The soul tool department? Heh, what could one possibly learn there? Soul tools? Tang San's evaluation was that they couldn't even compare to the world-shaking hidden weapons of his Tang Sect.
To think mere soul tools dared to challenge the hidden weapons of his Tang Sect? They truly didn't know the meaning of death.
Despite the fact that various auxiliary cultivation soul tools were indeed useful, Tang San still despised them from the bottom of his heart!
While this dry, mechanical training was effective, it lacked soul. Running was still better!
Therefore, how could someone who looked down on soul tools join the soul tool department? From start to finish, he had only one goal: the martial soul department!
However, simply joining the martial soul department wasn't enough. After all, he, Tang San, was a world-shaking genius! They had to promise him some benefits!
Thus, facing Teacher Du, who had come to persuade him, he naturally had to play hard to get.
Seeing Tang San's calm demeanor, Du Weilun gnashed his teeth and decided to lay out the benefits the martial soul department had prepared for him:
"Tang San, I can promise you on behalf of the martial soul department that as long as you join us, you will be exempt from exams and directly become an inner courtyard disciple!
"I believe you know that the inner courtyard of Shrek's martial soul department isn't for everyone. Only top-tier geniuses can enter, and once inside, you will receive the academy's full resource support!
"This includes the soul tool training equipment you're currently using; the Spirit Transmission Pagoda specifically provides the inner courtyard with even more effective versions!
"You are only in your first year. Joining now means enjoying inner courtyard resources six years ahead of schedule! This is a massive head start!
"Furthermore, our martial soul department promises that a Titled Douluo will personally become your teacher to guide your cultivation!
"We will also provide you with a full set of soul bones and the authority to purchase at least one 10,000 Year Soul Ring from the Spirit Transmission Pagoda! I believe the martial soul department is your best choice!"
Du Weilun's tone was incredibly sincere.
As a member who had been investigated during Shrek's internal purge, he hadn't been executed or fully dismissed, but he had been demoted from Director of Instruction to a mere teacher.
But! As someone who had once stood quite high, how could he not want to reclaim his former status?
Thus, during the investigation period, he had been actively reporting others and frantically accumulating merit just to become a "Director" again.
Recruiting talent and expanding the influence of the martial soul department was one such form of merit.
After discussing the recruitment plan for Tang San with the current Dean of the martial soul department, Cai Meier, Du Weilun came straight to Tang San to win him over.
Upon hearing such sincere conditions, Tang San's expression shifted slightly. He knew his strategy of "retreating to advance" had succeeded!
As expected of his world-shaking wisdom!
"If that is the case... Teacher Du, I am willing to join the martial soul department!"
Hearing this, Du Weilun was overjoyed. Knowing his mission was a success, he quickly added:
"Rest assured, Tang San! You won't regret joining the martial soul department! Tomorrow, I will take you to meet your teacher!"
"Tomorrow? Why not now?" Tang San asked, confused.
"Oh, the one who agreed to take you as a disciple is Elder Xuan. Currently, he has confined himself within the Gold Ancient Tree. He doesn't come out unless it's an urgent matter. I need to send word before I take you there."
"Elder Xuan? Could it be... you mean that Rank 98 Super Douluo, Elder Xuan?!"
Tang San was startled, but seeing his expression, Du Weilun smiled calmly:
"Naturally. Tang San, this is the foundation of our martial soul department!"
...
The next day, Tang San bid farewell to Xiao Wu in bed and went to the designated meeting spot. Shortly after, Du Weilun arrived carrying a token.
"This is the Sea God Island token. With this, you gain the qualification to step onto the island, though mine is a temporary one.
"Once you officially become Elder Xuan's disciple, you will receive a permanent one. At that time, you can even stay inside the Gold Ancient Tree indefinitely.
"Cultivating there is of great benefit to Light-attribute and Plant-attribute soul masters!"
Tang San's eyes lit up. He didn't care much about the speed of cultivation—after all, he possessed the Dark Blue Silver King!
What he cared about more was the fact that he could stay inside the Gold Ancient Tree for long periods!
Although his Divine Consciousness had lost its power after destroying Dao Jie's consciousness, it was still sufficient to communicate and transmit information.
He could try to communicate with his mother, Ah Yin!
When the time came, if he could get his mother to sacrifice herself for him, wouldn't he obtain a 10,000 Year Soul Ring?!
Even though this would prevent his mother from becoming the Life Core, how could such a trivial matter compare to him becoming stronger?!
Not to mention he could just resurrect Ah Yin later. The fundamental goal of the current plan was to control the Douluo Planet!
But if he achieved Godhood under the cover of this fate barrier, wouldn't controlling the Douluo Planet be simple?
In conclusion, his mother Ah Yin ought to become his soul ring!
Tang San looked excited. As long as Ah Yin sacrificed herself, his fourth soul ring might even be a 10,000 Year Soul Ring!
This was simply wonderful!!!
Leading Tang San toward Sea God Island, Du Weilun looked at Tang San's somewhat perverted, excited expression and for a moment didn't know what to say.
Landing beneath the Gold Ancient Tree, Du Weilun stopped and pointed ahead, letting Tang San enter alone.
"Elder Xuan is inside. Just keep walking in and you'll find him."
"Thank you, Teacher Du." Tang San nodded and stepped forward. However, his Divine Consciousness had already stealthily extended toward the depths of the tree.
Since he was the one who personally sent his mother into the Gold Ancient Tree, he naturally knew her exact location. The entire process was like following a familiar path.
Soon, Tang San discovered the divine soul encased in a crystal constructed from Sea God divine power.
Blue Silver Emperor — Ah Yin!
Tang San's Divine Consciousness moved gently, cautiously touching the divine power crystal. Instantly, as if a trigger had been pulled, a faint ripple of divine power surged and spread.
Soon, the blue figure who seemed to be in a deep slumber fluttered her eyelashes and slowly woke up.
She was somewhat dazed, as this was far earlier than her scheduled awakening. But the moment she opened her eyes, she sensed a familiar aura.
"Little San?"
"It is I! Mother!" Tang San spoke excitedly.
"You are Little San? No... why are you so weak right now?"
Suddenly awakened by her son, Ah Yin felt an instinctive confusion. While the aura was indeed her son's, the gap in strength was far too large.
Tang San didn't hesitate. He immediately divulged "his" plan, his current situation, and his purpose for finding her.
Instantly, Ah Yin froze on the spot.