Tang Yuan continued to cultivate with a single-mindedness. Cycling his soul power through his meridians as he had done countless times before. Finally, with a final cycle, he felt a feeling that he had felt—a breakthrough in his cultivation from level 29 to level 30 almost a Soul Elder.
The question he now needed to consider was his Spirit Ring. He hadn't decided what he should choose yet. Though he already had several options to choose from. He supposed he should decide that as soon as possible, and the age of the ring.
Had it already been more than two years since he had become a Soul Grandmaster? He remembered the time since then, when he had started at level 23. Each level since then had been about four months sometimes less, usually longer. Now after so long he had reached level 30 at eleven years old.
Tang Yuan left the Mimicry Field immediately heading towards the library. Thankfully he didn't need to wait this time and he could simply get to work. He moved through the halls in a quiet haste trying not to run. He was certainly moving with a swift pace. In what felt like only a few moments he found himself entering the familiar library.
It would probably be a few days before his mother returned. Around that time would be when they left to hunt for his ring. Until then he had work to do for preparations. Tang Yuan moved with experience through the library. Bringing a few books to a seat as he sat down to begin his decision.
His second ring was purple of a little more than a thousand years old. Absorbing it had strengthened his body a fair amount, pulse the boost of ten levels. The consumption of two pieces of Whale Glue, 1,500 years, and 2,600 years respectively. As well as attempts to temper his body through low elemental areas.
Considering all that a spirit ring of 3,500 years should be easy enough. Though he could possibly endure one older than 4,300 with some effort. Even if that ring came from a beast with a powerful bloodline, and a strong spirit. That was ideal normally the third Soul Ring was 1,000 to 2,000 years old. His limit was more in line with a fourth Soul Ring if below the limit.
Tang Yuan is determined to target a strong spirit beast of high bloodline. He wanted it to have high intelligence and spirit thus high Spiritual Power. Yet also a strong body that helped strengthen his own. That would work as a foundation for the fourth ring, which aimed to be a black right ring.
First, he looked through the Spirit Beasts he had already considered. Perhaps there would be at least one option in his previous selections. Most of them had been golden beasts with powerful bloodlines and bodies. In fact, one in particular was a very tempting possibility.
The Golden Scarab an incredibly powerful choice for a Soul Ring. They were incredibly powerful strength-type beasts with great physical strength. Though not at the level they should have been as enlarged, perhaps that was the price paid to allow their survival.
The Golden Scarab was a species that was primarily earth or metallic. Then, after ten thousand years their nature changes slightly. Usually in the form of an elemental attribute gaining Light or Fire, and the strongest gain both. More rarely the Golden Scarabs turned silver as they transform into beasts of the Spirit attribute. A very particular Spirit Beast species to be sure.
Tang Yuan found that such a Spirit Beast would be an ideal choice. The Golden Scarab was a creature found in the Endless Desert one of the Four Extremes. Standing between the two empires' lands at their western borders both often seeking to claim it. The desert was laden with a large variety of ores and metals both sought.
Tang Yuan decided on the primary target of a potential hunt. Spending another hour to determine the secondary options. In the Endless Desert, he easily found several other options to consider. As Tang Yuan continued his reading in order to find a possibility he sensed another presence.
Looking up from his book he found he was no longer alone. Standing before him was Bibi Dong, and beside her was Old Chrysantheum. Both are likely here for Bibi Dong's daily lesson whatever it is today.
Bibi Dong had changed in several ways over the past two years he reflected. She had grown taller than him by a few inches maybe three almost four. She had grown her hair out further to her mid-back. A few other noticeable changes had also begun to slowly be noticed as well.
The biggest difference Tang Yuan had noticed was the change in attitude. She had become more withdrawn at times or quieter. Other times she became irritable, or loud in a blowout of anger. Only to return to a quiet withdrawn self after the blowup often with an almost guilty look.
Tang Yuan had tried to be sensitive as the changes happened. He wasn't completely sure at first how to respond at first. Should he give her space, or should he remain close? Eventually, he just decided to try to keep things normal for now.
Bibi Dong had noticed the extra time it took him to speak up. It irritated her as insecurities reared their head in her mind. Why was he staring at her? Why wasn't he talking was their something on her face? The thoughts turned her mind to strife, and that her irritated and mad. "What?" she said immediately wincing realizing it was sharper than she intended it.
Tang Yuan only smiled "just remembering how enjoyable the last two years have been." he kept his calm in the face of her irritation.
Bibi Dong felt her face slightly warm at that admission. That caused her confusion about what was happening to her again. This had happened before and she didn't know why. It irritates her so much not knowing, even as she felt a strange feeling. So much causes her annoyance nowadays, and she blew up so much. Why? Why did she have to go through this, and when would it end?
Tang Yuan noticed her withdrawing again into her thoughts. "Dong'er" he says as he takes her wrist gently with his hand. Loose enough she could pull away whenever she wanted to do so. He had found that physical contact was best to draw her back.
Bibi Dong immediately became aware of his touch on her. It immediately drew her from her muddled thoughts. She looked down at his gentle touch with shyness, why was she shy?
Tang Yuan smiled happily "I have amazing news Dong'er I just broke through to level 30 today. You are looking at a soon-to-be Soul Elder." he was both bragging and trying to distract her.
Bibi Dong smiled hearing the news happy for him. "Thats amazing I'm so happy for you." She, in a rush of happiness moves closer hugging him at a whim.
Tang Tuan is a bit surprised at the sudden hug, but not overly. Still, the contact caused him to tense up even as he tried to stop himself. He awkwardly placed his hands around her as he returned the hug. Trying not to focus on the scent that wafted into his nose. Even as his mind wandered slightly from her touch.
Tang Yuan tried his best to keep his mind away from dangerous places. Unfortunately, his own mind and body had been besieged by his own hormonal changes. Puberty was not a fun time for boys or girls. Having to face it a second time with an older mindset was even worse.
The two stepped away from each other after a few moments of physical contact. Bibi Dong was still happy for her friend's achievement, but she was determined not to fall behind. She was level 29 close to breaking through to 30 as well.
Tang Yuan inwardly breathed a sigh of relief at that as he brought his mind back under control. Honestly, he wondered if it was this bad in his previous life. Merely being close to a girl could cause his thoughts to wander.
Yue Guan watched the two of them with no small amount of amusement. They were simply adorable how innocent and awkward they were. They didn't yet seem to realize how they acted with each other. It looked like Tang Yuan had just realized Bibi Dong was a girl. Ah, young love the first entanglement of one's life so adorably awkward.
Yue Guan found the two little ones as entertaining as he ever did. He hoped he could observe what this sweet bud would become in the future. Perhaps it would bloom beautifully, or perhaps it would wilt in time.
Yue Guan allowed his thoughts to return from his musing. Than "now little Dongdong timey to begin studies. You can join as well Yuany if you want." Yue Guan said with a opened smile.
Tang Yuan considered that for a moment before deciding to join. Despite how Yue Guan might act childishly sometimes he was a skilled teacher. Especially when it comes to different plants or herbs. So he sat down to listen in on the lesson see if he might learn something.
Tang Yuan moved through the hallways, his mother had finally returned from her latest trip. She had been ever-busy for quite a while as had others he'd been told. The revelations from two years ago had kept everyone busy. His mother had told him they were trying to investigate the Evil Soul Masters with different levels of success.
Tang Yuan was glad that he was allowed to learn parts of information. He supposed being present at first contact had given privileges. Or perhaps it was partly because of all the information he had given. One of the favors he had asked for was in the form of information. Perhaps it was considered to be part of that favor so he had heard quite a lot.
Tang Yuan stood before a door guarded by two guards. He noted that they would not impede his progress. Simply continued walking as the doors opened and he stepped into the room. It was a fairly large room, with a table standing in the middle designed with a map of the continent.
What caught his attention more was the people around the table. Qian Daoliu stood calmly at the end of the table listening to the others. Grandpa Crocodile, and Qian Xunji were on either side of him looking at the map. He couldn't be sure but the Pope seemed especially tense for some reason.
Tang Yuan moved slowly to where his mother was at the table. Trying not to disturb the ongoing report happening. The woman who was giving the report was not someone he was familiar with. She seemed to be a mature woman in her late thirties or so, though she could have been far older.
If he were to describe her in a word it would be cold or frigid, perhaps stoic would be better. There wasn't much emotion in her voice as she spoke. Though it also didn't sound like it was rehearsed either. She kept herself under a certain amount of control or suppression.
Tang Yuan managed to walk over to his mother who had already noticed him. More than likely everyone had become aware of him when he first entered.
Tang Nuan took his hand in hers noticing his attention. "That's Qian Jin, a member of the Angel clan, she is also my senior." his mother's words were at a low level though he detected something in her words. Admiration for this woman who seemed to look up in a way though it was slight.
The report given by Qian Jin continued as Tang Yuan learned quite a bit. The main target was the states of different known settlements. Specifically the slaughter of the smaller ones, or a large number of missing in larger cities. Signs of the possible presence of evil cultivators that Spirit Hall had made use of for generations.
Of course, such a method would only work on inexperienced or uncontrolled. "Several destroyed settlements can be traced to Evil Soul masters. Multiple targets were tracked down and captured for interrogation with little success." she finished her report.
Qian Daoliu nodded his head "As always Xiao Jin your work is satisfactory." he said with a smile as he complimented her. Then he turned back to the map as he gazed upon it in contemplation.
Tang Yuan felt that the woman seemed to become slightly less cold. The slight crack was only a moment before it disappeared. Tang Yuan almost wondered if he had imagined seeing the slight thaw.
Qian Daoliu's voice was grave "It would seem we only uncovered a few weaker ones this time. Those who know little of the greater scope of their activities." This was what they had uncovered over two years. Clues that led to weaker ones, or that simply ended. They had uncovered more than half a dozen Evil Soul Masters.
Then Qian Zhao steps forward next to begin his report. "The legion has increased our vigilance regarding the slave caravans. Unfortunately, as ever they are skilled at avoiding us. We can't determine if they provide slaves to the Evil Soul Masters, or just the nobles and the auction houses." There was a distaste in his tone at the matter.
Qian Daoliu's face grew graver at that admission. Officially slavery didn't exist in either of the two empires. Unofficially it was an issue that both empires had connections to for one reason or another. Despite Spirit Hall's own efforts over time to eliminate it whenever possible as decreed long ago.
The Slave Carevens were a remnant from a bygone time. Their existence predated even their own Spirit Hall, and the Angel God by centuries. They were known for capturing travelers or villagers who were thought to simply go missing. Their targeting of Soul Masters was rarer, yet still common-born are taken.
Qian Daoliu turned to his son his face still very grave. He didn't need to ask the question on his mind. His gaze alone would convey his question.
Qian Xunji stiffened slightly at his father's gaze "Tian Dou Empire has not shown much change the Empeor's Twelve Guards remain at twelve strong. So they don't seem to be in a hurry to cultivate a replacement. Though it seems that the princes are in a contest to secure power." he said with little concern for either event seemingly as if they were beneath them.
"Star Luo Empire as always sought military power over everything else. There have been several suspicious circumstances involving large numbers of military projects. Involving a great many deaths of criminals, captured soldiers, and slaves. I suspect the true venture may be Evil Soul masters cultivated by them." Qian Xunji explained what had been uncovered by members of the hall.
Golden Crocodile spoke up "It will likely be the work of an elder of the Dai or Zu clans so the Emperor can claim innocence." he said with a slight scoff at the matter, it was exactly something they would do. That empire was mainly focused on martial power and would use anything for that.
Qian Daoliu nodded the possibility was indeed high. In fact, it was entirely possible that most of that empire's high officials had no idea. It made things difficult as more than one could be supporting the growth of their targets. "Do your best to have our branches look out for their movements," he said satisfied with his son's ability to discover matters.
Then Qian Daoliu turned to Tang Nuan "How had your own investigation gone has it borne fruit?" he knew she had been investigating something particular with members of the legion.
Tang Nuan nodded as she stepped forward taking a book out as she does. Quickly the book is passed around the table to Qian Daoliu. "I have been part of the group investigating villages those destroyed in natural events. At least those we could find storms, floods, infernos, and other such possibilities," she explains calmly.
Qian Daoliu upon hearing that instantly connects the dots. Realizing that they had made a lapse in judgment regarding their enemy. Their enemy was an organised group with multiple Titled Douluo as members. Each one might be capable of mimicking such natural disasters with effort. Something that weaker Evil Soul Masters couldn't consider as an option.
Qian Daoliu who had begun to look through the book spoke out loud. "Everyone it appears we will need to expand our investigation. Xiao Nuan, Qian Zhao I entrust the two of you with villages and caravans. Xiao Jin I wish to speak with you about your new mission."
With that, it seems that the meeting had come to a close. Tang Yuan followed his mother as she exited the room. The two of them are making their way back to their own rooms. Though Tang Yuan also had several questions for his mother. Starting with "what are these twelve guards of the emperor?"
Tang Nuan begins to explain "twelve soul masters cultivated by the royal family as children. The weakest being a high-level Soul Sage and the strongest Soul Douluo." She explains to her son as they walk away knowing there will be several more.
As everyone else also moves away for business. Qian Xunji casts a gaze at his father and Qian Jin as he tries to keep his gaze neutral. Every time he saw that woman it stirred complicated feelings. A smile came to his face as the thought of Lanling made those feelings less bitter.
Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile move to another room as Qian Jin follows behind them. Her black eyes sometimes look like a serpent firmly locked on Qian Daoliu's back as they walk. Her pitch-black hair waved in the wind with every step like spider silk. The icy air had thawed considerably as they drifted away from the room.
They entered a room to discuss matters in a private setting. Qian Daoliu took a seat around a table with Golden Crocodile taking the seat at his right. Qian Jin chose the seat across from them her gaze on Qian Daoliu.
"Thank you for your work as always Xiao Jin." Qian Daoliu started the conversation with gratitude before his face turned serious. "Have the after effects of the Whale Glue helped you in your path?" he asked hoping that it had helped in progressing further.
Qian Jin's expression was slightly awkward "I'm afraid it wasn't able to provide much help." trying to hide the fact that she hadn't even consumed it. Nor would she likely ever consume that particular piece, that gift. "I still remain at level 89 with little progress forward."
Qian Daoliu could only sigh with regret, it was a true shame. She was such a talented and driven woman, yet she had come to face such troubles. He had watched her grow for decades, the younger sister he never had in a way. With her ability, it was only a matter of time before she became a member of the Worship Hall. Now her cultivation had so long been halted, and might never progress.
At least that might have been the case years ago. "You have been strong Xiao Jin even in the face of these difficulties. There might soon be a way for you to overcome this block though there is no promise." Qian Daoliu was revealed partially with little detail involved. He hoped that the Spirit Core method could help her progress.
Xiao Jin looked at Qian Daoliu, her smile growing softer. A smile of heartfelt subtle joy seemed to fill her eyes. "I see then I will trust you as always."
Golden Crocodile only looked on exasperated with them both. This was always how it turned out in private settings with them. She would look at him like the only thing present. His brother had no idea what she felt, rather not the true depths of her feelings. To him, this was merely admiration that he would never answer properly.
Finally, though the conversation returns to the primary subjects. Qian Daoliu's face turned particularly serious in this matter. Expanding his soul power to the room, and preventing even the slightest possibility of others hearing.
Sensing that both Golden Crocodile and Qian Jin focused their attention on him. It was a serious matter that he would hide it from others' sight.
"You have done well on the tasks I assigned, but now." Qian Daoliu paused slightly in consideration of his next words. "Now though I want you to investigate Star Luo's actions. More than once in the past they had consorted with or tried to cultivate a fallen one." his words were grave as were their implications.
Qian Jin immediately understood her task. "I understand Lord Daoliu what my task is, and shall immediately begin preparing myself." She had no intention of questioning him.
"Remember we have no proof only suspicion at the moment. Until that proof it exists is found act under full discretion." Qian Daoliu cautioned her. He was aware it was possible that it would become another false lead. Still better to run over a false lead than ignore a possibility.
Qian Jin nodded her head as she got up from her chair. The slightest hint of sorrow that she would have to be absent again. With a final bow and a look at Qian Daoliu, "by your will than my lord."
Qian Daoliu nodded at her "You may go then as you wish. Remember to take care on this mission."
Qian Jin kept a serious face as she exited the room. Upon exiting her face returned to a closed rigid expression. She began making her way back to her quarters at a steady pace.
She reached her quarters in little time. As she entered her quarters her face turned less rigid. Her gaze was drawn immediately to her special shelf of gifts. Especially the Whale Glue recently given to her as a gift. "For you my dearest Lord I would do anything ." she sighed as she thought of Qian Daoliu as her eyes turning hazy.
In their quarters Tang Yuan smiled at his mother in pride. Tang Nuan found herself smiling as well at the news he gave her. She found herself incredibly surprised, and happy of course. Yet so early in his life he reached level thirty, it was a terrifying level of pace.
Tang Nuan looked at her son with a measure of curiosity "Then have you decided what you intend for your third soul ring?"
"I have been considering it since my breakthrough to level 30. I believed that the Golden Scarab of the Endless Desert, would best suit my third ring. I think I can handle one at least four thousand years old if not older." Tang Yuan explained that he believed it would be the next step on his path.
Tang Nuan considered that the Golden Scarab was indeed a strength-type beast. But was her son still walking the path of strength or not? He introduced lightning so early to his cultivation path after all. "What exactly are you planning for your cultivation path, my child?" The question came out suddenly she was unable to hold her curiosity.
Tang Yuan was surprised at the question not really expecting it. Though he supposed the question was always going to be asked. "My first martial soul will mainly be lightning with strength aspects. This third ring will be the last non-lightning type," he explained part of his plans for the future.
"I also hope that this third ring will act to allow my fourth to be of the highest age." hiding the fact that he sought to obtain a ten-thousand-year fourth ring for now. Lest he cause too much worry in her too soon. Once he was strong enough he would reveal that aspect.
Tang Nuan nodded it was common to do with any Soul Ring. Though her son placed particularity on the fourth one. Still, a Golden Scarab was a good choice for him considering it was a strength type that ate metal. "It means that we will have to enter the Endless Desert which will be difficult."
She considered that they would need extensive preparations. A massive amount of water would need to be stored in their belts to last. With a similar amount of food rations as well. Once more she had no intention of stepping into that place alone. She would need to see who was available to go with them. "We will need at least another day or two before we may set out."
Tang Yuan found himself unsurprised at that fact. He wondered exactly what she intended to prepare though. "Two or so days until we prepare to set out then."
Then the sound of knocking resounded in the room from the door. By the sound of it whoever it was found themselves eager to get their attention. Tang Yuan walked over to the door to see who was opening it for them.
Tang Yuan found himself surprised as he saw Bibi Dong on the other side. Though what surprised him wasn't exactly her presence. She was smiling a big happy smile on her face radiating pride. She had a right to be after all as he sensed the disruptions in her soul power.
Bibi Dong's smile widens as she opens her mouth "I broke through to level 30 as well." Her voice was practically filled with happiness at her success.