Six months slipped past like a white steed flashing through a gap.
At that moment, beneath the Yasentaya Chasm, more than nine thousand two hundred meters below sea level, the ancient city of Atlantis stood in silence.
A mighty force erupted from the center of the ancient city.
The surrounding spiritual energy was swept away in an instant, as though seized by an invisible hand.
It swirled and condensed in the air, forming an enormous vortex of Spirit Power. At its center was Tang San.
Tang San sat quietly cross-legged, dazzling light shimmering around his body.
As spiritual energy continued to gather, the light grew ever brighter until it enveloped him completely. Tang San now radiated an awe-inspiring aura.
Yet the spiritual energy gathering around him did not stop flowing.
Like a raging tide, it surged endlessly into Tang San's body. Every thread carried abundant vitality and energy, merging with his body and nourishing his meridians and marrow.
As time passed, this fusion grew increasingly profound. Tang San could feel his strength soaring, and his soul was growing stronger as well.
Under the impact of that mighty Spirit Power, he broke through one boundary after another, advancing toward higher realms.
"Whew-" Tang San rose to his feet and drew a deep breath. Then he turned joyfully toward Qian Fan beside him and shouted in excitement.
"Brother Fan! Brother Fan! I finally broke through to Soul Emperor!"
Uncontainable excitement and pride lit up his face, as though the entire world shone for him at that moment.
Wild with joy, Tang San told Qian Fan of his achievement, determination gleaming in his eyes.
Qian Fan, however, pondered privately, unable to help marveling.
Hmm, this Tang San really isn't as simple as I imagined.
As the Child of Destiny of the Douluo Continent, his cultivation advanced at an astonishing pace after he entered such an outstanding Cultivation Sanctuary. In just six months, he soared from the peak of Soul Ancestor all the way to the early Soul Emperor realm.
Looks like I need to make a move too.
While Tang San was still immersed in his joy, Qian Fan suddenly turned toward him. His sharp gaze fixed on Tang San as he posed a question that pierced straight into the depths of his soul.
"San, if that old dog Fangyuan opposes me someday, whose side will you choose?"
Qian Fan's voice carried an unquestionable authority that made Tang San shudder.
Faced with this sudden demand, Tang San's expression instantly grew serious.
He understood the deeper meaning behind the question and knew he needed to give a clear answer now.
After a brief silence, he answered without hesitation.
"Brother Qian, you're my big brother, now and in the future. Whenever and wherever you need me, I'll stand by your side without hesitation. If that old dog Fangyuan dares to become your enemy, he becomes mine too!"
Tang San's answer was crisp and decisive, filled with loyalty and trust toward Qian Fan.
His unwavering gaze seemed to assure Qian Fan that his stance would never change.
After hearing Tang San's words, Qian Fan's lips curved into a faint, satisfied smile.
He knew Tang San's answer was not merely a verbal promise, but an oath from the heart. In the days ahead, we'll face all manner of challenges and trials together.
Thus, had Tang San hesitated too much just now or objected, Qian Fan would have killed him immediately to cut off any future trouble at the root.
Fortunately, things had not turned out as badly as he had imagined.
With that, Qian Fan beckoned.
"Come on. Your big brother will show you around this ancient city."
Hearing this, Tang San immediately followed him.
The two strolled together along the streets of Atlantis. The ancient buildings exuded a mysterious air, and Tang San was filled with curiosity about the city.
Before they knew it, they had arrived before an enormous temple.
"This seems to be the temple of Atlantis. The deity protecting this city is probably enshrined inside," Qian Fan said.
Tang San looked up and saw that the temple doors were tightly shut, with a faint haze of spiritual energy lingering around them.
"Let's go inside and take a look," Tang San said eagerly.
Qian Fan nodded and led Tang San toward the temple doors. As they approached, the doors slowly opened, and a brilliant light shone out from within.
Upon entering the temple, Tang San was immediately stunned by the sight before him. An enormous divine statue stood in the center, radiating a majestic aura. Strange runes covered the walls, flickering with faint light.
Qian Fan silently studied the divine statue, a trace of fear flashing through his eyes. Tang San also sensed the sacred atmosphere here. He stood quietly to one side, not daring to speak.
Suddenly, ripples spread across the divine statue, and a mysterious voice rang out. "Visitors from afar, why have you come here?"
Startled, Tang San looked nervously at Qian Fan. Qian Fan stepped forward and said respectfully, "Great deity, we have come to explore the secrets of this ancient city."
Of course I can't tell the truth right now. Every living being we've met along the way has had a damned grudge against that old dog Fangyuan.
Qian Fan did not dare to assume that the divine figure before him had never crossed swords with that old dog Fangyuan either.
The divine statue fell silent for a moment before saying, "The ancient city's secrets cannot be learned so easily. Only by passing the trials can you obtain the truth."
As soon as the words faded, the light around them abruptly dimmed, and countless phantoms appeared before them.
"Heh, a bunch of dark slaves, nothing more. You dare clamor before a Fallen Angel, the Source of Darkness!"
Qian Fan spoke as he looked at the phantoms before him.
Qian Fan had also gained a great deal over these two months. His Soul Power had reached level eighty, leaving him just one Soul Ring away from the Soul Douluo realm.
The surrounding shadows were all between levels forty and sixty. Defeating them could hardly have been easier.
Angel Combat Skill, First Form!
(Fallen Domain Lord)
The instant the combat skill manifested, every shadow around them was devoured.
Qian Fan's Soul Power became considerably purer as well.
After dealing with the surrounding shadows, Qian Fan turned toward Tang San. "San, you'll have to rely on yourself from here." Tang San took a deep breath, nodded, and stepped toward the mysterious trial ahead.
A fierce wind suddenly swept through the temple, leaving Tang San barely able to open his eyes. Low growls drifted faintly through the wind, as though savage beasts lurked within it.
Tang San steadied himself and unleashed his Blue Silver Grass skill, trying to withstand the storm's assault.
However, the storm grew increasingly violent, and the Blue Silver Grass swayed precariously in the wind. Just as Tang San began to struggle, his Martial Soul suddenly flashed with a strange light. The light gradually condensed into an enormous phantom dragon that circled around him.
Joy stirred in Tang San's heart as he realized his Martial Soul had resonated at this critical moment. He concentrated, guiding the dragon soul to contend with the storm. Amid their fierce clashes, Tang San gradually discovered how to counter it.
At last, the storm subsided, leaving Tang San panting with exhaustion. Yet determination gleamed in his eyes, for he knew he had successfully passed the first stage of the trial.
The divine statue dissipated.
Four sculptures stood within the temple.
Beneath each statue was its own inscribed name.
"Is that... the Sea Emperor?"
Hearing Tang San's words, Qian Fan immediately turned to look.
"That's right. This Sea Emperor's original name was Chen Dao. He was the first emperor of Atlantis. They say he possessed the power to command the oceans..." Before Qian Fan finished speaking, a statue in the corner caught Tang San's attention.
The statue depicted a beautiful woman holding a holy sword of the fire element, her gaze cold and resolute. The name inscribed beneath it was "Feng Xian."
Tang San gazed at Feng Xian's statue, a sense of reverence welling up within him.
And the other two sculptures!
One was The Unseen, and the other was the Star Emperor, Xu Fangyuan.
As he looked at the statues before him,
Qian Fan nearly struck out to destroy them outright and vent the anger in his heart.
Clang!
A low rumble suddenly echoed through the temple. Immediately afterward, the ground began to shake violently.
"This is bad! An earthquake!" Qian Fan shouted, grabbing Tang San and running toward the exit.
However, the earthquake had struck too suddenly, and the temple walls began to collapse. Qian Fan and Tang San could only search for another way out.
Amid the chaos, Tang San discovered a hidden door.
He and Qian Fan exchanged a glance, then charged through it without hesitation...
Before you continue