Chapter 109: Deceiving Tang San, Part 1

"Father, Sword Grandpa, Bone Grandpa, I previously went to Shilake Xueyuan, where I met a genius Soul Master named Tang San. He is only twelve years old, yet his soul power has already reached Level 29, and he also possesses many unusual weapons that require no soul power; he calls them hidden weapons."

"During the entrance exam, using those hidden weapons, he managed to give the Immovable Bright King Zhao Wuji, a Soul Saint, tremendous trouble. Under Zhao Wuji's hand, he held out for a whole incense stick's length of time, and even inflicted a nontrivial wound on Zhao Wuji."

"Later, we went together to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt souls, and Tang San, relying on a hidden weapon in his hand called the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, successfully hunted a 1,500‑year‑old Mandrake Snake. According to him, if used properly, even a support Soul Master like me with no combat ability could instantly slay a Soul Sect. If the direct disciples of our sect were equipped with such hidden weapons, our sect's overall strength would gain a huge boost."

"At first I suggested buying hidden weapons from Tang San, but he outright refused without hesitation. Fortunately, Brother Tianyun stopped a 2,000‑year‑old Human‑faced Demon Spider for him, and he repaid the favor with a set of hidden weapons. The last time I returned in such a hurry, I didn't have time to ask him for them."

"All these hidden weapons were forged by Tang San alone; Brother Tianyun speculates that his hidden‑weapon lineage likely comes from one of the three Great Artisans—Lou Gao, Titan, or Tang Hao, with Tang Hao being the most probable."

"Regardless of his background, these hidden weapons are far too important for our sect to let go lightly, so Father, Sword Grandpa, Bone Grandpa, we must go to Shilake Xueyuan."

"This time, as long as Father, Sword Grandpa, and Bone Grandpa appear together, no matter what background he has, I won't believe he would still dare refuse."

"Ning Rongrong's words made the three of them wear solemn expressions. According to Ning Rongrong, Tang Hao indeed is the most likely source of Tang San's hidden‑weapon lineage."

"However, Tang Hao is no simple man; twelve years ago in the Soul Master World he caused a massive upheaval, hammer‑killing the previous Pope of the Spirit Hall, Qian Xun Ji, and his fame rang across the continent for a time, but he later vanished without a trace."

"Ning Fengzhi thought for a moment, then had a scheme, looked at the little witch, and said with some emotion, 'Our Rongrong has truly grown up, now thinking of the sect.'"

"Then he slightly frowned and said gravely, 'This Tang San is so ungrateful; it seems Brother Tianyun guessed correctly—Tang San's age and surname match, so his hidden‑weapon lineage is very likely from Tang Hao. No wonder he's so arrogant, daring to refuse my daughter.'"

"'Tang Hao, that turmoil back then is still fresh in memory; he not only hammered the former Pope Qian Xun Ji, but also escaped multiple times from the adjudicating elder of the Spirit Hall, showing truly formidable strength.'"

"Tang Hao's record is indeed dazzling; upon first becoming a Title Douluo, he severely injured the Level 95 Qian Xun Ji, who possessed a six‑wing Angelic Martial Soul. Later, while being pursued by Qian Daoliu, he escaped multiple times, and even without any leniency from Qian Daoliu, the feat of severely wounding Qian Xun Ji alone seems like a dream."

"This is something the Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo could never achieve; both being Level 95, they are no match for Qian Xun Ji, highlighting the gap in martial souls, which is extremely hard to bridge."

"Tang Hao's ability to surpass a higher level and defeat Qian Xun Ji may be due to the following points:"

"First, he possesses a complete set of soul bones, whereas Qian Xun Ji's soul bone count is far inferior; second, his Soul Ring explosion skill is terrifyingly powerful;"

"Third, a ten‑thousand‑year Soul Ring, even if not perfectly compatible with the Haotian Hammer, still provides an amplification far beyond a ten‑thousand‑year Soul Ring, otherwise Bi Bi Dong wouldn't have so unscrupulously targeted Xiao Wu's ten‑thousand‑year Soft Bone Rabbit; fourth, this reason borders on conspiracy theory and is the least likely: Tang Hao, possessing the Killing God Domain, is being watched by the Asura God, who covertly assists Tang Hao."

"But Ning Fengzhi added, 'Regardless, we must obtain those hidden weapons; it's just a matter of using both soft and hard tactics.'"

"Then Ning Fengzhi looked at the two Title Douluo and said warmly, 'Sword Uncle, Bone Uncle, let's go tomorrow; Ning Rongrong, you come as well; we will meet Tang San!'"

"'Hmm.' Ning Rongrong obediently replied."

"…"

"The next day!"

"Ning Fengzhi, Ning Rongrong, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo, the four of them, rushed from the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect to Shilake Xueyuan at lightning speed."

"The two Title Douluo released only a faint aura, causing the gatekeeper Li Yusong to feel terrified, after which he respectfully ushered everyone into the academy's reception hall."

"A moment later, Fland, Zhao Wuji, and even Yu Xiao Gang, upon receiving the news, hurried over."

"After the two sides met, Fland and Zhao Wuji lamented, 'We just settled down for a month, and now we're tangled with Title Douluo again!' At that moment, seeing Ning Rongrong among the four, the three realized each other's identities; the middle‑aged man with a face like a crown jade and refined demeanor must be the sect master of the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect, Ning Fengzhi."

"And the one with crane‑like hair and a youthful face, sharp eyes, standing there like a peerless sword, must be one of the two Title Douluo of the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect, Sword Douluo."

"The last, towering and terrifying, with sunken eye sockets and a gaunt, withered face, looking like a skeletal old man, is certainly the other Title Douluo of the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect, Bone Douluo."

"The Qi Bao Liu Li Sect has indeed deployed its top combat power, making Fland's scalp tingle as he hurriedly recalled whether he had ever offended them; aside from scolding Ning Rongrong a few times for receiving Ning Fengzhi's 'death‑exempt golden badge,' he truly has never offended the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect."

"Fland's obsequious smile forced onto his face, lacking any hint of a 'timid fool,' bowed his head and said, 'Master Ning's esteemed arrival truly brings glory to our academy; I am the dean of Shilake Xueyuan, Fland. May I ask what brings Master Ning here?'"

"Ning Fengzhi smiled gently, courteous and easygoing, and said, 'Dean Fland, no need to be so nervous; I have no ill intent this time. We simply wish to meet the student named Tang San at your academy; please bring him over so we can discuss some matters with him.'"

"Upon hearing this, Fland and Zhao Wuji felt relieved, glad it wasn't trouble! But Yu Xiao Gang instantly became excited and nervous, stepping forward and demanding, 'Master Ning, I am Yu Xiao Gang; the Tang San you speak of is my disciple. What exactly do you wish to discuss with my disciple?'"

"Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi's eyes narrowed and his brows furrowed, saying nothing as he looked at Fland. The Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo beside him gave Yu Xiao Gang a cold stare, wondering why he disregarded their Title Douluo. Yet, recalling that he is the uncle of their granddaughter's husband, they only glared once, ignored him, and fell silent, quietly watching Yu Xiao Gang."

"Seeing the uneasy atmosphere, Fland quickly tugged Yu Xiao Gang and signaled Zhao Wuji, urging him to promptly bring Tang San over; they knew that behind Tang San stood the Haotian Douluo, Tang Hao."

"Fland looked at Yu Xiao Gang with lingering resentment, thinking, 'Tang San has such a powerful patron; he might not get into trouble, and we might be safe, but if you provoke him and he takes his anger out on us, what then? Brothers may be good, but we can't be set up like this.'"

"Seeing Fland's resentful gaze, Yu Xiao Gang realized his own misconduct; he cared too much about Tang San, and in his haste lost his reason."

"Now, after understanding, a wave of fear struck him; as a Level 31 Soul Elder, he had just dared to question the sect master of the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect."

"Zhao Wuji hung his head, turned quickly and left; after being taught once by Tang Hao, he had improved, and now, when facing Title Douluo, as long as it's not a life‑or‑death matter, it's best to obey."

"Soon, Zhao Wuji found the Shilake students on the academy's field; at that moment, the Five Peculiars of Shilake—Dai Mubai, Oscar, Tang San, Ma Hongjun, and Xiao Wu—were undergoing the training arranged by Yu Xiao Gang."

"Zhao Wuji shouted loudly, 'Tang San, come quickly; someone is looking for you in the reception hall—the sect master of the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect, Ning Rongrong, and two Title Douluo. They've specifically requested to see you; hurry and follow me.'"

"Hearing this, the five's faces changed dramatically; the sect master of one of the top three sects, the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect, and two Title Douluo had come to their tiny academy and specifically requested to see Tang San."

"Tang San's expression instantly turned extremely sour; his only connection with the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect is Ning Rongrong, so this matter must be tied to her, likely concerning the hidden weapons."

"Tang San glanced around; the others wore surprised looks, but Xiao Wu's face turned pale, eyes vacant, body trembling slightly."

"Xiao Wu's panic stemmed from hearing the Title Douluo's arrival; as a ten‑thousand‑year Soul Beast incarnation, a Title Douluo can spot her at a glance, and a Soul Douluo's careful observation can detect clues, so she was so frightened."

"Tang San thought Xiao Wu was worried about him, felt soft‑hearted, and comforted, 'Xiao Wu, don't worry. Since they want to see me and aren't taking me away, there should be no danger. You don't need to follow; just wait here for my return.'"

"Xiao Wu, hearing this, recovered, nodded and said, 'Okay.'"

"Then, Tang San followed Zhao Wuji, hurrying toward the reception hall."

"Halfway there, Zhao Wuji hesitated and said vaguely, 'Tang San, if the situation turns bad later, just tell them your father's name; it should keep you safe.'"

"Tang San showed puzzlement, thinking, 'My father? Isn't my father just a blacksmith in a small village? Could he have another identity, powerful enough to restrain the sect master of the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect and two Title Douluo? Impossible! If my father truly had such power, why would he live in a small village? Could it be…'"

"Without giving him more time to think, Zhao Wuji quickly led him to the reception hall."

"As soon as Tang San entered, all eyes were on him, and his heart tightened; after all, it was his first time seeing a Title Douluo, and he found it hard not to be nervous."

"At that moment, Zhao Wuji, who led him in, introduced, 'Master Ning, this is Tang San.'"

"Tang San forced himself to stay calm, bowed, and said, 'I am Tang San; having met all of you seniors, I wonder what brings you to summon me.'"

"Ning Fengzhi looked at the unremarkable Tang San, his eyes deep as if trying to see through him, yet his face bore a spring‑like warm smile, and he said warmly, 'So you are Tang San, truly a talent. I am Rongrong's father, Ning Fengzhi. I'm interested in your hidden weapons; which of the three Great Artisans did your lineage come from? Lou Gao? Titan? Or… Tang Hao?'"

"When the first two names were mentioned, Tang San's expression didn't change; he had never heard of the three Great Artisans. But when Ning Fengzhi mentioned the last name, Tang San's pupils suddenly contracted, 'Father is a master artisan? My father does forge iron and taught me the Chaotic Cloak Hammer technique, and from Teacher Zhao's earlier words, Teacher Zhao likely never met my father; could my father truly be extraordinary?'"

"Thinking this, Tang San said in a deep voice, 'Master Ning, my father is indeed named Tang Hao, but he is just an ordinary village blacksmith, not one of the three Great Artisans; perhaps it's a case of sharing a name.'"

"Even though he had a hypothesis, Tang San wouldn't foolishly voice his speculation outright."

"But Ning Fengzhi, based on the information Tang San provided, had already concluded that Tang San is Tang Hao's son! At just over twelve, sharing the surname Tang, with a father named Tang Hao who is a blacksmith—so many coincidences, and Tang Hao has been wanted by the Spirit Hall, hiding in a small village is perfectly normal."

"Moreover, it seems Tang San still doesn't fully understand his father's identity, indicating Tang Hao told him nothing, which makes things easier."

In a short while, Ning Fengzhi kept chatting with Tang San, asking about his well-being, discussing life aspirations; the two got along very well, Tang San developed a slight fondness for Ning Fengzhi, and couldn't help sighing: "This Uncle Ning is courteous to the wise and humble to scholars, has none of the airs of a great sect's sect leader; truly a gentleman."

Don't look at Tang San having lived two lifetimes adding up to thirty or forty years, but his previous life Tang San was a shut-in, only knowing how to tinker with hidden weapons; his judgments of people's good or bad came entirely from the Tang Sect's Xuan Tian Treasure Record outline, and in this life he has interacted most with Xiao Wu and Yu Xiao Gang, so he doesn't understand worldly affairs, his analysis of human nature is not much better than that of an eleven- or twelve-year-old child, and he was quickly duped by Ning Fengzhi.

(End of chapter)