Chapter 348: Chapter 348: The Fallen Soul Master Tang San
Lately, Yang Podi had been feeling a lingering unease, as if something major was about to happen across the entire Douluo Continent, yet he couldn't quite grasp what it was.
With his current strength, he was confident that he could defeat even Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu. But where was this unsettling feeling coming from? Furthermore, the Asura God's trial seemed rather ambiguous, as if Asura God wanted him to make a choice that would determine the future development of Douluo Star.
Thinking of this, Yang Podi immediately urged Qian Renxue to return to Spirit City to cultivate and to complete the Angel God's trial as soon as possible. According to the original storyline, Qian Renxue had only about a year left before ascending to godhood.
Yang Podi had always considered Tang San a potential threat. If Tang San hadn't been confined to Sea God Island, Yang Podi would have eliminated him long ago. However, the current situation suggested that the entire world of Douluo Continent was accelerating.
Bibi Dong had absorbed two additional high-quality hundred-thousand-year spirit rings, meaning her ascension to godhood would likely happen earlier than in the original timeline—at least before the Battle of Jialing Pass.
Qian Renxue's cultivation progress should not differ much from the original, but her mentality and psychological endurance were significantly stronger. She had also undergone much more training and trials than in the original, ensuring that she wouldn't experience an incomplete divine ascension.
Outside the Armo Mountains
Tang San finally reunited with Yu Xiaogang and the others. When Yu Xiaogang, Taitan, and Bai He learned that Tang San had already reached Rank 98 in spirit power, and that his Clear Sky Hammer had four red and four black spirit rings, their morale was greatly boosted. Seeing this progress, they believed there was now a glimmer of hope for avenging themselves against the Spirit Empire and reviving the Clear Sky Clan.
However, Tang San was only Rank 98. He would still struggle to contend against Rank 99 Ultimate Douluo, and once he revealed himself, he would likely attract numerous enemies.
After some discussion, Yu Xiaogang proposed reaching out to Heavenly Academy to see if they could be drawn to their side, or at the very least, to avoid making enemies of both Heavenly Academy and the Spirit Empire at the same time. Otherwise, their situation would become truly dire.
The moment Tang San heard this suggestion, he was immediately consumed by fury. His entire being seemed to lose control, and a dark aura erupted from his body, making him appear completely abnormal.
Though Yu Xiaogang wasn't strong, he was knowledgeable. Observing Tang San's current state, he realized that it resembled that of fallen soul masters. When he learned that Tang San had been absorbing the life force of spirit beasts through his Dark Blue Silver Grass, he was utterly shocked, as if struck by lightning. He quickly spoke up to warn him.
"Xiao San, I should have told you long ago about the fate of fallen soul masters. You must stop absorbing energy immediately, or you will meet a disastrous end."
However, by this point, Tang San had absorbed so much energy that there was no turning back.
"Teacher, I know what you're worried about. Don't worry—I won't lose my mind, nor will I become a fallen soul master. The world is the way it is now. I need to grow stronger, absolutely powerful!"
"For the sake of revenge, I will do whatever it takes."
Yu Xiaogang's face was filled with concern. "Xiao San, your situation is extremely dire. I examined you carefully, and your body is very unstable. You could lose control and descend into madness at any moment."
Tang San had always deeply respected Yu Xiaogang, treating him like a father. No matter how strong he became, he had never spoken harshly to him.
But at this moment, Yu Xiaogang no longer seemed like the wise and patient mentor from the past. Instead, he appeared to be nothing more than a nagging insect.
"Enough. I know my own body better than anyone. With the profoundness of my Mysterious Heaven Skill and my unparalleled talent, this so-called energy absorption will not affect me in the slightest."
Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San with utter disbelief. He was knowledgeable enough to recognize that Tang San's current state was no different from that of fallen soul masters.
The characteristics of fallen soul masters were clear: aggression, irritability, extremism, hatred, and bloodthirst. Right now, Tang San seemed to embody all of these traits. If Yu Xiaogang continued speaking, he feared that Tang San might lose control at any moment.
With Tang San's current strength, if he were to lose control, no one would be able to stop him. At that point, he would truly become a hunted evil soul master.
At this moment, Xiao Wu quickly grabbed Tang San's hand.
"San-ge, what's wrong with you? You used to respect your teacher the most. How can you speak to him like this now?"
Hearing Xiao Wu's voice, Tang San's expression regained some clarity. Reflecting on what had just happened, he felt a sudden sense of fear—because, for a brief moment, he had actually harbored immense killing intent toward Yu Xiaogang. If he hadn't restrained himself, he might have really killed him.
"Teacher, what should I do about my current condition? Is there any way to fully recover?"
Yu Xiaogang shook his head. "I don't know what to do in your case. Back when you spent time in the Slaughter City, how did your father help you purge your killing intent?"
Tang San immediately recalled his past experiences.
"Teacher, I didn't stay in Slaughter City for too long, so my killing intent wasn't too severe. At that time, my aunt, Tang Yuehua, helped me cleanse it. My aunt had an innate Noble Domain, which could calm a person's mind."
Yu Xiaogang shook his head again. "That method is already too late. From what I know, Tang Yuehua died during the battle at Clear Sky Clan. There is no one left in this world who possesses that domain."
Tang San suddenly thought of something and quickly spoke.
"Teacher, I remember that Bibi Dong and Yang Podi both acquired the Killing God Domain. How did they neutralize their killing intent?"
Yu Xiaogang let out a sigh.
"After I left Bibi Dong, she went to Slaughter City, but I don't know how she resolved her killing aura. As for Yang Podi, that man hides everything too well. No one knows his cultivation process or progress, but it definitely wasn't resolved at Moon Pavilion."
After these words, the entire group fell into silence.
By now, everyone could see that something was off about Tang San. He was no longer the humble and radiant youth he once was; instead, he was now filled with hostility.
After a long pause, Yu Xiaogang finally broke the silence.
"Xiao San, I know you hate Yang Podi, but if we truly want to challenge the Spirit Empire, we need an absolutely powerful ally. Otherwise, facing both Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu at the same time would be too much of a disadvantage."
"Therefore, no matter what, you must temporarily put aside your grudge against Yang Podi. At the very least, wait until the Spirit Empire is destroyed before seeking revenge on him."
"As far as I know, Flender and the others have already joined Heavenly Academy. Additionally, Clan Leaders Taitan and Bai He had a deep relationship with Heavenly Academy in the past. Why don't I visit Heavenly Academy with them first? Perhaps we can gain something from it."
Yu Xiaogang's meaning was clear—if possible, they should sow discord between Heavenly Academy and the Spirit Empire while also gathering intelligence. After all, he understood Bibi Dong's personality well enough to predict that a battle between the two sides was inevitable.