Over the past year, Tang San had poured immense effort into the Weapon Bureau of the Star Luo Empire.
Not only did he design a new version of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, but he also personally supervised the craftsmen during its production.
The Zhuge Divine Crossbow greatly boosted the combat power of the Star Luo Empire's military and brought Tang San wide acclaim in the field of weaponry, earning him the reputation of a brilliant genius.
However, behind all this glory and success, a deep pain still lingered in Tang San's heart.
His father Tang Hao's death had left a wound that could never be healed, fueling Tang San's unwavering desire for vengeance.
In his heart, he swore an oath no matter how difficult the path ahead, he would personally kill Yan and avenge his father.
But strength could not be gained overnight.
Although Tang San had never slacked in his cultivation and trained day and night, his soul power growth had hit a severe bottleneck.
Ever since reaching Rank 60, every increment of power became painfully slow. Even now, he hadn't broken through to Level 70.
This helplessness made Tang San increasingly anxious.
He understood that with his current strength, defeating Yan who possessed three hundred-thousand-year spirit rings — was no different from a fool's dream.
So he began to wonder whether a shortcut existed to rapidly increase his soul power.
He suspected that Yan's abnormally fast soul power advancement might be the result of taking a shortcut.
That night, Tang San went to seek out Yu Xiaogang.
Yu Xiaogang noticed something off in Tang San's expression a mix of frustration and weariness.
"Xiao San, you look pale. Are you overworking yourself?"
Tang San shook his head.
"Teacher, I'm not tired."
"Then what's on your mind? Speak freely I'm not an outsider. I'll help in any way I can."
"Teacher, over the past year, I've dedicated myself to the empire while never neglecting my cultivation. But at this pace, I'll never catch up to Yan, let alone stand against the powerhouses of the Spirit Hall."
Yu Xiaogang nodded solemnly, fully understanding Tang San's pain and confusion.
"For Soul Masters, reaching Level 60 is a major hurdle. After crossing it, cultivation speed naturally slows due to many factors, not just one."
"Then how did Yan advance so quickly? He even absorbed spirit rings far beyond his limit multiple times. Even if he consumed high-quality immortal herbs, it shouldn't have helped that much. I often wonder if he's found some shortcut."
Yu Xiaogang sighed.
"Xiao San, I know you're anxious. Yan's advancement is indeed hard to believe. Whether he took a shortcut, I can't say for sure. But I do know of a place where Soul Masters can increase their strength much faster through training."
Hearing this, Tang San grew excited.
"Teacher, where is this place?"
"It's far from the Douluo Continent a place called Sea God Island."
"Sea God Island?"
"Yes."
Yu Xiaogang then described everything he knew about the island.
To his surprise, Tang San wasn't afraid, but instead looked overjoyed.
"Teacher, you and the former Pope Bibi Dong went there when you were young? From what you said, the soul masters there sound very powerful."
"They are. And with favorable geography and conditions, they were even able to defeat Spirit Hall's soul master legions."
"Teacher, I want to go train there."
"Are you sure? It's a dangerous, one-way place. I don't doubt your courage, but I worry you might be trapped there forever."
"Don't worry, Teacher. I'm going there with only one goal to grow stronger as quickly as possible. When the time is right, I'll find a way back. I still need to avenge my parents!"
Tang San's voice was firm, filled with determination.
Yu Xiaogang nodded, supportive of his decision.
"Xiao San, I support you. And I believe you will succeed."
"Teacher, I'll bring Xiao Wu too. I can't rest easy unless she's by my side."
"Alright. Bring Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and Rongrong too. You'll all be safer and grow better together."
Tang San hesitated.
"Teacher, Mubai is destined to be king, and Rongrong carries her clan's hopes. Would the Emperor and Ning Fengzhi really let them take such a risk?"
"Precisely because of their burdens, they need this training even more. Don't worry. I'll speak with the Emperor and Ning Fengzhi."
"Okay."
The next day, Yu Xiaogang relayed the idea to Ning Fengzhi and the Emperor. To Tang San's surprise, they agreed.
Two days later, the five of them set out westward.
In the carriage, Dai Mubai sighed:
"If only Fatty and Little Ao were here. Then all seven of the Shrek Seven Devils would be together again."
Mentioning Oscar made Ning Rongrong sad. Her eyes turned red.
Six years had passed since the tournament, yet Oscar had never returned.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had faced tremendous upheaval. If Oscar were alive, he would've surely returned for her.
But she had waited all this time, and he never came.
Ning Rongrong had a bad feeling something might've happened to Oscar during his training.
Xiao Wu tried to comfort her:
"Don't worry, Rongrong. Maybe Little Ao is training on Sea God Island right now."
"Yeah," Tang San added. "He's proud. When the time is right, he'll definitely come back to you."
Ning Rongrong forced a smile.
"I'm fine. This trip to Sea God Island we'll come back stronger than ever."
"We will!"
The group, filled with anticipation and determination, looked forward to the trials ahead.
Meanwhile, at the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace—
Inside the grand hall stood a tall man with long black hair flowing down his back.
Seeing the familiar yet distant figure, Qian Renxue was overwhelmed.
"Grandfather!"
The man was none other than Qian Renxue's grandfather, Qian Daoliu the Grand Priest of Spirit Hall.
A soft smile formed on Qian Daoliu's face when he saw his granddaughter.
"Xue'er… It's been nearly twenty years. I finally get to see you again."
"Grandfather…"
Qian Renxue rushed forward and removed her disguise as Xue Qinghe, revealing her true appearance.
She buried herself in Qian Daoliu's arms, weeping as years of loneliness and bitterness poured out.
Qian Daoliu gently patted her shoulder.
"Xue'er, you've suffered all these years. It's all over now. You've done well. I'm proud of you."
After a long while, Qian Renxue finally calmed down.
She knew her grandfather never left the Worship Hall all these years, so for him to come here… something must be going on.
"Grandfather, why did you suddenly come here?"
"Nothing major. I just wanted to see you. You've been busy all year, still playing the part of Xue Qinghe, so you couldn't return to Spirit City. I came to you instead."
"I thought something serious had happened."
Qian Renxue smiled. She hadn't felt this warmth in a long time.
The two chatted for a while, and eventually the topic shifted to Yan.
"Xue'er, from what you've said, it seems the new reforms of Heaven Dou Empire succeeded largely thanks to Yan."
"Yes, he's helped me a lot this past year."
When she mentioned Yan, Qian Renxue felt a wave of emotion.
After a year of working together, she had grown to trust and rely on him.
"Second Worship has already told me about Yan's performance during the upheaval in the Heaven Dou Palace. So young, yet possessing three hundred-thousand-year spirit rings it's a miracle in the world of spirit masters. I really want to meet him."
"Grandfather, then I'll have him come see you."
"Good."
Afterward, Qian Renxue sent someone to summon Yan and had him wait in a side hall.
Before long, a woman walked over.
She wore a plain white dress without elaborate decorations, only a few simple embroidered tassels, yet they were enough to highlight her extraordinary and otherworldly cold beauty.
Her steps were light, each one exuding calm composure.
As she approached, Yan finally saw her face clearly.
She looked to be just in her early twenties, with a refined and ethereal appearance, her features delicate and well-defined. Between her brows, the slightly furrowed expression carried a hint of barely noticeable melancholy.
Her eyes were deep and bright, like stars in a cold night, shimmering with a chilly and mysterious light.
Her skin was fair, emitting a faint cold glow clear and pure.
Her long golden hair was casually draped over her shoulders, carrying a bit of lazy indifference, yet still unable to mask her cool demeanor.
Though the woman's bearing was completely different from Xue Qinghe's, Yan recognized her at a glance she was Qian Renxue.
"My lady, I've finally seen your true face."
Qian Renxue was slightly taken aback.
"You recognized me?"
"Appearances can change, but the eyes never lie. Seems like you're in a good mood today something good happen?"
Qian Renxue's cheeks flushed slightly. She hadn't expected Yan to recognize her so easily.
"Not really. I was thinking of revealing my true identity next month what do you think?"
Yan nodded slightly.
"The empire is becoming more stable, and the people already know that we have Spirit Hall backing us. It's about time to take off the mask of Xue Qinghe. But I may not be able to celebrate with you."
"Oh? Why not?"
"My spirit power has broken through to Level 90. I need to hunt a spirit beast to obtain my ninth spirit ring. It may take some time."
"You've already broken through to Level 90?!"
Qian Renxue was shocked.
Level 90 was a nearly insurmountable threshold for spirit masters. Many Spirit Douluo were stuck at that level, unable to break through their entire lives.
Yet Yan had done it with ease.
"That's wonderful congratulations!"
"Thank you."
"You've contributed greatly to the empire's development this past year. I'm claiming the throne in my own name as Qian Renxue—how could I be without you, the Imperial Advisor? When you return with your ninth spirit ring, I'll reveal my identity then."
"The spirit beast for my ninth ring must be at least a hundred-thousand-year-old. It won't be easy to find. Are you sure you want to wait for me to come back?"
Qian Renxue smiled slightly and replied calmly:
"I've stayed under that mask for twenty years. I don't mind a few more months. Let's wait until you return."
"Alright then, sorry to make you wait a bit longer."
"It's fine. Come on, I'll take you to meet someone."
"Who?"
"You'll see when we get there."
With that, Qian Renxue turned and led the way.
Her steps were light and graceful, as gentle as a girl next door, without any trace of imperial majesty.
Yan had never seen Qian Renxue so happy.
Qian Renxue led Yan to another grand hall.
Inside the hall stood a tall man, appearing to be in his thirties or forties.
Though he merely stood there silently, he exuded an overwhelming aura that sent chills down the spine.
Qian Renxue strode forward and took the man's arm, affectionately saying:
"Grandfather, I've brought him to you. And I've got good news Spirit Hall is about to gain a new Titled Douluo."
Qian Daoliu nodded slightly.
"Xiaoxue, I'd like to speak with him alone."
"Alright, I'll leave you two to it."
Qian Renxue then exited the hall.
Only Qian Daoliu and Yan remained in the vast hall.
In all his years in Spirit Hall, Yan had never seen Qian Daoliu before.
"Greetings, Grand Worship."
Yan bowed to Qian Daoliu.
Qian Daoliu glanced over Yan, a look of appreciation flickering in his eyes.
"No need for formalities. The one Xiaoxue spoke of, the soon-to-be Titled Douluo, should be you, correct?"
"Perhaps. I just broke through Level 90."
"For someone so young to step into the Titled Douluo realm it's truly remarkable. Xiaoxue's successful takeover of the Heaven Dou Empire and setting it on the right track owes much to you."
"You flatter me. I was raised by Spirit Hall from a young age it's only right I give my all for it."
Qian Daoliu nodded slightly, studying Yan carefully, before his expression shifted.
"I'm glad you feel that way. However, there's a question I've always wanted to ask you can you answer me truthfully?"
"Please ask, Grand Worship."
"To my knowledge, the Pope, Bibi Dong, treated you well and held you in high regard. Why did you leave her? Was it really just for that hundred-thousand-year spirit ring and spirit bone?"
Qian Daoliu was cautious and deeply concerned about Qian Renxue's future.
He didn't know Yan and wasn't sure what kind of person he truly was.
In his mind, if Yan could leave Bibi Dong, perhaps one day he might also leave Qian Renxue.
So, this meeting wasn't just a visit it was a test for Yan.
With Qian Daoliu's experience, a few simple questions were enough to judge a man's sincerity.
Yan hadn't expected Qian Daoliu to ask such a question.
He wasn't flustered and calmly replied:
"Grand Worship, do you truly want to hear my honest answer?"
"Go ahead, don't hold back."
"Then I'll speak frankly. The Pope's temperament is unpredictable. I feared that my loyalty wouldn't bring me anything in return in fact, it might even get me killed one day. And if I hadn't absorbed that hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, it would've gone to waste. I've always longed to become stronger, so I was willing to take the risk."
Yan spoke subtly, but the meaning was clear Bibi Dong was a terrifying, unstable woman.
Qian Daoliu could tell Yan wasn't lying.
"You're courageous. But still, I hope I won't hear words like that a second time."
"I understand."
Qian Daoliu nodded slightly and changed the subject.
"You're about to hunt for a spirit beast to obtain your ninth ring. Any thoughts?"
"I'm hoping to hunt a spirit beast with over a hundred-thousand years of cultivation and one that matches my spirit's attributes."
"Hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts are rare enough, let alone one of fire or earth attributes. Your idea is good, but not easy to realize."
"Mm, I understand. Grand Worship, you've traveled far and seen much could you offer me any advice?"
Qian Daoliu paused in thought.
"I do know of a place. There's a very powerful fire-attribute spirit beast guarding it. Its cultivation is at least over a hundred thousand years, maybe even close to two hundred thousand."
"Really?! Where is it?"
Yan was excited and filled with anticipation.
Qian Daoliu continued:
"Years ago, while traveling to the depths of the Sea, I passed by an island. At the center of that island was a volcano and the spirit beast resided beneath it. It's been decades, so I'm not sure if it's still there."