Chapter 191: Tang San's Misfortunes

Chapter 191: Tang San's Misfortunes

In the following days, Yang Potian took his group to the beach to practice swimming. Most of them had never been in water before and were essentially "land ducks." He couldn't risk anyone drowning, especially given the Sea God trials, where several challenges involved water. Getting them used to the water now was a wise precaution.

Through training and the absorption of a spirit bone, along with another dose of whale glue, Niu Meng finally reached level sixty. To ensure he reached this milestone, Yang Zhentian took him to obtain a new spirit ring.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Yang Potian, his recent maneuvers were shaking the entire Douluo Continent.

Firstly, with the distribution of various cultivation manuals, all major factions were now steeped in intense training. The Spirit Hall, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had each acquired nearly all the manuals. After extensive study, these factions, having confirmed the manuals' effectiveness, had large segments of their forces training with them.

Though the revised version of the Mysterious Heaven Method was missing certain crucial sections, making it harder to cultivate, it was still leagues above the current meditation techniques. Despite the fourth layer's removal, the trimmed version was still a top-tier method. Although lacking the final, ninth layer, the effects of that omission wouldn't surface for another five years or so, given that even Yang Potian himself had only reached the fifth layer.

As Yang Potian saw it, the number of Spirit Douluo on the continent would likely increase due to the method's spread, but the number of Title Douluo would not rise drastically—only those with exceptional talent or insight would reach those heights.

Additionally, the distribution of hidden weapon blueprints was stirring major interest. Not only had the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan obtained them, but other factions did as well, particularly the two empires, which prized these blueprints like treasures. Blacksmiths from Gengxin City, in particular, became hotly sought-after assets, with the Spirit Hall managing to recruit most of them due to its existing influence in the city.

The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was slower to respond and ended up with fewer blacksmiths. Tianxing Academy, however, leveraged its foresight during the distribution to quietly entice several blacksmiths to relocate to the Almos Mountains. Although they weren't divine artisans like Lou Gao, their craftsmanship was still impressive.

Moreover, Tianxing Academy wasn't necessarily seeking master craftsmen—they preferred low-key and skilled blacksmiths for defensive tools rather than hidden weapons, which sparked some internal debate. Yang Potian's argument ultimately prevailed:

"Grandfather, our priority is academy defense. While these hidden weapons are ingeniously crafted, they're not very powerful or practical for large-scale defense. Also, they're too intricate and costly to be worthwhile."

Thus, as Yang Potian advocated, rather than installing Zhuge Crossbows at the academy, they opted for weapons akin to ancient battlefield repeating crossbows and ballistae. Although less portable, they were far more potent for base defense.

Across the continent, a burgeoning arms race was taking shape. The two empires led in this regard, as they possessed more extensive blacksmithing infrastructures, with the Spirit Hall and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan following suit. Other sects lagged considerably.

Meanwhile, the Purple Demon Eye technique was also widely adopted, given its rarity as a spiritual cultivation method. Even many high-level spirit masters began to practice it.

Though the other manuals spread widely, none were as prized as the Mysterious Heaven Method and hidden weapon blueprints. Only the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan placed significant importance on other techniques, given their need for supplemental offensive skills.

The situation was especially challenging for the Clear Sky Clan. Tang Xiao and the five elders reviewed the manuals they had gathered with mounting frustration. Despite being labeled as "leaked" by defectors from the Clear Sky Clan, the manuals had little to do with the clan. Even the clan's famed Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique was allegedly part of the leak, painting the Clear Sky Clan as a prime suspect.

All signs pointed toward the Clear Sky Clan, even though Tang San had never actually been to the clan's base. It appeared as though an invisible net was closing in, leaving the Clear Sky Clan in a precarious position.

Meanwhile, after over a year of training with Tang Hao, Tang San's spirit power had reached level fifty, surpassing the original timeline. However, his hammer technique lagged behind somewhat due to the absence of Ice and Fire Body Tempering and Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, which were key for improving both his physical strength and spiritual power.

Nevertheless, Tang Hao decided to focus on acquiring Tang San's fifth spirit ring before resuming hammer training to keep his progress on track. However, when Tang Hao and Tang San arrived at the Blue Silver Forest, they were stunned. The once-dense forest now looked desolate. Not a single eight-thousand-five-hundred-year-old Blue Silver King, nor even any thousand-year or ten-thousand-year Blue Silver Grass, could be found.

Tang San attempted multiple times to connect with the Blue Silver Grass using his spirit power, but he sensed nothing extraordinary. After searching several locations, he reluctantly gave up.

"Dad, this place doesn't seem that special. Were you misinformed?" Tang San asked, bewildered.

Tang Hao, suppressing his disappointment, finally spoke, "Your spirit isn't ordinary Blue Silver Grass. You inherited the Blue Silver Emperor bloodline from your mother. She once brought me here, where we met an eight-thousand-five-hundred-year-old Blue Silver King who could help you awaken both your bloodline and spirit. But it's gone now."

Tang Hao then recounted the tragic tale of their flight from the Spirit Hall and the Blue Silver Emperor's sacrifice, his face filled with sorrow.

After listening, Tang San seethed with anger. "I can't believe the Spirit Hall was so despicable, costing me my mother's life. I will make them pay for this one day."

However, after a moment's thought, Tang San asked, "So, Dad, how am I supposed to awaken the Blue Silver Emperor?"

Tang Hao shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe we'll have to wait for your mother's spirit to mature again."

Tang San's face darkened at this. With his mother reduced to an ordinary Blue Silver Grass, her spirit would need tens of thousands of years to grow to its former level—an impossible wait.

After some consideration, Tang San made up his mind. "Dad, I'm going to make a trip to Heaven Dou City. I'll consult with my teacher about further cultivation methods and ask if there's any way to awaken the Blue Silver Emperor spirit or obtain spirit rings for it. I'd also like to check in on the Tang Sect. We've been in hiding for over a year now, and Spirit Hall shouldn't be watching us so closely."

Although Tang Hao was incredibly powerful, he had spent his life focused on mastering the Clear Sky Hammer and knew little about cultivating Blue Silver Grass. Left without other options, he reluctantly agreed to Tang San's request. Besides, with his strength, Tang Hao was confident he could easily escape, even if surrounded by several Title Douluo.

However, once they returned to Heaven Dou City, things did not go as they expected.

After discreetly slipping into Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Tang San asked Yu Xiaogang about his cultivation concerns. Yu Xiaogang, having never heard of the Blue Silver Emperor, was perplexed. He had no knowledge of how to awaken it, much less a path for its cultivation. After a discussion, he advised Tang San to focus his spirit ring search on snake and spider-type spirit beasts. These types would best complement the Blue Silver Grass's control abilities.

Tang Hao wholeheartedly approved, firmly believing that Tang San's future power would ultimately depend on the Clear Sky Hammer.

The two then returned to the Tang Sect, only to find that the situation was worse than Tang San had anticipated.

Originally, the Tang Sect's dealings with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had brought substantial profits through the sale of hidden weapons. But now, the orders had abruptly ceased, and the Tang Sect's income had plummeted. They were back to surviving as four isolated clans, facing an even worse situation since they now had the Agility Clan to support and no longer had the Defense Clan's backing.

Furious, Tang San demanded, "How could the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan just stop purchasing our hidden weapons? What are they doing now to abandon our partnership?"

Titan hesitated, clearly pained before he answered, "Young Master, it's not just the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. I fear other sects may no longer buy from us either."

Titan then explained in detail how many Tang Sect techniques and hidden weapon blueprints had been circulating in the black market, flooding all major factions and kingdoms. It seemed that everyone had access to Tang Sect secrets and techniques. Now, various sects and even the two empires were producing their own hidden weapons, leaving them little reason to buy from the Tang Sect at premium prices.

Tang San's expression grew darker with each word. He had fiercely protected the Tang Sect's techniques and blueprints, only to see them spread to every corner of the continent. How was he supposed to rebuild the Tang Sect with nothing unique left?

"Elder Titan," Tang San asked, his voice strained, "do we know who leaked these techniques and blueprints? Any clues at all?"

Titan shook his head, frustrated. "Rumor has it that it was two people dressed in black, but no one has managed to find out anything definitive. It's said that one of them used the Clear Sky Hammer. If you want to investigate, I'd suggest visiting the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan for business reasons or even Clear Sky Clan itself. As the most prominent sect, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's information network is vast, and they might know more about the leak. The Clear Sky Clan might also have relevant information."

Tang San was stunned. "Clear Sky Hammer spirit? That's impossible; neither my father nor I have been to the Clear Sky Clan."

Tang San had always believed the Tang Sect's techniques were safe; only he knew them, and not even his father was aware of many of the secrets. How could Clear Sky Clan have leaked information they didn't possess?

After a lengthy discussion, Tang San decided to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to inquire both about the business and the leak.

Upon arriving, Ning Fengzhi welcomed Tang San personally, with both Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo present. Ning Fengzhi wasted no time.

"Well, Tang San, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"

Tang San wasted no time either. "Clan Master Ning, there are two matters I'd like to ask you about."

Ning Fengzhi smiled amicably. "We are both part of the Upper Three Sects. I'm happy to share any information I have."

Tang San gathered himself. "Firstly, I'd like to know if you're aware of the recent leaks of Tang Sect techniques, and secondly, I'd like to ask about our hidden weapon partnership."

Without a word, Ning Fengzhi opened his spirit tool, displaying an array of Tang Sect manuals, techniques, and blueprints.

Tang San's face darkened as he saw the spread of manuals and blueprints. As their original owner, he recognized every detail, and seeing them here, accessible to all, was a bitter shock.

Tang San swallowed back his outrage. He couldn't risk admitting there were gaps in these versions or that he held the complete, original techniques. Any hint of missing pieces would spark interest from factions across the continent, setting everyone on his trail.

Devastated and barely able to conceal his dismay, Tang San left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan without even mentioning future business prospects. With these blueprints and access to skilled blacksmiths, Ning Fengzhi had no need to buy from the Tang Sect at inflated prices.

Seeing Tang San's gloomy demeanor over the next few days, Tang Hao finally slapped him sharply. "Xiao San, what's with this defeatist attitude? Have you forgotten the debt of revenge you owe for your mother?"

Tang San responded, his spirits clearly crushed. "These techniques belong to the Tang Sect, and yet someone spread them to the entire continent. It's taken away the very foundation of our sect."

Tang Hao gave him another hard slap. "The Tang Sect is nothing but a small child's dream. Power is what rules this world. If you are strong enough, then everything will be yours for the taking."

"Our Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer technique might be attainable by skilled blacksmiths, but do you see anyone else daring to use it?"

"As long as you grow strong enough, the world will listen to you. When you become invincible, taking back those techniques will be as easy as breathing. For a true spirit master, it's about spirit and power, not petty techniques. With your twin spirits and innate full spirit power, you're destined for greatness, capable of leading the Clear Sky Clan to new heights. And when that day comes, there will be nothing stopping you from achieving your revenge."

Buoyed by his father's words, Tang San regained some confidence and resolved to train even harder, knowing that strength was the only path to restoring the Tang Sect's honor.

As for his next spirit ring, following Yu Xiaogang's suggestion, he ultimately chose a Soul Devouring Demon Spider, a spirit beast of over ten thousand years.

End of Chapter

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