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

The giant mouth was closed at the moment, but a faint, earthy, and rotten smell emanated from it.

The moment this strange "spiritual herb" appeared, it attracted the attention of everyone in the study. Tang Ya, Ma Xiaotao, and the others were all well-informed, but they had never seen such a peculiar plant with a somewhat eerie aura.

It has the form of a plant, and also has some characteristics similar to the organs of a spirit beast. Standing quietly in the study, its flowing wind and subtle aura are impossible to ignore.

Zhuge Feng's gaze was fixed on it. He possessed a wind-attribute martial soul and was extremely sensitive to wind elements. He could clearly sense that the dim yellow vortex contained a pure, ancient wind-attribute energy with a strange and dynamic quality.

The level was extremely high. What made his mental sea tremble slightly was that the plant's tightly closed "six eyes" and its huge, sharp-toothed mouth faintly emitted a kind of obscure yet powerful suction and pressure targeting mental power, which actually created a subtle resonance and... vigilance with the characteristics of his brain's martial soul?
Tang Lan looked at the surprised expressions on everyone's faces, and finally her gaze fell on Zhuge Feng. She spoke calmly and explained the origin of this strange plant.

"This thing is called 'Six-Eyed Wind Soul Sunflower,' a rare and precious treasure of heaven and earth, almost only mentioned sporadically in ancient fragments. It is neither a pure plant nor a soul beast, but something in between, a special spiritual plant born from the evil winds of heaven and earth and the resentment of remnant souls, or rather... a demonic plant."

"Six-Eyed Wind Soul Sunflower?"

Zhuge Feng repeated in a low voice, his eyes filled with even more contemplation.

"good."

Tang Lan nodded and explained further.

"As you sensed, it possesses two powerful primal abilities: wind and spirit attributes. Its stem and the pure wind attribute energy contained within are supreme treasures for wind-type soul masters, used to temper their martial souls, enhance the quality of their soul power, and even comprehend the laws of wind."

At its top, the 'Soul Plate' with six eyes and one mouth, is the core of its spiritual power, containing a vast and pure spiritual essence. It has incredible effects on enhancing spiritual strength, tempering the soul, and even strengthening resistance and control over spiritual attacks.

Tang Lan paused slightly, her tone carrying a hint of warning.

"But this thing is called a 'demon plant' not only because of its properties, but also because of its spirituality. Six-eyed Wind Soul Sunflowers that have reached a certain age will develop a strong ability to think independently, and they even know how to use their own characteristics."

It simulates human voices, creates illusions to lure intelligent beings closer, and then… hunts them! It nourishes itself with the flesh and soul power of living beings. That mouth and those 'eyes' you see are not just for show.”

Upon hearing this, and looking again at the quietly standing "sunflower," a chill ran down everyone's spine. A plant that preys on humans? This sounded even more bizarre and terrifying than many spirit beasts.

"Sect Master, what about this one..."

Zhuge Feng looked at the Six-Eyed Wind Soul Sunflower and couldn't help but ask.

"This one."

Tang Lan reached out, her fingertips gently brushing against the swirling, dim yellow wind, which seemed to flinch slightly in fear.

"Judging from the solidity of its vortex, the spiritual pressure emanating from the soul plate, and the enormous energy it contains, even if its age is not 100,000 years, it is definitely a top-grade immortal item with an age of over 90,000 years."

Moreover, judging from its condition, it should be someone skilled in sealing or mining who, at its most active moment, used special means to completely strip away its 'demonic nature' or rather, 'evil thoughts' that dominated its intelligence.

It retained only the purest energy and original attributes, transforming it from a dangerous predatory demonic plant into a supreme immortal item that soul masters could safely absorb and refine.

A celestial item over 90,000 years old! And a top-tier celestial item possessing both wind and spirit attributes!

A series of soft gasps filled the study.

Such rare treasures of heaven and earth are of immeasurable value, enough to drive any soul master crazy, especially for soul masters with wind or spirit attributes, who are the foundation for achieving enlightenment that is hard to come by!
Just as everyone was shocked by the preciousness of this divine item, Tang Lan did something that left everyone, especially Zhuge Feng, speechless.

With a gentle flick of his wrist, the tall Six-Eyed Wind Soul Sunflower slowly shifted and finally stood steadily on the open ground in front of Zhuge Feng.

"Elder Zhuge, this Six-Eyed Wind Soul Sunflower is compatible with your attributes and can be of great help to you."

Tang Lan's voice was calm, as if she were giving away an ordinary gift rather than a rare and precious item.

Zhuge Feng was stunned. He looked at the immortal herb that was so close to him, radiating an alluring energy fluctuation, and then looked up at Tang Lan, who had a calm expression. For a moment, his mind went blank, and he was at a loss for what to do.

He opened his mouth, but it took him a long time to find his voice. He waved his hands repeatedly, his tone filled with fear and determination.

"Sect Master! This...this is far too precious! I absolutely cannot accept this! I have only been with the Tang Sect for a short time and have not yet made any contributions. How can I accept such a generous gift? Such a divine item should belong to the Sect Master, or be bestowed upon the elders who have made great contributions to the Tang Sect! I...am unworthy!"

He was genuinely shocked and felt truly unworthy of the honor.

The value of this magical herb was so great that he simply couldn't accept it calmly.

Tang Lan shook her head, looked directly at Zhuge Feng, and spoke with an unquestionable air of authority.

"Since I've offered it to you, I naturally believe you deserve it. The Tang Clan's rewards and punishments don't consider seniority, but rather talent, contributions, willpower, and potential. Although you've only been in the Tang Clan for a short time, the abilities and value you've demonstrated far exceed the ordinary."

You bear the burden of a blood feud, yet possess an unwavering will. You are destined to become a pillar of the Tang Clan, a vital strategist and fighting force against the Holy Spirit Cult. Enhancing your strength is enhancing the strength of the Tang Clan.

This item perfectly matches your attributes, making it the best choice to help you quickly break through bottlenecks and solidify your foundation. Don't you want to quickly gain the power to take revenge on the Holy Spirit Cult?

The last sentence directly hit the deepest desire in Zhuge Feng's heart.

His body trembled slightly, and in his gaze toward the Six-Eyed Wind Soul Sunflower, there was a fierce clash between desire and reason.

Tang Lan didn't give him a chance to refuse and spoke directly in a commanding tone.

"Accept it. This is the sect leader's order, and it also reflects the high hopes that the Tang Sect has for you."

Zhuge Feng's lips moved a few times. Looking at Tang Lan's undeniable gaze and feeling the encouraging and affirming looks from Tang Ya, Ma Xiaotao, and others beside him, the last trace of hesitation in his heart was overwhelmed by the surging gratitude and determination.

He no longer refused, took a deep breath, and bowed deeply to Tang Lan again, his voice trembling slightly.

"Master's kindness... I, Zhuge Feng, am deeply grateful and will never forget it! This kindness and virtue, I... will dedicate the rest of my life to serving the Tang Clan, slaying evil and eliminating demons, even at the cost of my life!"

Tang Lan then smiled slightly and gave her instructions.

"This object possesses immense energy and unique properties, so it cannot be consumed whole. You must carefully separate its wind-attribute energy core from its spirit-attribute core, dividing each into three parts, for a total of six parts. Then refine and absorb them in sequence, starting with the wind attribute and then the spirit attribute, proceeding step by step."

Do not be greedy or reckless. With your level 87 foundation, if you can perfectly absorb these six portions of immortal essence, not only will breaking through the level 90 Title Douluo barrier be a natural progression, but even... a rapid advancement to level 93 or 94 is not impossible. The key is to have a solid foundation and avoid leaving any hidden dangers.”

He had risen several levels in a row, reaching the level of a Title Douluo of level ninety-three or ninety-four! These words deeply shocked Zhuge Feng, leaving him speechless with excitement. A Title Douluo was a realm countless Soul Masters dreamed of! And level ninety-three or ninety-four was the pinnacle among Title Douluos! This generous gift was truly immense!
He suddenly took two steps back, no longer hesitating, and knelt down directly on the ground in front of Tang Lan, bowing with the most solemn etiquette.

"I will never forget the Sect Master's kindness in giving me a second chance! Today, Zhuge Feng hereby swears that I will dedicate my life to the Tang Sect! I will be loyal to the end, and give my all! I am willing to be the pioneer of the Tang Sect, to cleanse the evil forces, and I will die a hundred times without regret! If I break this oath, may heaven and earth forsake me, and may my soul be destroyed!"

Every word was powerful and resounding.

This is not only gratitude, but also a vow to completely submit and firmly bind one's own destiny to the Tang Clan.

Tang Lan stepped forward, helped him up, and patted him on the shoulder.

"Alright! I believe you. Get up. The Tang Clan doesn't tolerate kneeling and bowing all the time; as long as the sentiment is there, that's enough. Next, we have some important matters to discuss."

As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Tang Ya, Ma Xiaotao, and the others.

"Xiaoya, you two take Qiu'er and Wenyun down to rest, or go check on the other disciples' arrangements. Elder Zhuge and I will discuss the specific details of the subsequent attack on Dongyang City privately."

Tang Ya and the others understood that Tang Lan wanted to have an in-depth discussion of tactics with this newly appointed strategist elder.

Although they also wanted to know the outcome of the discussion, they naturally wouldn't disturb them at this moment. Everyone stood up, nodded to Tang Lan and Zhuge Feng, and then quietly left the study, gently closing the door behind them.

Inside the study, only Tang Lan and Zhuge Feng remained, along with the Six-Eyed Wind Soul Sunflower that stood quietly to the side, emitting a dim yellow glow.

Tang Lan waved her hand, setting up a soundproof and spy-proof soul power barrier, and then gestured for Zhuge Feng to sit down again.

He himself sat back in the main seat, his expression becoming focused and serious.

"Elder Zhuge, you should have the most comprehensive intelligence on Dongyang City. In your opinion, how should we plan this battle to achieve our core objectives of 'slaying ten thousand souls, destroying the evil artifacts, and conquering Dongyang' with minimal losses? Do not hold back, speak freely."

Zhuge Feng quickly composed himself, his mind and martial spirit working at full capacity, his eyes regaining their wisdom and composure.

He didn't answer immediately, but got up and took several of the most detailed maps and intelligence summaries from the bookshelf next to him, spreading them on the coffee table between the two of them.

He pointed to the defense map of Dongyang City, pondered for a moment, and then spoke.

"Sect Master, after reviewing intelligence from all sides and conducting repeated analysis, I believe the key to this battle lies in 'combining orthodox and unorthodox tactics, clearly defining the layers, and using elite forces to break through key points.'"

Tell me more.

Tang Lan's gaze fell on the map.

Zhuge Feng's fingers traced the towering city walls of Dongyang and the faint outline of the city blocks behind them.

"First of all, Dongyang City is a fortified city. The rebel army has more than 200,000 troops and is holding the city to the death. They have a great advantage in terms of terrain. Although our army has the advantage in troop strength, if we blindly attack and fill the city, even if we can break through the city, it will be a mountain of corpses and a sea of ​​blood, with heavy casualties."

Furthermore, it could easily drag us into a protracted war of attrition, giving the Holy Spirit Cult more opportunities to employ insidious tactics. Therefore, the pressure of a direct, forceful attack must not be primarily borne by my Tang Sect disciples, Shrek Academy, or the Imperial Soul Master Corps.

He paused and looked at Tang Lan.

"In my opinion, the task of attacking cities and fortresses, depleting the enemy's manpower head-on, and attracting the enemy's main attention must be undertaken by the 300,000-strong army of the Douling Empire as the absolute main force."

Their army was well-organized, equipped with relatively uniform weaponry, and adept at large-scale offensive operations and positional stalemates. They advanced from the east and south, two main directions.

A relentless and fierce attack was launched on Dongyang City, applying maximum pressure and firmly pinning the main force of the rebel army to the city walls. This was a 'legitimate' attack, fair and square, with no room for evasion.

Tang Lan nodded, signaling him to continue.

"And the high-level soul master forces of my Tang Sect, Shrek Academy, the Imperial Soul Master Corps, and various affiliated sects."

Zhuge Feng moved his finger away from the city wall, pointing to the weak points of the wall, the nodes of the defensive soul guide devices, the suspected command post inside the city, the supply warehouse, and the possible hidden passages.

"They should be separated from this main battle as 'surprise troops' and 'elite forces' and formed into special combat units of different levels and with different missions."

He spoke faster and his thoughts became clearer.

"The first level consists of medium-sized Soul Master teams composed of elite disciples of the Tang Sect and experts from affiliated sects whose Soul Power has reached the Soul Master level or above. Each team consists of 100 to 300 people and is equipped with a certain proportion of offensive, control, support, and healing Soul Masters, as well as portable Soul Guidance Devices."

Their mission was not to participate in a direct siege, but to wait for an opportunity. Once the Imperial army created a breach or caused chaos in a certain area...

These Soul Master teams acted like sharp knives, quickly cutting in, expanding their gains, clearing out enemy Soul Masters and resisting forces near the breach, clearing obstacles for subsequent infantry advances, and defending against enemy counterattacks.

What they need is coordinated operations and battlefield assault capabilities.

"Second level."

Zhuge Feng's fingers focused on several heavily defended nodes.

"Elite assault teams, each consisting of five to ten people, are composed of Soul Saints and Soul Douluo-level powerhouses."

Their objective is clear—targeted elimination! Before and after the general offensive, they will use the cover of night, chaos, or special means to infiltrate or forcefully break through enemy lines and remove key enemy strongholds such as powerful soul-guided device positions, watchtowers, command nodes, and energy supply points.

These places are often guarded by high-level Soul Masters, and ordinary Soul Master teams cannot conquer them in a short time. They must be destroyed by top experts with lightning speed.

Ideally, every three such elite assault teams should be equipped with a Title Douluo as their core and support, to deal with potential interception by powerful enemy forces and to enhance their breakthrough capabilities.

"The third level, which is also the highest level."

Zhuge Feng's expression became extremely serious.

"All of our Title Douluo powerhouses, except for those assigned to the assault teams, will be gathered together to form at least two Title Douluo combat readiness groups."

Their mission was singular—to keep a close watch on any Title Douluo or higher-level experts who might appear in the enemy's battle formation! Especially the elders and retainers of the Holy Spirit Cult. Once spotted, they were to be intercepted immediately, pinned down in the air or in a specific area far from the main battlefield. (End of Chapter)