Douluo Continent: Tonight, a Fairy Tale Descends.

As Ning Fengzhi listened to his subordinate's report, his fingers gently caressed the warm rim of the teacup. His refined face remained expressionless, except for a glint of shrewdness in the depths of his eyes.

"Is it confirmed? Yu Xiaogang, you really broke through?" he asked in a calm voice.

"Reporting to the Sect Master, it can be basically confirmed," the trusted confidant standing below replied respectfully.

"Although our people failed to get close to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eye, Yu Xiaogang's aura was indeed different after returning to Tiandou City. His soul power fluctuations stabilized at the level of level 30. Moreover, according to observation, his mental state has been excellent recently, completely different from before."

Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly, put down his teacup, and looked out the window at the swaying bamboo shadows in the courtyard.

Yu Xiaogang has broken through to level 30. This news may not be worth mentioning in itself.

Even a level 30 Soul Master is as insignificant as an ant in front of a behemoth like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.

But the implications behind this matter were something Ning Fengzhi could not ignore.

This means that His Highness Godo probably really does possess the ability to solve certain deep-rooted martial soul problems.

If even Yu Xiaogang could break through the level 30 barrier, which had plagued the Soul Master world for decades and was considered unsolvable, then could the level 80 barrier of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda also be...?

Once this thought arose, it grew wildly in Ning Fengzhi's heart like weeds.

Although Li Zhi continued to remind him that the two difficulties were not comparable, this was undoubtedly the only glimmer of hope he had seen in all these years, and not a completely illusory one.

"Continue to keep an eye on Her Majesty Gedo and Yu Xiaogang's movements," Ning Fengzhi instructed after a moment's thought.

"In addition, please compile a list of rare medicinal herbs and treasures in the sect's treasury that can strengthen the foundation and nourish the origin of the martial spirit."

"Yes, Sect Master!" The trusted aide accepted the order and left.

Silence returned to the study. Ning Fengzhi sat alone, her fingertips rhythmically tapping lightly on the table.

He knew he needed to find the right time to personally visit His Majesty Godot, who lived a secluded life.

For the future of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, even if there is only a glimmer of hope, it is worth the effort he has to make.

……

The small courtyard where Yu Xiaogang is temporarily staying in Tiandou City.

Not long after Yu Yuanzhen delivered the soul-stabilizing medicine to Yu Xiaogang left, a faint aura of pressure, unconsciously emanating from a Title Douluo, still lingered in the courtyard.

Yu Xiaogang stood alone in the center of the courtyard, his eyes closed, his chest rising and falling slightly.

He was fully focused on sensing the level 30 soul power flowing within his body.

This feeling is so unfamiliar, yet so wonderful.

The soul power flowed through the meridians, no longer becoming stagnant and difficult in certain places as before, as if blocked by invisible silt.

Now, everything was clear, like a riverbed that had been dry for many years finally receiving rain. Although his total soul power was not yet abundant, the feeling of unobstructed flow made him almost want to roar to the sky.

Ever since returning from Ge Duo's Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eye a few days ago, Yu Xiaogang has been in a state of high excitement.

Sleep? I can't sleep.

Eating? It tastes bland.

He had only one thought in his mind—he had broken through! He had really broken through!

The level 30 barrier that had plagued him for most of his life, subjecting him to endless scorn and ridicule, was now beneath his feet!

He, Yu Xiaogang, is no longer that useless guy who could never break through level 30 in his lifetime!

The joy and excitement of being reborn almost overwhelmed him.

Yu Xiaogang stood in the courtyard for a long time, until his legs were numb, before he slowly opened his eyes. His eyes, which were usually filled with a sense of melancholy and seriousness, were now frighteningly bright, burning with an almost insane ambition and hope.

Breaking through level 30 is just the first step.

Chapter 156 The Great Soul Ring Project

In the world of Soul Masters, level is everything. Without Soul Rings, level cannot be increased, and strength cannot undergo a qualitative change.

Yu Xiaogang immediately turned around and almost rushed back to his study.

On the desk were several theoretical sketches he had drawn before, outlining the future development paths of Tang San and Cinderella's martial souls, but now, he pushed them aside without hesitation.

Now, all he sees and thinks about is himself and his third soul ring.

He rummaged through drawers and cabinets, finding his treasured books and notes on soul beast diagrams and soul ring matching theories, which he had kept for many years.

He had read these books countless times before, and each time he read them, he felt a sense of despair and powerlessness, because those powerful and suitable soul rings seemed to be forever out of his reach.

But things are different now!

He excitedly spread out a new sheet of paper, picked up a pen, his hand trembling slightly with excitement, and began to plan in detail how he would acquire his third soul ring.

"Luo Sanpao has a mutated martial soul. Although its form is special, its essence is still derived from the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex. Theoretically, the choice of the third soul ring should lean towards a soul beast with lightning attributes, or one with intimidating or armor-piercing abilities..."

"Moreover, the lifespan of the soul ring is crucial." Yu Xiaogang licked his slightly chapped lips, his eyes gleaming.

"The limit for an ordinary Soul Master's third Soul Ring is between 1,300 and 1,800 years. My theoretical calculations suggest that the optimal age is below 1,760 years..."

He paused, his breathing becoming heavier involuntarily, "But... things are different now!"

Yu Xiaogang remembered what his father, Yu Yuanzhen, had mentioned about the magical pills made by His Majesty Ge Duo, which could help Soul Masters absorb Soul Rings of higher age than their current level.

With it, why should he still follow those damn conventions?

If others can do it, then Yu Xiaogang can too, so he wants to challenge for a soul ring with a higher age limit.

"Two thousand years! Yes, the target is soul beasts that are over two thousand years old!"

Moreover, he also needs to choose a soul ring with the highest possible age, the most compatible attributes, and the most powerful skills!

He wanted Luo Sanpao to evolve into a true and powerful Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Even just getting a tiny bit closer would be enough to prove that Yu Xiaogang's theory is correct and that he has not gone down the wrong path!

……

Yu Xiaogang's barely concealed excitement upon returning home naturally caught the attention of Tang San and Cinderella, who shared the same roof.

After all, Yu Xiaogang had been incredibly excited these past few days. Even when closing the door, he exuded an irrepressible energy. His usually slightly furrowed brows had relaxed, and the corners of his mouth would unconsciously twitch upwards from time to time.

"He seems... very happy?" Cinderella looked at Yu Xiaogang's tightly closed door and whispered to Tang San beside her.

Tang San withdrew his gaze from the door, his expression calm, and simply nodded slightly.

"His aura is stronger than before, and his soul power fluctuations are much smoother. Wasn't he stuck at level 29 before? It seems he has broken through."

His voice was flat, as if he were stating a fact that had nothing to do with him. Tang San didn't care whether Yu Xiaogang could break through or not. As long as this person didn't bother him and his sister, it didn't matter whether he was level 29 or level 30.

A knowing glint flashed in Cinderella's azure eyes. Stuck at level twenty-nine for so many years, and then broke through within days of arriving in Heavenly Dou City?

What a coincidence! Almost immediately, she thought of her fellow villager, Gedo, who occupied the Eye of Ice and Fire and was skilled at making all sorts of magical potions.

It seems that this teacher has found a shortcut to solve the problem.

Looking at the almost excited figure in the study, and recalling how, since arriving in Heaven Dou City, Tang San and Cinderella had spent most of their time cultivating peacefully in the courtyard at Yu Xiaogang's request, except for one trip when they first arrived, they exchanged a glance.

"Sister, shall we go for a walk?" Tang San suggested. He had long wanted to take a closer look at Tian Dou City and find a suitable blacksmith shop and materials. He had been worried about Yu Xiaogang before, but now, seeing Yu Xiaogang's expression, it was clear that he had no interest in them.

Cinderella nodded: "Yes, we've been here for so long, and we haven't had a proper look at this imperial city yet."

Having reached an agreement, the two went to Yu Xiaogang's door. Cinderella raised her hand and gently knocked on the door.

"teacher?"

A series of slightly hurried footsteps came from inside the room, followed by the door being flung open. Yu Xiaogang stood in the doorway, his face still flushed with excitement. He paused for a moment when he saw them, then asked, "Cindy, Xiaosan? What's up?"

Yu Xiaogang's tone carried a hint of impatience at being interrupted, but more than that, it conveyed a sense of elation as he immersed himself in his own joy.

Facing Yu Xiaogang's slight impatience, Cinderella wore a sweet smile and said softly, "Teacher, Xiao San and I have been in Tiandou City for a few days, but we haven't gone out to see it yet. We want to take advantage of the good weather today to go out for a walk and familiarize ourselves with the environment."

"Oh, going out? Go ahead, go ahead." Yu Xiaogang's mind was full of the thousand-year soul ring and pills at the moment. Hearing this, he didn't even think about it and just waved his hand, his attitude casual to the point of being perfunctory. "Be careful and come back soon."

His most important task right now is to find a suitable third soul ring for himself. He doesn't have time to care where these two students are going. As long as they don't disturb his grand plan, that's fine.

Having received permission, Tang San and Cinderella did not linger any longer and turned to leave the courtyard.

Only after the two footsteps disappeared outside the courtyard gate did Yu Xiaogang's excited mind cool down a little, and he suddenly remembered something.

He seemed to have been planning to find a pill that could help Tang San and Cindy absorb soul rings beyond their level.

I've been so excited these past few days that I completely forgot about it.

He patted his forehead, a hint of annoyance on his face, but it was quickly suppressed by the excitement of about to obtain the soul ring.

“It’s alright,” he muttered to himself. “I can ask my father for two more when I see him next time. Besides, I need one for absorbing the soul ring myself this time.”

Only when he thought of the pills that allowed him to absorb soul rings beyond his level did Yu Xiaogang regain a little of his rationality.

His future reputation and the proof of his theories will depend on these two exceptionally gifted disciples.

"After a few days, once I successfully absorb the third soul ring, I'll go to my father for the pills." Yu Xiaogang thought to himself, a self-righteous smile appearing on his face.

"When the time comes, I'll give them the pills again. They'll then understand how much their teacher cares for them and how I helped them find such a precious opportunity..."

He could almost see Tang San and Cinderella's tearful gratitude towards him, and his mood grew even more joyful as he buried himself back into his great work of creating soul rings.

Chapter 157 Hundred Refinements Workshop

After leaving Yu Xiaogang's house, Cinderella and Tang San found everything novel and interesting. Moreover, Tiandou City, as the imperial city of the Tiandou Empire, was naturally bustling and lively.

Moreover, Tang San was a Tang Clan assassin in his previous life, who was dedicated to studying hidden weapons. In the end, he jumped off a cliff to prove his resolve after being discovered for secretly learning the inner sect's secret techniques.

While Tangmenbao, where he lived, was indeed grand, it was filled with strict rules and cold machinery. He had never seen such a vibrant and lively scene of human life.

He had hardly ever gone shopping before, especially not in this bustling city of another world.

As for Cinderella, needless to say, as Cinderella, she was constantly bullied by her stepmother and stepsisters. She didn't eat or sleep well, had no friends, and hardly owned any decent dresses. She spent her days surrounded by dust and the stove and had no time to play. Her only joy was communicating with small animals like mice and birds.

After being summoned to this world by Lin Wan, before awakening their martial souls, they stayed in Holy Soul Village with Tang San. After awakening their martial souls, they went to school in the remote Notting City and didn't have much time to relax.

Therefore, everything they saw was new and exciting.

The streets were bustling with people, shoulder to shoulder. The sounds of vendors hawking their wares, talking and laughing, and the rumble of carriages and horses rolling over the bluestone slabs mingled together, creating a vibrant energy that assaulted the two people's senses.

Shops lined both sides of the road, their banners fluttering in the breeze. Vendors selling all sorts of snacks emitted enticing aromas: golden-brown, juicy roasted soul beast meat, plump, steaming pastries, and crystal-clear sugar figurines…

All of this made Cinderella secretly swallow.

There are also shops selling exotic trinkets, with their windows displaying shimmering soul tools, colorful fabrics, uniquely shaped handicrafts, and even some seemingly docile low-level soul beast cubs imprisoned in the cage.

The two walked slowly forward with the flow of people, and Cinderella was simply overwhelmed by the sights.

Tang San silently followed half a step to Cinderella's side, seemingly also looking at the street scene, but in reality, all his senses were in a subtle state of alertness.

He carefully protected Cinderella, preventing her from being bumped by pedestrians, while his sharp gaze swept over everyone who approached, especially those men whose eyes lingered on Cinderella's outstanding appearance, each of whom would elicit a fleeting glint of coldness from the depths of his eyes.

In his mind, he had to be wary of any factor that might pose a threat to his sister.

"Sis, are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?" Tang San noticed Cinderella's gaze sweeping over the food stalls several times and asked in a low voice.

Cinderella patted her stomach and nodded with a smile: "I am a little hungry."

Tang San immediately led her to a relatively clean and tidy stall and bought two steaming hot pancakes filled with thick portions of soul beast meat and fresh vegetables.

Cinderella took it and ate it in small bites.

"Is it good?" Tang San looked at her and his eyes softened a little.

"Yes!" Cinderella nodded.

"You should try it, mistress, it's delicious."

Tang San also took a bite of the sesame seed cake in his hand, chewing slowly. The taste was indeed good, but his attention was more focused on his surroundings.

As he ate, he discreetly observed the layout of the street, the direction of the pedestrian flow, and the locations of the blacksmith shops and building materials stores.

Tang San had visited blacksmith shops in Notting City before, but Notting City was too remote, and the blacksmith shops were too small. They didn't have any good metals, and most of them were not as good as the metals that Tang San forged himself.

Therefore, upon arriving in Tiandou City, Tang San was eager to find a large blacksmith shop or materials store to buy some high-quality metals to forge some powerful hidden weapons.

"Sister, let's go that way." Tang San pointed to a fork in the road, where the clanging of metal was more frequent.

“Okay.” Cinderella naturally had no objection.

The further you go, the more weapon shops, armor shops, and blacksmith shops there are on both sides of the street. The air is filled with the smell of metal and charcoal.

Tang San's gaze became focused. He slowed his pace, looking at each shop one by one, observing the quality of the samples displayed at the shop entrances, and listening to the forging sounds coming from inside to judge the craftsman's skill.

Some shops displayed forged swords hanging at their entrances, gleaming coldly. Others showcased armor, thick and sturdy. Still others displayed strangely shaped metal components of unknown purpose.