Tang San knew that Ning Fengzhi truly did care about them so he hurriedly nodded his head in consent.
The security in the Heaven Dou Empire Palace was even tighter than before. The two thousand spirit masters loyal to the royal family resided in the palace, staying in close proximity to Emperor Xue Ye was at least two hundred patrolling spirit masters.
Ning Fengzhi brought Tang San to seek an audience with Emperor Xue Ye, very quickly they were let through to enter the grounds.
In the chambers was not only the Emperor Xue Ye, but also two other people Tang San recognised. Firstly was prince Xue Xing and the new Crown Prince, the Fourth Prince Xue Beng.
Prince Xue Xing had a proud look, his original arrogant and domineering attitude was long gone, only now did Tang San feel that he rather resembled Emperor Xue Ye.
Prince Xue Beng had changed even more, respectfully standing by Emperor Xue Ye’s side, his foppishness nowhere to be found.
Seeing this sight, Tang San inwardly sighed, Qian Renxue really disguised herself as Xue Qinghe well, but didn’t this Fourth Prince Xue Beng and prince Xue Xing hide it even better? Regardless of the process, they were the final victors. Without question, Xue Beng was Emperor Xue Ye’s sole successor. After Emperor Xue Ye passed away, he would become this Heaven Dou Empire’s new master.
Emperor Xue Ye still looked energetic with his rosy and healthy complexion, without knowing prior, one would easily assume he was healthy. In actuality he was constantly fighting for his life.
“Paying our respects to His Majesty.” Ning Fengzhi and Tang San both paid their respects to Emperor Xue Ye.
Emperor Xue Ye smilingly said: “You two Clan leaders both dispense with the courtesies, take a seat.”
Tang San carefully observed this Emperor, using his spiritual force to investigate, he could clearly see tell that Emperor Xue Ye was lacking both vital energy and blood, and had erratic short breathing.
“Sect Leader Tang, I heard from School Leader Ning that you will be heading on a long journey?” Emperor Xue Ye asked Tang San with a smile.
Tang San nodded his head. Saying: “I was just planning to report this matter to you. The Tang Sect has just officially went on the right track, in the short term Spirit Hall should not move again. I intend to use this time to travel a little and find an opportunity to increase my strength.”
Emperor Xue Ye said: “This is good, but does Sect Leader Tang know how long you will be gone?”
Tang San inwardly smiled wryly, but on the surface he indifferently said: “Perhaps about three to five years, I am also unable to give a more specific prediction.”
Emperor Xue Ye nodded, looking at the Prince standing beside him, “Xue Beng, didn’t you say you have something to tell Sect Leader Tang?”
Xue Beng hurriedly acknowledged and walked from Emperor Xue Ye’s side till he reached a few steps before Tang San. Just as Tang San was confused as to what he was going to do, this newly crowned prince suddenly fell to his knees with a bang, and paid his respects to Tang San.
Tang San jumped from shock, his suddenly reaction lifted his chair up a meter away along with him as he hurried to the Prince’s side to help him up.
“Your highness, why do you do this?”
Xue Beng was unwilling to get up regardless of what was said, devotedly said: “Sect Leader Tang, please accept this kowtow of mine. If not, I Xue Beng cannot be at ease for this life of mine. At the start in order to protect myself, I had aggravated Sect Leader Tang multiple times. However, Sect Leader Tang still saved my father’s life during times of crisis. Regardless of being a son or a servant, I have to kowtow to you for my father and myself.”
Tang San naturally could not accept such a kowtow, as he moved to the side, pushed his arm against Xue Beng’s shoulder to prevent him from kowtowing to him. Looking to Emperor Xue Ye, he difficulty said: “Your Majesty, His Highness The Royal Prince he… …”
Emperor Xue Ye spoke with a sigh: “This is something that he should do. These years have been hard on him, it is also my fault that I did not realise that Qinghe was an imposter. I had four sons, yet three of them have already been murdered by Spirit Hall. All that is left is this Xue Beng. Sect Leader Tang, I hope that you allow Xue Beng to pay his respects to you as his teacher. In the future, I will be relying on you. So, by reason and by feelings, this kowtow should be accepted by you.”
Take me as his teacher? Tang San inwardly thought, Xue Beng is even older than me, what does this kowtow even amount to? Emperor Xue Ye is indeed planning matters for after his passing. But, how should he deal with this right now?
At this moment, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School School Leader Ning Fengzhi beside him spoke: “Sect Leader Tang, just accept the Prince’s sincerity.”
Hearing even Ning Fengzhi say this, Tang San had no choice but to let go of Xue Beng’s shoulder, allowing him to kowtow three times before quickly helping him up. Not sure if it was Xue Beng being a good actor or if it was his actual personality, Tang San could see only sincerity in his eyes.
Actually, Xue Beng sincerely thanked Tang San, if not for him saving His Majesty, getting rid of Qian Renxue and coming with Ning Fengzhi and the Shrek Academy to help. After Qian Renxue ascended the throne, the first person she would kill was prince Xue Xing then next would definitely be him, such was the idea behind getting rid of the weeds at the roots. At that point, the Heaven Dou Empire would truly no longer have even one true inheritor of the royal bloodline in its descendants anymore. Only with Tang San’s help did the tides turn and allow him to take up the position of Crown Prince, cementing his position as the next Emperor. What did their previous feud amount to? Xue Beng could only wholeheartedly thank Tang San.
Looking at it from another angle, the Tang Sect was currently rapidly developing, because of the situation in the Heaven Dou Empire had stabilised, and the Tang Sect hidden weapons had been shown to the empire. Emperor Xue Ye and Xue Beng both know the future importance of the Tang Sect to Heaven Dou Empire. The opportunity in front of them could be said to be of utmost value to the empire.
If it was only to give thanks, Tang San would definitely never accept this kowtow, Xue Beng was after all the future emperor, this kowtow could be draw disgrace in the future. However things were different if it was to take him as a teacher, a disciple kowtowing to the teacher would always be acceptable.
“Teacher.” Xue Beng respectfully said to Tang San.
Without waiting for Tang San to speak, Emperor Xue Ye already spoke: “Sect Leader Tang is to receive the royal decree.”
“Tang San present.” Just as Tang San was going to kneel down, Xue Beng held him up, as he was surprised by the act, he could already hear Emperor Xue Ye saying: “I decree that Tang San, as the crown prince’s Imperial Tutor[1], from today onwards, there is no need to pay homage. You shall be crowned prince[2]. Royal name: Lan Hao[3]. Within the Empire, you shall be considered as an official of three ranks higher[4].”
Emperor Xue Ye really went all out! Was Tang San’s first reaction, he who was of common birth, even if he had obtained a title when won the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament previously it would at most be a count. But now, he had jumped so many ranks and had become a prince, which was not something that could be obtained just for saving Emperor Xue Ye’s life. King Lan Hao, this was clearly a title derived from his twin spirit spirits.
A servant carried a tray before him: the tray was covered with a red cloth, covering something underneath it.
Emperor Xue Ye smilingly said: “King Lan Hao, why don’t you have a look at what’s beneath. From now on it will represent your status.”
With some doubt Tang San removed the red cloth. In an instant, the royal chambers were shrouded with a brilliant lustre.
Under the cloth was a palm-sized bizarre object: it had a triangular body crystal blue in colour, seemingly carved whole from sapphire. A constant sapphire lustre burst out along with the strange energy fluctuations coming from it.
On this blue triangle were many ripple like lines which did not seemed carved on, rather it felt as if it was alive, pulsing with blue slight, it covered the entire chamber with its lustre.
“Your Majesty, this is… …” Tang San looked towards Emperor Xue Ye, his gaze sweeping past Ning Fengzhi, clearly seeing the envious look coming from his face. Just what on earth was this thing that even the richest Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School School Leader would envy?
Emperor Xue Ye lightly smiled, his heart bitter: if not for the empire already reaching such dire straits, why on earth would he give away a national treasure like this. Tang San was still young; his saving of him, or even his strength, were not what the emperor saw in him. Even if he was even stronger, he was but one person. The thing that truly made Emperor Xue Ye make this decision was none other than the Tang Sect Hidden Weapons.
If to say, in the future Tang San became an undisputed absolute power among Spirit Masters, then the Tang Sect Hidden Weapons could also be called unrivaled. With such special weapons, the Heaven Dou Empire would then truly become able to face Spirit Hall head-on. After witnessing the strength of these hidden weapons, Emperor Xue Ye had already decided to give his full support to the Tang Sect’s production of them. As Tang San was the leader of the Tang Sect, and he had even saved his life, along with the huge potential support he could bring. Recruiting Tang San was a necessity: in Emperor Xue Ye’s heart, Tang San right now was already more important than Ning Fengzhi.
“This object is called the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. In a certain sense, it can be considered a spirit tool. In the future it will represent King Lan Hao. In itself it has many uses: if you inject it with some of your spirit power after you go back you will understand. I hope it will be useful to King Lan Hao when you are on your trip.”
Tang San’s observation skills were superb, so even if Emperor Xue Ye revealed his heartache in parting with this Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud for just a moment, he clearly saw it.
“Many thanks to His Majesty.” It was not that he wanted this gift, rather he had no choice but to accept it. Although he had not fully understood the emperor’s intention he knew that, if he did not accept this, it would be akin to rejecting Emperor Xue Ye’s token of friendship. This was the idea of forcing his hand which the emperor probably was trying to do.
When he was leaving, Xue Beng personally brought Tang San and Ning Fengzhi out; even after Ning Fengzhi returned to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Xue Beng still accompanied him to the palace entrance.
“Teacher, have a safe trip.” Xue Beng sincerely said. These words spoken by him were extremely natural, and although he was older than Tang San by many years, he still held Tang San in high regard. When Tang San was fifteen years old, he had managed to lead the Shrek Seven Devils to win the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament. And now when he was barely twenty, he already established the Tang Sect.
Tang San nodded his head towards Xue Beng: at least the negative feelings towards him no longer existed. He was just somewhat not used to his current attitude towards him. He could not help but be happy by today’s outcome, since the father-son duo had invested so heavily on him.
“Your Highness, while I am gone for this period, the Tang Sect will be in your care.”
Xue Beng’s eyes revealed a trace of joy, as only now did he truly feel that Tang San had recognized him, so he hurriedly replied: “Teacher, don’t worry. I am your disciple, Tang Sect matters are my matters, in the future don’t address me as Your Highness anymore: even after I ascend the throne, just call my by my name. I will always be your disciple.”
Tang San had nothing to say: comparing respectfulness, Xue Beng was much more respectful to him than Xue Qinghe was to Ning Fengzhi. But then again, he was not the emperor yet, and so this was not the right time to make judgement yet.
After parting with Xue Beng, Tang San directly headed back to Shrek Academy. They were already going to head off the next day. Sea God Island, just what kind of a place are you?
After returning to the Shrek Academy courtyard, he noticed that the wooden huts were silent. Using his mental power to survey the place, he noticed that everyone was cultivating, while Xiao Wu was in Ning Rongrong’s room, using Ning Rongrong thighs as a pillow to sleep on. Xiao Wu right now could truly be considered the Sleeping Beauty. Everyday, she would spend two thirds of the time sleeping.
It was also fortunate that Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing were around. Tang San no longer had to face that torment at night. Although he was already engaged with Xiao Wu, he had long ago already decided that unless Xiao Wu truly reincarnated he would not be too affectionate towards her. This was his love for Xiao Wu and also his respect towards Xiao Wu.
Without disrupting anyone, Tang San returned to his own room. To him, these titles, the Prince’s Tutor, King Lan Hao all had no meaning. However the one thing that piqued his interest was the blue coloured triangle which even he could not figure out. Once he returned to his room, he took out this Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud and prepared to investigate it further.
* * *
[1] Imperial Tutor - (太师) A very high position in the court, but without real authority.
[2] Prince - (王爵) This word is often used to translate what in English isn’t a prince in the sense of “son of a king”, but rather more similar to the hereditary title sometimes used among European nobility. In terms of status, it’s higher than a duke, but lower than a grand duke which in turn is lower than an archduke. (Honestly, I just used the titles in the same position of CH and EN Wikipedia’s nobility ranking.) To make it even more confusing, while the title is (王爵), the pronoun-suffix when he is addressed is just (王), meaning “king”. It might be noted here that the other princes have other appellations. Xue Xing’s title (亲王) is literally “related king”, or perhaps “prince of the blood”, whereas Xue Beng was previously referred to as (四皇子) “Fourth imperial son”, and now as (太子) “Highest son”.
[3] Lan Hao - (蓝昊) “Blue Vast” or “Clear Blue”, the same blue as in Blue Silver Grass, and the Hao of the Clear Sky Hammer.
[4] Three ranks higher - When an official’s actual authority didn’t match his official position, he might be treated above his official rank. An official from the capital might be treated much higher than his nominal position in other cities.
Chapter 202: Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud
The azure triangular object had just appeared when it completely rendered Tang San’s room ocean blue. The soft blue light undulations were so beautiful, even with his willpower Tang San still couldn't help being dazzled.
Both hands clasping this Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, Tang San couldn't help feeling doubtful, thinking to himself: “Just what use does this thing have?”. He was in no rush to infuse it with spirit power, but rather he carefully looked at this peculiar thing shifting between light and shadow. Moreover, he cautiously released his spiritual force, exploring within.
However, as soon as a trace of Tang San’s spiritual force was infused within the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, he abruptly felt an indescribable, enormous force suddenly repel it. His whole body immediately fell backward holding the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. His mind was a blank space. In his final moments of awareness he felt something smash against his head.
If Tang san’s spiritual force could be called formidable, then the spiritual attributed energy his spiritual force encountered within the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was boundless. That basically wasn't a quantity that could be resisted. Fortunately he had only infused spiritual force for a very short time. Further adding to that was his own extremely stable spiritual force and the help of the mind condensing skull bone: otherwise the counter attack from the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud just now would have been enough to injure his soul.
The thing that smashed against Tang San’s head was precisely the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. The sharp corner struck a small hole on Tang San’s forehead. That it could strike open the degree of durability of Tang San’s skin showed just
how sharp that corner was. Of course, when it smashed against Tang San it irradiated peculiar blue light making Tang San’s defense lose effect. This way it could successfully split his skin.
Blood flowing, that Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud spun once, sticking flat to the wound on Tang San’s forehead, as if alive. And as Tang San’s blood constantly flowed into it, the originally blue undulations of light gradually turned red.
Right now Tang San’s Blue Silver Emperor right leg bone’s healing ability was unable to show even the slightest result under the effect of the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. The wound didn’t show the slightest intent of knitting together, only constantly pouring out blood into it.
Before long, a trace of faint blue light drifted out from the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, condensing into an exceptionally faint image. A flat, aged voice echoed:
“I don’t know how long it’s been before I could finally find someone with tasty blood. At last I’ve found a physique that can endure the vast sea force.”
With a flash, the blue light once again infused into the triangular Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, and the light on the triangular thing also suddenly vanished, separating from the wound on Tang San’s forehead. Spinning once, it first bounced on Tang San’s shoulder, then tumbled down along his arm to land in his palm. The triangle had now once again returned to blue, and only in the center flashed a trace of red light.
Without the restraint of the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, the wound on Tang San’s forehead quickly closed, but he still remained unconscious.
While he was unconscious, Tang San’s world of consciousness seemed to feel something pulling at his body and soul; the enormous pulling force left him basically unable to move his body.
Gradually, that pull grew weaker and weaker, as if everything around grew fainter. It was also at this moment that a kind of peculiar force infused within his heart, then again slowly poured into his brain, becoming a clear and cool stream fusing with his mind. Even though the faint feeling was still there, his mind grew especially refreshed, sensing nothing of the outside world, but capable of clearly sensing the blood flowing through his veins, and even capable of sensing the minute changes within his internal organs.
Douluo Dalu - Volume 01-48 Page 354