Chapter 220: Formal Admission to the Martial Soul Hall

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"Since you're awake, how long are you going to pretend to be asleep?"

After descending some distance from the mountaintop, Bibi Dong suddenly released her arms. Tang San immediately opened his eyes, bracing himself with his hands and feet against the ground. He rolled to the side and then gracefully stood before Bibi Dong, smiling. "Facing so many strong individuals, a youngster like me feels somewhat nervous inside."

"Now, have I impressed you?" Bibi Dong didn't dwell on that topic, instead asking the question that concerned her the most.

"In terms of martial prowess, temporarily, yes." Tang San bowed, took a deep breath, and looked up into Bibi Dong's eyes. "Regarding personal charisma, I've already witnessed the calmness and wisdom you displayed when facing six Super Douluo and one Transcendent Douluo."

"So, I'm joining the Martial Soul Hall."

Bibi Dong smiled. "Temporarily impressed in martial prowess? Indeed, give yourself time to reach my level, or even surpass me; it's not impossible."

"As for personal charisma, it seems I haven't met your standards yet..."

"But in the future, I will make you understand how broad-minded I am."

Glancing at Bibi Dong's broad-mindedness, Tang San chuckled. "I've already seen it."

"Tch." Bibi Dong naturally noticed Tang San's subtle gesture, chuckling lightly. "If it were someone else, I would have slapped them, but you, I forgive your slight disrespect."

Tang San smiled awkwardly.

Then, Bibi Dong suddenly asked, "Regarding gods, you should have some understanding, right? With your talent, as long as you find a suitable place for divine inheritance, you should also be able to receive the inheritance of a god, such as the God of Life or the God of Destruction. However, I don't know where such divine inheritances exist."

"In fact, is there a possibility that when a person's talent is outstanding enough, the gods will come to them?" Tang San suggested a possibility and described his experiences with Destruction and Life, "Two deities from the divine realm, Destruction and Life, sought me out, hoping I would inherit their godly positions and inherit their status in the divine realm."

"Oh? I'm interested to hear more." Bibi Dong was surprised, gesturing for Tang San to continue. After all, her knowledge of divine inheritances was limited to what she had learned from Rakshasa God. She knew that deities such as the Sea God, Angel God, and Asura God had appeared on the continent before, but she was completely unaware of matters concerning the divine realm.

After ensuring there were no external divine observations, Tang San continued with more confidence, "Destruction and Life are a couple. According to them, the divine realm has five Great Gods, three Law Enforcers, as well as numerous first-grade, second-grade, and third-grade deities, and priests."

"Among them, the five Great Gods are: Goodness, Evilness, Life, Destruction, and Asura. The latter three also serve as Law Enforcers, while Goodness and Evilness are the supreme gods of the divine realm, forming the Divine Realm Committee."

"As for other deities, such as Angels, Rakshasas, and Sea Gods, they are only first-grade deities. According to Life and Destruction, after becoming gods, they are not allowed to significantly interfere in mortal affairs, and they can only stay in the mortal world for one hundred years. After a hundred years, if they do not ascend to the divine realm, three Law Enforcers will dispatch their subordinates, law enforcement priests, to the mortal world. If the mortal gods still do not comply, they will be judged, and even the Great Gods will be summoned to jointly pass judgment on the mortal gods, stripping them of their divine bodies, extinguishing their divine souls, and eroding their divine powers."

"The divine realm oversees one hundred and eight mortal stars, which are essentially one hundred and eight worlds. However, the number of divine spirits in the divine realm is extremely scarce, so apart from law enforcement duties, they have a lot of free time."

Bibi Dong frowned.

If what Tang San said was true, and gods couldn't significantly interfere in human affairs after becoming gods, then her last war was just tying herself up?

However, what Bibi Dong wanted to know now was whether Tang San had accepted the inheritance of Life and Destruction.

"No." Tang San shook his head.

"Why?" Bibi Dong was puzzled, even showing a hint of suspicion. "Since it's the inheritance of two Great Gods who also serve as law enforcers, and it perfectly aligns with both of your martial souls, why not accept it?"

"Breaking through the hundredth level, I'll strive for it myself, no need for others' charity." Tang San's eyes gleamed with determination. "If godhood is really that good, why would they seek out heirs?"

"Could it be that the former gods had to give up their godhood and eternal life?"

"Or is it that living for too long causes mental breakdown, making them want to relinquish their positions?"

"Or perhaps, godhood in the divine realm is some kind of irrevocable restraint, leading those gods to eagerly seek talented individuals to replace them, so they can regain their freedom?"

"There are too many possibilities."

"I'll gain strength through my own cultivation. If I can't understand the benefits given by others, I dare not easily accept them."

Listening to Tang San's seemingly audacious words, Bibi Dong was stunned because she had never considered whether there were pitfalls behind godhood; she only thirsted for power.

Whether in intelligence or character, she was inferior to Tang San.

"You're belittling me with those words," Bibi Dong said calmly.

"Cough, just speculation. Maybe I missed out on a big opportunity," Tang San laughed heartily, indicating that his previous remarks were all guesses. Perhaps the gods in the divine realm really just wanted to nurture the next generation.

However, at this moment, Bibi Dong believed more in Tang San's previous speculation.

Thinking from her own perspective, if she were a former god, would she willingly give away her divine power, status, and rights to someone else if she hadn't died?

Impossible!

Bibi Dong had already found her answer.

Unless, as one of Tang San's speculated reasons, living for too long makes everything boring, leading to a mental breakdown...

Back outside the Pope's Hall:

Seeing Bibi Dong and Tang San walking out from the mountainside chatting and laughing, the crowd breathed a sigh of relief, realizing one thing: Tang San had joined the Martial Soul Hall.

Some were surprised...

Some sighed...

Some were resentful...

But none could change the fact that Tang San was now a member of the Martial Soul Hall, and his status was second only to the current Pope.

One beneath, myriad above.

Calling Tang San a rising star wasn't an exaggeration.

After all, Tang San had gained the Pope's recognition solely through his own strength.

As for the other academies' teams present at the scene or those who watched through the Zimu Soul Guide Photographic Ball, they were grateful they hadn't truly faced Tang San in the competition.

That kind of monster who could fly and vanish into thin air turned out to be a Soul King!

Who would believe it?

Standing in front of the Pope's Hall, Bibi Dong announced to everyone, "From today onwards, Tang San is an Honorary Elder and Official Elder of the Martial Soul Hall, recorded in the Elder Hall. His treatment and title are on par with a Titled Douluo. In addition, I will also confer upon him the title of Martial Soul Hall's Holy Son, second only to myself in status, to be known throughout the continent."

Her words caused a commotion!

They never expected Bibi Dong to be serious!

However, with Tang San's strength and abilities, he could indeed bear this honor. Perhaps, after Bibi Dong became a god, Tang San would be the next Pope of the Martial Soul Hall.

Ning Fengzhi muttered to himself, "It seems that we need to make good relations with the Martial Soul Hall in the future. After all, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Martial Soul Hall don't have much conflict of interest, and because of those intellectual property rights and patents, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has gained quite a few benefits."

The Sword Douluo felt a bit uncomfortable about this, especially since his father died at the hands of a high-ranking member of the Martial Soul Hall...

However, it seemed that Bibi Dong wasn't on good terms with those high-ranking members of the Hall. Previously, that Golden Crocodile attacked them both simultaneously, using his Martial Soul True Body as if he was putting all his effort into simultaneously harming them.

If that was the case, supporting Bibi Dong because of Tang San wasn't out of the question.

At this moment, Yu Tianheng stepped forward, bowed to Bibi Dong, and said, "Respected Pope, I, Yu Tianheng, am willing to join the Martial Soul Hall. I hope you will allow it."

"What is the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family planning?" Ning Fengzhi felt his head wasn't enough. "Actually letting the direct heir join the Martial Soul Hall... Is this choosing a side?"

The Sword Douluo pondered for a moment and speculated, "Perhaps it's just in Yu Tianheng's personal capacity..."

"Personal capacity?" Ning Fengzhi also calmed down, considering the reasons behind it. "Yu Tianheng's talent is much stronger than Yu Tianxin's. He shouldn't be joining along with him... Is it because of Tang San?"

"It's also possible that his Martial Soul has undergone some slight mutation," the Sword Douluo offered another thought. "Having light attribute and metal elements, although it has become stronger, there's uncertainty about whether his future offspring can inherit it. So, it's better to keep him by Tang San's side for greater gains."

"That makes sense. But the main thing is still to be on good terms with Tang San." Ning Fengzhi hesitated, wondering whether to let Ning Rongrong also join the Martial Soul Hall.

Although the appearance of the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda Martial Soul had already determined that Ning Rongrong would be the next sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, hanging a name in the Martial Soul Hall didn't seem like a big problem. After all, he himself was an Honorary Elder of the Martial Soul Hall.

Due to the status as one of the top three sects, the Martial Soul Hall couldn't force Ning Rongrong to do anything.

With Tang San's talent, as long as nothing unexpected happens, he'll inevitably become the next Pope of the Martial Soul Hall in the future—it's just a matter of time. If something were to happen between Rongrong and Tang San, wouldn't the Martial Soul Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School become in-laws?

Thinking of this possibility, Ning Fengzhi felt tempted and sent a message to Ning Rongrong, asking her to join the Martial Soul Hall in her personal capacity.

Without hesitation, Ning Rongrong stepped forward and said, "I also join the Martial Soul Hall."

This time, many people showed intriguing expressions.

First, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, then the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and now with Tang San's suspected origins from the Haotian Sect (at least it couldn't be refuted based on his physical bloodline), did the Martial Soul Hall just sweep away the three major sects?

Bibi Dong's face revealed a pleased expression.

Although Yu Tianheng and Ning Rongrong joined in their personal capacities, it wasn't impossible for these two major sects to join the Martial Soul Hall in the future.

Originally, Bibi Dong had planned to prepare for a few years and launch a sudden attack on these two major sects, annihilating them in one fell swoop.

But now, with the emergence of the Zimu Soul Guide Photographic Ball and Tang San, too many things had happened beyond her expectations... However, the current situation was still under her control.

In the not-too-distant future, the Martial Soul Hall might be able to take over the entire Douluo Continent without shedding a drop of blood.

Among the remaining members of the Tiandou's Royal Academy's teams, Xiao Wu, Guang Ling, and Huo Wu also chose to join the Martial Soul Hall. The reasons for the first two were obvious, while the latter felt that following Tang San would lead to greater progress.

The most surprising was Zhu Zhuqing, who also chose to join the Martial Soul Hall.

Regarding this, Dai Mubai had some objections, but there was nothing he could do. After all, Zhu Zhuqing's strength was there, and she had the qualification to independently wield the Martial Soul Fusion Skill: Ghost Douluo and the White Tiger.

Moreover, Tang San was just too powerful. The future situation of the continent might change because of him. Zhu Zhuqing joining the Martial Soul Hall wasn't necessarily a bad thing for the Dai Family and the Zhu Family...

As for the teams remaining in the Martial Soul City, a large part of the personnel who were about to graduate chose to stay and join the Martial Soul Hall.

But—

Where there's joy, there's also sorrow.

Within the Haotian Sect:

The curtain was directly torn down by the seven elders, who angrily cursed, "This unfilial scoundrel! He actually joined the Martial Soul Hall! How did his damn father teach him?"

Through the live broadcast of the Soul Guidance Camera, they had already learned about Tang San's talent and strength, especially his improved Ring Detonation Secret Technique, which could make a Soul King burst out such powerful strength, nearly on par with a level ninety-eight Super Douluo.

That kind of thing seemed much safer and more powerful than the ring explosion. If everyone in the Haotian Sect could possess it, wouldn't they become the strongest sect?

The fifth elder said, "Perhaps in the future, we can make Tang San hand over that technique, and we won't have to trouble him anymore."

Tang Xiao stared at the fifth elder as if he were looking at a fool and said, "I think the problem now isn't whether Tang San acknowledges his ancestry but how to deal with the Martial Soul Hall."

"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School have both allowed people to join the Martial Soul Hall. Although it's in their personal capacity, everyone knows they're getting close to the Martial Soul Hall."

"As for Tang San..."

"Before, I didn't notice, but now it seems that he already had some guesses, even confirmation, about his origins in the Haotian Sect, and he doesn't seem very interested in the Haotian Sect."

"For him, acknowledging his ancestry might not be that important."

Despite saying so, Tang Xiao also had some reservations about "acknowledging his ancestry," feeling that Tang San was being a bit too disrespectful—knowing that he was born in the Haotian Sect, yet still choosing to join the Martial Soul Hall. Wasn't it too disrespectful to his elders?

Tang Xiao also had some grievances towards Tang Hao.

"Humph! If I encounter that bastard, I'll definitely give him a good lesson!" The seventh elder said indignantly.

"It's good if you're not killed by him," the second elder said with some concern, "Even if the five of us, plus Tang Xiao, joined forces, we'd still be killed by him once he uses that technique. It's not even on the same level."

"Why not just prevent him from using it?" The seventh elder said indifferently, "He's just a Soul King."

"How can you guarantee that he'll need so much time to use that technique?" The second elder retorted, "And even before he uses that technique, his strength is not to be underestimated. Can you demand that he stand there stupidly waiting for you to attack?"

The seventh elder's breath hitched, unsure of how to retort. He could only snort disdainfully and remain silent.

"Second elder, what's your opinion?" According to Tang Xiao's thoughts, they should announce their presence, go to the Martial Soul Hall, and question Tang San. After all, no matter how peculiar the Haotian Hammer might be, it was still the Haotian Hammer and couldn't be concealed.

Tang San must return to the Haotian Sect!

"It's not advisable to act. We should continue to bide our time," the second elder advised after a moment of meditation. "Judging from the few words exchanged before the two sides fought, Tang San's attitude towards the Haotian Sect is clearly indifferent. If we forcefully demand it, it might provoke his resentment, and even give the Martial Soul Hall a legitimate reason to deal with us openly."

The Martial Soul Hall was a mountain pressing down on the Haotian Sect. No matter what, this factor couldn't be eliminated, otherwise it would be irresponsible to themselves and the sect.

"Humph! The Martial Soul Hall will be wiped out sooner or later!" The seventh elder harbored immense hatred towards the Martial Soul Hall, wishing to kill all its members, including Tang San, who was on his hit list.

Reason?

The Martial Soul Hall was an enemy of the Haotian Sect!

Tang San, knowing his origins in the Haotian Sect, still joined the Martial Soul Hall, showing disrespect to his ancestors and aiding the oppressors. It's unjustifiable!

Tang Hao was the culprit who provoked the Martial Soul Hall, causing the Haotian Sect to fall into such a plight!

Debts of the father must be repaid by the son! It's only fair and right!

Otherwise, how could he just show off his power in this meeting room?

"Enough of this talk, it's annoying to hear." Although the Martial Soul Hall was indeed the enemy of the Haotian Sect, and the sect was currently propagating hatred among its disciples, they had heard too much of it themselves and felt a bit unrealistic. Therefore, the second elder stopped the seventh elder from continuing to rant, as there was no one else here.

The third elder said, "Think of it in a positive light. Whether Tang San acknowledges it or not, he still carries the bloodline of the Haotian Sect. Him becoming the Martial Soul Hall's Holy Son might not be a bad thing. In the future, if he becomes the Pope of the Martial Soul Hall, wouldn't the Martial Soul Hall be surnamed Tang?"

Although the third elder made sense, everyone present, including Tang Xiao, felt that such behavior insulted the pride of the Haotian Sect.

To let the Martial Soul Hall bear the surname Tang, they must fight back!

Relying on Tang San as the Holy Son to continue the lineage...

What kind of talk was that?

This was trampling on the pride of the Haotian Sect!

The second elder said solemnly, "San Ge, don't say such things."

The third elder shrugged and said, "I'm just making a suggestion, don't take it too seriously."

Among the five elders, the third elder's lineage suffered the least damage six years ago, so their mentality was slightly better than the other five elders.

"Let's wait for news from Yuexuan." Tang Xiao concluded the meeting, which didn't carry much weight, but with the Haotian Sect's current closure, they had no other choice.

The other five elders had no objections.

The seventh elder muttered with a foul mouth, "Humph, Tang Yuexuan is only useful for this much."

Tang Xiao clenched his fist, but ultimately relaxed it. After all, during the initial confrontation with the Martial Soul Hall, the seventh elder's lineage suffered the most damage, and even his brothers died.

This was the debt owed by the Haotian Sect to the seventh elder. As the eldest brother, and with Yuexuan as the younger sister, being scolded a few times wasn't a big deal...

(End of this chapter)