Chapter 348: The Fallen Soul Master, Tang San
Recently, Yang Potian had been feeling a subtle unease, as though something monumental was brewing on the Douluo Continent, yet he couldn't quite identify it. Despite his current strength—enough to rival even Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu—this sense of foreboding was undeniable. Even the Asura God's trials seemed strangely ambiguous, as though hinting at a choice he would soon have to make, one that could determine the future of the Douluo Continent.
With this in mind, Yang Potian urged Qian Renxue to return to Spirit City to continue her training and push forward with the Angel God trials. According to the original storyline, she would only need another year to complete her path to divinity. Yang Potian had long regarded Tang San as a hidden threat. Had Tang San not remained on Sea God Island, Yang Potian would have already dealt with him. Now, however, it seemed as if time itself had accelerated for the Douluo Continent.
Bibi Dong had already absorbed two additional, high-quality 100,000-year spirit rings, and her ascent to godhood seemed imminent, likely to occur sooner than in the original timeline. Qian Renxue's training was also progressing on schedule, though her mental fortitude and resilience had grown considerably, meaning she was less likely to suffer the inner turmoil of her original journey to godhood.
At the edge of Mount Almo, Tang San finally reunited with Yu Xiaogang and the others. When Yu Xiaogang, Titan, and Bai He learned that Tang San's spirit power had reached an astonishing level of 98, with his Clear Sky Hammer spirit rings comprising four red and four black rings, their spirits lifted. With Tang San's power at this level, their hope for vengeance against the Spirit Empire and the restoration of the Clear Sky Sect was rekindled.
Yet, at a mere level 98, Tang San was still no match for the 99th-level extreme Douluos, and the moment his presence was exposed, he'd face countless attacks. After some discussion, Yu Xiaogang suggested attempting to ally with Tianxing Academy. At the very least, he reasoned, it would be unwise to make enemies of both the academy and the Spirit Empire at the same time. Such an action would be suicidal.
Hearing this, Tang San erupted in fury, his entire body emanating a dark, ominous aura. His reaction was disturbingly abnormal. Although Yu Xiaogang was not a powerful soul master, his knowledge was extensive. Observing Tang San's state, he noted that it resembled that of fallen soul masters, particularly after learning that Tang San had been absorbing the life energy of spirit beasts with his Dark Blue Silver Grass. The realization struck Yu Xiaogang like a thunderbolt.
"Tang San, I've warned you about the fate of fallen soul masters! You must stop absorbing energy in this manner immediately, or you'll descend into a place from which there's no return," he urged.
But Tang San, having already consumed so much energy through his devouring technique, felt there was no turning back. "Teacher, I know what you're concerned about. Don't worry—I won't lose control, and I won't become a fallen soul master. I must grow stronger, stronger than anyone, if I am to seek my vengeance," he replied.
Yu Xiaogang's face was clouded with worry. "Tang San, you're in a dangerous state right now. I can see the instability in you; you could slip into madness at any moment."
Tang San had always revered Yu Xiaogang, viewing him as a father figure. Never before had he spoken a harsh word to him. Yet, at this moment, Tang San's view of Yu Xiaogang was utterly different. Instead of seeing a wise mentor, he saw an irritating insect. "Enough!" Tang San snapped. "I know my body better than anyone. With the mysterious profundity of my Mysterious Heaven Technique and my powerful talent, such energy absorption won't harm me in the slightest."
Yu Xiaogang was struck speechless, staring at Tang San in shock. He knew that the traits of fallen soul masters included aggression, rage, extremism, hatred, and bloodlust—all of which Tang San was now exhibiting. Yu Xiaogang feared that continuing to press the issue might only drive Tang San further into madness.
Seeing this, Xiao Wu quickly intervened, clutching Tang San's arm. "Brother San, what's wrong? You used to respect your teacher so much. How could you speak to him like this?"
Tang San's eyes cleared briefly as he looked at Xiao Wu. Guilt washed over him as he realized that only moments earlier, he had felt a murderous impulse toward Yu Xiaogang. Had he not restrained himself, he might have attacked his teacher.
"Teacher, is there any way to remedy my condition?" Tang San asked, his voice tinged with desperation.
Yu Xiaogang shook his head. "I don't know. When you stayed in the Slaughter City, how did your father help you dissipate the killing intent afterward?"
Tang San thought for a moment. "I didn't stay long in the Slaughter City, so the killing aura wasn't as intense. My aunt Tang Yuehua helped me eliminate the remaining bloodlust; her innate noble domain has a calming effect on the mind."
Yu Xiaogang sighed. "That method won't help you now. During the Clear Sky Sect's battle, Tang Yuehua was killed. There's no one else with that ability."
Desperate, Tang San clung to a faint hope. "Teacher, both Bibi Dong and Yang Potian also possess the Killing God Domain. How do they handle their killing intent?"
Yu Xiaogang shook his head again. "Bibi Dong acquired the Killing God Domain after we parted ways, so I don't know how she managed it. As for Yang Potian, he conceals his methods deeply. No one knows how he trains or his progress, but I doubt he uses the Moon Pavilion to dispel his killing aura."
A heavy silence fell upon the group as everyone realized just how different Tang San had become. Gone was the humble, sunny soul master they had known; in his place was a dark, vengeful figure.
After a long pause, Yu Xiaogang finally broke the silence. "Tang San, I understand your hatred for Yang Potian, but if we truly intend to challenge the Spirit Empire, we need strong allies. Fighting both Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu alone would be foolish."
"So, no matter how much you despise Yang Potian, you must put it aside. Destroy the Spirit Empire first, then deal with Yang Potian."
"I heard that Flender and the others have joined Tianxing Academy. Titan and Bai He, who have close connections to the academy, could help us gauge the situation. Perhaps we could gather some useful information or even sow discord between Tianxing Academy and the Spirit Empire."
Yu Xiaogang's proposal was simple: if possible, exploit any tension between Tianxing Academy and the Spirit Empire while gathering intelligence. Knowing Bibi Dong's nature, he was certain that a clash between the two was inevitable.
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