Tang San Leaves Home (Third Update)

"..."

Yu Xiaogang was speechless. Blue Silver Grass truly was far too weak. Even with his theories, they could only make Blue Silver Grass somewhat stronger in the early stages.

In fact, if Tang San had not somehow learned those techniques, his strength would have been much weaker now.

But could he really let Tang San add a Soul Ring to the Clear Sky Hammer now?

The answer was no!

Having Tang San wait until he broke through to Soul Emperor before absorbing Soul Rings for the Clear Sky Hammer was indeed Yu Xiaogang's idea, but it was also strongly recommended by Tang San's father, Tang Hao.

If he really had Tang San add a Soul Ring to the Clear Sky Hammer now just for the Elite Tournament, then when Tang Hao came looking for him afterward, he truly feared Tang Hao would hammer him to death.

Tang Hao was a ruthless man who had dared to kill the previous Pope of Spirit Hall. If he truly angered him, what was Yu Xiaogang worth?

Thus, Yu Xiaogang immediately rebuked him, "Tang San, are you refusing to listen to me now? Waiting until Blue Silver Grass reaches Soul Emperor was decided by your father and me. No matter what you say today, it cannot be changed!"

"But..."

"No buts!"

Tang San clenched his fists, feeling utterly unwilling, but he still forcibly suppressed the urge to argue back. Lowering his head, he said, "Yes, I understand, Teacher!"

Seeing Tang San abandon the thought of adding a Soul Ring to the Clear Sky Hammer, Yu Xiaogang finally revealed a faint smile. He patted Tang San's shoulder and spoke earnestly:

"Xiao San, in the future, you'll understand the painstaking intentions of your father and me. A Clear Sky Hammer with nothing but Ten Thousand Year Soul Rings is far beyond anything you can imagine now."

"Mm, I understand."

Tang San nodded, seeming to have given up on adding Soul Rings to the Clear Sky Hammer.

Seeing him like this, Yu Xiaogang was greatly relieved. He then waved Tang San away. "Alright, today's training is about to begin. Go train with the others."

At that, Tang San turned and left the room, beginning another day of training.

Just when Yu Xiaogang thought the matter had passed, Tang San vanished a few days later.

In a forest somewhere, beside a campfire, Tang San stroked the Hidden Weapons he had made and said, "I'm sorry, Teacher, but I must add Soul Rings to the Clear Sky Hammer."

Although Yu Xiaogang's arrangements made sense, Tang San knew well that if he truly followed Yu Xiaogang's plan and cultivated with Blue Silver Grass alone, it would be difficult for him to break through to Soul Emperor within ten years.

Even after what happened with Xiao Wu, when he and Tang Hao had fortunately seized the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well from Dugu Bo, the help of Immortal Herbs would not make much difference.

Cultivation after Soul King only became harder and harder. Many Soul Kings might not even advance one level in a year, let alone face the threshold of level sixty. Being stuck there for years was perfectly normal.

"Brother, the ball's carriage convoy has arrived!"

Outside Shui Wuchen's door, Shui Bing'er, dressed in a magnificent formal gown, knocked on his door.

"Click~"

After a moment, Shui Wuchen opened the door and stepped out. He had also changed into formal wear, making him seem somewhat more noble.

Given Shui Wuchen's temperament, he normally would not have attended such a ball. He might as well have spent the time cultivating.

However, this ball had been initiated by Xue Ye and hosted by Crown Prince Xue Beng. Shui Wuchen still had to show some respect to the two most powerful figures in the Heaven Dou Empire.

When they reached the courtyard outside Skywater Academy, several luxurious four-wheeled carriages made from ebony stood before Shui Wuchen.

After boarding, Shui Wuchen and Shui Bing'er saw Xuewu, Shui Yuer, and the others already inside. Led by the carriages, the group eventually stopped before a solemn castle.

This was one of the places within the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace specifically used for holding balls.

Shui Wuchen and Shui Bing'er walked together to the entrance and produced the invitation Xue Beng had given him earlier.

When the guard saw the invitation Shui Wuchen handed over, his expression immediately changed. He hurriedly gestured inside. "Viscount Shui Wuchen, Miss Shui Bing'er, this way, please!"

These were the Water Clan siblings who had shone so brilliantly today. Moreover, Shui Wuchen was favored by Xue Ye, and his future was limitless.

Shui Wuchen gave a slight nod before entering the castle with Shui Bing'er.

The moment they entered, a resplendent, golden grandeur washed over them. Quite a few people in the hall were already holding glasses of red wine and chatting. Some were students from the other academies in this Elite Tournament whom Shui Wuchen recognized, but far more were strangers to him.

Still, Shui Wuchen could roughly guess who they were. Most likely, they were nobles of the Heaven Dou Empire, and those able to attend this ball presumably held no low-ranking titles.

At that moment, a handsome man in a pale green formal suit embroidered with gold noticed Shui Wuchen's arrival and quickly approached him.

"I knew you would come."

Feng Xiaotian picked up a glass of red wine from the side and handed it to Shui Wuchen with a smile.

Shui Wuchen accepted the wine but did not drink it, as he rarely drank alcohol.

Seeing this, Shui Bing'er narrowed her eyes slightly. Was Feng Xiaotian clinging to her brother now? They had only met a few times, yet he was acting as though they were so close.

Feng Xiaotian then looked toward the center of the hall and casually said, "These are all influential figures of the Heaven Dou Empire, wielding considerable power, but they mean nothing to us."

Once a Soul Master reached Soul King, the influence of noble status and power began to diminish.

Other than wealth and luxury, these nobles found it difficult to provide the Soul Rings, Soul Bones, and various other treasures Soul Masters needed to raise their strength and rank.

And unless high-level Soul Masters had something wrong with their heads, they would never lack money, because earning it was truly easy for them.

On the contrary, these nobles would fawn over high-level Soul Masters and treat them as honored guests.

Of course, this was partly because high-level Soul Masters were powerful, but more importantly, Martial Souls could be inherited!

If a high-level Soul Master joined a noble family, the bloodline of the entire family would be elevated. It was a wonderful thing that would benefit generations to come.

Although noble families nowadays more or less possessed inherited Martial Souls, who would ever complain about having too many high-quality Martial Soul bloodlines?

What was more, many families' inherited Martial Souls were actually rather mediocre, because those who truly possessed exceptional Martial Souls had all established their own clans and sects, becoming independent.

For instance, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the Clear Sky Sect, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Though they remained courteous to these nobles on the surface, deep down, they did not think much of these aristocrats who merely coasted through life.

From that perspective, those with high-grade Martial Souls and powerful Innate Soul Power were the true nobles.

Just then, a commotion rose from the crowd. Shui Wuchen looked up to see a young man on the elevated platform, dressed in white formal attire, elegant in temperament and carrying a faint air of warmth and approachability.