Chapter 206: Returning Home

Chapter 206: Returning Home

After leaving the Sea God Temple, Yang Potian and his companions made their way to where Yang Pingan was completing his soul ring absorption. Now it was Ye Lingling's turn to absorb her final God-given soul ring. Two months later, both she and Yang Pingan finished absorbing their rings, and only then did their full soul power levels reveal themselves.

The results were astonishing: both Yang Pingan and Ye Lingling's eighth soul rings reached 100,000 years, and their soul power levels were remarkable. Yang Pingan now stood at level 88, while Ye Lingling reached an astounding level 89. This increase included the level gains from each trial and an additional level for completing all their trials.

Early on, when they passed the third Sea God trial, Yang Pingan and Ye Lingling had both reached level 80. The later level gains simply hadn't shown until they completed their trials. With each upgrade, Ye Lingling's soul ring configuration had evolved into Purple-Purple-Black-Black-Black-Black-Black-Red, and Yang Pingan's configuration now stood at Purple-Purple-Purple-Purple-Black-Black-Black-Red.

Niu Meng had reached level 83 with a soul ring configuration of Purple-Purple-Purple-Purple-Black-Black-Black-Red. Dugu Yan, at level 82, had a setup of Yellow-Yellow-Purple-Purple-Black-Black-Black-Black, while Yang Potian, now at level 93, displayed Black-Black-Black-Black-Black-Red-Red-Red-Red.

The four of them also gained permissions within Sea God Island: Ye Lingling achieved Crimson-Level status, while Yang Pingan, Dugu Yan, and Niu Meng earned Black-Level permissions, marking them as high-ranking members of the Sea God Island hierarchy.

After a brief discussion, they decided to head back to the mainland to assess the current situation and ensure the safety of their family and Tianxing Academy. Using their newly granted Crimson-Level access, they boarded a supply transport ship and set sail from Sea God Island.

The crew members, all devoted sea spirit masters, showed great respect upon learning of Ye Lingling's Crimson-Level status, treating her with reverence. As the transport ship sailed away from the island, everyone finally felt a sense of relief. They had spent three and a half years on Sea God Island, enduring grueling trials that pushed them to their limits. Now, having completed their respective tests, they could finally relax.

Their growth was tremendous, with each person's soul power increasing by over twenty levels on average. Every one of them had reached at least the Soul Douluo rank, an improvement they'd once thought impossible. After twenty days at sea, they finally returned to Hanhai City.

As they set foot back on the mainland, a wave of comfort washed over them. For these land-based spirit masters, being back on solid ground felt like coming home. They indulged in a hearty meal at a local restaurant, savoring mainland cuisine after years of separation.

Yang Potian also took the opportunity to gather information, confirming that nothing major had occurred on the continent in recent years, meaning the Spirit Hall's soul hunt had yet to begin. With hearts full of longing for home and family, the six of them wasted no time resting. Instead, they pooled their soul power and set off on a rapid journey back home.

Now as Soul Douluo, they could travel over 200 kilometers per hour, reaching Tianxing Academy in just two to three days. Upon seeing the academy standing intact, Yang Potian finally felt at ease. After years away, his greatest fear had been that the academy might suffer in his absence, especially considering the unpredictable nature of Spirit Hall's plans.

Back at the academy, their return was cause for much celebration. Yang Tianyue immediately threw herself into Niu Jinfeng's arms, acting more like a child than a high-level spirit master, let alone the successor to the Sea God. Tianxing Academy hosted a welcoming reception to discuss both the homecoming and updates on family matters.

When the six revealed their current levels of soul power, everyone was stunned. The elders were on the verge of tears, particularly as they gazed at Yang Tianyue brandishing the Sea God Trident with a commanding presence. Yang Wudi and Niu Gao both tried lifting the Sea God Trident, only to find that even with all their strength, they couldn't move it an inch.

After everyone exchanged stories and marveled at their growth, the group dispersed to reunite with their families. Later, Yang Potian, Yang Wudi, Yang Zhentian, Niu Gao, and Dugu Bo gathered to discuss family affairs.

Yang Potian spoke with a serious tone, "Grandfather, how has the continent been these past few years? Has anything significant happened?"

Yang Wudi shook his head. "The continent has been unusually calm, with no major conflicts involving Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, or the two empires. In fact, everything has been so peaceful it's almost suspicious."

"The only notable event was the death of Prince Xue Beng of the Heaven Dou Empire."

Yang Potian frowned. "Xue Beng may have been a prince, but his death seems suspicious. Is there anything more to it?"

Yang Wudi sighed, "It was a strange incident. Some rumors say Crown Prince Xue Qinghe was involved, while others blame the Star Luo Empire. But as we've distanced ourselves from Tian Dou City, we don't have concrete information on the matter."

Yang Potian nodded. "Xue Beng was of little importance, so it doesn't concern us. What about Crown Prince Xue Qinghe? Has he had any interactions with us?"

Yang Wudi shook his head again. "Not since we moved to the Almore Mountains. Apart from some minor business dealings, we've kept out of any major power struggles. Our Tianxing Academy has a very low profile on the continent, staying clear of sect conflicts."

"However, there are some other pieces of news."

"The first is that rumors are circulating that the Clear Sky Clan might return to the public sphere. No one knows for sure, but from my observations, they're probably preparing to resurface in the next three to five years."

Yang Potian shook his head thoughtfully. "Without Tang Chen, the Clear Sky Clan has neither the strength nor the courage to break their truce with Spirit Hall. If they do, they risk being annihilated."

He reflected further, knowing that Spirit Hall's soul hunt was likely imminent but lacking precise timing. He needed to find out soon, so they could act accordingly.

Yang Wudi continued, "The usual five-year Spirit Master Tournament was canceled this time. Heaven Dou was eager, but neither Star Luo nor Spirit Hall showed any interest, citing a plague in Star Luo as their reason, claiming all resources were directed toward relief efforts."

Yang Potian mused, "Heaven Dou's team must be strong enough to cause concern, perhaps fielding several Soul Kings. It makes sense the other factions would want to avoid competing."

"Besides, with the spirit master world so quiet, we could be in the calm before the storm. We should remain vigilant for any sudden upheaval."

After more discussion, Yang Potian considered his next moves. He knew that the recent changes in the political landscape, possibly influenced by the release of his concealed techniques and schematics, may have altered events from their original trajectory. He would need to conduct reconnaissance to assess the current state of affairs and gauge Xue Qinghe's intentions, which were becoming less predictable.

Yang Potian advised everyone to keep the news of Yang Tianyue's Sea God inheritance private to avoid drawing unwanted attention. A new god's emergence could shake the power balance, and if news of it spread, the Yang family would become a target.

After some time at home, Yang Potian decided to travel on his own to observe the political climate firsthand, especially to confirm whether Spirit Hall's soul hunt was indeed in motion.

Meanwhile, Tian Dou Imperial Academy was dealing with an unexpected turn of events. In the academy's executive council building, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and several high-ranking officials were gathered with Yu Xiaogang, discussing the Spirit Master Tournament's cancellation. This news left Yu Xiaogang visibly frustrated. He had poured his expertise into training his students, and over five years, the team's strength had risen significantly.

After years of intense training and generous resources, the team now comprised seven Soul Kings. However, despite Yu Xiaogang's attempts to have the tournament held, both Star Luo and Spirit Hall were firm in their refusal, citing the pandemic and resource limitations.

Just a few days after returning home, Yang Potian received unexpected visitors: Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo arrived at the Yang residence, greeting his grandfather Yang Wudi and Dugu Bo as if they were old friends.

Yang Potian found this surprising, considering that Spirit Hall was thousands of kilometers away from Almore Mountain. Why would they come here now?

According to Yang Zhentian, Chrysanthemum Douluo had paid multiple visits over the years, mostly to discuss herbs and plants with Yang Wudi and Dugu Bo. It seemed their relationship had grown into an unlikely friendship. This, however, was Ghost Douluo's first visit.

(End of Chapter)

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