Tao brings his glowing fingers close to the sleeping Tang Yuan's head. "Fifth Spirit Skill: Invasion," he says as his fifth ring lights up. He lightly touches his fingers to Tang Yuan's brow. The light increases as suddenly the scenery changes. Tao finds himself in a completely different location.
Tao once again can only think about how much he likes this skill even though it was his newest skill. The ability it granted him was just godly. His others could not compare to it. His second could let him make simple illusions. To think such a useful skill came from such weak creatures.
His third could let him remain unnoticed. A fairly handy ability, and the entire reason he could risk this. His first was all but useless as an attack skill and his fourth was amazing. Yet his fifth skill was without a doubt the greatest on the continent. A godly skill that makes one unbeatable if one can find a chance.
Tao looks around as he continues enjoying this. After all who else can access this world besides himself? A person's inner world is their inner sanctum, the ability to enter their mind. He is confident that at the Soul King level, this ability is unbeatable.
Tao looks around at the world he finds himself in now. Usually, they are all the same with only small differences. Like strange seas though not such of liquid. More like that of a gaseous substance than a proper liquid. Some are larger than others by a wide amount.
Yet this place was entirely different from others. It was smaller than the others he had walked through. The gas was more compacted here, appearing more solid while still gaseous. With parts of it having liquid here and there. Like drops or small puddles of the gas in liquid form. Then there's the middle of the realm the core of the place.
It took the form of a well-built house made seemingly of wood and stone. Though the style of it was not something he was familiar with. It was a bizarre sight, one he had never expected to encounter. He couldn't help walking around the house. This had never happened since he obtained his fifth ring.
What made this mind so different from others? He asked him this question as he wondered how or why this house was present. The brat was merely a two-ring Grandmaster. Why was he so different from those with three and four? Was this how the brat was able to notice him past his skill?
That had surprised him and made him wary. So he kept himself from the brat. Trying to interact with him less than the other two. Both of whom noticed nothing about him. He used meditation candles to put them in a hazy state. Wine made with herbs and fruit with several having sleep properties. The food was cooked with those same herbs.
Yet that boy still noticed something and actually talked to him. The other two indeed had much stronger doses of the drugs. The doses only grew stronger as they ate more. He even put some in the elders though much less. So much time and effort in the scheme.
"It might be worth more than I thought." he mused to himself. If he could discover this strangeness's origin who knows the benefits he could reap? Thinking that he walks up to the door of the house. It was seemingly made of a thick wood. Though he couldn't be sure of anything here.
He places his hand on the door handle. Turning hesitantly he tries to open the door. The door simply would not budge. Whether he pushed or pulled. Was the door locked? It was a door so that would make some sense. Yet could that mean this house was some sort of defense measure?
Tao had long entered into new territory. From the very moment he noticed the differences in this space. Hesitation gripped his mind as he considered what he should do. He had no idea what could await him. Yet at the same time the other two likely have this same defense. They come from the same family as this kid.
Thinking that he might not easily get anything from all three of them. The brat is younger so is his "house" weaker. Perhaps they don't have it. But does that make this kid the most important? Either way, all three of them are asleep. This kid might be the one most ideal one to target.
Tao's will reaffirmed decides he should try to circumvent this door. The only way he can see as being possible is its destruction. Maybe his first and fourth spirit skills. He decides to start with his first to test the waters. "First Soul Skill: Pressure." The ring activates as expected.
Had Tang Yuan been awake at the moment? He would immediately recognise the effect of the skill. After all, it was very similar to the pressure felt in absorbing a soul ring. Only slightly inferior to his experience with the absorption on his second ring.
As it was the soul skill began to affect Tang Yuan's mental realm. Than Tao used his experience to focus the attack. Focusing as much as he could on the door. Though the pressure slips from his control to affect the house. It really was not a skill he used in a controlled manner. Just use it and his enemies often drop dead.
The house shakes slightly as if suffering an earthquake. Yet other than that no effect makes itself known. His skill is doing very little to the house or the door. He expected some damage to his skill or at least something. Seeing that he decides to switch tactics. His fourth ring begins to glow as he readies his next move.
Meanwhile, Tang Yuan stirs slightly. The pills he had taken had taken effect. Not only helping with the alcohol, but the drugs. After enduring Tao's first soul ring stimulation he snaps awake. Though not in the physical world, but instead his infiltrated mental world.
As he regains his awareness Tang Yuan shakes his head. It felt like his mind was full of cobwebs. He replayed the last thing he remembered. Extreme droziness and a hazy mind with suspicions that he had been drugged. As well as a feeling about the man named Tao.
"It would seem both might be true." Looking around he finds himself in his mental realm. Once more he can sense something wrong. There was another in his mind, the idea was shocking to him. He knew that the possibility would always exist. Yet to face it so soon, and when he was so weak.
Tang Yuan picks up the mental construct hammer he had readied. To think it would be tested so soon. He moves to stand beside the door of the house. If he's lucky he can score a critical starting blow. At the very least he could obtain initiative. He steps into the shade of a corner not too far not too close.
Tao's fourth ring was readied as his mental energy was prepared. It was his only physically affecting offensive soul skill. He unleashes it directly against the door of the house. A large crack forms as the door is heavily damaged. He repeats his actions of preparing his fourth skill. Firing it immediately, as it makes an impact the door is shattered.
Lao steps into Tang Yuan's Mental Palace with a degree of elation. He had broken into this strange house. In doing so the boy's secrets would be his for the taking. All the while the foolish boy is sleeping. His musings bring a wide smile to his face. Even as he steps into this strange out-of-place house.
"What secrets does this house possess?" he mused out loud to himself. It was not a massive house in fact it was a single albeit large room. The room was divided into more than one area. A sitting area, bookshelves on either side, and a picture area at the end. Tao intended to take further steps into the room. Then his instinct flared up…
Tang Yuan swung his construct with all his might and anger. Aiming for his enemy's head right out of the bout. That blow misses the mark as Tao dodges. The second blow hits Tao in his mental constructs' arm. As Tao reacts in surprise a third blow sends him hurtling from the house.
Tao hits the mental sea like a stone. He quickly recovers from the rather hard hit. Just as Tang Yuan exits the house himself ready to fight. Tao immediately recognises the brat he had seen sleeping. "What you brat how the hell are you here. You should be asleep right now." Tao voices his face a mask of wrath.
"Someone messing around in my Spiritual Sea woke me up." Tang Yuan can't help but say. His face did not show his wrath and anger at this experience. His hammer is prime and ready for battle to crack the invader's head. "Now I'm going to break your skull, or mental avatars' head. Whatever you call it."
"Oh, Spiritual Sea what a fitting name," Tao says even as his face shows his focus. He was Soul King three rings more than this guy. Yet he had expended a lot of energy already. Maintain his second and third skills simultaneously for hours during the feast. Then using his fifth right after that, and multiple uses of his fourth.
A bead of sweat would be rolling down his face in the waking world. He was not at his best in this fight. What's worse he never actually needed to fight in this place? His enemy actually seems to have more knowledge of this place. He was at multiple disadvantages.
Tao focused on his enemy he needed to act seriously. His first ring begins to glow. "First Spirit Skill: Pressure." he directs the mental pressure against his foe.
Tang Yuan notices his enemy's action and prepares himself. A first spurt ring was an interesting choice, testing the waters? Then he felt the mental pressure on his avatar. He smiles something he has dealt with before. He responds to the pressure by manipulating his own mental energy into pressure.
Tao takes only a single step back as his mental pressure is countered. A self-created soul skill exactly like his first skill dammit. He grits his teeth as his own effort is countered. Now his first skill loses much of its efficiency. He activates his fourth skill now firing the mental blast.
Tang Yuan sees his actions and notices the movement of his hands. Dodging out of the way before his foe's actions finish. The blast sails past him hitting the inside of the house slightly. Tang Yuan experiences a sharp pain for a moment. Then he uses the pressure against Tao, all while moving closer to his foe.
Tao notices his opponent dodging and curses internally. His fourth ring uses up a good amount of energy. Even if it's not a terrible amount. A wasted shot is not something to enjoy. He readies another blast.
Tang Yuan charges forward at his enemy. Avoiding the mental blasts as they come. Using the pressure to try and attack his foe. Yet said foe is determined to use his fourth ring to hit him. Those blasts might take him out in a single shot.
Tao grows frustrated with his foe avoiding all of his blasts. "Dam you, why don't you die," he says as he fires multiple blasts.
Tang Yuan manages to avoid two by the skin of his teeth. The third he meets with his hammer managing to counter it. He was glad the hammer didn't break. Still, he had to step back from the hit. Honestly, it was a mental attack with physical force. He wondered if it would be the same in the physical world.
This back and forth would continue for several tense minutes. Tang Yuan would continue moving trying to get closer. Tao would unleash his blasts trying to hit his enemy. The battle would continue until something changed.
Tao fires multiple blasts in quick succession. Tang Yuan easily enough manages to avoid them. "Have I gotten better, or have you gotten worse?" Tang Yuan taunts Tao. As Tao processes that, Tang Yuan gets close enough.
Tang Yuan unleashes another wave of pressure from his power. This time Tao is off balance from his overextension. As Tao suffers a slight misstep from the mental pressure. Tang Yuan takes the chance to move in close. By the time Tao is able to regain his balance. Tang Yuan is already swinging his hammer.
"Damit, that hurts." A sound of pain comes from Tao as the hammer hits. This time he skids away slightly.
Tang Yuan doesn't waste a second. Quickly moving after him before he can recover. Swinging his hammer aiming to take Tao's life. Tao manages to dodge the blow, but not the one after.
Having been hit multiple times Tao has had enough. "Invasion." he screeches out in his rage. He had never tried this while already inside a mind. His glowing hand hit Tang Yuan directly, and the next thing they both knew was pain.
That pain was like a nail being driven into his head. At least that's what Tang Yuan compared it to. A sharp shooting pain runs through his head.
Tao experience and an alternative form of pain. Like he was charging at full speed and ran into a brick wall. A very thick and strong brick wall.
Suddenly the two of themselves in a different location. They had at some point exited the mental world. Tang Yuan found that difficult to focus on as his head was killing him. This was absolutely the worst headache of this life. His hands came to hold his head.
Tao was much the same though he had come out better. His mind felt full for lack of a better word. As if something was inserted into his mind. Broken pieces of puzzles he couldn't quite understand.
Tang Yuan moved over to Tang Hao and Tang Xiao. Taking a thing of water from his belt he splashes the two of them. The most effective method he could think of in this case. Despite their drugged state both of them wake up with a start.
"Cough, cough, who!!!" Tang Hao says as he splutters from the water.
Tang Xiao also had a slightly confused look. Yet he quickly snapped back to full attention. Looking around his face becomes more stern as he forms conclusions.
"We don't have much time for me to explain now. We were drugged with the food. Theirs a Soul King here I can't win against him." Tang Yuan tells them both. Giving both of them the pills he had used. Thanking the breaking clans' ability for poisons and exlixers.
Tang Xiao quickly consumes the pills. Then he readies himself for battle. "Hao you do your best to recover I'll fight. If necessary I'll buy you time until you're ready." Tang Xiao says as he moves forward.
Tao stands straight as his mind settles. He finally made sense of the information. Twin martial souls, Mental Palace, Whale Rubber, and Tree Climbing. The memories of that brat he had inadvertently obtained. Bits and pieces mainly, half-complete thoughts. "The son of Tang Chen." That fact was especially clear to him now.
A blasted Limit Douluo of all things, and he had messed with his son. If he should be caught then their entire organization would suffer losses damit. Wait the memories implied Tang Chen was with them only a short few hours before entering the town. That meant he could be in this town already or close by.
Tao's face immediately turns serious. He needs to get out of here now. If not then his fate was definitely sealed. Reaching into his pocket he draws out a small sphere. He throws it onto the ground and then stomps his foot down on it. A loud crunch is heard from under the foot. A crunch that echoes through the room and likely beyond.
As Tao lifts his foot the remnants of the pearl are shown. Broken into not only pieces, but also powered as well. Even as Tang Yuan watches the prices break or perhaps dissolve into more powder. The powered remnant scattered to the wind around them.
As the pearls dust scattered the air changed subtly. A mist began to gather in the air around them. The mist was sparse at first small amounts spread out. The mist becomes thicker and thicker in the air obscuring most of the room. The three of them struggled to see anything in the area. They could vaguely still see Tao as a silhouette. Then out of nowhere there was an extra shadow in the fog.
The fog cleared slightly as the man came into view. He was not seemingly too old a man in his later fifties perhaps. Holding himself with a strong stature, and a level of confidence. That in itself was a showing of his strength. His hair was actually blue, and his eyes amber red.
The man took a step forward as powerful pressure erupted from him. He was definitely powerful incredibly so. Then his soul rings began to appear Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Black, and Black. Nine spirit rings appear around his body revealing his status. A Titled Douluo of all things appearing here.
"So you brought me hear to help with these brats. I don't like my time wasted, nor my pearls used on a whim. Understood you little brat, do you have any idea how long it takes to make those pearls?" he spoke completely ignoring the three of them. Addressing Tao as one would a child cleaning up their mess.
Tao grabs his arm as the man turns to the three people. The man jerks at him glaring even further at him. Yet his rebuke is preempted by Tao's own words. "Senior we need to leave immediately." the Titled Douluo looks at him like he was an idiot. "If not then we are both going to die. Tang Chen might be around here."
The man seemed like he was about to severely reprimand Tao. Likely because of his interruption, or touching him. Then a look of blatant panic appeared on his face. "Tang Chen you summoned me around a Limit Douluo." The soul energy he was emitting increased by quite a bit.
The Tiled Douluos' eighth ring begins to glow. Then suddenly the two of them are just gone from their location. As quickly as one of them appeared in fact. Teleportation, likely of long distances a troublesome power to be sure. Yet it also means that the danger has likely passed.
Tang Yuan let out a sigh as he sat back on the seat. He couldn't help ruminating on the craziness of the day. They had avoided a potential assassination right at the start. Then dealt with bandits including soul masters. Gotten roped into a sudden, and suspicious feast. That led to them being drug and unconscious.
Tang Yuan's thoughts grow more serious at the thought. Tao was a spirit-type soul master the point was obvious. An illusion-type skill to hide soul rings. Another that seemed to reduce his presence causing him to be overlooked. Plus two mental attacks as his first and fourth. Yet the fifth one was a different thing entirely.
"It would seem we are too late again." A man enters the room suddenly. His tone held frustration, and his face showed resignation.
"They were quick to retreat." a second voice said knowingly. The three of them turned at the sound of said voice. It was Tang Chen entering the room. He had a slight frown on his face that spoke volumes. His eyes assessed the three of them in a glance.
"Father." Tang Yuan called out upon seeing his entrance. Though his face showed he was not really focusing on him. Instead, he was in a spiral of possibilities. He had no idea how bad the situation had actually gotten.
Tang Chen walked over to his son. His frown was slightly more obvious. He placed a hand on Tang Yuan's shoulder. Not yet certain of what aspect of the last few hours bothered him. Rather what part bothered him the most?
There had been a number of fraught experiences. Which one was it that had truly affected him? His first experience of killing a human being. The life-or-death battle against that soul master. Watching the slaughter of the bandits. Perhaps the last handful of hours of the feast. That saw him and both brothers in a practically helpless state.
Tang Chen had seen, or sensed most of this. He had "negotiated" with the angel clan members to let the three have this experience. They had little complaint after he said he would intervene if necessary. He felt that this would be a valuable experience for his Son. Yet it instead became a critical experience, for all three of them.
Tang Chen's hand applied pressure to Tang Yuan's shoulder. Acting as a comforting presence to him. His son was deep in his thoughts, and a chance of self-reflection would not be remiss. If he noticed a particular need he would also be there.
The other man was checking the two brothers. Though both had regained consciousness they were still suffering from drugs. Both had entered meditation to speed their recovery. The man's martial soul was invoked with seven soul rings around him. Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, and Black a Soul Sage. Suddenly his second soul ring began to glow. "Second Ability: Angel's Healing Light".
Light particles gathered around the brothers, and Tang Yuan as well. Tang Yuan let out an exhale at the feeling. The large scratch he had suffered a few hours ago quickly disappears. He could also feel the sensation of sleep fading from him. The skill is likely helping his body deal with its drugged state. The light even seemed to ease his headache.
The man was dressed in attire reminiscent of his grandfathers or Qian Daoliu. Though far less ornate, it denoted a lower rank. Once more two wings spread from his back. So he was definitely a member of the angel clan. Tang Yuan observed the man who had healed him.
The man stepped forward slightly. "Greetings to you three. I am a member of the Angel Clan, of the Angel Army specifically. I know the three of you have endured much. Yet I ask that if possible the three of you give me your accounts." The man was brisk and almost impatient in his words. He didn't even mention his name, or ask theirs.
The two brothers begin the discussion first. They give him a recount from up to their arrival to before the feast. "The events that come to the feast are hazy to me. I remember little since we entered this house. It is a blur of food and drink, then nothing. Suddenly my uncle was shaking me awake after tossing water on us." Tang Xiao recounts to the man as best he can.
The man places a hand on his face. There was a look of frustration on his face at that. "I see that is disappointing. We were watching ready to intervene, yet the man never showed killing intent. Since the start of this feast to the middle. Then suddenly a Titled Douluo shows up out of nowhere. Only for that Tiltled Douluo to instantly leave with the first man." the priest-like man says out loud both to himself, and them. Then he turns to Tang Yuan who actually seems to have more information.
Seeing the man turn to him, Tang Yuan begins his discount. "As you have already noticed we were drugged heavily. The drink and food were likely both laced. I subconsciously noticed something amiss I think. So I asked the drink pourer his name, and he referred to himself as Tao." Tang Yuan explained.
"He had a spirit-type martial soul, that I know for sure. However, he never revealed its name nor did I notice any aspects." Tang Yuan said as his face scrunched up. Trying to force himself to think of anything. The only thing he could think of was a paleness to his skin.
"Tao was how he introduced himself." the angel clan member said to himself. His face changes slightly as he does. "His name should be Cheng Tao, as our records tell us. His martial soul was awakened around thirteen years ago. Records tell us that it was named the Dream Worm." the man says almost like he was reciting something.
He likely was reciting something in fact. Martial Soul Hall was responsible for the awakenings of most martial souls. Save for the various clans scattered through the continent. Of those awakening, all of them are likely noted. That or when they register at a Soul Hall branch. Likely the greatest list of martial souls in the world.
"His martial soul was noted down at his awakening. As was his innate soul power of 6. His soul power rank had shown a remarkably high level of growth in a short time. To the point of abnormality in fact." he continued to list the information they knew. Then his words took a more serious, and darker tone.
"There had been deaths in the area. It started with low-level soul beasts at first. Then humans started to appear dead as well. Eventually, the deaths and his rapid rise in power brought suspicion onto him. When he was set to be questioned he simply disappeared. Which brought confirmation to the suspicions." The man said the last part with resignation.
With that big of story Tang Yuan knew more about the man. So he began to share his own knowledge. "His second and third soul skills are first. I am not sure which is which. One is an illusion-type able to hide his soul rings from sight. The other makes him less noticeable to those observing him." Tang Yuan began his observations on Tao's soul skills.
"His first and fourth skills were both offensive in nature. The first was akin to mental pressure that tries to crush one's mind. The fourth ring was a mental blast or ray. I was not hit by it so I can't fully estimate its power. I imagine had I been I would likely have died." Tang Yuan said emphasizing the danger of the fourth ring. Especially in comparison to the first ring.
Tang Yuan's face scrunches up in seriousness. His tone shifted slightly an undercurrent of discomfort could be noticed. "However the most dangerous of his skills has to be the fifth one. I heard the name of it is Invasion. In this case, its power is to invade the target's mind. By doing so he could access the mind's memories." he said the last part with obvious discomfort.
Everyone in the room now held various degrees of shock. The two brothers were the most shocked. Tang Chen himself was surprised at hearing of such a thing. Though it would also explain the lack of killing intent.
Tang Chen turned his gaze to his son. "I see you experienced that soul skills effect. That experience is also what's bothering you currently." Tang Chen said with a knowing tone.
"Yes, it is. That guy didn't actually seem to have much experience in mental combat. He probably steamrolled everyone in that department. Likely relying on ambushes like this. Thanks to that I was able to outmaneuver him. Plus the fact that the battle was in my head. However, he still managed to hit me with his power. I have no idea what memories he might have seen." The last part was said with a large scowl on his face.
Tang Yuan left unsaid how bad it might be. He had no way of knowing if Tao had seen his memories. Yet that possibility was highly likely. Upon thinking about it he suddenly knew that Father was with them originally. The question was how much he saw.
Could this Cheng Tao have learned about his reincarnation? He couldn't dismiss the possibility. Perhaps secrets of the world he had learned. His techniques that he had made maybe. He had no way of knowing so he had to be prepared for the worst.
The holy warrior as Tang Yuan might call him spoke up. "That is quite a lot of information. Spirit ring abilities, and even some battle examination." The man's tone showed a measure of surprise. Along with that surprise was respect for Tang Yuans' in-depth examination. It was a lot of useful information in their.
Then the man's face changes. "Still that leaves the mysterious Titled Douluo. A complete unknown just suddenly appearing out of nowhere. To save a suspected Fallen One at that. It bodes ill for the future events." he turns to Tang Chen at this.
His tone becomes humble here as he bows slightly in deference. "Senior if it's not too much to ask might you consider accompanying us. We need to return to Spirit City, and report. Your accounts would be most helpful." he takes a pause here before continuing. "Once more you have greater sight than we. Your counsel would be most welcome by the Grand Priest."
Tang Chen did not need to consider things long. "The Fallen are an enemy of any upright Soul Master. Besides we had actually been headed to Martial Soul City already." his words showed his confirmation. They also revealed their original destination.
Tang Yuan was curious about the reason for going to the city. "Father were we heading to see mother?" Tang Yuan asks quizzically. Fairly certain that would be the case.
Tang Chen laughs at the guess though he does not deny it. "That is certainly a major reason for our trip. The other was an interesting development I learned about. Rather an interesting someone whose existence brother Daoliu told me about." he says still keeping the secret from his son.
Tang Chen did not give voice to the new reason for the trip. This incident revealed something dangerous, the shadow of the Fallen. Their continued existence, and the fact that a Titled Douluo was working with them. That bhode I'll for all especially considering how much destruction they could wreak. He and Qian Daoliu would need to have a long discussion.