Over the next few days, Yang Podi led a group of people to practice swimming on the beach. Most of these people had never been in the water before and were all landlubbers. It would be disastrous if they fell into the sea. If they became Soul Emperor who drowned, it would be a laughing stock. Especially since the Sea God Trial was coming up later, several of the challenges were related to seawater, so it was good to get used to it beforehand.
Niu Meng finally reached level 60 by absorbing the Soul Bone and consuming Whale Rubber again. Now, even if it's just a matter of brute force, we have to raise him to level 60 first. Yang Zhentian personally took Niu Meng to obtain Soul Ring.
Of course, Yang Podi was unaware that his actions had brought about significant changes to the Douluo Continent.
Firstly, due to the spread of various secret manuals, all major forces are now engaged in arduous training, especially the Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. They have obtained almost all the secret manuals, and after studying them, especially after confirming their effects, a large number of people within their organizations have begun to cultivate them.
Although the Mysterious Heaven Skill is somewhat abridged, it doesn't completely affect cultivation. It just increases the difficulty of cultivation, especially since the fourth level in the middle is missing, making cultivation even more difficult. But no matter what, the abridged version of the Mysterious Heaven Skill is still a top-tier cultivation technique, far superior to the current meditation methods.
As for the lack of the ninth level, it would probably only have an effect if the Xuan Mysterious Heaven Skill was cultivated to an extremely high level, but this effect would not appear for at least five years. You should know that Yang Podi has only just reached the fifth level.
According to Yang Podi's own estimate, after the spread of the Mysterious Heaven Skill, the number of Soul Douluo on the Douluo Continent should increase, but the number of Titled Douluo probably won't increase much, unless they are people with truly high talent or comprehension.
Another impact was the spread of Hidden Weapon blueprints. Not only the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but other sects also collected a large number of Hidden Weapon blueprints, especially the two great empires, who regarded them as treasures.
Meanwhile, the blacksmiths of Gengxin City suddenly became highly sought after, with countless forces vying to win them over. The largest wave of such recruitment was led by the Spirit Hall, since the Spirit Hall had a considerable number of people in Gengxin City and could take action immediately.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was slightly slower, and they had relatively fewer members to recruit.
Meanwhile, Heavenly Pursuit Academy, relying on its advantage as a prophet, secretly recruited a few people to Mount Aermo during the process of spreading the secret manual. Although they were not master craftsmen like Lou Gao, their forging skills were still quite good.
Moreover, Heavenly Pursuit Academy doesn't need any master blacksmiths; instead, it prefers relatively ordinary and low-key blacksmiths. This is because Heavenly Pursuit Academy doesn't intend to forge any Hidden Weapon, and there seems to be some debate within the academy.
However, Yang Podi still managed to outmaneuver the others. "Grandpa, we're only here to protect the academy. While these Hidden Weapon are exquisitely crafted, their power is relatively weak, which is insufficient for protecting the sect. Moreover, they are too complex and extremely expensive, making them not cost-effective."
"Besides, Hidden Weapon are more suitable for surprise attacks and have nothing to do with defending our base. We might as well make something else that is more powerful."
As Yang Podi said, instead of building the Godly Zhuge Crossbow at the location of the academy's mountainside outpost, they built other things, such as the repeating crossbow carts used in ancient battlefields, as well as some ballistae, which, although less portable, were more powerful for defending the base.
In short, all the major powers are engaged in an arms race. The two great empires are the strongest, after all, they have complete forging systems. The Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect are next, while the other sects are far behind.
The Purple Demon Eye is another widely spread cultivation method. After all, it is a rare cultivation method that can cultivate Divine Power, and even some advanced Soul Master have begun to cultivate it.
As for other secret manuals, they were also widely disseminated, but they were clearly not as valued as the Mysterious Heaven Skill and the Hidden Weapon blueprints. The only one that received special attention was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, since they were limited by their Martial Soul and had no offensive power.
The Clear Sky Sect was a complete disappointment. Tang Xiao and the five elders were speechless as they looked at the numerous secret manuals they had collected.
It is now widely rumored that these secret manuals were leaked by traitors of the Clear Sky Sect, and even the Clear Sky Sect's Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer has been leaked.
After some research, everyone realized that these manuals had absolutely nothing to do with the Clear Sky Sect. However, they couldn't quite put their finger on it. These manuals did contain the Clear Sky Sect's Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer, especially the Clear Sky Sect Hidden Weapon. It seemed that no other sect could produce them, since everyone in the Clear Sky Sect was a master craftsman.
Another point is that Tang San had already demonstrated many of the techniques in the manual, but outsiders had no idea that Tang San had never even been to the Clear Sky Sect.
In short, based on this seemingly plausible but ultimately misleading information, almost all of it points to the Clear Sky Sect. It seems that a large net is trying to surround the Clear Sky Sect, and for a time, the Clear Sky Sect has become the center of attention.
Tang San trained with Tang Hao for a little over a year, and his Soul Power had already reached level 50. In terms of Soul Power Level, it was slightly higher than in the original story, but in terms of the speed of his hammer technique training, it was somewhat slower. After all, he lacked the Ice and Fire Body Tempering and the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, so both his physical fitness and Divine Power were considerably inferior.
However, Tang Hao decided to let Tang San obtain his Fifth Soul Ring first, and then continue to cultivate the hammer technique, so that at least it would not affect Tang San's cultivation progress.
However, when Tang Hao brought Tang San to the Blue Silver Forest, he was dumbfounded. The once lush Blue Silver Forest had become extremely desolate. Not to mention the Blue Silver King that stretched for 85,000 miles, they couldn't even find a single Blue Silver Grass that was thousands or tens of thousands of years old.
Tang San used the Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul many times to experience the effects. The speed of Soul Power increase was indeed slightly faster here, but he couldn't feel any other changes, let alone the affinity of the Blue Silver Grass.
After trying several places without finding anything, they eventually had to give up.
Tang San looked at his father with some doubt. "Dad, there doesn't seem to be anything special about this place? Were you tricked?"
Tang Hao couldn't help but shake his head, and finally said helplessly, " The Martial Soul you awakened is not ordinary Blue Silver Grass, but Blue Silver Emperor, which comes from your mother's bloodline. Your mother once brought me here. There is an 85,000-year-old Blue Silver King here. He can help your bloodline and Martial Soul awaken again, but we can't find him now."
Following that, Tang Hao recounted in detail how he was hunted down by Qian Xunji of the Spirit Hall and how the Blue Silver Emperor sacrificed himself, his face seemingly filled with sorrow.
After hearing these words, Tang San was filled with rage. "I never imagined the Spirit Hall could be so despicable, killing my mother. I must avenge myself against the Spirit Hall!"
However, after thinking for a while, Tang San still asked, "Dad, how can I awaken the Blue Silver Emperor Martial Soul now?"
Tang Hao shook his head. "I don't know what to do either. Maybe we'll have to wait for your mother to mature again."
Upon hearing this, Tang San's face darkened. His mother was currently just an ordinary Blue Silver Grass, and it might take tens of thousands of years for her to mature. How could he possibly obtain her?
After careful consideration, Tang San finally decided, "Dad, I plan to go to Heaven Dou City. Firstly, I want to consult with my teacher about my future cultivation path, to see if he has any knowledge that can help me awaken the Blue Silver Emperor, including the path to obtaining Soul Ring from the Blue Silver Grass. Secondly, I want to check on the development of the Tang Sect. We've been missing for over a year now; the Spirit Hall shouldn't be so strict in their pursuit of us anymore."
Although Tang Hao was incredibly strong, he had spent his entire life researching the Clear Sky Hammer, so how could he know how to cultivate the Blue Silver Grass? He had no choice but to agree to Tang San's request. Besides, with Tang Hao's strength, he could easily escape even if he encountered multiple Titled Douluo.
However, when the two returned to Heaven Dou City, everything seemed to have gone against their expectations.
First, Tang San and Tang Hao secretly infiltrated the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Yu Xiaogang Yu Xiaogang also very puzzled by Tang San's question. Yu Xiaogang had never even heard of the Blue Silver Emperor, so how could he know that the Blue Silver Emperor Martial Soul had awakened again? However, after Yu Xiaogang's analysis, Tang San ultimately decided to target venomous snake-type and spider-type Soul Beast Soul Beast for obtaining Soul Ring. Both types of Soul Beast were very suitable for Tang San's Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul's control characteristics.
Tang Hao himself strongly agreed, because in Tang Hao's eyes, the Clear Sky Hammer would definitely be what truly enhances Tang San's strength in the future.
Tang San and Tang Hao then returned to the Tang Sect, but their current situation was somewhat disappointing for Tang San.
Originally, the Tang Sect made a fortune from the sale of Hidden Weapon with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. However, the current situation is that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has stopped placing orders for Hidden Weapon with the Tang Sect. As a result, the Tang Sect's income has plummeted, and they have returned to the situation where the four clans survived on their own. In fact, they are in a worse situation, since they now have to support the Speed Clan, while the Breaking Clan, who used to take care of their business, has run away.
Upon hearing this, Tang San was instantly enraged. "I can't believe the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect hasn't bought our Hidden Weapon! What are they doing? They've actually abandoned our cooperation!"
Tai Tan seemed to grit his teeth before finally speaking, "Young Master, apart from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, I'm afraid no other sect will buy our Hidden Weapon."
Tai Tan then gave a detailed account of the large number of manuals and blueprints appearing on the black market. In particular, those manuals were identical to the cultivation techniques Tang San practiced. There were even a large number of blueprints for Hidden Weapon. Now, all the major sects and the two great empires are having their own people make Hidden Weapon, so they don't need to spend high prices to buy them from the Tang Sect.
Upon hearing this, Tang San's face darkened. He couldn't believe that the Tang Sect's treasured manuals and Hidden Weapon blueprints were actually available in every household. How could he possibly revitalize the Tang Sect now?
Tang San quickly asked, "Senior Tai Tan, who released these cultivation manuals and blueprints? Is there any news yet?"
Tai Tan shook his head helplessly. "It's said to be two men in black. No one has been able to find out their specific information, but it's said that one of them possesses the Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul. If the young master wants to know more details, it would be best to go to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect or the Clear Sky Sect. As the largest sect at present, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has businesses all over the continent, and its information is definitely more widespread and clearer than ours. As for the Clear Sky Sect, I don't know if they have any information about the person who spread the secret manual."
Upon hearing these words, Tang San couldn't help but shake his head. " The Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul? That's impossible. Neither my father nor I have returned to the Clear Sky Sect."
Tang San was initially confident about the transmission of the Tang Sect's martial arts techniques. After all, even his father didn't know about these techniques, so how could the Clear Sky Sect possibly possess them?
However, after a series of conversations, Tang San decided to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, partly to discuss future business matters and partly to inquire about the leak of the cultivation technique.
When Tang San and Tang Hao arrived at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, they were personally received by Ning Fengzhi, and even Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo were there.
Ning Fengzhi didn't dwell on it and asked directly, " Tang San, what brings you here to visit my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
Tang San seemed a little impatient as he spoke, " Sect Master Ning, I would like to inquire about two things from you. Please inform Sect Master Ning."
Ning Fengzhi smiled and said, "We're all from the Upper Three Sects, so I'll definitely let you know if there's any news."
Tang San thought for a moment before speaking, " Sect Master Ning, are you aware of the recent leak of secret manuals, and also the issue of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Tang Sect Hidden Weapons trade?"
Ning Fengzhi didn't waste any words and directly took out a large number of things from his Soul Tool, including various Tang Sect manuals and Hidden Weapon blueprints.
Tang San's face grew increasingly dark upon seeing these items. As the true owner of these manuals, he naturally knew more about them than anyone else.
However, Tang San was completely unable to speak at this moment. He couldn't very well say that these manuals were incomplete, especially since the crucial Hidden Weapon blueprints were extremely detailed and completely flawless. Moreover, if he revealed the incompleteness of the manuals and claimed to have the complete manuals himself, the whole world would probably come looking for him.
After reading these manuals, Tang San left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect looking completely dejected, and didn't say a word about future business matters.
Ning Fengzhi now has the blueprints and a blacksmith, so there's no need to buy them from the Tang Sect. Unless Ning Fengzhi is a fool, who would waste money like that?
Seeing that Tang San had the same expression for several days in a row, Tang San Tang Hao him. " Xiao San, what kind of person are you? Have you forgotten your mother's hatred?"
However, Tang San was still very disappointed. "These manuals all belong to me. I don't know who it was that spread them throughout the entire continent. This has severed the foundation of my Tang Sect."
Upon hearing this, Tang Hao slapped him again. "What's so special about the Tang Sect Clan? They're just child's playthings. In this world, strength always reigns supreme. As long as you're strong enough, you'll be in charge from now on."
" The Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer of my Clear Sky Sect isn't too difficult for some advanced blacksmiths, but who in the world dares to practice it?"
"As long as you become strong enough in the future, you will be in control of this world. When you Invincible Under Heaven, wouldn't it be a simple matter of saying a word if you wanted to take back these secret manuals and techniques?"
"The foundation of us Soul Master lies in our Martial Soul and strength. You possess a rare combination of Twin Martial Souls and Innate Full Soul Power, guaranteeing a bright future. You can lead the Clear Sky Sect to even greater glory. At that time, let alone mere secret manuals and techniques, even seeking revenge will be no problem for you."
After hearing these words, Tang San seemed to regain some confidence and decided to work even harder in his cultivation so that he could revitalize the Tang Sect in the future.
As for the issue of absorbing the Soul Ring, in the end, as Yu Xiaogang recommended, they chose a Soul Devouring Demon Spider that was over ten thousand years old.