Douluo Continent: Tonight, a Fairy Tale Descends

Tang San's brow twitched slightly. Tang Hao even told her this?

Slaughter City, Killing Intent, Domain...

Tang San wasn't surprised that Tang Hao told Cinderella these things. After all, in Tang Hao's eyes, Cinderella seemed more like a person capable of normal communication than he was. But Tang Hao actually told this woman in front of him these things as well.

It seems that Tang Hao treats his younger sister quite differently.

But it didn't matter. He himself had noticed the problem of his murderous aura being exposed.

From the moment he stepped out of the City of Slaughter until now, everyone he'd met had looked at him with the same fear in their eyes. Zhao Wu felt that way, as did the Haotian Sect disciples at the city gate, and even the people in the martial arts arena.

He doesn't care whether others are afraid of him or not. But if this murderous aura makes him as conspicuous as a firefly in the dark wherever he goes, then he really needs to tone it down.

After all, he didn't know where Cinderella was, nor how many people on this continent were his enemies. He needed to keep a low profile until he found his sister.

Tang San placed the teacup back on the table, the bottom of the cup making a very soft thud as it struck the surface. He raised his eyes and looked at Tang Yuehua sitting opposite him.

The woman who claimed to be his aunt had her hands folded on her knees, her posture as dignified as a lady who had stepped out of a painting, but her eyes held an unquestionable certainty.

It wasn't the authority of an elder over a younger person, but more like an experienced craftsman examining a rough, uncarved piece of jade.

"What am I supposed to do?" Tang San asked, his voice flat and devoid of emotion.

When you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. He understood this principle. Tang Hao leaving him with this woman must have its reasons. Before finding Cinderella, he didn't mind staying here a few more days.

Moreover, he does need a place to adjust his state.

Tang Yuehua did not answer immediately. Her gaze lingered on Tang San's face for a moment, and a burning heat suddenly ignited in her clear eyes, making Tang San feel somewhat uncomfortable.

"I will teach you various etiquette and music."

Upon hearing this, Tang San's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Etiquette? Music?

He truly hadn't expected this answer. The Clear Sky Sect, the number one weapon spirit in the world, is a sacred ground for powerful offensive spirit masters, renowned for its domineering and fierce style.

He had thought that Tang Yuehua would teach him some secret hammer technique of the Haotian Sect, or some special technique to suppress killing intent.

He quickly weighed the options in his mind. If Tang Yuehua really had any special skills, it wouldn't hurt to learn them.

Having more skills is never a bad thing; that's the rule of the Tang Clan. But if all she wanted to do was teach him how to drink tea and how to perform etiquette, he probably wouldn't be able to keep up.

His time is precious, and he doesn't want to waste it on something meaningless.

Tang Yuehua clearly saw his indifference. The smile on her lips faded slightly, replaced by an extremely serious, almost admonitory solemnity.

“It’s not enough for a person to have great strength alone.” Her voice was not loud, but every word was clear, like pearls falling onto a jade plate.

"Little San, your murderous aura is unparalleled even in the world of Soul Masters. But have you ever thought about it? Those who truly stand at the pinnacle of the continent, who would wear their trump cards on their sleeve?"

Tang San remained silent.

“Like your father. He was powerful enough, but what has he become? When he was young, he was sharp and aggressive, and he was full of malice wherever he went. He thought that if his fists were strong enough, he didn’t have to care about anything, but what happened to him? He ended up with hidden injuries and had to hide all the time.”

Tang Yuehua paused abruptly. She took a deep breath, as if trying to calm the emotions churning in her chest.

Chapter 512 Deploying Troops

Then Tang Yuehua raised her eyelids again, her clear eyes looking straight into the depths of Tang San's eyes, her gaze intense, as if she wanted to reveal all the things hidden deepest in his soul.

“He doesn’t want you to repeat his mistakes. He sent you to me so that you would learn to temper your sharp edges. From now on, I am your aunt and your teacher.”

Tang Yuehua had already said all that, so Tang San didn't say anything more. He nodded, indicating that he understood.

Seeing that he was no longer resistant, Tang Yuehua's tense shoulders relaxed slightly, and a gentle smile returned to her lips.

She picked up the teacup on the table, which had gone cold, and was about to get up to replace it with a fresh pot of tea when she heard Tang San suddenly speak.

"aunt."

This was the second time Tang San had called her "aunt." The first time was a test, but this time it carried a genuine urgency. Tang Yuehua stopped what she was doing and looked at him again.

“I want to ask you about my sister, Cinderella. Before I entered the City of Slaughter, Father promised me that she would come with him to pick me up when I came out. But when I came out, I only saw Zhao Wu from your Haotian Sect. Father's letter didn't mention her at all.”

He paused, as if trying to restrain himself, but his clenched fist betrayed the turmoil within him. "Does Aunt know her whereabouts?"

Tang Yuehua looked into Tang San's anxious eyes and sighed softly. The sigh was very soft, but it carried an indescribable sense of helplessness.

“Cinderella, your father mentioned this child to me.” Her voice was gentle, as if she were comforting a wounded cub.

"He said she was very talented in martial spirit cultivation, and that she was very sensible and had helped take care of you since you were little. When your father talked about her, his tone was just as proud as when he talked about you."

But I haven't seen her since. She used to be with your father, but later went traveling alone. Your father didn't say exactly where she went or when she would return.

Her gaze fell on Tang San's increasingly somber face, and her tone softened further. "

"Mistress, I know you're anxious, but I've only heard a few words about these things from your father. I'll tell you the specifics when he arrives. He went out on business a few days ago; judging by the time, he should be back in a few days. For now, just rest here."

Tang San remained silent for a long while before finally nodding. "Thank you, Aunt."

Tang Yuehua stood up, walked to his side, and gently patted his shoulder. This time, Tang San didn't dodge.

"Come on, I'll show you to your room. It's all prepared for you, just waiting for you to come back."

She turned and walked towards the door, with Tang San following behind her. The two walked through a corridor paved with bluestone, with neatly trimmed flowers and trees on both sides, showing that someone usually takes good care of them.

Several unlit lanterns hung under the eaves, swaying gently in the afternoon breeze.

Tang Yuehua stopped in front of a carved wooden door and pushed it open. The room wasn't large, but it was very clean. A large wooden bed was placed against the wall, and the bedding was neatly folded, clearly freshly changed.

Beside the window stood a mahogany desk, upon which rested a bronze lamp and several brand-new books. In the corner stood a wardrobe, its doors ajar, revealing several new robes hanging inside. The fabric wasn't particularly luxurious, but the stitching was fine and meticulous, showing that careful craftsmanship had been put into them.

“These used to be guest rooms in the city lord’s mansion. I had them cleaned up again. The bedding is all new, and the clothes are also new, made to the measurements your father gave you. Try them on and see if they fit.”

Tang Yuehua walked to the window and opened it.

The afternoon sun, along with the fragrance of flowers and plants in the courtyard, flooded in, illuminating the entire room.

Tang San stood at the doorway, his gaze sweeping over every item in the room. Newly changed bedding, newly tailored clothes, and sunlight streaming onto the gleaming stone floor, not a speck of dust could be seen.

This room was clearly not hastily prepared; every detail shows care and attention.

He lowered his eyes. "Thank you, Auntie."

Tang Yuehua looked at him standing at the door. Sunlight fell on his long blue hair, casting a light golden halo on his handsome profile.

She suddenly felt a tightness in her throat. How much hardship must this child have endured outside to wrap herself up in such a thick layer of ice?

"Then you should rest first. Come find me anytime if you need anything. I live in the next courtyard." After she finished speaking, she turned and walked towards the door. When she reached the door, she stopped and looked back at Tang San.

"Xiao San." Tang San looked up. Tang Yuehua stood in the doorway, her expression obscured by the light, but the gentleness in her voice was warmer than the afternoon sun. "Welcome home."

After she finished speaking, she walked out quickly without looking back.

Tang San stood there, watching the pale purple figure disappear at the end of the corridor. He remained silent for a moment, then turned and went into the room, closing the door behind him.

He walked to the bedside and sat down, reaching out to stroke the neatly folded quilt.

It's new, and it still smells of sunshine.

He leaned against the headboard, his eyes closed. His mind was filled with Cinderella. Where was she? Was she hurt? Had anyone bullied her? Did she know he had escaped the City of Slaughter?

He opened his eyes after an unknown amount of time.

No, just waiting for Tang Hao to come back isn't a solution.

He had to do something.

He stood up and walked to the window. The flowers and trees in the yard swayed gently in the afternoon breeze, and a few sparrows hopped around on the branches, chirping away.

He needs more intelligence.

The whereabouts of Cinderella, the situation on the continent, and the complex power dynamics between the Spirit Empire and the Anti-Spirit Alliance.

He can't get this information just by sitting here waiting.

He pushed open the door and walked towards Tang Yuehua's courtyard.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away.

At the border between the Star Luo Empire and the Martial Soul Empire, lies Falling Eagle Ridge.

This place was originally a border fortress between the Heavenly Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire. The city walls were tall and the crenellations were neat. It was once a necessary route for caravans to pass through.

Now that the Heaven Dou Empire no longer exists, this fortress has become the front line of the Anti-Soul Alliance to resist the southward invasion of the Soul Empire.

The flags on the city wall have been changed time and again. Now, the Black Tiger Flag of the Star Luo Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Flag of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect are flying.

The two flags stood side by side, fluttering in the biting north wind.

Inside the fortress command post, candlelight burned all night. A huge military map hung on the wall, densely marked with the troop deployments of both sides and the routes of recent battles.

Several newly opened urgent military reports were scattered on the long table in front of the map. The tea had long since gone cold, but no one had the mind to replace it with a new pot.

Ning Fengzhi stood in front of the map, hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping back and forth along the winding battle line.

He was much thinner than he had been a few months ago, and there were a few more strands of barely noticeable white hair at his temples, but his eyes were still as sharp as an eagle's, reflecting the dense markings on the map.

"The Martial Soul Empire has withdrawn troops from the eastern front for the third time." He spoke, his voice not loud, but it made everyone present stop what they were doing.

"The garrisons in Fufeng, Yanshi, and Xili have all decreased by at least 30% compared to last month. According to intelligence from scouts at the front, these troops are all moving north, along the official road east of the old capital of Tiandou, heading all the way north."

He turned around and looked at the group of people gathered in front of the map. Gu Rong, the Bone Douluo, stood with his arms crossed, his brows furrowed.

Several core elders of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School were also present, as well as a general from the Star Luo Empire stationed at Eagle Fall Ridge. He was a middle-aged man with a resolute face, surnamed Zhao, and given name Heng. He was holding several newly translated secret reports in his hand.

"What is Bibi Dong planning?" Zhao Heng frowned. "The Northern Territory is guarded by Eva's united city-states. Although their military strength is not large, it is still far superior to tens of thousands of scattered soldiers. The Martial Soul Empire is not afraid that we will take advantage of the situation on the southern front by withdrawing so many troops from the main battlefield to the north?"

“Unless new variables emerge in the Northern Territory.” Ning Fengzhi tapped lightly on the area marked “Tiandou United City-State” at the northernmost point of the map, his voice deepening.

“It’s not Eva herself; she’s been consolidating the North for quite some time now. Bibidon didn’t touch her before because Eva alone wasn’t enough to make her withdraw three legions from the Eastern Front. But things are different now.”

He turned around, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. "Ge Duo. The titled Douluo from the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, the continent's number one alchemist. She has joined Eva's ranks."

The command post fell silent instantly. Everyone present knew the weight of that name.

A titled Douluo is not scary; what is scary is a titled Douluo who can both fight and mass-produce pills.

With Godor around, Eva's army was essentially a mobile, top-tier apothecary workshop. Restoration pills, antidote pills, and short-term boost pills—things that could make ordinary soldiers fight several times more powerful on the battlefield—were just a matter of turning on a few furnaces for Godor.

"Two Title Douluo." Zhao Heng's face darkened. "No wonder Bibi Dong couldn't sit still. She could have temporarily ignored Eva alone."

With the addition of Godo, the power of the Northern Territory has expanded to the point where it can threaten the entire northern front of the Spirit Empire.

Bibi Dong's northward journey wasn't aimed at conquering the Northern Territory in one fell swoop; she wanted to suppress this momentum before Eva and Godor could fully integrate all the resources.