Douluo: Steal Tang San's luck and become stronger!

He stood up, dusted off his hands where there was no dust, and his voice turned cold, carrying an unquestionable tone of command.

"Therefore, no one is allowed to touch them until we find out their identities and value! Take them back, lock them up, and keep them under strict guard! In the next two days, get them to talk! I warn you, if anyone dares to disobey me and ruin my plans... you know the consequences!"

The four Soul Kings, including the lewd man, all stiffened upon hearing this, quickly concealing their lewd expressions and bowing in response.

"Yes, sir! I understand!"

They were clearly quite afraid of this effeminate Soul Emperor.

However, just as the Yin-Yang Soul Emperor gave the order, and his four subordinates prepared to step forward to bind and capture the two fallen women—

“Tick, tick…”

Clear footsteps, neither hurried nor slow, came from the darkness at the entrance of the alley.

The sound was unusually abrupt and jarring in the alley, which was unusually quiet after the fierce battle had just ended.

The five evil soul masters froze simultaneously, abruptly turning their heads to look in the direction from which the footsteps came. Their eyes instantly filled with vigilance, suspicion, and a hint of barely perceptible panic.

They were acting here, thinking they were discreet enough, so why would anyone show up at this time?
In the dim light, two figures slowly emerged from the shadows and stopped about ten feet away from them. It was Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er, who had disguised their appearances.

At this moment, they looked like an ordinary soul master who happened to be passing by, with a somewhat special aura.

The Yin-Yao Soul Emperor's gaze swept over the two like a venomous snake. When he saw Wang Qiu'er's delicate face, his pupils contracted slightly, but more than that, he felt displeasure at being disturbed and a murderous intent.

His face darkened, and his voice carried a chilling coldness.

"Who are you? Are you just passing by? Or... did you see something you shouldn't have?"

As he spoke, his left hand, which was behind his back, silently slipped into his sleeve. With a slight release of soul power from his fingertips, he had already caught several Soul-Breaking Flying Needles, which were as thin as cow hair, glowed with a ghostly blue light, and were clearly coated with deadly poison.

He was a suspicious and ruthless man. No matter who the intruders were, since they had stumbled upon their actions, they could not be allowed to live! He was already planning how to launch a surprise attack and eliminate these two "blind" fellows in an instant.

Wang Qiu'er didn't speak, but just looked at them calmly, a hint of cold disgust hidden deep in her eyes.

Tang Lan took a half step forward, his face showing an expression that was a mixture of annoyance and impatience. He deliberately lowered his voice and began to berate Tang Lan in a slightly hoarse, worldly tone.

"A bunch of useless trash! Who gave you permission to act on your own and make such a commotion here?!"

His words startled not only the five evil soul masters, but also the two women in purple and green robes who had just regained a sliver of consciousness in the shadows and were desperately awaiting death. They struggled to lift their eyelids and look at this strange stranger who had suddenly appeared.

Before the other party could react, Tang Lan continued to reprimand the two unconscious women on the ground in a tone of "a superior reprimanding a subordinate."

"Leave these two behind and get back to where you belong right now! Didn't the higher-ups repeatedly order you to keep a low profile, not to wander around, and especially not to cause unnecessary trouble?! Are you deaf? Do you think you can do whatever you want just because the city is in chaos? A bunch of good-for-nothings!"

His words were righteous and stern, yet tinged with obvious anger and a reference to "above," as if he were their true superior, or a liaison or supervisor from a higher level.

The five evil soul masters were somewhat bewildered by the harsh reprimand, especially the four soul kings, who instinctively looked at their leader, the Yin-Yang Soul Emperor, their eyes filled with confusion and inquiry.

Who is this guy who suddenly appeared? He sounds like he knows their identities and mission? Could he really be someone sent from "above"? But I've never seen him before, and I didn't receive any notification.
The Yin-Yao Soul Emperor also harbored many doubts.

He carefully observed Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er, trying to find flaws in their appearance, aura, and demeanor. Their aura wasn't particularly strong, but their composure and reprimanding manner didn't seem feigned.

Especially since the other party mentioned "above" and the order to "remain discreet recently," it was indeed an order they had received. Could they really be patrolling from another base? Or were they temporary reinforcements from headquarters?
He was filled with doubt and unease, and his murderous intent subsided slightly, but his vigilance remained undiminished.

He needs more evidence to confirm the other party's identity.

Just then, Tang Lan seemed even more displeased with his hesitation and scrutiny, and with a cold snort, the fluctuations of her soul power suddenly increased!

Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black!

Eight spirit rings rose one after another from beneath his feet, shining brightly, and the fluctuations of his spirit power became stronger! Especially the four deep black ten-thousand-year spirit rings, which exuded a heart-palpitating energy pressure!
At the same time, a faint yet chilling aura, like an invisible wave, spread out from Tang Lan and enveloped the entire alley!
An eight-ring Soul Douluo! And a powerful attack-type Soul Douluo with four ten-thousand-year Soul Rings and an astonishingly fierce aura!

The sudden burst of "strength" and aura caused the four Soul Kings to turn deathly pale, involuntarily taking a half-step back, their eyes filled with fear as they looked at Tang Lan. Even the effeminate Soul Emperor's pupils shrank sharply, his heart filled with horror! An eight-ring Soul Douluo! And such a young Soul Douluo at that! This is definitely a big shot! Could he really be an elite secretly trained by headquarters?
However, only Tang Lan himself and Wang Qiu'er beside him knew that the seemingly terrifying eight spirit rings and the overwhelming baleful aura were not real.

This was merely a realistic illusion simulated by Tang Lan using his powerful mental strength combined with his exquisite control over soul power fluctuations! The purpose was to intimidate this group of evil soul masters, make them believe in his "identity," and at the same time, further test their background and reactions.

"Now, do you recognize who I am? Do I need to say it a second time?"

Tang Lan stepped forward, his eight "soul rings" shimmering with light, exuding a chilling aura. His gaze was icy as he stared directly at the effeminate Soul Emperor, his tone filled with unquestionable authority.

Upon seeing the eight spirit rings symbolizing the Soul Douluo level, and feeling the chilling, soul-shaking aura emanating from them, the last trace of doubt in the hearts of the five evil soul masters was instantly crushed!
Impersonating a high-ranking member of the Holy Spirit Cult? What a joke! Who would dare? Who has the ability to simulate such realistic spirit rings and such terrifying aura? This must be a true powerhouse within the Holy Spirit Cult!
Moreover, the other party's mention of "above" and their familiarity with their recent orders to "conceal their tracks" all pointed to the same conclusion—this must be a high-ranking figure in the sect, possibly directly under the headquarters or an elder, who recently secretly infiltrated Rose City to supervise or carry out some clandestine mission! Upon seeing this, the five dared not hesitate or be negligent in the slightest. They hurriedly bowed and saluted, their posture respectful and even somewhat fearful, and said in unison.

"Greetings, Your Excellency! I was unaware of your arrival and apologized for my previous offenses!"

They completely regarded Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er as high-ranking figures of the Holy Spirit Cult hidden in the nearby area.

The leader, the effeminate Soul Emperor Tao Zuo, stepped forward, bowed deeply, and spoke in an even more humble tone.

"My lord, please calm your anger! We did not intentionally disobey orders and act without authorization. It's just that... we've been lying in wait for a long time, and we found these two female soul masters acting suspiciously, as if they were trying to investigate the city. That's why we decided to capture them, hoping to extract some valuable information from them, so that we could do our part for the sect..."

He carefully defended his actions while observing Tang Lan's reaction.

Seeing that Tang Lan's expression remained cold and stern, but she didn't seem to intend to lash out immediately, Tao Zuo felt a little more at ease. After hesitating for a moment, he tentatively asked.

"My lord... since you have come in person, has... has there been new progress on 'that matter'? I wonder... when will the 'Bloody Bird' plan be able to be carried out? The brothers have been lying in wait here, hoping day and night, just waiting for that day to come, so that we can make contributions to the Holy Church and enjoy... uh, carry out the great will of the Holy Church!"

He almost blurted out "enjoy the revelry," but quickly changed it to a more respectable phrase. However, the eagerness and longing in his eyes were hard to hide.

"Operation Bloodstained Birds?"

Tang Lan's heart stirred slightly, but her face remained calm and composed, maintaining the indifference and impatience of a superior.

He snorted coldly, his gaze seemingly able to penetrate people's hearts, sweeping over Tao Zuo and the others, and answered without changing his expression in a tone that was slightly admonishing and in control of the overall situation.

"Hmph, 'Bloodthirsty Birds'? You remember it clearly. However, this matter cannot be rushed. When to carry it out depends on the progress of 'that matter'. 'That matter' is the key, understand?"
What you need to do now is continue to conceal yourselves, await orders, and avoid causing any unforeseen complications. Acting rashly like you did today could alert the enemy and ruin everything… the consequences are too great for you to bear!

He deliberately used the vague reference of "that matter," coupled with a stern tone and an arrogant attitude, to throw the question back at the problem, while emphasizing discipline and waiting.

Wang Qiu'er, who was standing to the side, chuckled inwardly. She had no idea what Tang Lan meant by "that matter," but seeing how realistically Tang Lan was acting, she could only remain silent. However, she also deliberately imitated the indifference and aloofness of a "subordinate of a superior" on her delicate face.

The five evil spirit masters on the other side were also somewhat bewildered.

"That matter"? Which matter? Tao Zuo and the others exchanged glances, all somewhat bewildered. The sect had numerous plans and a strict hierarchy, and even mid-level leaders like them often only knew bits and pieces of many classified missions.

Could it be that besides the "Bloody Birds," there's something more crucial and secretive going on simultaneously? And the launch of the "Bloody Birds" plan depends on the progress of "that matter"?

Tao Zuo frowned, quickly reviewing all the recent developments, rumors, and fragmented instructions he knew about the sect. Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, his eyes lit up! That's it! There had been a hunch that the headquarters was preparing a major operation targeting a key figure, involving several important individuals, and with an extremely high level of secrecy!
Could this "Faceless" lord be referring to that one? And is the "Bloody Bird" of Rose City actually a supporting element or follow-up step in that grand operation? It must be!

The more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed. A look of sudden realization appeared on his face, and he bowed deeply again, his tone full of "understanding" and "admiration".

"I see! It was my foolishness that prevented me from understanding the profound meaning of the Holy Teachings! Thank you for reminding me, sir! I understand now! We will certainly keep to our duties and never act without authorization again, awaiting your orders!"

His statement suggests that he has already constructed a complete logical framework in his own mind, leaving no doubt about Tang Lan's identity and words.

To further build rapport, Tao Zuo put on an even more fawning smile and introduced himself.

"My name is Tao Zuo, a level 69 Control-type Battle Soul Emperor. My Martial Soul is 'Lingluo Tulip,' the little pink flower from earlier. May I ask your name, sir? If you ever need my services, I will follow your orders."

His words, seemingly a respectful inquiry, actually harbored a subtle probing intent. The Holy Spirit Church is rife with factions; knowing someone's name might allow one to deduce their faction and intentions, and thus determine how to proceed.

Upon hearing this, Tang Lan's eyes flashed with a cold light, and she let out a cold snort. The terrifying killing intent suddenly intensified, like solid ice needles, piercing Tao Zuo and the others' skin painfully.

"Tao Zuo? Hmph, you don't need to test me."

Tang Lan's voice was cold, carrying a hint of disdain and warning.

“My name is ‘Faceless.’ Within the Holy Church, only ‘those few’ can give me direct orders. As for my specific background and mission, that’s not something you should inquire about. Knowing too much about certain things is not good for you or your subordinates. Understand?”

He deliberately emphasized "those few" and designated himself by the code name "Faceless," which not only made him seem mysterious and unpredictable but also implied that he might be directly subordinate to a cult leader or core elder, holding a transcendent position. At the same time, he once again used a warning tone to nip any further inquiries in the bud.

At the same time, in order to completely dispel any doubts or underhanded tactics from the other party, Tang Lan's thoughts stirred slightly, and the already terrifying aura and soul power fluctuations on her body suddenly surged again! An even more terrifying pressure, as if it originated from a primordial beast, descended like an invisible mountain, pressing down heavily on the five evil soul masters led by Tao Zuo!

This time, Tang Lan slightly loosened some restrictions, simulating the cultivation realm.

It was "revealed" at the level of an 89th-level Soul Douluo! Although it still did not show the nine soul rings of a Title Douluo, level 89 was already the peak of a Soul Douluo, only one step away from becoming a Title Douluo!
Such strength would make them a core member of the Holy Spirit Cult, even a deputy or confidant of some elders. They are not "small fry" like those lurking in Rose City who can afford to offend them!

"Pfft!"

"Thump!" (End of Chapter)