A Skeleton Martial Soul as an Agility-type?
That sounded completely absurd.
Wouldn't piloting a Gundam be way better?
Luckily—
Jing Ling had only absorbed two soul rings so far, so there was still time to adjust his development.
How should he be optimized…
A flood of soul beasts flashed through Tang Lan's mind as he calculated multiple possible configurations.
Plan confirmed!
"I have some ideas for your martial soul," Tang Lan said directly. "If you're willing, you can become a second-generation disciple of Tang Sect. From now on, your soul ring selections will be arranged by me."
Even with Jing Ling's cold and indifferent nature, his eyes instantly lit up!
The very author of the Tang Sect Encyclopedia personally designing a customized soul ring plan for him—what was there to hesitate about?!
Without the slightest delay, he bent at the waist in a deep bow.
"Disciple Jing Ling greets the Sect Master!"
Tang Lan nodded in satisfaction. This was going to be fun.
With a flick of his finger, he fired a ball of mental energy, which merged into Jing Ling's mind.
It was—Lingbo Weibu (Wave-Stepping Lightness Technique).
"Consider this an advance payment. Serve Tang Sect well in the future."
Jing Ling resisted the overwhelming temptation of Lingbo Weibu and dropped to one knee.
"I will follow the Sect Master's will!"
Only after Tang Lan acknowledged him did Jing Ling stand up and move aside on his own, immediately starting to digest the movement technique—
That body technique had completely suffocated him in the previous battle!
Tang Lan was very pleased.
Quiet, smart, self-disciplined—
A promising disciple who wouldn't be a hassle.
Now, the last one—Huang Yuan—was looking at Tang Lan with anticipation.
Liu Erlong introduced him:
"This is Huang Yuan, Martial Soul: Lone Wolf. Sixteen years old, Rank 29 Power Attack-type Battle Soul Master. A reliable kid."
Also sixteen years old—
But while Tai Long was Rank 30, Huang Yuan was only Rank 29.
The difference was clear.
However—
Lone Wolf Martial Soul?
Coincidence?
"Huang Yuan, is it?" Tang Lan narrowed his eyes. "Then tell me—do you know Su Yuntao, the 'Blind... I mean, the Martial Soul Hall Deacon'?"
Huang Yuan was confused. Blind what?
But he still answered respectfully:
"Replying to Sect Master—Su Yuntao is my uncle. He was born with Rank 2 innate soul power, with rather low talent. My own innate soul power was Rank 5, the highest in my family."
Oh?
"Well, that's quite the connection." Tang Lan chuckled. "He was the one who oversaw mine and Xiao San's Martial Soul Awakening. Huang Yuan, you will be a third-generation inner disciple of Tang Sect."
With a flick of his fingers, another mental energy orb shot out.
Inside, not only was the second layer of the Nine Yang Divine Skill included, but also a special instruction—
Tell his family to bring Su Yuntao to Tang Sect.
The legendary "Newbie Village Guide," Blind Douluo, and the No. 1 Jinx—
Even if he just guarded the gates, maybe he'd bring some crazy fate bonuses.
Anyway, Tang Sect was big enough to afford keeping him around.
Consider it a thank-you gift for his "blessing of infertility."
Although Huang Yuan was a little confused, he still bowed respectfully.
"Understood!"
Tang Lan nodded, then turned his gaze toward Shui Bing'er and the other two girls.
Zhao Wuji immediately stepped forward proudly to introduce them.
"Sect Master, these two nieces, Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er, are daughters of an old friend of mine. They originally enrolled in Tian Shui Academy, but I managed to convince them to transfer here."
"Shui Bing'er, sixteen years old, Rank 38 Control-type Battle Soul Master. Martial Soul: Condensed Water Luan. But honestly, I think 'Ice Phoenix' is a more fitting name."
"First Soul Skill: Instant Cast Area Control. Second Soul Skill: Group Defense. Third Soul Skill: Mass Knockback."
"She has a calm and steady temperament—perfect for leading the second team."
Shui Bing'er cooperated by releasing her Martial Soul—
A majestic, translucent ice-crystal luan bird appeared, its beauty dazzling.
Tang Lan's eyes sharpened as if he had discovered something.
He leaned in closer to examine it carefully.
A subtle floral fragrance drifted to his nose, refreshing and soothing.
Shui Bing'er instinctively tensed up, watching Tang Lan without blinking.
[Obedient Student.jpg]
She looked like a student waiting for their exam paper to be graded.
"Interesting."
Tang Lan stroked his chin.
"Your Condensed Water Luan is still a bit lacking compared to an Ice Phoenix."
"But if you obtain an ice-attribute heavenly treasure, it could evolve into an Ice Phoenix—maybe even gain an Extreme Ice Attribute."
"Let me think... what would be suitable?"
"A hundred-thousand-year ice-attribute soul bone, or an ice-attribute immortal herb over fifty thousand years old, or an eighty-thousand-year-old ice-attribute soul beast core."
"All of them are difficult to find."
Despite his words—
Shui Bing'er's breathing visibly quickened!
This was Martial Soul Evolution!
Most people could only dream of evolving their Martial Souls, yet Tang Lan had just given her a clear direction!
Searching with a purpose was entirely different from blindly fumbling around.
"Thank you for your guidance, Sect Master!" Shui Bing'er was eager to learn."I know about Martial Soul Evolution, but what exactly is the Extreme Attribute? The Tang Sect Encyclopedia doesn't mention it."
Oh?
That confident tone—she had already memorized the entire encyclopedia!
A true scholar.
Even Chen Xin (Sword Douluo) was now looking at Tang Lan with curiosity.
Tang Lan didn't hold back.
"I only discovered this Extreme Attribute concept in the past couple of days, so it wasn't included in the Tang Sect Encyclopedia."
"To be precise, it should be called: Martial Souls that Possess an Extreme Attribute."
Tang Lan released his Life Martial Soul—Blue Silver Emperor.
"My Martial Soul has undergone one mutation and two evolutions, reaching the pinnacle of Blue Silver Grass. It now possesses two Extreme Attributes—Life and Soul."
"The effects are simple: it enhances soul skills of the same attribute for allies and suppresses soul skills of the same attribute for enemies."
"For example—"
"Jiangzhu, activate your soul skill."
Jiangzhu obediently summoned her Healing Scepter and cast her First Soul Skill: Healing Halo.
A gentle green glow spread outward, gradually restoring everyone's stamina.
Tang Lan moved his thoughts slightly—
Everyone immediately felt the healing effect slow down drastically!
"What?!" Jiangzhu gasped. "The energy cost doubled, but the healing effect was cut in half?!"
A vivid and intuitive demonstration of the Extreme Attribute's power.
In that instant—
Everyone's gaze toward Tang Lan changed!
Awe, admiration, obsession, pride...
Emotions varied, but—
They were all completely captivated by Tang Lan's sheer presence.
"This is already a prototype of a Domain, isn't it?" Chen Xin couldn't help but comment. "Enhancing your own attribute while suppressing the same attribute of others—most Domains function like this."
"I'm not entirely sure, but it's an interesting theory. We should conduct further tests to verify the connection."
Chen Xin nodded.
He wasn't overly concerned, but he definitely found it intriguing.
Shui Bing'er couldn't help but ask, "Then, Sect Master, does absorbing single-attribute soul rings help in attaining an Extreme Attribute?"
Tang Lan shook his head outright.
"Stacking a single attribute in soul rings is only supplementary—it's not a decisive factor for Martial Soul Evolution."
"To evolve a Martial Soul, you need a significant transformative element—such as the hundred-thousand-year soul bone, the immortal herb core, or other extreme-grade treasures I mentioned."
"However, for Martial Souls that already have an Extreme Attribute, choosing soul rings with the same single attribute is the best option."
"There's a primary and secondary factor here—don't mix them up."
Shui Bing'er nodded repeatedly in understanding.
Her mind suddenly felt much clearer.
She had made the right choice!
Convincing her father to withdraw from Tian Shui Academy and join Tang Sect—it was absolutely the correct decision!
At this moment, Zhao Wuji stepped in to continue.
"Sect Master, I also want to introduce my other niece, Shui Yue'er. She's also sixteen years old, Shui Bing'er's half-sister, and her Martial Soul is the Glowing Jade Dolphin. Rank 30 Agility Attack-type Battle Soul Master."
"My two nieces also have a Martial Soul Fusion Skill—'Snowfall Drift'!" Zhao Wuji added.
"It's incredibly powerful, both offensively and defensively, making them a cornerstone of the second team!"
Tang Lan pretended to be surprised as he carefully examined the sister duo.
Then, he suddenly said—
"Your Martial Soul Fusion Skill should actually be an even stronger Ice Phoenix, right?"
Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er were confused, but they both nodded.
Shui Bing'er explained, "Our Martial Soul Fusion Skill has two forms."
"The first form creates a continuous snowfall attack."
"The second form requires me to infuse my Martial Soul's essence, condensing the snow into a massive Ice Phoenix."
Tang Lan chuckled.
"That confirms it—Shui Bing'er, your Martial Soul is indeed capable of evolving into an Ice Phoenix."
"From my research on Martial Soul Fusion Skills, they actually function by tapping into the hidden potential of Martial Souls. By combining multiple individuals' strengths, they can temporarily manifest a higher-level Martial Soul form."
"For example, our honorary elder Yu Xiaogang—his mutated Martial Soul, Luo San Pao, can evolve into the Golden Holy Dragon when combined with two complementary forces."
"So, if he ever found the right opportunity, he could theoretically undergo multiple evolutions—just like me—and eventually become a true Golden Holy Dragon."
"Oh, by the way, my innate soul power was only Rank 3."
Those words—
Shocked Shui Bing'er and everyone else!
What?!
Innate Soul Power… Rank 3?!
Yet Tang Lan had reached the peak of the Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul?!
For a moment—
An image of an unwavering scholar tirelessly seeking knowledge to defy fate formed in everyone's minds.
The ultimate representation of "defying destiny"!
Even Liu Erlong's eyes lit up with hope—Xiao Gang still had a chance!
Even though Yu Xiaogang's innate soul power was only a miserable Rank 0.5…
But he didn't need to become a powerhouse.
As long as he could break through his bottleneck and increase his soul power, he could extend his lifespan!
"Sect Master, you're truly incredible!" Shui Bing'er said with genuine admiration. "Your story should be written into the Tang Sect Encyclopedia, so no one ever loses hope!"
Tang Lan, however, waved his hand dismissively.
"Heavenly treasures are extremely rare. My two evolutions were equally unrepeatable—otherwise, I would have helped Xiao San evolve as well."
"Publishing such a story would only give ordinary people false hope."
"We must face reality: most people will remain ordinary their whole lives. Let's not disrupt their peace."
Such wisdom—
Shui Bing'er felt deeply humbled, her eyes practically glowing with admiration.
Shui Yue'er, Bai Chenxiang, Meng Yiran, and Jiangzhu felt the same way—
Handsome AND brilliant—who could possibly resist that?!
Even Tang San's expression turned complicated—his brother truly thought of him, but the opportunities were just too rare.
Tang Lan then asked, "Would you two sisters like to join Tang Sect's inner sect?"
"As first-generation disciples, I will grant you the Lingbo Weibu technique."
Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er nodded like pecking chickens.
They immediately bowed in perfect form.
Tang Lan flicked out a spiritual light sphere—
Inside were Lingbo Weibu and Zhenwu Seven-Section Formation, both standard skills for first-generation disciples.
Shui Yue'er instantly became absorbed in them, unable to break free.
Shui Bing'er, being the more composed one, resisted her excitement, bowed again, and pulled her sister aside to study them.
Finally, Bai Chenxiang stepped forward of her own accord.
"Sect Master, my name is Bai Chenxiang. Martial Soul: Sharp-tailed Swallow. Eleven years old, Rank 27 Agility Attack-type Battle Soul Master. I am a member of the Min Clan, and I left my family to join Tang Sect!"
Her expression and stance practically screamed—
"I came here for YOU."
Unfortunately—
Given their familial relationship, there was no possibility of that ever happening.
Tang Lan pretended not to notice and acted as if he was recalling something.
"I remember that the Min Clan follows an extreme speed cultivation method, correct? And all their soul rings come from the same type of soul beast?"
"Sect Master is indeed knowledgeable." Bai Chenxiang pouted slightly. "But unfortunately, I failed to obtain any flying soul skills in my first two soul rings. Otherwise, that old man just now wouldn't have escaped!"
Nearby, Oscar, stroking his stubble, turned to stone.
He would never escape this joke, huh?!
Every new recruit had to roast him at least once!
"The Min Clan, huh…" Chen Xin said meaningfully. "Xiao Lan, did you know? They were once a subsidiary sect of the Clear Sky Clan. Ever since the Clear Sky Clan went into hiding, their situation has been quite difficult."
Bai Chenxiang's face darkened slightly upon hearing that.
"Our Min Clan is only good at speed… we're not that useful."
This was a misunderstanding of Chen Xin's intent.
Bai Chenxiang thought he was warning Tang Lan that the Min Clan was useless and a burden—
She was about to leave in disappointment when—
"Extreme specialization comes with weaknesses, but it also highlights strengths," Tang Lan remarked.
"Lack of offensive power, huh? Sword Uncle, don't forget—what does Tang Sect produce?"
He turned to Ning Rongrong.
"Rongrong, show them."
Ning Rongrong grinned mischievously and stepped forward.
She began demonstrating one item at a time.
Firearm-type Soul Tools were still in limited production—
Right now, everything they produced was immediately snapped up by the Heaven Dou Empire.
Because of this, the public had no idea about Tang Sect's 'military factory' identity.
—Otherwise, even Fire Rong wouldn't have dared to act up.
And just like that—
Everyone watching was completely blown away!
Good lord!
Not only was the Sect Master a scholar, but he was also a scientific researcher?!
He had even developed entire sets of Soul Tools?!
Bai Chenxiang's eyes practically sparkled!
These firearm Soul Tools perfectly compensated for the Min Clan's lack of offensive power.
No, they didn't just compensate—they OVERLOADED IT!
Barrett sniper rifles for long-range attacks?
For the Min Clan, these weren't just sniper rifles—they could literally run up to the enemy and shove the barrel in their mouth before pulling the trigger!
Bai Chenxiang had a strong premonition—
Tang Sect would be the key to the Min Clan's rise!
Looking at Tang Sect's power—
They had annexed Blue Tyrant Academy, purchased surrounding lands, and even mobilized the imperial guards to help recruit members.
They had wealth, influence, and a bright future.
And right now, they lacked manpower!
Was there even a need to hesitate?
The Min Clan…
Had suffered long enough!
They were fast but weak and had no stable income, yet they still clung to their "dignity" as Soul Masters like some old scholar in tattered robes.
All these years—
They had survived only because of handouts from the other three clans.
Without them, the Min Clan would have dissolved long ago.
Bai Chenxiang stepped forward eagerly.
"Sect Master, if you don't mind, how about we—the Min Clan—join Tang Sect?"
"Oh?" Tang Lan raised an eyebrow. "Can you make that decision?"
"Of course!" Bai Chenxiang puffed up her chest. "My grandfather, Bai He, is the clan leader! And he listens to me!"
Tang Lan glanced at Ning Rongrong.
Were all these noble clan princesses cut from the same mold?
"Why are you looking at me?!" Ning Rongrong wrinkled her nose. "I've already turned over a new leaf! Stop bringing up my black history!"
Tang Lan shrugged and looked at the expectant Bai Chenxiang.
The Min Clan wasn't particularly useful in peacetime, but during war—they were the ultimate scouts.
And paired with firearms, they would essentially become an "Air Force" unit.
They had to be recruited!
Tang Lan took out a storage ring, placing two sets of all firearm Soul Tools inside.
He handed it to Bai Chenxiang.
"Bai Chenxiang, if you can convince the Min Clan to join Tang Sect—"
"I will grant you first-generation disciple status."
"You may choose three sect techniques to cultivate."
"And I will establish a special 'Min Hall' within Tang Sect, led by a clan member of your choosing."
The rewards and treatment—
Overflowing with sincerity.
But Bai Chenxiang shook her head.
"I don't want to be a first-generation disciple!" Bai Chenxiang looked away nervously."I… I want a promise!"
A promise?
Tang Lan raised an eyebrow.
"What kind of promise?"
Bai Chenxiang mumbled something under her breath, face turning bright red, but she couldn't say it aloud—
And then she bolted out of the room!
"Wait for my good news!"
Everyone knew exactly what she was asking for.
Zhu Zhuqing sighed helplessly.
She had mentally prepared herself for this, but—
Tang Lan was like a walking hundred-thousand-year soul bone.
Any woman who saw him couldn't help but be drawn in.
How many 'sisters' was she going to have in the future?
Tang Lan, however, paid it no mind.
Marrying within the family? Not happening.
Sweeping his gaze across the room—
Tang Lan suddenly grinned.
"To ensure you all perform well in tomorrow's match, I'll be your sparring partner."
"A simple fight is boring—let's add a bet."
"Zhuqing and I will team up against all of you."
"If you manage to defeat either one of us—"
"I'll give each of you an opportunity for Martial Soul Evolution!"
In an instant—
Everyone's eyes turned red with excitement!
(End of Chapter)