Creak—
The wooden door let out a sharp creak, making one's teeth itch. Tang San slowly stepped out of the room.
The dazzling sunlight momentarily disoriented him, forcing his eyes to squint as he took in his surroundings.
Slate-paved paths of pale blue stone stretched outward in every direction.
On either side of the road stood rows of small houses—identical in structure and design to the one he had just walked out from, spaced evenly along the path.
Looking further up along the path…
A broad flight of stone stairs carved from the same green-blue rock came into view. Countless steps led up the mountain, atop which sat a sprawling and majestic palace complex that seemed to crown the peak itself.
Tang San stood in awe at the breathtaking sight before him, softly murmuring, "Where... is this place?"
"Hey! You're finally awake!"
A sudden pat on his shoulder snapped him out of his thoughts.
Startled, Tang San turned around to see a boy his age, dressed in white robes, smiling brightly at him.
Tang San gave a polite nod and asked, "Excuse me, but... where am I? Were you the one who saved me?"
The boy shook his head with a grin. "This is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. I'm just an ordinary disciple here. It was our Sect Master who saved you. Lucky you, huh!"
He then gave Tang San a playful wink.
Tang San froze in shock.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?
One of the three great upper sects of the Douluo Continent!
Among soul masters, martial spirits are broadly categorized into two types: Tool Spirits and Beast Spirits.
Depending on one's martial spirit, different cultivation paths emerge.
The three most powerful spirits across the continent—the Clear Sky Hammer, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—each form the foundation of one of the top three sects.
These three great clans dominate the continent with unmatched strength, hoarding both talent and resources, and standing at the pinnacle of the soul master world.
Tang San never expected that the person who saved him would be none other than the Sect Master of one of these top sects!
His heart surged with emotion, but he quickly composed himself.
He bowed respectfully to the boy and said, "Thank you, brother. I'm deeply grateful to your Sect Master for saving my life. If possible, may I have the honor of meeting him in person?"
"Of course! The Sect Master actually asked me to bring you to him once you woke up. Come on, follow me."
With a wave of his hand, the boy led the way toward the staircase.
Tang San responded with a quick nod and hurried after him.
Despite how towering the stone staircase had looked from below, there was something unusual about it.
Tang San had expected the climb to be exhausting, but the moment he stepped onto the first step, a cool and refreshing sensation flowed into his body from his feet, energizing him.
Even after a long walk, he felt no sign of fatigue.
Curious, Tang San examined the steps under his feet. Despite staring at them for a while, he couldn't identify what kind of material they were made from.
The boy, noticing Tang San's puzzled expression, proudly explained, "These stone steps have been imbued with enhancement effects by our support-type soul masters, generation after generation. Over time, they've developed special properties."
"Any soul master who sits on these steps receives a boost to their soul skills, faster recovery of soul power, and accelerated healing!"
"In times of crisis, when the sect is under threat, all our disciples can gather here and activate a mountain-guarding formation from these very steps to protect the sect."
Tang San was secretly astonished. No wonder it's one of the three upper sects!
Even this small detail revealed the immense foundation of a top-tier force!
Compared to this, even the Tang Sect of his previous life paled in comparison.
In fact, in his memories, not a single sect from that world could rival the scale and power of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Thanks to the stairway's enhancements, their pace was swift.
In the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, they passed through a massive archway, traversed a labyrinth of dazzling buildings, and finally arrived at the grandest palace among them.
Just standing before its doors, Tang San could feel the overwhelming pressure radiating from within.
At the same time, the murmur of countless voices echoed out from inside.
Mesmerized, he followed the boy through the entrance.
Inside was a vast training ground filled with soul masters of various ages, all dressed in white robes.
Martial spirits, soul rings, and soul skills burst forth in dazzling display.
The scene was vibrant, colorful, and exhilarating—like stepping into an entirely different world.
Tang San was entranced.
"So this... is what a true soul master looks like. This is the world of martial spirits!"
For the first time, he felt just how real—and yet how fantastical—this world truly was.
So this is the reality of the world I've come to?
So this... is the foundation of a great sect?
"Hey! Come on! Don't just stand there!"
"Oh! Coming!"
Reluctantly tearing his gaze away from the training ground, Tang San caught up with the boy as they continued deeper into the palace complex.
Most of the soul masters only glanced at Tang San out of curiosity. A few who were resting smiled and nodded politely.
Tang San hurriedly returned the greetings, flustered, as he followed the boy into a smaller, side hall.
As soon as they entered, the boy dropped to one knee and respectfully addressed the man seated before them—elegant in appearance and exuding a noble, commanding aura.
"Disciple greets the Sect Master! I've brought the newcomer, as instructed!"
Tang San hesitated only briefly, then immediately knelt as well. "Tang San pays his respects to the Sect Master!"
The man, Ning Fengzhi, looked at Tang San with clear approval in his eyes. He waved a hand and said, "Good work. You may go now."
"Yes, Sect Master."
The boy stood up and left the room.
Ning Fengzhi then turned to Tang San and spoke gently, "You may rise. There's no need to be so formal."
"Thank you, Sect Master."
Tang San stood slowly, his eyes carefully studying the man before him.
Ning Fengzhi looked him over with increasing satisfaction and asked, "Where are you from? And why did we find you unconscious in the wild?"
After a brief pause, Tang San replied, "I'm Tang San, originally a villager from Holy Soul Village in the Fasno Province of the Heaven Dou Empire. I was training at an elementary soul master academy."
"I was attacked by a soul beast while traveling and fled in a panic. I owe my life to your rescue, Sect Master!"
"Heaven Dou Empire?" Ning Fengzhi raised a brow in surprise. "That's quite far from here. How did you end up all the way here?"
****
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