Chapter 48: Heaven Would Never Seal All of One's Paths
Two months passed in the blink of an eye.
During this time, Yue Guan's soul power had reached Rank 97 — just a step away from the peak, yet that final barrier was like a mountain before him. Breaking through it was unimaginably difficult.
Unlike Gui Mei, Yue Guan could no longer absorb soul ring energy to strengthen himself. Without a special opportunity, it was nearly impossible for him to advance any further.
As brothers who had fought side by side through life and death, Gui Mei naturally wanted to help him find a way forward.
After Dugu Bo broke through to the rank of Titled Douluo, his martial soul, the Jade Phosphor Serpent, evolved into the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor. He even condensed an inner core, greatly enhancing his power.
Inspired by this, Gui Mei discussed with Yue Guan and Dugu Bo the methods of condensing a soul core, hoping to use that as a way to break through his own limits.
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Meanwhile, Tang San had been cultivating in Moon Pavilion for two months and had made remarkable progress.
Although the killing intent within his body could not yet be completely suppressed, he had learned to control it much better than before.
Afterward, he returned to Shrek Academy and reunited with Yu Xiaogang, Dai Mubai, and the others.
Before this, Ning Fengzhi had already witnessed Tang San's craftsmanship — his Flying God Claws and other devastating hidden weapons had left him astounded.
Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was one of the top three sects on the continent, its direct disciples were all support-type soul masters, severely lacking in offensive capability. The sect relied heavily on the two Titled Douluo, Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong, to maintain its standing.
But the hidden weapons Tang San created perfectly compensated for that fatal weakness.
Through Ning Rongrong's introduction, Tang San was brought before Ning Fengzhi.
The two engaged in deep discussion and soon reached an agreement for cooperation.
Before returning to Shrek Academy, Tang San learned from Yu Xiaogang that Tai Long, the grandson of the Strength Clan's patriarch Tai Tan, was also studying at Shrek.
Tai Long's soul power had already reached Rank 38 and was expected to become one of the academy's main forces.
Tang San had long heard from Tang Hao that Tai Tan was one of the Three Divine Blacksmiths of the Douluo Continent, and that his clan specialized in forging.
This revelation filled Tang San with excitement — perhaps the hidden weapons of the Tang Sect could finally be mass-produced in this world, becoming a force to be reckoned with.
The Strength Clan had always been deeply loyal to Tang Hao.
Upon learning Tang San's identity, Tai Tan immediately recognized him as his Young Master and pledged to serve him wholeheartedly.
Overjoyed, Tang San immediately requested the clan to begin forging hidden weapons.
That day, Tang San brought one of his meticulously drawn blueprints to Tai Tan.
It depicted a highly intricate hidden weapon — compact in form yet capable of terrifying lethality.
Every detail of its design, from appearance to internal mechanisms to required materials, was clearly and precisely labeled.
Tai Tan was utterly stunned as he examined the drawing.
"Young Master, did you design this yourself? Such talent... It's truly awe-inspiring!"
Thanks to his excellent memory, Tang San had recreated this weapon from the Tang Sect's secret manuals he had stolen in his past life.
"Senior Tai Tan," Tang San asked earnestly, "can you forge this hidden weapon?"
Tai Tan sighed and shook his head with visible regret.
"Our Strength Clan excels at forging, yes... but something this intricate requires an unimaginable level of craftsmanship. I'm afraid we still fall short."
"Even you can't do it? You don't need to mass-produce it — just one would suffice."
But Tai Tan shook his head again.
"Not even with my current skill. Aside from Lou Gao, no one in this world could forge such a masterpiece… but unfortunately, he has already been crippled."
Tang San's heart trembled.
"Senior Tai Tan, you mean Elder Lou Gao could actually forge this?"
"Indeed. Though we're both counted among the Three Divine Blacksmiths, his skill in forging far surpasses mine — even greater than your father's. If anyone could bring this weapon to life, it would be him. But alas…"
As he spoke of Lou Gao, deep sorrow filled Tai Tan's eyes.
The design Tang San had shown him was none other than the Torrential Pear Blossom Needle — a pinnacle masterpiece among Tang Sect hidden weapons.
The Torrential Pear Blossom Needle — one of the Tang Sect's three supreme hidden weapons — possessed terrifying, destructive power, capable of threatening even a Titled Douluo's life.
Tang San believed that if both he and Tang Hao had such a weapon, then the next time they faced Gui Mei and Yue Guan, they would no longer be as helpless as before.
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"Senior Tai Tan, does Elder Lou Gao have no personal disciples? Even if they haven't reached his level, with his guidance, could they possibly forge this hidden weapon?"
Tai Tan shook his head and sighed.
"This hidden weapon demands extreme precision in both craftsmanship and materials. One small mistake, and the entire process will fail. Unless Lou Gao personally forges it himself, no one else can succeed."
"Then… after the Soul Master Tournament ends, how about we go find him and ask?"
Tai Tan's expression turned bitter.
"Young Master, you don't know… After Gui Mei severed Lou Gao's right arm, he completely retired from forging. He resigned as president of the Blacksmiths' Association and now spends his days drinking away his sorrow at home. I fear he'll never touch a hammer again in this lifetime."
Hearing this, Tang San's heart grew heavy.
The greatest blacksmith on the entire Douluo Continent — reduced to such a pitiful state.
But even so, he refused to give up.
After all, this was the only craftsman in the world capable of forging the Torrential Pear Blossom Needle.
Tang San remembered hearing from Tang Hao that when Gui Mei crippled Lou Gao, he had also threatened him, warning that if he ever collaborated again with the other two Divine Blacksmiths, his entire family would be slaughtered.
Yet for a true craftsman, one who lived and breathed the forge, the temptation of such a peerless hidden weapon would be irresistible.
Tang San decided that once the Soul Master Tournament ended, he would personally visit Lou Gao to see if there was still another way.
Heaven would never seal all of one's paths.
As long as Lou Gao still lived, there was hope.
Hatred had long taken root in Tang San's heart.
For the sake of revenge, he would use every resource and every person he could — without hesitation or mercy.
---
Time slipped by quietly.
The Soul Master Tournament will officially begin tomorrow.
That night, Tang Hao secretly arrived at Shrek Academy and found his son.
"Xiao San, tomorrow marks the start of the tournament. Bibi Dong and the Spirit Hall still don't know your true identity. Remember this — no matter what happens, do not reveal the Clear Sky Hammer."
"I understand, Father."
Tang San knew that his father was already struggling just to fend off Gui Mei and Yue Guan. He didn't have the strength to deal with even more powerful enemies.
Therefore, Tang San would never recklessly expose his Clear Sky Hammer and invite unnecessary trouble for either of them.
Tang Hao nodded slightly.
"You've already reached the level of a Five-Ring Soul King. In the Heaven Dou Division, you'll undoubtedly be one of the brightest stars. But remember — never grow arrogant. Stay calm in every match, and whenever possible, conceal your true strength. Because in the finals, you'll face opponents far stronger than you can imagine."
"Yes, Father. I understand."
Tang San nodded heavily, eyes filled with determination. Yet deep inside, a sliver of worry lingered for his father.
Tang Hao's internal injuries had never fully healed. After his last battle with Yue Guan, those wounds had only worsened.
Tang San knew that in his father's current state, fighting another Titled Douluo could be fatal.
"Father, please promise me — if you encounter Gui Mei, Yue Guan, or any other Titled Douluo-level enemies again, do not fight them. Only then can I focus on the tournament without fear."
Tang Hao looked at him for a long moment, then nodded with a faint smile.
"Alright. I promise. Focus on the competition. Once you obtain that Head Soul Bone and complete your fusion, I'll have a special gift waiting for you."
"A gift? What kind of gift?"
Tang Hao chuckled, his expression full of mystery.
"You'll find out when the time comes."
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End of Chapter