Douluo Continent: Tonight, a Fairy Tale Descends.

Then came the third hammer blow, the fourth hammer blow...

Tang Hao's movements became faster and faster, each hammer blow heavier than the last. The casting hammer seemed to come alive in his hands, transforming into black whirlwinds that frantically struck the anvil.

Tang San stood aside, deeply shocked by what he saw.

This chaotic cloak hammer technique! Truly profound!

If used in battle, combined with the Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul, its power is simply unimaginable!

He immediately focused his mind, his Purple Demon Eyes quietly gleaming, capturing every movement of Tang Hao with all his might, while simultaneously sensing the flow of his power and the changes in his rhythm, deeply imprinting them into his mind.

Soon, Tang Hao unleashed his eighteenth strike, the force of which had reached an extremely terrifying level.

But he suddenly stopped and turned to look at Tang San.

"Did you see it clearly?" Tang Hao put down the casting hammer, his tone remaining flat.

"This is the power exerted in the first eighteen strikes of the Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique. Each subsequent strike is more difficult and puts a greater strain on the body. You..."

He wanted to tell Tang San to practice the first eighteen hammers first, but remembering Tang San's strong reaction yesterday, he swallowed his words.

Tang San's eyes gleamed with understanding and excitement. He nodded and said, "I have memorized the techniques and rhythm of exertion. Thank you for teaching me, Father."

Tang San did not try it immediately. Instead, he closed his eyes and repeatedly reviewed Tang Hao's actions in his mind, combining them with his understanding of martial arts from his previous life to deduce and analyze them.

Seeing Tang San's focused and thoughtful expression, Tang Hao stopped talking, picked up the wine barrel, took a swig, and looked at him with a complicated expression.

After a long while, Tang San suddenly opened his eyes, took a deep breath, and grabbed the casting hammer from the ground.

He imitated Tang Hao, stepping, twisting his waist, and swinging his hammer.

"The first strike!" It was powerful and precise, even more graceful and agile than Tang Hao's previous strike.

Using the force of the rebound, the second hammer followed closely. Although the connection of power was a little immature, the rhythm was already in place.

The third hammer blow! The fourth hammer blow! ... Tang San was completely immersed in this wonderful state of power constantly stacking and momentum constantly rising.

His movements became increasingly fluid, and the hammer blows became more frequent and heavy.

Although Tang San is far from being able to match Tang Hao's domineering and wild aura, he still has a smooth and harmonious feel to his movements, as if he was born to swing his hammer like that.

Tang Hao watched from the side, his astonishment growing stronger.

This kid is a monster! He only watched it once, and he can imitate it to this extent?

Although Tang San's strength and experience are still far from sufficient, he has clearly mastered seven or eight tenths of the core techniques for generating power and the sense of rhythm.

When Tang San unleashed his ninth hammer strike in one breath, he had to stop because he couldn't control his power and lacked the strength to continue. Tang Hao was utterly shocked.

How...how is this possible?

Tang San, slightly out of breath, put down the casting hammer and looked at Tang Hao. Although exhausted, his eyes shone with confidence.

“Father, I have already grasped the basics of this power generation method. All I need to do is practice diligently to improve my strength and control. Could you please tell me the key points of the subsequent hammer techniques? I want to master all eighty-one hammer techniques as soon as possible so that I can focus on my soul power cultivation.”

Tang San's tone was calm, even with a hint of self-assurance, as if mastering this profound hammer technique was an easy thing.

Looking at Tang San's calm yet urging gaze, and recalling his monstrous speed of comprehension just now, Tang Hao felt a surge of inexplicable irritation and an indescribable sense of frustration.

The sect's unique skills, which he cherished and practiced diligently for many years, seemed to Tang San to be nothing more than an obstacle he needed to overcome as soon as possible on his path to improving his strength.

Is his eagerness to achieve quick results driven by a desire to become stronger, or by a desire to escape him?

Or perhaps it was for something else?

A feeling of being disregarded, or even looked down upon, instantly turned Tang Hao's mood sour.

He gulped down a large mouthful of wine and gave Tang San a cold snort.

"Don't bite off more than you can chew! First, master these first eighteen strikes until you can do them flawlessly! As for the rest, I'll teach you when you can swing them thirty-six times in a row without stopping!"

After saying that, Tang Hao ignored Tang San, picked up the wine barrel, his face gloomy, and turned to walk towards the inner room, leaving Tang San standing there alone, his brows furrowed again.

Watching Tang Hao's departing figure, Tang San pursed his lips, a hint of disappointment and displeasure flashing in his eyes.

It's the same old routine: procrastination and perfunctory work.

He clenched his fist, the excitement he felt from learning the new technique cooling down, replaced by growing dissatisfaction with Tang Hao.

Over the years, under Cinderella's tutelage, Tang San had been dissatisfied with Tang Hao's attitude. In his view, Tang Hao was not worthy of being a father. If he were not his own blood relative, Tang San would have told Tang Hao long ago: You have already chosen your own death!

Therefore, Tang San could only pick up the forging hammer again and begin the tedious hammer-swinging practice once more.

……

On the other side, unlike the tense atmosphere between Tang Hao and Tang San, things were quite different.

Yu Xiaogang's office.

Cinderella was engrossed in reading a thick book of soul beast illustrations.

Meanwhile, Yu Xiaogang was talking incessantly to Cinderella about the significant theoretical implications of Tang San's Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul gaining healing abilities, as well as the extraordinary practical value of Cinderella's teleportation soul skill.

“…So, Cindy, I believe your martial soul has enormous potential, and it is very likely to lean towards the mysterious mental agility attack type, or even have spatial attributes! So your next training should focus on strengthening your mental power and speed…” Yu Xiaogang’s mouth was dry as he spoke.

Cinderella raised her azure eyes and smiled.

"Master, you know so much! Are there any special methods for cultivating spiritual power, or techniques to increase speed faster? I feel like my soul power is increasing a bit slowly."

Hearing this, Yu Xiaogang felt a little uncomfortable. After all, he had an innate soul power of 0.5 and it had taken him several years to improve to the current level 29.

Cinderella, who was born with full soul power, thought her cultivation speed was already very fast, but she wanted to be even faster!

But he still racked his brains trying to recall the obscure books he had read, attempting to find a secret for Cinderella.

"This...of course there is! I remember there's a visualization and concentration method, and a set of body movements that coordinate with breathing. Let me find my notes..."

Yu Xiaogang turned around and began rummaging through the messy pile of books, completely unaware of the cunning glint in Cinderella's eyes.

A tool is someone who makes the best use of their abilities.

Moreover, he was the son of the leader of one of the three major sects, so Cinderella believed that Yu Xiaogang would have many secret techniques and methods.

Chapter 76 Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan

Heavenly Dou Royal Academy, Training Ground.

After the intense clash of soul skills ended, the daily training of the first team of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy came to a close.

Yu Tianqing wiped the sweat from his forehead, looked at Lin Wan beside him whose breathing was still relatively stable, and a trace of helplessness and admiration flashed in his eyes.

This guy is a monster. The training intensity is extremely high, but he can always recover the fastest, as if he has inexhaustible energy.

"That's enough for today," Yu Tianqing said, clapping his hands.

"Dismissed. Meet at the usual time tomorrow for team tactical drills."

The team members responded one after another, leaving the training ground in twos and threes, most heading straight to the canteen or dormitory to replenish their energy or rest.

Ning Zetian walked up to Lin Wan and invited her with a smile, "Lin Wan, want to have dinner together? I heard that the cafeteria is serving Northern Border Dragonfish today, and it tastes amazing."

Lin Wan shook her head. "Brother Zetian, you all go ahead. I have some things to take care of at the library."

"A library?" Ning Zetian was taken aback, somewhat surprised.

After all, in the entire Douluo Continent world, everyone values ​​practical combat ability, especially those with talent. Only those with low talent who cannot improve their cultivation will go to the library to look up information, such as Yu Xiaogang of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan.

And being from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, he naturally shared the same thoughts.

Hearing this from the side, Yan Xin grinned and said, "Brother Lin Wan, you're working too hard! What's so interesting about those theoretical books? They make your head spin. It's much better to practice your soul skills."

Huo Lie, Ye Qing, and the others also cast curious glances, clearly not understanding Lin Wan's choice.

Lin Wan smiled but didn't explain further, simply saying, "It's just a personal habit. I always feel it's good to know more. I'll be going now."

After saying that, he nodded to everyone and then turned and walked towards the college library, which was in the opposite direction from the cafeteria.

Watching Lin Wan's departing figure, Ning Zetian stroked his chin thoughtfully: "Perhaps this is one of the reasons why he is so different from others?"

Most of the others shrugged dismissively and headed toward the fragrant cafeteria in groups.

……

The library of the Royal Academy of the Heavenly Beacon is a magnificent classical building with a high dome supported by countless huge stone pillars. The interior space is extremely large, with rows of tall bookshelves standing like a forest, filled with the unique scent of ink and the aroma of old paper.

Compared to the hustle and bustle of the training ground, it is so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Only a very few students or teachers who are truly engrossed in theoretical research would stay here for an extended period of time.

Lin Wan walked effortlessly through rows of bookshelves and arrived at the area labeled "The Geography of the Mainland: Secrets of Dangerous Places".

He took a thick ancient book from the bookshelf, found a quiet spot by the window, and sat down, immersing himself in it.

He read extremely fast, his eyes focused, his slender fingers occasionally tracing over the obscure text or ancient illustrations on the pages.

The original novel of Douluo Continent focuses almost entirely on the protagonist Tang San's growth, grudges and love affairs, and the battles between top powerhouses. The countless details, history, geography, species, and even lost civilizations contained in this vast world are only briefly mentioned, or not mentioned at all.

But today, this is a truly real world. Knowledge that is only briefly mentioned or doesn't even exist in books may conceal unexpected opportunities or dangers.

For example, the book he is currently reading, "Ancient Echoes Beneath the Northern Glaciers," mentions that deep in the far north, there may be relics of an ancient ice god belief, which may be related to the origin of ice and snow-type martial spirits.

This made him think of the Snow Queen, whom he had banished to the far north, and wondered how she was doing now.

For example, another book, "A Study of the Ecology of the Southern Swamps of the Star Luo Empire," records in detail several plant-type soul beasts with strange spiritual attributes. Their characteristics reminded him of his second soul skill, Phantom Thousand Tracks, and his third soul skill, Fox Thought: Soul-Breaking Needle. Perhaps he could find inspiration from them to further develop the power of his soul skills.

In Lin Wan's view, while strong physical strength is fundamental, profound knowledge and a clear mind can often play a decisive role at crucial moments.

Meanwhile, at another location within the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy.

Two young girls were walking side by side in a garden full of flowers. The girl was tall and slender, wearing a light green outfit. Her short green hair made her look lively and playful. She had a beautiful face and was the granddaughter of Poison Douluo, Dugu Yan.

After several days of recuperation, Dugu Bo's health improved significantly, and Dugu Yan's mood also improved as if the rain had stopped, and she regained her former radiant spirit.

"Lingling, hurry up! I heard he often goes to the library at this time. If you go too late, you might miss him!" Dugu Yan grabbed her friend's hand, her tone excited and anxious.

The girl she was pulling was dressed in black, with a relatively petite figure, a cool and beautiful face, long black hair hanging straight down, and eyes as calm as a deep pool, as if she had little interest in anything.

It was Ye Lingling, the owner of the Nine Heart Begonia Martial Soul.

"Yanzi, is it really necessary?" Ye Lingling's voice, like her personality, carried a faint chill.

"He's just a boy. No matter how handsome or talented he is, what does it have to do with us?"

"Oh, I'm just curious!" Dugu Yan blinked her big eyes.

"Just think about it, a twelve-year-old Soul Master! And with a unique Soul Ring composition! You probably can't find another one like him in the entire empire, right? And I heard he's... well, exceptionally handsome! More handsome than any girl! I bet you're not curious!"

Ye Lingling sighed helplessly. She was already used to her friend's impulsive and always eager-to-make-a-fuss personality.

However, deep down, she did harbor a faint curiosity about the rumored brilliant new student.

After all, it's hard for someone like that not to attract attention.

The two arrived at the library area but did not go inside. Instead, they sat down in a small garden pavilion not far from the library. This was the only way to reach the library.

Dugu Yan's big eyes darted around, staring intently at the library's main entrance.

Ye Lingling sat quietly to the side, taking out a notebook about the precise control of soul power and reading it silently.

Time passed little by little.

Just as Dugu Yan was getting a little bored and started fiddling with the vines hanging down by the pavilion, the heavy doors of the library were pushed open a crack.

A figure slowly walked out.

In an instant, it seemed as if all the surrounding light converged on that person.

Chapter 77 Daily Life at Xingluo Academy

Her silver hair flowed like moonlight, her blue eyes were like crystals from the deep sea, and her perfect features combined to resemble the most outstanding work of art created by the Creator.

Lin Wan wore a simple Tian Dou Royal Academy uniform, yet she managed to exude a noble and aloof aura.

Dugu Yan, sitting in the pavilion, instantly held her breath, her eyes widening in surprise. She instinctively covered her mouth with her small hand to prevent herself from making a sound.

Even Ye Lingling, who was always aloof and indifferent, raised her head from her notebook. When her cold gaze fell on that figure, she couldn't help but pause slightly, a hint of surprise flashing across her face.

"Oh my god!" Dugu Yan murmured breathlessly, "Lingling, did you see that? That...that really is..."

She couldn't find the right words to describe it. She had always thought that rumors were exaggerated, but now she realized that words were so pale and powerless in the face of true amazement.

Ye Lingling did not answer, but silently closed her notebook, her gaze still fixed on Lin Wan, as if she was thinking about something.

Lin Wan was unaware of the two girls watching him from the pavilion. He was pondering a conjecture he had just read in a book about spirit-type soul beasts and the construction of illusions, and slowly walked towards the dormitory area.

Only after his figure disappeared at the end of the road did Dugu Yan let out a long breath and excitedly grab Ye Lingling's arm.