Chapter 344: The Beginning of Tang San's Descent
Meanwhile, Tang San and Xiao Wu had returned to the Star Dou Forest. As a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, Xiao Wu could communicate with many creatures in the forest, especially with the Soft Bone Rabbits that populated it. After reaching out to other soul beasts, Xiao Wu learned that her two "brothers," the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Bull Python, had been hunted and killed. From the information gathered, it was clear that Wuhun Empire's Bibi Dong was responsible for the hunt that took their lives.
The news devastated Xiao Wu. She couldn't believe that Bibi Dong had led a team of Titled Douluo to hunt down her two beloved companions. Overcome by both old and new grievances, she now saw Bibi Dong as a sworn enemy.
Seeing Xiao Wu sobbing uncontrollably, Tang San pulled her into his arms, trying to comfort her. But upon hearing that Bibi Dong had indeed killed the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Bull Python, Tang San's expression darkened. He had met Bibi Dong before and knew she wielded twin martial souls and was incredibly powerful. Now, with two new soul rings of such high quality, she would be even more formidable. If she continued to grow stronger, how would he ever avenge his family?
Thoughts swirled within him—about his parents, who had died because of the Wuhun Empire, and about Xiao Wu's family, also victims of Bibi Dong. She was becoming the greatest threat in his life, his ultimate enemy.
Consumed with rage, Tang San's entire being began to radiate an intense killing intent, his face twisting with fury. He had never felt such deep hatred for anyone before. With his eyes bloodshot, he fell into a frenzied state, unleashing a dark green wave of Blue Silver Grass that enveloped the surrounding area.
Within moments, several soul beasts found themselves entangled in his vines. Though they struggled to break free, they sank deeper into the Blue Silver Grass, which seemed to pull them into a deadly swamp. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass no longer resembled its original form but had taken on a half-ethereal quality, thanks to the abilities granted by the soul ring of the Illusory Sea Serpent. The grass now carried a powerful devouring ability, draining the soul power, flesh, and even bones of the trapped beasts in mere seconds.
After a while, Tang San finally regained control, his expression returning to normal as the crazed look faded from his eyes.
Tang San turned to Xiao Wu, concern evident in his voice. "Xiao Wu, what just happened to me? I felt like I was losing control of myself. Did I hurt you?"
Xiao Wu's eyes still shimmered with tears. "Brother San, you scared me. Please, don't let yourself fall into that state again."
Tang San softened, his gaze filled with tenderness. "Xiao Wu, don't worry. My parents are gone, but you're everything to me now. I won't let anyone harm you—not as long as I live."
Moved by his words, Xiao Wu wiped her tears. "Brother San, we must avenge our loved ones against the Wuhun Empire."
Tang San's voice grew steely as he said, "Rest assured, Xiao Wu. I will do everything in my power to destroy the Wuhun Empire, no matter the cost."
"Brother San, should we join your teacher and the others now? With Da Ming and Er Ming gone, the Star Dou Forest doesn't feel safe or familiar anymore."
Tang San shook his head. "Xiao Wu, we're still too weak. We must grow stronger first. Heaven's Will Academy is Yang Potian's domain, and he's also my enemy now. Going there unprepared would only put us in danger."
Reluctantly, Xiao Wu nodded and rested her head against Tang San's chest.
Tang San then took a moment to assess the changes within his body. Even after his brief loss of control, he felt that his soul power had grown, bringing him closer to level eighty-nine, though he had yet to fully cross the threshold.
"Xiao Wu, what happened while I was out of control? I feel stronger, as if my power has increased significantly."
Xiao Wu hesitated before responding, "Brother San, during your frenzy, you used Blue Silver Grass to absorb a lot of life energy. You killed a few soul beasts, too."
Understanding dawned on Tang San. His numerous soul rings, especially the divine seventh ring, were carefully chosen to suit his martial soul. This unique ring seemed to grant him the ability to devour life force.
Curious, Tang San summoned his Blue Silver Grass once more, wrapping it around a thousand-year-old willow-type soul beast in the distance. The willow quickly withered, its leaves shriveling, and its trunk and roots shrinking into dry, lifeless husks. In moments, all its energy had been drained.
Tang San couldn't contain his excitement. He understood now—by consuming the life force of other soul beasts, he could dramatically increase his power and potentially reach Titled Douluo far sooner than expected.
A sinister smile spread across his face as he thought, Bibi Dong, Yang Potian—your time is coming. For the sake of avenging my family, I'll pay any price.
Yu Xiaogang, having studied martial souls extensively during his time at the Wuhun Temple, knew all too well the consequences of using devouring techniques. Such practices were considered forbidden, a dangerous path that led to corruption and madness.
Tang San was also aware of these risks, but he was beyond caring. He was surrounded by enemies and had no allies strong enough to help him. He was at the end of his rope, forced into a corner.
In his eyes, the lives of lesser soul beasts were insignificant. They were merely tools to fuel his strength. As for the long-term effects, Tang San had faith in his own profound technique, the Mysterious Heaven Skill. It was, after all, one of the Daoist arts, a discipline he believed capable of containing this dark power.
If Yang Potian could see him now, he might only scoff. Tang San's actions aligned more closely with the shadowy reputation of his former Tang Sect, a path that, ironically, suited him all too well.
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