Time flowed like water. Half a year slipped past in silence.
The continent gradually stabilized after storms shook it. Tang Xiao carried Tang San away to Clear Sky Sect. Tang Hao too, disappeared without a trace, vanishing into forests and shadows unseen.
Martial Soul Hall had announced the "suppression" was complete. Publicly, the continent fell calm, though quiet whispers carried still. For common soul masters, Tang Hao and Tang San became distant rumors again, until even those faded into tavern boasts.
Only those closest still searched.
Titan, the patriarch of the Li Clan, spent half a year scouring cities for the mysterious sword-wielding cold-attribute Soul King Tang Hao had described. He checked every region, but each lead dissolved into falsehoods. Martial Soul appearances can be altered. But attributes—the essence of Martial Souls—cannot be changed.
And meanwhile, in Tiandou City, the Blue Silver Emperor Ah Yin still swayed gently in Lu Yuan's wine jar on a windowsill, half-soaked in alcohol, radiating quiet life.
Shrek Academy
Inside the Dean's office, Flender paced, restless.
"Xiaogang!" he burst out, "the Continental Soul Master Academy Elite Competition is about to begin. Are you even prepared?"
Across from him, Yu Xiaogang did not even look up. His eyes were fixed on a scroll, hands twitching at phrases, yet his soul seemed hollow.
"Isn't Wuji handling all preparations?" he replied absently.
Flender's face grew dark. Since Tang San vanished, Yu Xiaogang had become a husk—alive only among papers and theories. The hope, the obsession, everything tied to Tang San's presence. Without his personal disciple, the man seemed broken.
In the past, he had dreamed the Soul Master Competition would be his stage to prove his Ten Core Competitiveness of Martial Souls. Tang San shining in battle would validate his lifetime of theories.
Now Tang San was missing. Zhu Zhuqing too had vanished with him. Dai Mubai still cultivated steadily, Xiao Wu had nearly reached Soul Sect, yet their levels weren't enough to dominate. Without their missing teammates, how could Shrek reach the finals?
"Xiaogang, pull yourself together!" Flender snapped, voice shaking the desk. "When Tang San comes back—if he comes back—you'll be useless at this rate. Will you even be able to help him?"
"Little San…" Yu Xiaogang whispered. Then he laughed bitterly at himself. Could little San truly return?
He had even gone, shamefully, to Martial Soul Hall himself, begging Bibi Dong for truth. Her cold voice had cracked him, scolding him like a dog thrown in the street. Half a year since—no news, no whisper, no sign. How could he not envision the worst?
"Didn't we say before?" Flender pressed. "He was probably taken by Tang Hao. If so—that means he's safe."
"...I can only hope so," Yu Xiaogang muttered, his eyes grey.
Xiao Wu
From the mimic-training grove, Xiao Wu trudged back to the dorms. Her heart sagged. Six months passed yet still no word.
Was Tang San truly gone?
No. She would not believe. She would not accept.
That fragment of hope still kept her anchored here. If not, she would long ago have retreated back to Star Dou's forest core, abandoning her human disguise.
The Soul Master Elite Competition loomed closer. She knew she should not compete—her identity risked exposure in front of Titled Douluo. But her heart ached, refusing to give up.
Even one glimpse, even if he leaves again, just let me see him once more.
With a prayer lodged in her chest, she pushed open the dormitory door.
"—Lu Yuan!!"
She froze, her voice rising instantly in outrage.
There he was, sprawled carelessly across her bed, wine jar in hand, sipping away as though it were his rightful territory.
"Get down! Off my bed, right now!"
Hands on her hips, Xiao Wu glared fire. This bastard had visited twice every three days the past months, and now—bold enough to drink inside her dorm? Unacceptable!
"Little rabbit, you're back!" Lu Yuan grinned lazily, unashamed. He patted the bedding. "Come, have two drinks with me. Best way to warm the heart."
"I said get down!" Xiao Wu strode in and tried to shove him. He didn't budge. Her spirit power tugged, her hands pulling—useless.
"So, little rabbit," Lu Yuan asked as if nothing, "still no word from Little Chili? Liu Erlong…?" His jaw tensed faintly, hidden under his drunkard's smirk.
Every visit, the same question. Always searching. Always angry. That woman who fled with his child half a year ago still haunted him.
"No news!" Xiao Wu exploded. "If there ever is, I'll tell you—but stop barging in my room! And especially—"
Her words cut as her lips tightened. Fury surged.
"—stop lying on my bed!!"
Her small hands curled, and this time she did the unexpected. She leapt forward and bit down—hard.
"Ahhhh—!" Lu Yuan yelped, jolting up and clutching his arm. "Little rabbit actually bit me!"
Xiao Wu stepped back, eyes flashing dangerously, her chest heaving. "What, never heard the phrase before? Bunnies bite when they're anxious! If you sneak into my room again, I'll break your neck."
Her glare scorched him, fearless.
Lu Yuan rubbed at his bitten arm, wide-eyed, then suddenly burst out laughing. "Haha… not bad! Little rabbit's got teeth after all."
"Don't test me," Xiao Wu warned coldly.
He lifted both palms in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I won't touch your bed again. But tomorrow, I'll find you in the teaching building for my answers. Bring me good news by then, eh?"
Leaving that smug grin behind, Lu Yuan sauntered out.
Xiao Wu collapsed onto the bed he'd just occupied, fists trembling. This man… infuriating! Shameless! Yet still always circling her life.
Clear Sky Sect
Half a year had passed since Tang San's arrival at Clear Sky Sect. At first, the elders had scorned him, scowled at him as Tang Hao's cursed son. They remembered too well the losses brought by Tang Hao's reckless war. None wanted to see his damned bloodline again.
Yet Tang San endured.
Through patience, strength, and overwhelming talent, he clawed respect into reluctant hearts.
In the latest disciple tournament, he crushed competitors one after another, his arsenal of hidden weapons and soul skills outmatching them all. In the end, he stood as champion, the youth disciples bowing in recognition.
From then, the clan accepted him as one of their own.
"Boom!"
The stone platform cracked beneath a final hammer strike. Tang San wiped sweat from his brow.
"Congratulations, Little San," Tang Xiao's deep voice rang. "The Chaotic Cloak Hammer is nearly perfected in your hands. And with your Spirit Power reaching Soul Sect—you've officially crossed into true mastery."
His eyes glowed with pride. This nephew… his talent even surpassed Tang Hao. In a hundred years, the Sect had not seen one like him.
Tang San bowed modestly. "Thank you, Uncle. All that I've achieved is thanks to your guidance."
Tang Xiao nodded. "And now, by rite of talent, you are worthy to inherit the Clear Sky Sect's supreme cultivation art—the Great Sumeru Hammer. Yet…" His voice trailed, troubled. "It is a dangerous skill. Only one each generation can learn it. Danger of death hovers over any unworthy soul."
Tang San understood well. His father, as heir, had inherited it. Now as Tang Hao's son, policy alone might block him. But he did not press. "Uncle, the skills you've given me are already invaluable. I'll not ask more."
Then his eyes lifted, clear and steady. "But uncle—when will you let me descend the mountain?"
Tang Xiao froze. He had heard this plea again and again, month after month. And each time he resisted. Tang San's desperation to return baffled him. Until Tang San explained—Xiao Wu. His classmates. His bonds outside.
At last, Tang Xiao sighed. "When the Continental Soul Master Elite Competition begins, you may descend. Attend as Clear Sky blood, openly. Even Martial Soul Hall would not dare move against you in such a place. To act there would be to lose all face across the continent."
His nephew's eyes blazed renewed light.
Another half year lost. Yet soon—he could finally descend.
And when he did… he would see her again.
--
Unlock 50 exclusive advanced chapters for just $10 – don't miss out! Check the synopsis/description for the link! 🚀
Loved this fic? 🔥 Then you'll absolutely binge my other hits — "Douluo Dalu: Ten Thousand Years Early System!" & "Douluo Dalu: My Harem System is Bugged!" — don't miss out!