Introduction:
What if Tang San of Douluo wasn't possessed by Tang San of the Tang Sect?
What if Tang Hao never left the Clear Sky Sect?
What if Tang San never joined Shrek Academy?
What if Tang San's mother wasn't a spirit beast but an Angel of Slaughter from the Slaughter City?
The same body, a different soul. A different upbringing, a different mother, standing on opposing sides—when meeting those familiar faces, would it bring joy or sorrow?
Growing up in the Clear Sky Sect, how would Tang San's fate change?
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Douluo Continent, Location: Clear Sky Sect.
"What exactly is this Soul Guidance Device? Profound Heaven Skill? Purple Demon Eyes? Such bizarre Soul Skills actually existed in the ancient era? And that person who died in that strange illusion—he actually shared my name?"
A child around six years old sat on a hillside, staring down at the tattered Soul Guidance Device in his hands. It was a metal device shaped like a lotus flower.
This was something Tang San had found in the Clear Sky Sect's storage. Given his status as the half-young master of the sect, he often enjoyed exploring the premises. But this time, he nearly fell victim to this Soul Guidance Device.
The moment he touched it, it felt as though his soul was being sucked inside. At the critical moment, his father, Tang Hao, intervened and destroyed the device, preventing his soul from being taken.
However, Tang San also gained something unexpected—scattered fragments of strange memories from the device, which included some ancient methods for cultivating Soul Skills.
"It's no use. This so-called Profound Heaven Skill is impossible to cultivate. Even the Purple Demon Eyes, which can only be practiced at dawn by absorbing the purple qi of the east, has been making progress. Could the Soul Skill inheritance from the Soul Guidance Device be fake?"
Tang San lowered his head, staring at his hands with confusion. Though he had gained knowledge of several ancient Soul Skill cultivation methods, he realized some of them seemed incompatible with the present era—some were simply impossible to practice.
From the Soul Guidance Device, Tang San had obtained six techniques: the internal cultivation method Profound Heaven Skill, the hand-refining Profound Jade Hand, the eye-refining Purple Demon Eyes, the grappling technique Crane Control, Dragon Capture, the movement skill Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, and the hidden weapon mastery Hidden Weapon Compendium.
After a moment of contemplation, Tang San slowly stood up and dusted off his clothes. He wasn't disheartened by his inability to break through with the Profound Heaven Skill. The lotus-shaped Soul Guidance Device was an unexpected find, but even without it, as the son of the Clear Sky Douluo of the Clear Sky Sect, he didn't need to rely on such things. If it worked, great; if not, so be it. He could do without the Profound Heaven Skill.
He didn't dwell on it further because today was the day the Clear Sky Sect awakened the Martial Souls of its disciples. All eligible disciples would have the opportunity to awaken their Martial Souls—and today was his turn.
"Young Master San, it's time to change and head to the sect's Awakening Hall." As soon as Tang San descended the hill, a burly man in his thirties was already waiting for him at the base.
"Good morning, Uncle Tai Nuo," Tang San greeted the middle-aged man.
Tai Nuo was assigned by Tang San's father, Tang Hao, to protect him and oversee his daily needs.
Tai Nuo was not a disciple of the Clear Sky Sect but rather the eldest son of the patriarch of the Strength Clan, one of the four great affiliated clans under the Clear Sky Sect. Although they were ostensibly affiliated with the Clear Sky Sect, based on Tang San's observations over the past six years, these four clans seemed more like vassals loyal to his father, Tang Hao, devoted to his power.
Meanwhile, the square of the Clear Sky Sect's headquarters was already bustling with activity. For any sect, the younger generation was its foundation, and the annual Martial Soul awakening ceremony was the sect's most important event. Not only would the sect master personally preside over the occasion, but even top sects from the Heaven Dou Empire would send representatives to observe.
As the saying goes, "Those in the same trade are enemies," and sects were no exception. Naturally, they needed to know their rivals. How many disciples from the opposing sect could become soul masters this year? How many had awakened top-tier Martial Souls? What were their levels of Innate Soul Power? These were all crucial indicators to roughly gauge whether a sect was heading toward greater glory or beginning its decline.
On this continent plagued by spirit beasts, powerful sects naturally gave rise to cities around their territories. Clear Sky City was considered one of the largest and safest cities in the Heaven Dou Empire. Many would even say that Clear Sky City, with the Clear Sky Sect at its heart, was safer than the empire's royal capital itself.
"Dad, time to wake up." Tang San, now dressed, arrived at a large courtyard and knocked on an exquisitely carved wooden door. Though this courtyard was secluded, far from the sect's center, its surroundings were serene and elegant—fitting for the residence of Tang San's father, Tang Hao.
After a short while, the door creaked open, and a tall figure with disheveled hair resembling a bird's nest stumbled out, yawning.
Tang Hao appeared to be in his late thirties, towering and robust, clad in a loose hemp robe that revealed glimpses of his bronzed, iron-like muscles beneath. Despite his unkempt appearance, it was clear he had never neglected his training.
Rubbing his bleary eyes and scratching his messy hair with his right hand, Tang Hao mumbled, "What's up? It's too early—not even mealtime yet."
Before Tang San could reply, a voice tinged with exasperation and reproach came from behind him: "You're asking what's up? Today's the day for Little San's Martial Soul awakening. Don't you know that as his father?"
"Uncle." Seeing the newcomer, Tang San bowed respectfully in greeting.
The man was none other than Tang Xiao, the current master of the Clear Sky Sect.
At Tang Xiao's words, Tang Hao froze momentarily, then stared at Tang San in surprise. "You're six years old?!"
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Both Tang San and Tang Xiao's faces darkened at this. How could a father not know his own son's age?!
Tang Xiao grabbed Tang Hao's robe and pulled him aside, whispering urgently, "Today's Martial Soul awakening isn't just attended by representatives from the Seven Great Sects—even the Spirit Hall has sent an elder to observe. Wake up already!!!"
The moment the words "Spirit Hall" left his lips, an almost imperceptible aura leaked from Tang Hao's body. His half-lidded eyes instantly sharpened, gleaming with the intensity of a warrior who had waded through mountains of corpses and seas of blood.
Tang Hao wasn't just gifted in cultivation—his strength had been forged in relentless battles. Yet, this fierce demeanor vanished as quickly as it appeared, and he soon reverted to his usual lazy posture.
"You know, the reason our Clear Sky Sect has maintained close ties with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, collectively known as the Three Great Sects, is to guard against the Spirit Hall. The Spirit Hall has never sent representatives to observe ceremonies at other sects before. This time, they've dispatched an elder—they must have their eyes on Xiao San," Tang Xiao said in a hushed tone, his expression grave as he spoke to Tang Hao.
Although Tang Hao rarely involved himself in sect affairs, his status ensured he was privy to many secrets.
The Spirit Hall publicly claimed to be unaffiliated with any empire, solely dedicated to developing Martial Souls, combating spirit beasts to protect humanity, and serving as a sacred land for soul masters striving for mankind's future. But the truth behind these lofty ideals was likely known only to the Spirit Hall's higher echelons.
While the Clear Sky Sect was hailed as the strongest sect in the Heaven Dou Empire, this title excluded the Spirit Hall. If the Spirit Hall's Elder Hall's offerings were factored in, only a united front of the Three Great Sects could possibly stand against them.
It was precisely because of the Spirit Hall's overwhelming might that the Clear Sky Sect maintained such close relations with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School—to prevent being picked off one by one by the Spirit Hall.
Tang Hao's eyes narrowed, a murderous intent rising from within. "If those Spirit Hall scum dare lay a finger on my son, I'll slaughter my way into the Papal Hall and kill that bastard Qian Xun Ji, even if it costs me my life."
Though Tang San stood some distance away, neither Tang Hao nor Tang Xiao could have imagined that their conversation was being "seen" by him.
"Where there are people in the Spirit Hall, there will always be conflicts and strife," Tang San murmured, his eyes flickering with purple light.
Purple Demon Eyes—a Soul Skill for eye cultivation that Tang San had obtained from the Lotus Soul Guidance Device. Upon reaching the Panoramic View realm, it granted not only exceptional observational abilities but even the capacity to read lips.
Moments later, Tang Hao strode over with large steps, laughing heartily as he patted Tang San's small head. "Come, let's see what Martial Soul you'll awaken. Even if it's not the Clear Sky Hammer, that's fine—just don't end up with a useless Martial Soul like Blue Silver Grass."
Feeling the warmth of his father's affectionate hand, Tang San replied, "Dad, there are no useless Martial Souls, only useless soul masters."
Tang Hao rolled his eyes. "You actually believe that nonsense meant for children?"
Tang San shrugged. "Dad, I am a child." He didn't refute his father's words—after all, he didn't entirely believe that saying either.
(End of Chapter)