Cherish the Ones Before You
"These are two secret manuals from the Clear Sky Sect," Tang Hao said in a deep voice. "One is the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes, which are nine techniques for unleashing the power of the Clear Sky Hammer, each corresponding to a different fighting style. The other is the Great Sumeru Hammer, whose core essence is the Ring Detonation, a secret technique passed down through the Clear Sky Sect. I hope it can be passed down in your hands. This is also my last bit of compensation for my past neglect of you."
Tang San glanced at the two booklets, reached out and took them, then put them into his Storage Soul Tool.
Then he looked up at Tang Hao and instructed him, "The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum requires you to eat the stamen first, then the petals, and immediately begin cultivating on the spot after taking it."
Following Tang San's instructions, Tang Hao first plucked the flower's stamen and put it in his mouth. The stamen melted instantly upon entering his mouth, transforming into a warm current that flowed down his throat and into his stomach.
Then I plucked the petals and put them into my mouth one by one. The petals were sweet, with a hint of coolness.
Tang Hao felt the warm current spread from his abdomen, flowing to his limbs and bones, to every inch of muscle, bone and meridian.
He immediately sat down cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began his cultivation.
Soul Power circulated within the body, guiding the medicinal Soul Power of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum to permeate every corner of the body.
Tang San and Xiao Wu stood aside, watching quietly.
An hour later, Tang Hao opened his eyes.
The cloudiness in my eyes vanished, replaced by a clear, sharp light.
His aura surged once more, a powerful pressure emanating from his body, making the surrounding air seem heavy.
Her complexion had improved significantly; her pale skin had regained some color, her wrinkles seemed to have lessened, and she looked at least ten years younger.
Tang Hao stood up, stretched his shoulders, and his bones cracked. He looked down at his hands, clenched his fists, and then relaxed them.
Feeling the new and abundant power within him, Tang Hao's gaze fell on Tang San, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement. "I... I've completely healed all my hidden injuries. The old wounds accumulated over decades, the hidden ailments left by the Ring Detonation, have all disappeared. My physical strength has indeed increased significantly, and my Soul Power has broken through to level ninety-six."
Tang San nodded, his tone calm. "That's good, then let's part ways here."
After saying that, Tang San turned around, took Xiao Wu's hand, and walked towards Holy Soul Village without looking back.
Tang Hao stood there, watching Tang San and Xiao Wu's figures gradually disappear into the distance. He sighed softly, and then his eyes gradually hardened.
Before Tang San set off for the Strength Clan in Heaven Dou City, he first went to visit Old Jack.
Tang San had walked the road to Holy Soul Village countless times. But this time, walking on this road, Tang San felt differently.
When they arrived at Holy Soul Village, Old Jack had aged considerably. His back was more hunched, and he walked with a cane, taking small, hesitant steps. His eyesight was clouded, and he had to squint and get very close to see people clearly.
When Tang San entered Old Jack's yard, Old Jack was sitting on the threshold, basking in the sun, as usual. Hearing footsteps, Old Jack looked up, squinted for a while, and then recognized Tang San.
"Is it the Xiao San's back?" Old Jack's voice was a little hoarse.
Tang San knelt down and grasped Old Jack's calloused and age-spotted hand. "Grandpa Jack, I'm back."
Old Jack reached out his other hand and tremblingly patted Tang San's head.
"You've grown taller and stronger," Old Jack laughed. "Good, good!"
A wave of sadness washed over Tang San; he felt that he would probably never be able to return to Holy Soul Village again.
Even if he returns many years later, given Old Jack's age, he will probably no longer be alive.
Tang San chatted with Old Jack for a while longer, until the sun had moved from its zenith to the western hills. Then he stood up, took out a small bag of Gold Soul Coins, and placed it in Old Jack's hand, saying, "Grandpa Jack, I have to go now. Take care of yourself."
Old Jack understood Tang San's words, took the bag of Gold Soul Coins, and simply nodded and hummed in agreement.
As Tang San left Holy Soul Village, it was gradually getting dark. Night was about to fall, and a few lights began to appear in the village houses.
The two arrived at the small courtyard where they had lived in Nuoding City before. The familiar scene rushed towards them; more than a year had passed in the blink of an eye.
After a quick cleaning, I made the bed in the main room and laid out clean sheets and blankets.
The two decided to rest for the night and set off again the next day.
The air was slightly cool at night, carrying the refreshing crispness unique to autumn.
The sky was clear, without a single cloud, and filled with countless stars.
The two lay on a recliner in the courtyard, Xiao Wu nestled in Tang San's arms, gazing at the starry sky.
Xiao Wu suddenly asked, "Third Brother, are you really not going to avenge your mother?"
Tang San was silent for a moment, then spoke calmly and slowly, "In this world, Soul Masters and Soul Beasts are inherently opposed. Soul Masters who want to become powerful must hunt Soul Beasts to obtain Soul Rings. This is an unchangeable law of survival; there is no right or wrong in it."
He paused, then continued, "Not clinging to revenge doesn't mean forgetting, but rather cherishing those around me more. Mother is gone, and resurrecting her is something I must do, but revenge isn't. The Spirit Hall is too powerful, too powerful for one person to challenge. If revenge drags you into an extremely dangerous situation, then it's better not to seek revenge at all."
Tang San lowered his head and looked at Xiao Wu in his arms. Xiao Wu was looking up at him. Their eyes met for a moment, Xiao Wu's eyelashes trembled, and then she gently closed her eyes and kissed Tang San's lips.
Tang San's hand slid to the back of Xiao Wu's head, his fingers running through her long, smooth hair, gently pressing and responding to her Xiao Wu.
After a long while, their lips parted.
Looking into Xiao Wu's big, watery eyes, her cheeks still flushed slightly, Tang San felt all the blood rushing to his head, like a volcano about to erupt. He swept Xiao Wu up in his arms and carried her into the bedroom.
Nothing more was said that night.
The next morning, the two got dressed, tidied themselves up quickly, and then went out.
Tang San rented a carriage at a carriage rental shop, and the carriage rumbled out of the city gate of Nuoding City, heading towards Heaven Dou City.
On the other side, Shrek Academy.
Just a month ago, Shrek Academy also welcomed a familiar face: Qin Ming.
Qin Ming is a graduate of the Shrek Academy and is known as the second youngest Soul Emperor in the Douluo Continent. He currently serves as the team leader and instructor of the first team of the Heaven Dou Royal Team at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, responsible for training the most elite young Soul Masters in the Heaven Dou Empire.
The purpose of this trip to Suotuo City is to lead the first team of the Heaven Dou Royal Team on a training exercise for their Soul Fighting.
Due to Tang San and Xiao Wu's leave of absence, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun's recent severe injuries, Shrek Academy couldn't gather enough fighters and therefore did not participate in the Soul Fighting match with the Imperial Fighting Team.
But Qin Ming still came to visit Flender.
When the topic of the Soul Master Tournament came up, Flender recalled Tang San's parting words, and also mentioned that Shrek Academy's funds had run out and it could no longer continue operating.
He informed Qin Ming of the situation.
Qin Ming readily agreed that he could recommend Shrek Academy to join the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and that he could persuade the three education committee members to agree to participate in the Soul Master Tournament under the name of Shrek.
Flender happily agreed, then disbanded Shrek Academy and led all the teachers and students of Shrek to Heaven Dou City immediately.