Chapter 533: Tang San Was Not That Noble

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"Count, how long has it been since you last came home?" Upon returning to the Silver Blue Manor, Ling Meng cast a slightly resentful glance at Tang San. "The Silver Blue Manor is your home too, you know."

"Sorry, I've been incredibly busy almost every day. There's a lot of research going on in Spirit City, so I just haven't had the opportunity." Tang San scratched his head, quickly changing the subject. "How has your cultivation been progressing recently?"

"I'm already nearing the Soul Emperor level." Speaking of her cultivation, Ling Meng's progress was nothing to scoff at. Her spirit ring, condensed from the trinity of essence, energy, and spirit, evolved along with her soul power. This also simultaneously enhanced her physical vitality and the refinement of her mental strength. Moreover, Ling Meng was currently in her growth phase, allowing her cultivation speed to naturally reach a high-velocity period.

It had to be said that a soul master's cultivation of soul power was quite scientific, closely linked to the stages of physical development.

For instance, if one failed to reach level 30 before the age of thirty, it would be extremely difficult to break through afterward. This was because, after the age of thirty, the human body's physical capabilities stopped improving and began to decline.

Only when soul power reached the Soul Elder level, attaining a sufficient quantity, would it have a noticeable impact on the human body. It could slowly enhance physical development and even strengthen the body fundamentally.

Ling Meng's soul power nearing the Soul Emperor level wasn't surprising, considering Tang San's teachings, the ample cultivation resources, and the unimaginable spirit ring formed from the trinity of essence, energy, and spirit. The fact that she could cultivate essence, energy, and spirit simultaneously made it more surprising if she hadn't reached such a level.

"You're advancing pretty fast," Tang San complimented her before inquiring about recent events in Tian Dou City and the manor.

"Tian Dou City is just as it always is, and the manor remains peaceful." Ling Meng shared everything she knew. "But after the tournament, rumors about you have been flying everywhere… Some small private tabloid even fabricated a sensational story, claiming you and Emperor Qinghe had a two-day, two-night discussion, implying you two have some kind of relationship…"

At this point, Ling Meng stole a glance at Tang San, only continuing when she saw his calm demeanor. "Of course, that tabloid was shut down within three hours by the Tian Dou Royal Knights and the Spirit Hall enforcers. But, speaking of Emperor Qinghe, aside from his relatively close association with Ling Yuan, the head of the Spirit Hall branch in Tian Dou City, there really hasn't been any other woman in his life. Well… except for you, Count."

"Don't joke about such things," Tang San said with a laugh, shaking his head, though he clearly had no intention of dwelling on the topic. "Anything else of interest?"

Ling Meng, quick to take the hint, replied, "There is one more thing. Recently, a rumor has been circulating in Tian Dou City. It's said that Tang Chen of the Haotian Clan has broken through to the hundredth level and become a god. He is now preparing to marry Bo Saixi from Sea God Island. They say she's the Grand Priest of the Sea God, with unparalleled strength."

Tang San was somewhat aware of the relationship between Tang Chen and Bo Saixi, but he hadn't expected Tang Chen's first act upon becoming a god to be marrying her.

Tang San respected this decision, but it made him wonder—was there another motive behind this grand display?

For instance, why make such a spectacle? With Tian Dou City already buzzing with such rumors, it was likely that most developed cities across the continent were aware of the event.

Gods were not supposed to interfere in the mortal world… but was marriage considered interference? This wedding seemed to have a broader reach than most, making sure everyone knew about it.

More importantly, Tang Chen's ascension to godhood was now common knowledge, but the masses were unaware of the rule forbidding gods from meddling in mortal affairs.

Whether Tang Chen's actions were intentional—seeking to passively expand the influence of the Haotian Clan—or unintentional, simply aiming to give Bo Saixi an extravagant wedding that would bring unparalleled joy to them both, the outcome would inevitably affect how the world viewed the Haotian Clan.

After all, the Haotian Clan now boasted not only a god but also a Titled Douluo at the ninety-ninth level. Even though Sea God Island typically refrained from interfering in the affairs of the continent, its existence was impossible for people to ignore.

"My Lord, is it true that Tang Chen has ascended to godhood?" Ling Meng asked cautiously, noticing Tang San's slightly serious expression. Concern filled her voice as she continued, "Could this disrupt the balance of the continent?"

"Tang Chen has indeed broken through to level 100," Tang San confirmed. "But as for affecting the continent's political landscape… While it's true that a significant number of people may choose to align with the Haotian Clan, it won't be enough to impede the growth of Spirit Hall." He gestured for Ling Meng to remain calm. "The Haotian Clan lacks the leadership capability to dominate. They're only good at swinging hammers, and their contribution to productivity is virtually nonexistent."

Analyzing it from the perspective of societal productivity, economic structures, and the relationship between the base economy and the superstructure, Tang San noted that most sects functioned like parasites, rooted in the lives of ordinary people and draining their resources.

Perhaps, in their earliest days, these sects had been formed by pioneers striving to carve out a place for humanity in a world dominated by soul beasts, standing at the forefront of that struggle.

But could their descendants justify basking in the glory of their forebears' achievements without question?

At the very least, in this era of constant progress, the traditional sect model was no longer suitable and required transformation. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's approach, which embraced commercial capitalism, was a prime example of effective modernization.

"In that case, the Haotian Clan indeed doesn't seem capable of creating much turmoil," Ling Meng acknowledged. She understood the concept of productivity well. The strength of the Haotian Clan was embodied solely in Tang Chen. Without him, the clan would be like a castle built on sand—a fragile force relying entirely on one individual. A faction that derives its strength from a single person rather than collective effort becomes a rootless entity, easily manipulated. Even if they had trump cards, their inability to adapt to the times would render their demise inevitable.

"By the way, my lord, how long do you plan to stay at Silver Blue Manor this time?" Ling Meng asked, shifting the topic.

"About half a month," Tang San estimated. His current trip to Tian Dou City was at Qian Renxue's invitation. Beyond granting him a higher noble rank, she had sought his assistance in transforming the city. Specifically, he planned to plant Blue Silver Emperor seeds and establish a new Blue Silver Network. This network would allow her to access the Starry Sky World and the Spirit Beast Illusion Realm from within the city.

As the Blue Silver Network expanded and more users joined, the evolution of the Starry Sky World would accelerate. The spiritual energy and heavenly energy required for the upgrade of Heaven's Will would likewise grow without Tang San needing to personally oversee it.

When the Blue Silver Emperor eventually blanketed the planet, connecting all living beings through the Blue Silver Network, everyone would contribute to the development of the Starry Sky World.

*Hiss—*

No wonder people despised capitalists, yet aspired to become one themselves.

Only the noblest and most selfless of hearts could escape such a mindset.

Alas, Tang San was far from being that noble. 

(End of Chapter)