After the tense conversation, it seemed Tang Chen intended to stay his hand for now. Ah Yin still didn't know his level as a Limit Douluo. Tang Yuan really didn't know how to inform her. At least without causing her panic, but he knew that he needed to tell her.
The same day of that exchange was the day they departed. Their new destination was Heaven Dou City, the royal capital. It had been decided that they would seek out Dugu Bo's mansion. It would also serve as the meeting point of their group.
This time they were on foot rather than by carriage. A daunting prospect to a normal individual perhaps. However, the three of them were Soul Elders. This allowed them to traverse large distances before needing to break.
When they took breaks they would meditate to enhance soul power recovery. They ate rations or cooked game to keep their energy up. Along with small rests, and stopping at night. This cycle continued for three days as they made good progress. Such that a carriage would have taken not quite a week in comparison.
On the fourth day, a nice surprise happened. The three of them were steadily cultivating their soul power. When Ah Yin experienced a breakthrough in her soul power. Allowing her to advance from level 35 to level 36.
"Congratulations on your advancement Sister Yin," Bibi Dong smiled at her. She was happy for her friend's next step forward. "Let's celebrate Sister Yin's advancement," she suggested. Partially, because she wanted to experience food.
"Speaking of which, I think I'm near my next breakthrough. Maybe two or three weeks" Bibi Dong mused. That would make her level 33 when that happened. Absorbing the Black Night Spider's ring had saved months.
Tang Yuan considered his own progress. It hadn't been a month since he obtained his ring. Yet if things continued three, four, maybe five weeks at most until his bottleneck. Such was a benefit of absorbing such an old soul ring.
That made Tang Yuan consider their levels and ages. He was still 11 now as was Dong'er both of them were level 32 almost 33. Ah Yin's physical age was 13 and her level was 36 now. The three of them would likely be considered geniuses if not freaks at this point.
Eleven years old a few months from age twelve. Tang Yuan found himself surprised by that sometimes. His physical body seemed years more mature than it was. A fact he had noticed more than once especially in recent weeks.
With that happy occurrence, they had a nice meal that day. Tang Yuan was the one handling the food that day. A boar had been found for the meal. Then enjoyed roasted boar with a happy conversation.
The next day before they were set to head out. Tang Yuan decided to talk with Ah Yin. She would eventually learn his level in less pleasant circumstances. So he led her into the nearby forest away from the group.
Ah Yin followed him calmly with an occasional glance. She had noticed that he was a bit nervous. This made her realize this walk had another purpose besides finding breakfast. It reminded her of the last time only a week ago maybe.
Part of her was happy that she had noticed the nervousness. It meant she had learned to better read her friend. Another part was anxious. What would their conversation be about this time? What had caused his anxiety?
Ah Yin turned, "Brother Yuan have we moved far enough from the others? This should be enough for us to have a talk yes." She paused as she spoke to him. Her lips curved upward in a small smile noticing his surprise. It would seem her notice had caught him off guard.
Tang Yuan sighed as she spoke up. He quickly regained his composure. He witnessed a small amused smile on her face. Shooting her an annoyed look that only made her smile grow wider. "Yes, I suppose that is the case."
Saying that he took a few moments to deliberate. Then he began his explanation "Your disguise has been seen through. It's my father who has seen through you this time." he revealed immediately. Letting it spill out quickly.
Ah Yin paused at the sudden admission. For a moment she panicked inwardly; she calmed quickly however. The second time her secret had been discovered. "Then did he discover it the same way you did? It would make sense if he had access to the same knowledge."
Tang Yuan shook his head negatively. "No, he saw through your aura. His Spiritual Power is just simply that strong. Needless to say, I don't need to tell you he is strong."
Ah Yin considered that statement. The concealing herb had its flaws after all. A limited period of use for one. "Then he must be level 97 or 98. The herb's effect should hide me from level 96 at least. If I had another spirit ring its effect would be better." she began to muse aloud, making assumptions.
Tang Yuan smiled wryly, "Actually, he is a Limit Douluo level 99." That was something entirely different from what she assumed he knew. "The previous clan master of our family and sect. Now the grand elder, and one of the three pinnacles of humanity." he introduced the truth to her.
Ah Yin had stilled at the mention of a Limit Douluo. That was the pinnacle of the world of humanity. She had encountered one of three humans at that level. Was her luck good or bad? After all, escape was impossible even if she intended to. Though she also hadn't been killed yet.
"At the moment Dad hasn't made a move. Exactly why I can't tell, their multiple possible reasons. Possibly because he can do so at any time before you reach level seventy. My own knowledge likely takes part in it. As well as you saving my life as well."
That was Tang Yuan's perception at the least. Though if Ah Yin had left them at any point. He wasn't sure what would have happened to her then. His father may have let her go out of gratitude, or killed her. Part of what protected her was that she was with them.
"I see then; it is troubling I admit. My life now relies on his whims. Though Senior doesn't seem unkind given my continued life." Ah Yin admitted to her friend. She hoped that the senior would remain as such. Knowing that she could do nothing else.
Tang Yuan wasn't sure what he should say to that. It was not an enviable position; her life hung by the will of others. Was there anything he could really say? He wasn't even sure if she would survive yet.
The two of them sat down for a bit. They remained silent as Ah Yin processed. Tang Yuan remained nearby giving a bit of peace. Knowing this was the second time she had faced this.
After a few minutes, he spoke "Father seems not to intend to act. However, he also said it would be up to me. Convince the two others who can see through you. Besides that, he seems to have been convinced of the benefits."
Ah Yin looked at her friend. That he would help her so much for so little. Even working to convince his father to spare her life. It filled her with such joy and happiness as her heart swelled. She looked at him "Thank you, Brother Yuan for everything."
Tang Yuan scratched his neck after looking away from her. That smile paired with that look. It really was something he mused inwardly. He coughed a bit, "We should return; the others will be expecting us."
Ah Yin got up still with a smile on her face. She would enjoy whatever time she had with her friends. While trying to keep her life as well. "Okay then let's return to sister Dong, and Senior Chen."
The two of them walked back the way they came. Not noticing as they walked closer to one another. Neither of them paid much attention to that. They enjoyed the silence and each other's company on the walk.
Eight days into their trip they arrive near the gates. A massive wall took up a large part of the noticeable horizon. Dozens of meters tall being nearly a dozen meters thick. Made of white stone, unmarked by the passage of time or by battle.
A steady stream of people moved back and forth from the gate. Kept in several lines of individual people and another for carts. Their group walked between the two sides entering and leaving the city. Several people glanced at them, but looked away.
A guard stood in the center as well. His demeanor respectful as he approached them. "Greetings to you my lords and lady. May I have proof of identity?" he bowed towards them as he asked the question. He was almost apologetic about the question.
Tang Chen merely allowed a glimpse of his power to surface. Only for a moment but that was enough. As he continued walking not stopping for even a moment.
Tang Yuan followed his father watching as the guard bowed further. Proof of being a Spirit Master then? He might ask later on then.
The four of them stepped into the city. They found themselves in a large open space designed for traffic. A hundred carriages or carts could be seen in the space. They moved deeper into the city from five different roads.
Their group walked forward stepping onto the sidewalk area. Tang Chen led them through the city at a steady pace. Keeping an eye on them as they looked around in wonder.
As they moved through the city traffic only slightly decreased. They arrived at another of the city's large gates. It was a rather short time in the city honestly. As they left the gates their group accelerated heading towards Sunset Forest's edge.
The journey took less than an hour. After arriving at the forest they did not enter. Dugu Bo's villa was situated somewhere along the forest's edge. Positioned to be slightly obscure and out of the way.
Helping Dugu Bo avoid those who would look for him. Mainly the nobles seeking his favor most likely. Along with access to Sunset Forest at a moment's notice. Including the Ice and Fire Well deep in the forest.
After a few minutes of strafing the forest, they found their destination. It was a rather modest abode by noble standards at least. By standards from his past life, it was a large mansion. That was what could be seen at least.
They approached the imposing gates the metal adorned with snakes. Such was the case with much of the walls. No visible guards stood at the gates. They paused; Tang Chen let his power leak once more as a signal.
Moments afterwards Tang Yuan heard movement. Turning to see who it was. He instead found soft arms wrapping around him. His sight cut off as he was drawn into a familiar embrace. That familiarity made him unconsciously hug back.
"I'm glad you're safe. I was so worried," a soft feminine voice whispered. Tang Nuan only increased her hold on her son. Blatant relief filled her as she held him close. Uncaring of the others' arrival.
Tang Yuan felt no hurry in escaping his mother's embrace. Simply enjoying the warmth of her holding him. He felt like letting out a breath after the last month. Everything had finished for now.
Once she was satisfied Tang Nuan relaxed slightly. That had eased the feelings from the last few days. She pulled away from her son to glance at the others. "Dong'er I'm glad that you are safe," she said, smiling at the girl.
Bibi Dong stepped forward "It's thanks to Yuan; he protected me when the ship sank." Then she gestured to Ah Yin, "This is Sister Yin. She found us when we washed up on shore. Saving us from exposure or potential predators."
Tang Nuan examined the young girl. Older than her son by at least a year. A mature yet slightly naive feel about her. Along with exceptional beauty, and a hint of nobility. She assumed a noble young lady from a hidden family or clan.
"I am Tang Nuan. Thank you Ah Yin for saving my son's life," she offered warmly. She could satisfy her curiosity later. This child had certainly helped them greatly after all. Not the time to be nosy about her origin.
"It was only natural to help them. I would do so again always. Especially as both Brother Yuan and Sister Dong have become dear friends." Her voice and demeanor were clear and genuine as she spoke. Not a single hint of falsehood or disguise in them.
Tang Nuan's opinion of the girl rose even higher. "Such a good-natured child. Good, good I hope you remain friends with these two. It is nice to see them have another one close to them." She praised her and made the request.
Tang Chen meanwhile looked upon the conversation differently. This girl rather this transformed soul beast was rather genuine. She still would have saved them and followed this path. Was she simply that good, or that naive? He found the former more likely in this case.
He glanced at his wife. It would seem she was rather taken with this child. He wondered whether that would remain the case upon the truth. Knowing she had a slight grudge against Soul Beast. Even if Ah Yin was a plant rather than a crocodile.
Then Tang Yuan walked over embracing her husband. Tang Chen returned her embrace easily. Many unspoken words lingered in their minds for later. Yet they withdrew after a few moments. Each knew the other's thoughts to a degree.
As they had been having introductions the others had arrived. Dugu Bo opened the gates of his villa himself. His gaze fell upon Tang Chen, "Senior Clear Sky, welcome to my home." he bowed slightly in respect to his senior.
"Dugu Bo, it would seem we have much to talk about." Tang Chen acknowledged the coming talk. His son had already begun those negotiations beforehand. With that, they began walking once again.
The entire group entered the mansion. Chrysanthemum and Ghost were also present with them. Fussing over Bibi Dong and questioning her as well.
The group stepped into a dining room. Chrysanthemum took Bibi Dong to the end of the table. Ghost as always kept to the background. Ah Yin had been drawn over to them as well.
Dugu Bo sat on one side of the table. Tang Yuan and his parents were on the other side. A tension had quickly begun to gather there. As they began to discuss matters of the Ice and Fire Well, and Dugu Bo's poison.
"The well as you call it lies deep in the forest. Surrounded by a poison barrier of some power. Might you reveal the solution to my poison?" Dugu Bo requested knowing they were at the end. They didn't truly need him with a Limit Douluo present.
Tang Chen sat back in his seat observing. His son had already begun this, and understood the value far better. Along with Dugu Bo's problems and their solutions. That he had done well the last few times was also proof.
Tang Yuan looked at Dugu Bo understanding his intentions. He worried that they would keep that knowledge. Use it as leverage dangled in front of him. It wasn't as if he had another choice at the moment.
"I still have at least two readily available methods. The first I will give to you now. However, it comes with many drawbacks to its use. The second is something that would come with caveats." he waited for Dugu Bo to begin asking.
"Then what does the first method entail? I should start with knowing it." Dugu Bo decided to ask. Any method that would help was worth consideration. The Whale Glue method could alleviate poison, and dragonfication was one that would take generations.
"This is a method that I read about. It's unavoidably expensive in scale because it requires soul bones. Once more neither a head nor a torso bone would work." Tang Yuan began outlining the classic answer to this. Even the first drawback was a difficult drawback.
Dugu Bo, looked at the child before him. A soul bone no wonder he called it expensive. Once more leg and arm bones specifically? "So that is one drawback the difficulty of acquiring spirit bones? What are the other such drawbacks then," he asked warily.
Tang Chen and Tang Nuan listening in could understand that feeling. The way Tang Yuan had said that. Was the expensiveness the best drawback?
"Basically the idea is to draw the toxins into the bone. Using the bone as storage for the damaging poison. Meaning your ability to manipulate the toxins becomes essential. Yet small traces could always remain behind in the body."
His face grew graver as he continued, "Once more just as a wine skin has limited space. A soul bone likely has its own limits. Once more different poisons will mix in a single space. When the limit is reached, I don't know the outcome." he paused as he considered the possibilities.
"The toxins leak out, the bone rots, or maybe the bone simply bursts. Thus a limb bone rather than torso or head." Tang Yuan finally spoke drawing an invisible line on his arm. Emphasizing what exactly that would entail.
Dugu Bo grimaced at the implication of that. That was a major drawback alright, loss of a limb and soul bone. "I suppose Whale Glue could alleviate hidden toxins. If I couldn't do that myself."
"The idea is to have high-age soul bones of course. They should either be from poisonous beasts, or beasts resistant to poison. The former may carry the risk of hybrid toxins. Finally, you should divide the poison between multiple bones." That was the old classical method from canon and webnovels.
Dugu Bo had a bitter look at that. It sounded like it was effective up to a point honestly. Yet it was also incredibly dangerous as well. Would it work for a Soul Douluo like himself? What age of bone would it require? How long would said bone last before its limit?
"Then the second what exactly is the caveat? I'm guessing it's the cost to obtain the technique from you." Dugu Bo could see how this was going. A recruitment attempt by this child's hands. He didn't feel the normal outright aversion to such an attempt.
"This method involves something created in tandem with Spirit Hall. A high-level technique of high importance at that. So the condition is an alliance or recruitment of you." Tang Yuan saw no real path otherwise. Not with something like knowledge of Soul Cores.
Dugu Bo nodded, "As I expected really." Still, though an alliance was good, and even recruitment might be acceptable. He favored his freedom, refusing many such offers. Yet the continuation and lives of his family were of greater importance.
Tang Yuan looked at his father for a moment. He was fairly confident he could present an acceptable offer. The question was whether his clan would accept it. Seeing nothing from him, he decided to take that as acceptance.
"My offer is this, we want to control the Ice and Fire Well. You have controlled it for years, with a mansion right next to it. Once more you are a veteran poison master. Remain here watch the well, do business with us, and work with us." Tang Yuan allowed his offer to hang in the air.
Dugu Bo found the offer okay even good. With extra negotiation of course in certain matters. "Give me some time to consider your offer. Along with negotiations of my own. Until then what now?"
Tang Chen broke his silence, "We are waiting for the arrival of another. For now, let the children rest in proper beds. We can see the city until his arrival." It was difficult to tell if his words were commands or not.
Dugu Bo nodded glancing at one of the few servants. Inwardly wondering if the real negotiations were going to begin. This time with far more intimidating company. It was inevitable he supposed.
Tang Yuan found himself slumping into the bed. It was always a nice feeling after camping out. He quickly found himself falling to slumber once more. Already awaiting tomorrow and what it would bring.
Dugu Bo found himself facing another peerless battle. Tang Chen and Tang Nuan were both negotiating with him. The former for the Clear Sky Clan and the latter for Spirit Hall. That fact gave him some trouble in fact as they argued slightly.
The next day part of their group left Dugu Bo's mansion. Heading back into the bustling city. Composed of Tang Yuan, Bibi Dong, Ah Yin, and Dugu Xin with Tang Nuan and Dugu Bo as chaperones. The others set about on their own business as well.
They wandered a bit aimlessly around the massive city. It was the largest city Tang Yuan had been in. At least twice the size of the Spirit City. Once more it was even more packed than that city had been. Yet that brought the element of danger to it as well.
Tang Yuan had glanced down a few alleys. Seeing more than one group of rough individuals. Some had a rough look about them with muscled scarred bodies. Others looked thin yet wiry their gazes assessing possible marks.
That was the alleys off the main road; imagine the back alleys. No doubt a different law ruled those places. Though in what form Tang Yuan didn't know. He had no intention of stepping into those places naively.
After hours of walking around, they stopped at a stall. Ah Yin in particular had enjoyed walking the city. That joy showed even more as she ate a new food. They had found skewers of boar meat with vegetables.
Tang Nuan glanced at the children. She had thought this would be a good experience for them. Especially Bibi Dong and Ah Yin, both had a lack of experience. Ah Yin to an even greater extent than Dong'er.
She turned to Dugu Bo, "What do you think the exchange, the auction, the arena, or the academy? All of them would be experiences." She wanted the locals' opinion.
Dugu Bo considered it. "The exchange might have interesting tidbits. Yet after the spoils of our trip," he trailed off. They had more valuable things still sitting in their storage. "Better to just go directly to the Seven Treasure Clan possibly," he pointed out.
Tang Nuan tilted her head at that. Remembering that her son had mentioned wanting something from them. "Perhaps one day. Then is there a worthwhile auction today?" That was the next matter to consider.
"No not today; there is one in a few days that might be worthwhile. Which leaves the Arena and Academy," he turned to look at her. One involved watching battles, or the kids joining them. The other possibly involved battles, but also nobles.
They both looked at each other. The soul arena it was what they both agreed on. The academy could wait for another day it at all. One of the smaller ones was their first stop to start. To start most of the kids off at least.
Heaven Dou City as large as it was had more than a dozen arenas. The royal arena was of course the largest and most famous. Used for tournaments, high-level matches, and well-known matches.
Besides that, there were three other large arenas in the city. The common ones found in major cities throughout the land. With the rest being the small arenas found in smaller cities. In this case, they had no choice but to go to one of those small ones.
Battle Dou Arena was the first arena they chose to start with. It was a small establishment with only a handful of fighting rings. With a common traffic of Iron-badge and Copper-badge fighters.
Tang Nuan entered the building first her presence noticeable. She immediately made her way straight for the desk. "Three would like to join the arena," she spoke bluntly.
The receptionist took a glance at their group. She took several forms from the desk along with pens. "Please write names, alias, age, soul power, and martial soul. Information will be shared between arenas through your badges. To obtain a badge at least one win is necessary."
Tang Yuan began writing as he listened to her words. She was very professional about this. He quickly filled in everything with no omissions or lies. The age and soul power would cause a small stir he knew. As would his second ring of course.
He pushed the finished paper back to the woman. She glanced at it eyes noticeably widening, as surprise became visible. The woman glanced at Tang Nuan and Dugu Bo. Then simply didn't say anything about it.
Then merely minutes later he found himself in the ring. It was smaller than the one from the Donghua. The ground was marred with slight damage. His eyes moved to his opponent with critical precision.
It was a boy a bit older than himself. Two yellow rings rotated around him, an iron staff in his hand. One ring was rather pale in color. He seemed confident in himself almost cocksure. He bounced on his feet in what seemed like excitement.
Tang Yuan summoned his martial soul. That changed everything both for the boy and the audience. Their gazes locked onto the three rings with surprise. Especially the second one a light purple.
Whispers broke out amongst the watching crowd. His opponent took a nervous step back. Wariness was noticeable in his eyes, growing anxious. He couldn't imagine winning this now.
"In one corner Golden Hammer, martial soul Golden Veined Hammer rank 32. A purple second soul ring of all things ladies and gentlemen. This is also his first battle in the arena." The man spoke with passion. Quickly rousing the crowd as well with his words.
"In the other Staff Warrior, Rock Breaking Staff rank 26. He is also a newcomer; unfortunately, it seems luck is against him. Yet can he pull off an upset snatching victory?" the announcer spoke with passion actually making it seem feasible. Making it seem within reach.
Staff Warrior firmed up at the words. His eyes regained a bit of fire at that. Staff held at the ready like a spear to be thrust. At the very least determined to make his foe work for it.
"Match begins," the announcer screamed out loud. Moving away from the coming battle. Yet everyone was ready for commentary.
Tang Yuan began moving at an unhurried pace. He simply didn't find himself overly threatened. Perhaps it was arrogance, but he believed it was merely confidence. He had fought far stronger than this opponent.
Within moments they met in the center of the arena. Staff Warrior swung his staff trying to hit his foe. As Tang Yuan dodged his second ring lit up. "Rock Breaking Thrust," he jabbed his staff at him with bone-damaging force.
Tang Yuan calmly avoided the blow. Slamming his foot down on the extended thrust, he forced it down. Staff Warrior realized too late the danger. Taking the opportunity Tang Yuan hit him over the head. As he floundered Tang Yuan continued with a punch.
Staff Warrior fell onto the ground. Tang Yuan placed a foot on his chest hammer readied. His gaze locked onto his bruised enemy who fell limp. His victory, "I win then," he announced out loud. Not finding the battle anything to brag about.
"The winner is Golden Hammer with an overwhelming victory." the announcer finally spoke after a few moments of floundering. The crowd quickly cheered at the sheer spectacle. Even if it was such a very short battle.
Tang Yuan walked out of the arena. His steps were the same unhurried ones from the battle. Though his mind was slightly busy with what had happened. This would be the beginning of Tang Yuan's many fights in the arena. In which he would rarely know defeat.