The next day, Tang Yin was in an excellent mood. After thoroughly souring Tang Hao's day, he was now ready to set off for the Star Dou Forest. All of his lovers had been diligently cultivating over the past two years and were now prepared to absorb their next soul rings.
Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Meng Yiran, Ye Lingling, Xiao Mei, Huo Wu, Bing'er, and Yue'er had all reached level 60 more than a year ago, yet each had patiently waited for his return.
Meanwhile, Bai Chenxiang and Dugu Yan were already at level 70, but neither were in a rush. This stage was too critical for any soul master to approach carelessly; after all, even powerful Titled Douluo relied heavily on their True Body Soul Ring for a prolonged battle.
Liu Erlong, too, had been waiting—more than three years now—for the soul ring Tang Yin had promised her. Her potential could still be increased if she absorbed a 100,000 year old soul ring for her eight ring before they headed to Sea God Island.
Tang Yuehua, however, still hadn't absorbed a single ring since reaching level 10. Yuehua had promised to wait until Tang Yin helped her hunt a suitable one. These past two years had been his silent test—to see if she truly trusted him—and she had passed it wholeheartedly.
That morning, Tang Yin gathered his lovers for a brief meeting before breaking the news. The twelve of them took their seats.
"Everyone," he began, sitting in the sect leader's seat, "I'll be leaving the Douluo Continent to train on an island for at least five years. Will you join me on this journey?"
"Five years?!" Liu Erlong exclaimed, springing to her feet and glaring at Tang Yin. "These past two years have been torment enough! Do you think I can bear to stay away from you for five more?" Everyone nodded in agreement.
Tang Yin scratched his head sheepishly. "No, that's exactly why I asked you all to join me on this journey to Sea God Island. Although it's far, I promise that if you train diligently, each of you will advance at least twenty levels over these five years."
"Twenty levels?!" Zhuqing exclaimed, her mouth agape in amazement. They all knew that the higher one's cultivation, the more difficult it was to raise a level. The others, except Tang Yuehua, equally shared her astonishment.
Ning Rongrong asked curiously, "If such an amazing place exists, then why don't my father and grandfather know of it?"
"Sea God Island is real," Tang Yuehua said worriedly, "but they're not exactly welcoming to outsiders—that's why most people don't know of its existence. Are you sure we'll be safe going there?"
Tang Yin nodded confidently. "They might not be welcoming to others, but I'm certain they will treat all of us with the utmost respect." He didn't reveal the reason, choosing instead to maintain an air of mystery.
Knowing Tang Yin, they didn't suspect him, but their curiosity only grew—why was he so confident? He had always been a mystery, and that very mystery was part of his charm, captivating all their hearts even more.
"Anyway, make sure to say goodbye to your loved ones before we leave. We'll be departing three days from now," Tang Yin instructed, his gaze shifting to Meng Yiran and Lingling.
"Meng Yiran, be sure to tell your grandparents that they're always welcome to join our Tang Sect. Lingling, the same goes for you. I'm pretty sure this continent is about to undergo huge changes, so ask your grandpa to join our sect for protection," he added.
Both of them nodded in unison, understanding the gravity of his caution. As the short meeting concluded, Tang Yin walked over to Yuehua and asked, "Although this journey will change your destiny forever, won't your clan stop you from leaving the Moon Pavilion and pursuing your own future?"
Yuehua had already explained that she was a member of the Clear Sky Clan and the sister of the clan leader. Even so, she remained bound by the clan's rules.
(The Moon Pavilion served as a means for the clan to strengthen their political ties with the Tian Duo Empire. Previously, Clear Sky Clan had maintained a good relationship with the Xing Luo Empire, but after being defeated by Spirit Hall, their relations soured, and they aligned themselves with the Tian Duo Empire)
Tang Yuehua replied earnestly, "They're still in seclusion, fearing Spirit Hall, so they have no right to decide my future. The soul master world has almost forgotten our clan's legacy. And I'm not about to sacrifice my happiness for the sake of my sect. My brother did the same for his lover—why can't I?" she retorted defiantly looking at his light blue eyes.
Tang Yin smiled at the heroic woman before him and pulled her into a warm embrace. Tang Yuehua had found in him a solace she'd never even realized she needed.
To carry one of the most powerful bloodlines in the world yet be unable to cultivate—it had gnawed at her for years, a silent torment she'd learned to live with without even realizing.
This damned, love-stricken continent… it really does change a person, Tang yin mused 'In the original story, Yuehua had been utterly devoted to her clan's future. But now? After falling for me, her priorities have shifted. Haha, Tang Hao—guess you did one thing right by defying your clan. Otherwise, she'd never have had the perfect excuse to toss you under the bus.'
Three days later,
Meng Yiran's grandparents, Dragon Duke Meng Shu and Serpent Grandmother Chao Tianxiang, bade farewell to Yiran. Ye Renxin also embraced his granddaughter Lingling, bidding her farewell.
Both of their grandparents had joined the Tang Sect at the request of their grandchildren. The Meng family numbered more than twenty members, whereas the Ye family had only six.
Tang Yin also showed his respect by having the Defense Clan build additional buildings.
The Ye family had all agreed to join because he had helped evolve Ye Lingling's Cursed Nine Heart Begonia. Likewise, the Meng family was aware of Meng Yiran's evolved Dragon Cane and even more impressed by Tang Yin's talent and the Tang Sect's hidden weapons.
In front of the Tang Sect gates—
"Alright, everyone—first stop, Star Dou Forest to get a soul ring for each of you. After that, we'll head far north for the Shui sisters, and finally, make our way to Hanhai City," Tang yin announced loudly.
With that, they set off for Star Dou Forest at full speed, Tang Yin effortlessly carrying Tang Yuehua in a princess carry that left her cheeks flushed. At her pace, the trip would've taken over a week.
A day later, they arrived at the outskirts of the forest but decided to wait until the next dawn to enter, setting up tents and resting for the night in the wilderness.