Chapter 42: Chrysanthemum Douluo in Disguise — More Feminine Than a Woman
Gui Mei and Dugu Bo obediently turned around.
Moments later, a soft, melodic voice drifted from behind them.
"Alright, you can turn around now."
The two exchanged a curious glance before turning to look—and both froze in astonishment.
The sight before them was… breathtaking.
Yue Guan's previous attire—a luxurious robe embroidered with golden threads—was gone. In its place was a long, snow-white silk gown that shimmered with an ethereal glow.
A white veil covered his face, revealing only a pair of alluring eyes—eyes so enchanting they carried a hint of foreign charm. His hairpin had been removed, allowing his long, golden hair to cascade freely down his back, swaying gently in the breeze.
When he tilted his head slightly, that languid, seductive look in his eyes could've toppled kingdoms. His porcelain skin, fair as jade, seemed to glow softly beneath the veil, radiating a mysterious allure.
With graceful ease, Yue Guan raised one slender hand and brushed his fingers lightly across his cheek. The motion was so elegant, so natural, it would have put most women to shame.
Gui Mei and Dugu Bo were speechless.
"Old Poison," Yue Guan said teasingly, "tell me, do you still recognize me now?"
Dugu Bo threw his head back and laughed heartily.
"Yue Guan, you… You look even more womanly than an actual woman! Hahaha! If any real lady stood next to you, she'd die of embarrassment!"
A flicker of smug satisfaction flashed across Yue Guan's eyes.
"As long as I suppress my aura and refrain from releasing soul power, even a Titled Douluo won't be able to sense me. This way, I can watch Old Ghost's competition in peace."
Dugu Bo grinned mischievously.
"Indeed! When you turn on the charm like this, there's no woman alive who could compete with you. No one would ever suspect you're Yue Guan. Out there, just claim to be siblings—perfect cover! Hahaha!"
Ghost Douluo nodded approvingly.
"Old Poison, that's actually a good idea. For now, let's keep our identities hidden from your granddaughter to avoid unnecessary trouble."
"Got it. Come on then—let's head to my mansion."
The Sunset Forest lay two to three hundred miles east of Heaven Dou City.
It didn't take long for the three to arrive at Dugu Bo's residence.
The estate wasn't particularly large, and after being uninhabited for so long, it carried a faint air of gloom.
"Most of my time is spent at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well," Dugu Bo explained. "Yan Yan lives at the academy outside the city, so this place has been empty for quite a while. I've already had it cleaned up, though—it's livable enough for now."
"Old Poison, no need to be polite," Yue Guan said with a faint smile. "This is far more comfortable than the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well."
His eyes then drifted toward the courtyard, where rows of medicinal herbs grew in neat clusters. He walked over with clear interest.
"Not bad. These herbs look well-tended."
"They're from before," Dugu Bo replied. "Now that Yan Yan and I are both fine, I've not paid them much attention."
Afterward, Dugu Bo arranged rooms for both Gui Mei and Yue Guan.
For the time being, this would be their temporary home.
---
Meanwhile, on the other side of the continent—
Tang Hao had brought Tang San to Moon Pavilion, where they met Tang Yuehua.
Tang Hao's internal injuries had only just begun to recover, but after his battle with Yue Guan, they had worsened once again.
Seeing his condition, Tang Yuehua's heart ached. She immediately summoned a healer to treat him.
That evening, Tang San quietly entered his father's room after dinner.
"Father, are you feeling any better?"
Tang Hao smiled faintly.
"Don't worry about me, Xiao San. These internal injuries have been with me for years. They'll never fully heal—I'm used to the pain."
Tang San lowered his head, guilt weighing on his heart.
"Father… I'm sorry. It's my fault. The killing intent leaking from me must have given us away. You suffered because of me."
Tang Hao reached out and patted his son's shoulder.
"You foolish child. This has nothing to do with you—don't blame yourself."
As he spoke, a flicker of memory crossed his mind—the scene when Tang San had unleashed that strange crimson light in the midst of danger.
"Xiao San," Tang Hao said slowly, "your fate truly isn't ordinary. Without that mysterious power protecting you, we might not have survived this time."
Tang San blinked.
"Father, do you know what that power was?"
Tang Hao shook his head.
"I'm not certain. Perhaps it's connected to the killing intent within you. But whatever it is—it's a good thing. With it, those who wish to kill you will find it far more difficult."
"Mm."
Tang San also wanted to uncover the mystery behind that strange power, yet no matter how much he pondered, he found no clue. He suspected that his teacher, Yu Xiaogang, might know something.
"Father, I want to make a trip to Shrek Academy—to meet the Teacher and the others."
"Alright. I'll go with you tomorrow night. After that, you'll stay here at Moon Pavilion for two months and study in peace."
"I understand."
---
The next night soon arrived.
At Shrek Academy, in the quiet serenity of the back garden, Yu Xiaogang stood alone outside his quarters, gazing at the star-filled sky. A faint sigh escaped his lips.
"Xiao San… where are you? When will you come back…"
The Soul Master Tournament was Yu Xiaogang's long-awaited chance to prove himself.
Born with the mutated martial soul Luo San Pao, his soul power had been forever capped below rank 30. His clan mocked him as useless—a disgrace to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family. Later, because of his forbidden love affair with his second uncle Yu Luomian's illegitimate daughter, Liu Erlong, he became a man his clan despised.
Ever since, he had sought every opportunity to prove that he was not a failure.
In his early years, he had relied on Bibi Dong's influence within Spirit Hall to secretly plagiarize vast amounts of theoretical knowledge. Unable to grow strong through cultivation, he turned instead to theory—walking a path that no other "trash" could follow.
Even without power, he would earn respect through knowledge. And so, with those stolen theories, he deceived the world and built the name "Grandmaster."
"A great teacher must have an exceptional disciple."
He needed a student brilliant enough to showcase his theories—to validate the work he had stolen.
And Tang San, possessing Twin Martial Souls and the blood of the Clear Sky Douluo, was the perfect candidate.
Yu Xiaogang had once sworn that he would raise Tang San to become the greatest Soul Master on the continent.
Since taking him as a disciple, everything had progressed according to plan. Tang San's growth exceeded all expectations, vastly surpassing his peers.
For the first time, Yu Xiaogang saw a glimmer of hope.
But then—Gui Mei and Yue Guan appeared. Their sudden intervention shattered all his dreams.
After Shrek Academy was destroyed, Tang San disappeared without a trace. Even now, there has been no word from him.
And with less than three months remaining until the Soul Master Tournament, Yu Xiaogang was running out of time.
In the Heaven Dou Empire region, several renowned elemental academies—Godwind Academy, Thunder Academy, Sky Water Academy, Blazing Academy, and Elephant Armored Academy—were all formidable opponents.
If Tang San returned, Shrek might still have a fighting chance. Without him, even advancing past the preliminaries would be a dream.
As Yu Xiaogang sank into thought, a dark figure descended silently from above.
His expression hardened instantly.
"Who's there?!"
"Teacher—it's me."
The silhouette stepped forward, gradually revealing his face.
Yu Xiaogang froze. His eyes widened in disbelief.
"Xiao San…?! Is it really you?!"
"Teacher, it's me. I'm back. I'm sorry for making you worry."
"It truly is you, Xiao San! You're finally back!"
Yu Xiaogang grasped Tang San's hands tightly, looking him up and down.
Nearly two years apart, and the boy before him had changed.
Tang San had grown taller and stronger. His once-short hair now reached his shoulders, shimmering with a dark-blue hue. The childishness on his face had faded, replaced by calm resolve and maturity. His eyes—once bright and clear—now carried a depth that seemed to conceal endless secrets.
—
T/N: In this fanfic, Tang San is portrayed as a positive character. However, if I remember correctly, even in the original work, he can't really be considered a positive figure. His behavior is quite problematic, and Xiao Wu's sacrifice is filled with manipulation and hidden schemes (especially when viewed from an adult's perspective), starting from the Soul Master Tournament and Star Dou Great Forest Plot. Moreover, his attitude toward Yu Xiaogang after awakening the Blue Silver Emperor bloodline was far from admirable.
End of Chapter