Parents Depart

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

The brothers first went into the rooms on either side and completed the Forging Tasks they had each accepted the previous week.

As they grew more familiar with their Thousand Refinements Sinking Silver Hammers, completing Second Rank Forging Master 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 completing his Forging Task, Tang Wuyang counted his savings. Altogether, he had accumulated 320,000 Federation Coins.

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

Tang Wuyang carried the metals he had completed with Hundred Refinements Purification into the middle room one by one. Then he sat down on the floor and quietly stared blankly at them.

If he could earn more Federation Coins, could he buy Meal A? Meal A contained such rich nutrients; 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 see you again, right, Na'er?

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

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

Mang Tian wore an ordinary gray outfit and looked as though he had traveled through wind and dust.

"Teacher," Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin respectfully called out.

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

The two were long used to this. Every time Mang Tian came, he first inspected the finished products they had made to assess whether their Forging had improved.

The brothers followed him into the workshop. Mang Tian was currently turning over a piece of Rare Metal Tang Wuyang had just forged in his hand.

As they became increasingly familiar with the Forging Master Association's tasks, the Second Rank tasks they accepted had also become more difficult.

Tasks involving Hundred Refinements Purification of Rare Metal were already the highest-level tasks among Second Rank Forging Masters. Each time, they could earn more than 30,000 Federation Coins.

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

Given his strictness, words of praise like those were already the highest compliment he could offer.

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 on."

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

Mang Tian froze for a moment, then asked, "Why?"

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

Mang Tian looked at them and fell silent.

Tang Wuyang felt a little uneasy as he waited for his teacher's criticism.

Tang Wulin, standing beside him, also felt 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 profits from it, then save up to buy Soul Spirits."

Tang Wuyang added, "Also, we can eat better food at the academy. My appetite is too large, and the foods that are beneficial to the body cost so much..."

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

He sighed softly. "Perhaps I was wrong."

"Actually, when you completed Thousand Refinements Deep Sea Silver, you already possessed the qualifications of Third-Level Forging Masters."

"The reason I did not rush to make you Third-Level Forging Masters was, first, because I feared that the tallest tree in the forest would be struck by the wind. Second, I feared that you would become arrogant because of your talent and ruin your futures."

"But I forgot that whether one is a Soul Master or a Forging Master, cultivating toward higher levels requires a great deal of resources. And the only people you can rely on are yourselves. I was selfish."

The brothers both stared blankly at the still-sighing Mang Tian. Tang Wuyang hesitantly asked, "Teacher, does that mean you agree to let my 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 stop you from shining with the brilliance you deserve?"

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

Mang Tian's expression turned serious. "Don't celebrate yet. I must remind you that once you become Third-Level Forging Masters, you will have truly entered the world of Forging."

"I will have the association keep your identities secret for the time being. When you visit the association, you must also keep as low a profile as possible."

"You must not become complacent or arrogant because you have become Forging Masters. If I find out that you have, I will not let you off."

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

"Wulin, Wuyang, I have remained stuck at Level Six Forging Master and unable to enter the Saint Craftsman Level not because I have not worked hard enough, nor because I lack talent. It is because I do not possess enough Soul Power to support the Saint Craftsman Level."

"Over the past ten thousand years on Douluo Continent, Soul Tools have developed rapidly and become modernized. Gradually, the absolute advantage Soul Masters once possessed has disappeared."

"Even ordinary people can use the vast majority of Soul Tools and gain formidable combat power through them. Soul Tools have completely changed the entire continent."

"However, what I must tell you is that Douluo Continent was ultimately built upon Soul Masters."

"Therefore, no matter what profession it is, once it 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 at least Eight Ring strength and become a Soul Douluo before reaching that level."

"The same applies to us Forging Masters. Without the cultivation of a Seven Ring Martial Soul Avatar and a complete understanding of one's own Martial Soul, one cannot enter the Saint Craftsman Level. I am troubled by this very issue, and I will never become a Saint Craftsman in this lifetime."

"That is also why, after you came to Eastsea City, I did not make overly strict demands regarding your Forging. Instead, I hoped that you would improve your Soul Power Cultivation."

"Even if you possess inborn divine strength, once you reach the Level Five Master Craftsman Level, you will need 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 hurriedly agreed.

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

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

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

Mang Tian reached into his clothes, pulled out something resembling a letter, and handed it to them.

"I have one more matter to attend to this time. Give this letter to yourselves. Your father 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.

"Read it." 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. It bore their father's familiar handwriting.

"Wulin, Wuyang, my precious boys, by the time you receive this letter, your father and mother will already have gone somewhere very far away."

"Your father has always been selfish. For the sake of living a peaceful life myself, I made you suffer so much."

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

"That night, your father cried like a coward. Your father was useless and could not help you, making you learn Forging at such a young age."

"Although I do not regret that decision, I am sorry for making you suffer so much."

"Actually, your father is a Mecha designer. Years ago, because of a set of design blueprints, certain forces noticed me and wanted to control everything about me."

"Your father chose to run away. I took your mother and fled to Aolai City, where 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, your father is willing to return to his old profession."

"The four cards in the envelope—two are your identity cards, while the other two are bank cards accepted throughout the continent."

"They contain the settlement money given by the force that invited your father 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 your father can do for now. Once your father earns more money, I will deposit it into these two cards as well."

"Children, with your talent, you are destined to walk toward the peak. Do not look back. Keep moving forward."

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

"Your father believes that with your strength and abilities, you will certainly reach the peak."

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

"Your father knows your Soul Guidance Communication Numbers. Once we are settled, your father will contact you."

"Your father and mother love you. We will always love you."

Tang Wulin suddenly turned and charged 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 for the time being."

"Wulin, Wuyang, you must be strong!"

The two buried their faces against Mang Tian's shoulders and cried loudly.

Mang Tian only held their shoulders and did not offer much consolation. At a time like this, allowing them to vent was the best way to handle it.

After a while, Tang Wuyang raised a hand to wipe away the tears on his face and looked at Tang Wulin beside him. "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 you say when Na'er left that we had to become powerful Soul Masters before we could find her? Crying is useless!"

Tang Wulin looked at his younger brother, whose eyes were red and whose hands trembled slightly from clenching them too hard. His gaze became firm. He wiped away his tears and nodded.

Mang Tian also comforted 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 into this."

"However, his excellence also means that you do not need to worry about his safety. Yet the force capable of taking him away must be no ordinary one."

"So if you want to find them, you must become strong enough. Right now, you are still 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, 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, which represented their identities, would allow them to travel anywhere on the continent.

As for the two bank cards, at Tang Wuyang's insistence, they were both given to Tang Wulin to buy the spirit fruits and blood he needed.

"Wulin, Wuyang, what's wrong with you two?"

When they ate together that evening, Xie Xie and Gu Yue both noticed that something was off about the brothers' moods.

Although the two tried their best to hide it, the numbness and grief in their eyes were still obvious.

Tang Wuyang shook his head and pulled himself together. "We're fine. By the way, how did your investigation into Class One go?"

Tang Wulin also temporarily suppressed his sorrow and focused his attention on tomorrow's Promotion Tournament.

Gu Yue and Xie Xie exchanged a glance. Both wore grave expressions.

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

"Hm?" The brothers' attention immediately focused on Xie Xie.

They understood Xie Xie. He was usually extremely arrogant, so for him to say something like that, their opponents were undoubtedly difficult to handle.

Xie Xie explained, "Class One in our year is known as the strongest New Student Class in a century. No wonder the dean tossed me into Class Five without even blinking."

Tang Wulin asked, "The strongest new students?"

Tang Wuyang guessed, "How strong are they? Don't tell me all four of them are Two Ring Soul Masters?"

Xie Xie and Gu Yue looked at Tang Wuyang with identical surprise, then said in unison, "How did you know?"

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

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

"Also, the academy has just issued new rules for the Promotion Tournament. Each grade's Promotion Tournament can only be held within that grade; challenges across grades are no longer allowed. It is probably because of their class."

"The academy is clearly afraid their class will sweep through several higher grades and create a bad influence. Class One has now been assigned the strongest teaching staff as well. That shows how much the academy values them."

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

Tang Wulin's gaze stiffened. Their four opponents were all only One Ring.

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

The difference between One Ring and Two Rings was qualitative.

When the four had faced Guang Long, they had exhausted every effort. Tang Wuyang had even drawn upon the Golden Dragon King's power just to barely suppress him.

Now, they would have to face four Two Ring opponents at the same time. How were they supposed to fight a match like that?

Faced with such a situation, all four fell silent. Even Tang Wuyang's appetite was somewhat affected.

Just then, the academy broadcast sounded.

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

"The following is an emergency notice. According to information received from the meteorological department, a powerful typhoon will strike tonight. This typhoon is expected to last for more than a week."

"Therefore, over the next week, students are asked not to leave the academy casually. All academy classes are suspended, and the Promotion Tournament is suspended. Please remain in your dormitories and wait."

A typhoon?

Eastsea City bordered the sea, so typhoons were not uncommon.

What surprised the four was that the typhoon had appeared at precisely this time.

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

The four looked at one another. That meant they had an additional week to improve themselves and learn about their opponents.

But what could they do in a single week?

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

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

"Wuyang, where are you two going?" Gu Yue hurriedly asked.

Without turning back, Tang Wuyang said, "My brother and I have something to take care of. The typhoon is coming soon, so we need to deal with it."

With that, he pulled Tang Wulin out of the dining hall.

Watching their backs, Xie Xie asked Gu Yue beside him in confusion, "Why do I feel like something has been a little off with those two these past few days?"

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

Xie Xie angrily said, "Can you stop dragging me into it?"

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

Xie Xie turned 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 dining hall immediately focused on him.

"Uh..." Xie Xie suddenly accelerated and vanished from the dining hall in a flash.