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

Tangshan Yuan gently stretched out his arm and pulled the girl back into his embrace, inhaling her delicate fragrance as he softly explained to her.

Chapter 477 Spirit Realm

Sitting cross-legged in the secret chamber provided by the room, Tang Shan circulated his soul power. Strands of heaven and earth energy were drawn in, flowing into his body, and after being refined, gradually improving Tang Shan's soul power cultivation.

The viscous, mercury-like soul power returned to the dantian, confirming that the essence, energy, and spirit had been fully restored. The Tangshan spiritual body condensed in the sea of ​​spirit, and its will naturally expanded, beginning to break through the bottleneck that had stood for so long.

Although Tang Shan's exact spiritual power is unknown, his general level can still be sensed. He is at the peak of the Spirit Abyss Realm. Now, his will has been further enhanced, and he has also firmly grasped the energy that will allow him to break through to the Spirit Domain Realm.

With its powerful mental strength under the command of will, it's as if an army has gained a brain, allowing for more flexible overall mobilization and resulting in even more immense energy unleashed during an attack.

"Open for me!" Tang Shan roared from within his spiritual sea, and the vast pale golden ocean suddenly boiled, with waves crashing against the shore and surging up into towering turbulent waves that crashed down on the bottleneck that was blocking his spiritual advancement.

Boom!

A thunderclap was heard in the silence, and the sea of ​​the mind trembled violently. The impact on the bottleneck brought a strong backlash, but fortunately, the will was strong enough to forcefully suppress the backlash.

"Open for me!" Tang Shan's spiritual body remained expressionless as he continued to command his spiritual power to attack, shaking and suppressing it time and time again. Under his relentless attacks, the invisible barrier that was preventing the sea of ​​spirit from expanding was on the verge of collapse.

……

As he reached the corner of the stairs, Dugu Bo stopped. His immense soul power naturally expanded, forming an invisible soundproof barrier.

"Grandpa, what is it that you have to talk about behind Tangshan's back?" Dugu Yan crossed her arms over her chest, perfectly highlighting her curves. She pouted slightly, clearly a little angry.

Seeing his granddaughter siding with outsiders, Dugu Bo was furious. If it were anyone else, he would have already used the Azure Scale Serpent's venom, but this was his own granddaughter, his only family in the world. What could Dugu Bo do but spoil her?

“It’s not that I’m deliberately avoiding that kid, it’s just that I’m afraid you won’t be able to calm down if he’s standing there,” Dugu Bo said earnestly.

"How could that be?" Dugu Yan retorted instinctively, two blushes rising on her beautiful face.

Dugu Bo remained silent, only staring intently at his granddaughter. Dugu Yan, feeling somewhat guilty under Dugu Bo's sharp gaze, turned her head away.

“That kid is indeed remarkable. Whether it’s his character, strength, or appearance, he’s among the top in the continent.” Dugu Bo swallowed back the “unique” that was on the tip of his tongue. “But being too dazzling is definitely not a good thing. How could the Spirit Hall allow such a being to continue to grow, even if he is now comparable to Haotian Douluo…” Dugu Bo fell into a brief silence. Why did it seem like the Spirit Hall couldn’t do anything about Tang Shan?

Dugu Yan's lips curled slightly. She hadn't told Dugu Bo about Tang Shan's relationship with the Spirit Hall yet. After all, Qian Renxue's identity and the plan she was implementing were too sensitive. Her grandfather's relationship with the Heaven Dou Royal Family was too close in the past. To avoid any accidents, it was better for her grandfather to remain neutral.

At this moment, Dugu Bo, who was frantically searching for Tangshan's shortcomings in his mind, did not notice the subtle change in his granddaughter's expression at all. After thinking for a long time, he finally managed to find a suitable reason to persuade her.

Dugu Bo straightened his expression and said seriously, "Yanyan, Grandpa won't stop you two, but you have to promise Grandpa not to give yourself away so easily. The story of Tangshan boy seriously injuring Haotian Douluo will surely spread throughout the continent, and even more women will throw themselves at him. You might as well wait until you see his true nature before making a choice."

Dugu Yan naturally understood Dugu Bo's unspoken meaning. Without any shyness, she met her grandfather's eyes directly: "Grandpa, attracting attention isn't his fault. Since ancient times, which hero hasn't been surrounded by beauties, which femme fatale hasn't had numerous suitors? When I accepted Gu Yue's existence, I was already prepared, and I believe in Tang Shan." Her firm brows relaxed, transforming into a gentle wave. "Being affectionate isn't promiscuous, and being fickle isn't heartless."

Dugu Bo sighed, "Since that's the case, Grandpa won't say anything more." His eyes flashed with an unprecedentedly chilling light, "But Yanyan, if you are bullied, you must tell Grandpa. Even if Grandpa is no match for that kid, I will still seek justice for you."

……

Click!

The invisible bottleneck shattered, spiritual power surged, and the scope of the spiritual sea expanded rapidly. The pale golden seawater encountered no obstacles and continued to erode the boundaries of nothingness, accelerating the growth of spiritual power.

Willpower and mental strength are strongly correlated; a breakthrough in one can significantly boost the growth of the other. Feeling the exhilarating surge of his mental strength, Tang Shan's lips curled into a faint smile.

The Spiritual Domain Realm allows one to naturally condense a unique spiritual domain. However, Tang Shan doesn't care about the slight boost or the pressure on his opponents. With the boost from his own soul skills alone, he can basically crush everything.

As his spiritual power increased, so did his attraction to the primordial energy of heaven and earth. Tang Shan unscrupulously expanded his spiritual power, sweeping up the primordial energy of heaven and earth within a radius of several miles.

Offering Hall

Qian Daoliu suddenly looked up, staring in astonishment at the direction of the hotel where Tang Shan was staying. His surprise was undisguised: "Good lad, his mental strength is no less than mine. He is truly a monster."

Golden Crocodile Douluo had only broken through his limit a few years ago, and his perception was not as sharp as Qian Daoliu's. After being reminded by the former, he carefully sensed for a long time before revealing a hint of surprise.

They exchanged a glance, their faces full of wry smiles, their thoughts identical: truly a monster.

"Great Elder, I think it's time to tell Xiaoxue part of the truth." After finally calming his thoughts, Golden Crocodile Douluo said in a deep voice.

“Alright, but the truth about her father’s death will have to be postponed for a while longer.” Qian Daoliu rubbed his forehead, clearly troubled.

"Well, at least don't be so tense, especially lately..." Golden Crocodile Douluo thought of the little things he had noticed recently, and his face darkened: What's wrong with Hu Liena? Why isn't she staying in the Papal Palace? Why is she always looking for Xiao Xue? And her words are full of Bibi Dong's gentleness. Could it be that she really has ideas about the future Pope and is deliberately provoking Xiao Xue after learning her true identity?

"Sister Xue, are you leaving soon?" Hu Liena, who was completely unaware that she had been unjustly blamed, was somewhat reluctant to see her go.

“That’s right. The All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament has ended, and I should set off to continue my mission.” Qian Renxue nodded slightly, without offering any further explanation.

Today, she wore a black, openwork long dress with a white ribbon wrapped around her waist, perfectly highlighting her exquisite curves. Her long, golden hair, reaching her waist, was naturally draped over her shoulders, giving her an air of both sanctity and decadence.

"So, Sister Xue, did you return to Spirit City to watch the competition? We Spirit Hall lost in the end, we're very sorry." Having spent time together, Hu Liena had opened up to Qian Renxue. Hearing that she was leaving Spirit Hall after the competition, she naturally considered Qian Renxue a supporter of Spirit Hall. As a member of the Spirit Hall team and a core member of the "Golden Generation," Hu Liena felt somewhat ashamed.

"It's alright, I don't care." A charming smile appeared on Qian Renxue's lips as she gently stroked Hu Liena's long hair. "Goodbye, little fox, we'll part ways here." With that, she slowly walked down from the Papal Palace.

"Sister Xue, I'll come see you off in a few days." Hu Liena quickly got up and chased after her.

"No need, focus on your cultivation." With wings unfurling behind her, Qian Renxue soared into the air and disappeared into the horizon in a few breaths.

As she watched the figure, radiating a sacred aura, disappear into the distance, a sudden thought flashed through Hu Liena's mind, as if she had grasped something. But a Templar Knight who rushed over interrupted her thoughts: "Your Highness, the Pope requests your presence."

Hu Liena frowned, all the candor she displayed when talking to Qian Renxue vanishing: "When did I become a saint?"

"The Pope has already nominated you as the next Holy Maiden in the Council of Elders, so I dare to ask for your permission." The Templar Knight's voice was firm, and although it was clearly flattery, he made it sound as if it were perfectly natural and aboveboard.

"My teacher wants to nominate me as a saint?" Hu Liena asked incredulously. "Where is my teacher? Please take me there."

……

"Nana, that's how it is. Since you didn't win the championship of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, the Elders' Council only gave you the status of a candidate for Saintess. But don't worry, your teacher already has a plan." Bibi Dong gently stroked Hu Liena's long hair and said softly.

"Teacher, isn't it a bit too early to choose me as the saintess?" Hu Liena hesitated.

“It’s not early. Soul Masters only have a few precious years to cultivate. Only when you become a Saintess will your teacher have a reason to allocate resources to you.” Bibi Dong pulled the girl closer and said seriously, “Nana, go to the Death Canyon to cultivate for a few years after a while. As long as you pass the trials of the Death Canyon, removing the candidate title and with your teacher’s support, it will be basically no problem. Don’t worry, your teacher will have Elder Ghost protect you.”

"Teacher." Hu Liena threw herself into Bibi Dong's arms, feeling a deep sense of maternal warmth from her meticulous care. Recalling Bibi Dong's earnest teachings and Qian Renxue's regret at not witnessing the Spirit Hall's victory, she made up her mind.

Qian Renxue?! What are you thinking? I am not regretful about the Spirit Hall's defeat; on the contrary, I am happy.

"Teacher, I'm not going to the Death Canyon." Facing Bibi Dong's somewhat surprised gaze, Hu Liena's eyes were exceptionally firm. "I know that going through the Death Canyon won't earn me those old fogies' recognition, but what if I break through the City of Slaughter? Teacher, I want to go to the City of Slaughter. I don't want the position of Saintess to be something you forcibly bestowed upon me; I want to sit on it with dignity."

Bibi Dong gave a smile that was both heartache and relief: "Nana, you should think it over carefully. I can ensure your safety in the Death Canyon, but in the Killing City, your life or death is up to fate. The only thing I can guarantee is that the controller inside won't harm you."

“Teacher, I’ve made up my mind. If you can get out of the Killing City, why can’t I?”

"Good, as expected of my disciple, Bibi Dong." Bibi Dong waved her sleeve. "Nana, I'll make the arrangements later. You'll start your special training tomorrow. Your teacher has only one requirement—come back alive!"

……

"Are you sure you want to meet that woman? I have a bad feeling about this." Gu Yue wrapped her arms around Tang Shan's arm and leaned her body against him. For some reason, the thought of Bibi Dong meeting Tang Shan today made her feel uneasy.

"Don't worry, I'm her daughter's subordinate after all. The Hall of Worship is right behind the Papal Palace, she can't do anything reckless. Besides, her killing intent towards me hasn't increased, which means she definitely won't lay a hand on me today." Tang Shan was full of confidence. His confidence certainly didn't just come from believing in Bibi Dong's mercy, his relationship with Qian Renxue, and his sense of crisis; his real confidence stemmed from his own formidable strength.

Although it is unknown what Bibi Dong's current condition is, as long as he does not encounter a Limit Douluo-level expert, Tang Shan has a chance to defeat him; even if he encounters a Limit Douluo, escaping would be a piece of cake for him.

“Alright then, you can take the Reverse Scale I gave you. It can detect your physical condition. Once your body shows any abnormalities, I can sense it immediately and rush over as soon as possible.” Gu Yue asked softly, rubbing Tang Shan’s chin.

"Keep it with you." Tang Shan opened his shirt, revealing a silver dragon scale embedded in the well-defined muscles of his chest. "I'll manipulate the muscles to forcibly embed it in my chest, and then remove it when I return, how about that?"

Only then did Gu Yue truly feel relieved. She escorted Tang Shan to the Martial Soul Plaza and watched him walk up the steps toward the Papal Palace.

Boom!

A sudden clap of thunder struck, and the clear sky was instantly covered with dark clouds. The air became somewhat scorching, and a light drizzle soon began to fall.

Gu Yue frowned, her body enveloped in silver light, and after one last glance at the Papal Palace hidden in the darkness, she disappeared from the Martial Soul Plaza in the next moment.

"Why is it raining?" Tang Shan turned around in surprise, and only breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Gu Yue teleport away. He knew that even if she got wet in the rain, it wouldn't affect her in any way, but his concern for her still remained.

He turned around again, quickened his pace, and soon arrived at the Papal Palace, knocking directly on the door.

Bang bang bang!

After knocking on the door, Tang Shan looked around and something seemed off. The Templar Knights who usually guarded the entrance to the Papal Palace were nowhere to be seen, which felt rather strange.

Squeak!

The door opened, revealing a ghostly figure shrouded in a black robe, appearing and disappearing in the distance.

"Greetings, Elder Ghost." Since the Templar Knights weren't there, Tang Shan had nothing to hide and simply greeted them.

"Neither Yue Guan nor I have found out the reason for the Pope's meeting with you, so be careful." The voice was cold and hoarse, carrying a chilling aura.

Tang Shan nodded almost imperceptibly as he entered the gate. It was normal for Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo to provide him with information, having already been bribed by the Hall of Worship.

The gate closed, and Ghost Douluo's figure vanished silently. Tang Shan raised his head and looked directly into the eyes of the woman at the end of his vision.

P.S.: Guess what happens next in the plot! All I can say is, it's definitely not cliché!

Chapter 478 Dialogue with Bibi Dong

Bang bang bang!

A soft knock sounded, and before the homeowner inside could react, the wooden door was pushed open.

"Grandpa, you wanted to see me?" Qian Renxue peeked out with some confusion, looking at Qian Daoliu inside the room.

"Xiaoxue, come in. Grandpa has something to tell you. It's about your father and mother." Qian Daoliu's expression was solemn as he beckoned to Qian Renxue.

“I have no mother.” Qian Renxue frowned and slowly walked into the room.

The room was not large, about a hundred square meters, and there was an angel statue standing against the wall, holy and majestic.

There was no bed in the room, only two futons. Qian Daoliu sat on one of the futons, while Qian Renxue sat opposite him.

"Grandpa, what is it? I was originally planning to go to the Papal Palace with Tang Shan to prevent that woman from having any ulterior motives." Qian Renxue couldn't help but feel anxious when she saw her grandfather looking hesitant.

Although he had already made up his mind, Qian Daoliu still hesitated when it came to actually talking to Qian Renxue about the truth of what happened back then. Otherwise, he wouldn't have kept putting it off until he met Bibi Dong in Tangshan before finally seeking out Qian Renxue.

After Tangshan and Bibi Dong meet, Tangshan will most likely return home, and his granddaughter will definitely go back with him. Then he might not have the chance to reveal part of the truth about what happened back then. Tangshan is right about one thing: don't gamble on Bibi Dong's mental state.

call!

With a long sigh, Qian Daoliu gritted his teeth and said directly, "Xiaoxue, have you ever thought about why Bibi Dong treats you so badly?"

Qian Renxue was taken aback: "Grandpa, isn't it because that bitch likes Yu Xiaogang? My existence is hindering their possibility..." As she spoke, Qian Renxue's voice gradually lowered. Previously, Bibi Dong's attitude towards her was extremely bad, and coupled with Yu Xiaogang's existence, she had only resentment towards Bibi Dong and had never thought carefully about why. Now, after Qian Daoliu's guidance, she also noticed something unusual.

Seeing that Qian Renxue sensed something was wrong, Qian Daoliu slowly spoke: "Logically speaking, you are, after all, her own flesh and blood. Even if you have hindered her relationship, she shouldn't have such a strong opinion about you. After all, giving birth to you was her choice, unless..."

The answer wasn't hard to guess, but Qian Renxue found it hard to accept. The image of her father—a towering, radiant, and sacred figure—had crumbled in her mind. Her vision blurred, and she looked up at Qian Daoliu, who seemed to have aged considerably in an instant. With a trembling voice, she asked, "Grandpa, are you lying to me?"

"Hey, Xiaoxue, don't you already have the answer in your heart?" Qian Daoliu's expression was extremely complicated, and he did not answer Qian Renxue's question directly.

"Yes, if giving birth to me was her own choice, it would be unless my birth was not her wish." Qian Renxue spoke with tears streaming down her face, her soul power churning within her, her emotions clearly somewhat out of control.

……

"Greetings, Your Holiness." Upon entering the Papal Palace, Tang Shan gave a simple bow to Bibi Dong on the throne, straightened up, and surveyed the entire hall.

The Papal Palace was magnificent and imposing, with huge murals painted on its wide walls. Among them was a figure whose features were indistinct, with three pairs of wings spread behind him. The figure fought with spirit beasts and with other people, and behind him were countless other figures.

In the last mural, a sacred gate opens in the sky, and a six-winged figure enters, followed by countless figures kneeling in worship.