Tang San

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Tang Sect Origins

In his previous life, Tang San was an orphan raised by a Tang Sect elder and became an Outer Sect disciple. Believing the sect had limited his potential, he stole its Inner Sect ultimate arts, forming the basis of the concealed weapons and cultivation methods he later uses. 90

Notting City Junior Soul Master Academy

Tang San enters Notting City Junior Soul Master Academy as a work-study student. He becomes deeply attached to Yu Xiaogang after the latter provides him with bedding and presents himself as a considerate mentor. When Tang San learns that Lu Shi exchanged knowledge with Yu Xiaogang, Yu conceals the source of his ideas and wins Tang San’s renewed trust through a speech about humility, eagerness to learn, and honesty. 4 6

Following Yu Xiaogang’s poison-focused cultivation plan, Tang San hunts a Bamboo Leaf Green for his first Soul Ring. He personally kills the snake and gains Entangling, a Blue Silver Grass restraint skill that carries a small amount of venom. The apparent success convinces Tang San, Tang Hao, and Yu Xiaogang that the planned path is correct. 6

Tang San later absorbs a 500-year Bone-Eroding Poison Snake as his second Soul Ring. Although the ring grants corrosive poison and leaves his Martial Soul intact, the repeated poison-attributed rings permanently alter his body: he becomes short, dark-skinned, swollen-faced, and stocky. He accepts these consequences because he believes power and Yu Xiaogang’s eventual vindication matter more than his appearance. 14

Shrek Academy

At Shrek’s entrance examination, Tang San is mistaken for a much older applicant because of his altered appearance. He proves that he is twelve years old and possesses two Soul Rings, then later demonstrates level-29 Soul Power to justify skipping directly to the fourth test. 18 19

During the fourth test against Zhao Wuji, Tang San uses Blue Silver Grass, poison, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, Controlling Crane Capturing Dragon, and concealed weapons. His efforts fail to overcome Zhao Wuji’s full strength, and he is struck unconscious. 22

Tang San’s jealousy of Lu Shi repeatedly affects his actions at Shrek. He resents Xiao Wu’s attachment to Lu Shi, fears being displaced as the person closest to her, and seeks opportunities to prove that his own strength and Tang Sect techniques are superior. 20 22

Star Dou Forest Expedition

When Shrek captures a Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent for Oscar, Tang San volunteers to represent the group in a duel against Meng Yiran. He is motivated largely by frustration at being overshadowed by Lu Shi and becomes enraged when Meng calls him a “black bear demon.” 36

Tang San escalates the duel by firing concealed weapons at Meng Yiran’s vital points. A Bone-Piercing Needle nearly reaches her heart, forcing Zhao Wuji to negotiate with Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang. Tang San ultimately surrenders his Money Dart and Bone-Piercing Needle as compensation. 37 38

Afterward, Tang San reaches rank 30 and obtains his third Soul Ring from a Three-Eyed Witch King Snake. The new poison further darkens his body and contributes to his “charcoal demon” appearance. 38 43

Meridian Crisis

After his third Soul Ring, Tang San discovers that his meridians are blocked and some have withered. He fears that he will be crippled, unable to cultivate effectively, empower his Soul Skills, or use Tang Sect techniques. This crisis causes him to question Yu Xiaogang’s teachings, including Yu’s earlier claim that Tang San’s Innate Full Soul Power came from the Clear Sky Hammer rather than the Mysterious Heaven Skill. 45

Tang Hao examines Tang San and confirms the damage. Yu Xiaogang argues that the poison ring itself was not at fault; instead, Tang San absorbed it only four days after suffering severe injuries and Martial Soul Backlash from the Titan Giant Ape. Yu proposes a dangerous treatment: Tang San must sustain another serious injury and Backlash before using differently attributed Soul Rings to disperse the trapped poison energy. 46

Tang San follows this treatment plan at rank 40, repeatedly triggering Martial Soul Backlash by having Tang Hao destroy his Blue Silver Grass before asking his father to beat him unconscious. His Mysterious Heaven Skill allows him to remain conscious through extreme damage, but the process severely weakens him. 89 90

After Tang Hao cannot find the planned turtle-type Soul Beast, Tang San absorbs a roughly 3,000-year-old Water-Scaled Carp instead. He gains Blue Silver Protection Wall, but his meridians do not improve; his Blue Silver Grass becomes less tough, more brittle, and more likely to cause backlash when broken. 92 93

Tang San initially continues trusting Yu Xiaogang despite this failure. He later seeks Yu’s help again after cultivating with Tang Hao, accepting Yu’s unsupported claim that a higher-aged water-attribute Soul Ring could dilute the poison effects. Tang Hao rejects this proposal and brings Tang San to Ning Fengzhi for another opinion. 111 112

Lu Shi ultimately explains that Tang San’s poison-attributed Soul Rings were fundamentally incompatible with his plant-type Blue Silver Grass and that the attribute-fusion theory Yu Xiaogang used was originally intended to explain Martial Soul mutations, not repair Soul Ring damage. Lu Shi concludes that Tang San’s meridians and cultivation foundation are permanently ruined, and that even switching to the Clear Sky Hammer cannot reverse the damage. 113

Soul Master Tournament

Tang San remains at Shrek long enough to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, partly to fulfill Yu Xiaogang’s ambition and partly because he wants to defeat Lu Shi. During the promotion rounds, he publicly reveals his Clear Sky Hammer and wins using Tang Hao’s Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique combined with fire-ignited Blue Silver Grass. 94 98

At the tournament’s conclusion, Bibi Dong exposes Tang San as Tang Hao’s son and insults his father. Tang San responds by attacking her with the poisoned Godly Zhuge Crossbow, but Bibi Dong blocks the weapon effortlessly. Tang Hao intervenes to drive back Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo before retreating with Tang San. 100

After the tournament, Tang San graduates from Shrek Academy and travels with Tang Hao. He remains determined to repair his cultivation, reunite with Xiao Wu, and eventually surpass Lu Shi. 100 101 110

Break with Yu Xiaogang

The revelation that Yu Xiaogang misapplied Lu Shi’s theory destroys Tang San’s faith in his teacher. After initially fleeing in denial, he returns to Yu Xiaogang at Notting City Junior Soul Master Academy filled with hatred and demands that Yu admit he did not personally research the Attribute Compatibility Theory. 113 115

Tang San attacks Yu Xiaogang after Yu insists that the theory was his own. He destroys Luo Sanpao with the Godly Zhuge Crossbow, deliberately ruins Yu Xiaogang’s meridians, mutilates him, and publicly abandons him in Notting City rather than granting him a quick death. 115

Tang San later orders Scar Brother’s gang to keep Yu Xiaogang alive and make him suffer, extending his revenge against his former teacher even after their direct confrontation. 132

Slaughter City

Tang Hao brings Tang San to Slaughter City after Tang San absorbs his fifth Soul Ring. At the entrance, Tang San kills two disrespectful tavern attendants with the Clear Sky Hammer and Chaotic Wind Hammer Technique before drinking a Bloody Mary to qualify for entry. 125

Tang San enters Slaughter City as entrant number 9819. Learning that Soul Skills are forbidden within the city, he becomes confident that his Clear Sky Hammer, Tang Sect techniques, and physical abilities will give him an advantage in the Hell Slaughter Arena. 125

Appearance

Tang San’s appearance changes drastically after following Yu Xiaogang’s poison-ring cultivation plan. By the time he reaches Shrek, strangers commonly mistake the twelve-year-old for a middle-aged man. 14 18

• Dark, increasingly blackened skin due to poison-attributed Soul Rings. 14 43
• Short, thick limbs, broad waist, hunched posture, and swollen face. 14 36
• His hand is compared to a black bear’s paw. 18
• His third Soul Ring leaves him so dark that others call him a “charcoal demon.” 43
• Oscar mistakes him for an apparent forty-year-old man. 19
• His Blue Silver Grass becomes thick, black, and dirt-colored after multiple poison rings, making even experienced Soul Masters struggle to identify it as Blue Silver Grass. 67
• Following his fourth Soul Ring, the grass develops a faint bluish-green tint and scale-like defensive sheen, but still appears muddy and grimy. 93
• After prolonged cultivation with Tang Hao, he grows physically larger but retains his round, dark complexion, short thick fingers, and heavy build. 110

Personality

Tang San is hardworking, ambitious, and intensely devoted to the people he considers important. He cleans Xiao Wu’s assigned work area alone, pays her expenses, and repeatedly tries to prove that he is the person who treats her best. 5 18 19

His loyalty to Yu Xiaogang is initially unwavering. He accepts dangerous poison-based Soul Ring choices because he wants to validate his teacher’s theories and believes Yu’s guidance will lead him to greatness. 6 14 This faith begins to fracture only after his third Soul Ring damages his meridians. 45

Tang San is highly prideful and reacts violently to humiliation. He attempts to kill Oscar for mistaking him for an older man, and Meng Yiran’s insult drives him to use lethal concealed weapons during their duel. 20 36 37

His rivalry with Lu Shi is fueled by insecurity as much as competition. Tang San is troubled by Lu Shi’s superior strength, Xiao Wu’s attachment to him, and Lu Shi’s ability to gain admiration from others. 14 20 22

Tang San remains devoted to Yu Xiaogang despite repeated evidence that the teacher’s methods have harmed him. Even after his fourth Soul Ring fails to heal his meridians, Tang San defends Yu Xiaogang and asks Tang Hao to spare him. 93 94

Once Lu Shi exposes Yu Xiaogang’s deception, Tang San’s loyalty turns into obsessive hatred. He rejects the possibility of forgiveness, inflicts prolonged suffering on Yu Xiaogang, and later orders others to continue tormenting him. 114 115 132

His betrayal and ruined cultivation make him harsher and more violent. He kills Slaughter City’s attendants without hesitation and views the city’s Soul Skill restrictions as an opportunity to establish the superiority of Tang Sect techniques. 125

Abilities & Skills

Blue Silver Grass

Tang San’s primary Martial Soul is Blue Silver Grass, which he develops into a poison-based control weapon under Yu Xiaogang’s direction.

• Entangling — His first Soul Skill causes Blue Silver Grass to grow, spread, and bind targets; the grass gains improved toughness and a trace of Bamboo Leaf Green venom. 6
• Corrosive poison — His second Soul Ring from the Bone-Eroding Poison Snake gives the grass barbs that can inject corrosive venom through wounds. 14
• Battlefield restraint — He can summon large quantities of grass to coil around and destabilize opponents, though Zhao Wuji’s Unmoving Bright King Body destroys it and causes Tang San backlash. 22
• Limitation — His poison and Blue Silver Grass prove ineffective against Meng Yiran’s flexible, snake-like movement and poisonous defenses. 36
• Third Soul Ring effects — The Three-Eyed Witch King Snake further intensifies the grass’s poison-based nature, but also blackens Tang San’s body and contributes to his meridian damage. 43 45
• Blue Silver Protection Wall — His fourth Soul Skill creates a protective Blue Silver Grass barrier with a scale-like sheen and increases its defensive strength by fifty percent. 93
• Degradation — The Water-Scaled Carp ring does not repair his meridians. Instead, it makes the grass more defensive but less tough and easier to break, worsening the backlash he suffers when it is destroyed. 93
• Fundamental incompatibility — Lu Shi identifies Tang San’s poison-attributed snake rings as incompatible with a plant-type Martial Soul and concludes that their effects have permanently damaged both Tang San’s body and cultivation foundation. 113

Clear Sky Hammer

Tang San possesses Twin Martial Souls. Yu Xiaogang identifies his second Martial Soul as the Clear Sky Hammer, while Lu Shi later recognizes Tang San’s hammer as similar to Tang Hao’s. 2 40 45

• No Soul Skill for the Clear Sky Hammer has been documented.
• Yu Xiaogang incorrectly attributes Tang San’s Innate Full Soul Power to the hammer; Tang San later realizes his Mysterious Heaven Skill was the true source. 45
• Tang San publicly reveals the Clear Sky Hammer during the Soul Master Tournament, confirming his Twin Martial Souls to the wider Soul Master world. 98
• Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique — A hammer technique taught by Tang Hao. Tang San uses it in tournament combat and relies on it as one of his primary advantages in Slaughter City, where Soul Skills cannot be used. 98 125
• Limitation — According to Lu Shi, cultivating the Clear Sky Hammer cannot reverse the permanent damage to Tang San’s meridians. 113

Tang Sect Techniques

Tang San conceals martial techniques and weapons associated with the Tang Sect.

• Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track — An evasive movement technique used to retreat from Meng Yiran’s Snake-head Cane attack and Zhao Wuji’s ground-based strikes. 22 36
• Controlling Crane Capturing Dragon — Used to redirect Zhao Wuji while he is airborne. 22
• Concealed weapons — He uses poisoned silver needles and Bone-Piercing Needles with lethal intent. 20 37
• Limitation — His willingness to use concealed weapons against Meng Yiran provokes Snake Granny and endangers the entire Shrek group. 37
• Lost weapons — He surrenders the Money Dart and Bone-Piercing Needle to Snake Granny as compensation. 38
• Godly Zhuge Crossbow — A powerful concealed crossbow that fires poisoned bolts. Tang San uses it against Bibi Dong and later destroys Luo Sanpao with it. 100 115
• Purple-Rank Demon Eyes — A visual technique that improves his observation at long range. 125
• Ultimate hidden weapons — He places great confidence in advanced Tang Sect weapons and techniques such as Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needles, Yama’s Invitation, Bodhi Blood, and the Mother-and-Child Soul-Chasing Life-Seizing Gall. 110
• Slaughter City advantage — Tang San believes the prohibition on Soul Skills favors his Tang Sect arts, physical ability, and concealed weapons. 125

Mysterious Heaven Skill

Tang San’s cultivation technique provides the Soul Power that Yu Xiaogang mistakenly attributes to the Clear Sky Hammer. It can also help Tang San recover from injuries. 42 45

• The technique supports Tang San’s endurance and allows him to remain conscious through repeated Martial Soul Backlash that would incapacitate most Soul Masters. 89
• Despite its restorative properties, it cannot heal the permanent meridian damage caused by Tang San’s incompatible Soul Ring path. 93 113

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Twenty-Four Bridges Bright Moon Night — Storage Soul Tool used to carry his money and belongings. 18
• Poisoned silver needle — Nearly used to kill Oscar after Tang San is insulted. 20
• Bone-Piercing Needle — Concealed weapon that nearly pierces Meng Yiran’s heart; later given to Snake Granny. 37 38
• Money Dart — Concealed Tang Sect weapon surrendered alongside the Bone-Piercing Needle. 38
• Godly Zhuge Crossbow — Concealed crossbow capable of firing numerous poisoned bolts; used against Bibi Dong and to destroy Luo Sanpao. 100 115

Relationships

• Yu Xiaogang — Former teacher and father figure. Tang San initially trusts Yu absolutely and defends him even after his theories repeatedly damage Tang San’s cultivation. After Lu Shi exposes Yu’s misuse and misrepresentation of the Attribute Compatibility Theory, Tang San’s devotion becomes murderous hatred; he permanently cripples Yu Xiaogang and orders his continued suffering. 6 93 113 115 132
• Tang Hao — Father and the Clear Sky Douluo. Tang Hao is fiercely protective of Tang San, nearly kills Zhao Wuji after Tang San is injured, personally subjects Tang San to Yu Xiaogang’s dangerous treatment plan, and later seeks Lu Shi’s help in desperation. 25 89 112 113
• Xiao Wu — Longtime companion whom Tang San treats as someone he must protect and provide for. He wants to remain the person closest to her and hopes to reunite with her, but Xiao Wu becomes emotionally distant toward him and increasingly attached to Lu Shi. 14 18 21 89 101
• Lu Shi — Rival. Tang San resents Lu Shi’s strength, popularity, and closeness with Xiao Wu; Lu Shi prevents Tang San from killing Oscar and repeatedly outshines him. Tang San’s desire to defeat or take revenge on Lu Shi remains a central motive during his later cultivation. 14 20 22 89 110 112
• Oscar — Hostile classmates after Tang San nearly kills him. Oscar later takes revenge during Tang San’s treatment and resents Tang San for costing him the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent Soul Ring. 20 24 38
• Zhao Wuji — Shrek instructor who protects Tang San during the conflict with Snake Granny, but also knocks him unconscious during the entrance test and forces him to compensate Meng Yiran. 22 37 38
• Meng Yiran — Duel opponent whom Tang San nearly kills with concealed weapons after she calls him a “black bear demon.” 36 37
• Chao Tianxiang — Meng Yiran’s grandmother. Tang San’s attack on Meng forces Zhao Wuji to negotiate and give up Tang Sect weapons as compensation. 37 38
• Bibi Dong — Spirit Hall Pope who publicly reveals Tang San’s identity as Tang Hao’s son. Tang San attacks her with the Godly Zhuge Crossbow after she insults Tang Hao, prompting Tang Hao’s intervention. 100
• Ning Fengzhi — Sect Master whom Tang Hao approaches for help with Tang San’s damaged meridians. Ning cannot solve the problem and instead directs Tang Hao to Lu Shi. 111 113

Notable Quotes

“Teacher! My meridians are blocked! I'm going to become a cripple! What do I do? What do I do!” 45

“Since Blue Silver Grass and poison were useless against you, then I'll use Tang Sect hidden weapons!” 36

“Teacher, will absorbing a water-attribute turtle Soul Beast really be useful?” 115