late for you to travel the continent after we arrive at the Spirit Hall in Heaven Dou City. There will be plenty of large spirit arenas for you to participate in then, so a few more won't make a difference."

Tang Shan couldn't help but speak up.

"You're wrong, Shanzi. If you miss one fight today, one fight tomorrow, how many fights will you miss in a year? That's a huge loss of combat experience, and that's absolutely unacceptable. Just like if you don't do your morning training, isn't that a form of laziness that accumulates over time?"

Tang Shan was rendered speechless by his own past remarks and felt somewhat devastated.

Ever since Su Yuntao broke up with Sisi, he seems to have changed completely, spending all his time either cultivating or thinking about fighting.

Clearly, he was completely unaware that he, too, was immersed in spiritual practice all day long.

"arrive."

Su Haichao's voice rang out. The group subconsciously looked up and saw a towering city wall. The wall was thirty zhang high and stretched as far as the eye could see, like a huge barrier that kept all external threats out.

"This is Iron Arm City. Legend has it that the Star Luo Empire almost destroyed the Heaven Dou Empire back then, but its army was blocked outside this Iron Wall City and could not break through it no matter what methods it tried."

Looking at the imposing city walls, Su Haichao couldn't help but sigh.

Looking from the carriage, the uneven marks on the gray city wall vaguely reveal the ferocity of that war.

Tang Shan also curiously looked at the magnificent city wall, secretly marveling at the power of the Soul Master.

Such a magnificent city, even with the aid of advanced technology in my previous life, would have required an unimaginable amount of manpower and resources to build. But in the Douluo Continent, perhaps only a single Title Douluo could accomplish such a feat in a short time.

There weren't many people entering the city, and it was soon Tangshan's group's turn. After paying the entrance fee, the soldiers on both sides let them pass.

Upon passing through the city gate, Tang Shan was even more astonished to discover that the gate was an astonishingly thick one meter. The tunnel leading into the city from within the city walls was over ten meters long.

In other words, the wall is at least ten meters thick.

No wonder the Star Luo Empire couldn't breach Iron Wall City back then. With such formidable defenses, unless a Limit Douluo personally intervenes to break through the city, Iron Wall City is nothing short of a city of despair for the Star Luo Empire.

The streets within the city are very wide, generally large enough to accommodate four carriages abreast. This is clearly one of the key reasons why Ironwall City was a major military stronghold; the wide roads allowed for the rapid movement of large armies.

Where should we go first?

Tangshan looked towards the Suhai Tide.

"Just like before, find a place to stay first, and then go to the Soul Arena."

Su Haichao was prepared; he had bought a rough map of Ironwall City in another city beforehand. Now that he had entered the city, he headed straight for the inn.

……

Da da da!

A neatly arranged procession slowly approached from afar, with tall horses clad in armor and soldiers in full heavy armor, their sharp weapons gleaming with a chilling light—each piece a masterpiece.

The entire team was impeccably dressed and exuded a fierce aura, resembling an inseparable whole.

They surrounded a carriage closely in the center and were rapidly approaching Ironwall City at a considerable pace.

Inside the carriage at the center of the procession, the air was filled with the delicate fragrance of sandalwood incense, and the carpet of soul beast hides underfoot showcased the carriage's luxury.

The tables and chairs inside the vehicle are made from the trunks of the thousand-year-old plant-type soul beast, the lush forest tree. Staying in such an environment for a long time can calm the mind of a soul master and improve their cultivation speed. Even if you are not a soul master, you can prolong your life.

"Uncles, I need to contact Grandpa. Please let me know immediately if there are any developments."

Sitting on the soft couch, Xue Qinghe spoke to the coachman, his voice clear yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.

"Young Master, rest assured, Prickly Porcupine and I will be very careful and will never allow anyone to interfere with your communication with the Grand Elder."

Xue Qinghe said no more and took off a necklace from her neck. The necklace was very inconspicuous; the cord was transparent and would hardly be noticed by others. The most eye-catching part was the pendant.

Its entire body is pale gold, vaguely resembling a human shape, making it impossible to distinguish between male and female. However, the three pairs of wings on its back are particularly dazzling, swirling with fine golden light.

Xue Qinghe removed the disguise of the soul bone, instantly revealing a stunningly beautiful face.

Xue Qinghe, no, she should be called Qian Renxue now. She subconsciously stroked her smooth skin, raised her hand to tuck a strand of golden hair behind her ear, her fingertips twirling the strand, her eyes slightly dazed.

Her blue eyes, like clear sapphires, reflected the vast blue sky outside the window; her long golden hair fell naturally over her shoulders, not messy, but exuding a natural and harmonious beauty.

Her pale pink lips were delicate and luscious, as if glistening liquid flowed within them. Even dressed in princely attire, her stunning beauty could not be concealed; instead, it added a touch of heroic sharpness.

After a long while, she finally came to her senses and cleared her throat. Her clear, melodious voice still carried an unyielding indifference, like icicles in the dead of winter.

The soul power within her body surged slowly, converging along her meridians into her palm, emitting a faint golden light. The golden light gradually condensed on her hand, which resembled a work of art, growing brighter and brighter, illuminating the corners of the carriage.

boom!

A golden flame suddenly ignited in her palm, radiating a sacred and pure aura of light. It emitted no heat whatsoever, but rather gave people a gentle feeling.