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

The captain of the guards at the gate nodded, turned around, and went inside to report.

Another captain whispered a reminder: "Your Highness, Poison Douluo is also inside with his granddaughter."

Xue Qinghe's expression remained unchanged: "Thank you for informing me."

It seems Xue Qinghe is quite popular. Knowing these things in advance will be a great advantage for his performance later. It's just unexpected that Poison Douluo Dugu Bo is also in there today.

Tang Shan's mind raced, and he couldn't help but feel a little excited about what was about to happen.

As for the dangers inside, Tang Shan stated that the Title Douluo of the Spirit Hall are far less powerful than the Gluttonous Douluo, making long-distance rescue impossible; they can only protect him from the shadows. Based on the fact that Ning Fengzhi was likely accompanied by a Title Douluo this time, and considering the current forces around Xue Qinghe, it's highly probable that he's being protected by the Golden Crocodile Douluo – a truly reassuring prospect.

……

The Golden Crocodile Douluo leisurely leaped and moved across the rooftops of the palace without making a sound. His immense spiritual power was overwhelming, and he completely ignored the chaos and disorder.

"It's really lively today. The Dugu family, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and that one should be the Soul Douluo from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, how come they're all gathered together?"

Golden Crocodile Douluo became interested and quickened his pace. He had originally planned to simply protect the area around the garden; with his strength, reaching the two little ones would only take a moment. But now that various forces were gathered, he became curious and wanted to see what they were up to.

……

"Your Highness, please come in."

The guard captain who had gone to report quickly returned, bowed, opened the gate, and invited Tang Shan and Xue Qinghe inside.

Xue Qinghe nodded in acknowledgment and then walked into the garden. A maid, clearly there specifically to greet the two of them, bowed slightly and led the way.

Upon entering the garden, the refreshing fragrance of flowers, mixed with the fresh scent of grass and trees, wafts over you, including flowers unique to the Douluo Continent such as Dewdrop Flower and Purple Rhyme Grass, which invigorates the spirit.

Flowers of all colors spread out in the sunlight, red as flames, pink as clouds, and white as frost. Dewdrops on the petals refracted iridescent light, vying for beauty and dazzling the eye.

After walking for about two or three minutes, a spacious pavilion came into view, made entirely of white jade, which emitted a warm glow in the sunlight. A large white jade table was placed in the center of the pavilion, and maids served tea and water around it. Several figures took their seats in turn.

The majestic Emperor Xueye was the first to notice Xue Qinghe and Tang Shan. He beckoned to them, "Qinghe, come here."

The maid bowed and withdrew. Xue Qinghe led Tang Shan to the last two empty seats, then bowed slightly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled guests. With a humble yet measured demeanor, he greeted them in turn: "Greetings to Father Emperor; Greetings to Sect Leader Ning; Greetings to His Majesty Chenxin; Greetings to His Majesty Dugu. This must be Sister Dugu Yan? It's been a while since I last saw her; she has grown even more beautiful and lively. This senior has a dignified bearing; Qinghe has been impolite."

From beginning to end, the Emperor first paid his respects, and then the greetings were arranged according to power, status and kinship. Xue Qinghe's greetings were meticulous and thorough, and he did not neglect anyone.

"Greetings, Your Majesty, and all my seniors. I am Tang Shan."

Tangshan's situation was not as complicated as Xue Qinghe's. After all, it was the Tiandou Empire, where the emperor would greet everyone separately, and all others older than him would be addressed as seniors. Those who looked to be around his age would be ignored. He would end with a brief self-introduction.

Emperor Xueye smiled kindly and said, "Please sit down."

Everyone present subconsciously turned their gaze to the two of them, but most eyes were still focused on Tang Shan. Clearly, a prince was no match for a genius soul master.

They were sizing up Tangshan, but Tangshan was also sizing them up.

Tang Shan had met Ning Fengzhi by chance before, but he ignored him and focused his attention on the old man sitting next to him.

He wore a white robe, had white hair, and stood tall and straight like a sword about to be drawn. His skin was as delicate as a baby's, and there was a faint glint of sword light in his eyes as they opened and closed.

This must be the heart of the swordsman.

Tang Shan thought of his relationship with his elder brother, and thought that it shouldn't be a problem for Su Yuntao to call him "Grandmaster Uncle".

Looking around, he saw Xue Qinghe on his left and a girl who looked to be no more than nine years old on his right. Considering the special physique of Douluo people and the growth-promoting effect of their soul rings, her age should be around the same as his.

The girl's long, deep purple hair cascaded down naturally, the ends adorned with a faint emerald glow. Her eyes were a deep purple, slightly upturned at the corners, with occasional glints of snake-like light flashing in the depths of her pupils, giving her an aura of cold, alluring beauty. Her skin was almost translucent, like sculpted jade, and her waist was slender and supple. Her skirt was embroidered with dark snake scales. Even though she was still young, the allure and aloofness unique to her Azure Phosphorous Serpent Martial Soul were already beginning to emerge, hinting at her future stunning beauty.

Is it Dugu Yan? I wonder what her cultivation level is now. In the original work, she was twenty-one years old and level thirty-eight when she appeared, and her innate soul power should be between level seven and nine.

As Tang Shan pondered, his gaze fell upon the old man sitting next to the girl.

The old man wore a simple gray robe, the hem of which carried a faint scent of herbs and toxins. His long, dark green hair was withered and disheveled, draped over his shoulders. He was tall and thin like a javelin, with sunken cheeks and prominent cheekbones. His deep blue eyes were long and narrow like snakes, and when the pupils contracted, they revealed a chilling, sinister glint. His fingertips shimmered with a faint green light, and a wisp of almost imperceptible poisonous mist swirled around him. He was like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, exuding a dangerous aura that warned strangers to stay away.

Meeting the old man's unfriendly gaze, Tang Shan's lips twitched: "Seriously? I was just looking at your granddaughter, and my gaze wasn't particularly presumptuous. There's no need to be so protective of your calf."

P.S.: The original novel clearly states that Dugu Yan is seven years older than Tang Shan, so it's reasonable for Tang Shan to be roughly the same age as Dugu Yan now. As for Yu Tianheng, his age is tentatively set to be one year older than Tang Shan. The original novel doesn't give his exact age, so this book will be the definitive source. The original novel says Yu Tianheng possesses extraordinary talent, but as the granddaughter of a titled Doulou master, her talent should be comparable. Therefore, Dugu Yan's innate soul power is tentatively set at level seven, and Yu Tianheng's at level nine.

Chapter 123 Emperor Xueye and Prince Xuexin, Yu Tianheng's shocking remarks

"You must be Tang Shan. At only seven years old, you've already become a Great Soul Master with two thousand-year soul rings. You truly possess extraordinary talent and are the future pillar of our Heaven Dou Empire."

Emperor Xueye was the first to break the silence, praising the scene.

For a moment, the people present reacted with a range of emotions: some were doubtful, some were surprised, and some were calm.

"Is this kid really only seven years old? I'd believe you if you told me he was seventeen."

Perhaps due to his excessive wariness of Tang Shan's recent scrutiny of his granddaughter, Dugu Bo was the first to question him, clearly indicating that he didn't know much about Tang Shan.

"Tang Shan is indeed only seven years old, but he was born with full soul power, and his martial soul is his own martial soul 'True Body'. Under the influence of his martial soul, he developed faster."

Before Tang Shan could even open his mouth to explain, Xue Qinghe had already answered the question for him.

Ultimately, Tang Shan was someone she brought with her. If one doubts Tang Shan's age, isn't that the same as doubting Xue Qinghe's abilities from another perspective?

"A true martial soul? Could it be the kind of true martial soul mentioned in the sixth theory of master martial souls, which has special potential but whose correct cultivation method has not yet been found?"

The man was a middle-aged man, burly and with a masculine appearance, but Tang Shan did not recognize his true identity.

"I am Ning Fengzhi. The one who just spoke is an elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, a Soul Douluo powerhouse, Yu Xuancang."

Ning Fengzhi's voice transmission reached Tang Shan's ears, telling him the identity of the middle-aged man who had spoken, while also wanting to leave a good impression on Tang Shan.

Tang Shan nodded slightly in the direction of Ning Fengzhi to express his gratitude, and then answered Yu Xuancang's question.

"That's right, it is indeed my main body martial soul. My martial soul includes my entire body, also known as my main body martial soul."

"How could anyone possibly have their first two soul rings both last for a thousand years? Even I, Yu Tianheng, couldn't do it, so how could anyone else possibly do it!"

The boy sitting next to Yu Xuancang was somewhat surprised, his voice filled with disbelief.

Without needing any introduction, he revealed his identity himself: Yu Tianheng, the eldest grandson of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's leader.

"Tianheng, be quiet! This is not a place for you to run wild."

Clearly, at this time, the "prodigy" had not yet suffered the harsh realities of society. Coupled with his young age, he was in a state of arrogance and disdain for everyone. If it weren't for the elders of his family keeping him in check, he probably would have already launched a challenge against Tangshan.

Dugu Yan didn't speak, but instead stared at Tang Shan with her large purple eyes, which made Dugu Bo's already gloomy face even darker.

"Such cultivation at such a young age is unprecedented."

When Sword Douluo Chenxin first met Tang Shan, he looked him up and down carefully for a moment before giving his evaluation.

Seeing that Xing Su Dou had digested the shock brought by Tang Shan, Emperor Xue Ye's smile became even brighter: "Hey, what Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Dugu Family, so what if your family has geniuses? My royal family also has geniuses! A seven-year-old Great Soul Master with two purple soul rings, I ask you, is there another one like him on the entire continent?"

Yu Xuancang cleared her throat and turned to face Emperor Xueye: "Your Majesty, what about Tianheng joining the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy?"

"Don't worry, with Tianheng's talent, it's a great honor for the Royal Academy to be able to join it. It's just that Tianheng may be needed to represent the Empire in the Continental Elite Competition of Advanced Soul Master Academies later."

The Great Emperor feigned difficulty on a snowy night.

"Since you've joined the academy, you're now a part of it, and it's only right that you bring honor to the academy."

Yu Xuancang answered very readily.

"In that case, there's no problem! I guarantee that Tianheng will receive the most top-notch treatment from the Royal Academy, with all kinds of cultivation resources and instructors fully utilized."

The words of the Snow Night Emperor were full of heroic spirit.

“Then I will also entrust my granddaughter to His Majesty.”

Dugu Bo's distinctive, cold voice rang out.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, your granddaughter will be treated at the same level as Tianheng, receiving the same utmost resources for her upbringing. I will personally have Xuexin handle their enrollment matters."

Emperor Xueye patted his chest to assure him, then turned his gaze to Tang Shan sitting next to Xue Qinghe, and said in a gentle tone: "Tang Shan, would you like to join the Royal Academy? Self-cultivation can never compare to having a teacher to guide you. I can ask the top teachers of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy to teach you."

This shows that Emperor Xueye's many years as emperor were not for nothing. Even though Tang Shan had joined Xue Qinghe's ranks and, in a sense, had joined the royal family and become his subject, Xue Qinghe still questioned Tang Shan rather than gave him orders.

In reality, Emperor Xueye saw things very clearly: Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng joining the Royal Academy would only be temporary. After graduation, those who were meant to return to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would return to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and those who were meant to return to the Dugu family would return to the Dugu family.

The experience of studying at the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy is only a fragment of life. The academy has no ability to completely bind them to the Heavenly Dou Empire. It would be good enough if they could leave behind a trace of their connection.

After all, it's just a college.

A certain academy in the future said: That's because you're not strong enough and your skills aren't up to par! Shrek's brainwashing method, learn about it, you deserve to have it.

Emperor Xueye knew very well that Tang Shan was the future pillar of their Heavenly Dou Empire. Such a genius had to be given due respect.

Tang Shan did not immediately agree, even though he had already discussed it with Xue Qinghe.

He feigned hesitation, looked at Xue Qinghe with a questioning expression, the meaning of which was all too clear: I will listen to Xue Qinghe.

This simple action didn't make most people think much of it, only the old man, the young man, and the Snow Night Emperor were moved.

Emperor Xueye: It seems that Qinghe has almost won over the hearts of the people in Tangshan. That's good. If Qinghe ascends the throne in the future, it's best to keep the top experts in his own hands, so that he doesn't end up like me, letting the core military force fall into the control of others.

Xue Xin, if he hadn't saved Dugu Bo back then, how could this intimidating power have fallen into his hands?

With Tangshan in place, Qinghe can truly secure its military foundation in the future.

Thinking of this, a dark glint flashed in Emperor Xueye's eyes. On the surface, he maintained a good relationship with Prince Xuexin, but in reality, it was only a pretense. After all, it was Prince Xuexin, not him, who saved Dugu Bo in the first place.

He needed the intimidation of Dugu Bo's ability to kill in groups, and Prince Xuexin needed the enjoyment of her princely status; this was how the two brothers maintained their balance.

Otherwise, how could he possibly allow the existence of a prince? That's practically a position second only to the emperor, above millions of others. Anyone with even a modicum of ambition would surely covet that ultimate position.

If it weren't for the good relationship between Emperor Xueye and Ning Fengzhi when they were young, and the intimidation of two Title Douluos, he really wouldn't be able to guarantee who would be sitting in this position now.

Ning Fengzhi: It's a pity. Xue Qinghe acted too quickly and has completely won over the hearts of the people of Tangshan. It's probably impossible to win over such a genius to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School now. But it's good, as long as he doesn't side with the Spirit Hall, it's a good thing for the Heaven Dou Empire and for our sect.

At the age of seven, he possessed two thousand-year soul rings and innate full soul power. Even though his martial soul's cultivation system was not yet mature, his potential was enough to make the entire continent take notice.

Since we can't take it for ourselves, it's always good to make some investments in advance.

Maintaining friendly relations with future top-tier powerhouses is a sure-fire deal for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, which relies on support.

The two old foxes were each thinking to themselves, but Tang Shan didn't think too much about it. Seeing that Tang Shan was asking for their opinion, they knew that the other party was trying to increase their importance in Emperor Xue Ye's heart. While they were touched, they nodded slightly on the surface.

After receiving Xue Qinghe's response, Tang Shan turned to Emperor Xue Ye and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to join the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy."

Emperor Xueye nodded and said, "Alright!"

Looking at Tang Shan and Xue Qinghe, an uncontrollable thought arose in his mind: Could Tang Shan and Qinghe restore the glory of Tian Dou that his grandfather once possessed? Devouring stars... Devouring stars... to fulfill the long-cherished wish that his grandfather could not realize until his death.

Thinking of this, Emperor Xueye was unusually excited and said without hesitation, "Tang Shan, I've made up my mind. After you join the Royal Academy, you will enjoy the same treatment as Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan!"

Such generous treatment did not surprise those present. Even though the future of his martial soul remained uncertain, Tang Shan's talent and past achievements alone made him a strong contender for the Title Douluo title.

Regardless of the Title Douluo's combat strength of this martial soul, their cultivation level cannot be faked. Even if they're weak, could they possibly be weaker than Poison Douluo Dugu Bo? That's impossible!

Even if he's not that great, his cultivation alone is enough to crush the vast majority of Soul Douluos.

A certain million-year-old ice silkworm lowered its head: it possessed at least the cultivation of a Limit Douluo, yet its daily combat strength was no match for a ten-thousand-year-old soul beast, unless it used its mental power to self-destruct. Sorry, I lowered the bar for "overpowering others with force."

"Your Majesty, isn't this a bit hasty? After all, his original spirit is a recognized 'trash spirit.' We can't assume he's a genius just because of a master's theory and a thousand-year spirit ring, can we?"

A slightly immature voice rang out. The various Heavenly Dou leaders looked at Yu Tianheng with strange expressions, not expecting that Emperor Xueye's decision would be interfered with by this junior.

Yu Xuancang's face turned ashen. If it weren't for the fact that the other party was the sect leader's grandson, she would have slapped him long ago. Damn it, Emperor Xueye's decision is a waste of the royal family's resources. What right does a little brat like you have to interrupt!

Even while forcibly controlling her hands, Yu Xuancang still let out a low shout: "Tianheng!"

Sensing the anger in his uncle's tone, and seeing that the other elders didn't support him for his "correct opinion," but instead gave him strange looks, Yu Tianheng felt he had done something wrong. But then, glancing out of the corner of his eye, he saw Dugu Yan still looking at Tang Shan with curiosity. He gritted his teeth, feeling he had a "special mission," and forced himself to speak: "A Soul Master's talent isn't just about the age of their Soul Rings and their innate Soul Power; ultimately, it's about whether they can fight! No matter how high their Soul Power or innate Soul Power is, if they can't fight, they're practically useless!"

Ning Fengzhi, who was sitting to the side watching with great interest, typed a question mark: No, I am a support-type Soul Master. I only have support abilities and no combat power. Am I a useless person?

Dugu Bo, known as the "Shame of Titles"—unable to defeat any Title Douluo but capable of crushing the vast majority of Soul Douluos (unless he encounters a combination of an overpowered Martial Soul and a divine skill like the Clear Sky Hammer, in which case he might be defeated)—had his already gloomy face grow even darker. He felt that Yu Tianheng's words, though not explicitly mentioning him, were all directed at him: Sorry, I am the kind of trash you described who "has no other characteristics besides Soul Power and Soul Rings."

P.S.: If I were Prince Xuexin, I would have done it myself without Qian Renxue even needing to intervene. Finally, I'm asking for monthly votes, subscriptions, recommendations, favorites, and comments—I'm asking for everything!

Chapter 124 Yu Tianheng, poisoned by Yu Xiaogang, and Ning Fengzhi's mockery.

If he hadn't been certain he couldn't afford to offend the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Poison Douluo Dugu Bo would have definitely gone to their clan to poison them after leaving. Poison Douluo's reputation wasn't just for show; it was built on the corpses of countless clans he had wiped out.

Other titled Douluo might not be able to kill everyone in a force, but they could at least kill the strongest member of that force; as for Dugu Bo, he might not be able to kill the strongest member of a force, but he could kill the strongest member of that force.

Yu Tianheng's words struck a nerve with Dugu Bo. He could barely tolerate the other Title Douluos teasing him—after all, he couldn't beat them. But he never expected that one day he would be teased by a junior. Although he knew that the other person was not actually referring to him, Dugu Bo was still very unhappy.

On the other hand, Tang Shan was not angered by Yu Tianheng's insolent words. After all, the other party was just a child not even eight years old, while Tang Shan was nearly thirty. If he were to argue with a child, wouldn't that be exactly what the saying goes—first drag you down to the same level, and then defeat you with his rich combat experience?

Looking at Yu Tianheng, whose eyes were filled with resentment, Tang Shan's lips twitched slightly. He always felt that Yu Tianheng had been "poisoned" by Yu Xiaogang and was not satisfied with his behavior.

"So you mean support-type Soul Masters are also useless?"

Before Tangshan could speak, the angelic young lady next to him, who had been provoked and was now furious, retaliated with a bombshell, directly pointing out the major flaw in the other's words.

Yu Tianheng is impulsive, but not brainless, well, pretty much.

Reminded by Xue Qinghe, he immediately realized the extent of the trouble he had caused with his words. Instinctively, he wanted to explain, and subconsciously looked at Ning Fengzhi: "Sect Leader Ning, that's not what I meant, I..."

He was still just a child. His body was developing faster, but that didn't mean his mental development could keep up with his physical development. Yu Tianheng tried to organize his thoughts for a long time, but couldn't utter a sound.

Ning Fengzhi still wore a gentle smile, and it must be said that he and Xue Qinghe did indeed share this trait—one was gentle and kind, and the other was refined and mild-mannered, making it difficult for them to arouse the hostility of others.