As is common knowledge, Spirit-Forged metal possesses sentience. When crafted into Battle Armor, it can merge with the physical body; when crafted into Soul Armor, it can merge with the Martial Soul.
This isn't because Battle Armor or Soul Armor are inherently special, but because the raw material—Spirit-Forged metal—is unique.
Extending this logic, Huo Yuhao formed a hypothesis: if Spirit-Forged metal could be fused with the Dark Blue Silver King in the same way a Soul Master merges with Battle Armor, could it solve the problem of the Blue Silver King's body being unable to withstand further modification?
Upholding the truth that "practice yields knowledge," Huo Yuhao plucked several Dark Blue Silver Kings from the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. After returning to the Spirit Transmission Pagoda to inform Ice Emperor and the others, he began his secluded research.
...
A few days later, on the outskirts of the Star Constellation Great Forest, a fair-faced, slender black-haired youth slowly exhaled a mouthful of turbid air. Looking at the Eight Spider Lances beside him—now fully repaired, long, and sharp as ever—the youth revealed a satisfied smile.
"Finally fully repaired... the life force of a thousand-year Soul Beast is indeed far superior to those hundred-year ones!"
Tang San made his evaluation.
Since the day he was defeated by that person from the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect using "despicable means," he had been taken to the infirmary for treatment.
Of course, with high-level healing Soul Masters on hand, he didn't lie in the infirmary for long, being discharged the very next day. Afterward, he caught wind of some news regarding Zhou Yi and the Shrek self-inspection.
To be honest, he was shocked, but even more so, he was resentful.
This Zhou Yi truly had a "way to court death"! Had it not been for his own persistence, hard work, and extraordinary talent, he probably would have been ruined by her long ago!
After silently adding "serves her right" in his heart, Tang San set off non-stop toward the outskirts of the Star Constellation Great Forest.
He didn't go home immediately to check on Xiao Wu. His primary motivation was to repair his Eight Spider Lances as quickly as possible.
Setting aside the powerful boost the Spider Lance Battle Armor gave to his strength, those eight instances of Invincible Golden Body alone were enough to make him prioritize it.
"A pity that every time I use them up, I have to re-absorb life force to repair them. It's quite a waste of time..."
Standing up, Tang San raised his hand and completely absorbed the life force of the Mandala Snake before him—one roughly two thousand years old. Once the Eight Spider Lances had fully absorbed its toxins, Tang San finally released the Blue Silver Grass entwining the snake.
"Time to head home... it's been a while since I've seen Xiao Wu."
Thinking of his brother Xiao Wu, who had shared his life in this world, a smile appeared on Tang San's lips.
Rising, he used his Divine Consciousness to completely erase all traces of his presence in the area. Then, Tang San began walking in the direction of Shrek City.
An hour later, Tang San returned to his small rented courtyard. However, the moment he stepped inside, he frowned slightly.
Why is there no sign of Xiao Wu's aura?
Entering the house, he saw that everything was as he had left it, but a thin layer of dust covered all the furniture. It appeared no one had lived here for some time.
Sensing something unusual, Tang San immediately began searching the premises. Soon, he found a letter.
Tang San, if you want your brother to be safe and sound, come to Suotuo City.
In an instant, rage flooded Tang San's brain. "You dare to kidnap my Xiao Wu... you truly have a way to court death!"
Without any hesitation, grabbing his belongings, Tang San sped off toward Suotuo City!
...
On the other side, in a hidden mansion outside Suotuo City.
Dai Huabin slowly walked into a basement.
He looked up slightly at the hanging figure—tortured beyond recognition—and calmly asked the guard captain beside him:
"How is it, Uncle Jie? Did you get anything out of him?"
"Ha, young master, this kid is spineless. When we started the torture ten days ago, he confessed everything in just a few minutes! Of course, we followed your orders: twenty hours a day, we won't let him recover!"
Dao Jie grinned. Dai Huabin nodded and sat in a nearby chair, asking calmly:
"Tell me about it."
Dao Jie nodded and began:
"This kid and that Tang San were originally small-time pickpockets trained under a beggar gang in Star Net City. They used to survive by stealing things to trade for food from the older beggars.
"About three years ago, for some reason, that Tang San seemed to suddenly 'wake up.' He led this kid away from the beggar gang and went to apply for work as a blacksmith.
"That Tang San somehow learned forging techniques and made some money in the blacksmith shop, then took this kid to awaken their Martial Souls.
"This kid had Rank 7, while that Tang San had only Rank 2.5 Innate Soul Power. A few months later, Tang San took this kid to Shrek City.
"The timeline matches, and I showed this kid a photo of the Eldest Young Master. He said he'd seen him. It should be correct!"
Dai Huabin's expression shifted slightly. Innate Soul Power of only Rank 2.5, having practiced for only three years—how did Tang San reach Rank 30? Why was his progress so fast?!
Dai Huabin instantly grasped the key point. Tang San's abnormal soul power growth rate clearly indicated some kind of secret.
Dai Huabin, who had been gloomy, felt his expression soften. He suddenly realized that Tang San might be his own lucky break. If he could discover the method Tang San used to rapidly increase his soul power...
Thinking this far, Dai Huabin asked: "How many people can we mobilize in Suotuo City right now?"
Dao Jie recalled for a moment before answering: "If it's just your personal guard, Young Master, there is only myself—a Soul Emperor—three Soul Kings, and twelve Soul Ancestors."
"Is that so... it should be enough."
Dai Huabin felt somewhat relieved. After all, Tang San was only a mere Soul Elder; this level of strength was more than sufficient!
He didn't act within Shrek City and went to the trouble of luring Tang San out primarily because the city was currently a chaotic mix of various factions. If he acted there, it would be easily discovered.
Naturally, Dai Huabin chose Suotuo City, not far from Shrek City, as the location for his move.
Regardless of whether Tang San possessed a "lucky break," he, Dai Huabin, would definitely kill this guy!
To dare humiliate me so—you truly have a way to court death!
Composing his thoughts, Dai Huabin said calmly: "The usual rules. I'll leave this to you and depart first. After you cripple that guy, bring him back to the Duke's Mansion."
"Yes, Young Master!"
Dai Huabin nodded and was about to leave when he saw Dao Jie's hesitant expression.
"What is it?"
"Ahem... Young Master, what about this kid?"
Dao Jie smiled, rubbing his hands and pointing at the tortured, unrecognizable Xiao Wu.
Knowing that Dao Jie, despite his Soul Emperor cultivation, had "tastes" different from ordinary people, Dai Huabin frowned instinctively. "You... forget it. As long as you bring Tang San before me, you can do whatever you want with the rest."
"Yes! Young Master!"
A grin spread across Dao Jie's face. He felt that following the Second Young Master was truly a promising career.
He had seen what Tang San looked like. Once the Second Young Master was done venting his anger, perhaps he could...
In an instant, Dao Jie's smile became even more brilliant.