Douluo Continent: Ink Bamboo as a Cauldron to Break Through Ten Thousand Heavens

At noon, the sun was shining brightly.

The vast mansion stretched as far as the eye could see, breathtakingly beautiful, grand, precise, and symmetrical to the point of being cruel. How many secrets were locked away by those high walls?

Compared to the White Tiger Duke's mansion, which spans over three thousand acres and stands as a self-contained city, the small, thin figure who quietly slipped out through the north back gate seemed far too insignificant and frail. But when he gently closed the door, took a few steps, and suddenly turned back, the hatred in his eyes was higher than a mountain!

After making a vow to avenge his mother and change his name, the young man headed north without hesitation. This person was none other than Huo Yuhao, the chosen one whose life was toyed with by fate in the original story.

"Hey Tang Ya, we've only just begun and you're already hungry? We haven't even entered the Star Dou Great Forest yet." Two men and a woman were walking together, and the one speaking was Chen Cheng. He was already regretting coming out with this couple to be a third wheel just to get into the storyline.

"Call me Teacher Xiaoya! You've been in the Tang Sect for so long and even learned their unique skills, how come you still don't change how you address me!" Xiaoya said angrily, hands on her hips.

Chen Cheng pushed Bei Bei over and said helplessly, "Sect Leader Tang, there are only three of us here. What we should be doing now is not recruiting more people to expand our sect, but worrying about what I should call my sister-in-law."

Chen Cheng was somewhat speechless. He didn't actually like Tang Ya very much. In the original story, she knew she wasn't very capable, yet she still ran around causing a bunch of people to worry about her. She constantly talked about revitalizing the Tang Sect and making it stronger, but in reality, she couldn't come up with any policies or contribute anything. She was basically just away for a few years, only to return to find that a bunch of people had painstakingly built up the Tang Sect and were welcoming the sect leader back. If it weren't for Tang Ya being a decent person, innocent and kind, and if Chen Cheng hadn't thought he could help her out, perhaps the evil spirit master side quests in the original story could have been reduced, he really wouldn't want to have too much interaction with her.

However, after much consideration, Chen Cheng decided to join the Tang Sect. Firstly, as someone who wasn't outstanding before or after his transmigration—lacking power, achievements, and special advantages—he needed to form a group to establish himself. Bei Bei, on the other hand, was a descendant of the current head of Shrek Academy, a sure-fire connection. Furthermore, the Shrek Seven Devils would all have ties to the Tang Sect, so joining early would allow him to learn techniques and improve his abilities sooner.

On the other hand, Chen Cheng felt powerless and outnumbered. Even with relentless cultivation, he wouldn't achieve the same glory as the protagonists. His only advantage was knowing the plot's direction, so he should try to minimize the butterfly effect of his transmigration. After all, he remembered that in the beginning of the original novel, the God King mentioned the decline of the Tang Sect in his conversation with the chosen one. Perhaps the God King subtly guided Tang Ya and the others after they met Huo Yuhao and were absorbed into the Tang Sect? It would be better to join the Tang Sect smoothly, using it as a stepping stone to build a good relationship with Huo Yuhao, slowly guiding and changing him, and trying to help him develop modern values…

"Alright, Teacher Xiaoya, if you're hungry, have some dry rations first. We're just here to get a spirit ring and then head back. Don't keep blaming Chen Cheng. He even took a leave of absence to suspend his mission to come and help out. He has to rush back after this is all over." Bei Bei turned around and glared at Chen Cheng, who had once again used him as a shield. But actually, just like he said before, he was still very grateful to Chen Cheng for caring about Tang Ya's situation.

"Exactly, look at Beibei, you two have been so lovey-dovey for so many years, how come you can't learn even a little bit of her composure? Alas, Tang Ya is my sect leader, and the world is plunged into eternal darkness!" Chen Cheng sighed, putting on a sorrowful expression.

This made Tang Ya, who was initially shy about being called "sister-in-law," furious again. Without saying a word, she chased after Chen Cheng to beat him up, refusing to let Bei Bei stop her, saying that she wanted to clean house and get rid of this unworthy disciple.

Bei Bei rubbed her forehead helplessly. These two always started bickering after just a few words, and Chen Cheng's usual composure was nowhere to be seen. But it was fine this way; Bei Bei could tell that Tang Ya was happy, which was better than her secretly shedding tears alone at night for the decline of the sect.

Suddenly, the two stopped chasing. The smell of charcoal wafted through the air first, followed by the rich aroma of fish and meat. Then, the aroma filled their nostrils and carried them all the way to their stomachs, fiercely arousing their appetite.

"Goodness, no wonder everyone in the original story was so eager to try Huo Yuhao's grilled fish, and it even became the restaurant's signature dish ten thousand years later. It's definitely not just a name; I'm in for a treat today." Chen Cheng thought to himself, delighted that he was finally getting into a familiar storyline, feeling like a drama that had been on hiatus for many years was finally resuming.

"It smells so good!" Tang Ya couldn't help but exclaim. Looking towards the source of the aroma, she saw a young man dressed in simple clothes grilling fish on a makeshift grill made of branches by the river. Although she couldn't see any seasonings other than salt, the taste and appearance alone indicated that this fish was extraordinary.

Compared to Tang Ya, who glanced at the boy and then stared at the grilled fish, Chen Cheng paid more attention to the boy himself. He was thinner and more frail than his peers. His clean but patched clothes looked too big on him. His face wasn't exactly handsome; he was clearly malnourished and looked a bit sallow. There were also several bruises and scars. His eyes were one of the few bright spots on his body, twinkling like stars in the dark night sky. His nimble but calloused hands stopped moving and slowly reached behind him. That should be his mother's heirloom, the White Tiger Dagger, right?

Tang Ya, seemingly oblivious to the man's wary expression, rushed over to ask if he sold grilled fish. The boy's face flushed red, and he stammered that he would treat them to some.

  

Upon hearing this, Tang Ya chuckled and made a couple of jokes before taking the grilled fish and eating it without any regard for her image. She started wolfing it down after just one bite, constantly saying, "Hot, hot, hot!"

At this moment, Beibei walked over helplessly, patted Tang Ya on the shoulder and said, "Xiao Ya, that young man hasn't even had a chance to eat the fish he grilled yet..."

Xiaoya glared at him, her mouth full of grilled fish, and muttered, "You and your brother are getting along so well now, you're even starting to disrespect the sect leader!"

Beibei quickly raised her hands in surrender: "Teacher Xiaoya, is this alright now?"

Chen Cheng was exasperated. How could she launch a sweeping attack and personally smear him? If you like playing teacher-student roles, go play them yourselves. However, he didn't argue with her. Instead, he took out some dry food and nutrient solution from his storage soul tool and distributed them to the three of them.

"Since things have come to this, let's eat first. This fierce, uh, beautiful and kind woman is our sect leader. This is Beibei. My name is Chen Cheng. Little brother, what's your name?" Seeing that Tang Ya seemed to have the urge to put down the grilled fish and beat him up, Chen Cheng quickly changed his address.

The boy almost burst out laughing, but his guarded expression had clearly disappeared, and a hint of youthful spirit appeared in his bright eyes.

"My name is Huo Yuhao."

Chen Cheng's heart skipped a beat. They've finally arrived!