Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Relics

Wu Changkong rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. He'd figured it out: this kid was like a mule that only responded to gentle persuasion, not force. If you went against him, he could argue with you for an entire afternoon.

"What do you want?" Wu Changkong sighed, his tone tinged with helplessness.

Bai Yushan narrowed his eyes and looked Wu Changkong up and down. He looked energetic now, but his Spiritual Power was actually quite depleted. If he really fought Wu Changkong, the other party was, after all, a Soul Saint level expert. He would not have the best chance of winning and might even get beaten up by this petty person who was taking revenge.

It's not worth it.

Let's do something more practical.

He snorted coldly and said nonchalantly, "I want you to buy me a ton of Cold Iron. The purest kind, not a single impurity will do."

"One ton? Cold Iron?!"

Wu Changkong's eyes widened instantly, and his voice rose several decibels, "What do you want that thing for? Do you know how much it costs? Cold Iron costs five hundred Federation Coins per kilogram, and one ton costs one million Federation Coins! Do you think it's scrap iron, to be bought by the ton?"

Not only was Wu Changkong shocked, but Xie Xie next to him also gasped in astonishment. One million Federation Coins? He, the dignified Young Master Xie, only received a few hundred thousand Federation Coins in pocket money a year, and this kid just casually mentioned one million? Is he crazy!

Bai Yushan laughed angrily, crossed his arms, and glared at him sideways. "I'm just buying it to throw the money away, so what! Just tell me if you're buying it or not! Fine, we'll go outside and have a match right now, whoever wins gets to decide."

As he spoke, he rolled up his sleeves, looking ready to take action at any moment.

Looking at his shameless act, Wu Changkong's mind raced. A real fight? For a Soul Saint to bully Two-Ring Soul Grandmaster? It would be humiliating if word got out. Especially with the security cameras recording this; he really didn't want his reputation to be ruined within the Tang Sect!

And if you really push this kid too far, who knows what kind of trouble he'll cause.

"Fine, fine, I'll buy it, I'll buy it." Wu Changkong gave in, agreeing through gritted teeth. "The purest Cold Iron, one ton. I'll have it delivered to your place tomorrow. Now can you sit down and listen to me properly?"

"That's more like it." Bai Yushan was satisfied. He snorted and swaggered over to the largest leather sofa, plopped down, and slumped into it, taking over the entire sofa.

Xie Xie just excitedly run over, wanting to sit down next to someone, when he was met with a cold glare from Bai Yushan. The fierce look in Bai Yushan's eyes made Xie Xie tremble, and he quickly withdrew his hand, running to Tang Wulin's side and pulling him to squeeze onto the small sofa next to them.

Just kidding, that lunatic Bai Yushan even dares to curse the Teacher Wu, beating him up would be a piece of cake.

It's not worth getting into this mess.

"Cough cough."

Wu Changkong cleared his throat, sat down on the sofa opposite him, and his face regained its usual coldness. "You must all be wondering about today's exam. In the assessment, you all encountered opponents of the same level. I must tell you that these opponents you met in the Hall of Heroes were all real Soul Master who once existed. Because they were Simulation, they could only unleash about 70% of their true strength. How do you think your strength compares to theirs?"

After he finished speaking, the office was silent for a few seconds.

Tang Wulin frowned first, recalling the opponent he had encountered during the assessment. His opponent possessed Twin Martial Souls, combining offense and defense seamlessly, and his fighting style was extremely shrewd. If it weren't for his resilience, he wouldn't have even passed the first round. He said seriously, "Very strong, with extremely rich combat experience and skillful use of Soul Power. At the same level, I am inferior to him."

Xie Xie nodded with a bitter face. "The woman I encountered was even faster than me. Her waist was as flexible as a noodle. I couldn't even touch the hem of her clothes. She was taken down in no time."

Gu Yue stood to the side, her eyes flickering slightly. The image of the black-haired boy from the final level flashed through her mind.

The other person looked young, but their Spiritual Power was unfathomable. With just a glance, it caused a sharp pain in her mind, and even her elemental manipulation was slightly delayed. She still vividly remembers that chilling sense of oppression.

She subconsciously turned her head to look at Bai Yushan, feeling a little curious.

How strong must Bai Yushan have been to survive and even win a battle in the Abyss difficulty level?

Bai Yushan was lounging casually on the sofa, twirling a tiny arc of electricity between his fingers. Noticing Gu Yue's gaze, he glanced up and curled his lip in annoyance. "What are you looking at! He's bragging! You actually believe that?! He's just using his powers, why say he has 70% strength? Aren't you ashamed?"

Gu Yue's lips twitched, and she looked away, too lazy to argue with him. She knew she wouldn't get anything worthwhile from this guy.

Wu Changkong completely ignored Bai Yushan's rudeness towards the Tang Sect senior. After all, although what Bai Yushan said was unpleasant, it was also true in a certain sense.

That era is too far removed from reality. The Shrek Seven Devils Simulation by the Hall of Heroes are merely a Simulation created by the Tang Sect's descendants based on descriptions from their predecessors or family members. How much of it is exaggerated is unknown.

After all, they are one's own ancestors, so exaggerating the facts is only natural.

However, as a disciple of the Tang Sect, Wu Changkong knew this, but naturally wouldn't admit it. Instead, he continued speaking to Tang Wulin and the other two, "There are two reasons why I brought you here. First, because your absorption limits on the Spirit Ascension Platform are nearing their limit. At most, a few more times, and you won't be able to continue training there. Therefore, you need another place to train and practice. The Hall of Heroes provides more realistic combat experience because the injuries are directly to your physical bodies. Of course, if your injuries reach a certain level, you will be automatically teleported out, unlike on the Spirit Ascension Platform where the destruction of the body can cause a mental Impact. Relatively speaking, you can think of the Hall of Heroes as a higher-level Spirit Ascension Platform."

Tang Wulin and Xie Xie exchanged a glance, both seeing the surprise in each other's eyes. A higher-level training ground? That would be of immense help in improving their strength!

"Secondly, the significance of this assessment lies not in the final exam. Your final exams were already completed at the Spirit Ascension Platform during the Riot Period, and I have already given you your scores. Passing this assessment means you can join here. If you decide to join, you can accumulate merit points to use for training in the Hall of Heroes in the future."

Wu Changkong paused, then looked directly at Bai Yushan, his tone becoming more serious. "Bai Yushan, I am sincerely inviting you to join the Tang Sect. You will receive the best training, the most advanced resources, and high-level authorization from the Hall of Heroes will also be available to you. If you are willing, I can apply for Titled Douluo to guide your cultivation."

Xie Xie was stunned when he heard this.

Titled Douluo personally led the way?

This treatment is too good!

Tang Wulin was also somewhat surprised, but upon reflection, he realized that Bai Yushan's strength certainly deserved such attention.

Unfortunately, Bai Yushan rolled his eyes. "No!"

Wu Changkong froze on the spot, his icy blue eyes filled with astonishment.

How could one refuse personal guidance from Titled Douluo?

That's Titled Douluo!

Those who stand at the pinnacle of the entire Douluo Continent, countless geniuses from powerful families would kill to gain entry into their sects, yet this kid, without even a second thought, refused?

Bai Yushan glanced at him sideways, as if seeing through his thoughts, and sneered, "What? You think I'll join just because you invite me? You think I'll rush to agree just because you have Titled Douluo? Go to hell!"

What he hates most is when people put on a "I'm doing this for your own good" face.

If they truly cared for him, they wouldn't have secretly pushed the difficulty of the Hall of Heroes to the limit. They talk about nurturing him, but what are they really up to? Everyone knows. They just see his talent and want to tie him to the Tang Sect's chariot.

Only Chen Qingquan from Aolai City said he could recognize it, as could Bi Ji, who raised him from childhood, and Na'er, whom he protected.

Who does Wu Changkong think he is?

Having only known each other for a few days, does he have the nerve to say "it's for your own good"?

Wu Changkong frowned deeply, stood up, and said in a somber tone, "Bai Yushan, if you're still holding a grudge about the trial, I can fight you to make amends. But joining us will only benefit you. Top-tier resources, advanced cultivation techniques, and unlimited access to the Hall of Heroes —you'll never encounter these things anywhere else in your entire life."

"Stop! Stop! Stop!"

Bai Yushan raised his hand to interrupt him, his face full of impatience, "Don't give me that. No matter how many benefits you get, they're yours, what does it have to do with me? I'll find my own way to cultivate, I don't need your charity. Invite whoever you want, I'm not joining."

The words were utterly blunt and showed no mercy. Xie Xie, listening from the side, was terrified and secretly tugged at Tang Wulin's sleeve.

Bai Yushan is too arrogant. He doesn't even give Teacher Wu any face. Isn't he afraid of being retaliated against?

Wu Changkong's chest heaved with anger. Just as he was about to reprimand her, Gu Yue, who had been silent all along, suddenly stood up.

"Teacher Wu, I'm sorry." She spoke calmly, nodding slightly. "Bai Yushan and I have already joined the same faction, and the rules don't allow us to join any other organizations."

The office fell silent instantly upon hearing this.

Wu Changkong swallowed the reprimand that was on the tip of his tongue. His Adam's apple bobbed, and in the end, he could only let out a sigh. He gave Bai Yushan a deep look, his eyes filled with disappointment and regret. Such a promising talent, and another force had already snatched him up. Which force was it that acted so quickly?

He suppressed his regret, turned to look at Tang Wulin and Xie Xie, and softened his tone. "What about you two? Are you interested in joining the Tang Sect?"

Xie Xie's eyes lit up, and he took half a step forward, then restrained himself and asked, "Teacher Wu, what exactly does this organization do? My family taught me from a young age that you shouldn't casually join forces with unknown origins."

Even so, he was already itching to get his hands on it. Someone who could occupy such a large plot of land in the East Sea High-Tech Park and build something like the Hall of Heroes must be someone of considerable importance.

Wu Changkong glanced at him and slowly uttered two words: "Have you heard of the Tang Sect?"

"Tang Sect?!"

Three exclamations rang out simultaneously. Tang Wulin stood up abruptly, his face filled with disbelief; Xie Xie's mouth was agape, wide enough to fit an egg; even the usually composed Gu Yue's eyes subtly changed color.

How could it possibly be the Tang Sect?!

In the Douluo Continent, no one is unaware of the legend of the Tang Sect.

Twenty thousand years ago, the founder of the Tang Sect, with a mortal body, rivaled the gods, led the first generation of Shrek Seven Devils to quell the war on the continent, and finally became a god in his physical body, leaving behind countless legends.

Ten thousand years ago, the Tang Sect was on the verge of collapse when a new generation of geniuses emerged, leading the Tang Sect to rise again. They also created the Spirit Pagoda and pioneered the Soul Spirit System, completely changing the landscape of the entire Soul Master World.

That's a legend etched in the history books of the mainland!

Everyone assumed that the Tang Sect had long since moved to the other two continents along with the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empire Empires, leaving only scattered legends on the Douluo Continent.

Who would have thought that the Tang Sect had been operating right under our noses all along, and had even built such a large business empire!

"Teacher Wu, didn't the Tang Sect disappear long ago?"

Tang Wulin's voice trembled slightly, his eyes filled with excitement. He had grown up listening to stories of the Tang Sect and had always dreamed of seeing the legendary Tang Sect with his own eyes.

"It has never disappeared."

Wu Changkong shook his head, a hint of pride in his voice, "The Tang Sect has a presence on all three continents, but they've always kept a low profile on the Douluo Continent, never publicizing it. The place we're in now is Glorious World Tang Sect Technology Co., Ltd.., a subsidiary of the Tang Sect. The Hall of Heroes Trial System was developed by the Tang Sect over a century. The opponents you just faced were Simulation data of that generation of Shrek Seven Devils from the Tang Sect Sect's history."

These words were like a thunderclap, leaving the three of them with a buzzing sensation.

Tang Wulin's pupils constricted sharply as he suddenly recalled the opponent's Martial Soul during their earlier exchange— the Three-Life Soul-Suppressing Cauldron hovering around his body, the Ninephoenix Worshipping Flute resonating in his sea of consciousness, and the ability to switch between his Twin Martial Souls with ease. He gasped, "The one I fought... was Phoenix Flute Douluo Xiao Xiao?! The one from ten thousand years ago, the same generation as the first Tower Master of the Spirit Pagoda?"

"Then I must have encountered the Soft Bone Douluo Jiang Nannan!" Xie Xie slapped his thigh, his face showing both surprise and delight. "No wonder her movements were so strange, like an eel. She really is a legendary figure!"

Gu Yue's fingers, hanging by her sides, tightened slightly as she murmured, "Spirit Ice Douluo... Huo Yuhao."

In the final challenge just now, the black-haired boy's single glance caused her sea of consciousness to ache and her elements to become disordered. Now that she thinks about it, that wasn't an ordinary mental Impact at all, but the original pressure of the Spirit Eyes Martial Soul. The legendary Spirit Ice Douluo's Spiritual Power is unparalleled in the contemporary era, and even if it's just a data Simulation, it's something she can't withstand right now.

The three exchanged a glance, and each saw shock in the other's eyes.

The next second, they all turned their heads at the same time and looked at Bai Yushan on the sofa.

etc...

Bai Yushan is playing on Abyss difficulty!

They were all beaten black and blue in one-on-one fights, Bai Yushan can take on five people by himself?!

Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Xiao Xiao, Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong... five Simulation versions of the Shrek Seven Devils, enhanced by the system, were all annihilated by a Two-Ring Soul Grandmaster?

Xie Xie swallowed hard, looking at Bai Yushan as if he were a monster.

Tang Wulin also looked on with admiration, his fists clenched tightly.

Gu Yue's gaze was complex, and her apprehension towards Bai Yushan deepened.

Three pairs of eyes were fixed on him, Bai Yushan instantly felt displeased.

A flash of electricity appeared at his fingertips, and his figure moved so fast that only a blur remained.

Three soft "bangs" were heard, and each of the three men had a red mark on their forehead.

"Ouch!" Xie Xie jumped up, clutching his head, wincing in pain. He didn't dare fight back, and could only glare at him pitifully.

Tang Wulin touched his forehead and smiled helplessly.

Gu Yue frowned, rubbed her temples, glanced coldly at Bai Yushan, and said nothing.

Bai Yushan sat back down on the sofa, crossed his legs, and said with a disdainful look, "I told you not to look at me like that. You're just a piece of trash from ten thousand years ago, what are you bragging about!"

"It's all just modified arguments. If they were really that strong back then, I'd change my surname to yours!"