Chapter 260: Tang San's Breaking Point
And so, Ye Wen decided without hesitation.
With that, he completed the process of erasing Tang Chen's memories, leaving his soul as blank as a fresh page, open to whatever destiny he would imprint upon it. Indeed, dealing with a god level soul in this realm felt like rewriting the rules of life itself.
(Note: Even Tang Wutong, the Goddess of Patchwork, could split her soul into pieces and still function just fine basic protocol, really.)
Ye Wen carefully stored Tang Chen's purified soul. His interest, however, was not in Tang Chen's personal memories but rather his expertise: the forging techniques and mastery of his two self created divine techniques Ring Detonation and Great Sumeru Hammer. These techniques were truly extraordinary, worthy of being called divine skills. Ring Detonation, although self destructive and carrying heavy side effects, could break through even the toughest defenses with sheer, explosive power.
Yet, he noticed the Shura God had withheld the core forging process for the Shura Demon Sword. Tang Chen had merely created the sword's form, then imbued it with the divine seed of Shura's godly energy effectively a mere vessel for Shura's power.
Shura God, no wonder you're isolated in the Divine Realm, Ye Wen mused. With this level of stinginess, it's no surprise you'd choose a successor as selfish as yourself.
Just then, a squadron of soul masters arrived, clearly concerned. The shattering of the Six Harmonies Absolute Seal had left them on high alert, especially given Ye Wen's esteemed status in the Spirit Hall. Had anything happened to him, even the Title Douluos among them would not escape punishment.
"Greetings, Your Eminence," the leader said, bowing in relief.
Ye Wen waved dismissively, satisfied that his mission was complete. Glancing over the remnants of the Slaughter City, he issued his orders: "Send a team to clean up these ruins and see if there's anything valuable left. Once done, report to the Spirit Hall. I'll leave the rest to you."
"Yes, Your Eminence. We won't disappoint," the leader said eagerly. He knew the Slaughter City was no ordinary site; both the Spirit Hall and the two empires invested heavily in controlling it. Being assigned to oversee its cleanup was a rare opportunity for riches assuming, of course, he could stomach the blood soaked carnage below.
Meanwhile, Tang San's group, with Tang Xiao leading them, quickly made their way back to the Star Luo Empire. Although Tang San projected an intimidating aura that warned strangers away, he found himself constantly observing Tang Xiao. Through Tang Hao's introductions, he learned that this was his uncle and, moreover, a Rank 97 Super Douluo.
Still, Tang San wasn't overly impressed. After all, he had several Buddha's Fury Tang Lotuses hidden on him. A mere Titled Douluo, even if one as powerful as the Slaughter King, posed no real threat. Yet the blood connection sparked a faint warmth within him toward Tang Xiao.
But that warmth quickly vanished. Throughout the journey, Tang Hao gradually revealed more about Tang San's origins, including that his hammer spirit originated from the clan. Tang San's emotions were complicated, tinged with anger at the clan's treatment of his father.
However, when he learned that Tang Hao had shared his supposedly exclusive techniques Ring Detonation and Great Sumeru Hammer with the clan elders and Tang Xiao, Tang San's composure shattered.
In disbelief, he blurted out, "Father, how could you be so foolish? Such treasured clan techniques shouldn't be taught so freely!"
Just as he was beginning to savor the privileges of being the sect's heir, it seemed they were slipping away. He immediately suspected his uncle might have coerced his father into surrendering these techniques. Already slightly detached from Tang Xiao, his goodwill now fell to absolute zero.
Fortunately, this conversation was private, sparing Tang Xiao from hearing his nephew's sudden misgivings.
Tang Hao, unaffected by Tang San's reaction, calmly replied, "San, control yourself. I understand the value of these techniques, but the Douluo Continent is nothing like it was when you entered the Slaughter City. Let me explain."
Holding deep seated respect for his father, Tang San forced himself to listen. When Tang Hao revealed the details the dissolution of the upper sects, the fall of the Heaven Dou Empire, and the Spirit Hall's formation of the Holy Spirit Empire the sheer scale of change left Tang San dumbfounded.
"This… this…" His mind whirled with disbelief.
Tang San, despite his disregard for most Titled Douluos, was at a loss when confronted with an enemy controlling half the continent. Although he resented the sharing of clan exclusive techniques, he now recognized its necessity. If the Star Luo Empire fell, the HaoTian Sect would certainly be targeted by the Spirit Hall in retribution, especially since his family was responsible for the death of the previous Supreme Pontiff.
Tang Hao continued with his plans, "San, for now, you'll stay with your aunt to temper your killing aura. Later, when the time is right, I'll take you to Sea God Island for sanctuary…"
Yet Tang San found his father's words drifting in one ear and out the other. Though Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus was powerful, he knew it could also make him a target. Even as a Soul Emperor, Tang San sensed his inadequacy against such overwhelming forces.
I must grow stronger! he thought, his resolve hardening with each step.
"Father, I need to hunt for my sixth spirit ring," he declared, his voice firm.
Tang Hao paused, assessing his son's spiritual power. From Spirit Elder to Soul Emperor in just four years astonishing! An 18 year old Soul Emperor! Tang Hao had expected his son to reach Rank 55 or so, but Tang San's progress far exceeded his expectations. With renewed excitement, he patted Tang San's shoulder. At this rate, his son was almost guaranteed to reach Super Douluo status.
And so, Tang Hao felt reassured. Even if the clan's elders perished in battle, he believed that his son, protected on Sea God Island, could one day restore the HaoTian Sect to its former glory.
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