They managed to return to their carriage by the next day's sunset. Exploring the swamp was its own kind of fun. Being able to return to his own bed would be absolutely wonderful. Though it would be a few days before he could. They returned to their carriage without incident.
They would spend another day outside of the swamp. Then they would begin the journey home the next day. It would likely take about as long to return as it was to get here. Though it might actually take less than that.
Tang Yuan before he tries to head to sleep assumes a meditative pose. He had already cultivated during the morning hours. He had noticed major changes in his cultivation. Originally it had taken him around an hour to finish a cycle. At best, he could finish in less than a few minutes. At worst, he would go over an hour by a similar amount.
Now it's different as a result of the benefits brought by his soul ring. The widening of his soul veins, and the wearing of his impurities. Needless to say, the results speak for themselves. His average is now down to thirty minutes rather than an hour. This results in a halving of the time needed for every cycle.
Unfortunately, that does not mean that he suddenly can complete his cultivation in half the time. His completion of cycles finishes far faster. His strengthened soul veins let him channel a greater amount of energy as well. Yet his dantian and body have also grown stronger. As he had the quality of his soul power.
His body could handle absorbing more power in a day than before. Making it require a greater amount of energy to reach saturation. Even with his increased rate of cycling. This is far from a bad thing though so Tang Yuan's not complaining. The amount of time he spends on cultivation has decreased by more than a third.
In fact, he now gets far better results than his past cultivation. Cultivation as a Soul Master is simply far more efficient than as a Soul Trainee. His absorption rate of natural energy just can't be compared. Not only can he absorb more energy from the world. The quality of it is just simply better in measure.
Despite all that he also feels his improvement is slower. It's not a truly outrageous amount to be sure. Yet it's absolutely true that he feels his progress is slower. It's almost a vague feeling like looking up at a cliff. Yet you can't see the exact distance from it. Only that you're vaguely moving closer towards it.
There is just a difference in the amount of required energy at different ranks. At this point, the difference is not in fact massive. Yet each level will definitely take longer than the ones before. Once more he won't have innate soul power in the equation. Thus he was looking at least two years of cultivation.
Absorbing the powerful Golden Crocodile's soul ring not only pushed him past the bottleneck. It also increased his soul power to level 12 directly. He was also not at the start of level twelve already a measure close to 13. It would take him about two months possibly.
Tang Yuan focuses on the present as he enters his mind. He had already determined the changes in his cultivation. Now to check his Mental Palace to determine changes. During the soul ring absorption, he experienced his first mental attack. It was a weak low-level one, but it was a mental attack all the same.
He wanted to determine if there were changes in his mental realm. If he found damage while it would not technically be good. Yet it would reveal weakness in his defenses early. Though he has his doubts he will encounter any weaknesses. The mental attack was simply not focused and was basically instinctive.
Finding himself in his mental scape he lands in the Mental Palace room. He finds that the room is unruffled by damage. Then he moves to the door of the room in one of the corners. Exiting the door her finds himself in a sea-like area. This is his mental sea outside the Mental Palace.
Originally his Mental Palace took up most of his Spiritual Energy to create. As a result, it encompassed most of his mind's area. Now after actively cultivating Spiritual Power he had more to work with. Stepping out of the room he immediately finds himself in the rest of his sea. His Mental Palace is only a single large room at the moment.
Stepping out of his Palace he gazes upon his mental sea. His mental energy was gaseous in appetence at the moment. He began to walk around the border of the room. Since he first entered the Mental Palace physically he had only changed things once. That being after he had first exited his room to the larger area.
The area is akin to a vast expanse of area. His Mental Palace is at the center of the area. Tang Yuan had altered the outside of the room to more closely resemble a house. Fully intending to expand it in the future. Yet first he desired to improve the defense of his mental realm.
The problem was that he had no true idea what would be effective. He had many ideas in mind for possible defenses. Yet he could not be certain what would be effective. So he has not really strengthened his defenses. On the one hand, mental attacks are relatively rare in the current era.
Pure Spiritual martial souls are exceedingly rare compared to most others. The first era only had one or two to his memory that weren't touched on much. The one who showed the greatest level of Spiritual power was Tang San. In this world spiritual attacks are rare to find.
The rarity of spiritual attacks is part of the danger they pose. They are difficult to counter as there are no solid counters to them. No true methods to cultivate mental power until the Purple Demon Eye. Thus Tang Yuan has no way to truly test his defenses.
At least until now anyway after absorbing a spirit ring. It was the first spiritual attack he had ever faced. A shadow one born of a remnant will of grudges and hate. The attack was a constant distraction rather than threatening. With only a single exception during the attack.
Tang Yuan comes to one of the sides outside his palace. The wall was basically untouched except for a single crack. The only real damage done to his mindscape from his soul rings absorption. Like a flesh wound on the body. He traces the fold of the crack on the wall using his mental power to probe it.
The walls appear to be made of wood, but they aren't reinforced. He had made them mainly for appearance's sake. They held a level of sturdiness of course. Tang Yuan alters his room's outer wall with his mental energy. He strengthens the defensive ability of the walls using a third of his free Spiritual Power.
At this point in time Spiritual energy is a precious and scarce resource. His Mental Palace technique allows him to alter it at any time. However, any energy invested in defense can normally only be used for defense. His free energy can later be used for defense, attack, or other purposes.
Tang Yuan exits his mind to the outside world around him. He had not changed too much in his Mental Palace. Those fanfictions where someone created insane defenses with Death Stars or hordes of Xenomorphs. Yeah, that hasn't been the case for him. Spiritual Power just takes a long time and effort to cultivate. Perhaps in the future, he will have such crazy forms. Yet that is so far off it's not even funny.
With lofty thoughts in his head, Tang Yuan looks up to the heavens. The moon is out tonight shining with a half moon. It's not far off from the full moon in a few days. Tang Yuan quickly begins to meditate in his Spiritual Cultivation method. It is still horribly unrefined yet it is still effective.
All he does is gaze upon the moon with his eyes. He utilizes his cultivation to gather the light of the moon. The eyes are said to be the window to the soul in a number of traditions. He also heard in his past life that the inner light of the eyes represents mentality. Thus he gathers the light of the moon as best he can. Filtering it as best he can as well from other things collected in the sessions.
He finishes his Spiritual Cultivation relatively quickly. With it done he stands up yawning at the long day. Then he prepares himself for bed. With a goodnight to his parents, he goes to sleep inside the carriage itself. His parents meanwhile can suspend sleep with meditation. Though they switch watch for the other to sleep or meditate.
It is several days of travel later that they return home to The Clear Sky Clan. They had not been gone too long yet it's still good to be home. He is quick to exit the carriage and stretch out his body. The carriage was rickety and shaking in the last few hours. It was extremely uncomfortable for him to deal with. Especially with the comparison to cars from his past life.
"Finally we are here sweet, sweet home. No more horrible rickety carriage driving." Tang Yuan can't help but say out loud. Whether to himself or just to say it even he does not truly know. It simply bursts out from his mouth tinged with his relief.
Hearing his words Tang Nuan couldn't help rolling her eyes. She playfully swatted him on the head with minimal force. "Stop that it's embarrassing," she said to him with an interesting tone. Though it should be said she did not disagree with him. A fact that he quickly catches on to.
"I notice Mother that you did not disagree with me. You only said that my actions were embarrassing. So you must also find the carriage ride to be difficult." he says with a most certain tone. Confident that he was correct in his assumption of her views.
Tang Nuan could only sigh at his words. He was not in fact incorrect in his assumption. She did in fact dislike the bumpiness of the carriage. Had since she was very young in fact. She had merely accustomed herself to the uncomfortable bumpy nature of the carriage.
Yet to her son's assertion, she only said this. "You will get used to it in the future Xiao Yuan. Either that or we will have to carry you around with us. I trust you understand that will be far more uncomfortable." she tells him. Her face shows that she is being reassuring. Then her tone changes to dry wit to show her humorous tone. Fully aware that there is no way he would accept such a situation.
Tang Yuan can't help, but find a great deal of annoyance at such an answer. Being carried around by them would be like going on a rollercoaster. It would probably be worse than the carriage for him. Thus he would definitely always pick the carriage. As he looks out to the distance in annoyed thought. He concludes that he will need to work on changing this.
His thoughts are interrupted before they can truly begin at all. The offender had a hand placed on his head. The hand ruffled his hair while rubbing back and forth. Tang Yuan does not know what is happening at first having been about to retreat into his thoughts. Then he realizes quickly what is happening.
"Now, now no pouting." his mother's tone takes a rare teasing note to her words. She is fully aware that he had no intention of pouting. Simply enjoying the chance to tease him as it presented itself. Her expression changes to a comsierating and understanding look. "I know the carriage can be difficult at first. Yet you truly do get used to it. Once I could not stand it even a smidge. Now I have become far more patient about it." she tells her son to show that he will become used to it.
Steps are carried upon the ground from the side as Tang Chen walks over. There is an amused smile on his face likely as a result of their conversation. Tang Yuan notices that his father's gaze is on his mother. Meaning that something about his mother's words amused his father. This arouses his curiosity about the amusing part.
Tang Yuan would not have to wait long as Tang Chen quickly reveals it. Tang Chen laughed with a conspiratorial laugh with a good deal of humor. His face turns teasing as he begins to speak. "From what I'm told you didn't merely dislike the carriage. You absolutely loathed having to travel by carriage on bumpy roads. To the point of throwing absolute fits as a young girl. At least on the long bumpy rides as I'm told."
Your father says with a very teasing tone as he unveils his wife's childhood exploits. Tang Nuan quickly begins to blush at his words. Having just told her son not to react so strongly. Now part of her dark past would be unveiled. She quickly moves to her husband's side.
"Your most hated part of the trip would always be the carriage ride. To the point that you would pout for…" A hand appears to cover his mouth before he can continue. His wife had appeared at his side her face still flushed from embarrassment. Her face quickly changes to a show of seriousness.
"Who told you about that? Was it Grandpa, or was it the Grand Worship?" she asks him in a near whisper. Her hand is still on his mouth before she removes it. That she uses the same hand to pinch his waist. Tang Chen shows a pained expression from his wife's pinch. "I certainly won't tell you easily my love."
Tang Yuan notices that while his father's expression is pained. It's difficult to determine how much pain he is actually in. A good deal of it is more than likely an act. Still, his mother while certainly aware of that fact herself. She does have a smile on her face at his acting pained. Her embarrassment has certainly been assuaged as a result. She tells her husband in a very specific tone "You might not tell me willingly, but I have ways of making you talk."
Tang Yuan realizes that somewhere along the way the talk changed. From his father teasing his mother. To his mother becoming embarrassed at said teasing and dark history. Then she tried to get playful revenge and prevent more black history. Now the two are flirting without any concern for those watching.
Tang Yuan can't help but roll his eyes at the sight. This is while not something that happens with regularity. It is not something he is surprised at either. His parents are a very loving couple. This includes moments like this that are seemingly a husband and wife bit.
He could easily interrupt them, and bring their focus back to the present. Instead, he simply leaves them where they are. It's not as if they can't find him wherever he goes. It would only take a moment for them to find him. Besides he has something he needs to see done in town.
Tang Yuan walks into the town with partially distracted thoughts. Honestly, part of him is exasperated with his parents. Though he could never find it in himself to dislike how close the two of them are. Yet he can't help wondering how such a relationship feels.
Tang Yuan in his previous life never experienced such a feeling. So he has no true personal reference for the feeling. Though he certainly had not died a virgin like so many Iskeias show. He had his fair share of flings and experiences of passion. Yet the depth of a burning inferno of love or the calm sweet down to earth experiences of love. Those he had not experienced himself.
He had seen such an experience with his parents in his past life. His current life shows his parents to be another example of such love. Perhaps he simply never found a woman who captured his heart. Though his own actions might have exacerbated that fact.
He had never really taken time to pursue love. At least he did not feel that he had the time to do so. Instead working to finish school as fast as possible. His plan from there was to get a job to help his family. Instead, he died from the truck leaving those plans unfulfilled.
As well as a lingering regret however slight. Still, he will live his life as it comes forward. His main goal will remain in obtaining strength. Perhaps along the way he will meet another to share his life with. Perhaps even multiple people to live his life with. That's what most people in his shoes seek out especially in a fantasy world. Still, such a thing even in a fantasy world is far more difficult than fantasy would say. Better to roll with things as they come forward.
Tang Yuan draws himself away from the very tempting fantasy. Any hot-blooded man would likely be lying if he said the idea was not tempting. Yet the excution of such a thing is very difficult. Better to live his life smartly and see in the future. Going after such a dream might blind him to the present. Even to other women before him.
Tang Tuan walks along the roads of the town. It was a bustling town as a result of his own conventions to a degree. His gaze is drawn to one of the spirit lamps that line the roads. The spirit lamps are a unique soul guidance tool or rather soul tool. One of the few not lost to the passage of time. The convenience is simply too great to allow that.
His gaze is drawn to the roads as he walks upon them. He can't help but be proud of them, and the part he played in their construction. They are a smooth gleaming grey only a few months old.
Tang Yuan helped outline the process of road laying. They dug down with shovels several feet into the rocky soil. Instead of starting with stone a layer of compacted sand for cushion. Large stones were placed on top of that for the purpose of drainage. A large amount of granite was put on top of that with fine small pieces being placed on top. That way the small pieces will fill the holes. With paving stones put on top of that to cover as the top. Finally, a concrete mortar mix is poured over that to finish the road.
The results are strong sturdy roads that are likely the most advanced in the world. Though if that's the case is difficult to say how long that will last. Parts of the process might have already been discovered. But that's fine it takes a lot of manpower to build even these roads. Unless you have specialists like the Defense Clan on hand.
Honestly, the four clans are an absolute godsend for the clan. The Strength Clan has a large number of blacksmiths making them ideal for metal needs. The Defense and Breaking clans are certainly no less useful. Especially for his future plans they are critical. The Agility clan is basically a clan of ninjas without jutsu and weapons.
Tang Yuan remembers entrusting the road construction to the defense clan. He expected it to take a long time to complete the road. Instead, they finished updating all of them in under two months. They should honestly be called the construction clan they are so effective. Jokes aside after that he started making a bunch of plans for them.
Unfortunately, it's just simply not possible to do everything he wants now. There is simply a lack of resources to do things he wants to see done. The clan possesses a truly great deal of resources. Yet those are the clans not his own resources to play with.
Being a child certainly does not help with that fact. Who would entrust a child with a great deal of resources? Though he has made several profitable ventures as well. The printer, the novice guide, and these roads are included. The knowledge of Whale Glue was another major contribution. As a result, he earned a greater amount of resources for use.
Tang Yuan remembers outlining the plans for road construction. He brought the subject up and was granted the defense clans' services. Now the roads are done with a moderate amount of resources for each road. With their construction the people who come to town witness them. Using that the second step of the road work was put into action.
The Defense Clan had always had construction as a job. Now they have roadwork as another part of their jobs. With that came opportunities for their clan, and ours. Especially as the rumors of the roads have spread widely. The possibility of charging for the construction of roads in the future. If not the possibility of selling the process for a good deal.
Tang Tuan can only imagine the money they might be able to obtain. After all the most common form of roadwork was basically medieval-based. The new roads made by the clan are far sturdier than others. Most roads are simply dirt roads from carriages passing through them.
Tang Yuan walks along the roads passing through the market area. The air is aloft with smells of food from the various dishes being cooked. Deals and trades are done in the area with frequency. The sound of dozens of more than a hundred voices rings out. Some in tense trading discussion of bartering. Others are merchants attempting to attract attention to their products.
The marketplace is always a major point of gathering. This place feels so vibrant with life and people. Trade is increasing within the city little by little. With every project, the places change as well. Tang Yuan as quickly as he enters the market also leaves the market.
Tang Yuan continues onward the buildings on either side of him. Each one is made of stone bricks and thick strong wood. They were built to be sturdy and functional in design. They weren't aesthetically unpleasing to the eye. Yet they were not designed with looks in mind either. Though that simplicity is actually part of the building's charms.
Tang Yuan admires the architecture as he walks by. Until he reaches his destination in the town. Another stone building this one of a much greater size than the others. Rather than a house it would be better to call it a manor of size. The greater ornateness of the building proves this fact. The home of the Breaking Clan in the city, and their primary branch.
Tang Yuan moves to the building's entrance. Two guards stand outside of the building both members of the Breaking Clan. He stops before the two of them if only out of courtesy. "Is Senior Wudi present currently?" he asks the two guards with no change to his expression.
The two guards bow slightly to him one replying. "Yes young Lord, the clan heir is within his lab currently." Tang Yuan nods at both of them and continues onward. Passing into the Breaking Clans' home without being stopped. It's nice being a young master of a clan with connections.
He moves through the hallways of the manor to a specific section. This is the entrance to Yang Wudi's and his brother's alchemy lab. Both of them are incredibly skilled alchemists thus this treatment. Especially in recent years when they have gained access to more resources. Tang Yuan does not enter the lab directly. Instead, he gently knocks on the thick reinforced wooden door.
"It's fine." a voice rings from the room. While the voice is strong and deep it is also distracted. The owner of the voice is likely enamored of something again. At least there isn't a danger of distracting him in a critical moment. Tang Yuan enters the room with only a hint of trepidation.
The room is different from others in its manner. It was designed to be isolated from the other rooms. Plus the walls are naturally thicker here than practically anywhere else. As well as proper ventilation systems mixed in as well. All to minimize the risk of major incidents occurring.
Tang Yuan can easily imagine many possible incidents. This is an alchemist's workshop after all. Even if the alchemy of Soul Land leaves much to be desired at this level. In many ways that makes things more dangerous. Honestly, in many ways, the place reminded him of the lab of a mad scientist.
Tang Yuan's gaze looked around with a gaze of wariness before landing on the alchemist, or mad scientist. At this point, both possibilities might be reasonable assumptions. This man was Yang Wudi though a little over 40 years before being shown in the show.
There is honestly not much difference between him now and in the future. He is a man currently in his thirties presently. Though he looks only slightly younger than he appears in the Donghua. His appearance is not gloomy in the slightest at the moment. In fact, it is alight with intense fascination at the subject of his scrutiny.
Yang Wudi is stirring a cauldron at the moment most of his attention on it. Then he turns slightly to Tang Yuan though only a glance. "Greetings young master," he says returning most of his focus on the cauldron. Tang Yuan does not take it to heart well aware of his nature. Yang Wudi is deeply interested in alchemy to the point of obsession.
Tang Yuan has taken advantage of that fact quite often before. Yang Wudi's ability with alchemy was the greatest amongst his clan presently. Tang Yuan has high hopes for that ability in the future. Alchemists can be both poison masters and healers. Bring to mind a number of possibilities.
"I'll make this quick. I went to the Thousand Seamps for my spirit ring. I encountered a great many plants there. I would like you to examine them when you get the chance to determine possible uses." Tang Yuan does not waste time and quickly says. His face was slightly serious in appearance to show it was not critical, but important.
He then proceeds to bring out a number of plant cuttings from his storage belt. His storage belt was not a rare container for living things. Yet those were made to preserve vitality to the highest. His storage ring does not have that function. Still, even a normal storage ring can preserve vitality for a time.
The plants Tang Yuan places on the table are of a variety. "A measure of Blue Silver Grass that grew in the swamps of death. Some Purple Swamp Grass with a hard-to-detect poison. As well as this Dragon Blood Flower." he tells Yang Wudi slight details for each of them. Placing especially empathise on the Dragon Blood Flower.
The Dragon Blood Flower was said to have begun from the blood of a dragon. A mainly white petaled flower save for the center a bright red. The flower is a well-known story in the world. The flower was said to purify all that surrounded it with causing a feeling of sanctity. As a result, it was most sought after by many who know of it.
At the mention of this herb, Yang Wudi stops spinning his cauldron. He quickly begins to mumble his thoughts out loud. "Dragon Blood Flower, oh such a rare herb. Only an Immortal… of higher " Tang Yuan only catches parts of his mumbling. Yet he knows that he is excited now that he can't contain his thoughts. "I'll leave you to it Senior Wudi." Tang Yuan says as he leaves the room.
Yang Wudi might not have even noticed him leaving. Such is his obsession with his craft. He will probably be busy in their for a while studying the plants. He had brought forth a lot of each one for use.
Tang Yuan walks out of the manor with a smile on his face. Well aware that the plants will swiftly be studied. As he looks forward he sees his parents standing before the entrance as well. Obviously, they intended to enter the compound to wait for him. Possibly to see what he is up to. He smiles wider at this perfect timing.
"Mother, and Father done with your flirting are we," he says with a straight face. As straight a face as he can make. While saying such a thing to them straight. Tang Chen simply laughs at his statement while Tang Nuan has a dust of red.
"Yes, we have time to head home." Tang Nuan says quickly. Not wanting to spiral into further embarrassing territory. Besides it will be nice to finally be back home in bed. The two others can't help but agree and start walking home.
Still, Tang Yuan can't help but make a final lasting comment. Doing his best to ensure it's in an innocent and curious tone. "By the way mother would methods did you mean when you wanted to get father to talk?" you asked like a genuinely curious child.
Tang Chen couldn't help himself, but started laughing at such a question. Tang Nuan's face blushed bright red all the way to her ears. She was certainties was the most embarrassed she had ever been. She had absolutely no desire to answer that question. This state would continue all the way back to the compound. Only with the change of Tang Nuan glaring at her husband.