Xue Qinghe's Plan and News of Su Yuntao

Tang Shan settled his mind and resumed cultivating Soul Power. Only after confirming that it had steadied again did he slowly rise.

He picked up a fresh piece of material, worked the bellows, and prepared to continue forging.

There was no need to disrupt his cultivation plans over something like this, even if he had hit a bottleneck.

Tang Shan simply thought it would be best to bring Hidden Force into perfect harmony with his body before condensing his Second Soul Ring. That did not mean he could make no further progress in National Arts before obtaining it.

If joining Xue Qinghe or finding a Soul Beast took longer than expected, he could continue training his body for Transformed Force by cleansing his Marrow. Once his physique improved further, he could absorb a Soul Ring of an even greater age.

The spacious room was plainly furnished. A huge map hung on the wall, covered in dense arrows and writing.

Behind a broad desk sat a burly man who looked to be in his forties or fifties. A few silver strands threaded his black hair, and his stern face carried an air of steady authority.

Knock, knock, knock!

At the sound from the door, the man set down the documents in his hand. "Enter."

A soldier stepped inside and bowed. "General, the First Prince has arrived."

The burly man raised an eyebrow, stood, and strode toward the door. "Come with me to welcome him."

"Sorry to trouble you to greet me in person, General Hong. My father entrusted me with personally visiting the soldiers who have worked so hard for our Heaven Dou Empire." Xue Qinghe smiled. Though young, he already carried himself with unhurried composure.

The man was Hong Zhen, commander of the military stronghold of Ironwall City. He was