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

The moment that warm golden light fell into his palm, something strange happened—the “soil” did not stay on his palm, but melted away like ice and snow, or like water droplets seeping into a sponge, and instantly disappeared under his skin!

Immediately afterwards, a powerful, pure, profound yet gentle torrent of strange energy surged into his body through the meridians of his arm! This energy was not violent soul power, but rather more like the essence of the earth that nourishes all things.

Wherever he went, his meridians, which had been somewhat obscured and sluggish due to his practice of evil arts, seemed to be washed and widened by the warm water, becoming unobstructed and full of resilience! Some hidden injuries and blockages accumulated over the years began to slowly dissolve under the gentle yet unstoppable flow of energy!
What surprised and delighted him even more was that his bottleneck, which was stuck at the peak of level 69 and was like an impenetrable wall, began to vibrate violently under the nourishment and impact of this earth's primordial energy, and fine but clear cracks appeared!

He could even clearly feel that the barrier hindering his progress was thinning! He was truly just one step away from a complete breakthrough! All he needed now was a suitable spirit ring to naturally become a true Soul Saint!

"This...this is..."

Tao Zuo closed his eyes tightly, focusing all his efforts on guiding the surging energy within his body, his face filled with extreme shock and ecstasy.

He had never experienced such a miraculous and effective treasure! Even a mere "prototype" and "prepayment" had such a powerful effect! What astonishing "follow-up" rewards would come after it was all done?!
A moment later, Tao Zuo suddenly opened his eyes, his eyes shining brightly. Although his soul power level did not break through immediately, his aura became much more solid and heavy. The paleness on his face caused by the previous battle and fear was replaced by an excited rosy glow.

With a "thump," he kowtowed heavily, his attitude even more respectful than before, even bordering on fanaticism, his voice resolute.

"Your subordinate, Tao Zuo, thanks you for your generous gift, sir! I will do my utmost to fulfill any request you may make! I will do everything in my power to ensure that all the brothers in the city arrive on time for tomorrow's party, and that there will be absolutely no mishaps! Please rest assured, sir!"

Tao Zuo, his face beaming with excitement and even a touch of fervent gratitude, kowtowed again.

The effects of that nascent "Earth Vein Essence" were so remarkable that he could clearly see the hope of breaking through to Soul Saint. At this moment, in his heart, this mysterious "Faceless Lord" was even more approachable and reliable than those high and mighty elders in the Holy Sect! What risks, what discipline, were insignificant in the face of real improvement in strength.

Tang Lan nodded indifferently and waved her hand.

"Go, get the message out as soon as possible. Remember, I want to see everyone on the top floor of Guangyao Restaurant by midnight tomorrow night, not one missing."

"Yes! Your lord!"

Tao Zuo quickly agreed, bowed again, and then cautiously stood up. He gave a wink to the four Soul Kings behind him who were also staring longingly at Tang Lan. The five dared not linger any longer. After bowing to Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er once more, they retreated swiftly into the shadows deeper into the alley like ghosts and disappeared.

They needed to immediately carry out the orders of "Faceless Man" while also dealing with their two companions who had been knocked unconscious.

As the five evil soul masters departed, the secluded alleyway, filled with a faint scent of blood, pollen, and residual soul power, fell silent. Only Tang Lan, Wang Qiu'er, and the two young female soul masters, one in purple and one in blue, remained unconscious on the ground, their faces pale and their clothes stained with blood.

Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er exchanged a glance, tacitly choosing not to immediately remove their disguises. Tang Lan walked to the two women, squatted down, and gently touched their foreheads with her fingers. Two streams of pure and peaceful soul power flowed in, dispelling the remaining toxins, pollen, and some bruises from their bodies.

"Well……"

The woman in purple let out a low moan first, her long eyelashes fluttered a few times, and she slowly opened her eyes.

Her eyes were initially unfocused and confused, but quickly became alert. When she saw that the person squatting in front of her was an unfamiliar male face, she instinctively tried to struggle to get up and back away, but this aggravated her wound, causing her to gasp in pain.

Immediately afterwards, the woman in green next to her also slowly woke up, letting out a similar groan of pain.

"Don't move. Your injuries are serious, and the toxins haven't been completely cleared."

Tang Lan withdrew her hand and spoke in a calm voice, using a disguised tone.

The woman in purple, enduring the pain, quickly scanned her surroundings—the five vicious evil spirit masters were gone, leaving only the unfamiliar man and woman before her. The traces of the fight and the fluctuations of soul power remaining in the alley indicated that the fierce battle just now was not an illusion.

She instantly understood most of it.

"It was...it was you two who saved me and Yanran?"

The woman in purple had a slightly hoarse voice, but she remained calm and polite, her gaze sweeping back and forth between Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er with a mixture of scrutiny and gratitude.

She could tell that the man and woman had a calm demeanor, especially the man in front of her. Although his face was ordinary, his eyes were deep and his bearing was extraordinary. He was definitely not an ordinary soul master.

Tang Lan nodded.

"I happened to be passing by and saw those people acting suspiciously, with ill intentions."

The woman in green, Lin Yanran, who was standing to the side, also fully woke up. Upon hearing the conversation, she quickly looked at the woman in purple and said anxiously.

"Sister Xinzhu, are you alright?"

After confirming that the woman in purple was seriously injured but not in mortal danger, she looked at Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er, a blush of gratitude and lingering fear appearing on her delicate face, and said shyly in a low voice.

"Thank you so much, seniors, for saving our lives. If it weren't for your help, we...we would probably be in grave danger."

After speaking, she secretly raised her eyes and glanced quickly at Tang Lan, then lowered her head like a startled deer, her ears turning slightly red. Although Tang Lan had an ordinary appearance, her calm and unfathomable temperament was undoubtedly very attractive to her, who had just experienced a life-or-death crisis and was in the prime of her youth.

This scene was witnessed by Wang Qiu'er, who was standing nearby.

Although she had also changed her appearance, a hint of displeasure was now clearly visible on her delicate face, and her golden eyes were slightly narrowed.

She moved closer to Tang Lan without making a sound, and then her slender hand, hidden in her sleeve, appeared behind Tang Lan's waist with extreme precision and concealment. Her thumb and forefinger pinched a small piece of soft flesh and twisted it gently.

"Hiss—" Tang Lan's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, but her face remained calm, and she even nodded to Lin Yanran.

"No need for formalities, it was just a small favor."

Xu Xinzhu, the woman in purple, observed this subtle interaction and understood what was going on. She became even more curious and made a judgment about Tang Lan and the other woman.

She tried her best to stand up and express her gratitude formally, but she was still too weak.

Tang Lan raised her hand and pressed down lightly.

“Miss Xu, there’s no need for such formalities. This place is not safe to stay any longer. Although those evil spirit masters have temporarily retreated, it’s hard to guarantee they don’t have accomplices. I’ll take you back.”

Xu Xinzhu was startled upon hearing this.

"Senior...do you know who I am?"

"Just now, I heard this Miss Lin call you 'Sister Xinzhu.' In Rose City, there is no one else who is surnamed Xu, who can raise a Soul King of your age, and who is on good terms with the sister of President Lin of the Guangyan Chamber of Commerce. I can't think of anyone else but the daughter of City Lord Xu Yu."

Tang Lan analyzed the situation calmly, appearing unhurried. Xu Xinzhu was deeply moved, admiring Tang Lan's observation and judgment even more, while also confirming that the other party meant her no harm.

She stopped insisting and stood up with Tang Lan's support and Lin Yanran's help.

"In that case... I'll have to trouble you two seniors."

Xu Xinzhu expressed her sincere gratitude.

To ensure their safety and prevent any further accidents, Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er decided to escort them personally.

They first sent Xu Xinzhu back to the heavily guarded city lord's mansion.

When Xu Yu saw his daughter, who had been escorted back by Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er, her clothes stained with blood and her breath weak, the city lord, who had remained calm and resolute throughout the city defense meeting, instantly changed his expression, his eyes filled with lingering fear and heartache.

After listening to his daughter's brief account of the attack and rescue, Xu Yu's attitude towards Tang Lan and her companion underwent a dramatic change. Previously, it was a sense of awe and reliance between collaborators and powerful figures; now, it was tinged with heartfelt, almost tearful gratitude.

He bowed deeply to Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er, his voice choked with emotion.

"My two benefactors! I am deeply grateful! I... I really... don't know how to repay them! My daughter is naughty and went out on her own. If it weren't for your righteous help, the consequences would have been unimaginable! I... am eternally grateful!"

This was a genuine expression of his feelings; Xu Xinzhu was not only his daughter, but also his only bloodline and hope.

Tang Lan helped Xu Yu up and spoke calmly in her disguised voice.

“Lord Xu, there’s no need for that. Evil spirit masters commit evil deeds, and everyone has the right to kill them. It’s good that your daughter is safe and sound. Lord Xu bears the heavy responsibility of guarding the city, so please take care of your health.”

Xu Yu nodded repeatedly and inquired about the details and strength of the attackers. Tang Lan briefly explained that they were five evil soul masters, the leader of whom was a Soul Emperor and skilled in using poison and pollen for control. Xu Yu's eyes grew colder upon hearing this. He said he would increase patrols within the city and thanked Tang Lan and Tang Lan again, even offering to host a banquet in their honor, which Tang Lan politely declined, saying she had "important matters to attend to."

After bidding farewell to the profusely grateful Xu Yu and the complex, hesitant Xu Xinzhu, Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er escorted Lin Yanran to the Rose City branch of the Guangyan Chamber of Commerce.

The branch of the Radiant Flame Merchant Guild was also heavily guarded.

When the branch president, Lin Yanhong, saw her younger sister, who was also badly injured and pale-faced, who had been brought back, this usually charming and alluring red-clad president instantly raised her eyebrows and her phoenix eyes blazed with fury!

"Yanran! Who did this?! Tell your sister!"

Lin Yanhong pulled her younger sister into her arms to check her injuries, her voice as cold as ice, filled with barely suppressed rage. A trace of the powerful aura of an 87th-level Soul Douluo leaked out uncontrollably, making the surrounding air seem even hotter.

Lin Yanran leaned against her sister's chest, and recounted what had happened in a low voice, feeling wronged and still scared. She also omitted the part about Tang Lan impersonating a high-ranking member of the Holy Spirit Cult, and only said that she was saved by two seniors who happened to be passing by.

Upon hearing this, the murderous intent in Lin Yanhong's eyes almost materialized.

"Evil Soul Master! How dare you lay a hand on my sister! Good! Very good indeed!"

She turned around abruptly and shouted at a steward standing behind her.

"Pass on my orders! All guards, retainers, and all available Soul Masters of the Merchant Guild are to be mobilized immediately! Conduct a secret search of the city! Focus on investigating all suspicious persons, inns, and restaurants in the southern part of the city! Report any clues related to evil Soul Masters immediately! Anyone who resists will be killed without mercy!"

"Yes! President!"

The manager's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly accepted the order and left. Although the Radiant Flame Merchant Guild primarily engaged in commerce, its ability to survive in chaotic times meant that its armed forces should not be underestimated.

After giving the order, Lin Yanhong turned her gaze to Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er, who had been standing quietly to the side.

The anger in her eyes subsided slightly, replaced by solemnity and gratitude. She bowed gracefully to the two of them, her voice softening considerably.

"My two benefactors, I will never forget your life-saving grace! Please accept my bow!"

Her bow was elegant yet full of sincerity.

Tang Lan returned the greeting politely in return.

"President Lin, there's no need for such formalities. It's just a coincidence."

After exchanging pleasantries and expressing their gratitude, Lin Yanhong warmly invited Tang Lan and her companion to stay at the Chamber of Commerce. This was partly to express her thanks, and partly because she hoped to befriend these two powerful individuals who possessed unpredictable strength and had saved her sister's life.

She was quick-witted. Judging from her sister's description and the fact that these two could easily defeat a team of evil soul masters consisting of a Soul Emperor and four Soul Kings, their strength was definitely far beyond what appeared to be, and they were worth getting to know better.

After a moment's thought, Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er considered that they would still need to operate in Rose City. As the local power, the Guangyan Chamber of Commerce would have convenient access to intelligence and resources. Moreover, Lin Yanhong did not seem to be an ordinary person. So they nodded in agreement and could not refuse.

Lin Yanhong was overjoyed and immediately arranged for the two to stay in the most secluded, elegant, and well-defended independent courtyard within the Chamber of Commerce. She also instructed that the guests be treated with the highest level of hospitality.

Night fell, and the city lights began to twinkle. Deep within the branch of the Radiant Flame Merchant Guild, in a beautifully decorated and elegant banquet hall, a sumptuous feast was already prepared. Although resources were scarce in Rose City, the Radiant Flame Merchant Guild still had enough to entertain distinguished guests.

There were only four people at the table.

Tang Lan, Wang Qiu'er, Lin Yanhong, and Lin Yanran, who insisted on coming to express her gratitude in person after her injuries stabilized.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed. Lin Yanhong, as expected of the shrewd and tactful president of the chamber of commerce, was witty and knowledgeable. She neither pried too much into Tang Lan's background nor failed to bring up the topic at the right moment.

As they talked, the topic inevitably turned to the current situation and the state of the Radiant Flame Chamber of Commerce. Lin Yanhong's smile gradually faded, replaced by a deep worry.

"Brother Tang Yun, Sister Qiu'er."

Lin Yanhong picked up her wine glass, gently swirling the amber-colored wine inside, her tone tinged with weariness.

"To be honest, our Radiant Flame Merchant Guild... is having a very tough time these days."

She put down her wine glass and sighed.

"Although the Radiant Flame Merchant Guild has branches in more than a dozen cities in the southwest, seemingly a large and prosperous organization, recently... we have lost contact with more than half of its branches! The communication soul tools are unresponsive, and most of the people sent to investigate have disappeared without a trace. The few who escaped only brought back vague, bloody, and terrifying fragments of information." (End of Chapter)