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

A group of people had quietly gathered at the entrance to the study. Leading them was a tall, handsome, and composed young man dressed in a black outfit. Although his aura was completely concealed, his deep eyes looked over.

However, this caused a very subtle tremor to spontaneously emanate from the "brain martial soul" within Zhuge Feng's spiritual sea—an instinctive reaction to encountering an existence that was unfathomable and far beyond his own level. Zhuge Feng immediately understood that this must be the legendary Tang Sect Master, Tang Lan.

Standing beside Tang Lan, on either side of her, stood the gentle and beautiful Madam Tang Ya, the sect leader's wife, and the imposing Elder Ma Xiaotao. Further back were the radiant Xiao Xiao, the gentle and elegant Jiang Nannan, the bright-eyed and uniquely charming Wang Qiu'er, and Wen Yun, the person in charge of Hanhai City.

Almost all of the most powerful, strongest, and highest-ranking members of the Tang Clan were gathered silently outside his temporary study!
Zhuge Feng quickly suppressed the turmoil in his heart, immediately put down his pen, and stood up from behind his desk.

His movements were not flustered, but rather carried the composure unique to a scholar, though the look of surprise on his face had not completely faded.

He walked around the desk, took two steps forward, and bowed solemnly to Tang Lan and the others at the door.

"Your subordinate, Zhuge Feng, was unaware that the sect leader, elders, and ladies would be personally welcoming you. I apologize for not being able to greet you properly."

His voice was clear and steady, his tone respectful yet neither humble nor arrogant, and his gaze clear and wise as he met Tang Lan's scrutinizing gaze with composure.

Tang Lan looked at the scholar in blue robes in front of her and saw that although he was surrounded by mountains of documents, he was full of energy and his eyes were clear. He did not look tired at all, and she felt a sense of goodwill towards him.

He smiled slightly, stepped forward to offer a helping hand, and said gently.

"Elder Zhuge, there's no need for such formalities. It was our sudden arrival that disturbed your official duties. Please rise and speak."

"Thank you, Sect Leader."

Zhuge Feng straightened up as instructed, his posture still respectful, but his back was straight, showing a natural air of integrity.

Tang Ya introduced it with a smile.

"Lan, this is Elder Zhuge Feng. Elder Zhuge, this is Tang Lan, the sect leader of our Tang Sect."

She then introduced Wang Qiu'er in turn. Although Wang Qiu'er did not have a specific job, everyone knew her status by Tang Lan's side.

Zhuge Feng greeted Tang Lan and Wang Qiu'er again, his gaze lingering on Tang Lan for a moment. Although this was the first time he had seen the legendary leader of the Tang Clan in person, the feeling of that fleeting glimpse and the unfathomable, tranquil aura he now witnessed were still striking.

The presence of Tang Ya, Ma Xiaotao, and other unruly powerhouses naturally clustered behind him, their positions subtly centered around him, all confirming his judgment. This person was indeed Tang Lan.

"Elder Zhuge, there's no need to be so formal."

Tang Lan took the lead and sat down at the tea table next to the study, gesturing for everyone to sit down as well. Her gaze returned to Zhuge Feng, filled with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

"On the way here, Xiaoya and the others told me about Elder Zhuge's achievements after joining our Tang Sect. He persuaded the three sects to join us, attracted titled Douluo to join us, and managed to organize the sect's complicated affairs in an orderly manner."

The battle plans I've seen today are indeed meticulously considered and truly admirable. I'm curious, Elder Zhuge, with your exceptional talent, where do you come from? And what led you to join my Tang Clan?

Tang Lan's question was direct, yet frank.

He did not doubt Zhuge Feng's sincerity. Given the abilities and wisdom the other party had demonstrated, if he truly had ulterior motives, he could have used more discreet and sophisticated methods, without needing to make such a high-profile achievement.

He was simply curious about the background of this suddenly appearing polymath.

Zhuge Feng sat down in the chair opposite Tang Lan. Upon hearing this, he showed no sign of being offended. Instead, a complex expression appeared on his face, as if a distant historical cloud had passed through his eyes.

He was silent for a moment, as if he was choosing his words, before he slowly spoke, his voice lower than before.

"Since the sect leader has inquired, I will answer frankly. My surname is Zhuge, and my given name is Feng. My ancestors... were the 'Zhuge Family' who were once very famous in the world of soul masters thousands of years ago, but then suddenly disappeared."

"The Zhuge family?"

A look of realization flashed in Tang Lan's eyes, and Tang Ya, Ma Xiaotao, and the others beside her also showed some understanding and amazement.

This family's name has indeed left a significant mark on the historical records of the Soul Master world.

Zhuge Feng continued.

"Thousands of years ago, my Zhuge clan, relying on our ancestral wisdom and some unique martial soul inheritances, was once unparalleled in the world of soul masters, and produced many wise men and strong men who were famous throughout the world."

Several ancestors even served as honored guests of the powerful empires of the time, holding key positions and strategizing. At its peak, the family's influence spanned the entire continent.

At this point, his tone shifted, carrying a hint of vicissitude and sigh.

"However, as the saying goes, 'The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind.' As the family prospered, the power struggles and grudges it became involved in deepened. A certain patriarch and the elders, having seen through the ways of the world, felt that if the family continued to delve into the core of the power struggle on the continent, it would be a serious problem."

Sooner or later, it will bring about its annihilation. Even if it can achieve glory for a time, it will be difficult to escape the inevitable decline after its peak, and it will be crushed to pieces in the future change of dynasties or infighting among sects.

After all, throughout history, apart from the few great empires that have stood the test of time for millennia, the numerous kingdoms, duchies, and even powerful sects under their rule have experienced countless cycles of rise and fall. Today's ally may be tomorrow's mortal enemy.

Tang Lan nodded slightly, indicating her understanding. The wheels of history roll ever onward, and countless once-illustrious families and sects have turned to dust. The fact that the ancestors of the Zhuge clan could see this and make a decisive choice truly demonstrates great wisdom.

"then."

Zhuge Fengdao.

"At the height of the clan's power and seemingly at its zenith, the clan leader defied public opinion and made a decision that shocked the world—the entire clan went into hiding and withdrew from the conflicts in the world of Soul Masters."

They used the vast resources accumulated by their family and some unknown secret methods to quietly relocate the core territory and most of their people to a secluded mountain range in the far west of the continent, a place with few people but a relatively suitable environment.

They completely severed most of their contact with the outside world. Only a few remote and inconspicuous collateral branches, or like the branch of my ancestors, were left to travel outside in different capacities such as travel or business, so that they were not completely isolated.

It could also help the family acquire some necessary resources and outside information, but it was strictly forbidden to expose their relationship with the main clan, and they were even more forbidden from participating in any power struggles. Thus, the Zhuge clan seemed to vanish overnight from the center stage of the Soul Master world, leaving only some legends and records.

"To protect oneself and avoid conflict, thus ensuring the longevity of the family. Your ancestor's actions were indeed farsighted," Tang Lan commented, his tone tinged with respect. To be able to retire gracefully at the height of one's power—that decisiveness is extraordinary.

A bitter and deep-seated hatred appeared on Zhuge Feng's face, and a cold flame seemed to burn in his wise eyes.

"Yes, our ancestors painstakingly built up our clan, living in seclusion for thousands of years. Although it is no longer as prosperous as it once was, it has maintained its lineage, produced many talented individuals, and lived in peace and prosperity. However... the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease! The Holy Spirit Cult! Those utterly depraved demons!"

His voice suddenly turned cold and agitated, and his hands on his knees clenched slightly.

"About half a year ago, the clutches of the Holy Spirit Cult somehow discovered the exact location of our clan's secluded place! Perhaps they were planning a conspiracy in the southwest or even on a larger scale, taking into account the scheming ability that our Zhuge clan has demonstrated throughout history."

Fearing we might become a variable; or perhaps, simply to plunder our accumulated wealth and any ancient texts or secret techniques! In any case, they launched a surprise attack without warning!

Zhuge Feng's speech quickened, as if he had returned to that nightmarish moment.

"That night, flames soared into the sky, and the sounds of battle shook the fields! The Holy Spirit Cult dispatched at least two Title Douluo, leading a large number of elite evil soul masters, and took advantage of the darkness and the fact that some of the clan's defensive formations had fallen into disrepair and the clan members' vigilance had been relaxed, to launch a devastating attack!"

The few powerful members of the clan who remained put up a desperate resistance, activating the final restriction, which barely managed to hold off the enemy for a moment... all so that those of us who happened to be out on a clan procurement mission could have that chance.

Or perhaps a few members of the clan, like myself, who travel far and wide seeking opportunities for advancement, receive the clan's final warning, delivered at great cost—escape immediately, never seek revenge for the clan, and live in anonymity!

He took a deep breath, forcibly calming his turbulent emotions, but the hatred in his eyes did not diminish in the slightest.

"When my subordinates and several others from the outside tribes heard the devastating news and risked everything to sneak back to the vicinity of their tribe's territory... all they found was scorched earth and ruins, broken walls and..."

And the horribly mutilated corpses of countless clansmen! Those beasts of the Holy Spirit Cult, to ensure the extermination of their clan, were ruthless, sparing neither the old, weak, women, nor children, even using evil magic to extract and refine their souls! Their actions always involve eliminating all traces, leaving no future threat!

The air in the study seemed to freeze. Tang Ya, Ma Xiaotao, and the others all wore expressions of shock and anger. Although they knew the Holy Spirit Cult was ruthless, hearing about such a massacre of a reclusive family that had lived in seclusion for thousands of years still sent chills down their spines and filled them with rage.

Tang Lan's brows furrowed deeply, and his eyes sharpened like knives. He was naturally aware of the Holy Spirit Sect's ruthless approach to achieving their goals and eliminating all potential threats, but hearing Zhuge Feng describe the horrific scene firsthand still filled him with murderous intent.

This is not merely a clash of opposing stances, but a deep-seated hatred that has crossed the line of basic humanity.

Zhuge Feng raised his head and looked directly at Tang Lan, his gaze open and honest, without any pretense.

"Sect Master, Elders. I did join the Tang Sect with ulterior motives. The reason is simple: the Tang Sect is the most resolute and powerful force openly opposing the Holy Spirit Sect on the continent today!"

My subordinates bear a deep-seated hatred, and to seek revenge on their own or with only a few surviving members is nothing short of a pipe dream. Only by relying on a powerful platform, a collective that is irreconcilably opposed to the Holy Spirit Cult, is there a glimmer of hope!
"I, Zhuge Feng, am willing to dedicate all my knowledge and abilities to the Tang Sect, hoping that one day, the Tang Sect's sword will cleanse evil! I will not hesitate to declare that if I, Zhuge Feng, ever have the ability, I will surely exterminate every single one of those bloodthirsty evil spirit masters within the Holy Spirit Sect!"

His words were resounding, filled with deep-seated hatred and resolute will, without the slightest hypocrisy or affectation.

This honesty, on the contrary, reveals the strength of his will.

Tang Lan listened quietly, watching the raging flames of revenge burning in Zhuge Feng's eyes, without offering any words of comfort or advice. Some hatreds can only be washed away with blood.

He admired Zhuge Feng's straightforwardness and frankness. Even under the weight of a great grudge, he was able to maintain a clear mind, choose the most effective path to revenge, and speak his mind without reservation. This in itself was a kind of courage and wisdom.

"A blood feud is irreconcilable."

Tang Lan spoke slowly, her voice calm yet carrying a heavy weight of power.

"The Holy Spirit Cult has committed numerous evils, including the extermination of entire clans and families. Such crimes are intolerable to Heaven and Earth. Elder Zhuge's choice of my Tang Clan as the weapon of revenge shows that he thinks highly of the Tang Clan."

The Tang Clan and the Holy Spirit Cult have always been sworn enemies; eradicating this fiend is also within the Tang Clan's mission. Your hatred and your abilities do not conflict with the Tang Clan's goals.

He paused, his gaze becoming deep.

"On the contrary, your deep-seated hatred and great talent are a blessing for our Tang Clan. Only someone with such a resolute will can contend with such a treacherous and evil opponent as the Holy Spirit Cult."

With more thorough consideration and more decisive action, the Tang Clan warmly welcomes you. Your grudges will be settled wherever the Tang Clan's banner points in the future!

These words not only clarified the Tang Clan's stance and acknowledged Zhuge Feng's motives, but also gave him a sense of commitment and belonging. Upon hearing this, Zhuge Feng's body trembled slightly, and a complex light flashed in his eyes—a mixture of gratitude, relief, and a firm determination to find a fellow traveler.

He stood up again and bowed deeply to Tang Lan.

"Thank you for your understanding, Sect Master! I will do my utmost to serve the Tang Sect, hoping to eradicate this evil cult as soon as possible and comfort the spirits of my clan in heaven!"

"Sit down."

Tang Lan waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to be so polite. After Zhuge Feng sat down again, Tang Lan pondered for a moment, as if he had thought of something.

He lightly touched the storage soul tool with his finger, and the next moment, a strange plant appeared in his hand, which he gently placed on the ground.

The moment this plant appeared, the air in the entire study seemed to ripple slightly.

It is nearly as tall as an adult, with a thick stem that is a heavy, dark yellow color and has a textured surface similar to wind-eroded rock.

What is most striking is its top, which is not an ordinary flower or fruit, but a large, slightly drooping, disc-shaped structure about two feet in diameter.

The disc-shaped object was surrounded by a layer of hazy yellow, visible swirling winds, emitting a low, whistling sound, as if a small storm was sealed inside.

Its appearance is even more bizarre and inexplicable.

The yellowish, disc-shaped object, from a distance, resembled a mutated, enlarged sunflower head, but upon closer inspection, it was chilling. On its surface were not sunflower seeds, but three pairs of tightly closed, human-eye-like organs, evenly distributed throughout!

The eyelids were clearly defined, even revealing fine eyelashes, though their color was a dull, earthy yellow. Below the three pairs of "eyes," in the very center of the disc, was a massive, concave, circular mouth filled with concentric rings of sharp, white teeth! (End of Chapter)