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"Normal? Is that what you call it?" Tang San muttered silently, lost in thought.
In both his past and present lives, Tang San had always believed himself to possess extraordinary talent. Yet reality repeatedly ground him into the dirt, leaving him to question whether he truly wasn't the unparalleled genius he thought he was.
After all, he possessed twin martial souls and was born with full innate soul power.
Tang San returned to the dormitory feeling dispirited. Memories of his reincarnation and the events that followed flashed through his mind, and he clenched his fists in frustration.
"Are you really going to give up like this?"
Suddenly, a voice echoed in the room. The familiar tone sent a shiver down Tang San's spine. He looked up at the towering figure cloaked in a hood and instinctively exclaimed,
"Dad!?"
"Answer me, Xiao San. Are you really going to let a few failures make you doubt yourself and give up?" Tang Hao asked sternly once more.
Tang San stood up excitedly to explain, "No! I haven't given up! I just feel like I'm too weak right now. But I don't think I'm inferior to anyone. I will definitely reach the pinnacle of the Douluo Continent in the future and prove that I, Tang San, am a true genius!"
Seeing the shadow of doubt fade from Tang San's eyes, Tang Hao finally nodded in relief. Tang San was his only hope—he couldn't afford to let him crumble.
"You are truly my son. Well done," Tang Hao encouraged.
This was the first time Tang Hao had praised him since teaching him the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique. Tang San's heart swelled with the joy of being acknowledged.
With heartfelt words, Tang Hao patted Tang San on the shoulder and said,
"Tang San, my son. Your era lies in the future. You will undoubtedly become a powerful figure who captures the attention of the entire Douluo Continent."
Tang San nodded fervently, his heart racing with excitement. He had never felt such an overwhelming surge of emotion. To be recognized by someone close to him felt incredibly fulfilling.
After a brief silence, Tang Hao seemed to make a decision and continued,
"Xiao San, focus on your cultivation. When you reach level 40, I'll tell you about your mother.
And I'll also pass on the true inheritance of the hammer in your left hand."
Tang San eagerly accepted. At his current level of 37, reaching level 40 would take little more than half a year.
As expected, Tian Dou Imperial Academy won the championship this year.
However, the three spirit bones that were originally awarded in the original storyline did not appear as prizes this time. After all, their age was far too low for someone like Ye Tianshui to consider them worthwhile. If they fell into the hands of the Tian Dou Imperial Family, it would only strengthen their rivals—though it was better than nothing.
During this period, Xue Beng truly collapsed, leaving Xue Qinghe as the sole remaining prince of the Tian Dou Imperial Family.
The common people of Tian Dou City rejoiced at the news. Xue Beng, that scourge, was finally dead.
Such trash walking among them was a threat to the safety of the common folk.
Though Xue Qinghe was the prime suspect in the murders of his siblings, his gentle demeanor and care for the people made the commoners indifferent to the truth. A future emperor like him was exactly what they needed.
The imperial family knew no kinship. Emperor Xue Ye understood this best. Why else would Prince Xue Xing, despite holding the highest rank of nobility, constantly flatter him if not for fear of losing his grip on power?
The land of the Tian Dou Empire could not be further divided.
Looking at Xue Qinghe, who bore a striking resemblance to his younger self, Emperor Xue Ye could only sigh.
"Qinghe, the future of Tian Dou rests in your hands."
"I will not disappoint you, Father." Xue Qinghe responded with a victorious smile gracing his lips.
Ye Tianxin and her group did not return to Tianxing Academy immediately after the tournament ended. Now that the three siblings had reached the threshold of level 50, it was time to hunt for their fifth soul rings.
Their destination was naturally the Great Star Dou Forest, home to the richest variety of spirit beasts on the continent. With Ah Rou, the local expert, leading the way and Liu Erlong, a top-tier powerhouse, guarding them, the journey felt as comfortable as returning home.
The participants from Tian Dou Imperial Academy included Ye Tianxin, Ye Tianchen, Ye Tianshui, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, Xu Jingwen, and Dugu Yan.
It seemed there was a bit of a gender imbalance.
Though only six in number, they discovered an excellent auxiliary soul master named Ye Lingling at Tian Dou Imperial Academy, allowing them to sweep through the competition effortlessly.
During this time, Ye Tianchen was drawn to Ye Lingling's delicate and pure demeanor. After a year of interaction, Ye Lingling also developed feelings for this boy, two years her junior, who exuded an unusual sense of security.
However, due to family reasons, she reluctantly declined Ye Tianchen's invitation to study at Tianxing Academy to deepen their bond.
Ye Tianchen felt a pang of disappointment.
But he adhered to the principles Ye Wen had instilled in him: any setback was the result of one's own insufficient abilities.
Finally, Ye Tianchen promised Ye Lingling that he would ensure her family approved of their relationship.
From the shadows, Ning Rongrong learned of everything and seethed with hatred. She even considered using her family's power to eliminate Ye Lingling but was immediately stopped by Ning Fengzhi.
"Rongrong, this matter involves someone close to Master Ye Wen. You must not resort to such tactics.
Moreover, their relationship hasn't been finalized yet. If you use such methods and Tianchen finds out, you'll lose any chance with him forever."
Under Ning Fengzhi's sly persuasion, Ning Rongrong reflected deeply, concluding that she must not meet Ye Tianchen's preferences.
After the tournament, Ning Rongrong temporarily returned to the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect, where a tea ceremony training mobilizing the sect's resources began.
"Tianchen~ gege~"
"Achoo—!"
∑(O_O;) Far away in the Great Star Dou Forest, Ye Tianchen suddenly shivered despite his Ice-type martial soul, which usually kept him immune to cold. He looked around suspiciously—how strange.
Returning to familiar territory, Ah Rou felt a wave of nostalgia. She hadn't expected her journey outside to bring such thrilling experiences.
Turning to Ye Tianxin, she asked, "Little Tianxin, did President Ye Wen give you any instructions regarding your fifth soul ring?"
Ye Tianxin nodded and replied, "Father instructed me to find a soul beast with armor-piercing capabilities. This will optimize my combat strategies against enemies with formidable defenses."
Ah Rou nodded in understanding. As expected of President Ye Wen—he valued practicality over sheer destructive power.
"Follow me. I remember there should be an ancient Breaking Rhino in this direction, over 60,000 years old. It should meet your requirements."
Ye Tianxin was familiar with this type of soul beast. Rumor had it that they carried the bloodline of ancient Behemoths, making them incredibly powerful. Satisfied, he nodded in agreement.
The group then headed directly toward the mixed zone of the Great Star Dou Forest.
At this moment, a certain handsome fellow sensed a familiar presence and casually strolled out.
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