Tang Yuan was lounging in the bath at the start of the day. He had finished his morning exercise for the day. Now it was time to enjoy a nice hot relaxing bath. He didn't even have to wait too much just hopped in the tub. Ah, this was the life, and it is a very good life the life he has enjoyed for nearly nine years now.
Baths are just so enjoyable especially when they are steaming hot. The hot water is just so soothing for his muscles. Especially after his rigorous training exercises only making the bath better. Oh baths are just so wonderful and nice. If possible we would enjoy this for hours, and he technically could.
Still theirs just so much he needs to do in the day. He can't let himself be stuck in the bath for too long. Still, he just leans back and enjoys the feeling of the bath. The water comes up to his stomach, and it is just so nice and hot.
The steam of the water carries the scent of herbs. Giving the air a strong scent of herbs though not unpleasant. The scent enters his nose as he breathes in and out. The herbs affect his body by soothing his muscles further. Providing help in soothing them to be even stronger than before.
Tang Yuan wants to continue to enjoy the bath, but it's time. He pushes himself up using that he can stand up. The water drips from him as he steps out of the tub. He took the cloth placed beside the tub to dry himself off. Once he is satisfied he slips into his clothes.
He leaves the bathroom for the seating area of his quarters. Sitting down in a chair the maid quickly began to bring his breakfast. His table is full of dishes in only a few moments. He wastes no time in digging into the dishes. He slowly but steadily devours his way through every single dish.
Enjoying the food with his glass of herbal tea. The tea is of high quality and is especially enjoyable. By the time he finishes his food, he is on his third cup of tea. Upon finishing the cup he sets it aside. Then he leaves the room and his quarters.
He makes his way through the stone hallways of the clan compound. The hallways are like those meant for giants. The stone is completely smooth in the way it's been carved. The ceiling is mostly supported by the natural form of the stone.
Tang Yuan reaches the clan's library quickly enough. He walks over to a specific area of the library. He had been coming here more often than before. Tang Yuan had reached level 19 a few months ago. So he has been coming to the library recently for research.
Best to determine the targeted spirit beast before reaching level 20. He had already found a good number of options for his second ring. All of them are good choices to be sure yet he is undecided. Beasts with the Golden Bloodline or Gold aspect are not common.
Though there are a few notable examples as well. The Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear is not one to forget certainly. Yet even by the standards of super soul beasts they're simply too tyrannical. They make the Golden Crocodiles look weak by comparison. Plus their primary method of attack is their claws.
The Golden Scarab of the Endless Desert is another powerful choice. An insect soul beast that has incredible defensive power. Along with an impressive level of strength as well. It was a beast that devoured metal in the desert laden with it. Refining it in its body into an exoskeleton of incredible power. If he hunted it he would likely get a powerful defensive ability or an offensive one.
The Golden Scarab like most insect beasts has incredible physical ability. Except for its speed which is lower though not slow. The flaw with it as a choice is that it is weaker in lower stages. That is another common factor in insects they are the weakest at lower stages.
The Golden Scarab is a beast he might consider for a later ring. Below a millennium the beast would not possess a strong metal factor. Yet over ten millennia its very nature changes drastically. It gains attributes of light and flame as a result of the change. Best acquired as his third ring then. Perhaps his fourth if he can't safely absorb a ten millennia year ring by that point.
Another possibility is the Golden Elephant another powerful spirit beast. A powerful Apex-Beast with high strength and defense. The beast is a major existence in the Golden Savanna. Said Savanna neighbors the Endless Desert being quite large itself.
The Golden Elephants are amongst the top existences on the Savanna. As a soul ring it would likely result in a powerful attack skill. The Golden Elephant also has a powerful bloodline. With stronger variants also known to appear at random.
Tang Yuan had taken a seat as he flipped through a book of Soul Beasts. This one focused on those of the Golden Savanna with a good deal of detail. Writing down some of the information in a blank journal to look at later. He continues to turn pages in the book looking into more possibilities.
As he does so he finds quite a few further possibilities to choose from. Including one very interesting one that immediately catches his attention. The Golden Lightning Leopard is a golden bloodline beast with a lightning aspect. Perhaps he should try, and introduce the lightning aspect early.
It lives on the Golden Savanna so if it seems unsuitable. Then the target beast can change to another in the area. The Golden Elephant is a particularly good choice. Still, if the leopard is a viable option it could be an interesting result.
His choices written down for further study he gets up. Putting the books back in their places afterward. Then he leaves the library with his journal in hand. Even if he has already decided he still has use for the notes. Perhaps for future spirit rings, perhaps not. He stores the notes in his storage ring for later use.
Tang Yuan walks out of the library with satisfaction. Yet a sense question built in him the question of when. When is he going to break through to level 20? Perhaps it will be a few weeks from now maybe less.
Since acquiring his spirit ring it has taken him a minimum of three months for each level. Usually several days over that period of time. So it's difficult to say when it will happen for sure. He should just continue about his day until that day happens. Still, Tang Yuan eagerly looks forward to that day when he takes the next step.
It was another day in the clan compound Tang Yuan was in his quarters. He was at his work desk with a book he had borrowed from the library. It had been several days since he had decided on options for his spirit rings. Tang Yuan had gone about his days as he normally did.
Training in the morning each day for two to three hours. Having a long bath for at least thirty minutes. Having breakfast in his room right after. Cultivation time in the hours between 12 and 4 when the sun is at its strongest. Than spending hours in the forge or library depending on his priority. Then he cultivates his Spiritual Power under the moonlight.
The desire to reach level twenty only continues to increase in him. He can feel himself approaching it more every day. Yet he is still a bit away from the final step. There is just a need for more build-up to reach that level properly.
Now he is writing down parts of the library's books as notes. The books are massive and finding information in them is difficult. Tang Yuan has no desire to go through those books often. So he has taken to writing parts of them down for when he needs them. With author names, book names, and page numbers to find the information when needed.
That was when Tang Rong entered the room from the door. She had been outside the door ready to be called upon. Tang Yuan muses that he would have her in the room, but she is distracting. She glances at him with interest when he is writing. That or she starts fidgeting with her dress in boredom. She simply finds it difficult to sit still and he can just sense her fidgeting.
So he usually has her sit outside the room where she can hear him. If she has entered the room then it must be something Tang Yuan muses. It's too late for dinner that's for certain by his inner clock. Which means someone is probably looking for him from the clan.
Just as he predicted in fact "The Grand Elder and Clan Head has summoned you to the clan head's office. It did not seem that it was overwhelmingly serious." she told him in a tone of seriousness. The second part is in a reassuring tone.
Tang Yuan stretches his body moving side to side before standing up. "I'll go see what Dad and Big Brother want," he says as he walks out of the room. Tang Rong stays behind to begin cleaning up the room.
Tang Yuan quickly walks to his brother's personal office. It is adjacent to his quarters in the family area. So it is only a few feet away from his room. As he approaches the room he notices Tang Xiao and Tang Hao are also moving towards it. How curious indeed "it looks like you two were summoned as well Brother Xiao, Brother Hao."
The three of them arrive at the door around the same time. "Yes, they did, though there was nothing to suggest it was a serious problem. Still, we should not let Grandfather and Father wait overlong." saying that Tang Xiao knocks on the door firmly. A voice resounded from inside the room "Come in."
Tang Xiao leads the way as they enter the room. The study is one of two workplaces that Tang Zhang has as workplaces. This one is the more intimate of the two. The other is more professional and work-based. Also serves as a meeting place for visitors. Though both can be used interchangeably as he wants.
Multiple shelves line the walls filled with books or journals. In the middle of the room are two couches placed opposite each other. A large stone table sits between the couches. Beyond that is a large half-circle desk carved directly from stone. Decorative ornate carvings run the length of the desk. It is by far the most eye-catching thing in the room as it's meant to be.
Tang Chen is sitting with Tang Zhang on one of the couches. It's clear that the three of them are meant to take the other one. So they do so each taking a part of the couch. Despite three of them sitting on it they are far from cramped. In fact, there might be enough room for a fourth person before it becomes uncomfortable.
"I'm sure the three of you are curious about why we have called you. We have something to give to the three of you." Tang Chen says leading the conversation. Tang Zhang moves his hands to the table drawing drawing attention to the boxes there. He pushes them forward to the three each receiving different ones.
The boxes are each of different sizes from one another likely reflecting the contents. Tang Xiao has the largest box amongst the three. Tang Yuan has the smallest of the boxes. Tang Hao's is closer in size to Tang Xiao's than Tang Yuan's box. Tang Hao is the quickest to look inside the box his face turning into a grimace.
This arouses Tang Yuan's curiosity so he checks his box as well. What he found inside is very familiar to him to a degree. He could understand Tang Hao's grimace to a degree. Though Tang Yuan can't help, but be excited as well. The box held three pieces of Whale Rubber within a welcome occurrence.
Tang Xiao also checks his box with more patience than they do. His reaction is also the calmest of the three of them. While he knows the effects of Whale Rubber it is the least effective on him. He was already a Soul Emperor and not a new one either having been one for several years. He was only two or three levels away from becoming a Soul Sage.
Tang Yuan turned his attention back to the pieces in his box. The box was made so that it was divided in half, based on the potency likely. Two are kept divided by the third one showing the division. The first two he estimates to be centuries-old rubber. The other is perhaps nearly a thousand years old if not a thousand.
While such a piece would be extremely valuable in the far future. Now it is far less so as the secret of Whale Rubber remains a secret for now. How long that will remain the case is up for debate. After all, as the Clear Sky Clan takes more interest the others will take notice.
Tang Yuan places his hand on one of the pieces of glue. He makes use of his sensing skill to scan the pieces. Scanning them lightly with his Spiritual power. He cannot directly determine their age or potency yet. What he can do is determine their density to a degree.
Even if they are the same size on the surface the density and weight can reveal the difference. So long as the difference is at least a century the difference becomes noticeable. Beyond that, it becomes more difficult to estimate. Touching the first two pieces he can determine both are century pieces at least.
The other method is by the purity of the piece as best he can sense. The older the piece of Whale Rubber is the fewer impurities are present. Instead more of the rubber is in its place. This leads to the pieces having different levels of density.
The oldest piece he had used this technique on was a two-hundred-year-old piece. He compared it to a hundred-year price which helped him notice the difference. Touching these two pieces he can sense them being greater than those two centuries easily. Their proper age is difficult to estimate however.
He moves to the third piece now interested in the difference. However, upon touching it he is greeted with a small shock. The piece is incredibly different from the other two by a wide margin. It looked the same as theirs on the outside. Yet it was without a doubt denser, he could practically sense the energy in this one.
"Well crap," he says out loud in his realization. The impurities in this piece if they exist he can't find them. They have likely been reduced to the point that he is no longer able to sense them. The density of it is also greater in a very noticeable way.
Tang Yuan realizes that the others in the room are staring at him in question. He coughs slightly out of embarrassment for losing his composure. He points at the first two pieces first asking "Exactly how old are these two pieces?" he asks in a very particular tone.
It's Tang Zhang who answers the question. "The first is five hundred years, and the second is between seven and eight hundred," he says in response to his question. Though he is very curious about what caused Tang Yuan's reaction.
Tang Yuan then points to the third piece without speaking. Yet his meaning is clearly that of "and this one." Tang Zhang raises a brow slightly at this. "That one is from a 1,000-year Demonic Whale. Though it has decayed so its effects are weakened a bit. Is its effect too strong for you by your reckoning? Were we scammed by them in some way?"
Tang Yuan's eye twitches slightly at the thought. He laments to himself that this is bad fortune to be sure. Yet it's also good fortune as well. "I'm fairly certain that it is stronger than that in fact. The difference is extremely different from the century variant. I might be overestimating it, but I think it is far more powerful than a 1000-year piece."
Tang Yuan could not honestly tell if his suspicions were correct. Yet he feels like it is far from impossible. Hearing his words Tang Zhang is rather surprised. Those who had acquired it believed it to be a withered thousand-year piece. Especially with how the seller was selling it down.
He had thought that it was only a thousand-year piece himself. It did not seem like anything special from his view. Tang Chen moves over to view the piece of Whale Rubber. It was the first time he was viewing the piece, but on first glance, it does not seem like anything special.
Tang Yuan could not help but imagine the worst-case scenario. On one hand, this piece of Whale Rubber was a matter of fortune. Good luck managing to get something like this. Yet the truth makes it more along the lines of the opposite. What if he had not learned how to scan things with his Spiritual Energy?
He might have consumed it unaware, the result would be quite dangerous. Best best-case scenario was him going on an aphrodisiac-induced rampage. The worst would have been his death through the Whale Rubber. He would not be able to handle the strengthening of his body.
Tang Chen had examined the piece of rubber with his power. It was indeed majorly different from the thousand-year-old pieces in the other boxes. There was quite a bit more energy in this one than in the. The oldest and largest piece in Tang Xiao's box is 8,000 years old. Yet this smaller withered piece is by his reckoning is superior.
It brings to mind a problem that they had been dealing with. A lack of knowledge in not only Whale Rubber, but also other treasures of the sea. Among all the habits in Soul Land the Boundless Ocean is by far the largest. The mysteries in its depths are also the greatest and perhaps most dangerous.
Ever since Tang Yuan revealed the secret of Whale Rubber the clan had been active. They had been subtly spending more attention on the seas. Whale Rubber alone is a powerful treasure to a soul master. What else might there be in the Boundless Ocean? That question had begun to ring in their minds in recent years.
When the secret of Whale Rubber is eventually revealed, and it will be revealed. The sheer price of every piece of rubber is going to skyrocket. Acquiring it after that while possible will also require a lot more resources. Best to get a leg up while they can for the clan's promising disciples. Unfortunately, they have very little knowledge of the sea that is filled with dangers.
"I suppose I don't need to tell you that this is too dangerous for you to absorb right now Xiao Yuan." Tang Chen said. While considering further examination of all prices of Whale Rubber from now on. They also need to figure out how to examine them.
"I know, Father. Give it to Tang Xiao to use then," he said though he couldn't help feel a bit sad about the timing. He would love to absorb such a piece of Whale Rubber. It would definitely increase his absorption limit by quite a lot. Yet that is also impossible to do for now.
"Are you sure Little Uncle?" Tang Xiao asks his face showing his appreciation for the act. Yet it also shows his reluctance to accept it just as much. Not wanting to take advantage of his uncle's generosity, or harm his cultivation.
"You're the one who can use it best between the three of us. I can't use it yet for quite a while. Tang Hao is still in the early levels of Soul King. You are the one who's likely to get his spirit ring next so take it." Tang Yuan says laying down all the points in a very convincing tone.
So Tang Xiao takes the piece from him. Tang Xiao is certainly grateful for that gift. "Just help me out in the future." Tang Yuan tells him. This way the rubber will not gather dust waiting. Besides looking at that piece makes him think of what could have happened.
With that decision made Tang Yuan is the one to start processing the Whale Rubber first. For centuries prices all they need is a sufficiently strong heat source. Said strong source had already been set up beforehand. While it might be better to do this in another room. Best to do it under supervision when using the Whale Rubber.
The first pieces quickly begin to melt under the heat of a flame. Turning less solid with each moment exposed to flame. Then when it reaches the desired state Tang Yuan places it in his mouth. Swallowing it he settles into a meditation stance.
Tang Yuan begins to process the energy through his meditation. The 500-year-old piece was the strongest piece of Whale Rubber he had used. Yet it was not hard to process as he had experience in absorption. Once more he is stronger than the last time he used a piece. Compared to absorbing a soul ring this is relatively easy.
As a result, he quickly processes the first piece even faster than the first piece he ever consumed. That done he immediately begins to refine the second piece of rubber. This one is stronger than the first by more than two centuries. Absorbing it is more difficult than that gap shows.
It takes him quite a while to refine this second piece. The difference in the quality between them is simply that great. He finished refining the first in less than twenty minutes. On the other hand, the second piece requires double that time. Once more he feels the aphrodisiac effects strongly for a few minutes this time.
Even after he is done processing the Whale Rubber he does not stop meditating. He can feel that he has almost reached the limit. The Whale Rubber had caused his body to grow stronger than before. While absorbing it his energy had digested quite a lot. Plus his saturation limit had risen slightly by a certain amount.
Then he felt that feeling that he had come to look forward to. He reached the limit and broke through. His soul power had ranked up from level 19 to level 20. This day was filled with fortune it seems after all. The time had come to rise to the next level of development.
Opening his eyes he finds his family looking at him. His Father and Big Brother in particular look joyful. "Congratulations my son on your breakthrough to level 20." Tang Chen says with a hint of pride in his gaze.
A ring of congratulations rings out from those present in the room. Tang Hao laughs as he smacks Tang Yuan's back slightly. Now that he has broken through the time for a soul ring hunt has come. "Can we go with little Uncle to help him out Father, Grandfather?" Tang Hao asked both of them questioningly. Tang Xiao did not say anything, but it was clear he agreed.
Tang Yuan smiled slightly at their actions. It showed that his choice was a correct one in this situation. Already they hoped to help him out in the future. Though they might have wanted to do so anyway. Their relationship was now closer thanks to a gift. That is not something he will complain about.
Both of them will likely reach the Titled Douluo rank in the future. Having their help in the future would always be a good thing. Even if they share blood to ask for something for nothing would sit wrong. Both to him and perhaps them in the future. Debts are things that must be repaid for the scales to balance.
"Very well I have no complaints if Tang Yuan, or Father don't." Tang Zhang says directing the question to them. Tang Yuan quickly shakes his head in response. Tang Chen says "It will be a chance for the two to gather experience at the same time." he tells both of them.
With that, it was decided that it would be a four-man party. Tang Yuan accompanied by Tang Xiao and Tang Hao. With Tang Chen watching over the three of them as they travel. Their destination is the Golden Savanna residing in the western region. Situated near one of the extremes of the Endless Desert.
The time was the next day they had slept soundly. Like the last time by the time Tang Yuan had woken up. Everything had been prepared as they had needed. The Carriage stood waiting for its journey to their destination. It was just as packed as the last time he had gone to obtain a soul ring.
Tang Yuan was filled with excitement about the coming journey. The last one had been an enjoyable experience for him. The only matter was that his mother was not present this time. She was busy in Spirit City, though what she was doing was unknown to him. Yet that was only a small matter though he would miss her company.
This time like last time his father was coming with him. Once more he also had Tang Xiao and Tang Hao with him this time. So this trip was not short of company. He wonders if the two of them had any interesting experiences.
The three of them make idle conversation as they wait. The topic was the events of last night. Specifically how Tang Yuan had managed to break through. Tang Hao and Tang Xiao themselves did not have such extraordinary luck. Even as their pieces were so much older than his. They didn't even know Whale Rubber had such an effect.
In response to their talk, Tang Yuan responded with a negative answer "I don't think it really has that purpose myself either." Tang Yuan told them.
That caught their interest as Tang Yuan had broken through after consuming it. "Yet you broke through while consuming and processing it little uncle." Tang Hao asked with a small amount of puzzlement. The Whale Rubber should have played some part in that.
"It did play a role, but I was already close to a breakthrough. At most three weeks with a minimum of less than two. The Whale Rubber only shortened that distance by a wide margin. That and strengthened my physique by a good amount." Tang Yuan told them his theory about what happened.
He continues "Whale Rubber can have an effect on cultivation though. As it strengthens the physique it can slightly raise the cultivation rate. Allowing for the absorption of a measure more energy each day. As I have noticed, that amount is not an especially large increase." Tang Yuan revealed his observations of his own state.
The two brothers are curious about that aspect of consuming the Whale Rubber. They had not paid much attention to the aspect of it. Though their bodies had grown stronger from the consumption of the rubber. Especially Tang Xiao who had absorbed the ten thousand-year variant of it.
Yet Tang Hao was already a Spirit King who had absorbed a black ring. Tang Xiao had two such rings already. Thus the improvement was that of a percentage. Still, the improvement was noticeable to both of them. Considering their levels that was an incredible fact.
During the time of their conversation, final preparations had been completed. They boarded the carriage with anticipation. This time Tang Xiao had been given the reins of the carriage. Tang Yuan sat back in the carriage as Tang Hao sat beside him. He watched as his father took the seat across from them.
With that, they were off on a journey to obtain his second soul ring. The carriage begins to move on a similar path to last time. Yet this time the carriage is far more steady. Tang Yuan had been heavily motivated to create carriage suspension. Creating a simple version was easy enough, but the effects are highly noticeable.
He can see that much from Tang Hao's face. He is surprised that the journey is already so smooth. Especially on the rocky and uneven terrain surrounding the clan's headquarters. The modified carriage is just a massive quality-of-life aspect. At least when traveling in this world for lower-level individuals.
It will be a far longer trip this time around so Tang Yuan settles in. The Golden Savanna is far greater a distance from the clan compound. Still this time it would be far more comfortable than the last time. Still, Tang Yuan looks forward to exploring another part of this world. As well as advancing to the next stage as a soul master.