Parents Leave

When Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin arrived at the workshop, Mang Tian had not yet arrived.

The brothers each entered one of the rooms on either side and completed the Forging Tasks they had accepted the previous week.

As they became more familiar with their Thousand Refinements Sinking Silver Hammers, completing Second Rank tasks had become quite easy for them. So far, they had never produced a defective item.

With their improved efficiency, they could now each accept two tasks and earn more Federation Coins. Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin both kept their savings in their respective Forging Rooms.

After finishing his Forging Task, Tang Wuyang counted his savings. Altogether, he had accumulated 320,000 Federation Coins in scattered amounts.

Although he did not know how much his older brother needed in total, once they both started accepting Third-Level tasks, they should be able to gather enough soon.

After carrying the metals he had completed Hundred Refinements Purification on into the central room one by one, Tang Wuyang sat down on the floor and stared blankly at them.

If he could earn more Federation Coins, could he buy Meal A? Meal A contained such abundant nutrition that it should help him draw out the seal, right?

As long as I keep working hard and becoming stronger, one day I'll be able to reunite with you, right, Na'er?

Lost in his thoughts, Tang Wuyang did not notice that Tang Wulin had already carried over the metals he had finished as well.

Suddenly, the sound of a door opening came from outside, instantly snapping Tang Wuyang back to his senses. He and Tang Wulin went out to greet the visitor.

Mang Tian wore an ordinary gray outfit and looked somewhat travel-worn.

"Teacher." Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin hurriedly greeted him respectfully.

"Mm." Mang Tian responded, took off his coat, and walked inside.

The two had long since grown used to this. Every time Mang Tian came, he first inspected their finished products to see whether their Forging had improved.

The brothers followed him into the workshop. Mang Tian was playing with a Rare Metal Tang Wuyang had just forged.

As they became increasingly familiar with the Forging Master Association's tasks, the Second Rank tasks they accepted grew more difficult as well.

Tasks involving Hundred Refinements Purification of Rare Metals like this were already the highest-level tasks for Second Rank Forging Masters. Each time, they could earn more than Thirty Thousand Federation Coins.

"Mm, not bad. The purification was very thorough." Mang Tian nodded.

Given his strictness, words of praise like that were already the utmost compliment.

Tang Wuyang scratched his head. "Thank you for the praise, Teacher."

Mang Tian said, "Didn't you have something you wanted to tell me? Go ahead."

Gathering his courage, Tang Wulin said, "Teacher, we would like to apply for the Third-Level Forging Master assessment."

Mang Tian paused, then asked, "Why?"

Tang Wuyang answered, "My brother and I both need more money to improve ourselves."

Mang Tian looked at them in silence.

Tang Wuyang felt somewhat uneasy as he waited for his teacher's reprimand.

Tang Wulin, standing beside him, felt just as uncomfortable.

"How will you improve yourselves?" Mang Tian asked again after a long silence.

Tang Wulin said, "Wuyang and I want to practice Thousand Forging more and earn better returns from it, then save money to buy Soul Spirits."

Tang Wuyang added, "And we can eat better food at the academy. My appetite is too large, and those foods that are good for the body cost so much..."

Mang Tian looked at his two disciples, who seemed to have grown taller over the past few months. The light in his eyes gradually softened.

He sighed softly. "Perhaps I was wrong."

"In truth, when you completed Thousand Refinements Deep Sea Silver, you already qualified as Third-Level Forging Masters."

"The reason I did not rush to make you Third-Level Forging Masters was partly because I feared that The tree that stands out in the forest would be destroyed by the wind, and partly because I feared you would become arrogant because of your own Talent and ruin your futures."

"But I forgot that whether one is a Soul Master or a Forging Master, advancing to higher levels requires a great deal of resources. You only have yourselves to rely on. I was being selfish."

The brothers stared blankly at the still-reflective Mang Tian. Tang Wuyang hesitantly asked, "Teacher, does that mean you agree to let my older brother and me take the Third-Level Forging Master assessment?"

Mang Tian nodded. "Take it. Since my two disciples are already peerless geniuses in the Forging World, what reason is there to prevent you from shining as you should?"

Having received their teacher's permission, the brothers were overjoyed. "Thank you, Teacher! Thank you, Teacher!"

Mang Tian's expression turned stern as he said seriously, "Don't celebrate just yet. I must remind you that after becoming Third-Level Forging Masters, you will have truly entered the Forging World."

"I will have the association keep your identities confidential for now. When you go to the association, you must also keep as low a profile as possible."

"Do not become complacent or arrogant because you have become Forging Masters. If I find out you have, I will not spare you."

"Yes, Teacher!" Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin hurriedly replied respectfully in unison.

"Wulin, Wuyang, I have remained stuck at Level Six Forging Master and cannot advance to Saint Craftsman Level not because I have not worked hard enough, nor because my Talent is lacking, but because I do not possess enough Soul Power to support Saint Craftsman Level."

"Over the past ten thousand years on Douluo Continent, Soul Tools have rapidly developed into modern technology. Gradually, the absolute advantage Soul Masters once held has disappeared."

"Even Ordinary people can use most Soul Tools and gain formidable Combat Power by relying on them. Soul Tools have completely changed the entire continent."

"However, what I must tell you is that Douluo Continent ultimately developed on the foundation of Soul Masters."

"Therefore, regardless of one's profession, once one reaches the highest levels, Soul Power and Soul Master rank will still play a decisive role."

"For example, a God-level Mecha Master must possess the strength of Eight Rings or above. One must at least become a Soul Douluo to reach that level."

"The same applies to Forging Masters. Without a Seven Ring Martial Soul Avatar and the cultivation to thoroughly comprehend one's own Martial Soul, one cannot enter the Saint Craftsman level. I am troubled by precisely this issue, and I will never become a Saint Craftsman in this lifetime."

"That is why, after you came to Eastsea City, I was not particularly strict with your Forging. Instead, I hoped that you could improve your Soul Power Cultivation."

"Even if you possess Innate Superhuman Strength, once you reach Level Five Master Craftsman Level, you will still require powerful Spirit Power and Soul Power to support you."

"So you must cultivate diligently. Do not be stingy with money. Eat more of the academy's foods that benefit cultivation."

"Yes!" The two quickly answered.

Mang Tian rarely said so much to them. Seeing the reflection in their teacher's eyes, along with the fleeting sorrow, Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin both felt their hearts tighten slightly.

Though they were still young, at least for now, their Soul Power Cultivation lagged behind that of their peers. Becoming powerful Soul Masters would not be easy.

To catch up, the brothers could only put in even greater effort.

Mang Tian reached into his clothes, took out something resembling an envelope, and handed it to them.

"I have one more matter to attend to this time. Give you this letter. Your Dad wrote it for you."

"Ah? Why didn't Dad use Soul Guidance Communication to call us?" Tang Wuyang asked in confusion.

Busy cultivating and improving themselves every day, the brothers had last contacted home more than a week ago.

"Take a look." Mang Tian looked at them meaningfully and nodded.

The brothers seemed to sense something. They hurriedly opened the envelope.

Inside were four cards and a letter.

Tang Wuyang held the four cards as he and Tang Wulin looked at the letter. The familiar handwriting of their father was written across it.

"Wulin, Wuyang, my treasures, by the time you receive this letter, Dad and Mom will already have gone somewhere very far away."

"Dad has always been selfish. In order to live a peaceful life, I made you suffer so much."

"Even the Soul Spirits you had always looked forward to could only be chosen by luck, forcing you to choose the two worst Random Soul Spirits."

"That night, Dad cried like a failure. Dad was incapable of helping you, forcing you to start learning Forging at such a young age."

"Although I do not regret that matter, I am sorry that I made you suffer so much."

"In truth, Dad is a Mecha Designer. Years ago, some Factions noticed me because of a Design Blueprint and wanted to control everything about me."

"Dad chose to run away. I brought your Mom to Aolai City, and from then on, we lived in seclusion as Ordinary people."

"But now it seems that the life of an ordinary person does not suit me. For your sake, Dad is willing to return to my old profession."

"The four cards in the envelope: two are your Identity Cards, and the other two are bank cards accepted across the Entire Continent."

"They contain the Settlement Fee given by the faction that invited Dad to work as a designer. There is one million in each card, just enough for each of you to buy a Century Soul Spirit."

"This is all Dad can do for now. Once Dad earns more money, I will deposit it into your two cards as well."

"Children, with your Talent, you are destined to reach the peak. Do not look back. Keep moving forward."

"Remember what Dad said: in this world, the only people you can rely on are yourselves."

"Dad believes that with your resilience and ability, you will surely reach the peak."

"Do not look for us. Until we confirm that it is absolutely safe, we will not contact you."

"Dad knows your Soul Guidance Communication Numbers. Once we have settled down, Dad will contact you."

"Dad and Mom love you. We will always love you."

Tang Wulin suddenly turned and rushed outside, shouting, "Dad! Mom!"

Tang Wuyang stood there blankly, two trails of tears running down his cheeks.

Mang Tian opened his arms and caught one boy in each hand. "They are fine. They are only leaving temporarily."

"Wulin, Wuyang, you must be strong!"

The two buried themselves against Mang Tian's shoulders and burst into loud sobs.

Mang Tian merely held their shoulders without offering too much consolation. At a time like this, allowing them to vent was the best response.

After a while, Tang Wuyang raised a hand and wiped away the tears on his face. Looking at Tang Wulin beside him, he said, "Older brother, stop crying!"

Tang Wulin was startled by Tang Wuyang's almost scolding tone. He raised his head and stared at him blankly.

Tang Wuyang pressed his lips together. "Didn't Older brother say when Na'er left that we had to become powerful Soul Masters before we could find Na'er? Crying is useless!"

Tang Wulin looked at his younger brother, whose eye circles were red and whose hands trembled faintly from exertion. His gaze became resolute. He wiped away his tears and nodded.

Mang Tian consoled them at the right moment. "Wuyang is right. If you want to find them, you must first become stronger yourselves."

"Your father is an outstanding Mecha Designer. But it was precisely because he was too outstanding that others forced him away."

"However, his excellence also means you need not worry about his safety. But the faction capable of taking him away must be no small matter."

"Therefore, if you want to find them, you must become strong enough. As you are now, you are far too weak."

After venting their emotions, the two gradually calmed down.

Although their Parents had left, at least they still had each other by their sides.

After explaining some precautions regarding Thousand Forging to them, Mang Tian left.

Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin did not linger in the workshop either and returned directly to the academy.

Each of their Storage Rings now held two additional cards. The Identity Cards representing their identities would allow them to travel anywhere on the continent.

As for the two bank cards, Tang Wuyang insisted that they all be kept with Tang Wulin to purchase the spirit fruits and blood he needed.

"Wulin, Wuyang, what is wrong with you two?"

When they ate together that evening, Xie Xie and Gu Yue both noticed something wrong with the brothers' moods.

Although they tried hard to hide it, the dullness and sorrow in their eyes were still obvious.

Tang Wuyang shook his head, forced himself to perk up, and asked, "We're okay. By the way, how did your investigation into Class One go?"

Tang Wulin temporarily suppressed his grief as well and focused his attention on tomorrow's Promotion Tournament.

Gu Yue and Xie Xie exchanged glances, their faces both grave.

Xie Xie said in a low voice, "We're in trouble."

"Mm?" The brothers immediately focused their attention on Xie Xie.

They understood Xie Xie. This guy was usually extremely proud, so for him to say something like that, their opponents were undoubtedly difficult to deal with.

Xie Xie explained, "Class One in our year is known as the strongest New Student Class in a hundred years. No wonder the Director of Teaching threw me into Class Five without even blinking."

Tang Wulin said, "The strongest new students?"

Tang Wuyang guessed, "How strong are they? Could it be that all four are Two Ring Soul Masters?"

Xie Xie and Gu Yue looked at Tang Wuyang with the same astonished expressions and said with one voice, "How did you know?"

Tang Wulin was equally shocked. "No way! Four Two Rings? Are they really new students?"

Gu Yue said, "Absolutely genuine. This battle will not be easy for us."

"Moreover, the academy has just announced new Promotion Tournament rules. Each grade's Promotion Tournament can only be held within that grade; no more challenging higher grades. It is probably because of their class."

"The academy clearly fears their class will sweep through several grades above them and create a bad Influence. Class One has now been assigned the strongest teaching staff, showing just how much the academy values them."

"I heard the academy is even considering letting them skip grades!"

Tang Wulin's gaze froze slightly. The four of them only had One Ring each.

Although Xie Xie and he both possessed Twin Martial Souls, and Gu Yue and Wuyang were also extraordinary One-Ring Soul Masters, no matter how strong the four of them were, they only had One Ring!

The gap between One Ring and Two Rings was qualitative.

When the four of them had faced Guang Long, they had gone all out. Tang Wuyang had even drawn upon the Golden Dragon King's power just to barely suppress him.

Now they had to face four Two Ring opponents at once. How were they supposed to fight such a match?

Faced with this situation, the four fell silent. Even Tang Wuyang's appetite was affected somewhat.

Just then, the academy broadcast sounded.

"Attention, teachers and students. Attention, teachers and students."

"We will now broadcast an emergency notice. According to information received from the Meteorological Department, a powerful typhoon will strike tonight. This powerful typhoon is expected to last for more than a week."

"Therefore, over the next week, students are requested not to leave the academy lightly. All academy classes will be suspended, and the Promotion Tournament will be suspended. Please wait in your Dormitories."

A typhoon?

Eastsea City bordered the sea, so being struck by typhoons was common enough.

What surprised the four was that a typhoon would arrive at precisely this time.

What concerned Tang Wuyang most was that final sentence: the Promotion Tournament would be suspended for a week.

The four looked at one another. This meant they had gained an extra week to improve themselves and understand their opponents.

But what could they do in just one week?

Even Xie Xie, who was closest to Two Rings, could not possibly raise his cultivation to Two Rings in a week!

Tang Wuyang's eyes suddenly went blank. He abruptly stood up, grabbed Tang Wulin, and ran outside.

"Wuyang, where are you going?" Gu Yue hurriedly called after them.

Without looking back, Tang Wuyang said, "My older brother and I have something to take care of. The typhoon is about to arrive, so we need to handle it."

With that, he dragged Tang Wulin out of the canteen.

Watching their retreating figures, Xie Xie asked Gu Yue beside him in confusion, "Why do I feel like the two of them have been a little off these past few days?"

Gu Yue said, "A little, perhaps. But they are not you. They are much steadier than you and will adjust."

Xie Xie snapped, "Can you stop dragging me into this?"

Gu Yue replied leisurely, "No. Isn't it the truth?"

Xie Xie turned his head away. "Hmph, I won't argue with a woman."

His voice was a little loud, and the gazes of the other Intermediate Department students eating in the canteen instantly focused on him.

"Uh..." Xie Xie suddenly sped up and vanished from the canteen in a flash.