The Body Sect and Tang San's Divine Soul

"It won't be long. Once you obtain your second soul ring, I shall awaken once more."

"I trust you understand that the path I have chosen for you is not the standard three-dantian soul core method used across the continent, correct?"

Lin Yuan nodded in agreement; if one were to follow the traditional three-dantian soul core method, it would be impossible to cram in five, or even four, soul cores.

Since his own Origin Fire—which could well be called such—was placed at the location of his heart, if he were to follow the Five Elements soul core route, the soul cores would most likely be positioned within his five internal organs.

Heart-fire, lung-metal, liver-wood, spleen-earth, kidney-water; this concept even existed on Blue Star, a world devoid of transcendent power.

"If conditions permit, I suggest you prioritize absorbing dragon-type soul beasts with high-purity five-element attributes for your first five soul rings."

The God of Destruction manipulated the Origin Fire at Lin Yuan's heart, and Lin Yuan felt his heart's pumping rate increase significantly.

"Of course, there is no need to force it. Once you obtain rare treasures later on, you can still make up for any deficiencies."

"The Origin Fire currently in your heart is a prime example; it is far too weak."

"Then, Master, do I need to make any further preparations for my soul cores?"

Lin Yuan had never considered condensing soul cores a simple task, especially since he intended to begin the process aggressively starting from his third ring.

"Naturally, you must temper your body. It would be best to cultivate some combat techniques for body refinement; that is a rigid requirement."

Lin Yuan gazed at the God of Destruction with eager eyes, hoping to beg for a combat method that might slip through his master's fingers.

"Don't even think about it. My super-divine artifact is a staff, and you can see for yourself that I am not adept at close-quarters combat. Furthermore, the melee techniques I possess are not well-suited to the rules and power systems of this world. If you practice them haphazardly and something goes wrong, there is nothing I can do."

"Alright," Lin Yuan said, feeling a bit deflated.

"However, your master can point you toward a promising path," the God of Destruction said, his tone carrying a hint of a smile.

"What kind of path?"

"I once had a very good relationship with an outstanding junior, and it was from him that I learned this method of soul cores," the God of Destruction said, his tone filled with nostalgia.

Lin Yuan immediately understood who the God of Destruction was talking about.

Who else could it be but Huo Yuhao—ah, no, Dai Yuhao?

"Master, you wouldn't be referring to the Body Sect, would you?"

The God of Destruction paused slightly, then said with surprise, "I didn't expect you to know so much, kid. I am becoming increasingly curious about what exactly is inside that brain of yours, considering you are a demon from beyond the heavens."

Lin Yuan was alarmed; this was a sign that he was about to have his memories pried into.

If the God of Destruction learned of his memories, it was hard to say what would happen, but it would certainly be incredibly troublesome.

Seeing the expression on Lin Yuan's face, the God of Destruction merely chuckled. "Kid, I'm teasing you. Everyone has their secrets. Since you are unwilling to speak, I will not force you to show me. Your nature is good, and I believe that one day, you will be willing to confess everything to me."

"...Master, my apologies."

"There is nothing to apologize for. Am I not also using you to exact my revenge?"

Lin Yuan patted his cheeks, putting away those complicated emotions.

"The Body Sect's combat techniques are indeed excellent, and their methods for tempering the body would be useful to me. But a sect like that shouldn't accept outsiders, right?"

"Then why not just take on another master? You already have me teaching you internal cultivation, and that little Title Douluo teaching you swordsmanship; what is the difficulty in apprenticing under another to learn combat techniques and body refinement?"

"But..." Lin Yuan wore a troubled expression.

Although Tang San had brought a relatively positive code of master-disciple ethics to this world, he had also brought some dross along with it.

On Douluo Continent, once a person apprenticed under a master, it was a lifelong commitment that was difficult to change.

If Lin Yuan were to do this, Cao Xin and Du Busi might understand, but the common people of the continent would surely point fingers at him.

"What is it?"

Lin Yuan froze, shook his head, and finally gave a self-deprecating smile.

"It's nothing, just thinking about some trivial matters."

What was he hesitating for?

Was his reputation really that important?

By the time he became the strongest, would he still care about what those people whispered behind his back?

By then, there would be plenty of scholars to interpret the scriptures in his favor. Du Busi would never refuse a disciple with truly superb talent.

Even if he couldn't enter the Body Sect's gates, he could serve as Du Busi's private disciple.

In this way, the Body Sect could also be tied to his warship, adding another layer of opportunity for him to defeat Tang San in the future.

Du Busi had no reason to pass up the chance to bind a future super-expert to the Body Sect. Showing his full potential was enough to make any faction invest heavily.

"Very well, I am going into slumber. I believe you will find a way to accomplish this."

"Understood. Farewell, Master."

Half a year later.

Heaven Dou Empire, Clear Sky Sect.

The atmosphere within the Clear Sky Sect was festive and harmonious; it had been a long time since they had felt this way.

The reason for this was that the little princess of their Clear Sky Sect was undergoing her martial soul awakening today, and to accommodate her temperament, everyone was uncharacteristically jubilant.

"Yay! I want to ride a big horse! Ride a big horse!" Dressed in a white dress, Wang Dong'er sat on Titan's shoulders, happily patting his head.

"Little Dong, could you please not be so mischievous? It hurts Second Uncle, you know," Niu Tian said helplessly from behind.

"Is that so?" Wang Dong'er touched her lower lip and turned her head, looking puzzled.

Watching Wang Dong'er's incredibly adorable expression, Niu Tian felt his heart melting.

"Not at all, Second Uncle is very strong." Titan bared his teeth in a grin and flexed his arm.

"Your Big Uncle is just jealous. Little Dong, do you like Big Uncle or Second Uncle more?"

"Second Uncle!" Wang Dong'er happily hugged the back of Titan's head, completely favoring him.

"You spoil the child too much," Niu Tian said helplessly.

"And what of it?" Titan shot a look of disdain at Niu Tian.

"Our little Dong is so cute, isn't she meant to be pampered? Besides..." Titan suddenly put away his carefree smile and looked into Niu Tian's eyes with an indescribable tone.

Niu Tian knew exactly what Titan meant; this adorable Wang Dong'er would sooner or later have to face her cruel fate.

All the two of them could do was try their best to make the child happy before she had to leave.

"Besides what?" Wang Dong'er looked curiously at the two men, who now wore dejected expressions, not understanding what had happened.

"Nothing, nothing at all. Just wondering what to have for dinner," Titan said, returning to his carefree smile.

"Little Dong, let Second Uncle take you to awaken your martial soul."

"Okay! Giddy-up!" Wang Dong'er rode her "big horse" Titan toward the awakening chamber.

During the martial soul awakening, a divine light descended from the high heavens, enveloping Wang Dong'er.

This was the great power of Tang Buddha Ancestor, bestowing upon Wang Dong'er the Radiant Goddess Butterfly, the Clear Sky Hammer, and the Sea God martial soul.

Beside this pillar of light, an imperceptible spatial rift opened.

A small ball of light, possessing power originating from the same source as the Sea God's divine light, drifted out quietly, unnoticed by anyone.