Chapter 284: An Escape Plan Put Into Motion
Tang San's question wasn't surprising.
Tang Hao hadn't appeared in person, but his recent letters delivered through Yu Xiaogang had already outlined a clear path for him.
In short, the plan was set: once the Heaven Dou competition concluded and Tang San was no longer under constant surveillance, Tang Hao would come for him, taking him to hunt spirit rings and fully transition to cultivating the Clear Sky Hammer.
The last time Tang San had gone spirit beast hunting with Dai Mubai and Tai Long, it had only been possible because Titan had personally stepped in. With his own grandson involved, they had barely managed to avoid supervision.
Now, Tang Hao planned to take Tang San to obtain four maybe even five spirit rings in one go. That would take at least ten days, maybe half a month. It was only after the tournament wrapped up and his identity was fully revealed that Heaven Dou Empire would have no choice but to let him go.
During the period when his martial soul was being rejected, Tang San had indeed considered abandoning Blue Silver Grass and focusing solely on the Clear Sky Hammer. But after his Bone Transformation, the rejection disappeared, and he began to harbor a bit of hope again.
He didn't oppose his father's decision, but compared to Tang Hao's single minded approach, he wanted both.
He still remembered what Yu Xiaogang had told him back in Nuoding Academy if he cultivated Blue Silver Grass to an even higher level, perhaps even to the rank of Title Douluo, before adding rings to his second martial soul, wouldn't that be the best approach?
Twin martial souls weren't an impossible path. There was already a living example, one that everyone knew Spirit Hall's Supreme Pontiff, Bibi Dong.
Tang San still wanted revenge against Zhu Zhuqing and even aimed to become the most dazzling star of the tournament. But let's not forget his real motivation for joining the tournament had always been to find his father.
He had essentially spent the past eight or nine years playing "Where Did Dad Go?" in the Douluo Continent version, and now he was about to reach the final chapter. He wasn't the same boy he used to be. At Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, he had gained vast knowledge and uncovered many secrets. He now understood the full situation between the Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall.
Because of that, the tournament results no longer held much importance to him.
As for revenge? He wasn't in a hurry. He could afford to wait. A gentleman's revenge was never too late even after ten years.
His talent ensured that he would stand among the most powerful of his generation. What did his current standing matter? The day Zhu Zhuqing's talent reached its limits and he surpassed her, he would make her understand the true meaning of cruelty.
And the same went for Spirit Hall.
By then, with his twin martial souls combined with the Tang Sect's secret techniques, he would show the world what true invincibility meant.
The Tang Sect reigns supreme.
Tang San silently repeated the phrase in his heart as his gaze fell upon Yu Xiaogang, whose expression was now rather complicated.
When Tang San had asked that question, Yu Xiaogang had momentarily fallen into deep thought, reminiscing about his lost youth.
Twin martial souls could be cultivated simultaneously Bibi Dong had already answered that question.
Back when he took Tang San as his disciple, Yu Xiaogang had even used that possibility as a way to encourage him. But to be honest, once he confirmed Tang San's true identity, he had completely abandoned that idea.
He was stubborn, but he wasn't stupid. If anyone else had even a sliver of hope, Tang San had none.
Back then, his words were mostly encouragement. His actual plan had always been the same as Tang Hao's: cultivate one martial soul to a decent level before switching to the Clear Sky Hammer. Reaching the Spirit King level would be ideal after some refinement, Tang San could ensure his second martial soul's rings would all be black. That would be enough to dominate the continent without slowing down his progress.
But now, Tang San had brought up this question again.
What was he supposed to say?
After spending so much time with Tang Hao, Yu Xiaogang had confirmed that while Tang Hao knew about his stay in Spirit City, the details of his past with Bibi Dong had been sealed away. Very few knew the truth.
Back when Tang Hao had beaten him senseless, Yu Xiaogang's illusions of grandeur had already been shattered. He knew now he was not a good person.
His relationship with Bibi Dong, and the fact that this remained a semi secret, could very well serve as a potential lifeline for him in the future. The chances were slim, but in the worst case scenario, he could flee to Spirit City.
Tang Hao wouldn't dare to charge into Spirit City, would he?
But…
Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San, who was kneeling before him with utmost reverence, eyes filled with expectation.
He hesitated.
Tang San noticed his teacher's wavering expression, and his heart leaped with excitement. Without hesitation, he slipped off the stone chair and knelt firmly on the ground.
"Teacher, please guide me."
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Before Yu Xiaogang could even react, Tang San had already completed three loud kowtows. When he lifted his head again, a red mark was visible on his forehead, proving the force behind his gesture.
"Xiao San, why would you do this?"
Tears welled up in Yu Xiaogang's eyes. In his entire life, no one had ever shown him as much respect as this disciple.
He forcefully pulled Tang San up and pushed him back onto the stone chair. Seeing the sincerity in his student's eyes, he let out a bitter chuckle and finally spoke:
"It's not that I don't want to tell you, but that I don't know. I only know that Bibi Dong solved this problem but I have no idea how. I have some theories, but this isn't a joke, Xiao San. It's a matter of life and death."
Then, he saw the dimming light in Tang San's eyes, the flicker of unwillingness and frustration in his expression.
Yu Xiaogang let out a deep sigh and continued:
"I do have some history with Bibi Dong, and I can try to ask her about it for you, but I don't want you to get your hopes up too much."
Without Tang Hao's permission, Yu Xiaogang didn't dare reveal Tang San's true lineage, so he kept his response vague.
But Tang San was delighted. He knew that Yu Xiaogang was aware of his identity and his enmity with Spirit Hall. Yet, even under those circumstances, his teacher was still willing to try asking Bibi Dong.
That meant their relationship wasn't just casual his teacher's connection to the Supreme Pontiff was stronger than he had initially thought.
"Teacher, thank you."
Tang San's gratitude was sincere.
He truly hadn't expected to hold such a significant place in Yu Xiaogang's heart. Perhaps he should mention this to his father later maybe ask him to treat Yu Xiaogang a little better. As for the death sentence he had previously assigned to Yu Xiaogang… perhaps it could be postponed.
"It's nothing, as long as you remember your teacher's kindness."
Yu Xiaogang sighed. He admitted he had acted impulsively. That wasn't just a show of respect from Tang San those kowtows were practically a death sentence for him.
But since he had already spoken, he didn't dare take back his words.
"Of course, I remember. When I became your disciple, I swore that 'once a teacher, always a father.' I will never forget your kindness."
Tang San was about to kneel again, but Yu Xiaogang quickly stopped him. If things didn't go well and Tang Hao found out, he would have to pay the price on the other side. This was absolutely unacceptable.
Yu Xiaogang felt bitter inside, but he forced himself to remain composed. Looking at Tang San, he said, "For the remaining matches, judge them carefully. Do not act recklessly. If a fight cannot be won, don't force it. Whatever happens, do not get injured."
"I'll be leaving now to make preparations. If things go well, we'll see each other in Spirit City."
He had already made up his mind he would head to Spirit City early.
Bibi Dong had to be approached. What if this actually worked? Even if it didn't, given their past relationship, she wouldn't kill him at worst, she would humiliate him a little.
If the Imperial Battle Team arrived before he succeeded, he would assess the situation. Either he would stay in Spirit City, or he would return to his clan.
At an event of this magnitude, even with Thunderclap Academy eliminated, Yu Yuanzhen, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's patriarch, would undoubtedly be in attendance. Yu Xiaogang's reputation had improved significantly perhaps returning for his own safety wasn't a bad idea.
He could even offer the Bone Transformation Secret Method to the clan. Then let's see who dared to look down on him.
At worst, he would never leave again. Yu Xiaogang clenched his teeth, steeling himself.
The past six months of suffering under Tang Hao had broken him this so called master theoretician, already in his fifties, had been repeatedly humiliated, beaten, and scolded. He could no longer endure it.
He felt guilty toward Tang San, but this was the only way. Surely, with how much Tang San respected him, he would understand?
Tang San knew that Yu Xiaogang would need to get Tang Hao's approval before taking action, so he didn't try to stop him. Instead, he bowed respectfully and said, "Safe travels, teacher. I'll be waiting for your good news."
"Alright."
Yu Xiaogang patted Tang San's shoulder, as if trying to encourage both of them, then turned and left.
Tang San watched his teacher disappear from sight. With a faint glow of soul power, he erased the redness from his forehead. His eyes, however, gleamed with sharp determination.
Everything is falling into place.
Meanwhile, Han Li was unaware of what was happening on Tang San's side. He was at home, unboxing a package from Gengxin City, delivered via the merchant association.
Lou Gao had indeed lived up to his reputation. With blueprints and sufficient resources, even though the first batch of products hadn't been fully completed, several samples had already been crafted and sent over for Han Li's approval.
Since some of them were single use, Han Li didn't test them all. Instead, he selected a few with backups and tried them out.
The first was the Zhuge Godly Crossbow. This was his first time handling a fully manufactured version, so naturally, he was curious. After a few tests, he casually tossed it to the others.
Honestly, this thing might work on an unsuspecting Soul Ancestor, but if it could truly "kill gods," he'd march into the Divine Realm right now and slap the Asura God in the face.
His lips twitched as he glanced at Dugu Yan, who was idly playing with the Zhuge Crossbow. She and the others were currently testing whether Zhu Zhuqing could catch the bolts barehanded.
The Peacock Plume was more impressive. It came with various attachments like bone piercing needles, thunderfire needles, and armor piercing needles. In a surprise attack at close range, it could potentially breach a Soul Saint's defenses.
However, unless it was a headshot, it would only cause minor injuries. Against a strong opponent, the user would just get counterattacked and killed. Verdict? Less useful than Han Li's casual palm strike. It had some value, but its high production cost made it hard to justify. The complex craftsmanship also meant it would be difficult to mass produce with the current forging standards on the continent.
After a few more random checks, Han Li sent a message back through the merchant association, telling them to inform Lou Gao that he was very satisfied and to remind him to take care of his health.
Once the group finished playing around, Han Li stored everything away.
With all the pieces in place, his plan was fully prepared. Now, he just needed the actors to take the stage. Hopefully, they wouldn't disappoint him.
By his calculations, this was also when the Divine Realm should start paying attention. They should enjoy the spectacle.
Han Li turned his gaze toward the direction of Star Dou Forest.
With Qian Daoliu's help, things over there wouldn't be an issue for now.
As long as they weren't truly pushed to the brink, they wouldn't make a move openly. Once the Divine Realm looked away, it would be time for him to have a talk with them.
(End of Chapter)
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