Tang San buried his dissatisfaction deep within and instead displayed an appropriate filial affection toward Tang Hao.
After all, his father was a Titled Douluo. The recent series of events had made him acutely aware of the overwhelming power possessed by the continent's top-tier experts.
Well-versed in the Tang Clan's teachings, he knew better than to openly show discontent toward such a powerhouse.
Summoning his Clear Sky Hammer, Tang San said, "Perhaps it's the bond between father and son. How could I not recognize my own father?"
Seeing Tang San's dependent and reverent gaze, Tang Hao couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. This is truly my son.
"Father, can you tell me why my martial soul evolved again? And why have you been hiding in Holy Spirit Village all these years?"
Tang San was genuinely puzzled. He couldn't understand why a top-tier expert with a hundred-thousand-year soul ring would conceal his identity for so long.
Tang Hao sighed heavily. "There are reasons—bitter ones. You're not strong enough yet, so I hadn't planned to tell you. But since you asked, I'll share part of the truth."
"I come from the Clear Sky Clan. I am the current Clear Sky Douluo. As for your Blue Silver Grass martial soul... it comes from your mother. She was a hundred-thousand-year..."
——
Shen An was intrigued by Xue Qinghe's words. What place could offer such a massive boost to his reputation?
Xue Qinghe didn't keep him in suspense. "As you know, the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Competition is the most prestigious tournament on the continent. The winner gains endless fame and fortune."
"But before that, the top five academies of the Heaven Dou Empire will hold an exchange competition."
"It's a gathering of young geniuses. If you participate and make a name for yourself there, the title of 'Heaven Dou's Number One Prodigy' will undoubtedly be yours."
Shen An's eyes lit up as if he could already see his fame points skyrocketing. "What are the requirements to join this exchange?"
Xue Qinghe chuckled. "Simple. Just represent the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. That shouldn't be hard, right? After all, you're already planning to enroll there."
Shen An smiled. "Of course. When does this exchange begin?"
"Five days from now. I'll send someone to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda to escort you. We can go together, if you'd like."
Xue Qinghe was very curious about Shen An's true strength. With such a unique martial soul, he was undoubtedly powerful—but to what extent?
He wanted to see if any of Heaven Dou's so-called geniuses could push Shen An to reveal his limits.
"Haha, thank you, Brother Xue."
After exchanging pleasantries, Xue Qinghe took his leave. As the Crown Prince, he was a busy man. This visit had merely been to deepen his impression on Shen An.
"Alright, Tom, stop staring. He has things to do."
Shen An rubbed Tom's head. For some reason, the cat seemed unusually interested in Xue Qinghe.
After leaving the Great Spirit Arena, Shen An and his companions wandered around Heaven Dou City.
Ning Rongrong returned to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda with her guards, but Shen An stayed behind—mainly because Tom and Jerry refused to go back.
The two had developed a strong aversion to returning to the clan.
Because every time they did, Sword Douluo Chen Xin would pester them for sword practice. After his initial defeat, Chen Xin had quickly regained his fighting spirit.
Every Titled Douluo possessed extraordinary willpower. Chen Xin realized this wasn't a setback but an incredible opportunity.
Tom's swordsmanship was limitless, meaning Chen Xin could learn endlessly from him. Thus, he challenged Tom daily, behaving like a true sword fanatic.
Seeing Chen Xin's admiration for Tom, Jerry—never one to be outdone—also engaged in a sword duel with the elder. Unsurprisingly, Jerry won by a narrow margin.
This meant Jerry, too, became a target for Chen Xin's relentless training. Day after day, the elder improved through defeat, much to Bone Douluo Gu Rong's envy.
As a result, Tom and Jerry dreaded returning to the clan. Their ideal life was lazing around, not wasting precious leisure time on sword fights!
Understanding their grievances, Shen An decided to buy a house in Heaven Dou City and move out.
Though the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda treated them well, living under someone else's roof wasn't as comfortable as having his own space. A cozy home with just him, a cat, and a mouse—now that was the life.
Soon, Shen An found a suitable detached courtyard. Though pricey, its excellent location and peaceful surroundings made it worth the cost. After negotiating with the owner, they agreed to finalize the purchase in two days.
——
When Shen An informed Ning Fengzhi of his decision to move out, the first to panic wasn't Ning Rongrong—but Chen Xin.
His two walking sword manuals were leaving! What should he do? Urgent!
While Ning Rongrong, being young, could freely visit or study outside, Chen Xin couldn't.
As one of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's guardians, he couldn't wander off casually. Either he or Gu Rong had to stay by Ning Fengzhi's side at all times to prevent any threats.
But Shen An was determined to leave, and they couldn't force him to stay.
In the end, Chen Xin gazed at Tom and Jerry with reluctant longing, his lips trembling.
"Before you go... how about one last farewell swordfight?"
Tom: "..."
Jerry: "..."
Chen Xin got his wish—a brutal two-on-one beatdown. Though thoroughly humiliated, his eyes shone with excitement. No doubt, he had gained new insights.
Ning Rongrong wanted to move in with Shen An but was stopped by Ning Fengzhi.
With Shen An already settled in Heaven Dou City, Ning Fengzhi sighed at his sulking daughter.
"Rongrong, it's not that I'm against it, but living alone with a man without any formal relationship would damage your reputation."
"Especially in a place like Heaven Dou City, where many eyes are on you. If word spreads, it'll be hard for you to marry in the future."
"Oh, it's not like I plan to marry anyway," Ning Rongrong grumbled.
Ning Fengzhi smiled helplessly. As a father, he could tell his daughter was developing special feelings for Shen An—even if she didn't fully realize it herself.
Though Shen An's talent was exceptional, and he wouldn't mind their union, he wasn't about to push his daughter toward him.
Besides, Ning Rongrong was still young. Some things could be hinted at but shouldn't be stated outright.
Now comfortably settled in his new home, Shen An sprawled lazily on the couch.
Ah, bliss.
With Tom and Jerry around, he didn't even need to hire decorators.
This time, the two worked together to renovate the entire house—though they made Shen An wait outside first.
What followed was a spectacle.
The entire courtyard came alive, twisting and contorting in midair like a living creature—compressing, expanding, bending at impossible angles.
Shen An: "..."
Is this the power of two Heavenly Emperors working together?
Terrifying!