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

"You reacted quite quickly. It's just a pity that even if you know part of the truth, what can you do? No matter how unwilling you are, you will never be able to spread the news."

Looking at the completely lifeless Xiao Kuang, Tang Shan gently shook his head, pointed his thick finger into the pit, and with a crack, Xiao Kuang's skull collapsed straight in.

"Gu Yue," Tang Shan called softly.

"Hmm." The girl lightly landed on Tang Shan's shoulder, walked to the edge of the pit, condensed a fireball in her palm, which quickly grew to the size of a washbasin, and then blasted it out, engulfing the arrogant body.

The arrogant martial spirit is too special. To prevent the possibility of it resurrecting, it is best to cremate it completely.

When only a thin layer of ash remained at the bottom of the pit, Tang Shan finally relaxed completely. As his burly body shrank, he took out a set of clothes from his storage soul tool, put them on, and walked to the edge of the pit.

Gu Yue held a small silver ring in her hand. It was Xiao Kuang's only storage soul tool. She explored it with her spiritual power for a moment, then lost interest and handed it directly to Tang Shan.

Tang Shan probed it with his spiritual power, glanced at it briefly, and finding nothing unusual, put it directly into his pocket. He turned to the girl beside him and said, "Let's get ready to leave. The battle just now was quite loud, and we're not far from Gengxin City. I reckon someone will be here soon."

“Okay, let’s leave now.” Gu Yue agreed, and the two scanned their surroundings again with their mental energy. After confirming that they hadn’t missed anything, they headed into the distance.

The warm sunlight shone on the earth, and the soft light fell on the fields, slowly elongating the shadows of the two people. The two figures drew closer and closer, their shadows slowly overlapping and merging, as they walked together toward the unknown and distant future.

On the distant horizon, the rapid hoofbeats grew louder and louder, accompanied by shouts and the clanging of armor plates. A troop of Star Luo Empire cavalry was rushing toward the direction of the battle.

Dear readers, here's a brief update on the extra chapters.

A message to all readers:

First of all, thank you all for your strong support. Your support is the driving force behind my writing. However, due to feedback from many readers that the recent plot is not as good as before, I have made a careful decision to cancel extra chapters in order to ensure the quality of each chapter as much as possible.

Of course, the author made this decision after a lot of hard work. After all, if they don't update more often and the plot goes wrong, there'll be no one to complain to, right? Hehe...

Of course, even though there won't be any extra updates, I'll still try my best to keep the daily word count at 9000 words. Unless something unexpected happens and the author has something come up, I should be able to maintain this update schedule until the book is finished, right?

Ahem, so from now on, please just subscribe and follow along to support this humble author. You can use your monthly tickets and such for the better, more established authors. As for the current backlog of chapters, I will still make up for them all; there just won't be any extra chapters after that. Please understand.

Finally, here's a list of current chapter arrears: 700 monthly votes result in one chapter arrears; 10000, 11000, and 12000 favorites result in three chapters arrears.

There are four chapters owed in total, but the author will make up for them. As for the rest, there will be no more extra chapters; I will continue with the regular 9000 words daily update. Please subscribe and follow along!

Chapter 331 The Possibility of the First Soul Skill

Several days later, in Gengxin City.

This magnificent city is perpetually shrouded in hustle and bustle, and even the changing winds of the outside world cannot shake it in the slightest. The streets are bustling with traffic, and caravans come and go in an endless stream. All kinds of minerals and rare metals are continuously sent into the city, and under the day and night forging of craftsmen, they are transformed into strong armor, sharp blades, powerful bows and heavy weapons, which are then transported to all directions by cartload.

The great battle that took place a few days ago not far from the official road of Gengxin City only caused a little commotion, but it quickly became the topic of conversation among the people of Gengxin City.

After all, no one witnessed that battle firsthand, so we can only try to "restore" the "truth" of that time through imagination and exaggeration.

A burly old man, followed by three people of different appearances, walked slowly to the gate of Gengxin City, where soldiers in elite armor were already waiting.

The old man who had arranged accommodation for Xiao Kuang stood at the door. He was a general, but at this moment he looked like a child, his eyes expectantly watching the old man who was gradually approaching.

"I have met the four honored guests."

Seeing Dai Jie walk to the door, the old man suddenly bowed at a ninety-degree angle, his tone filled with reverence and obvious excitement.

The scene was somewhat strange; an elderly man with gray hair was bowing to another elderly man with gray hair, which looked rather odd.

"Your name is Xu Yu, right? You've done a good job guarding Gengxin City all these years. Get up. I'm here to investigate the death of Prince Dai Yi." Dai Jie's voice was calm and steady, without the slightest ripple in his tone.

"Fourth Master, please come with me. I will report to you immediately." Xu Yu's face was still full of excitement, and his voice trembled slightly.

Despite being about the same age as Dai Jie, he actually looks young only because the latter has profound soul power. In reality, he is a whole generation younger than Dai Jie.

Who was Dai Jie? He was once the most shining star of the Star Luo Empire, excelling in both Soul Master strength and military capabilities. There were even rumors that if Dai Jie hadn't been so obsessed with military theory, he could have reached the Title Douluo realm, a realm that countless Soul Masters could only dream of.

He had won many battles and seized a lot of land from the Heaven Dou Empire. It was because of him that the Spirit Hall was forced to take action and personally stop the war between the two empires.

In the eyes of General Xu Yu of Gengxin City, such a person was a living legend, and how could he not be excited to meet him?

Dai Jie didn't say anything, but simply followed behind Xu Yu, while the three men behind him remained silent the whole time.

Xu Yu led the four into his central tent and seated them according to the order of host and guest. Dai Jie took the seat of honor without hesitation, and Xu Yu was not annoyed, considering it to be perfectly natural. He quickly brewed some tea and then ordered the guards at the door, "Go and fetch Wang Wu for me." Only then did he re-enter the tent and sit down next to Dai Jie.

"Fourth Master, we still haven't found His Highness Daiyi's body. How did you learn of His Highness's death?"

Putting aside personal feelings, the most important thing in the military is discipline. Despite his great admiration for Dai Jie, Xu Yu still asked cautiously.

"Let me introduce you. He is a Soul Saint from the Star Crown Sect, and he shares your surname. His name is Xu Mou." Dai Jie pointed to a handsome middle-aged man beside him who exuded a mysterious aura and introduced him.

"Greetings, Soul Saint Xu." Xu Yu's expression changed. Upon hearing that he was a Soul Saint from the Star Crown Sect, he quickly stood up and bowed.

He had heard of the Star Crown Sect's existence, and it was rumored to be a mysterious, hidden sect similar to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, supporting the Heaven Dou Empire and standing behind the Star Luo Empire. However, the Star Crown Sect was not as high-profile as the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School; it mainly provided support in secret and did not have much of a reputation on the surface.

"General Xu, you are too kind." Xu Mou from the Star Crown Sect bowed slightly and returned the greeting.

"You should have heard of the abilities of the Star Crown Martial Soul. They discovered His Highness Dai Yi's death by observing celestial phenomena, which is why we rushed here."

Dai Yi, or rather, Xiao Kuang, is an extremely unique figure in the Star Luo Empire. He is the illegitimate son of the previous Star Luo Emperor, and the current Star Luo Emperor is his half-brother. Logically speaking, he should not continue to be addressed as His Highness.

However, being an illegitimate child, he couldn't be publicly acknowledged. Furthermore, given the unique nature of his martial soul, the new Star Luo Emperor, after discussing with the other retainers, decided to continue addressing him as "Your Highness." If the Star Luo Emperor and Dai Yi met, they would address each other as brothers. As for the name "Arrogant and Unruly," it was a cover-up, given Dugu Bo's formidable influence. If the major powers knew the Star Luo Empire wanted to cultivate a second Dugu Bo, they certainly wouldn't allow it.

"I see. Did the Fourth Elder see the battle scene outside Gengxin City? Did he find anything?" Xu Yu suddenly realized why the Fourth Elder had concluded that Xiao Kuang was dead as soon as he arrived, even though he had sent out news of Xiao Kuang's disappearance. Recalling his discoveries when he led his troops out of the city, Xu Yu asked.

“We’ve already seen that place. Prince Daiyi must have died there. As for the murderer—” Xu Mou paused slightly, a golden glint flashing in his eyes, “it should be Tangshan, which we’ve been searching for.”

"Was it Tang Shan who killed Prince Daiyi?" Xu Yu asked, somewhat surprised. "But the spy base in Gengxin City wasn't destroyed, was it?"

"It should be Tang Shan without a doubt. After all, although the specific effects of Tang Shan's soul skill are still unknown, one effect can be basically confirmed, which is to increase his size and improve his all-round qualities. This is also the biggest reason why he can challenge opponents of higher levels." At this moment, Dai Jie slowly spoke and made a conclusion.

"May I ask, Fourth Elder, is there anything else I can do next?" Seeing that the truth of the past few days had been deduced in a very short time, Xu Yu breathed a sigh of relief and began to consider what he could do to make a good impression on Dai Jie.

"No need, just continue as usual. Tangshan went all out this time, so they should have left quite a few traces. Let's see if we can use them to find that kid's whereabouts," Dai Jie gently shook his head and instructed.

"General, you were looking for me?" Just then, the soldier who had been ordered by Xu Yu to go out and look for someone returned, followed by Wang Wu.

Xu Yu opened his mouth, but finally waved his hand dismissively: "That's none of your business, go back." Originally, Xu Yu had been hoping that Wang Wu, who had long followed Xiao Kuang, might provide some information, which was why he sent someone to summon him. However, before Wang Wu even arrived, the truth had already surfaced. Since it was of no use, he could only send him back.

Wang Wu came in a daze and left in a daze, completely bewildered.

"Alright, Xu Yu, you can go now. We still have things to discuss," Dai Jie said.

Xu Yu felt a little regretful, as he had to leave before spending more time with his idol, and he was truly reluctant to part. However, given Dai Jie's status, he could only bow and depart.

"Xu Mou, can you determine exactly where Tangshan is?"

Seeing that only the three people who had been following him remained in the tent, Dai Jie looked at the handsome middle-aged man.

Xu Mou summoned a magnificent crown, held it in both hands, and made several quick pinching motions with his fingers, but finally shook his head helplessly.

"Fourth Master, still can't find him, it's as if he doesn't exist. I tried to use stargazing to track his aura, but to no avail."

Dai Jie frowned: "That's troublesome. The Star Luo Empire is so large, it won't be easy to find that kid. Are we just going to let him do whatever he wants on my Star Luo territory?"

"Offering sacrifices is unavoidable. After all, as you know, the so-called Star Gazing Technique is merely a self-created soul skill based on serendipitous encounters, and it doesn't involve any high-level attributes like fate or time," Xu Mou said with a wry smile.

"Then we'll continue tomorrow, specifically keeping watch on that kid in those big cities, just to wear him down. Once we encounter him, we'll go all out and send him on his way!" Dai Jie's eyes flashed with murderous intent as he slammed his hand on the table and made the decision.

"Yes, sir! We will make the offering!" The three, including Xu Mou, responded simultaneously.

……

Splash!

The golden sea of ​​spirit surged ceaselessly, its vast ocean of waves rising and falling in layers. Countless, condensed spiritual waves continuously washed over the boundaries of the sea of ​​consciousness, gradually expanding its original territory outwards. Each expansion made the spiritual power more profound and refined, increased the speed of thought processes, and consequently enhanced the range and precision of perception.

Tang Shan's refined spiritual body floated in the sea, watching the ever-expanding spiritual sea with great satisfaction. Its volume had increased by a full tenth, and both the purity and total amount of his spiritual power had surged—these were the most direct gains he had made after his battle with Xiao Kuang.

In reality, the improvement in mental strength was merely incidental; what truly experienced a rapid increase was Tangshan's willpower.

Although he hasn't broken through yet and still can't forcibly see the gods, even after breaking through the title, he can only push his strength to level 97. However, Tang Shan has a premonition that his will is now moving towards the level of seeing the gods. Sometimes, the illusory barrier in his body will become transparent for a very short time, allowing Tang Shan to glimpse the gods within him.

Reaching the level of indestructibility is not far off. To be honest, Tang Shan is really curious about what will happen if he achieves indestructibility and then activates his first soul skill, Self-Control. After all, even before reaching the level of indestructibility, the effect of his first soul skill has already given him control over parts of his body at the level of indestructibility.

Is it about taking further control over cells and genes, or controlling other forms of existence?

Consciousness slowly returned to the physical body, regaining control over the circulation of soul power throughout the body.

The primordial energy that was floating between heaven and earth was frantically drawn in, surging into his body like a whale sucking in water. It was enveloped and purified by liquid soul power, eventually turning into extremely pure soul power droplets, which continuously sank into his dantian, gradually solidifying the foundation of his cultivation.

Tangshan simultaneously mobilized the body's Qi and blood, like countless rivers flowing into the sea, converging powerfully. Under deliberate guidance, the Qi continuously collapsed, condensed, and formed a core, deeply exploring every hidden potential within the physical body. Physical fitness improved rapidly at a visible pace, with tendons, bones, muscles, and internal organs undergoing simultaneous transformation, and a vast and powerful force slowly flowing through the body.

Chapter 332 Soul Locking Across a Thousand Miles

The ever-flowing soul power slowly ceased its circulation, and the qi and blood that had condensed into a pill dissipated again, returning to the rest of the body. Tang Shan withdrew from his cultivation state and exhaled a breath of white air that seemed to be tangible.

Opening his eyes, he saw a green canvas and heard the girl's even and rhythmic breathing beside him.

Turning his head, he saw Gu Yue with his black hair naturally flowing down his back, his pink lips slightly parted, and his expression serene. The girl's small hand gently tugged at his hem, her slender fingertips slightly curled, as if afraid that the young man would escape silently.

Tang Shan smiled slightly, but made no move to avoid accidentally waking the sleeping girl.

It was early morning outside, and the warm sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the tent, dappling the girl's bare arms like a layer of soft gold dust. This made her already delicate skin appear even more translucent and radiant, as smooth and warm as fine jade. Tang Shan gazed at Gu Yue's sleeping face, somewhat lost in thought.

Tang Shan was roused from his dazed state by a slight noise. Looking down, he met a pair of dark eyes. The girl's eyes were still wet and sleepy, and she was clearly not fully awake.

"Awake?" Tang Shan asked gently.

"Hmm..." Gu Yue responded lazily, rubbing her sleepy eyes, slowly sitting up, yawning softly, tilting her head groggily, and asking softly, "Which city are we going to next?"

Tang Shan thought for a moment and replied, "It's Tianhui City, not far from here. If we quicken our pace, we should be able to get there before noon."

"Great! I remember there were lots of delicious things to eat in that city..."

Before Gu Yue could finish reminiscing, Tang Shan gently tapped her head, interrupting her thoughts: "Don't just think about food. Let's hurry up and get into the city sooner so we can eat right away. Isn't that better than what you're thinking about in your little head?"

Gu Yue pouted slightly, her round face puffing out a little, clearly somewhat dissatisfied. However, remembering Tang Shan's words about the temptation of going to Tian Dou City to eat delicious food as soon as possible, that little bit of dissatisfaction quietly dissipated.

She quickly stood up, smoothed her slightly disheveled hair, and gently patted the wrinkles in her clothes, carefully tidying her appearance. Tang Shan then packed up the tent and placed it into his storage soul tool.

After a quick bite to eat, the young man and woman resumed their journey, walking side by side along the official road. The roadside was lush with greenery, the air filled with the fresh scent of the mountains, and the sounds of laughter and chatter from passersby, along with the calls of vendors. The scenery and the people around them made their hearts feel more open and vibrant, and a special sense of peace quietly settled within Gu Yue. Tang Shan noticed this but said nothing, simply continuing to accompany the young woman with a smile.

……

"Ladies, the place where we're hunting souls this time is the Royal Hunting Ground in Star Luo City. The soul beasts here aren't very old, so theoretically there shouldn't be much danger. But we still need to be careful, especially Miss Zhu Qing."

The ancient gate opened, and an old man, a young girl, and a girl walked out. The guards at the gate bowed slightly to the three of them.

The three nodded in acknowledgment, and the old man in the middle of the group continued to instruct, "And Miss Zhu Yun, let Miss Zhu Qing choose the specific soul beast herself. You must not interfere. This is what the patriarch solemnly reminded this old servant of."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I just want to witness my sister get her first spirit ring. I have no other intentions."

Zhu Zhuyun said with a smile.

Zhu Zhuqing didn't even raise her head, remaining silent as she followed directly behind the old servant, giving Zhu Zhuyun no reaction whatsoever.

The old man sensed the tense atmosphere between the two sisters and sighed helplessly: Why bother? Sisters killing each other, scheming against each other, in the end only there is cold imperial power. Can they be happy like this?

But he was ultimately just a servant of the Zhu family. Apart from being a Soul Master and a confidant of Zhu Qinggao, he had virtually no power. As a servant, he had no reason to interfere with the Zhu family's policies.