I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: AFKing to Become a God
------------------------------------------------------
After absorbing soul bones, the strength of those around Yang Xiong had improved to a certain extent.
Ning Rongrong, after consecutively absorbing two soul bones, had reached level sixty-seven.
Similarly, Oscar, after absorbing two top-tier soul bones, had also reached level sixty-six.
Both were auxiliary-type soul masters. After absorbing the soul bones, not only did their physical attributes improve significantly, but they also gained some combat capabilities.
Yang Wei, after recently absorbing a soul ring and a torso soul bone from the Qian Jun Ant Emperor, had reached soul power level sixty-four.
Qin Shuang, however, lagged slightly behind, currently at level sixty-one.
Yang Xiong took Oscar and Zhao Wuji to Yunwu Mountain, formally introducing them to the five elders led by Lin Gong. Zhao Wuji was appointed as a guest elder of the Body Sect, though he wouldn't interfere with internal matters.
Oscar, on the other hand, temporarily assumed the position of vice sect leader but wouldn't meddle in the sect's internal affairs either. His official appointment would come later, after his soul power increased further.
Everyone accepted Yang Xiong's decisions regarding Zhao Wuji and Oscar without objection.
Zhao Wuji was now at level eighty-seven. Given his cultivation speed over the years, breaking through to become a Title Douluo was only a matter of time. Moreover, Zhao Wuji was much younger than all the other elders, indicating immense future potential.
As for Oscar, his talent spoke for itself. Though he was a food-based soul master, being a Soul Emperor at twenty-two made him an extraordinary genius with limitless prospects, even potentially rewriting the history of food-based soul masters.
After completing these introductions, Yang Xiong turned his focus to changes in the world of soul masters.
The soul master world was evolving rapidly, reverting to the chaotic state of constant conflict it once had.
Both small and medium-sized sects and civilian soul masters felt the mounting pressure. Especially after the fall of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, everyone lived in fear, either allying with the Spirit Hall or seeking refuge under one of the two empires.
Yang Xiong paid particular attention to changes in the Thunder Valley, the former base of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Such a prime cultivation site was bound to attract interest.
Yang Xiong planned to wait for the right moment when the Body Sect could seize control of Thunder Valley, possibly even gaining support from various factions.
Of course, Yang Xiong had already made preparations. He gave Niu Gao fifty million gold spirit coins, instructing him to plan the layout of Thunder Valley in advance. Additionally, he sent Niu Gao to Gengxin City to purchase large quantities of metal for crafting defensive equipment for the sect, including acquiring massive defensive weapons like giant crossbows and ballistae.
Among the Body Sect, only the Agility Clan had relatively weaker offensive capabilities, requiring the use of Tang San's hidden weapons.
For others, hidden weapons weren't as effective for defense. Instead, stronger, more powerful weapons—like giant crossbows and ballistae—were better suited for protecting a sect.
As for Tang San's hidden weapons, Yang Xiong believed they were a perfect match for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect but insufficient for truly defending a sect.
Tang San's hidden weapons prioritized compactness and intricate craftsmanship, often sacrificing raw power.
Thunder Valley's unique location made it more suitable for heavy weaponry.
Niu Gao, being highly knowledgeable in construction and defensive mechanisms, was the ideal person to handle this task in Gengxin City.
To be safe, Yang Xiong also arranged for a Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda soul master to accompany him. The Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda's ability to detect treasures made it especially useful for purchasing large amounts of iron and raw materials in Gengxin City.
As for the financial aspect, all the funds came from Ning Fengzhi, who gifted them to Yang Xiong. This time, Yang Xiong had rendered great service to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, so money was no issue—the sect had no shortage of wealth.
Judging by Ning Fengzhi's demeanor, it seemed the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect also planned to make significant purchases.
…
Meanwhile, with Xiao Wu's assistance, Tang San obtained an excellent soul ring in the Star Dou Great Forest, raising his soul power to level sixty-two.
This soul ring came from a twenty-five-thousand-year-old Soul Devouring Spider Emperor, one of the most formidable spirit beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest.
After absorbing this soul ring, Tang San's control over his Blue Silver Grass improved dramatically, and he gained the Soul Devouring Spider Emperor's ability to devour souls.
Once Tang San completed the absorption, he left the Star Dou Great Forest with Xiao Wu.
Although Xiao Wu still harbored some fear of the outside world, she was deeply worried about Liu Erlong's condition. During her time with the Shrek Academy team, Liu Erlong had adopted Xiao Wu as his goddaughter.
After the fall of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, both Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong suffered greatly. Xiao Wu was particularly concerned about Liu Erlong.
When the two arrived at Shrek Academy, the states of Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong shocked Tang San and Xiao Wu.
Yu Xiaogang appeared utterly despondent, looking as if he had aged ten years. His hair was sparse, his beard unkempt, and strands of white hair had begun to appear.
Liu Erlong's complexion was pale, as if she were recovering from a severe illness.
Upon seeing Tang San and Xiao Wu, the two were overjoyed. Liu Erlong embraced Xiao Wu like a mother embracing her daughter.
After Tang San and Xiao Wu consoled them, the two seemed to regain some of their former vigor.
After Yu Xiaogang detailed the current state of the soul master world to Tang San, even Tang San felt the urgency and danger of the situation.
Tang San hesitated for a long while before speaking: "Teacher, I want to establish a new sect—one that might someday rival the Spirit Hall."
Yu Xiaogang looked puzzled: "Xiao San, your strength is still too weak. You don't yet understand what a powerful sect truly requires."
"Over the years, only the upper three sects and lower four sects have maintained relatively complete legacies. They possess not only powerful martial spirits but also comprehensive sect traditions and cultivation methods. Each sect has at least a thousand soul masters—far beyond the reach of smaller factions."
Tang San nodded: "Teacher, I understand. I plan to name my new sect the Tang Sect, and its core legacy won't be martial spirits but the crafting of hidden weapons."
"Teacher, you've seen the power of hidden weapons. Over the years, the Strength Clan has been helping me craft them. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect purchased a large number of them, and during their battle against the Spirit Hall, my hidden weapons played a crucial role."
Yu Xiaogang was startled. He didn't know the specifics of how the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect repelled the Spirit Hall, only that they had accurate intelligence and substantial external support, allowing them to launch an inside-out assault and eliminate many Spirit Hall members.
Looking at Tang San's hidden weapons, Yu Xiaogang felt conflicted.
Logically, Yu Xiaogang had spent more time with Tang San and always believed that Tang San's focus on crafting hidden weapons was somewhat frivolous, neglecting the cultivation of martial spirits and soul power.
But it was precisely these overlooked hidden weapons that proved invaluable in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's battles. If he and his family hadn't lost contact, if he and his father hadn't become estranged, perhaps the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan could have equipped themselves with hidden weapons, and their fate might not have been so tragic.
After much contemplation, Yu Xiaogang sighed: "Xiao San, your hidden weapons are indeed impressive. In terms of power, they're quite formidable. I admit I underestimated them before."
"But have you considered that most sects rely on family lineage and martial spirit legacies? Hidden weapons may not always remain in your hands. How will you maintain control over the sect then?"
"Moreover, you can't keep the crafting techniques secret forever. Unless you find a way to bring the Hao Tian Sect out of seclusion, linking your hidden weapons to the Hao Tian Hammer martial spirit might allow your Tang Sect to endure indefinitely."
Tang San shook his head: "Teacher, the Tang Sect I'm establishing will have no connection to the Hao Tian Sect. The Tang Sect will belong entirely to me, free from any interference—even from the Hao Tian Sect."
"Besides, the hidden weapons I've shown so far are just ordinary ones. The truly powerful ones I can't even craft myself, so there's no risk of them being leaked."
In truth, Tang San wanted to recreate the Tang Sect from his original world—a sect renowned for crafting hidden weapons. It had thrived for countless years without decline, growing ever more illustrious.
Yu Xiaogang sighed deeply: "Very well. The soul master world is in chaos. The upper three sects' Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has fallen, and the Hao Tian Sect has withdrawn.
"The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's stance has also become unclear. Aside from some cooperation with the Tian Dou Imperial Family, they've gradually abandoned many ventures, seemingly moving in the direction of the Hao Tian Sect. Perhaps they feel the pressure is too great and no longer wish to confront the Spirit Hall directly."
"I've also carefully examined your hidden weapons. Even ordinary people can use them. If you can establish ties with the Tian Dou Imperial Family, you needn't worry about sales."
"When the Tian Dou Imperial Family equips itself with hidden weapons on a large scale, it might influence the soul master world in another way, providing an alternative means to counter the Spirit Hall."
After receiving Yu Xiaogang's approval, Tang San immediately visited the Strength Clan.
Tai Tan greeted Tang San with immense excitement: "Young Master, you've finally returned! These years apart have been unbearable."
Tang San was only nineteen and had already reached the Soul Emperor level, likely the fastest in the history of the soul master world.
Tang San quickly asked: "Elder Tai Tan, you've worked hard all these years. How has the development of hidden weapons progressed?"
Tai Tan beamed: "Young Master, the sales of hidden weapons have been excellent. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has purchased a large quantity. Beyond the initial five hundred sets, they've placed continuous orders, bringing the total to over two thousand sets."
"And the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is quite wealthy—they bought each set for ten thousand gold spirit coins. Our revenue from them alone has reached twenty million gold spirit coins."
"Unfortunately, aside from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, no other major sect has purchased our hidden weapons, so our customer base remains relatively limited."
…
After discussing with Tai Tan, Tang San realized the hidden weapon business was indeed thriving, especially with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect acting like a big spender, buying without haggling over prices.
Tang San hesitated for a moment before speaking: "Elder Tai Tan, I want to establish a new sect. Do you have any advice?"
Tai Tan looked puzzled: "Young Master, why do you want to establish a new sect? Founding a sect involves many complexities and details."
Tang San shook his head: "The Spirit Hall's power is growing. Sooner or later, they'll move against the two empires. My new sect will focus on crafting hidden weapons, potentially supporting the empires in resisting the Spirit Hall."
Tai Tan frowned: "Young Master, your idea of founding a new sect is commendable, and the timing is good. But what about the Hao Tian Sect? Are you really planning to completely sever ties with them?"
Tang San shook his head: "The Tang Sect and the Hao Tian Sect are separate entities. There will be no subordinate relationship between them. I plan to visit the Hao Tian Sect soon to fulfill some of my father's instructions."
Tai Tan's expression grew concerned: "Young Master, if you return to the Hao Tian Sect, be careful. Those old-timers are stubborn and difficult to communicate with."
"I believe your idea of establishing the Tang Sect is excellent. One day, the Tang Sect might shock the entire Douluo Continent, even surpassing the Hao Tian Sect in its prime."
"The Strength Clan will follow your lead and assist in building the Tang Sect."
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)