Douluo Dalu - Volume 01-48

by Tang Jia San Shao

  Emperor Xue Ye had already retaken control over the government, and simultaneously announced fourth prince Xue Beng as crown prince successor. Prince Xue Xing was chief overseer over the imperial armed forces.

  That day when emperor Xue Ye had awoken, Tang San had naturally guessed what was going on. The reason Ning Fengzhi asked him to leave the room that time was to protect him. Even if Tang San didn’t know just what Ning Fengzhi had done, he could completely imagine that this Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School master had definitely used some special means to arouse emperor Xue Ye’s hidden life potential. Doing so could admittedly let this regent wake up as soon as possible to take control over the situation, but with his organs already failing, it would undoubtedly also shorten his lifespan even more. Emperor Xue Ye wouldn’t be unaware of this when he woke up, even if a regent like him didn’t realize it as soon as he woke up, he would definitely figure it out with time. Even if he currently needed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, who could speak for the future? This matter would definitely turn into a thorn between the imperial family and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.

  Tang San quite admired Ning Fengzhi’s prompt decision making, and that he would ask him to step outside first showed his good will towards the Tang Sect. What he said that day about him looking after Ning Rongrong, was actually about looking after the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Whether Ning Fengzhi wanted to admit it or not, ever since the attack by Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had begun to decline, just like the Clear Sky School back then. It seemed this would happen to every great sect.

  But the Tang Sect was different. Also a Spirit Master sect, the Tang Sect not only had an extremely close relationship with the Shrek Academy, and the events this time also had a decisive effect. One might say they saved emperor Xue Ye and the Heaven Dou imperial family. Even though emperor Xue Ye didn’t pass on any excessive rewards, he naturally wouldn’t forget this favor. Viewing it from another angle, compared to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, such a young sect was easier to control for the Heaven Dou imperial family. As long as the Tang Sect made enough contributions to the empire, their position in Heaven Dou would be sure to be unshakeable.

  With these deep thoughts, Tang San grew even thirstier for improving his own strength. No matter the Heaven Dou Empire’s bearing towards him in the future, without the foundation of formidable strength, all this was an illusion. And in order to deal with Spirit Hall, he equally needed to draw on the vast manpower and resources of the Heaven Dou empire. Since the Tang Sect had chosen to attach itself to the Heaven Dou empire, their future relationship would require sharing both peace and hardship.

  As for the incumbent crown prince Xue Beng, Tang San was on the contrary not worried. Even after he took the throne after emperor Xue Ye passed away in the future, as long as he wasn’t an idiot, the structure wouldn’t change. Always suppressed by Qian Renxue posing as Xue Qinghe, but always able to stay alive, one could imagine how deep he had hidden. Even though such a person wasn’t easy to deal with, at least he would be a qualified ruler. Even if the Heaven Dou Empire didn’t continue ten thousand steps down the road, secretly relocating the Tang Sect wasn’t anything difficult. Don’t forget that the Shrek Seven Devils’ boss, Evil Eye White Tiger Dai Mubai, was the crown prince of Star Luo empire.

  On the way back to the sect, Tang San thought about many things. After one by one arranging all kinds of things in his heart, he felt even more deeply that Grandmaster stood tall and saw far. Him leaving for a while could not only ease the tensions between Heaven Dou Empire and Spirti Hall, but moreover also avert him becoming the target of numerous arrows if he stayed. Who could say whether Spirit Hall would send experts to assassinate him?

  And right now Spirit Hall at least weren’t too clear about the Tang Sect he had established. As long as he left, it would be even easier for the Tang Sect to enter a phase of smooth development. With the backing of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the imperial family, him not being present was basically not a problem.

  Having thought all this through, Tang San had also resolved to go on a journey for a while. Improving his strength and steadily developing the Tang Sect was the best choice. Extremism would only lead to ruin.

  Even if the current Clear Sky School already possessed six Title Douluo level powers, after listening to what Sword Douluo Chen Xin said that day, Tang San truly understood why his grandfather would choose to retreat back then. At present the Clear Sky School might be said to possess the greatest strength in a hundred years, with six Title Douluo. But in fact, besides sect master Tang Xiao, the other five elders were only just Title Douluo. With their age it was basically impossible to attack the heights above the ninety fifth rank. Even Tang Xiao might not reach the ninety ninth rank within fifty years. How could this contend against Spirit Hall? Who knew how many exceptional powers hid within Spirit hall?

  Unconsciously, Tang San had already led Xiao Wu back to the Tang Sect. Just as he entered the great gates, he heard someone screaming,

  “Aaa—— Sister Chenxiang, you can’t do this to me! Even if you don’t agree, you still can’t beat me, alright?”

  “Pei, who’s youre sister Chenxiang? Why don’t you drop dead, you damned fatty, you have the impertinence to go talk drivel with grandpa, I won’t play with you.”

  Seeing a round massive shadow thrown in his direction, Tang San couldn’t help but display a slight smile. Right hand waving and warding, he shifted the impulse of the object to the side. Before he had finished his movement, an incomparably swift white silhouette had already reached him, one foot kicking at that massive shadow.

  “What are you singing about?”

  Tang San somewhat helplessly pulled Ma Hongjun aside, that plump figure was naturally this fatty. Ma Hongjun was intelligent and hastily dodged, hiding behind Tang San and Xiao Wu, furtively glancing at that white silhouette already standing in front of Tang San, Speed Hall master Bai He’s granddaughter Bai Chenxiang.

  Bai Chenxiang crossed her arms at her waist with a seething appearance. Because of anger, her charming face had two smears of captivating red, like rouge, making her even more beautiful.

  Seeing Fatty hide behind Tang San and Xiao Wu, she still didn’t agree to drop it,

  “Damned fatty, get out here. If you have the skill, don’t hide behind the sect master. Cousin, you have to be the judge for me. This damned fatty wants to kill me.”

  Tang San laughed out loud, hastily saying:

  “Fine, fine, I’ll judge. Cool your temper first, then tell me what bloody atrocity Fatty has committed to make you so furious!”

  Ma Hongjun swiftly stuck his head out, and was just about to speak up, but was forced back by Bai Chenxiang’s fierce glare. It was strange, really. Even though Ma Hongjun was ordinarily cheerful and easygoing, his heart was actually as hard as iron. Among the Shrek Seven Devils, he only feared Dai Mubai and Tang San. To outsiders, he wouldn’t agree to be at a disadvantage. But confronted with Bai Chenxiang’s pouting glare he was actually speechless, with an appearance of grabbing his ears and scratching his chin.

  Bai Chenxiang pouted angrily:

  “This damned fatty actually went to my grandfather to propose marriage. And my grandfather actually agreed. And even wanted me to be nicer to him. Cousin, you have to judge on my behalf. This damned fatty clearly doesn’t have good intentions. I’d rather marry pigs or dogs than him.”

  Listening to Bai Chenxiang, Tang San also couldn’t help staring blankly. Fatty going to Bai He to propose marriage was something he could understand, even if Fatty’s methods were a bit direct, but if he could have Bai He’s approval he could naturally do half the work for twice the effect. But what puzzled Tang San was why Bai He would agree. And agree without even consulting Bai Chenxiang. This was a bit strange.

  In fact, even if Bai Chenxiang couldn’t compare to Xiao Wu, she was still an outstanding beauty, and her scope was naturally extremely high. Fatty’s figure wasn�
��t particularly pleasing either. Could it be because Fatty was a Tang Sect hall master? Impossible. Bai He was even previously the Speed Clan chief, and also his granduncle.

  Seeing Bai Chenxiang close to tears, Tang San hastily said:

  “Chenxiang. Did granduncle really agree to you two marrying?”

  Bai Chenxiang nodded sharply,

  “I don’t know what potion this damned fatty poured into grandfather, but he actually really agreed. I went to argue with grandfather, and grandfather even said that he is a good person, and that getting along would become habit, and to think about his good points. What good points does this damned fatty have? Pork?”

  Ma Hongjun couldn’t quite hold back,

  “Sister Chenxiang, you can’t say that! I have a lot of good points. Everyone praises me as a young gentleman untainted by even a speck of dust, an honest and reliable elegant youth.”

  “Pei—— I think your cheek is three times thicker than the city walls. Absolutely shameless. I’ve never seen anyone as shameless as you. Humph, anyway, I’m not marrying you. Not even if grandfather agreed. At worst I’ll just run away.”

  Tang San somewhat helplessly shook his head, saying:

  “Alright, sister Chenxiang, don’t be upset. I’ll go chat with granduncle. As long as you don’t want it, nobody will force you. Not Fatty either.”

  Ma Hongjun looked at Tang San with wide eyes,

  “Third brother, isn’t your elbows turned the wrong way, I’ve finally managed to get elder Bai’s approval.”

  Tang San shot Fatty a meaningful glance,

  “Feelings go two ways, don’t tell me you really want to force Chenxiang?”

  Ma Hongjun stared blankly a moment. He and Tang San had been together for a long time, and seeing Tang San’s expression, he had nothing to say.

  Bai Chenxiang clearly relaxed a lot, looking at Tang San and Xiao Wu next to him, then again fiercely glaring at Fatty, saying:

  “Cousin, I’ll ask for your help with this. No matter what, if you judge on my behalf, we can agree.”

  Tang San nodded slightly,

  “Don’t worry, as I said, as long as you don’t want it, nobody will force you.”

  Bai Chenxiang left happily. Tang San was the sect master of Tang Sect, his words naturally weighed very heavily.

  Once Bai Chenxiang had bounced off, Ma Hongjun couldn’t help asking:

  “Third brother, you’re……”

  Tang San glanced at him, saying:

  “Forcefully twisted melons aren’t sweet. Even though your methods are direct, you can’t act be overeager, otherwise you’ll have the opposite result. Didn’t granduncle agree to you two? Thus, the only resistance to wooing Chenxiang is herself. I will help you, but whether you can gain her affection is still up to you.”

  Fatty nodded forcefully,

  “Third brother, I’m sincere this time. I guarantee I’ll be good to her. I’ll listen to you, I will definitely move her with my sincerity.”

  Even though he said so, his expression was clearly a bit disappointed. Evidently, even he himself wasn’t too optimistic. In terms of appearance, he really didn’t match Bai Chenxiang.

  Tang San lowered his voice, speaking a few sentences next to Ma Hongjun’s ears. Ma Hongjun was stunned at first, but in a moment turned from grief to happiness,

  “Third brother, is that true?”

  Tang San nodded,

  “Among us Shrek Seven Devils, just you still don’t have a place to return to. If I can help you I will. However, as I said, success still depends on you yourself. Keep in mind that true friends are revealed through trials and tribulations. Remember how little Ao got Rongrong’s affection? Take out your sincere feelings.”

  Leaving behind the excitedly pondering Ma Hongjun, Tang San brought Xiao Wu back the the sect master’s mansion, and ordered sect disciples to call over the hall masters.

  Before long, Speed Hall master bai He, Medicine Hall master yang Wudi, Defense Hall master Niu Gai, Strength Hall master Tai Tan, as well as Martial hall master Ma Hongjun and the equally ranked Ning Rongrong and Oscar all arrived in the sect master mansion’s discussion hall.

  Tang San sat in the main seat, everyone else sitting after saluting him one by one. The sect had the rules of a sect, and this etiquette was something the four single attribute clan chiefs had demanded.

  “Hall master Tai, what is elder Lou Gao busy with?”

  Tang San saw that Lou Gao didn’t come with Tai Tan, and asked him.

  Tai Tan smiled wryly:

  “Lou Gao, that old fellow, he’s even more obsessed with forging than I am. These days he really doesn’t pay any attention to outside matters, supervising the Strength Hall disciples in forging all day. However, with his directions, I can also relax.”

  Tang San nodded, then turned towards everyone,

  “At present our Tang Sect can be considered having stepped onto the right track. Before long, the first patch of hidden weapons will be complete. For the moment we have no plans to recruit disciples. Calling everyone over this time is mainly to discuss something with you. I talked to Grandmaster today. At present us Shrek Seven Devils have all reached bottlenecks to some degree, and in order to keep progressing, we need to take alternative routes. I’m planning to temporarily leave the Tang Sect business to you elders, and go on a journey somewhere that suits cultivation for a while. Not only i will go. Rongrong, Oscar, and ma Hongjun will all go with me.”

  Defense hall master Niu Gao said:

  “Putting effort into cultivating is a good thing. However, sect master, how long will you be gone?”

  Tang San said:

  “I don’t know either. There are certain dangers where we’re going. It’s places that can give us pressure that are more advantageous to the advancement of our strength. As for how long before we can return, I can’t say. As for logistics, with both Rongrong and Oscar away with me, I’ll ask school master Ning and his Majesty to look after the Tang Sect.”

  Hearing Tang San say he didn’t know how long he would be gone, the four elders were all a bit quiet. After a long time, Yang Wudi took the lead to speak up:

  “Sect master, you all go. Leave the Tang Sect to us. Where the Tang Sect is, we are.”

  He spoke like he did about his Soulbreaking Spear. Where the person was, the spear was, if the spear broke, the person died. Even if Yang Wudi wasn’t talkative, his words carried a great deal of weight.

  Tai Tan said:

  “Sect master, we understand. You’re going to cultivate to grow stronger, to contend against Spirit Hall in the future. However, you can’t forget that, as the master of the Tang Sect, great responsibility lies with you. The Tang Sect can’t be a headless dragon for too long.”

  Tang San nodded, paraphrasing what Grandmaster said about the current situation on the Continent,

  “I understand all of your concern. Elder Yang once confronted the enemies from Spirit Hall with me. I believe all of you understand the immense power that Spirit hall possesses. No matter what point of view, we are at an absolute disadvantage. The Tang Sect needs powers, and if we, the young generation, can’t grow quickly, we will be in an even more passive situation in the future. I’ve already thought it over clearly, and I believe that no matter what dangers we face, we will definitely return safely.”

  After thinking deeply for a moment, Tai Tan resolutely said:

  “Then good. Sect master, leave without worries. Leave the Tang Sect to us. We’ll combine the Medicine Hall’s medicaments and our Strength Hall’s hidden weapons like we discussed, making a batch of excellent hidden weapons. We’ll first equip the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, then ourselves. What we manufacture beyond that we’ll sell to the Heaven Dou imperial family. We’ll need a very long time to manufacture large quantities of hidden weapons. I believe that, once you return, our Tang Sect will truly be established.”

  Tang San said:

  “I talked it over with Teacher. In the future our Tang Sect will only recrui
t disciples tested through the Shrek Academy, and with Teacher’s recommendation. Like this we can maintain the quality of our disciples. With Ma Hongjun away with me, Martial Hall will temporarily be left to uncle Niu Ben’s charge.”

  Among the second generation of the four single attribute clans, Niu Ben was the most outstanding one.

  The next discussion revolved around the future development direction of the Tang Sect and the surrounding details. Tang San wasn’t preparing to leave for just a short time, and before he left he had to clearly talk over his thoughts with the four elders, and guarantee that the Tang Sect would be healthy in this time.

  Just as Grandmaster said, the Tang Sect had already stepped onto the right track. Whether the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School or the Heaven Dou imperial family, they would both unconditionally support the Tang Sect. How far the Tang Sect would go in the future, still depended on what accomplishments Tang San and the others could produce. A sect with a Title Douluo was entirely different from one without, and a sect with an exceptional Title Douluo was even more so. The Shrek Seven Devils all possessed enormous potential, and how to transform that potential into strength enough to contend with Spirit Hall was the biggest problem Tang San faced.

  At nightfall, Tang San had already return to his house with a sleeping Xiao Wu in his arms, and was just about to start cultivating when he heard the sound of footsteps outside. A low voice asked,

  “Sect master, are you resting?”

  Tang San left the bedroom, reaching the drawing room outside,

  “Elder Yang, come in.”

  He had long ago guessed that Yang Wudi would come find him, he just didn’t know when.

  Yang Wudi pushed open the door and entered. His nature was always very direct, just like his Soulbreaking Spear,

  “Sect master, I have something to tell you.”

  Tang San gestured him to sit,

  “Elder, please speak.”

  Yang Wudi didn’t sit, standing there muttering to himself for a moment, then said: