Douluo Continent: From Internal Martial Arts to the Law of Heaven and Earth

After five years of living and working together, Tangshan held a different meaning for her. She couldn't quite define her feelings for him—was he a friend, a confidant, a partner, a subordinate, or…?

Unconsciously, she recalled the teasing of Golden Crocodile Douluo over the years, and ripples spread across her heart. The invisible barrier seemed to quietly shatter, and a seed began to sprout.

If Xue Qinghe's feelings were still just beginning to blossom, then Dugu Yan had long since seen through her own heart. When she heard that Tang Shan was going to leave Tiandou City, she became somewhat anxious.

"Tang Shan, aren't you staying at the academy? The Continental Elite Tournament for Advanced Soul Master Academies is still waiting for you to participate."

Tang Shan chuckled nonchalantly, "I've already read through most of the academy's books, and the other cultivation courses are of no help to me. However, I will still attend the competition, since I promised the three education committee members that I would participate in the competition eight or nine years from now."

Tang Shan's reasons were well-reasoned and appropriate, leaving Dugu Yan unsure how to persuade him.

Suddenly, she remembered Gu Yue and Tang Shan's conversation and a sense of crisis rose in her heart: "Tang Shan, are you going alone, or will you be traveling with others?"

Upon hearing Dugu Yan's question, Xue Qinghe, whose thoughts had been somewhat confused, also came to his senses, raised his head, and turned his gaze to Gu Yue.

Gu Yue smiled, her voice clear and gentle: "My internal martial arts have reached the Transformation Realm. If I want to break through to the Dantian Realm, I need to cultivate a profound will of my own. Traveling across the continent and seeing all the beautiful scenery is the most suitable way to cultivate."

Besides, with my talent and combat strength, staying at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy would be pointless.

She would never say that besides comprehending the will, she also wanted to travel around and taste delicious food; nor would she say that the time she spent with Tang Shan made her happy and that she only wanted to stay by his side forever.

A moment of silence fell over the air. Tang Shan broke the silence and looked at Dugu Yan: "Yan Yan, if you are willing, you can come with us."

Dugu Yan, whose eyes had been dull, suddenly brightened up: "Really?"

Xue Qinghe was secretly annoyed that Tang Shan hadn't invited her, but then she thought about her current status, and Xue Qinghe became even more depressed. For the first time, she regretted so much that she had to become the Crown Prince of Tiandou. If she weren't the Crown Prince of Tiandou, wouldn't she be able to go out with Tang Shan?

However, if I weren't the Crown Prince of Tiandou, it's hard to say whether I would have met Tang Shan in Iron Wall City back then, let alone recruited him into my ranks. This is truly a headache.

Tang Shan, naturally unaware of Xue Qinghe's complex thoughts, smiled at Dugu Yan and said, "Of course. As long as your grandfather agrees, I'd be happy to bring another person along. With a beautiful woman by my side, why not?"

Gu Yue, who had been smiling, unconsciously pouted her cherry lips upon hearing Tang Shan's words. It was unclear whether she was unhappy that Dugu Yan might come along or displeased that Tang Shan had referred to Dugu Yan as a beauty.

Dugu Yan was about to agree, but then hesitated. She believed she knew Dugu Bo well enough to persuade him to agree by sweet-talking him and pleading for a while.

However, Dugu Yan thought of two things. One was that if she left, her grandfather would be all alone in the Dugu family, and would he be lonely? The other was that if she really went to travel the continent with Tang Shan, could she guarantee that she could continue to cultivate wholeheartedly?

She looked at Gu Yue and Tang Shan and couldn't help but purse her lips.

Tang Shan is absolutely a genius among geniuses, a monster among monsters. When he was at the third ring, he could defeat a Soul Saint. Now that he is at the fourth ring, he might even be able to fight a Soul Douluo.

As for Gu Yue, although her soul ring configuration is the standard yellow, yellow, purple, purple, it is not as good as her super-limited second ring of a thousand years. However, her combat power should not be regarded as that of an ordinary soul master. All the Heaven Dou teachers who were easily swept away by the four-ring Gu Yue have a deep understanding of this.

They all agreed that it would be perfectly fine for Gu Yue and Hun Sheng to clash.

One of them is suspected to have combat power comparable to a Soul Douluo, and the other is capable of fighting against a Soul Saint. If I follow them, wouldn't I become a mere ornament, or even a burden?

Even if battles don't happen so easily, my cultivation will definitely be hampered, and the gap between me and them will only widen.

With this thought in mind, Dugu Yan made up her mind. She raised her amethyst-like eyes to look at Tang Shan, her voice cold and charming yet firm: "Tang Shan, I'd better stay at the academy to cultivate. I can still be of help here, and I won't let you and Gu Yue leave me too far behind."

Tang Shan nodded, his relaxed expression fading: "In that case, I won't force you. But the key to cultivation is moderation; one must never be impatient for quick results."

Dugu Yan gave a soft "hmm," her previously resolute expression suddenly crumbling, her eyes filled with indescribable affection and reluctance.

Tang Shan's heart rippled with emotion. Facing Dugu Yan's emotional eyes, he hesitated for a moment, but still chose to look directly into her gaze.

A slight smile appeared at the corner of Dugu Yan's mouth, spreading quietly and further highlighting her stunning beauty.

She glanced at Gu Yue beside her, not taking her seriously. She knew Tangshan's brilliance all too well, and she was already mentally prepared for some things. Perhaps a firefly can be held tightly in one's hand and admired alone, but a star is different; it is destined to illuminate the entire continent and cannot belong to an individual alone.

Where do you plan to go first?

Xue Qinghe's voice was somewhat hoarse. As Tang Shan's nominal superior and nominal man, she could neither accompany Tang Shan like Gu Yue, nor express her emotions like Dugu Yan. At this moment, the angelic young lady was filled with inner turmoil and struggle. Not knowing what to say, she could only ask dryly.

"I'd like to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. There's also the Power Clan in Heaven Dou City; I've heard their patriarch is a Power-type Soul Master, and I'd like to pay them a visit. Also, there's the Nine Heart Begonia Ye Clan..."

"Lingling has gone out with her family, saying she wants to find a way to resolve the flaws in the family's martial spirit. The Ye family is now empty."

The news about Dugu Yan surprised Tang Shan.

"The Power Clan has also gone out, seemingly to participate in the gathering of the four major single-attribute families. Those who remain in Tiandou City now are just ordinary clansmen."

After downing the hot tea in one gulp and forcibly suppressing his turbulent emotions, Xue Qinghe also spoke.

"So it seems that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is the only place left to go?"

Tangshan never expected that of the three "check-in points" originally planned for Tiandou City, only one remains.

"As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, you might as well postpone your trip for a few days. Yesterday, Ning Fengzhi invited me to attend his daughter Ning Rongrong's martial soul awakening ceremony. You can come with me then and pay her a visit."

Xue Qinghe recalled Ning Fengzhi's previous invitation and formed a plan. Ning Rongrong's martial soul awakening would take about two more months, so it would be good to keep Tang Shan at the Crown Prince's residence for another two months.

"Alright, we'll go together then, and after the visit, we'll set off immediately."

Tangshan made a firm decision.

“I will go with you, so I can see you off.”

Dugu Yan stared intently at Tang Shan.

"it is good."

Tangshan remained silent and said nothing more.

Today's conversation was merely about traveling the continent, yet its impact has been extraordinary. The relationship between the four seems less pure and less secretive than before. Some have confronted their true feelings, while for others, the seeds of understanding have just begun to sprout. Everything has changed, becoming increasingly vibrant and prosperous.

……

The night was as dark and heavy as ink, completely obscuring the clear light of the stars and moon, leaving only a deep and dark void between heaven and earth.

In the garden of the Dugu Mansion.

Dugu Bo wore the same gray robe that had remained unchanged for centuries, his dark green hair was naturally loose, his skin was rosy, and he was in good spirits and in excellent condition.

He sat on a large wooden chair, his dark green eyes scrutinizing his granddaughter across from him, his brow furrowing slightly: "Yanyan, you've been looking worried ever since you came back today. Did something unpleasant happen to you?"

At this moment, Dugu Yan was wearing a white and emerald-colored nightgown, with her long emerald-colored hair falling softly over her shoulders. Her cold and alluring face was tinged with a slight sorrow, and her amethyst-like eyes were slightly unfocused. She gently supported her chin with one hand, and her fair skin, even without the moonlight, radiated a warm and jade-like luster.

Upon hearing Dugu Bo's question, Dugu Yan sighed softly, "Grandpa, Tangshan is leaving."

Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow: "Where is that kid going?"

Dugu Yan said softly, "He said he wanted to travel the entire continent."

Looking at his granddaughter's worried face, Dugu Bo seemed to understand something. To be honest, his feelings towards Tang Shan were quite complicated—he was grateful for Tang Shan's life-saving grace, but he also disliked him because Gu Yue was by Tang Shan's side. He was well aware of his granddaughter's feelings; Tang Shan and Xue Qinghe were both in the Crown Prince's residence, yet every time she returned, she only talked about Tang Shan. He understood his granddaughter's own feelings and Xue Qinghe's thoughts.

Whether Xue Qinghe was genuinely uninterested in Yan Yan or simply didn't want to become estranged from Tang Shan, Dugu Bo basically didn't sense any romantic feelings Dugu Yan had for Xue Qinghe.

Since Dugu Yan was interested in Tang Shan, Dugu Bo shouldn't have objected, given Tang Shan's superior talent, appearance, and character. However, Gu Yue was by Tang Shan's side, and judging from the boy's attitude, Gu Yue clearly wasn't planning to let go, which put Dugu Bo in a bit of a dilemma.

"Yanyan, are you in love with Tangshan?"

Dugu Bo hesitated for a moment, but decided to lay things out on the table. Some things are better said sooner rather than later.

"Ah... um."

Dugu Yan was clearly stunned for a moment. The next moment, her beautiful face flushed crimson, and the tips of her ears became slightly hot. However, she still nodded seriously in affirmation when faced with Dugu Bo's question.

P.S.: You won't encounter Ye Lingling in the patch, and Ning Rongrong is definitely not the female lead.

Chapter 275 Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School

Seeing that his granddaughter, though shy, agreed without hesitation, Dugu Bo felt a mix of emotions and asked earnestly, "Yanyan, what do you think about Gu Yue, who is with Tang Shan?"

“Grandpa, some people are born extraordinary, their brilliance is so dazzling that it cannot be concealed, how can ordinary ties bind them?”

Dugu Yan didn't say it explicitly, but Dugu Bo already understood what she meant—his granddaughter was mentally prepared to accompany Tangshan with others.

"Yanyan, why are you so persistent? Why not pay more attention to other people? That boy is fickle and flirts with everyone. He's not a good match for you."

Dugu Bo couldn't help but offer his advice.

"Grandpa, ever since I saw Tangshan, among all the millions of people in this world, who else can catch my eye and enter my heart?"

Dugu Yan's question left Dugu Bo speechless.

When you are young, you shouldn't meet someone who is too amazing, otherwise you will find it hard to feel at ease for the rest of your life.

His granddaughter had obviously encountered this situation. After seeing Tang Shan's outstanding talent and performance, how could she possibly be interested in anyone else?

"Yanyan, are you worried that Tangshan will leave and never come back? If it really doesn't work out..."

Dugu Bo paused, realizing that his words were somewhat inappropriate, but still said, "If all else fails, you can just travel the continent with him."

Dugu Yan was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but chuckle: "Grandpa, what are you thinking? I'm just a little disappointed. As for staying by his side, there's no need for that."

Facing Dugu Bo's somewhat surprised gaze, she spoke softly, "Tang Shan and Gu Yue are exceptionally talented and far surpass their peers in strength. They travel the continent relying on their own abilities. If I were to follow them, I would only become a burden to them. I do not wish to be a decorative vase dependent on others, even though I know it will be difficult to catch up with them in this lifetime."

I will stay at the academy to focus on my cultivation, and only go to find him after I have achieved a certain level of proficiency.

Dugu Yan knew very well that she was diligently cultivating, and so were Gu Yue and Tang Shan. Even if she couldn't catch up with them no matter how hard she tried, she would still not give up.

"Ok."

Dugu Bozhen didn't know whether he should feel gratified or grit his teeth in anger.

His granddaughter's dedication to cultivation was a good thing, but her reasons for doing so greatly displeased him.

Damn it, I must find a chance to teach this brat a lesson. Dugu Bo made up his mind.

……

Under the banyan tree at the Crown Prince's residence.

Golden Crocodile Douluo sat up from the recliner, looked at Xue Qinghe who had her legs drawn up to her chest, and slowly said, "Xiao Xue, you can't bear to part with him."

Xue Qinghe remained silent for a moment, then nodded slightly.

"So what are your feelings for him? Have you fallen for him?"

"It's not love." Xue Qinghe denied subconsciously, paused slightly, and then continued, "I can't explain it myself, I can't quite put my finger on what kind of feeling it is."

Golden Crocodile Douluo was somewhat helpless. Even at this point, Xue Qinghe was still unwilling to be honest. Although his tone and attitude seemed to have softened somewhat, one person had already decided to follow Tang Shan, and the other had also expressed his feelings. Wasn't this slight change a little too late?

“Grandpa Golden Crocodile, I plan to tell him my true identity in person.”

A golden light flashed in Golden Crocodile Douluo's eyes, but Xue Qinghe's next words caught him off guard.

"I will tell him everything when Tang Shan returns from his travels across the mainland."

"Why must we wait until he returns from his travels to discuss this?"

Golden Crocodile Douluo couldn't help but ask. He had originally thought that Xue Qinghe had suddenly come to his senses, but he didn't expect the other party to suddenly take such a turn.

“I’m worried that plotting to seize the throne will damage his impression of me. It would be more appropriate to tell him the truth after he has traveled all over the continent and witnessed the strength and achievements of my Spirit Hall firsthand.”

Xue Qinghe spoke these reasons, which even he himself could not believe, and his expression was somewhat unnatural.