Oscar's eyes instantly shone like stars— Head Soul Bone! And a 50,000-year-old one at that!
However, what Tang Feng said next stunned Oscar.
"However, I don't recommend you absorb this Soul Bone," Tang Feng said seriously. "The core ability of this Soul Bone is related to illusion and mental manipulation. Judging from its attributes, it's most suitable for gem-type or illusion-type Martial Soul. For example... the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
Tang Feng looked at Oscar and said bluntly, "I know your feelings for Rongrong. If you two are truly destined to be together in the future, this Soul Bone might be a truly meaningful token of your affection. It might be more meaningful for your future than for what you're absorbing now."
Oscar's heart skipped a beat, his face flushed instantly, and he was at a loss for what to do.
"However, you don't need to be disappointed." Tang Feng put away the Illusion Realm Skull, his tone shifting to a solemn one filled with mystery and anticipation. " Little Ao, I've prepared an opportunity for you that will completely change the difficulties you face in cultivating Food System Soul Master."
Oscar held his breath, and Tang Jian and Zhu Zhuqing also cast curious glances at him.
"But this opportunity cannot be given to you now."
Tang Feng explained, "Because you still have to participate in the Soul Master Tournament. If your Soul Power suddenly surges, it will inevitably attract countless covetous eyes, and may even bring you unpredictable dangers."
Tang Feng patted Oscar on the shoulder and promised, "So, I'll only hand it over to you after you successfully complete the Soul Master Tournament."
After listening, Oscar's slight disappointment was replaced by immense emotion and anticipation.
Oscar stood up abruptly, bowed deeply to Tang Feng, his voice trembling slightly with emotion. " Brother Feng! I don't know how to thank you! From this day forward, I, Oscar, will go through fire and water for you without hesitation!"
Tang Feng helped Oscar up and said with a smile, "It's not that serious. I value your character and talent, and besides, we're all partners. Getting stronger together is the right thing to do."
Tang Feng took out the "Ruyi Jingu Bang) that he had used before, which weighed over 300 jin (approximately 150 kg), and said, "This Golden Cudgel is too light for me now. The one I gave you before weighed less than 200 jin (approximately 100 kg), which is also too light for you now. So I'll give it to you."
"Okay, Brother Feng!" Oscar took it, weighed it in his hand, and said, "Hmm, the weight is just right. I'll use it from now on."
"Alright, Brother Jian and Zhu Zhuqing, go absorb the Soul Bone. Little Ao, go get some rest too! We have to travel tomorrow," Tang Feng said finally.
After the three returned to their rooms, the room fell silent once more. Tang Feng did not rest immediately, but sat alone in the hall, lost in thought.
The gift of Whale Rubber and Soul Bone, seemingly generous and magnanimous, was in fact a well-thought-out step by Tang Feng.
Tang Feng knew that to truly establish himself in the perilous and powerful Douluo Continent, individual bravery alone was far from enough; he needed a closely united, trusting, and complementary team.
In terms of high-level combat power, there is the unreserved support of two Titled Douluo, Yang Wudi) and Tang Lie (grandfather), which is a solid backing.
In building the core team of the younger generation, Tang Feng needs to carefully select and cultivate them.
Tang Jian goes without saying; he's a cousin by blood, they grew up together, he knows each other inside and out, he's loyal and devoted, a brother you can completely entrust with your life, and he'll definitely be a powerful force in the team in the future.
Oscar, Food System Soul Master with exceptional talent and a simple background, was able to access such a vast world only because of his own appreciation and the opportunities given to him. His gratitude and dependence are a natural bond between them.
With proper training, Oscar will become the most reliable logistical and support core for the team and even the entire sect, and will be indispensable.
As for Zhu Zhuqing, she possesses both talent and a good character. My gratitude for saving her life and my continued support have established a deep foundation of trust between us.
Zhu Zhuqing is not one to curry favor, but this act of kindness in times of need and their shared goals are enough to make her a sharp and reliable "shadow blade" in the future team.
Within the sect, Tang Feng's reputation and authority have been firmly established thanks to the numerous opportunities he brought back, the revitalization strategy he proposed, and the potential and responsibility he demonstrated.
Now, by building this young team with themselves at its core and bringing together geniuses from different fields, they are laying the most solid foundation for the future.
In addition, there are Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling, both of whom are trustworthy people to entrust with your affairs.
Tang Feng believes that this team, which is taking shape, will unleash amazing power over time.
The next day, as dawn broke and the crisp mountain air carried the fragrance of grass and trees, the four of them were already fully prepared to depart in the courtyard.
After a night of fusion, Tang Jian's changes were the most obvious. After being baptized by Immortal Herb, Whale Rubber, and Soul Bone, Tang Jian's physical strength and talent had been raised to the top level.
" Little Feng, this Soul Bone is perfect for me!" Tang Jian roared excitedly, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit. "It not only increased my physical strength by 40%, but also tripled the attack power of my Soul Skill ' Mountain-Shaking Strike '! Haha, I love it!"
Zhu Zhuqing's transformation was more subtle yet dangerous. "My Soul Bone Skill is called ' Hell Assassination.' It grants short-range, extreme acceleration and includes shadow penetration, making it suitable for a one-hit kill."
Concise yet impactful, the message allowed Tang Feng and the others to grasp the terrifying value of this Soul Skill in actual combat. With its extreme speed and ability to break through defenses, Zhu Zhuqing would become an even more unpredictable nightmare for her enemies.
Oscar watched his two friends' amazing progress with envy and was filled with anticipation for the future.
Tang Feng took in the state of the three men and was satisfied. The improvement in the team's strength was exactly what he had hoped to see.
"Very good." Tang Feng glanced at his three energetic and eager companions, his tone steady and firm. "It seems everyone is ready. Let's go!"
After finding Tang Lie and Yang Wudi, the six set off. After leaving Cloud Mist Mountain, they headed southwest, and an hour later, they arrived at the outskirts of Sunset Forest.
As agreed, they quickly found Dugu Bo and Ye Lingling, who had arrived earlier, on the eastern outskirts of the forest.
" Old Monster, Sister Lingling, sorry to keep you waiting." Tang Feng was the first to step forward and greet them.
"Haha, Little Monster, you guys are too slow," Dugu Bo laughed.
Ye Lingling nodded slightly to Tang Feng. She knew Zhu Zhuqing and Oscar, but looked curiously at the unfamiliar Tang Jian.
Tang Feng's gaze shifted between Tang Jian and the gentle, quiet Ye Lingling, a smile appearing on his face. Tang Feng pulled Tang Jian, who was still somewhat shy and secretly observing Ye Lingling, and brought him in front of Ye Lingling.
" Sister Lingling, let me introduce you. This is my cousin, Tang Jian, whom I mentioned before. He's a level 48 Power Attack System Battle Soul Ancestor, and his Martial Soul is the Clear Sky Hammer."
Tang Feng then turned to Tang Jian, who was clearly becoming somewhat uneasy, and said, " Brother Jian, this is Ye Lingling. Her Martial Soul is the top-tier Healing System Martial Soul ' Nine Heart Begonia,' and her Soul Power is level fifty."
Tang Jian, who is usually carefree and cheerful, seemed like a completely different person when facing Ye Lingling, who has a gentle temperament and beautiful appearance.
Tang Jian felt his heart inexplicably race and his face flush. He completely forgot the greeting he had prepared on the way there, and could only awkwardly scratch his head, managing to stammer, "You... hello, Miss Ye, my name is Tang Jian."
But his gaze was involuntarily drawn to the other person's calm, lake-like eyes, and for a moment he couldn't look away.
Ye Lingling raised her eyes and looked at the tall, strong, and resolute young man in front of her, who looked somewhat similar to Tang Feng, and even more handsome.
Having studied at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy for so long, Ye Lingling was all too familiar with the hypocrisy and affectation among nobles. In just a short while, she could sense that Tang Jian was the kind of person who was completely genuine and honest.
Ye Lingling's lips seemed to curve into a very subtle arc. She bowed slightly, her voice soft yet clear. "Brother Tang Jian, hello. Just call me Lingling."
Tang Feng chuckled inwardly, thinking things were looking promising. He then suggested, " Brother Jian, Sister Lingling is Healing System Soul Master. Her safety is of utmost importance this time we're entering the forest. You'll be specifically responsible for protecting Sister Lingling closely. Don't leave her side for even a moment, understand?"
This reason sounds perfectly plausible, and no one can find fault with it.
Upon hearing this, Tang Jian immediately thumped his chest loudly and hurriedly agreed, "No problem! Leave it to me! I guarantee Lingling won't get hurt in the slightest!"
Tang Jian immediately got into character, standing even closer to Ye Lingling, adopting the posture of a loyal protector.
Ye Lingling, a little shy, nodded slightly to Tang Jian: "Then... thank you for your trouble, Brother Tang Jian."
Dugu Bo stroked his beard, a playful smile on his face.