Tang Chen awakes slightly dazed from his restful slumber as a smile blooms on his face. Suddenly there was movement in the bed from the blanket bundle. His wife moved closer to him pressing her head against his chest. Tang Chen kissed her head as she tried to snuggle even closer to him.
The Whale Glue had caused a very enjoyable frenzy for both of them. With a proud look, he smiles down at his wife. "Still a while until you can best me, my beloved Nuan." he jokes to himself as he runs his hand against her back. Honestly, though he wondered how she would react once she woke up.
Tang Chen looked at the door of the room looks like he couldn't afford to continue lying about. His son was moving about he sensed, there was a good chance he would come find them. So with reluctance, he arose from the bed, as he met resistance. He looked to find his wife clinging to him possessively, unwilling to let him go.
With some effort, Tang Chen manages to free himself from his lover's grasp. As he steps back he watches as her face scrunches slightly in her sleep. She grasps the pillow taking it into her grasp instead.
He quickly moves over to the door locking it securely just in case. Then he gets to work on the daily necessities of life. In just a few minutes he finishes going to the bathroom, showering, and dressing.
Sitting back upon the bed he watches his wife in peaceful rest. "Time to get up Nuan," he says as he gently runs his fingers against her cheek. Watching as her face scrunches up slightly at his touch. Yet after only a few moments her eyes open slightly.
Tang Nuan wakes up from the touch to her cheek from fingers? Her mind was so exhausted and dazed though. Her sight was blurry from the light in the room at least at first. Then her gaze landed on her husband the offending one who woke her. She froze slightly as the memories returned from yesterday.
Tang Nuan's face grew slightly rosy at the memories of all she did. Honestly, she was a bit crazy yesterday, but it was totally worth it. Then her blush lessened as a satisfied smile bloomed on her face. Now if she could escape any possible teasing from her husband she mused idly.
Then she idly stretched a bit like a satisfied cat. Yet halfway through her stretch she winces slightly. "I'm sore," she said idly a slightly critical gaze landing on her smiling husband.
With a slight smile, Tang Chen replies"If I remember right you were the one who…" he trails off as his wife glares at him.
Tang Nuan brought the blanket up to above her nose covering most of her face. "Shut up, idiot," she said with embarrassment can't believing how shameless he could be.
Tang Chen smiled it was absolutely rare for his wife to be this bashful. Honestly to think he could still enjoy this sight. Still, he'd best get moving before someone comes looking for them. "I'll leave you to rest for as long as you need."
Tang Nuan wanted to lie in bed for a while longer, but she needed to get up. Her throat was slightly parched from the aftereffects of the Whale Glue. So with a sigh, she tossed and turned as she sat up. The sheets followed her for the most part, and she smiled as her husband's gaze traced her exposed skin.
Tang Chen after satisfying himself with an eyeful gets up from the bed. He considered offering her a hand, but decided not to. Sometimes she would appreciate that gesture other times not. "I will let you get ready, and step away from temptation,"
He walked over to the door unlocking it as he stepped through, and locking it behind him. He finds that the small sitting room was already occupied. His Son was expected, the second was a bit of a surprise, though perhaps he shouldn't be. "Sister Lanling I assume you're here for Nuan."
Lanling smiles at Tang Chen nodding her head at his guess. "Yes, I have come to see Nuan. I want to challenge her for a spar sometime this week at the latest." A competitive fire burned in her heart at the thought of a spar. This time she would surprise her friend, only yesterday she advanced to level 86.
Tang Chen had a wry smile at the confirmation of his thoughts. His wife and this woman were always like this, fierce rivals always looking to challenge each other. That they were also the best of friends as close as sisters was another thing. "You will have to wait a while, and she may not want a spar today."
Lanling's hearing did not show a single negative sign. "Thats fine we can fight later in the week if she is willing. I can wait here for her to show up." Her face was one of anticipation.
Only a few minutes later her patience proves right as Tang Nuan exits the room. She had finished her own morning necessities. Tang Nuan sensing her gaze turns to look at Lanling.
Lanling smiles at her rival and friend "hello Sister Nuan I've come to challenge you for a spar. I have recently broken through to level 86." A slight hint of pride slipped through at the end of her words.
Tang Nuan smiles with competitiveness practically radiating from her "What a coincidence I broke through yesterday as well. You are now looking at a Level 87 Soul Douluo." There was a hint of smugness in her words.
Lanling could only twitch "and here I thought I caught up with you. Now you managed to pull ahead of me again instead." she said with a hint of exasperation. Then her face firmed "I still want a match with you though."
Tang Nuan smiled at her request "Of course I was already planning to come find you. A fight is just what I need to adjust, how about tomorrow sometime?"
Lanling considered that for only a moment before nodding. Then she remembered something "Also the Second Worship, and Grand Worship wanted you three. They are waiting for you in the Pope's office" There was a hint of curiosity in her voice about the reason.
Tang Nuan hearing that couldn't help the confused look that appeared on her face. She wondered what her grandfather and the Grand Worship needed. An idea occurred to her as a possibility turning to her husband.
"It is likely to be related to a matter that Qian Daoliu and I discussed on our trip." Tang Chen came to that conclusion quickly. Though Qian Daoliu must really want the knowledge contained in his son's legacy.
His friend could easily play the political game, but preferred the direct blunt approach. It's why they got along so well honestly. Speaking of bluntness "Qian Daoliu likely wants to ask you to reveal parts of the Legacy. Seems what you have already revealed caught his attention." his tone was light for the words leaving his mouth.
Tang Yuan could only grin wryly at that quite a bomb to be dropped suddenly. Though perhaps it was his fault for letting so much information out. He acted a bit like a know-it-all when they were asking questions before the trip. It was a very ego-feeding act to be able to teach so many powerful, and well-experienced individuals.
Still holding his tongue could certainly have led to worse possibilities. Once more he had earned trust and proper credibility through his words. He was also given the privilege to make use of the main library at his discretion. It also confirmed that Spirit Hall would be willing to give compensation properly.
Seeing his son deep in thought likely in consideration Tang Chen spoke up. "You can reveal what you are comfortable with Yuan. I will trust you with asking for proper exchange of rewards as well. Qian Daoliu is primarily interested in knowledge of the Soul Beast, and the Gods that you know of." his tone was soft this time with little seriousness.
Tang Yuan had a slightly exasperated feeling in his mind. He had noticed it before, but his father had a tendency to let him handle things. Then step in if necessary, he wondered if it was a family tradition. Now this was a whole other thing negotiating with such experienced figures.
Tang Yuan refocused on his father's words Spirit Beasts, and the Gods. The first was an easy decision he could give knowledge of the future Ten Feirce Beasts. Powerful individuals that the legacy creator had faced with minor edits of course. It was entirely possible that it was the main reason for the meeting.
The gods were another consideration entirely given the value. Even a scrap of information could be astronomical. Thus at best, it would be few, perhaps even a single detail. Yet a single detail could be worth everything else. In this era where little is known of gods, and thought by most to be myth.
The question then was exactly what he could get from such an exchange. Several things immediately came to mind, soul bones or money, but he dismissed them. What he really wanted was either more knowledge, or favors. If that is considered, and he could trust them to keep their word then. "I can accept a possible exchange give me an hour or two."
Tang Yuan gets up "I'm going to return to my room for a while." his words showed his distraction. Instead, his mind was focused on what he should reveal.
Tang Chen seeing that nods at his son's decision. He would see how his son did in this negotiation. It would be an interesting experience for his son no doubt.
Tang Yuan emerged from his room just shy of an hour and a half. Having spent that time writing down information on the Spirit Beasts. That way he wouldn't have to worry about saying too much. He noticed his parents sitting on the couch reading books he hadn't seen before. They closed them as he walked into the room.
"Seems that you are ready for this meeting than." his father said as he rose from his seat. He was his normal brand of
Tang Nuan walked over to her son perhaps sensing his nervousness. Placing a hand on his shoulder "Remember Xiao Yuan this is your choice you can postpone as long as you want, or simply not go." While she might be a member of Spirit Hall her child mattered more to her.
Tang Yuan smiled at his mother's words aware she was trying to give him an out. "I want to go, and see if the benefits I might gain from such a meeting." he was confident of that fact besides their was little point in keeping this knowledge to himself.
The three of them leave their room behind them. They walk to the now familiar hallways of the palace. It takes them only a matter of minutes to walk to their desired destination. As they step inside they find Qian Daoliu, Golden Crocodile, and Qian Xunji are all present. They seem to have been waiting for a time perhaps.
The three of them take seats on chairs on the other side of the table. Tang Yuan finds himself in the middle, for some reason, with his parents on either side. That was the clue that Tang Yuan would be acting as the main talker in this. Tang Yuan tried to keep his nerves under control, he really had little experience bartering.
Qian Daoliu perhaps noticing the nerves simply smiles gently. Inwardly musing his friend truly believed in trials by fire and tribulation to grow. Still, he saw no need to bully a child in order to see the matter to success. Especially as he was Nuan's child, and held a good relationship with them.
Tang Yuan was still uncertain of how to handle this negotiation. He really had no experience in politics or trickery of this scale. Nor would it be particularly effective before this man. Even if he couldn't simply see through tricks automatically, his body language would reveal them.
Tang Yuan decided to play the blunt card for this negotiation, totally blunt. "I honestly lack an idea of how valuable this information is to you. I will hand it over to you, after you promise to deal fairly with me in return." Tang Yuan goes for an absolutely blunt route, perhaps the bluntest possible.
For only a moment everyone else at the table is stunned. Tang Chen's lips quirk up at his son's choice of tactic. Tang Nuan could only look at her husband slightly exasperated sensing his approval. This was totally an action that Tang Chen would support, and use.
Qian Daoliu felt amusement at how blunt the negotiation was. If anything he preferred negotiations like this to flowery words. Still, "very well that is reasonable. I Qian Daoliu give you my word as the Grand Worship to deal with you fairly. So long as your requests are within reason." his words were as blunt as Tang's Yuan's.
Tang Yuan nodded at that he could trust this man's word. So he reached for his storage belt taking out the small recently written book. He slid it across the table to the Grand Worship. "That is a large amount of what I know from the legacy, of powerful Soul Beasts."
Qian Daoliu picked up the book of potentially invaluable knowledge. It was not too wide or long, but with a fair number of pages. It was so simple honestly in just the first couple of minutes it was in his hands. Though the real troublesome part would be after he was done reading.
Everyone watches as Qian Daoliu cracks open the book at the start, and begins reading. The good cheer on his face quickly pedals away. They watch as his face grows focused at first. That changes just as quickly as surprise appears on his face before calming.
Qian Xunji watches as his father's face changes as he reads the book. Taking it that the information is indeed informative, or very shocking. Then he watches as his Father's face gained a hint of wariness. He wondered how far into the book he had got, how many pages were left with writing.
As Qian Daoliu continued reading Tang Chen was the first to notice it. The slightest pause in his reading, and how he subtly looked at Tang Yuan. Almost as if to determine something perhaps.
Tang Yuan meanwhile is none the wiser at that subtle glance. Simply continuing to drink the ready tea calmly. Waiting for Qian Daoliu to finish his reading no doubt.
Qian Daoliu returned his gaze to the book his face turning noticeably grave. How he wanted this information to be false, but he feared it to be true. He continued his reading only growing graver in expression as he read. Not even trying to disguise the shifting of his emotions as he read.
Everyone noticed the tension increasing as Qian Daoliu grew ever graver. Finally, after Qian Daoliu finished reading the book he closed the book. The snap resounded as the book closed like a coffin lid closing. The look of utter worry? On Qian Daoliu was observed by all present.
He put the book on the table and slid it across the table. Not back to Tang Yuan, but instead to Tang Chen whom quircked a eye. "Read." Qian Daoliu spoke this single word. It was the tone of a man trying not to drown under dark waves.
Tang Chen still with a quirked eye opens the book himself. He begins his own reading of the book his son wrote.
Qian Daoliu meanwhile brought out two cups from his storage belt. Everyone watches him with a curious eye as he sets them down. Then the man takes a large ornate container from his belt as well. He does not hesitate to open the top of said container. The red liquid pours from the container into the cups as he moves one over to his friend.
The smell of the wine quickly fills the air with a divine fragrance. Like herbs, flowers, and fruits all mixed in the most ideal way. At the scent, the Second Worship's eyes widened noticeably. This was amongst the most precious in his friend's possession, only appended under the gravest or best times.
Tang Chen's face experienced much the same whirlwind of emotion as his friend had. When he finished a grave look took over his face as well. He mirroring his friend sent the book to Golden Crocodile to read. Than took his cup of wine and downed it in a single drink.
Golden Crocodile quickly began reading as well sensing the gravity of the situation. The first part of the book was an introduction almost. Explaining that there were only about ten entries in the book of the ten beasts.
The very first was about a creature from the Extreme North the Ice Devil Titan King. In fact, Spirit Hall had some knowledge of the species having lost a Titled Douluo to them. The species had become classified as a super soul beast of powerful bloodline. Now it seems they had underestimated that, apparently having a blood connection to a god.
Their king as written in this book was nearly 200, years of age if not more. The exact age was unconfirmed so an estimate was given. The beast was estimated to have power at least that of a level 96. Yet Spirit Beast often had power beyond humans of the same rank. Once more the abilities listed for the creature were telling.
Once more that beast was only the first entry the weakest of them. The book also names him as one of the three emperors of the Extreme North. What were the others' cable of if this was the start?
Golden Crocodile flipped through the book with trepidation. The Abyss Demon Dragon, Zi Ji who's ranked at level 97 or even 98. A cultivation of nearly 300, years of age with a pure dragonic bloodline.
The next entry was the refered to as the Scarlet King, a Three-Headed Scarlet Devil Mastiff. With a cultivation of more than 300, years of age. He took a pause as the entry ranked him as level 95 plus. Perhaps there had never been confirmation of its abilities even from the legacy.
The next entry was the Ice Empress with a cultivation of almost 400, years. From a race known as the Ice Jade Scorpion, he had little knowledge of such. Yet the information presented by this book on the species is chilling. Ranked second amongst the three emperors of the north, at least the equivalent of level 97. Not considering the concept of this ultimate element, or elemental habitat boost.
Then this Bear Lord, a Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear at 460, years of age. Having faced more than one of the species, Golden Crocodile felt intense wariness. He was certain such a monster was at least level 98. Golden Crocodile felt that if he fought him it would be a life and death battle at best.
Golden Crocodile could see why his First Brother, and Tang Chen reacted as they did. This Bear Lord was only the fifth entry in the book. Each one was level 96 at the very minimum probably even stronger.
The Myriad Demon King, of the Tree Monsters cultivation beyond 500, years of age. The king of all plant soul beasts, and also the strongest of them all. A Limit Douluo of all things, and only the fifth-ranked.
Bi Ji a member of the rare Emerald Swans. A race that lacked high combat power, but top tier healing abilities. This Bi Ji was another Limit Douluo, in other words perhaps the greatest healer in the world.
Snow Empress another Limit Douluo-level soul beast, of nearly 700, years. The ruler of the Extreme North is called a Heavenly Snow Woman.
Evil Emperor was the second-to-last entry. Of a species known as the evil eye, age nearly 800, years. Spiritual aspect along with a duel power of space and time.
Finally, Di Tian is named as the strongest of the ten beasts in the entries. Cultivation age greater than 800, years of age. A soul beast with True Dragon King bloodline, according to the book two of them. Ranked as a Quasi-God with the title of Beast God.
The more Golden Crocodile read the less he wanted to understand, and the less he wanted it to be true. Five existences from level 96 to 98 at the best casenario, four more equal to Limit Douluo. Finally Di Tian a dragon in the realm of a Quasi-God.
If this information could be trusted then there were three divisions. The Evil Emperor was a solo individual residing in someplace called the Evil Demon Forest. Then the three Emperors of the Far North were another faction. Then the remaining six in the Star Dou Forest are the strongest group. If discounting what might reside in the sea, or if the Whale King was the strongest?
Even than that meant six incredibly powerful beasts as potential enemies, Spirit Hall was vastly overmatched. Golden Crocodile following the previous examples sent the book to Qian Xunji. "To think we are that overmatched I never could have imagined it."
Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen had both collected themselves by that point. Having already gotten through two glasses of wine. Qian Daoliu sighed "We knew of the Black Dragon of his overwhelming power. Yet to be at the level of a quasi-god at the peak of a Limit Douluo."
Tang Nuan looked curiously as the only one yet to even start reading the information.
Tang Chen seeing his wife's confusion decided to help. "A Limit Douluo is divided into three levels of advancement. I'm only at the first level, and wouldn't even know of the second if not for Qian Daoliu."
Seeing Tang Nuan's gaze Qian Daoliu decided to explain. "The greatest change a Limit Douluo experiences is the transformation of Soul Power. The Soul Power slowly changes into a more potent and mysterious power. The amount converted determines a Limit Douluos progression even as more soul power accumulates."
Tang Yuan simply poured himself another cup of tea. Honestly being the only one not to experience such blatant shock was enjoyable. He understood the joy of surprise better now. Still seemed he would be learning something interesting as well.
Qian Daoliu noticing Tang Yuan decided to deal with the elephant in the room. The price for this much information, what should be given in return. He never expected to obtain this much critical information. "What exactly do you seek in exchange for this information. Soul Bones, money, knowledge, fame, or something else."
Tang Yuan considered that question dismissing most of the options. Though he twitched his lips he wondered when he could so easily dismiss money. Still, those options were merely shots in the dark guesses. Now should he choose to play it a bit safe, or go all in?
Tang Yuan decided to ask his question up front. "I have no need for those things now. Instead, I ask for your help in the future in a handful of matters. Some of those will be troublesome matters, and others easier." Tang Yuan knew he was being reckless, but he thought this was too important to pass up.
Qian Daoliu studied the child in front of him with a critical eye. He saw no reason not to agree to a few requests. He doubted this child would ask something unreasonable; no, he was too aware. Though the requests might be troublesome in their manner. "Very well let us hear them first before I can say anything."
"But first, let us give you something else we considered already" Qian Daoliu said as he glanced at Golden Crocodile meaningfully.
Catching his friend's meaning Golden Crocodile places a scroll on the table. He slides it over to his great-grandson with a slight smile. "This is an updated version of our family's cultivation technique. It has been improved by me over the decades through access to Spirit Hall's archives." Left unsaid was that for that same reason, he had not given it to him sooner.
Tang Yuan took the scroll with considerable interest. He was tempted to look at it now, but instead he put it away in his belt. "Thank you both I will put it to good use."
Qian Daoliu nodded at his words and then returned to the topic at hand. "Now what exactly do you seek from us in terms of help? He was very curious to learn what this child wanted in return for this much information.
Tang Yuan nodded his head ready to begin laying out the terms. He wondered if they would agree to his requests. Some of them would likely be long requests.
Tang Chen was sitting down waiting until the time to leave. His thoughts turned to his son, who was present. He remembered the startling revelations his son brought to them only days ago. Ever since his mind had been abuzz with everything they learned.
Qian Daoliu had quickly spread the knowledge to the other worshippers. Though it seemed he would be keeping it from most others. Tang Chen saw reason in that if only to prevent a panic. Tang Chen planned only to share that knowledge with one or two.
Unfortunately, they didn't know what might trigger those beasts of the forest. Would they just suddenly go on a rampage at random, or was there a line? If there was a line they need be wary of crossing what was it? That question would no doubt be a source of wariness for quite some time.
Tang Chen knew that if the forest were to riot in a beast tide the result would be catastrophic. Humanity might see itself sent back progress wise to the time of the Angel God. All sources of that time painted a grim picture of humanity struggling to strive. Yet they had no way of knowing if a beast tide could occur, or if it would ever happen.
He felt that his mind would eventually settle. After all, he could not do much now to effect this matter. Strengthening his clan was perhaps the best thing to do for now. That and inform one or two acquaintances of this matter. He was certain Qian Daoliu though would be far more active in the coming years.
Tang Chen's gaze moved to his son, from whom these worries had originally come. He was currently dealing with an awkward situation of his own. Originally his plan was for himself, his son, and the brothers to leave the city and return home to the clan. That was no longer the case in this matter.
Especially now that his son found access to a great number of books. Then there were the favors given in return for the information given. Finally, there was the final reason he turned his gaze to the girl sitting close to his son.
He never had any need to be concerned about his son's diligence in cultivation. Nor in matters of studying books, and even the forge. However he never really interacted with anyone his own age in the clan. He turns his gaze to Bibi Dong, who was cheerfully playing with his son.
The two were very good for one another in their interactions. Neither had any real interaction with children their own age. When they did it was with children who were intimidated by them wether because of status or cultivation. The girl bothered his son into having fun, and his son influenced her to study more as he was told.
He wondered how the two might push one another going forward. What he did know was that the two would likely be lifelong rivals. Perhaps the two would become like him and Qian Daoliu in a few decades. What else came from their interaction he would not question too early to consider.
As his mind wandered he did not miss making the next move on the board. He smiled as his wife considered her next move. Things were peaceful for now, and yet he wondered how long that would be. For a time now he had had a feeling that the slow and peaceful times might come to an end. He wondered when it would happen. Would it be from the Evil Soul Masters, perhaps the Soul Beasts, or would it be something else?