Having found their target, and obtained the soul ring from said target. The four of them begin to make their way out of the Savanna. They hadn't actually needed to go very far. They had only entered the pehifry of the second area. So it would not take them long to leave the area.
They had already backtracked to the watering hole. The sun had already begun to set. They would stay here a second night it would seem. By the next day, they would likely leave the Savanna at least if nothing unexpected happened.
Though they could've kept moving along, this place was just too nice to pass up as a rest spot. So they stopped early to enjoy the watering hole again. This time they had lizard and leftover gazelle on the menu. It was not the first time he had enjoyed a lizard.
That honor belongs to his first spirit ring hunt. Though it's still a bit weird to his palate. Though it was not a horrible thing to eat. As needs must in this world, Tang Yuan muses to himself. People had described it as like chicken in his past life. It's more like that one time he ate frog legs.
Once he finishes the interesting dish he decides to properly take stock. He summons his martial soul to his hand. As he does his first spurt ring appears. Followed by a second ring of light purple. His second soul ring he couldn't help thinking in his mind. He had been beside himself in the joy the entire walk back.
Once more it was a purple soul ring not yellow. A fact that shows he had defied the norms of the world. It was a proud moment to be sure. Even the series protagonist didn't have a purple second ring. Yet this purple ring while a matter of pride. It is not something he can hold arrogance towards.
Despite managing to define the normal ring limits. He was only a two-ring soul master. Still at the level of cannon fodder. If he could even be considered that. Only with time could he be able to grow stronger still. This was good progress to be sure, but he could not relax.
Now he needs to observe the changes this ring has brought him. His hammer had changed slightly in nature. Now small sparks came from the hammer at every swing. The lighting aspect had been added to his weapon. Though it was rather weak. Yet now every blow carries a shock on top of physical damage.
As he added more soul rings that effect would become stronger. Then there was his second spirit ability. He obtained neither blaster nor lightning attack. Nor did he acquire a physical attack. It wasn't an attack in the first place. Instead, he had acquired another effect skill.
"Second Soul Skill: Electric Chanel," he says out loud to activate the ring. His hammer suddenly sparks with electrical energy. Now quite a bit more effective in combat. "It's similar to my first skill. Not a direct attack, but a weapon buff." A very useful one at that.
Electric Chanel had two effects as it were. First, it cloaks his weapon in lightning. Like a weapon enchantment in so many stories. The second effect increases the power of electrical attacks. These two effects are tied to one another.
It was not the most powerful skill he could have gotten. Yet it was also perfect for his lower level. He had wanted to introduce the lightning element to his hammer. This ring had effectively fulfilled his needs. Later rings would improve his elemental abilities further.
Tang Yuan proceeds to do several physical activities. Best to test his body's current physical status. As he does so a noticeable improvement from earlier in the day presents itself. Absorbing a soul ring is really like breaking through a limit. That automatically improves the Soul Master.
If he's comparing it to his past life. Earlier in the day he had natural abilities equal to his teenage years. At least without channeling spirit power. Throwing a few punches in quick succession. Now he muses that he seems to have physical ability around an average adult. "Considering I'm still not even nine yet that's fairly impressive."
Yeah, he can easily see the improvement. Taking a meditation position he slips into his mind. He moves through the realm of his mind. It had grown stronger as well. Likely as a result of enduring the remnant will of the Golden Lightning Leopard.
That was only the second mental attack he had faced. Yet, it was that fact that made it a valuable experience for him. Thanks to it he had learned the most basic mental offense method. Though that method was merely like throwing his weight around. It was definitely a start.
He wonders what else he could do with his mental power. Are there other offensive methods he could employ? He would need to practice and experiment in the future. Though his technique is based on creating a Mental Palace. So maybe use offensive measures based on that as well.
He moves around his mental realm to access its current state. He had entered the Spirit Connection Realm for a while. Yet how far he is in said realm is unknown. His spiritual sea steadily grows as time passes. Yet it's certainly not like a vast sea, and is certainly a ways away.
Still in his meditative stance, he alters his focus. From his mind to the state of his soul power. His power was certainly further condensed and solidified by it. Absorbing the ring also brought him directly to spirit rank 23. A most impressive start for a Soul Grandmaster.
If merely acquiring a soul ring would let him reach rank 21. This purple ring allowed him to reach 23. A fact that saved Tang Yuan several months of effort. How many is unknown yet to him. At least 6 more likely 8 if not more. He will know as he cultivates further. Such a massive gain of time is worth its weight in gold.
With his assessment of himself done, Tang Yuan begins his cultivation. He had already finished it once today. Though that was before absorbing a spirit ring, and now his limit had risen. So he begins to cultivate and immediately notices the difference.
From thirty minutes to about twenty. His improvements aren't as staggering as the first ring. Still, the difference is definitely noticeable to him. Potentially cutting his cultivation time down by a third. Tang Yuan continues to cultivate steadily finishing faster than ever.
He stands up stretching out the kinks as he does so. His absorption limit had increased a good amount. This caused him to take longer than he thought. It was already a few hours into the night. The brothers are asleep, and his father is in meditation. So he quickly tries to join them in the soft land of dreams.
The next day they had moved quickly out of the habit. In fact, they had made record time doing so. Though even having done so the sun had set on them. Thus they had to spend the night by the carriage. The night like the last would pass quickly enough with no excitement.
This entire trip was relatively faster than his first trip. Despite that, it proves to be much longer. Even if their days in the Savanna could only be counted on one hand. The length of time just getting to the Savanna was greater.
The next day they began the long journey back home. At least that was what was expected. Instead, they would be going elsewhere. Though where exactly that would be is held in surprise. Tang Yuan can only speculate with some amount of interest.
When questioned about their destination Tang Chen would only say. "We're off to meet someone. It will be an interesting meeting to be sure." his father would say with a measure of crypticness. Then he would not say anymore.
Tang Xiao would have control of the carriage. So he must have an idea of where they are going. Yet he too is silent about their destination. It doesn't feel especially malicious, though they are enjoying this. More like a little prank that they are pulling.
Tang Yuan can only hold his impatience. That and take solace that he is not the only clueless one. Tang Hao also seems to have little idea of their destination. Yet Tang Xiao does know where they are going. He even knows how to get there already, someplace he has been before.
Tang Yuan can imagine a number of possible destinations. Yet stops doing so quickly. After all with Tang Chen's vast experience, there is no telling. It might be a place he has no idea about. So Tang Yuan merely distracts himself as they move on the road. At least he tries to take his mind off it.
Such as his current experiment in his mental realm. He had been inspired by his last mental battle. So he had been experimenting over the last few days. Trying to find different forms of attack for his next mental duel he needs to face. As well as experimenting with his first mental attack.
Mental pressure is an incredibly simple brute force method of attack. Perhaps that simplicity is the reason for it being the sole attack he had faced. Like flaring energy to do something. That simplicity made it easy to use. Yet it was also weak for the same reason.
Attempting to create a better method was difficult. Manipulating his Spiritual power was not easy. Doing so on the fly and as necessary even more so. The best he had managed so far was better control of the pressure. He wonders how much of that is inexperience, and how much is a lack of power.
Now he intended to test a theory he had. His Mental Palace technique's purpose was to create a mental room. A psychic construct to assist in the remembering of memories. If that's so then can't he take advantage of that? To make use of his technique in another way.
He focuses his mental energy and starts the process that led to creating his mental palace. This time he is creating an object rather than a room. He focuses on the form of his new construct. It quickly enough takes form. Though how effective this newly made construct is. Well, that's another question.
The construct takes the form of a hammer. The primary weapon wielded in his real life. There is meaning to the hammer reaffirmed every day. It also takes the appearance and form of his martial soul. Thus its presence is even more deeply rooted in his mind. He will reaffirm his presence every day as he does with his Palace.
This will give him another avenue of possible attack. Though only in his own mind. His experience with using Structural Analysis taught him that. Projecting mental energy is overwhelmingly difficult. Making offense at this point basically impossible for him. At least without a technique or method maybe.
He had absorbed a purple ring for his second. Yet he desired to absorb a black ring for his fourth. He couldn't afford to wait on his preparations. He would need every possible edge in making that a possibility. Even then it might become a major risk to face.
The difference between a black and purple ring. It was simply a massive divide. Finding a way to up his mental defense was critical. Whale Rubber could help bridge the physical gap to a degree. The Spiritual target is a much harder target to reach. Yet if either is not reached absorbing a black ring becomes life-threatening.
That day will be years off from now. Yet he must continue to work towards that point. One critical point will be absorbing as strong a third ring as possible. His thoughts wander as the carriage continues to move. He loses himself in his thoughts as the scenery goes by.
They had been on the road for several days now. Tang Yuan still had no idea where they were going. Though they seemed to be moving eastward. This would put them heading towards the center of the continent. Yet that is not much help for a very big reason.
Star Dou Forest which sits about in the middle of the continent. Needless to say, going through it is utterly impossible, at least by carriage. Thus it can act as a major roadblock to anyone traveling. Especially when going from west to east or north to south or vice versa. Even trying to move west to north or south can be impacted.
They had already begun to travel around the primordial forest. Moving south taking them through Star Luo territory. Perhaps they are paying a visit to Genxgin city then. The city of metal, where the blacksmith association makes its home. It's a possibility, but he can't be sure. This had become an idle source of amusement for him.
Then Something changed in the carriage. "Interesting." Tang Chen voiced looking to the side of the carriage. At something only he could see, or perhaps sense. Noticing this Tang Yuan turns his attention to his father. He wonders what had caught his attention.
"Grandfather, is it perhaps enemies?" Tang Hao voices the question on both their minds. Perhaps bandits on the road that father noticed. Tang Yuan tenses up as the thought appears in his mind. Though they would not likely serve as an overwhelming threat.
"You can relax. They are not enemies or hostile. Though their presence is quite curious." Tang Chen says slowly with consideration. Interested in whoever had appeared in the area. "They are the subordinates of a friend. Though for them to be here."
Tang Chen stands up and moves over to the door. "I'm going to see what they are up to. You three do as you will. I'll catch up to you guys later on." With that, he opens the door and steps out of the moving carriage. As he does the carriage door closes behind him.
"Well, dad has a sense of style, or maybe of dramatic effect." Tang Yuan can't help but say out loud. He supposes that for most soul masters such a feat is simple. Let alone for a Limit Douluo. Still, said exit was definitely eye-catching, and dramatic.
With Tang Chen's departure, a period of silence came. Tang Yuan considered who had gotten his father's attention. It was an interesting thought. Who could be out here that his father knew? Perhaps he will have answers when he returns.
The three of them do as they were doing. Continuing towards their destination as they are able. Tang Chen could easily catch up to them. Though it is only a few hours after the parting that they come across a welcome sight. It was a decently sized village to be sure.
The carriage rolls slowly into the village. Tang Yuan can't help peering out the window at the passing sights. It had been a number of days since he had seen civilization. The village was not massively large in size. At first sight, he could see two dozen houses. No doubt more that can't be seen directly.
The houses were to a one made of wood it seemed. Parts of them showed age, and others seemed newer. Likely from repairs to damaged houses as needed. Though made of wood each one seemed sturdy enough. Though how well they would endure nature is difficult to say.
Tang Yuan as people move about their daily lives. At least they seemed to be. Some were tending to gardens in front of their houses. Others were idly making conversation with each other. Yet he could notice that a great many glances were thrown their way. A great many people are watching their carriage.
Of course, they would people are curious by nature. Especially with such a career as their involved. Though Tang Yuan frowns noticing something, there are no children in sight. Of all people, children are often the most curious. Though perhaps they are kept inside the houses. Yet even then one or two should be seen, how strange.
Their carriage quickly moved into the village's square. It was a large crossroads-type area cleared for carriage movement. Though one of the roads is taken up and not accessible for carriages. Making room for a building that seems to be the center of attention. In front of the building is a raised ground likely for gatherings.
It was the only building he had seen that had stone as the primary material. Wood was also a part of its design though secondary. It was made to be tough and sturdy. Yet there was also a good deal of thought in its looks. The building was important with the ambience of a sight of worship. Martial Soul Halls local branch for the village.
It is not a major branch but instead the lowest level. The type that is only used during the awakening ceremony. Left completely unused by people otherwise only finding itself playing host once to four times a year at most. Likely once given the size of the village.
Their carriage moves to one of the sides of the crossroads. They move down the left slowly as the horses trot along. They quickly find themselves in front of a larger wooden building. Signs had directed them to it as one of the village's inns. A place they could find proper lodgings and also food.
Tang Yuan hops out of the carriage as it stops in front of the building. Tang Hao quickly joins him as well. Tang Xiao gently moves the carriage through a side road. To the stable area of the establishment. Then he joins them quickly enough. The three of them enter the establishment. Tang Xiao is entering first as is common.
The inside of the inn was filled with many long tables. The inside was not filled with people. Yet there was a respectable number present. The smell of food wafted in the air. A man spotted them and approached them slowly. He bowed his head towards them in respect. Seems he already knew they were soul masters, or just assumed as much.
"Greetings honored soul masters, I am the innkeeper of this fine establishment. I dare not be presumptuous, but I assume you seek lodging." The man replied his head still bowed. He was not meeting their eyes. Perhaps afraid that doing so would be seen as disrespectful.
Tang Yuan kept an ear open to hear the conversation. Yet he couldn't help noticing the glances at them. They were very quick to look away trying to be secretive. With little success in being secretive. The glances made him feel uncomfortable. Even more than they should perhaps.
"We will take a single room with three beds if possible." he heard Tang Xiao say. "Of course honored soul master, but unfortunately we lack such a room. Would two separate rooms be acceptable?" the owner replied shrinking slightly. As if he is afraid of rebuke. His head was still bowed down. Tang Yuan wondered how often this man encountered soul masters. Once more what is his experience with Soul Masters is.
"We will take a large room with two beds then." Tang Xiao said in response. His face was controlled in its expression. His tone was kept at a moderate level. Tang Yuan looked at Tang Xiao with his eye subtly. Then he looked at Tang Hao as well.
The two of them were acting slightly off from their normal selves. Perhaps it was merely a matter of interacting with a normal person. In his past life status elevated people. In this world spirit master held physical power. So of course they were held in reverence by normal people.
Still, this is a bit much for that. At least Tang Yuan thinks so? While he is deep in thought on that matter. The innkeeper continues "Yes as you wish young lords. Shall we have the chefs provide food and drink?" the innkeeper asks them.
Tang Yuan feels the prospect of food is palpable. Yet eating in this environment would be suffocating. Before Tang Xiao can answer the question himself. Tang Yuan speaks up for himself. "Food sounds good, brother Xiao. Can we take it to the room with us possibly?" Tang Yuan asks both of them. His expression was as innocent as possible.
Tang Xiao turns to him slightly. His face does not change much from its unusual controlled appearance. Yet Tang Yuan has the sense that he is relieved about something. Like something in Tang Yuan's question had been helpful? Tang Yuan's expression becomes more open in confusion.
"Of course young master. Anything for our most honored guests?" the innkeeper says his voice having something to the tone. Tang Yuan couldn't quite place it. It doesn't help that the man's head is still bowed. Honestly, it's starting to get old. He can't tell if the man is being respectful to the extreme, or if he is just scared.
Tang Xiao speaks again "Yes as my brother said we will have food in the room." calling Tang Yuan brother directly, curious. The man bows finally raises his head. He begins walking leading them to their accommodation. He moves at a moderate pace to the room.
They walk through a doorway in the large open room. Only a handful of steps down the hallway they come to a door. The man opens the door and once more bows. Tang Yuan wants to yell at the man for it.
"This is the room young lords," he says as respectfully as ever in his actions. The three of them enter the room. Tang Xiao nods slightly and speaks "It is fine you may leave." With a final bow in their direction, he does so. Tang Yuan was happy enough to see him leave.
"That guy was weird. That or it was just me. He just kept his head down the entire time. Never gave his name, or asked ours. Then called use four or five different titles, moving back and forth." Tang Yuan let out a string of complaints about their host. He really felt that all of them were accurate. Even if it might be rude to say aloud.
Tang Xiao looks around the room seemingly looking at something. He does not say anything in response yet. Then he says "It's rude to be so harsh on one's host." despite saying that his voice was not harsh. Instead, it was distracted is how he would put it.
Tang Yuan noticed that Tang Hao was also distracted. Something had caught their attention. "Um," Tang Yuan tried to begin, but then stopped not sure what to say. He wasn't quite sure what had caught their attention. Finally, he asks "What is it?"
Tang Xiao's hand landed on his shoulder. His grip while gentle was also firm. Yet, he did not say a thing. Tang Yuan realizes with a start that is telling in itself. A shiver runs down his back. Are people listening in on them perhaps? Yet why would they be doing that, or rather how?
The three of them had just stepped into the room. Did the innkeeper stick around and put himself against the door? Not a very smart thing to do. So we're the listeners or watchers in other rooms. Did the innkeeper signal them as he was moving? Perhaps they had been there long before them.
If they are listening to them then he can counter that. Tang Yuan reaches into his storage belt and takes out a book. Placing it on a table in the room. Then taking a quill and ink well out as well. Using it he writes in the book "Are there listeners?" he shows it to the brothers pointing to it.
Tang Xiao had watched Tang Yuan with curiosity. Seeing him with the book and ink he had been curious. Seeing the question in the book he immediately understood. Looking at Tang Yuan he nodded to show an answer.
Then he walked over to Tang Yuan and the book. This made things easier to be sure. Tang Hao kept an eye on them, yet stayed standing. Keeping his eyes and his senses strained. Tang Xiao took the book and began to write in it.
It would be only a few minutes later that there was a knock on the door. Tang Yuan looked at it with wariness. The discussion they had was very informative. Tang Xiao once more acted as their spokesman. He talked to the one at the door, and then personally brought it into the room. Tang Yuan kept his attention on the book. So that his face could not be seen.
Tang Xiao brought the food in promptly. Closing the door behind him as if in impatience. Once the door was shut his expression relaxed. "Now then let's start. The food does look delicious, and we have wine to go with it," he said conversationally.
Tang Yuan and Tang Hao immediately moved over to him. It was difficult to say how long they had. So they immediately began to act on their needs. Once they had finished the plates were emptied, and the wine was emptied. They set the cart outside the door to be picked up. Then the three of them prepared the beds.
A few hours later in the dead of night. The beds of the room were full as could be. The night was completely silent as the door to the room opened. As silently as possible a group of shadows entered the room. They each crept into the room with experience.
These shadows moved to the beds as quietly as possible. When several were at each bed they drew knives. Sharpened to be as effective as possible at piercing. Even compromising the integrity of the blades slightly. As a one, they readied their blades. Then they brought their blades down upon the beds.
The blades each hit their intended marks. Piercing through the blankets to underneath with clean precision. Thus another three fall victim to their experienced hands. Already a stain began to spread upon the blanket. Red the color of blood stains the blankets proving their success.
It was only a handful of minutes after splitting from his family. Tang Chen found the ones he had sensed. He had moved like the wind through the forest. Swiftly appearing unexpectedly near them. Startling several of them as a result of that.
In total, there were seven of them present. The strongest of them was only a Soul Sage. The second strongest was a Soul Emperor though nearly at the bottleneck. With a second Soul Emperor of a lower rank as well. The other four were relatively weaker. Two Soul Kings and even two Soul Ancestors. "What a surprise to see low-level ones amongst you." Tang Chen said.
A series of exclamations came from several of them. "Someone here." "Surround him." "Identify yourself stranger, or be struck." The words were quickly thrown out by them. The Soul Sage and Soul Emperors were much calmer. Though the Soul Sage was actually flummoxed. He immediately spoke out "Hold, calm yourselves right now. You are no match for him. though neither am I." he told them immediately.
The leader turned to Tang Chen and bowed deeply. "Senior Clear Sky Douluo, it is an honor for this one to meet you." the leader says with utmost respect. Hearing their leader's words everyone else quickly bows as well. Especially the ones who reacted the most earlier. They may have offended a Limit Douluo after all.
All seven of them possess similarities in attire. Light armor adorned their bodies, and masks covered their faces. Each one possessed a holy air about them. If Tang Yuan were here he would compare it to Qian Daoliu. Yet their auras and presence were many times weaker.
"To think I would encounter members of the Angels Army all the way out here. Your presence is most concerning." Tang Chen said with gravity. His tone showed his dominance as an individual. He felt it necessary to determine their exact purpose. Even knowing that they would only be here for a single reason.
The leader of the seven spoke to Tang Chen respectfully. He did not attempt to hide anything. After all, this was a man whom even their clan head trusted greatly. "It is as you suspect we are tracking the possibility of an "evil" soul master. We believe they are a risk. Though there is little knowledge of their abilities."
"An "evil" soul master is it." Tang Chen noticed the term evil as a description. Which meant the issue was not overwhelming. At least not just yet. Which explains why they were so few, and so low-level. Still, "very well than I have reason to be on alert as well." An "evil" soul master had no threat to him. Still, it would be best to catch up with the others lest they find themselves in trouble.