Chapter 237: The Temporary Withdrawal of the Divine Realm Tang Hao and Han Li's Unexpected Encounter
Han Li was in an excellent mood as he gazed at the Martial Soul essence in his hands, experiencing the satisfaction of reaping rewards without effort.
To be honest, his original script didn't include letting Tang San and his group attract attention so early that was supposed to happen six months later, during the Spirit Master Tournament.
However, thanks to Yu Xiaogang's unpredictable actions, Han Li had noticed that the number of prying eyes on him had significantly decreased.
In fact, most of the attention had shifted elsewhere, particularly to Yu Xiaogang's absurd antics.
Even the Divine Realm seemed more focused on that spectacle than on him.
Perhaps the God Kings themselves were watching Yu Xiaogang's mindless schemes unfold with curiosity?
And in truth, that was exactly the case.
Inside the Divine Realm's central hub, the God Kings had been watching the clown show that was Yu Xiaogang, Tang San, and Tang Hao, and for the first time, they lost interest.
"Han Li's opponent is... rather peculiar."
"We've been observing for quite a while now. Why don't we take a break? If something happens, we can always return later."
"With the difference in time flow between the Divine Realm and Douluo Star, if we wait for Han Li to fully accumulate his faith, we'll be sitting around for ages."
"I don't mind either way, but we can't just keep staring at him forever. Once he ascends, it would be embarrassing to admit we watched his entire life unfold."
The one speaking was Rong Nianbing, who was still casually snacking as he talked.
He had already lost interest after just a short while. Distributing food among the other gods was more entertaining than watching Yu Xiaogang.
What's the point of watching a bunch of fools play house?
He had walked the path of humanity himself he had seen plenty of strange people in his lifetime.
Spending all this time watching was a waste he'd rather go home and spend time with his eight wives.
Both the Evil God and Kind God nodded in agreement.
After watching so much stupidity, even they were getting tired of it.
Though Douluo Star was a special place, things were developing as expected, and they had more important worlds to monitor.
They weren't just in charge of one planet, after all.
Seeing that both the Evil and Kind Gods agreed, the remaining three nodded in approval as well.
Especially Shura God he had already reached his limit.
He had started this observation session, but throughout the entire process, he had been in a passive role.
And even though Destruction God barely spoke, the way he kept glancing at him was starting to get on his nerves.
If he hadn't been the one who initiated this, he would have left ages ago.
So the moment someone suggested they pull out, he immediately cast his vote in favor.
"Alright, it's decided then."
"From now on, we'll only check in periodically."
"It's best not to interfere too much with the lower realms."
The Kind God swept his gaze over the assembled gods and finalized the decision.
"Agreed."
Even Rong Nianbing nodded along.
And just like that, the Gods of the Divine Realm withdrew, leaving the central hub in silence.
Meanwhile, Han Li was still unaware of this development but he had already returned to his estate at the merchant guild.
As soon as he sat down in the courtyard, Dugu Yan approached him from behind, wrapping her arms around him with a playful smile.
"You seem to be in a good mood. You've been all secretive lately are you finally going to tell us what you've been up to?"
Han Li chuckled at the curious looks the women were giving him.
He had no reason to hide it now the treasure was already in his hands.
A transparent ice bottle emitting a radiant golden glow appeared in his palm.
As the light of dragons and divine energy flickered around it, Han Li began explaining Yu Xiaogang's series of ridiculous self destructive decisions.
After hearing the full story, even Shui Bing'er couldn't help but marvel at the so called "genius" plan.
"Spirit Masters have existed for thousands of years. Do you really think no one has ever tried bone replacement before?"
"Spirit bones are literally called 'spirit bones' if something as crude as swapping them out worked, someone would have succeeded long ago."
Then, with curiosity, she asked, "So… what's his Martial Soul now?"
Han Li's expression twitched slightly.
"There's no known spirit beast that matches his current form."
"His Martial Soul is a new chimera formed from his three existing spirit rings."
"I guess we could call it a… Pig Dog Beast? Or maybe a Dog Pig Beast?"
He barely kept a straight face as he answered.
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing suddenly interjected, "What about his spirit skills?"
She had firsthand knowledge of Yu Xiaogang's previous abilities.
Han Li froze.
That… was a good question.
He had never actually thought about it.
After all, he had no intention of ever fighting Yu Xiaogang.
"...Fart attacks?"
"...Or maybe bad breath?"
Han Li wasn't sure.
A brief silence fell over the group.
Then, barely restrained laughter erupted throughout the courtyard.
And just like that, the conversation derailed entirely.
After some casual chatter, nightfall approached.
Since they had rushed their journey and spent so much time traveling by carriage, even with their spirit power, fatigue had set in.
So after enjoying a late dinner, everyone retired to their rooms for the night.
After a peaceful night's rest, Han Li met the others who had woken up early to train at the practice field.
During breakfast, Ye LingLing, who usually spoke the least, took the initiative to ask, "Do you have anything planned next?"
Han Li swallowed his food before turning to her. "Not at the moment. Do you have something to do?"
"I want to go home for a bit and check on the academy. I've been away for quite some time," Ye LingLing answered seriously.
"I completely forgot about that. Go ahead, do as you like."
Han Li patted his forehead, suddenly remembering that Ye LingLing's situation was different from the others her family was in Heaven Dou City, and she was still enrolled in school.
"Yes, I'll head back for a while. I also plan to apply as a healing spirit master at the Great Spirit Arena. I need to regain full mastery of my martial soul as quickly as possible," she added with clear determination.
"That's a good plan," Han Li nodded in approval, then turned to the others. "Aside from training, you can also take some time to do whatever you like."
With their disguises and pendants masking their appearances, they had the freedom to move around Heaven Dou City without worry.
"Then, why don't you come shopping with us?"
"Next time, next time for sure."
Han Li skillfully dodged the invitation. "Even though there's nothing urgent, I still have things that require my personal attention. No time for shopping."
"Hmph."
The group rolled their eyes at him. They had heard this excuse countless times before, but they didn't push the matter further.
Breakfast soon ended, and Ye LingLing left for home. Han Li watched as the others returned to training, then decided to head out of the city.
He had Blue Silver King with him, and it needed to be placed in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Blue Silver Emperor too otherwise, it might not even be enough for Ye LingLing's spirit ring in the future.
In fact, the Blue Silver Grass clan was the perfect spirit beast for sacrificial offerings they could even be used twice if one had the means to restore them quickly.
It didn't take long for him to reach the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, where he found Tian Meng Iceworm or rather, Ice Dragon sleeping soundly.
Han Li shook his head but said nothing. At least the medicinal fields were well maintained.
He didn't expect Tian Meng to be useful in battle anyway, so this arrangement was just fine.
With a well placed kick, he woke up Tian Meng, planted both Blue Silver Grass plants, and separated A'Yin into a different area before ordering Tian Meng to keep watch.
Without wasting any time, he turned to leave the valley.
But to his surprise, just as he exited the poisonous miasma, he ran into Tang Hao.
From the looks of it, Tang Hao seemed to be searching for something.
Still this persistent?
Han Li chuckled. It had been months, and the guy still hadn't found a single clue yet he was still looking?
However, Han Li was mistaken about Tang Hao's intentions.
This time, Tang Hao wasn't continuing his previous search. Instead, he was looking for spirit beasts suitable for bone replacement, intending to use them on Tang San and the future members of the Clear Sky Clan.
Yu Xiaogang's success had reignited his hope.
Although for some reason, after acquiring his third spirit ring, Yu Xiaogang's strong dragon aura completely vanished, it didn't change the fact that he had broken through to Spirit Elder (34th rank).
His Martial Soul could now attach to his body, vastly improving his former pathetic state.
For Tang Hao, this was a necessary step in preparation for the future. Whether or not the method worked, he had to start looking for the right spirit beasts.
And Sunset Forest, being the closest spirit beast habitat to Heaven Dou City, was naturally his first stop.
Since neither Han Li nor Tang Hao had deliberately concealed their auras, both of them immediately noticed each other.
They both paused for a brief moment, then instinctively shifted slightly to the right, brushing past each other a common etiquette between spirit masters meeting in a beast forest.
As Han Li's figure disappeared into the distance, Tang Hao frowned.
Who was that young man?
He hadn't sensed any trace of spirit power from him.
A person wandering through Sunset Forest without any detectable spirit energy?
Was he a Heaven Dou royal? Or perhaps an elite secretly cultivated by one of the two great sects?
However, Han Li had already vanished.
Tang Hao shook his head it wasn't his problem to deal with right now.
His priority was finding suitable spirit beasts for Tang San and the Clear Sky Clan.
He continued forward, and soon, the poisonous miasma appeared before him.
Tang Hao froze for a moment, his eyes suddenly widening.
Wait… wasn't that young man coming from this direction?
Does that mean… he has a way to bypass the miasma?
It was common knowledge among spirit masters that the more dangerous a location, the greater the likelihood of hidden treasures.
More importantly, was the thing he had been searching for all this time hidden inside?
With that thought, Tang Hao immediately turned around and gave chase.
He didn't care who that young man was or what faction he belonged to.
He wasn't from the Clear Sky Clan, which meant he was fair game.
Today, Tang Hao was going to do something big.
(End of Chapter)
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