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

After stabilizing the situation in the high altitude and dispelling the harmful energy, Tang Lan gave clear instructions that all of these prisoners be handed over to the Douling Empire for unified custody, screening, and disposal.

The Tang Clan is here to lend a hand, as a guest force. Their main objective is to strike at the Holy Spirit Cult. As for dealing with the rebellious army within the Douling Empire, they will naturally respect the host country's authority and responsibility.

This move reassured the high-ranking generals and civil officials of the Douling Empire who arrived later, further increasing their respect and goodwill towards the Tang Sect.

For the next seven days, Dongyang City was in a tense and busy state of comprehensive purging and order reconstruction.

The Douling Empire dispatched a special team of officials and engineering soul masters to the city. With the cooperation of the imperial army and Tang Sect disciples, they began to clear the ruins scattered throughout the city, handle the remains of the dead from both sides, and treat the wounded.

Limited relief food and supplies were distributed to appease hundreds of thousands of terrified civilians. At the same time, the surrendered rebels were registered, interrogated, and screened one by one, distinguishing between ringleaders, accomplices, and innocent victims, and were dealt with accordingly in accordance with imperial law.

The remaining evil formations, artifacts, and strongholds within the city that may be associated with the Holy Spirit Cult were thoroughly investigated and eliminated by elite disciples from the Tang Sect's Soul Guidance Hall and Battle Soul Hall, together with skilled members of the Imperial Soul Master Corps.

To ensure no future troubles remain. Occasionally, small groups of deeply hidden or stubborn individuals unwilling to accept defeat may attempt to rebel or create chaos, but they are quickly suppressed by absolute power and a tight search network.

Seven days later, although Dongyang City was still devastated, with most buildings collapsed and a faint smell of burning and blood permeating the air, the chaos, panic, and disorder following the great battle had largely disappeared.

The streets were cleared, main thoroughfares were restored, temporary shelters were set up, and basic order and public services began to function. The flags flying over the city walls were now those of the Douling Empire and the Tang Clan's "Tang" banners.

And within those seven days...

The news reads: "The Tang Sect, in alliance with the Douling Empire's expeditionary force, decisively defeated the rebellious garrison in Dongyang City, forcing back the two Limit Douluo leaders of the Holy Spirit Sect. Tang Lan, the Tang Sect Master, displayed the might of a demigod."

As if it had grown wings, it spread at an astonishing speed to the entire Douling Empire, and even to the two great empires of Tianhun and Xingluo, as well as the centers of various forces on the continent such as Shrek City and Mingdu!
The news shocked the world!

Originally, many forces, soul masters, and even ordinary people on the mainland predicted that the Douling Empire, which was internally corrupt, weak in national power, and had been hit by rebellions one after another, was already a candle in the wind and would probably not last long before it completely disintegrated under the pressure of internal and external troubles.

It became yet another empire to perish in the annals of history. The two great empires of Xingluo and Tianhun, and even some ambitious kingdoms and duchies, were already secretly plotting how to get a share of this upcoming "feast".

However, the outcome of the Battle of Dongyang City was like a resounding slap in the face to all those who held this view!

The Tang Clan! This sect, which has risen to prominence in recent years but is often regarded as a "nouveau riche" by some established forces, has actually demonstrated such terrifying strength and foundation!

The leader of the sect is actually a peerless powerhouse who can fight two veteran Limit Douluos alone and is suspected of stepping into the realm of demigods! Moreover, the Tang Sect is not an isolated case.

Instead, it intervened in the Douling Empire's civil war in a clear-cut and forceful manner, directly helping the imperial military to recapture strategic strongholds like Dongyang City and severely damaging the arrogance of the Holy Spirit Cult!
What does this mean? It means that the Douling Empire has gained a super ally powerful enough to turn the tide of the nation! It means the seemingly ubiquitous and unstoppable evil expansion of the Holy Spirit Cult.

They encountered unprecedentedly strong resistance! This means that the landscape of the mainland may undergo a fundamental change due to the Tang Sect's forceful intervention!

In a short time, public opinion on the mainland shifted dramatically.

The voices that had initially been pessimistic about the Douling Empire and ready to kick it while it was down quickly subsided. Instead, there were various expressions of amazement at the strength of the Tang Sect, a reassessment of whether the Douling Empire could turn the tide, and speculation about the Holy Spirit Cult's next move.

More importantly, the powerful, positive, and seemingly "profitable" image that the Tang Clan displayed in this battle generated a strong attraction.

Some lone soul masters who were originally in a wait-and-see state, especially those who deeply abhorred the atrocities of the Holy Spirit Cult or were dissatisfied with their original forces.

Soul Masters, perhaps seeking stronger backing and resources, began to turn their attention to the Tang Sect. The Tang Sect's relatively open, merit-based, and resource-rich reputation was particularly alluring at this moment.

Similarly, some small sects, soul master families, and local forces that are caught between major powers and powerful forces and are struggling to survive are also beginning to re-evaluate which side to take.

Instead of relying on the crumbling kingdom, it would be better to join the seemingly more promising and powerful Tang Sect, or through the Tang Sect, establish a connection with the potentially revived Douling Empire.

Seven days later, in the council hall of the former city lord's mansion in Dongyang City.

This luxurious mansion, which originally belonged to the rebel leader, was fortunate enough to escape serious damage after the war, with the main building only covered in thick dust and some signs of damage.

It has now been simply cleaned and repaired, serving as a temporary command center and meeting place for senior generals of the Tang Sect and the Douling Empire's allied forces.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere was solemn, yet subtly tinged with the exhilaration of victory. The long, hardwood conference table was filled with people. On the Tang Sect's side, besides core members like Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei who needed to oversee the occupied border cities and guard against a counterattack from the Holy Spirit Cult or other unforeseen events, there were others.

Almost all the high-ranking officials who participated in the Battle of Dongyang City were present. Zhuge Feng was still dressed in a blue robe, gently waving a feather fan, his eyes wise and calm; the heads or deputies of the various halls such as the Battle Soul Hall, Soul Guidance Hall, and Medicine Hall were also prominently present.

Although many of them still had injuries that had not fully healed, they were all in high spirits, their brows showing the sharpness and pride of victory.

On the Douling Empire's side, only two people participated in this core meeting.

One of them is Du Yang, the intelligence chief whose identity had already been exposed and who made great contributions in this battle. He is also one of the actual commanders of the Imperial Soul Master Corps.

He changed into a set of light armor standard for high-ranking imperial officers, with a long sword at his waist. Although his cultivation level was not among the top in the field, his calm and capable demeanor, honed through life-and-death espionage battles, was not to be underestimated.

The other person was a middle-aged man who looked to be in his early forties, with a resolute face, dark skin, and bright eyes, wearing dark gold rune armor.

He sat upright like a spear, and even in this relatively relaxed post-war meeting setting, he still exuded the sharp and commanding aura of a seasoned warrior.

Furthermore, an invisible soul power pressure belonging to the level of a Title Douluo naturally flowed, and although it had been deliberately restrained, it still made some Tang Sect stewards with slightly weaker soul power in the hall feel their breathing become slightly rapid.

This person is Chen Jing, the nominal supreme commander of the Douling Empire's expeditionary army and one of the younger titled Douluo in the Empire's Hall of Worship!
He was not only a military general, but also a rare, exceptionally talented individual in both military and civil affairs within the empire. He reached the level of a Title Douluo at just over forty years old and enjoyed the deep trust of the royal family, who entrusted him with the important responsibility of commanding a regional army. His future was truly limitless. Before the meeting began, during a brief introduction and pleasantries, Tang Lan inquired with slight curiosity about Chen Jing's past mentors. After all, such a young Title Douluo was extremely rare on the continent.

Chen Jing clasped his hands in a fist salute, his tone neither humble nor arrogant, but with the decisiveness characteristic of a soldier.

"Reporting to Sect Master Tang, I did indeed study at the outer academy of Shrek Academy for several years in my early years. However, due to the conscription of my family and the empire, I returned to Douling to serve before entering the inner academy. In fact, if we count the time of my entry into the academy, I can barely be considered a senior of Sect Master Tang and many of your outstanding talents."

Upon hearing this, some high-ranking members of the Tang Clan who also came from Shrek Academy, such as Zhuge Feng, showed expressions of realization and a touch of kinship. Shrek Academy has produced countless talents, so it wasn't entirely unexpected to encounter a fellow alumnus in a high-ranking position in the Imperial military.

Upon hearing this, Tang Lan smiled slightly and nodded.

"So General Chen is also from Shrek Academy. My apologies. The academy's teachings have indeed been very beneficial."

His tone was calm, showing no unusual reaction to the other party mentioning his "senior" status. After all, the occasion and their identities were different. He was the leader of the Tang Sect, a demigod, while the other party was the commander of the empire, a titled Douluo. Public and private matters should be kept separate, so they couldn't truly discuss their relationship based on their academic seniority.

Skipping over this minor incident, the meeting quickly got down to business.

Tang Lan sat in the main seat, her gaze sweeping over everyone present, pausing slightly on Chen Jing and Du Yang's faces, before speaking first, her voice clear and carrying a convincing power.

"Gentlemen, although the Battle of Dongyang City did not last long, you were all there to witness its perilous nature and the magnitude of its involvement, so I need not elaborate. This city is located at a crucial point on the border between the Douling Empire and the Tianhun Empire."

It is a strategically vital location, overlooking the vast expanse of the south and controlling the inland regions to the north. If the rebels occupy it, the Holy Spirit Cult can advance unimpeded, encroaching upon the heartland of the empire and disrupting the balance of power on the continent; our army will conquer it.

This was like severing an arm; it not only opened up the southeastern corridor of the empire and boosted the morale of the military and civilians, but also declared to the entire continent the determination and capability of the forces of justice to fight against the evil spirit masters!

He paused, and seeing that everyone was listening intently, he continued.

"The fact that we were able to conquer Dongyang in one fell swoop, force Ye Xishui and Long Xiaoyao to retreat, and thwart the Holy Spirit Cult's plot is a great achievement for all of you present here, whether you are fellow members of the Tang Clan or soldiers of the Empire!"

Without the bloody battles fought by our soldiers on the front lines, and without the strategic planning, stabilizing of the defenses, treatment of the wounded, and mopping up of the remaining enemy forces behind the lines, there would be no victory today! On behalf of the Tang Clan, I, Tang, extend my sincere gratitude to all those who participated in the war!

As she spoke, Tang Lan actually nodded slightly to everyone present.

This action startled Chen Jing and Du Yang of the Douling Empire, who quickly rose to return the greeting, repeatedly saying, "We dare not." The high-ranking members of the Tang Sect also stood at attention.

"Merit must be rewarded and mistakes must be punished; this is the way of the world."

Tang Lan raised her hand to signal everyone to sit down, a calm yet undeniable smile on her face.

"The royal family of the Douling Empire must have its own rules for bestowing titles and rewarding the army. This is an internal affair of the empire, and the Tang Clan has no right to interfere. However, since our Tang Clan fights alongside the empire, we cannot remain silent."

Today, besides the numerous post-war matters that need to be discussed and decided with General Chen and Commander Du Yang, I, Tang, also have a personal gift from my Tang Clan to present to all my comrades who have made outstanding contributions or assumed important responsibilities in this battle.”

His words were clear and unhurried, yet they instantly drew everyone's attention. Even Zhuge Feng stopped gently waving his feather fan, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. The "intention" of the Tang Clan Master speaking personally was probably no small matter.

Tang Lan's gaze swept across the entire hall once more, lingering for a moment on the faces of the War Soul Hall's leaders and deputy leaders who had performed exceptionally well in the battle, the Soul Guidance Hall's stewards responsible for attack and defense, as well as Chen Jing and Du Yang. Then, she slowly uttered words that instantly plunged the entire council hall into a deathly silence.

"This sentiment is that everyone present, including General Chen Jing and Commander Du Yang, can choose a soul bone from the Tang Sect's treasury that is suitable for their own body part, based on their own martial soul characteristics and cultivation needs!"

"Om-"

It was as if a silent thunderclap had exploded in everyone's mind!
Soul bone?!
And it's one piece per person?! And you can choose any part of your body that suits you?!
After a brief silence, there was a violent gasp that almost lifted the roof off and an incredulous whisper of surprise!
"Soul... Soul Bone?!"

"Sect Master, you mean... one piece for each person?!"

"This...how is this possible?!"

Even someone as knowledgeable and composed as Zhuge Feng couldn't help but shrink his pupils slightly, his feather fan freezing in mid-air.

He knew that the Tang Clan had developed rapidly and accumulated profound knowledge in recent years, and he also knew that the sect leader, Tang Lan, had extraordinary abilities, but to casually take out at least a dozen soul bones as rewards for the heroes of this battle? This generosity was simply astonishing!
Chen Jing and Du Yang were completely out of control! Chen Jing's resolute face was wide-eyed, his mouth slightly open, as if he had heard the most unbelievable thing in the world.

Du Yang wasn't in much better shape; the muscles in his face were twitching, and his fingers unconsciously gripped the armrests of the chair until his knuckles turned white.

Soul bones! Those are universally recognized treasures in the soul master world, truly priceless and rare gems that are hard to come by! Their scarcity far surpasses that of most rare and precious materials!

A suitable soul bone can not only greatly enhance a soul master's attribute and grant powerful soul bone skills, but also subtly improve the soul master's physique, broaden their meridians, and enhance their potential.

It can even provide immeasurable benefits for future cultivation breakthroughs! For a Title Douluo-level powerhouse, a high-quality soul bone is sometimes more valuable than a high-age soul ring!

Because of their rarity, obtaining a soul bone is incredibly difficult. Apart from a very few lucky individuals who happen to encounter a soul bone while hunting soul beasts, the vast majority of soul bones are controlled by super powers with long-standing traditions and terrifying resources.

Such treasures are held by Shrek Academy, the Body Sect, Mingde Hall, and some reclusive families, and are often regarded as the most precious treasures of their sects, which cannot be obtained by anyone other than a core member or someone who has made a great contribution.

Even Chen Jing, one of the youngest Title Douluos in the Douling Empire, who was highly valued by the royal family, fought for many years and made countless military achievements, has only just stepped into the Title Douluo realm.

He had been bestowed with a right arm bone from a 70,000-year-old strength-type soul beast by the imperial family, which was already one of his most treasured possessions. As for Du Yang, although he held a high position as a Soul Douluo, he was still far from receiving a soul bone as a reward, lacking considerable merit and opportunity. (End of Chapter)