“Even though the Spirit Empire’s first rate spirit master strength has increased, the successive battles has also enormously exhausted them. Especially the damage to the walls of Jialing Pass and the casualties among the soldiers. They absolutely wouldn’t dare sortie for a decisive battle with us. It’s even more possible that they focus on defense and stall us. And it will be very difficult for the Tang Army’s flying attack to succeed when they are prepared.”
Xue Beng nodded,
“Marshal Ge Long, your opinion?”
Marshal Ge Long said:
“The State Preceptor is correct, for the moment it is impossible to break through Jialing Pass. The army needs to recover. Moreover, the number of spirit masters differs too much between our arm and theirs, a siege really is too unfavorable. Unless we can lure the enemy into a frontal confrontation, then we’ll have a chance. I propose we consolidate our defenses and recover, at the same time launching night attacks on the defender camps of Jialing Pass, everything should be considered at length. At the same time, dispatch couriers to the Star Luo Empire, and have them hurry and fight the Spirit Empire. The Spirit Empire’s main spirit master force has definitely been drawn to Jialing Pass, and if they can give the Spirit Empire enough pressure, we’ll have a good chance.”
Xue Beng frowned slightly, his gaze finally turning to Tang San,
“Teacher, do you have any good methods?”
Tang San shook his head with a wry smile:
“What marshal Ge Long and Teacher say is correct. At present we absolutely can’t be overeager again. In order to break through Jialing Pass, we first of all have to deal with those six priests. Moreover, so far their strongest high priest Qian Daoliu still hasn’t appeared. According to what we know, QIan Daoliu should still be stronger than Bibi Dong. If he arrives as well, then our circumstances will be very unreassuring. Once at the Title Douluo level, it isn’t something that can be met with quantity.”
Tang Xiao laughed slightly:
“If Qian Daoliu really shows up, then we’ll leave him to you. As for those six other priests, if me and Hao-di[1] cooperate, at least we won’t let them threaten the army. But if we attack, it would be very difficult. After all, the number of our spirit masters is too limited.”
Xue Beng said:
“It would be good if we had more of the red light teacher’s wife threw out in today’s battle.”
Tang San shook his head:
“I won’t hide it from Your Majesty, what Xiao Wu used in the battle was a first rate hidden weapon from my Tang Sect called Buddha Fury Tang Lotus. It was made by divine craftsman Lou Gao after my designs. Senior Lou Gao exhausted five years of effort and finally even sacrificed his own life, altogether producing three Buddha Fury Tang Lotuses. In a small scale battle we are certain to threaten the lives of even Title Douluo, but with only two remaining, it’s not enough to chance the overall battle. Even if the Buddha Fury Tang Lotus was even stronger, its range is still limited. If you want to break through Jialing Pass, then right now there is only one way.”
His last sentence immediately drew the attention of everyone present.
[1] -di - (弟) from ‘little brother’ (弟弟, didi), analogous to ge and gege for big brother.
Chapter 286: Clear Sky School Divine Ability, Great Sumeru Hammer
Tang San’s own final words was that there was only one way to break through Jialing Pass. This immediately made Xue Beng’s eyes shine, impatiently asking more.
As Xue Beng saw it, this time they were throwing in all the national strength of the Heaven Dou Empire, and cooperating with the Star Luo army, to smash the Spirit Empire before they had stabilized. Otherwise, if they let the Spirit Empire truly flourish, with their numbers of spirit masters it would be a disaster to the two empires. Seeing the army blocked by Jialing Pass, how could he not be anxious? As long as they broke through Jialing Pass, the Spirit Empire wouldn’t have any way to defend. In terms of full strength, it was impossible to compete with the two great empires!
Tang San glanced at the black Seagod Trident in his hand, then looked at Xue Beng,
“Your Majesty, this method must be kept confidential. I can only tell you alone.”
Xue Beng looked distracted, but nodded at once, speaking to everyone in the tent:
“All officials go take your rest.”
Even though the crowd was a bit suspicious, and even more curious over what method Tang San had, his strength had already given rise to a somewhat blind faith. Listening to him was already a confidence boost. Nobody had anything to say, and they immediately withdrew. Marshal Ge Long also looked deeply at Tang San before leaving the big tent.
Just as Tang Hao and Tang Xiao was about to leave, they were stopped by Tang San,
“Uncle, father, teacher, my method requires your cooperation. You should all know it.”
Grandmaster looked at Tang San with burning eyes,
“Little San, if I’m not mistaken, you should be talking about rank one hundred godhood.”
To Grandmaster, Tang San never had to hide anything. He’d long since told this fatherlike teacher all about his encounters on Seagod Island.
Listening to Grandmaster, Tang Hao and Tang Xiao’s eyes revealed sudden understanding. Only Xue Beng still looked perplexed.
Tang San said:
“Your Majesty, you’re also a spirit master. You of course know that with every ten ranks, a spirit masters strength will leap up by obtaining a spirit ring.”
Xue Beng nodded, his puzzled eyes gradually growing clear. His eyes opened wide with shock,
“Teacher, you mean, rank one hundred……”
Tang San said:
“To spirit masters, breaking through rank ninety is already a lifelong dream, becoming Title Douluo. When the Spirit Empire was still Spirit Hall, all Title Douluo could leave their name in Douluo Palace. But, Title Douluo really isn’t the limit of spirit master cultivation. The true limit is divinity. It’s also breaking through rank one hundred spirit power. Rank one hundred is the biggest barrier. If you can break through it, even facing several dozen Title Douluo at once isn’t a problem. You should also know that I was far from as strong as now when I left a few years ago. Actually, it’s because I found the inheritance once left behind by a god. Becoming his successor is also a chance to attack rank one hundred. This trident is the weapon he bestowed me. And his divine name, was Seagod. Today I formally relied on the Seagod’s power to turn the moat water into my attack. But, I still have the last two trials left before becoming Seagod. The method I spoke of is to go complete these last two trials. If I really do become Seagod, then breaking through Jialing Pass wouldn’t be a problem, the entire Spirit Empire might not have the power to stop me.”
Tang San explained his thinking in the simplest way, but what he said really was too strong a blow to Xue Beng. As an emperor, he had already reached the apex of humanity. Now he suddenlt heard that there really were gods, he was completely paralyzed with shock.
“Te-, teacher…… Gods really exist? Omnipotent gods? Immortal gods?”
Xue Beng’s voice shook a bit, his eyes scorching hot as he looked at Tang San.
Tang San sighed inwardly. In the end Xue Beng was still an ordinary person!
“Don’t overthink it, Your Majesty. Actually, gods are like Douluo, it’s all just a title. The meaning of gods indicate powerful humans, humans that far exceed ordinary people. It’s not really omnipotence. As far as I know, at least three gods have already appeared on the Douluo Continent. If they really were immortal and omnipotent, then by now the Douluo Continent should be under their rule. How could there be a Star Luo Empire, or a Heaven Dou Empire?”
Listening to Tang San’s explanation, Xue Beng gradually calmed down. But the light in his eyes was still continuously flashing,
“Teacher, can’t you tell me just how strong gods are?”
Tang San shook his head:
“I don’t know either. There might not be anyone who could explain
it to you. Because our world no longer has any gods. But, after breaking through the rank one hundred bottleneck, one’s strength will definitely increase. That’s why I’m saying that, if I can become Seagod, I’m sure I can help Your Majesty break through Jialing Pass.”
Xue Beng pondered:
“Then teacher, how long will you be gone, and how large is the chance of success? I don’t want you to take chances for the sake of the empire.”
Even though he was still shocked by what Tang San said, he could still fully imagine what a challenge it would take to break through rank one hundred and become a god, it absolutely wouldn’t be so easy.
Looking at Xue Beng, Tang San couldn’t help secretly sighing. Even though he was concerned for him, that red hot gaze still betrayed what he truly thought. But it was difficult to blame him. If the Heaven Dou Empire had a god level power, unifying the continent would no longer be a dream. Besides, he was still his titular disciple, it was impossible for him not to thirst for the god level.
He immediately smiled calmly:
“No need to worry, Your Majesty. I’m at least seventy percent sure I can succeed. I’ll be gone at least a month, no more than three. I will definitely return.”
Xue Beng’s expression recovered somewhat, speaking hastily:
“Since that’s the case, the empire’s future will rely on teacher. Teacher, whatever you need, don’t hesitate to speak. We will agree without exception. Only, with you away, our army might……”
Tang Hao said calmly:
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. With us here, if we aim to avoid making mistakes rather than getting the best results, it will be difficult for the Spirit Empire to have their way.”
Xue Beng looked at Tang Hao, and breathed out as he thought of the terrifying might he showed on the walls earlier.
“Since that’s the case, then We will trouble teacher. Teacher, when are you preparing to leave?”
Tang San said:
“I will set off with my comrades once my condition has improved a bit. Inheriting the Seagod’s position still requires the help of my six companions.”
Tang Hao, Tang Xiao as well as Grandmaster all followed Tang San back to his tent.
“Little San, are you really planning to go inherit the Seagod’s position?”
Grandmaster asked somewhat worriedly.
Tang San sighed softly:
“Teacher, you know I have no other choice. Not only because of this war. The Seagod Nine Trials was something I had to finish from the start. Only I didn’t think it would be this soon. The Spirit Empire is formidable. Our present strength is far from enough to confront them. If Qian Daoliu comes, even defending would be difficult.”
Tang Hao frowned:
“Reaching rank one hundred and becoming god is so difficult even your great grandfather didn’t manage it after so many years, even changing into that appearance in Slaughter City. Little San, you’re still young. I don’t want you to advance prematurely. Didn’t you say this eighth trial had five years? You still need more resources.”
Tang San’s eyes showed a resolute expression,
“Dad, I understand that you’re all worried for me, but I’ll still face what I should face. I can imagine that god level power is definitely terrifying, even if my spirit power rises a bit it might not make too much difference. It would be better to just break the cauldrons and sink the boats, and take advantage of my current need for strength to forge ahead. My circumstances are different from great grandfather’s, I’ve already passed seven Seagod Trials, and I have the help of the Seagod Trident and my comrades. I didn’t exaggerate when I told Xue Beng I had seventy percent chance of success. Also, don’t forget that I have twin spirits. Before inheriting the Seagod’s title, I’ll first finish adding spirit rings to the Clear Sky Hammer. The Seagod’s Light allows me to completely absorb the attributes added from upgrading the twin spirits. In terms of my physique, I’ve already surpassed the human category like this. Therefore, I believe I can definitely succeed.”
Tang Hao slowly nodded:
“Since that’s the case, then you have to succeed. This isn’t only about you, there’s no relation between the Heaven Dou Empire and us, and I can’t take revenge on the Spirit Empire. But you must keep in mind you are the son of me and your mother. You’re also Grandmaster’s only disciple.”
Tang San felt his heart warm. His father’s big hands grabbed his shoulders. Surging heat slowly flowing into him, nourishing his energy channels. Roused by Tang Hao’s spirit power, Tang San’s recovery speed instantly rose a bit more.
Grandmaster nodded repeatedly as he listened to Tang Hao:
“Clear Sky Douluo is right. In our minds, your life is number one. The rest is all empty. I still have one thing to remind you about. Little San, today you also saw Clear Sky Douluo break that rank ninety eight spirit power Spirit Empire priest with the Clear Sky Hammer, do you know why?”
Tang San was distracted, looking at his father. Tang Hao had now already sensed Tang San’s physical condition, and stopped infusing spirit power. After all, his spirit power really wasn’t of the same origin as Tang San’s Mysterious Heaven Skill, and Tang San’s condition was moreover much better now. Tang Hao couldn’t help secretly sighing, his son’s body really wasn’t completely human anymore.
Tang San pondered:
“Dad, back then you didn’t use any spirit abilities, only spirit avatar later, but still broke Golden Crocodile Douluo’s defense. I was behind you and could feel that, after you used spirit avatar, the force was terrifying. Not just the weight, that explosive strength too. With each swing, combined with your imposing manner, it felt as if the opponent had no way to resist. If it was me, I might not have been able to block either. There might have been some chance by relying on the Seagod Trident’s weight.”
This moment Tang Hao looked towards Tang Xiao to the side, his gaze questioning.
Tang Xiao nodded:
“Teach him. Besides little San, who else would be authorised to inherit the Clear Sky Douluo’s secret skill. Besides, even grandfather gave little San the Clear Sky Warrant. This means he approves of it. Little San will face even more in the future, teach him and he’ll have another way to defend himself.”
Tang Hao nodded, and Grandmaster smiled slightly from the side, apparently having already anticipated this scene,
“Then I’ll leave first.”
Tang Xiao chuckled, patting Grandmaster’s shoulder,
“Grandmaster, you have gone to a lot of trouble for little San! Don’t go calling us Douluo later. Without you, there would be no little San today. Hereafter you’ll be our brother, let’s get along.”
Grandmaster smiled:
“Then deference is definitely no substitution for obedience.”
Even though Tang San was curious what his father would teach him, he still addressed Grandmaster first:
“Teacher, I’ll trouble you to arrange other accommodations for the Clear Sky School disciples, not close to my Tang Sect’s disciples.”
Grandmaster naturally understood what he meant. Even though they had fought side by side today, the old grudges the four single attribute clans had towards the Clear Sky School were too deep. They absolutely weren’t that easily solved. Tang San didn’t have the time to deal with this right now, and could only separate them to avoid conflict. Also, in the recent battles the Tang Sect disciples had become even more convinced by Tang San, and as long as there were no special circumstances, the four clan chiefs would definitely hold back the disciples.
Grandmaster and Tang Xiao left the tent, at the same time also blocking Ah Yin and Xiao Wu who had gotten the news, keeping them from entering. Inside the tent, only Tang San and Tang Hao, father and son, remained.
Tang Hao sat down cross legged in front of Tang San, regarding his son with a burning gaze,
“For as long as our Clear Sky School has existed, a kind of special cultivation technique has been passed down. This cultivation technique has
been passed down with each generation of disciples, and the day they broke through rank ninety, they would possess the Clear Sky title. This is also the origin of the Clear Sky Douluo. And practically all the sect disciples that possessed this title have become sect masters.”
At this point, Tang Hao’s eyes dulled a bit,
“Speaking of, this stopped with me, it’s just with my generation that this tradition didn’t continue. Back then my grandfather, the last generation Clear Sky Douluo Tang Chen, even though he passed the sect master position to my father, your grandfather, he didn’t teach him the Clear Sky Douluo’s exclusive cultivation technique, instead skipping a generation to pass it to me. Whether grandfather or father, at that moment they both chose me as the Clear Sky School’s next successor. I didn’t disappoint them either, constantly breaking the Clear Sky School’s spirit power leveling records, becoming the Clear Sky School’s, and even the entire continent’s youngest power.”
Tang Hao’s eyes suddenly grew a bit gentler here. Looking at his son, he revealed a proud expression.
“Of course, you’ve already broken the records I once made. I’m very gratified, and also very ashamed. I was never a good father in the past. What Grandfather did for you is all better than me.”
“Dad, what are you saying this for, if not for you, there would be no me. Didn’t I say that the favor of one’s parents’ raising is something children can’t repay in a lifetime. Besides, it wasn’t by your choice. If it was me, I might not have done any better.”
Douluo Dalu - Volume 01-48 Page 491