Tang San's Schemes, The Golden Spatula Conspiracy

Behind Shrek Academy, the laughter of the master and his disciples echoed in the sunset.

Yi Chen guided Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu in adjusting their team composition, occasionally pointing out flaws in their positioning. The two girls listened intently, occasionally raising their own questions. Everything seemed peaceful and beautiful.

However, in Soto City outside Shrek Academy, a different scene was unfolding.

Inside a private room on the second floor of the Wantong Hotel, candlelight flickered, casting swaying shadows against the walls.

The food and wine on the table had long since gone cold, and no one had touched their chopsticks. A stifling silence hung in the air, like the calm before a storm.

Tang San sat at the head of the table, his hands clasped together on the surface, his gaze sweeping calmly over the few people present. Sitting opposite him were three individuals of vastly different backgrounds.

In the center sat a burly middle-aged man with a thick-set frame, a face full of flesh, and crisscrossing scars covering his exposed forearms.

He was Xiong Lie, leader of the "Fierce Tiger Mercenary Group," the largest mercenary organization in Soto City. A level 56 power-attack battle soul king, his martial soul was a Crimson Flame Tiger, and he held a fearsome reputation in the southern part of the city.

To the left was an elderly man dressed in luxurious robes, wearing several gemstone rings on his fingers and a jade thumb ring, clearly a man of wealth and privilege.

He was Li Fuyuan, proprietor of the "Wantong Trading Firm," the largest merchant house in Soto City. His business spanned several major cities in the southern Heaven Dou Empire, and he possessed extensive connections and access to information.

To the right sat a middle-aged scholar in the green official robes of the Heaven Dou Empire. He had a thin face, a long beard, and a steady, reserved gaze.

He was Zheng Mingyuan, the deputy commissioner of the tax bureau stationed in Soto City by the Heaven Dou Empire. Though his rank was not high, he oversaw regional taxation and was extremely sensitive to commercial trends in every city.

These three were people Tang San had contacted through various channels over the past few days. They held significant influence in Soto City and even the southern Heaven Dou Empire, and more importantly, they all harbored varying degrees of doubt and wariness toward the "Battle of the Golden Spatula," which had recently swept across the continent.

"Young Master Tang, you invited us to this place saying you had important matters to discuss. Now that everyone is here, can you speak?"

Xiong Lie spoke first, his voice rough and tinged with the impatience of one who had spent years licking blood off a blade. He drained his wine cup in one gulp, wiped the stains from his mouth, and stared straight at Tang San.

Tang San did not rush to answer. Instead, he picked up his own cup, took a light sip, and set it down. His movements were unhurried, as if he were deliberately setting a rhythm.

"There is no need for such impatience, Commander Xiong." Tang San set down his cup and looked at the three men with a calm gaze. "Before I speak of the main matter, I would like to ask you all a question: how much do you know about the Battle of the Golden Spatula, which has become so popular on the continent recently?"

The three exchanged glances.

Li Fuyuan stroked his beard and spoke first: "Naturally, I know of it. This game has become very popular lately; many of the clerks and clients in my firm are playing it.

It is said that Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect are pushing it behind the scenes, and even Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo of Heaven Dou City, has publicly stood in support of it.

Although I am old and do not touch these newfangled things, I have heard that this game is quite interesting, allowing ordinary people to experience the joy of soul master battles."

Zheng Mingyuan also nodded and interjected: "This official has also heard of it. Since its inception, the Battle of the Golden Spatula has spread at an astonishing speed, sweeping through several major cities in just over a month.

As far as I know, Golden Spatula Pavilions have already been built in Spirit City, Heaven Dou City, and even within the territory of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. They are bustling with people every day, a spectacle unprecedented."

Xiong Lie snorted and said in a muffled voice: "I've heard of it too. A few of my subordinates play it every day, even neglecting their training.

I've scolded them several times, but I can't control them. This thing is like an addiction; once they touch it, they can't put it down."

After listening to the three, Tang San's lips curled into a faint arc, but there was no warmth in his eyes.

"You have all seen only the glorious side of the Golden Spatula, but you have failed to see the crisis hidden behind it."

His voice dropped, carrying a deliberate gravity.

"If I told you that the founder of this game, Yi Chen, is plotting a conspiracy to subvert the existing order of the Douluo Continent, would you believe me?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the air in the room seemed to freeze instantly.

Xiong Lie's hand, holding his wine, stopped in mid-air; Li Fuyuan's hand, stroking his beard, stiffened; and Zheng Mingyuan's expression turned solemn. The three exchanged glances, seeing shock and suspicion in each other's eyes.

"Young Master Tang, such words cannot be spoken lightly."

Zheng Mingyuan spoke first, his tone cautious.

He lowered his hands from his sleeves, leaned forward slightly, and looked straight at Tang San: "This official has also heard of this Yi Chen. He is an honorary elder of Spirit Hall and is said to be a powerhouse at the Title Douluo level.

The Battle of the Golden Spatula he promotes, while only a game, has indeed been welcomed by the masses and soul masters alike. Do you have any concrete evidence that he intends to subvert the order of the continent?"

"Evidence? I will naturally provide it. But before that, I would like to ask you all to consider one question."

Tang San's gaze sharpened, and his voice rose slightly.

"If the Battle of the Golden Spatula truly becomes widespread, what kind of impact will it have on the continent?"

He paused, and without waiting for their answer, he continued: "The traditional soul master cultivation system relies on talent, hard work, and opportunity.

Soul masters need to hunt soul beasts to obtain soul rings, improve their strength through day-after-day of arduous training, and hone their combat skills through life-and-death struggles.

This process is arduous, but at least it is fair. Those with high talent advance quickly, and those with low talent advance slowly, but as long as one is willing to work hard, there is always a chance to stand out. For thousands of years, this system has supported the power structure of the Douluo Continent."

His tone shifted abruptly, becoming low and cold.

"And what about the Battle of the Golden Spatula? It uses a seemingly fair game mechanic that allows players to gain soul power, soul rings, and even soul bones just by playing chess.

What does this mean? It means that those with mediocre talent who are unwilling to suffer can easily obtain the resources that traditional soul masters have to risk their lives to acquire.

If this continues, who will still be willing to work hard to cultivate? Who will still risk their lives to hunt soul beasts?"

Xiong Lie's brow furrowed deeper and deeper. He was a Soul King and knew the difficulty of cultivation. His current strength was earned through decades of bitter training and countless life-and-death battles.

If, as Tang San said, one could obtain the same power just by playing a game, then what was his blood and sweat over the years worth?

"So that's it..." Xiong Lie said slowly, his voice heavy. "This game is indeed sinister. If everyone goes to play chess, who will still be willing to risk their lives to cultivate?"

"The problem goes far beyond that."

Tang San shook his head and continued: "Behind the promotion of the Battle of the Golden Spatula, there is support from multiple forces, including Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and the Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo."

These factions encompass nearly all the top-tier power on the continent. Once Battle of the Golden Spatula is fully popularized, all player data and information will be held in the hands of Yi Chen alone.

His gaze turned icy, his voice carrying a hint of chill.

"By then, every soul master on the entire continent will be played like a puppet in his palm. Whoever he wants to become strong, will become strong.

Whoever he wants to fall to the bottom, will fall to the bottom. Everyone, think about it—is this the future you want?"

The private room fell into a long silence.

Candlelight flickered within the lampshades, casting shifting shadows of light and dark across everyone's faces. Li Fuyuan kept his head lowered, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the tabletop, producing a steady thud-thud sound.

Zheng Mingyuan tucked his hands back into his sleeves, his brows tightly furrowed, his gaze flickering with uncertainty. Xiong Lie slammed a fist against his own thigh, letting out a muffled thud.

"Young Master Tang San's analysis certainly holds some truth."

Zheng Mingyuan finally spoke, his voice heavy with gravity. He raised his head, locking eyes with Tang San. "But all of this is merely speculation; there is no substantive evidence. Furthermore, this Yi Chen possesses unfathomable strength and has Spirit Hall backing him. Even if we know he is problematic, what can we do?"

"Evidence will come."

A subtle, imperceptible curve tugged at the corner of Tang San's mouth, as if everything were already within his grasp.

"As for how to respond, we need to unite every force that can be united and deliver a fatal blow at the opportune moment. But before that, we need to let more people see his true face."

He extended a finger and tapped lightly on the table, his gaze sweeping over the three men present.

"Gentlemen, for the sake of the future of Douluo Continent, I hope you can do one thing for me."

"What thing?" Xiong Lie asked.

"Spread this message."

Tang San spoke each word clearly; his voice was not loud, yet it carried an unquestionable power.

"There is no need to embellish or exaggerate. You only need to objectively tell the people you can reach about the potential consequences of Battle of the Golden Spatula.

Mercenaries, merchants, officials, commoners... let more and more people begin to think and question. When the voices of doubt become loud enough, even if Yi Chen has heaven-defying abilities, he will not be able to silence the mouths of the world."

Li Fuyuan pondered for a moment and nodded slowly. "This old man can do it. Wantong Trading Firm has branches in several major cities in the southern Heaven Dou Empire, so passing on information is quite convenient."

Zheng Mingyuan also nodded. "This official can also blow some wind among my colleagues in the bureaucracy. However, this matter must be handled discreetly; no word must leak out."

Xiong Lie slapped the table and said in a muffled, gruff voice, "This old bear doesn't understand all those twists and turns, but I know that if this game is really as Young Master Tang San says, then it's definitely no good thing. I'll have my brothers keep an eye out, and if there's any movement, I'll notify you immediately."

Tang San watched as the three men expressed their stances one after another, feeling a secret sense of relief. He raised his wine cup, signaling to the three. "Many thanks to you all for your righteousness. For the future of Douluo Continent, let us drink to this."

The four men raised their cups and drained them in one go.

The night grew deeper.

The three men departed one after another, leaving Tang San alone in the private room. He stood by the window and pushed it open; the night wind rushed in, carrying a chill that stirred his hair and robes.

He gazed toward the direction of Shrek Academy, his eyes deep and complex.

There, he had his companions, those he had once trusted, and also his greatest opponent today.

Yi Chen...

He recited the name in his heart, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the window frame.

One day, I will expose your true face.

The night wind blew past, carrying away his whisper and the secrets of this night.

Back at the rear mountain of Shrek Academy, Yi Chen sat cross-legged beneath an ancient tree, eyes closed in meditation. The night breeze brushed his robes, and the moonlight carved a cold, sharp outline onto his handsome profile.

He slowly opened his eyes, gazing toward the direction of Soto City, a meaningful curve tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"The little one has started to move, has he..."

He whispered to himself, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.

"Very well. Let me see just how large a wave you can stir up."

Having said this, he closed his eyes once more, as if nothing had happened at all.