She continued to glare at him silently, her cheeks slightly puffed out. The void silence continued to stretch onward as neither broke it. Eventually, it began to turn somewhat awkward as well. The others present watched on as this staring contest continued.
Tang Yuan was not completely certain what she wanted from him. Though he could guess that she desired his apology, or simply to look away. Tang Yuan merely held her gaze as best he could. He noticed that she was a few inches shorter than he was.
Suddenly she almost seemed to pout even further, or maybe her glare became sharper. Either way, Tang Yuan noticed the change immediately. He could not help the twitch in his lips. Perhaps it was just the thought of how terrifying this girl would be in the future. Versus how she was just a little girl now who was trying so hard to be scary.
Tang Yuan wondered if she noticed his amusement at the situation. Perhaps she noticed he really was not taking her all that seriously. It's not as if he was trying to hide that especially. Though he also wasn't trying to make that fact obvious. Tang Yuan honestly didn't know how to really handle this.
Bibi Dong notices that the object of her glare shows no real intention of backing down. She lets out a final sigh before just giving up. She could find a way to get back at him later possibly. Yet she realized that continuing her glaring wasn't effective. So she could only sigh and go sit down with her teacher.
After all, she would have likely done the same she could admit. Besides there was always the next game to consider. The thought of the last hour or so maybe? Well however long it was, she had a lot of fun playing with? What was his name again? Did she ever ask his name and who he was?
Tang Yuan watched as the girl went to sit down. Her face was that of an annoyed girl at least at first. Then he watched as it changed to a wide smile, then to one deep in thought and confusion. The change happened just as she was going to sit down.
Bibi Dong's confused look changes to a slightly neutral face, as she begins to glance at Tang Yuan. She tried to remember his name so she didn't have to ask for it. Maybe she should just pretend to know it until she hears it. No that's just stupid why should she worry about something so small? She points at Tang Yuan "Who are you?"
Tang Yuan's smile turned slightly awkward at that question. Realizing he hadn't introduced himself, and she hadn't either. He didn't really consider it having already known her name. Yet it was good he hadn't used it so far. Otherwise, he would need to reveal how he had come to learn it. Though he could have simply said he heard somewhere. Yet that would have been a lie that could have been seen through.
So with that thought in mind, Tang Yuan begins his official introduction. "My name is Tang Yuan a member of the Clear Sky Clan. Might I have your name now?" His face is solid and clear as he introduces himself with pride. Though his last few words were a reminder and a point.
Bibi Dong gains a measure of color at the reminder. She had been told before that she could be a bit rude. She had asked for his name, but hadn't given her own. She coughed slightly as she regained her composure. Hoping that her teacher wouldn't find that another reason to lecture her.
"My name is Bibi Dong, the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall, and the student of Quan Xunji his holiness. " She introduces herself her voice filled with pride at that. Her hands rest on her hips as she puffs herself up. A massive smile on her face as her eyes are closed. The unspoken statement is how awesome or cool she is.
Tang Yuan simply nods his head at her words. "Then it is nice to meet you, Bibi Dong," he says with a neutral tone. Not really showing surprise or giving her praise for her revelation. After all, he already knew about that fact before even meeting her.
Bibi Dong noticed his reaction was rather apathetic to her introduction. Suddenly she felt embarrassed again noticing idly that it was happening a lot today. It wasn't as if she was really expecting praise or anything. All the same, she had expected a little more reaction.
Those watching the exchange found it a rather amusing back-and-forth. His holiness the Pope quirked his lips slightly. He had never really seen his disciple so on the back foot. At least outside of when she was in trouble and receiving a lecture.
Still, he should help his student a bit in this case. If only by letting her into Tang Yuan's own status. "Tang Yuan is the son of Tang Chen and Tang Nuan. I trust you know who they are." his words were both to console her, but also to inform her of that fact.
Bibi Dong felt she had a better understanding. It wasn't that he was uninterested in her own status. It was simply that he himself had his own special status as well. No wonder he had such a non-reaction to her words. She felt that she had come to an understanding, but she also grew curious about him.
She turns to Tang Yuan with an interested expression. Though not for exactly the reason one would first expect. "Does that mean you're the child of Big Sister?" Her eyes start to sparkle at the mention of Tang Nuan whom she calls Big Sister.
Tang Yuan is slightly bemused at her words. It looks like his mother had a little fan in the form of this girl. He nods at her question confirming that fact. Though he wonders idly what his father would think about this. Knowing him he might honestly laugh at this for more than one reason. Then start teasing his mother about her fan girl.
Bibi Dong moves closer to Tang Yuan "Isn't she so cool. One of the strongest female soul masters on the continent if not the strongest." Even in the spirit hall that was the case was left unsaid. There was not a single known female Titled Douluo on the continent to her knowledge. With only a handful of Soul Douluos who were also women.
Tang Yuan feels slightly surprised at that admission from her. Though thinking on it that was indeed the case wasn't it? Especially as Bo Saxi's existence wasn't known on the mainland yet. So his mother was one of the strongest female Soul Masters alive. Though that begged the question "Who exactly are the other?"
Bibi Dong hearing the genuinely curious questions gains a smirk. Now she would be the one with the advantage. "There are fewer than five level eighty female soul masters. Big Sis Nuan is the most well-known of course. Then there is Lady Flame Kite also of our Spirit Hall, and there's that woman as well."
Tang Yuan notices the respect she places on his mother and Flame Kite. Identifying the latter as the future Titled Douluo. The third however catches his attention even further as she glosses over her. Though he does not bring it up he makes a mental note.
All the while Bibi Dong continues her informative speech. "Then there is the empress of the Star Luo Empire. She is less well-known than her husband though," she says the last part idly almost to herself.
Tang Yuan finds himself interested in her words. Knowing about powerful Soul Masters would always be good. He imagines they are akin to idols to young women. Almost like real-life versions of Wonder Woman.
Though it seems like Bibi Dong could continue her lecture. Another decided to head off the continuation of the talk.
"Interesting as Tang Yuan may find that. Isn't it a show you should return to your studies Dong'er? After all, if you hope to count yourself amongst said worthies. Studying and cultivation with dedication are absolutely necessary." These words were very pointed in their meaning. Qian Xunji said the girls' teacher all while looking at her with a piercing look.
Tang Yuan wondered if it was simply because he saw it as a good time. Perhaps he hoped to strike the point home with reason. Or maybe he had heard her speak those words before. It did seem like she was going to have a fangirl-like speech or rant.
Bibi Dong turned to her teacher with a pout now. Her eyes returned to a puppy dog look. She hoped that she could "convince" her teacher not to make her return to studies.
Qian Xunji could already sense a level of pain and annoyance in his future. His disciple could be a pain when she wanted to be. Especially when it came to her studies, and martial soul. All the while she would play innocent and then cause mischief later. Now he would have the issue of convincing her to return to her studies.
"Oh, I would love to hear the little lady's words. Specifically and especially about my darling wife." a voice rang out suddenly. It was filled with a good deal of amusement.
Tang Yuan also noticed a great deal of teasing in said tone. Tang Yuan felt he might learn the answer to his earlier question. Based on the teasing tone though his mother might have something to say.
At another location far from Spirit Hall another meeting continues. The meeting had continued at a pace as the members gave reports. As the shadows danced ominously around them almost as if alive. The whispers did not help if they were even real. The dark hall gave all of them the feeling of being watched sending chills down their spines.
The various individuals speak their reports to the collective. Their leader simply dismisses them with a slight gesture a waving of a hand. They leave the room at their leader's dismissal. All the while the Divine Envoy remains silent showing neither pleasure nor dissatisfaction. All who stepped out of the room felt at peace even as they worried as well.
Finally, it came time for Clam Elder to step forward. Cheng Tao is hesitant to step forward yet he stands behind the elder. Not daring to defy him, but terrified to be before the Divine Envoy. He could only be glad that so many had already left. Yet those who remained were amongst the highest of their organization.
Clam Elder held his breath as he stepped before the Divine Eonvoy. He dared not relax standing before them not after his failure. He looked upon the Envoy on their throne. Just as always he could not tell exactly their strength. They were just simply impenetrable and obscure impossible to see through.
He bowed slightly to the envoy even as he felt the gazes of his comrades. He cared little for most of their gazes upon him with a little more care for the Titled Douluo. The gazes of his two
Old partners did give him some comfort. Their shared interests and grudges aligned them with him.
Clam Elder begins his recounting to the Divine Envoy. "Honored envoy we may have been compromised." he begins first with that statement out loud. He hears as a few noises are made, and then gazes become more focused.
Cheng Tao had taken a kneeling position towards the envoy. Well aware he was far too low level to normally be here. He dared not make a noise until prompted. As the first words came out he lowered himself further. He could feel more glances on him as they grew intense.
The Divine Envoy upon the throne showed no outward reaction. Not a sentence or even a word comes from their mouth. The figure does not even give a gesture to continue. Perhaps their gaze becomes more attentive or focused. Yet even that is so muted and small that few notice and even wonder if it was merely their imagination.
Clam Elder gulps at the non-reaction. It was honestly worse than obvious dissatisfaction. At least then he could expect their displeasure. Instead, they just treated his admittance like another report. So he continued his report doing his best to keep worry off his face.
He described Cheng Tao's actions when the members of the Clear Sky Clan appeared. He had already gotten every detail from Tao in preparation. Though he gave little about the bandits, or the settlement. He cared little for them and he doubted the envoy did either.
Finally, he brought his report to the banquet.
How Cheng Tao sought to kill them under their moment of weakness. "However in doing so he learned critical facts. They were not merely disciples of their clan, but of direct relation to the Clear Sky Douluo." he allowed that statement to sink in for only a few sparse moments.
"One of the three was in fact Tang Chen's own son. Once more the man himself had been accompanying them." his face was grave as he revealed this aspect.
The hall grew restless as he spoke, and whispers began to be heard. Only growing further in their intensity as he continued. A wave of anxiety took hold of those present. At least those below Titled Douluo who were allowed present. Though even the strongest whispered some.
Suddenly a tapping sound echoed through the hall catching every ones attention. Everyone turned to the source of the sound of trepidation. The sound had come from the dark throne as the occupant rapped their knuckles against the left armrest.
The occupant of the dark throne finally breaks their silence. "Continue." A single word spoken a step away from a whisper. Yet it is heard by everysingle person in the room all the same. As if it was carried on the wind or as if the hall itself whispered it.
Clam Elder did not need further prompting to finish his story. The entire hall was as silent as a tomb now. "Cheng Tao chose to make use of the pearl in his possession to summon me. At first, I was unhappy with summoning upon seeing his opponents. Then I was told of Tang Chen's presence with them. I used my power to escape as quickly as possible."
As Clam Elder finished his story he waited for what would happen next. He felt he himself would not be punished. After all, he made no mistake in this event. If anything he felt he performed optimally in this situation. Cheng Tao might be killed possibly, and that might be a waste of his unique skill. Still, his own standing was far more important.
As many thoughts run in the minds of those present. The occupant of the throne merely says "I see." Even now their voice didn't rise or fall. They showed no reaction besides bringing an armored left hand to their chin.
These two words fall into silence as confusion takes hold. Even the strongest amongst the Titled Douluo find themselves surprised. This should have been earth-shattering news for their operations. The silence of their boss was chilling at how little they cared. It also filled them with conflicting feelings should they be steadied by it, or terrified.
Unable to help himself one of the figures in shadow steps forward. His stature was imposing at more than two meters tall. With wide shoulders and a broad frame, he was a small giant. His very presence was intimidating even in spite of his handsome face.
Clam Elder dared not meet the man's yellow eyes. He watched as the man drew closer with a measure of trepidation. He bows his head in respectful greeting of the man. Stepping slightly away in deference to this man Devil Dragon Elder. The strongest here besides the envoy.
Devil Dragon Elder stood before the Divine Envoy. He did not lower his head as Clam Elder had done. "Honored Envoy what should be done in this matter?" his words were direct in his question straight to the matter at hand.
The envoy upon the dark throne turned their dark gaze upon the elder. Considering him perhaps for a moment or two. "Nothing, we shall do nothing. This was inevitable if sooner than expected." Their voice was calm and composed even now.
Demon Dragon Elder found himself slightly surprised at that. "So we should just continue as always. Yet given Tang Chen's friendship with Qian Daoliu the latter might have already learned of us. Given Clam Elder's presence they will investigate." he found himself wondering at the Divine Envoy's thoughts.
The Divine Envoy in the same tone spoke "They will investigate, and yet find only shadows, for now." There was no arrogance in their tone, only an absolute certainty of a fact.
Demon Dragon Elder understood the unsaid meaning. Spirit Hall would be tracking them trying to find them. Even dispatching their own elders to do so, perhaps even their vaunted Worshipers. They would hunt the organization's traces or shadows as it were to better find their current traces.
However, hunting those shadows would take time. As well as consume manpower for quite some time. Assuming they even managed to find those shadows. Demon Dragon Elder could see how it would work to their advantage. Spirit Hall was a massive organization yet they might have it jumping at shadows. All the while they take action furthering their plans.
Suddenly another voice joins the discussion. "How conniving, what a cunning plan. Let those fools dance after shadows. All the while we can make our own moves. Furthering our plans, even if we must be more cautious." The voice was gnarled in its speech. It was scathing at times, yet praising, and also filled with caution.
The tapping of a cane sounds out as the man steps forward. He was a far contrast to Demon Dragon Elder in many ways. His visage was that of an old man seemingly in his late sixties or seventies. Unlike most, his body itself was gnarled and emancipated much like a proper old man.
Cheng Tao found the sight of him quite strange. He seemed to be a kindly old man of considerable age. Yet that in of itself drew his wariness to him. For him to appear as such he must be of either particular age or most horrid blackness.
The old man turned his closed eyes toward Cheng Tao who had returned his gaze downward. "How curious young man there is something to this story that this old man finds interesting. Might you tell me of it?" It was seemingly a modest polite request, and yet he doubted it was in fact a request.
Tang Chen entered the small garden with a smile on his face. There was a noticeable air of amusement on his face. Though it was not in fact directed at the talking girl. Instead, it was directed to the woman at his side. "Why don't you listen as well Nuan it might be interesting."
Tang Nuan stands beside her husband with an annoyed look on her face. She could just tell he would tease her with this. Luckily Bibi Dong wasn't a truly horrible type of fangirl. Otherwise, Tang Nuan felt she would actually be affected. Still, she discreetly steps slightly on her husband's foot.
Tang Chen simply smiles at her and her reaction. She was well aware she could not hurt him so easily. He turned his attention back to the others present. Still with a slight smile present on his face.
Tang Nuan sighed at her husband's antics. Honestly, he finds far too much enjoyment in teasing. Ever since the first time he managed to get a reaction from her. Though she couldn't say she despised that part of him.
Tang Nuan returned to the present. She turned her gaze to the garden quickly focusing on her son. She smiles as she walks towards the covered Pavilion. As she steps onto is she quickly embraces her son in a motherly hug.
Tang Yuan quickly hugs her back despite the audience. After all, a mother's love was always a precious thing. Still after a few moments he steps back. "Hello, mother it's been a bit since I saw you." His face was in a wide smile at the small reunion.
"Its been two or three months since I last saw you. I've been told that during this time you have become a Soul Grandmaster." Tang Nuan said with a proud smile at his advancement. It was a proper achievement to be sure she certainly wasn't quite that fast in her youth.
Tang Yuan couldn't help the slightly proud smile on his face. His mother gave praise with greater frequency than his father. Perhaps that was simply her nature as a mother. He wondered if she knew about his purple ring. Hopefully, it wouldn't come to a lecture on being safer.
Bibi Dong began to speak hearing Tang Yuan's rank advancement. Partially out of a desire to be praised by her idol Tang Nuan. Though also because of a new feeling within herself. One she had never experienced before in her life.
She felt a sense of rivalry with Tang Yuan as someone of a similar age. "Oh, you have recently become a Soul Grandmaster what a coincidence. I became a Soul Grandmaster a few months ago." Bibi Dong smiled in a manner befitting a proud child.
Tang Nuan smiled at the little girl as she placed a hand on her head. Rubbing the little girl's head affectionately. "You did well as Xiao Dong. Your master must be very proud of you."
Bibi Dong gets a look on her face of pure surprise at the touch. She looks away, but does not stop Tang Nuan's touch. A large smile blossoms on her face at the physical praise. Especially coming from the woman she looks up to.
Tang Yuan watches his mother practically pet the little girl. If she had a tail it would likely be wagging a mile a minute. She certainly was quite a sight as she seemed uncertain. She was acting as if she couldn't care less yet was obviously loving the attention.
Bibi Dong felt eyes on her turning slightly she saw Tang Yuan who had an amused smirk. Her cheeks colored slightly out of embarrassment. She debated the merits of stepping away and pretending nothing happened. Yet the headrubbing gave her such a nice and fuzzy feeling. Finally, the headrubbing came to an end.
Tang Nuan watched as Bibi Dong stepped back as if nothing had happened. Yet she had basically soaked up the head rubs like a sponge. It made him wonder if she had ever experienced so much praise. Still, he kept quiet lacking the knowledge to make a judgment.
Bibi Dong meanwhile felt happy from the praise from her idol. Though she didn't expect such blatant praise. She had never experienced such in her life. Not even from her teacher, it was certainly a nice feeling.
Tang Nuan seeing the smile of the little girl turned back to her son. Whom she was glad to see was in no way jealous. She was glad he was such a mature child. "Now why don't you tell me what you obtained for a spirit ring. If you feel comfortable in doing so."
Tang Yuan knew that some spirit masters preferred to keep their rings secret. He saw no true need to conceal his abilities overmuch. Especially as seeing through them wasn't really too hard. "We hunted a Golden Lightning Leopard for my second ring."
Tang Nuan felt surprised at that statement. That her son would acquire an elemental beast for his soul ring. Especially from an agility-type beast rather than a strength-type. "So you want to go to the Elemental Path of soul masters. What exactly do you have planned for your development plan?"
Tang Yuan scratched his head slightly at that. Well aware that his path seemed slightly different from what is seen as optimal. However, he felt that he could foresee a path for himself. Even if that path was not complete yet it seemed feasible.
Tang Chen patted his wife on her shoulder. She was far more concerned about their son's path. He felt that Tang Yuan would make his own successes and own failures. However, he felt that his son was remarkably confident in the direction he was heading. Tang Chen knew his son was remarkably intelligent and wise for his age. He could trust that he would not risk his future.
Tang Chen felt now was as good a time as any to inform Tang Yuan and Xiao Hao. "Hao come here for a moment now." his voice was suddenly very serious and commanding.
Tang Hao walked over to the small group. Curious about what his grandfather desired the matter seemed fairly serious. "Yes grandfather what is it that you need?"
Tang Chen had a serious expression as he looked at the gathering. His wife, his son, and Tang Hao were present here. Qian Xunji was sitting down with Old Chrysantheum and Guan Ling Worshipper plus Bibi Dong, who was also present. Of them, Bibi Dong and Tang Yuan might be the ones who least needed to hear this.
Tang Chen considered that fact yet Tang Yuan was partially the reason for this trip. Guan Ling Worshipper was unquestionably someone who needed to know. Tang Chen decided to debrief them at the same time. "Qian Daoliu and I are going to go on a fishing trip as it were. A trip to the Boundless Ocean specifically."
Tang Yuan was shocked at this implication. He could immediately come to the possibility of the target. "Is Whale Glue the target of this trip?" If so than had his own action brought about this change.
Tang Chen smiled at his son's quick wit. After all, he was right in his quest in this matter. "Yes, you are right in your deduction. This trip is partially caused by your own discovery. Your mother shared the discovery with the upper echelons of Spirit Hall, the Xunji, and the Worshippers specifically." Tang Chen explained the origin of the trip at least part of it.
Tang Chen saw no need to hide the secret. Ever since his marriage to Tang Nuan the alliance between the clan and Spirit Hall had strengthened. Even still they could have kept the advantage to themselves. Yet revealing it presented an opportunity to both factions. The chance to have a proper expedition into the most perilous of locations the Boundless Ocean.