Though the bandits were now dead, their actions and messes remained. The bandits had damaged and ransacked houses. The village's food and wine stores had been partially consumed. Bodies were scattered through the village in various states of disrepair. Even then the deepest scars were not physical.
Many of the bodies throughout the village were villagers. Each one was a loss to a family children, siblings, parents, grandparents. Women had been used by bandits as if they were living toys. So much pain in the span of a single bad day, pain that would stretch for years.
In spite of that Tang Yuan had watched as villagers rallied. They buried their dead after identifying them. Family found comfort together, and friends gave their shoulders to those without. The hunters sought food as necessary.
Their group tried to help as well. They handled the bandit corpses to a degree moving them. The bandits were stripped of valuables, clothes, and everything else. Then the bodies were burned to ashes and given to the fields.
What was taken from the bandits would be put to use. Weapons were kept for hunters or general defense. Other things would be sold to nearby villages or the nearest city. This would grant the village a source of revenue to buffer this disaster.
Their group had also left most of the bandits' gold with them as well. None of them were lacking in gold, except for Ah Yin technically. She had perhaps the least care for money.
Though according to Guangling he planned to have Spirit Hall grant help as well. Of course, such an act likely had another objective as well. Tang Yuan believed the worship genuinely wanted to help the village. Yet also saw an opportunity presented to him.
An act carried out in the Angel God's name to spread faith. A chance to establish a stronghold for Spirit Hall. Perhaps a desire to control the nearby river. Thus establishing a sea route back to the hidden port town. Honestly in the end, he was just glad the village would receive help.
Now they stood at the village's gate. A small group had chosen to see them off. Han Lee the hunter was at the front his nervousness was palpable. The others behind him were even worse. They stood before a Titled Douluo likely the meeting of a lifetime for them.
Guangling had little interaction with the villagers since his appearance. Perhaps that was intentional on his part. Even given the night's events they seemed very aware of his presence. They looked at him with admiration, wariness, and even a hint of piety.
Han Lee the least affected, was the one speaking. Even then his head was slightly bowed. "Are you truly certain we should be keeping the gold? You three saved our village." He brought the matter up again, speaking to Tang Yuan and Bibi Dong.
Tang Yuan felt a bit annoyed honestly; they just kept asking that. He kept that off his face, aware of how they might react. "Yes, I am certain you can take it. Are you certain they can take it," he asked Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong for a moment made a wry smile. Once upon a time years ago such an amount. It would have been torturous to give it away. Now she did not truly ever want for money much less food. "Yes, keep it we have no lack of money. You have far greater need of it."
Ah Yin also spoke up "I have no want for it either. Use it to help the village instead." She only spoke briefly.
Han Lee reacted particularly when Ah Yin spoke. But he did not try to speak further with her. Even though he felt slightly disheartened that this was their last meeting. He didn't dare continue, nor glance at the lord next to them.
"Very well then, thank you, honored soul masters for this truly and all you have done." Han Lee spoke bowing his head deeply to them. The villagers followed suit some even further.
With that, the group walked away heading towards the nearest city. It would take them only a short time, a little more than two hours. Of course that was them on foot, a carriage might take days.
The villagers watched them leave minds still on the night's events. All aware that they were the saviors of the village. Events that would be remembered for all their lives for better or worse. Han Lee watched the woman he had pursued leave with slight regret. Yet he knew she was beyond him.
This small village would come to be called Heroes Village. Named such for the three heroes who had defended it. In the future three statues would be built in the village's center to honor them.
Tales would be passed down of this night both in reverence of horror and honor. Tales that would spread as the village grew over time. Transforming into a larger river city connected to a large port metropolis. Growing even more as their deeds only grew in number.
They had run for quite a while arriving at the city after an hour and a half. It was much larger than the small village of course. Their group immediately went to the local Spirit Hall branch.
Tang Yuan, Bibi Dong, and Ah Yin quickly found rooms to stay. The three fell asleep quickly from utter exhaustion. After the events of the bandit attack, they hadn't slept. Far too affected by the battle's events and everything they saw.
Guangling had considered spending another night in the village. But no this was far too important. He immediately had several messenger birds prepared. He started writing messages that needed to be sent.
The first was heading towards the branch bordering the Endless Desert. Written mainly with Tang Nuan in mind of course. "I have found the children both are alive and mostly unharmed. We have relocated to the —— Branch Hall.." he continued writing and explaining.
Hopefully this would calm her from her no doubt anxious and angry state. With the mother's worry taken care of. He started on the second letter directly to Spirit City. Aware that a letter might have already been sent to them.
They would likely mobilize immediately upon receiving it. This letter would hopefully calm that response. Also prove that the children were safe so Tang Chen and the Pope wouldn't come to find him.
He wrote with haste to complete the letter as fast as possible. He paused as for a moment he sensed something else. It was another presence, an incredibly powerful presence. "I suppose I wasn't fast enough?" he said uncertainly, could a letter reach them so fast?
Despite his uncertainty, he stood up from his chair. He made his way to the main Hall with some trepidation. Who had come exactly, they found them quickly. Then he stepped into the hall as he began to sweat slightly. "Senior Chen, what a surprise to see you!"
Tang Chen turned to look at Guangling at his words. "My instinct flared up a day or two ago. I sensed something was amiss so I came. It seems things went wrong despite your presence?" his voice was calm as he spoke. Whether that was the calm before the storm was yet to be seen.
Guangling had a wry smile on his face that was a Limit Douluo alright. So he began his recount "We arrived at the entrance to the Endless Desert. In the city, we encountered Dugu Bo and his son also level 30." He told him the start of the matter.
"They did well at first locating a ring for Dugu Bo's son. Trouble occurred against a Sand Centipede over 90,000 years old. Leading us all to an ant nest, which we traversed for some days. Thanks to those same ants we exited and found a target. Your son absorbed a nearly 5,000-year-old Golden Scarab."
Tang Chen considered that it was an impressive third ring. He wondered what the fourth would be like. At least seven thousand years maybe even over 9,000 years. Still, he returned to the explanation.
Guangling continued to explain what they had encountered. Including the massive mountain of rock, and the discoveries within. "I was shocked at the discovery myself. Another legacy of an ancient time discovered this one quite substantial!"
"It does sound quite substantial. It also means my son has become involved in two of them." Tang Chen mused seeing a pattern here. His son's luck was quite good, but this was beyond that. Perhaps Bibi Dong had similar luck, or was it Dugu Bo? To find an entire hidden treasure land needed luck.
Finally, he recounted the major troubles they faced. Including the hidden port city, and its lord Jiao Zheng. "Cheng Tao's teleportation trick really complicated things. Even then three soul beasts each above 90,000 years and one 100,000 years. This entire trip was a mess."
Tang Chen felt his mask break at everything he was told. Noticing that Guangling was tense and concerned. He sighed "Calm down, this trip was fraught beyond the normal. I will not hold you accountable for this."
Tang Chen knew the situation was extreme then. Either his son or his wife would have died. Still, he decided to add more protection the next time, or shadow him personally. Given the events of this time, the latter might be best.
"So that girl they met her name is Ah Yin? She saved their lives, and the three together defeated a bandit group." Tang Chen asked curiously. A particular glint was hidden in his eyes as he asked.
Guangling considered the question. He wondered if he had taken an interest in the girl. "Yes, little Dong'er seems to be happy to have a new friend. Your son seems to have an even closer bond with her. Perhaps he is a bit taken with her."
Tang Chen considered those words deeply. Perhaps a bit longer than he should have done so. "Is that so the first time Yuan shows interest in a girl? Considering she saved his life as well. I will need to be aware of that." There was a strange quality to his voice.
Guangling wondered about that aspect. Yet he didn't say anything. Inwardly he wondered "he must be curious about the girl. Along with her relationship with his son." That was the conclusion he came to inwardly.
"I wonder how this will affect Dong'er," he thought. In the future would her feelings fade or blossom further? It would determine if those feelings were serious or merely childish affection. Either way, that girl might become a friend, rival, or sister. Considering this she seemed to need that interaction.
Tang Chen watched as the worship began thinking. He suspected at least part of what he was thinking. "Now that I am here you should go tell Nuan. She's likely presenting a fragile calm a tear away from outrage. Worry and panic turning into kindling for rage."
Guangling froze at the statement, yep that sounded like Nuan. "You're right, I'd best leave to inform her. There goes the time writing a letter. Then I entrust the three children to Your Excellency Clear Sky Douluo," he spoke formally bowing.
Tang Chen nodded at the formal act. "I will watch them, once more. After they have slept enough we will head out. Our destination shall be Heaven Dou City, I desire to see this treasure land." he informed the man of where they would meet once more.
Guangling nodded once in understanding. Then he stepped from the hall for his own journey. He should be able to reach there in a few hours. Only as he planned to trace the river back to the port.
His gaze grew complicated now that he was alone. "Two Hundred-Thousand Year Soul Beasts in a single outing. One transformed as well, who saved your life." he let out a breath at the thought. His gaze bored through the walls at the aura he sensed.
Tang Yuan found himself slightly woozy as he woke. This sleep had been amongst the deepest he'd ever had. He supposed exhaustion would do that to you. As always he rose from the bed and went to the bathroom.
As he stepped out, he was slightly more awake. He sat on the ground and began to meditate. Entering his Mental Palace in moments. Drawing forth the most recent memories of the last week or so. It was a startling week to be sure.
Jiao Zheng and Cheng Tao were both dangerous men. But the latter had a greater impact on his mind. He summoned it forth from where he had buried it in his mind. The memory of their first encounter, another scar or obsession.
The memory of his mind being invaded. Despite the fact that he managed to fight him off. It still became a harrowing moment. He drew forth the memory of their more recent encounter. This one was different from it, and yet.
He ran both times through his head. The recent encounter saw him better counter a mental attack. Cheng Tao left assured of victory, unknowing of the trick. That knowledge was a small balm.
The two memories began to merge into a single obsession. This was the fear, anger, and wariness towards an individual. It was a vendetta, a grudge against Cheng Tao. He did not see an issue in having the grudge, the man was dangerous. He was an enemy that needed to die.
Yet he couldn't allow an obsession to drive him. "I will kill him someday, but not in exchange for the irreplaceable. If I do then what was the point?" he moved the obsession away for now.
Drawing the bloody knife to himself instead. Ironically recent events had given him an answer to the question. "It didn't need to be me, yet I killed him. He would have done the same, that is the nature of battle. It is blood on my hands, but I would do so again." he spoke the words aloud to himself as the knife crumbled to dust.
Tang Yuan exhaled as he felt his Spiritual Power increase slightly. He felt slightly more at peace as well. The issue had not been thrown aside, but resolved. Unfortunately, another had only recently appeared.
He glanced at a new scar that had appeared. This one was crimson red contained in an orb form. It seemed to color the surroundings a lighter red as well. Similar to the knife, only this was much worse. A question of slaughter and the memory of it as well.
He allowed himself to return to the world. "One step backward, and two steps back. At least it feels like it sometimes." That obsession was going to be difficult, not the worst though. No, there were older ones that drew his wariness and fear.
Tang Yuan turned his mind from those old things. He moved through the hall to where he expected to find his friends. He found that his assumption was correct. Both of his friends were present, but so was his father.
Tang Yuan found himself surprised for several moments. He found himself happy and relieved at his presence. Then he felt tension and even regret. A Limit Douluo was in the room with Ah Yin. There was no way he hadn't noticed.
Then he realized something "Oh," he thought internally. His father had likely noticed his sudden tension. Still, he sat down feeling a bit stiff from tension.
Ah Yin noticed his discomfort "Brother Yuan are you okay? Did you not sleep well," She moved closer to him in concern rather ironically. She seemed completely unaware of the danger she was in.
Tang Yuan allowed some of the tension to leave him. "I'm fine; I just remembered something." His mind was busy thinking about how she wasn't afraid. Either the herb worked against Limit Douluo, yeah right. More likely she hadn't learned that just yet.
"My son might simply be feeling the fatigue of the past month. Still, let us catch up in private," he said, which seemed like a suggestion. Still, his words held a firmness to them.
Neither girl spoke against it as they exited the room. Tang Yuan wondered how this conversation was going to go. He knew Ah Yin's days might be numbered. Sadness was what he felt at the possibility, so he needed to try.
"So you know," Tang Chen stated watching him. He was curious exactly how his son had realized or discovered it. A method hidden in that legacy perhaps, but that seems wrong.
Tang Yuan sighed as he slumped back in his seat. "Her martial soul is the Blue Silver Emperor that reigns over Blue Silver Grass. She's basically a princess, or royalty amongst plants. Requiring a specific bloodline or the acknowledgment of her race." he revealed his knowledge.
Tang Chen nodded as he began to examine that. He had heard of the Blue Silver King in passing. Yet that was a single encounter with little information. "A special evolution then, no a solitary one perhaps?"
Tang Yuan nodded "She is likely the only Emperor on the continent. So now what?" he asked probing his father's thoughts. Their was still a chance she might live, how long was the question?
Tang Chen glanced at his son. His expression gave nothing away at the moment. "Now? An interesting question, I haven't decided," his words were cool. Almost cold and calculating in nature.
Tang Yuan wasn't sure what to say. It wasn't a she is going to die, nor a she lives. That was basically a convince me why. He supposed it was good that this happened and that he had the chance. Though whether that chance would work or not?
He needed reasons that made Ah Yin valuable. "As a re-training soul beast of good bloodline, her talent is great. She is practically guaranteed to be a Titled Douluo. Especially as any patch of Blue Silver Grass can be a training ground. Until level 70 she can be killed anytime."
Tang Chen saw his angle, "Train her as a potential Titled Douluo for the clan. If she fails before level seventy." What a ruthless method to suggest. Even if it was to try to buy time for her life. Yet one flaw, "Her soul bone could be used to create a new Titled Douluo as well."
Tang Yuan grimaced at the statement. The elders of the clan became such in the future. A soul bone of that caliber could raise them at least one level. His first served as a fitting start though.
"Secondly, she is an empress of plants. Considering the Ice and Fire well that is significant. Especially when caring for any plants that are put within the well." That was the second thing to consider. He was certain she would be equal to Yang Wudi or Crysantheum, likely even more.
Tang Chen held up a hand. As his son fell silent he spoke. "Two very good points. Yet is that not your interest in her speaking?" he wanted to know how he would respond. That would determine everything going forward.
Tang Yuan found himself falling quiet at that. He stopped himself from denying it on reflex. After all, he had a noticeable interest in Ah Yin as a girl. She had saved his life, then acted as his healer. That was the Nightingale effect right there, it was very effective.
Then there was Ah Yin by herself. She was beautiful already, and would grow even more so. Her eyes were filled with compassion and kindness. Yet she was a fully willing combatant as well, a scary one, too. She was also an older girl possessing both innocence and maturity.
He sighed this had passed a crush already. It was not love so very far from it in fact. Love wasn't born in a few days' of knowing one another. The sparks or embers maybe. But love took far more interaction between the two people.
"I have interest in her yes. But more importantly, I am indebted to her with my life. Now she is a friend as well," he told his father firmly. Meeting his eyes directly to impress his words onto him.
Tang Chen held his son's gaze for a moment. Then he nodded satisfied with the answer for now. "Very well then I won't say anything for now. However your Grandfather and Brother Daoliu will likely see through her as well. Convince them as well one way or another."
Tang Yuan breathed a sigh of relief at the words. It meant a future return to this matter with others. Yet for now things had been settled.
Tang Chen watched his son relax. His first romantic interest was a Soul Beast how curious. The girl had saved his son from exposure, and his son considered her a friend. Still, his son had pointed out possibilities for her. He would wait and see for now.
Tang Chen decided to move on from the topic. "How was your trip this time. I have heard that it was quite an experience," he asked now as a father.
Cheng Tao leaned back into the rock exhausted. The shade was enjoyable after so much walking. He knew he had panicked. Yet considering the last time he encountered Tang Yuan, he was accompanied by Tang Chen. No reason to risk things further.
Speaking of Tang Yuan he focused on the spoils taken from his mind. Not nearly as life-changing as the last time. "Soul beasts can pass 100,000 years after a tribulation? Ice Jade Scorpions, the Far North, the Ice Empress."
Said information was interesting and certainly worth something. Yet not so useful for his own purposes. Hm there was something else a worm of some kind. That caught his attention, the memories he took had little thought. It seemed to be tied to the scorpion soul beasts?
He would check through them later. Cheng Tao took a pearl from his belt dropping it to the ground. He stopped on it as green mist gathered around him. "Teacher thak you for coming," he spoke as he bowed in greeting to him.
Elder Clam materialized from the mist alongside another Elder Shark. Both of them alert for a possible attack. Their gaze settled on Cheng Tao immediately noticing his relaxation. That caused them to relax slightly.
Elder Clam's eyes were like red pearls locked onto his student. "Little Tao, why exactly have you used a pearl?" he glanced around sensing no threat to them. It must have been important to use it.
Elder Shark stepped forward her grey eyes cold. "Explain," a single word laced with command. Her smaller stature took little from her intimidation, nor did her petiteness. Monstrous strength, and that chilling air gave her that.
Cheng Tao gulped at that demand. "We encountered Tang Yuan, alongside a group. Including four Soul Douluos, Gui Mei, Yue Guan, Dugu Bo, and Tang Nuan. Jiao Zheng planned a scheme of some sort against them. I took advantage to use invasion, but complications arose."
Elder Shark's expression only grew more severe at that. She turned her grayish-white hair whipping in the hair darker streaks standing out. Her cold gaze locked onto Clam Elder.
Clam Elder's expression turned more severe. "I suppose we will need to inform Big Brother of this. What was this scheme exactly do you know?" There was a hint of annoyance in his tone. Though it was difficult to say of which.
Cheng Tao felt slight discomfort at the mention of that man. Octopus Elder was senior to his master and Elder Shark. He had little interaction with him among the three Elders. His master disliked the man subtly, for set reasons. He glanced at Elder Shark at the thought.
Elder Shark remained cold before a slight change occurred. Seemingly a hint of warmth appeared on her face. "Yes, we should tell Wangchao. Let's return to the ship then, and inform him." There was a hint of urgency in her words.
Clam Elder revealed a hint of dissatisfaction. Before he hid it with decades of practice. "Very well let's go. Come along child; you can tell us of that man's plot. To endanger the shipment of Whale Glue." he placed his resentment in another form.
With that, the green mist surrounded the three of them. As the two stepped closer to Clam Elder for transport. Shark Elder's gaze returned to coldness as she slipped closer. The three disappeared as the mist faded once more as well.
Jiao Zheng sat upon the ground. His focus was entirely upon the bone he had spent hours fusing. Finally with a final act of focus the skull bone settled. He had completed the absorption of this most precious bone.
He arose from his position, a wide smile on his face. "Level 90, I have made it to this point at last. More importantly, I have absorbed this bone before that." he sighed at the thought. The long-held wish of the family one step further.
He held his hands up to the air activating the bone. "Soul Bone Skill: Auspicious Rain," he incarnated as the heavens became beholden. Clouds gathered in the heavens quickly turning grey in color. Cheng Tao laughed as rain fell from the clouds.
The rain fell upon the dry desert in large amounts. As the rainfall touched the rare plants a miraculous change occurred. The plants began to grow at a visible rate. Even new plants emerged from the sand that had hidden or lain dormant.
In other places, the rain gathered in small puddles seeping into the ground. Animals gathered at them drinking or consuming the rain. Energy filled them, poison disappeared, and injuries began to heal. The puddles grew over time as if an oasis would appear suddenly.
Animals seemed to bow to him as they drank. Plants inched closer to him as the land grew greener. A sudden oasis began to form beneath his feet. With effort, it might become a land of prosperity.
Even as his soul power drained steadily he laughed. The time had come "My family our dream is nigh; the rain is mine to command. The path of the God of Rain shall be mine. I shall walk the path of the gods at last!!!" he laughed and shouted from utter exhilaration.