Douluo Continent: This Tang San is different

Chapter 225 Phoenix City: The Phoenix Seeks Its Mate (Part Two)

"Third Brother, try this, it tastes good." Xiao Wu picked up a jelly-like, grayish-brown agar-agar-like object from the long table next to her, pulled down Tang San's mask, and stuffed it directly into his mouth.

Tang San, who had subconsciously opened his mouth, chewed, and swallowed, was slightly taken aback. Then he savored it carefully and said, "The taste is indeed good. It's refreshing with a hint of sweetness. It's perfect for summer."

"Don't say these things when you're enjoying the food," Xiao Wu pouted, dissatisfied. "Just say, 'It's delicious,' or 'It's not delicious.'"

"Delicious." Tang San smiled, and was about to pull up his mask when Guang Ling next to him stuffed another crescent-shaped cookie into his mouth, saying, "Third Brother, have a taste, this moon cookie tastes pretty good too."

"Hmm~ It's really good," Tang San commented.

However, this explanation displeased Xiao Wu, who took another five-pointed star-shaped pastry, took a small bite, and then stuffed it into Tang San's mouth: "This is also delicious."

Guangling followed suit, picking up a round pastry, taking a small bite, and holding it to Tang San's lips: "These round pastries taste quite refreshing."

And so, as the two fed each other, Tang San accepted everything offered and ate it all, as if he were a bottomless pit, yet his belly did not bulge.

Lan Yinzi also wanted to get involved, but Xiao Wu and Guang Ling stopped her with threatening looks.

Among them, Xiao Wu knows that Lan Yinzi is Tang San's mother on a soul level, but not on a physical level!

To prevent anything unethical from happening, Xiao Wu felt it was necessary to keep Tang San and Lan Yinzi at a distance. After all, she always felt that Lan Yinzi's gaze towards Tang San was strange—most likely because he had taken over someone else's body, which had caused his personality to become distorted.

Lan Yinzi could only pitifully eat the pastries in her hand.

Xiao Wu and Guang Ling, who initially fed Tang San, began to compete with each other, their eyes only on one another.

Those who witnessed this reacted with envy, admiration, or disdain.

"Miss, may I invite you to dance later?" Just then, a hoarse yet delicate voice rang in Lan Yinzi's ear.

Lan Yinzi looked up and saw that the person was wearing a red jacket, was as fat as a ball, and had two small mustaches on his upper lip, which was very comical.

Ma Hongjun from Shrek Academy?

How did he get here?

"No, you're too ugly." Lan Yinzi didn't think much of it and righteously refused the other party's invitation. Although she wasn't a looks-obsessed person, she wasn't going to approach just any ugly person, especially since this guy looked like such a jerk and had a lewd personality. She didn't know how many women he had slept with.

"Um... I just look fat, and actually I am a little fat, but I have a kind heart." Ma Hongjun felt a little aggrieved, not understanding why every beautiful woman paid so much attention to her appearance. Cuihua understood him better, but unfortunately she was not a Soul Master and could not withstand his strength.

This evil fire was something he both loved and hated.

"Sorry, whether you're kind or not has absolutely nothing to do with me." Lan Yinzi gave her a rather disdainful look. "Ugly, no thanks!"

However, Ma Hongjun had no intention of giving up. Noticing that most of Lan Yinzi's gaze was fixed on Tang San, who was being "fed" by Xiao Wu and Guang Ling, and adhering to Shrek Academy's teaching that "those who dare not cause trouble are mediocre," he decided to demonstrate his strength and shouted at Tang San, "You masked pretty boy, isn't it inappropriate for you to be juggling three relationships like this?"

"Who the hell are you?" Xiao Wu was in a bad mood after being interrupted while feeding the baby. She glared at the other person fiercely, then paused for a moment, "You look kind of familiar."

Although Xiao Wu had met Shrek Academy and the others a few times, Ma Hongjun's performance at the conference was merely filler and nothing particularly outstanding.

Therefore, Xiao Wu had a vague impression of it, but not much.

She wouldn't deliberately record unimportant people, and the main reason Ma Hongjun left an impression on Xiao Wu was his round, fat figure.

"It's Ma Hongjun from Shrek Academy." Guangling remembered him, after all, anyone who might become an obstacle to Tang San in the future was on her "hunt" list.

Of the threats posed by Ma Hongjun, if we were to rate him out of 100, he would be worth 2 points, mainly because of his peculiar purplish-red flames that were viscous and corrosive.

If it weren't for that evil fire, Ma Hongjun wouldn't have made it onto her list.

"That's right, I am Ma Hongjun, one of Shrek Academy's most outstanding students." As he spoke, he made a "seven" shape with his right hand, rested it on his chin, and flashed what he considered a handsome, wicked smile, constantly flirting with Xiao Wu, Guang Ling, and Lan Yinzi. "Aren't you captivated by my good looks?"

"Ugh~" Xiao Wu gagged. "I'm about to throw up. Who gave you the confidence to say you're handsome?"

Guangling was much more blunt: "Shameless."

Lan Yinzi nodded: "It's good to be confident, but just look in the mirror at home."

Tang San, however, was pondering why Ma Hongjun had come here—

Phoenix City, Evil Phoenix...

Without the Phoenix Cockscomb Sunflower to resolve the problem of the evil fire, the higher Ma Hongjun's strength increases, the more severe the evil fire's impact on him will become. If it is not completely resolved, reaching the Soul King stage will be his death day.

After all, in terms of willpower, the other party is far inferior to Ma Xiaotao from "Douluo Continent II: The Peerless Tang Sect".

Therefore, in order to solve the problem of the evil fire, Ma Hongjun came to the place with the legend of the phoenix to investigate. It didn't seem to be a big problem. However, the wisp of phoenix remnant soul in the Phoenix Tree could not possibly choose him.

After all, given Ma Hongjun's talent and personality, even in the original story, he would only be qualified to receive the Phoenix God's inheritance after consuming the inner core of the Phoenix Cockscomb Sunflower and the Ten-Headed Fiery Sun Serpent.

Needless to say, he is unworthy of the position of God of Fire.

Now, Ma Hongjun, who still has the defect of evil fire, is only at the Soul Venerable level. If the remnant soul of the Phoenix Divine Beast chooses him, there is only one possibility: it is blind.

At this moment, Ma Hongjun was furious, his face flushed red. He shouted at Tang San, "If you've got the guts, let's go to the Soul Arena here and fight it out, then we'll see who's stronger!"

"Have I offended you?" Tang San asked without changing his expression. "Don't be like a rooster, eager to show off. Even if your martial soul is a rooster, a person is still not a domestic fowl."

Rooster?

鸡？

Although he started the trouble, calling his martial spirit a poultry was a blatant insult!

"My martial spirit is the phoenix!"

Ma Hongjun exerted himself, his martial spirit possessing him. A blood-red rooster comb appeared above his head, and red feathers grew from his arms. Ignoring the city's rule against fighting privately, he was about to use his first soul skill.

However, as soon as the flame left his mouth, Ma Hongjun's pupils suddenly contracted, and he immediately shut his mouth, causing the flame to explode inside. Grayish-black smoke billowed from his nostrils, mouth, ears, and eyes, vividly demonstrating to the world the image of "smoke coming from all seven orifices."

"Um, I was wrong, can you forgive me?"

The reason he changed his arrogant attitude was because Ma Hongjun saw Wu Lin and Wu Tong on Tang San's shoulders. Those two little girls were still fresh in his memory—Mu Tian's fire lizard disappeared after being touched by the red-haired little girl. If he were touched, he would probably die too.

Of course, more importantly, through these two little girls, each slightly larger than a palm, Ma Hongjun was able to determine who the person in front of him was.

This is a monster among monsters!

Can't afford it!

Absolutely not someone to mess with!

"let's go."

Ignoring the extremely nervous Ma Hongjun, Tang San called out to the three women and headed towards the center of Phoenix City.

Relieved, Ma Hongjun felt he had escaped death and couldn't help but say, "He really is quite easygoing... Fine, I'm not staying here anymore. I'll go check out other places with phoenix legends. I refuse to believe I can't get rid of this evil fire."

The four people who arrived in the city center stopped thinking about Ma Hongjun.

At this moment, all the railings within a kilometer radius of Feng Wutong have been removed, and the local Spirit Hall Master, Thanos, is personally hosting and leading the most crucial ball!

As night fell, flames ignited in the ravines above the venue, illuminating the entire ballroom and reflecting the starry sky above.

"Welcome everyone to the annual 'Phoenix Seeking its Mate' Ball!"

Thanos, holding a megaphone-like amplifying soul tool, shouted excitedly, attracting the attention of everyone nearby.

"Perhaps it's already common knowledge for the locals, but I still want to introduce the origins and rules of this grand event to our guests and friends from other cities:"

"Legend has it that ten thousand years ago, the phoenix was reborn here, its blood staining the sky and the outer city walls. The sacred soul of the beast resided in this phoenix tree, forever guarding our peace and tranquility."

"This grand event was originally used to worship the mythical phoenix, but as time progressed, it gradually became a festival for men and women to express their love. Under the witness of the great divine phoenix, lovers will finally be united!"

At this point, most of the people gathered outside the venue, whether locals or tourists who had come specifically to hear about it, cheered.

"Next, I'll explain the rules!"

"First, because the venue is not large, the men and women who sing and dance in this sacred place will be divided into multiple groups. Based on the number of people who have signed up so far, there will be thirty-three groups, with about one hundred people in each group."

"Secondly, Soul Masters, commoners, and nobles can all participate, and nobles cannot use their status to oppress others. In this grand event, the Phoenix Divine Beast treats everyone equally, which means that everyone is equal today."

"Third, regardless of gender, you can refuse an invitation from someone, but you cannot refuse more than three times. Otherwise, you will be disqualified from the competition. It's not nice to be occupying a spot."

"Fourth, if the invitee refuses no more than three times when the invitation is extended by a man or woman, then the inviter may not force the invitation."

"fifth······"

In total, Thanos outlined twelve rules, concluding with: "If you do not wish to abide by these rules, you may withdraw. However, if you forcibly violate the rules, then I, Thanos, the Hall Master of the Spirit Hall of Phoenix City, and the City Lord of Phoenix City, will not forgive anyone who dares to break our rules and traditions!"

These words immediately created a solemn atmosphere.

Then, Thanos changed the subject, laughing loudly, "Now, let the ball officially begin! If we gain the approval of the Phoenix Beast residing atop the Phoenix Tree, perhaps we can be blessed with a lifelong, inseparable love!"

Immediately, almost everyone cheered!

"Ahem!" Thanos coughed twice, using a little of his soul power, and announced loudly, "Now, let's welcome the first batch of personnel to the stage!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a middle-aged woman came to Thanos's side. She had some wrinkles around her eyes, but her face was well-maintained. She was the city lord of Phoenix City.

Only today will the city lord appear in the public eye and share the joy with the people.

Based on conversations with those around him, Tang San learned some details: the city lord's name was Feng Xi, her martial soul was the Wind Spirit Peacock with phoenix blood, and she was also Thanos's wife.

Hey!

Phoenix City belongs to the Heaven Dou Empire. Although it is independent, it is quite unexpected that the city lord and the head of the local Spirit Hall are husband and wife.

Fengxi took out a list and began to read out the names.

Those whose names are called must enter the venue. If someone does not enter after three calls, it means they have given up and will be replaced by the next person.

Upon hearing the words "light" and "dance," Guang Ling and Xiao Wu entered the venue and were seated closest to Feng Wutong—privileges were everywhere.

After the one hundred men and women had taken their positions, Thanos called out, "Now, please welcome the partners of these one hundred men and women to the stage!"

"You can choose a dance partner you already have, but you can also extend invitations to others before the end."

Words like those of a devil tempt men and women with weak wills.

This is also a test of whether the feelings between couples are genuine.

If one is not sincere in their feelings, then after this dance, not only will they not find new love, but their old love will also see through their partner's true colors, leading to the loss of everything in their relationship.

Unless you possess qualities that can make your partner devoted to you: wealth, power, or great strength.

Along with the others, Tang San, wearing a mask, and Lan Yinzi, who was wearing a veil, entered the venue.

"Would you like to dance with me?" Tang San extended his right hand to Guang Ling.

"willing!"

Without hesitation, Guangling placed her hand in Tang San's palm, just like the scene in the village when Tang San extended an invitation to her, and she had already given herself completely to him.

Eternal life, without regrets.

Xiao Wu, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Then she heard Lan Yinzi's gentle voice: "Good sister, would you like to dance with me?"

"Okay, but don't think I've fallen for you. I'm straight." Xiao Wu took Lan Yinzi's hand and started dancing.

However, Xiao Wu had never danced before, and she stepped on Lan Yinzi's toes several times, causing Lan Yinzi's eyes to twitch in pain.

"I'm sorry, I've never danced like this before." Xiao Wu blushed and glanced at Tang San and Guang Ling. She noticed that Tang San's dance steps were also very clumsy, and Guang Ling was also stepping on Tang San's feet from time to time. She kept apologizing.

Hmm~ I feel much better now.

"It's okay, it's my first time, I'm always a little unaccustomed to it." In fact, Lan Yinzi was also very unfamiliar with dancing. Even though she had been here in her "past life," she had never danced with Tang Hao. Besides the fact that he was an "idiot," the more important reason was that she and Tang Hao had not really confirmed their relationship at that time.

On Guangling's side, Tang San saw that her face was flushed, showing both excitement and shame, so he said softly, "Don't be nervous, it's okay. I'm not familiar with her either, am I?"

Seeing that Tang San was genuinely enjoying the dance, Electrolux couldn't help but complain, "Seriously, have you forgotten what this grand event is all about?"

Our target is this phoenix parasol tree right in front of us!

"Brother Eli, you can do it. I have other important things to do right now," Tang San replied, then focused on dancing with Guang Ling and calming her tense and restless heart.

"Damn! Forget your friends for a pretty face! Teacher-student relationships weren't even widely accepted in your past life, isn't this a bit too ahead of its time? And, you raised this Lightfeather, didn't you? Raised him? You scum!" Electrox, feeling like he'd just eaten a huge bowl of dog food: (°ー°〃), "Oh well, what can I do, I'm just a kind guy."

Devastated, Electrox released a wisp of his divine sense and found the remnant soul of the phoenix beast within a peculiar space resembling a phoenix tree.

The phoenix's remnant soul sensed an intrusion, flapped its wings, and rushed over, its fiery red eyes filled with ferocity, devoid of any intelligence.

"Is only instinct left?" Electrox was an expert at manipulating souls, and even a wisp of divine consciousness was not something that the remnant soul of the phoenix could easily destroy.

"It seems that those guys in the divine realm are extremely wary of non-human beast gods."

"Is it because of the Dragon God?"

While dodging the attacks of the remnant souls that resembled mindless beasts, Electrolux pondered the conflict between the gods and the divine beasts based on the information he had.

Of course, he wasn't just doing those two things.

While evading, Electrolux cast magical patterns on this mental space, trapping the remnant soul of the phoenix, and then imprinted the edges of the magic onto the walls of the mental space.

"In this way, the remnant soul can be absorbed by the Phoenix Tree, giving birth to a unique intelligence belonging to this Phoenix Tree. Moreover, because this wisp of phoenix remnant soul has reached the divine level, the Phoenix Tree can directly avoid the heavenly tribulation."

Electrolux breathed a sigh of relief, then quickly recorded the flow of divine energy patterns on the phoenix's remnant soul, exclaiming in amazement, "This is the most precious thing!"

Outside, sensing Electrolux's return, Tang San, taking advantage of the time he was exchanging dance partners with Lan Yinzi, subtly unleashed the Blue Silver Emperor technique, merging into the Phoenix Tree. The life force and the aura of the Golden Ancient Tree caused the Phoenix Tree to instantly develop a wisp of its own unique sentience...

···

Upon being reborn, Feng Wutong immediately sensed a warm and familiar aura and wanted to jump into Tang San's arms. However, due to her weak spiritual intelligence, she could not even move her body, let alone manifest an energy body.

"Don't get excited, just grow up well. When the time comes, I will come to get you."

Tang San's spiritual power flowed into it, soothing the young mind.

"That remnant soul of the phoenix has occupied your body for many years. Now, it has been trapped by my friend, and you can draw nourishment from it."

"In the past, He occupied your spiritual space for self-cultivation; now, you absorb its fragmented soul for growth."

"An eye for an eye, that's all."

I wrote two chapters on October 24th, one was blocked and the other was under review. I'm so frustrated, I can only say something in this chapter.

(End of this chapter)