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

Qian Renxue frowned almost imperceptibly, while Tang Shan nodded gently, watching the two of them leave.

"He's really arrogant. I'm looking forward to seeing how you perform tomorrow." After the two walked away, Qian Renxue transmitted her voice to Tang Shan, her tone filled with disdain.

"Perhaps he doesn't know where to place me yet," Tang Shan said nonchalantly. Ning Fengzhi's attitude towards him was not important. He and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School didn't have much interaction, and even had some conflicts. If Qian Renxue wanted to destroy the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School in the future, he wouldn't mind being the vanguard.

That being said, even if the Heaven Dou Empire were to wage war against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School now, they would likely have a considerable chance of winning. Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo are not worth Tang Shan's attention. With Dugu Bo's cooperation, it shouldn't be a problem to kill them head-on.

Bringing their somewhat off-topic thoughts back, Tang Shan and the three women left the viewing platform. As for tomorrow's match, no one mentioned it; the outcome was already decided, so there was nothing more to say.

……

"Fengzhi, bring Rongrong back after the competition tomorrow," Chenxin said to Ning Fengzhi as they walked along the wide avenue.

Ning Fengzhi nodded: "That's what I thought too. The Spirit Hall must have discovered that 100,000-year-old soul beast. Who knows when they will make a move? It's not safe for Rongrong to stay in Spirit City."

It was one thing to block Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo on the road before, since he didn't reveal his true identity. But now that he's in Spirit City, where powerful figures abound, Ning Fengzhi won't continue to protect Shrek Academy. Or rather, the reason he took action back then was mainly to see if he could take the opportunity to weaken the Spirit Hall's strength. Shrek Academy just benefited from his actions.

If they want to protect people, let Haotian Douluo do it himself; their Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School isn't that stubborn.

……

"Teacher, I'm sorry, I lost." Inside the Papal Palace, Hu Liena lowered her head, feeling extremely ashamed, and dared not meet Bibi Dong's gaze.

Bibi Dong showed no anger. She took the girl's hand and pulled her into her warm embrace, gently patting Hu Liena's back: "Nana, it's alright. Teacher doesn't blame you. Losing to the Shrek Seven Devils is normal."

Seeing Hu Liena's somewhat questioning gaze, Bibi Dong explained softly, "You should know Tang San, right?"

Hu Liena's expression stiffened slightly. She had personally experienced her teacher's double standards back then, so how could she not know about Tang San's behavior?

"Tang San's teacher is very knowledgeable, and his research on martial soul theory is even more outstanding. Don't be fooled by the fact that his name was known throughout the continent a few years ago. It was all because Tang San's teacher did not seek fame or fortune."

This is what being love-struck is like: claiming to be indifferent to fame and fortune when you're not famous. I really don't know who went to all that trouble a few years ago to steal the master's theories and pin them on Yu Xiaogang.

Unaware of the true extent of the problem, Hu Liena foolishly believed Bibi Dong's words. She reasoned that a theoretical researcher recognized by her teacher must have exceptional abilities, and it was normal for her disciple to defeat her.

"Look, the master hasn't published any new theories in recent years. In fact, he has run out of ideas. Meanwhile, Tang San's teacher is still diligently researching and will surely produce earth-shattering results in the future."

After being persuaded by Bibi Dong, Hu Liena's shattered confidence was restored. Losing to Tang San was not shameful, as he was also an unparalleled genius who had received guidance from a renowned master.

"Nana, go and rest. After all, you used a spirit fusion skill, and it will take some time to recover."

"Okay, teacher, you should get some rest too." Hu Liena snuggled affectionately into Bibi Dong's arms before reluctantly leaving the Papal Palace.

Silence returned to the Papal Palace. Bibi Dong, expressionless, ran her fingers along her lower abdomen, calculating the time, before speaking softly, "Ghostly!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Ghost Douluo, shrouded in a black robe and resembling a ghostly figure, appeared before Bibi Dong.

“Go to the ancestral hall and tell them that I would like to meet with Tang Shan in ten days.”

Ghostly's heart skipped a beat. When he heard Bibi Dong mention the Hall of Worship, he thought that his secret allegiance to the Hall of Worship had been exposed. Fortunately, her next words made him relax again.

Chapter 470 Discussion of Offerings

"I wonder what business the Pope has with Tang Shan?" Despite his doubts, Ghostly maintained a very proper demeanor and bowed slightly. "I'll go right now."

Seeing that Bibi Dong had no further instructions, the ghostly figure flashed and disappeared into the Papal Palace. Bibi Dong closed her eyes, leaned back on the Papal throne, and lightly tapped the armrest with her fingers.

……

The hall is ancient and solemn, with a sacred aura naturally permeating it. Generations of angel soul masters have lived here, and have long since thoroughly imbued their soul power characteristics into it.

"Sister Xue, why did you come out of the Hall of Offerings?" Hu Liena was taking a walk on Papal Mountain when she ran into Qian Renxue.

“I have an elder who cultivates inside,” Qian Renxue said with a smile, glossing over the matter.

Hu Liena didn't think much of it and chatted with Qian Renxue in front of the Hall of Offerings. When they talked about Bibi Dong, she couldn't wait to share the other's gentleness: "Sister Xue, I lost the competition this time, but the Pope didn't punish me. She even told me to cultivate properly. Don't you think she's the best teacher in the world?"

Hu Liena didn't have many friends in the Spirit Hall. Apart from Xie Yue and Yan, everyone else treated her with great respect. After all, her teacher was the current Pope, a person of high status. If she were to offend him by accident, it could be fatal.

Hu Liena was well aware of Yan's feelings for her, but unfortunately, she wasn't interested in Yan's type at all. As for Xie Yue, although they were siblings, it was sometimes difficult for girls to speak frankly to him about some private matters.

Hu Liena was overjoyed to finally meet a young lady who wasn't afraid of her status. Even though it was only their second meeting, she genuinely considered her a close friend.

"Your teacher is so good to you? You know, our Spirit Hall team didn't even make it into the top two this time, and we even lost a nearly ten-thousand-year-old soul bone." Qian Renxue asked, feigning surprise.

"Yes, the teacher said before that if it weren't for Tangshan's participation, it would have been too difficult for our Spirit Hall to win the championship. So she took out a Spirit Hall soul bone as a reward for winning the championship." Bibi Dong protected Hu Liena very well. Even though she is now over twenty years old, she still retains the innocence of a girl.

"I see. Then she is indeed a good teacher." Qian Renxue lowered her head, and no one could see her expression at that moment.

"Elder Ghost, what brings you here?" Hu Liena's somewhat puzzled voice rang out, causing the ghostly figure who was sneaking into the offering hall to think to himself: Oh well.

After receiving Bibi Dong's order, Ghost Horse did not stop and headed straight for the Hall of Worship. Compared to his previous cautiousness when reporting, this time he originally wanted to enter the Hall of Worship openly and honestly after receiving the Pope's order. However, as soon as he got close, he saw two "ancestors".

No one knew better than Gui Mei how much the Pope valued Hu Liena. As Bibi Dong's confidant, Bibi Dong had privately told him that she wanted to list Hu Liena as a contemporary saint after some time.

What does it mean to be the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall? To sum it up in one sentence: the previous Holy Maiden was the current Pope.

On the surface, Gui Mei would definitely support Bibi Dong's little scheme, but secretly, having already pledged allegiance to the Hall of Worship, he could only think that Bibi Dong had some mental issues—didn't you really consider your daughter at all?

Getting back to the point, to Gui Mei, Bibi Dong's disciple was naturally an "ancestor," and Qian Renxue, who was beside Bibi Dong, was an even greater "ancestor." Heaven knows how Gui Mei felt when he heard Hu Liena bragging to Qian Renxue about Bibi Dong's gentleness: My holy lady, why are you bringing up the sore spot?

As a confidant of Qian Xunji and now Bibi Dong, Gui Mei knew some of the truth about what happened back then. He truly couldn't understand the devastation Qian Renxue felt when she saw the tenderness that should have been hers, having never received maternal love.

It was really inappropriate for him, an insignificant nobody, to interfere in the power struggle between the two "ancestors." Ghost was just about to use his martial soul ability to sneak into the Hall of Worship when Hu Liena discovered him.

"Greetings, Your Highness. The Pope has asked me to convey a message to you all." Ghostly bowed slightly and spoke politely to Qian Renxue and Hu Liena.

Hu Liena ignored the ghostly "Your Highness's" hint and asked with some confusion, "Does the teacher have something to discuss with the retainers?"

"Nana, it's best if we don't inquire about these things. Maybe the higher-ups have some plans?" Qian Renxue raised her head with a smile, took Hu Liena's hand, and led her away. Before leaving, she didn't forget to greet Gui Mei, "Elder Gui, the other elders are inside. You may go in."

Watching Qian Renxue and Hu Liena walk away hand in hand, Ghost Douluo found it utterly absurd. He also realized that Hu Liena most likely didn't know Qian Renxue's true identity; this was truly...

Having gathered his scattered thoughts, the ghost entered the shrine and walked slowly forward, where the statue of an angel came into view.

"Ghost, what brings you here?" Thousand-Pound Douluo asked, holding his staff with both hands, somewhat puzzled.

The enshrined figures, including Qian Daoliu, Jin E Douluo, Qing Luan Douluo, and Xiong Shi Douluo, all turned their attention to this place.

Nearly ten Super Douluo powerhouses were watching, including two Limit Douluo. Even without exuding any aura, they brought a great sense of pressure to the ghost.

"Reporting to you all, the Pope says he wishes to meet with Tang Shan in ten days." Ghost took a deep breath, easing the immense psychological pressure, and answered respectfully.

Although Tang Shan is a member of the Spirit Hall, the Spirit Hall is divided into factions. Tang Shan is deeply bound to the Hall of Offerings. Even if Bibi Dong knows that he is a member of the Spirit Hall, she will not easily summon him to avoid touching the nerves of the old men in the Hall of Offerings.

"Bibi Dong wants to see Tang Shan?" Qian Daoliu frowned, lost in thought. After pondering for a long time, he still couldn't figure out what the other party wanted to do, or why the time was ten days later.

"I understand. You can go now. Let me think about it. Come over tomorrow," Qian Daoliu said, frowning.

"Yes, Your Excellency." Ghostly replied, and was about to leave when Golden Crocodile Douluo called him back. "Has the Pope made any unusual moves lately?"

Ghost stood there for a while, pondering, and replied uncertainly, "There was nothing unusual about it. If I had to explain, the Pope went on a long trip a few days ago and came back smelling of the sea and a little blood."

"Did they go to the sea?" Golden Crocodile Douluo waved his hand, signaling Ghost to leave. Qian Daoliu's eyes were somewhat unfocused. Mentioning the sea always made him think of that woman and the 100,000-year-old whale glue he had once obtained.

The ghost retreated silently, and the previously silent elders erupted in a clamor: "That woman wants to see Tang Shan, what does she want?"

"Brother, we can't let Tang Shan see her. What if something happens to him?"

"Yes, yes, didn't you say he just gained the god's approval? No matter how strong Tang Shan is, he might not be her match."

Although the other retainers were somewhat dissatisfied with Tang Shan's half-heartedness and rejection of Qian Renxue, they were, after all, practically his own son. Faced with Bibi Dong's schemes against Tang Shan, their alliance was very united.

"Please calm down." Qian Daoliu pressed his palm down slightly, and after the elders quieted down, he looked at Golden Crocodile Douluo and asked, "What does the Second Elder think?"

“Could it be that she just wants to see Tang Shan? After all, Xiao Xue is her daughter.” Golden Crocodile Douluo frowned, his words hesitant. He felt he had overlooked something, but lacked the spark to connect the fragmented clues. “But you don’t need to worry. Tang Shan’s strength is unfathomable. Even if Bibi Dong has ulterior motives towards him, Tang Shan can definitely escape safely.”

"Yes, Xiaoxue is her daughter after all," Qian Daoliu muttered, having a general idea of ​​why Bibi Dong wanted to meet with Tang Shan.

The other worshippers largely agreed with Golden Crocodile Douluo's guess, but Azure Phoenix Douluo was somewhat puzzled: "Then why did she set it for ten days later?"

"That's easy. Tang Shan's identity is still a secret. We'll definitely have to wait until the other academies have left before we meet. Better safe than sorry," Lion Douluo said dismissively.

The other worshippers felt that Lion Douluo's reasoning was somewhat far-fetched, but upon closer examination, it seemed quite reasonable.

After considering the opinions of the various elders, Qian Daoliu quickly made a decision: "Alright, let Tang Shan meet with her then." Qian Daoliu paused slightly and looked at Golden Crocodile Douluo: "Second Elder, have you confirmed that Tang Shan has fully understood what happened back then?"

“That’s right, I’ve already told him the whole story. I’ll go see that kid again later and tell him that, after all, she’s Xiaoxue’s mother, it’s best if the two of them don’t have a conflict.”

"Alright." Qian Daoliu nodded slightly, his expression becoming a little serious. "Now it's Xiaoxue's matter. What do you think, should we tell her the truth about what happened back then?"

……

"What do you want to eat today?" Tang Shan asked the two women, holding Dugu Yan's hand in his left and Gu Yue's hand in his right.

"I'm fine with anything." Dugu Yan didn't have many requirements when it came to food; being able to stay by Tang Shan's side was enough for her.

"How about we go eat braised pork knuckle?" Gu Yue had clearly planned this out. "I smelled the aroma coming from that shop a few days ago, and it must taste amazing."

“Okay, lead the way.” Tang Shan readily agreed, and Gu Yue led the two through the streets and alleys, soon finding a shop that was neither too big nor too small.

"Iron-bodied Pig Shop." Tang Shan muttered the shop's name with some surprise.

The Iron-Body Pig is a soul beast with extremely high defense. As its name suggests, although it is only at the ultimate level, ordinary high-level soul beasts can hardly inflict serious injuries on it unless they overwhelm it with their age.

These tough-skinned and thick-fleshed spirit beasts are generally not used as food sources, since they are difficult to handle and time-consuming. Anyone who dares to use an Iron-bodied Pig in cooking must either be a truly skilled chef or a complete novice.

"Come in and take a look! It's absolutely delicious!" With a shout, a burly old man came out from the kitchen, looked the three of them up and down, and asked, "What would you three little ones like to eat?"

"Does the owner have any recommendations?" Tang Shan walked into the store. Perhaps because it was not yet lunchtime, there were hardly any people in the store.

"Our shop is most famous for its roasted pork body, braised pork knuckle, and pork tripe soup. All of them are made from century-old iron-bodied pigs, and the taste is authentic. Would you like to order one of each?"

"Okay, one of each of you will have your signature dish," Tang Shan replied with a smile.

"What?" The boss wondered if he had misheard, after all, what Tang Shan said was really outrageous.

"The number of servings of each signature dish should be based on the number of people eating here," Tang Shan said confidently to the old man. There was no other way; he and Gu Yue both had big appetites, so it was better to order as much as they could at once than to order more dishes later.

"Alright then." The old man hesitated for a moment, looking the three men from Tangshan up and down. He wasn't worried about their financial resources, but rather their appetite.

They found a small round table, and the three of them pulled out chairs and sat down. The table was a bit old, but it was very clean and shiny.

"What are your plans after the tournament?" Dugu Yan asked, her purple eyes fixed on the young man beside her.

"I will probably take the Crown Prince to a blessed land that can help her cultivate and improve her cultivation speed." Tang Shan had already made up his mind.

"Where could she go to cultivate?" Gu Yue frowned slightly. "Won't she be in danger?"

"Let's see how tomorrow's match goes. If the test goes well, there shouldn't be too much danger," Tang Shan replied, and Gu Yue seemed to be deep in thought.

Dugu Yan did not press further. She knew that Tang Shan had some secrets, and some things were indeed not suitable for her to know.

Gently stroking Dugu Yan's long emerald hair, Tang Shan leaned back in his chair, holding Gu Yue's hand with his other hand. "Now that this matter is resolved, you can focus all your energy on cultivation."

Tang Shan originally wanted to continue his travels, but then he remembered the rules he was now beginning to comprehend, and forcibly suppressed the restlessness in his heart: after becoming a god, he would have plenty of time to travel, and he didn't care about this short period of time.

"Hey, so you're here! I was wondering where you were." With a burst of spreading mental energy, a phantom image flashed, and Golden Crocodile Douluo instantly teleported to the opposite side of Tangshan.