Chapter 177: Conferring the Title of Count
Tang San's return and Long Chen's rise had filled Spirit Hall's plans with variables.
Qian Renxue believed that the person who should be eliminated even more was Tang San.
Tang San possessed Twin Martial Souls and had shown good potential; he was extremely likely to become the next Tang Hao, or perhaps even an existence that would surpass Tang Hao.
Moreover, those Hidden Weapon he designed and forged could help the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Heaven Dou Empire's armies increase their combat strength, posing a huge threat to Spirit Hall.
Such a person had to be eradicated as soon as possible.
Although Tang San was in Heaven Dou City, he had become more cautious after returning this time, with experts protecting him by his side, making it inconvenient to make a move within the city.
Therefore, Qian Renxue wanted Snake Spear Douluo to find an opportunity to eliminate him outside.
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Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin left the palace and arrived at Shrek Academy, telling Tang San about Emperor Xue Ye's intentions.
Upon learning that Emperor Xue Ye wanted to reward Tang San, everyone was very happy.
After Tang San, Yu Xiaogang, Ning Fengzhi, and Chen Xin rested briefly, they headed to the palace together.
Sunlight shone through the clouds onto the magnificent palace, adding a touch of solemnity and sanctity to this center of power.
From some unknown time, a yearning for power had grown in Tang San's heart.
After arriving at the main hall, Tang San bowed to Emperor Xue Ye and Xue Qinghe.
"Greetings, Your Majesty, Your Highness."
"No need for formalities."
Emperor Xue Ye had been waiting for a long time; seeing Tang San again, a smile could not help but appear on his face.
"Tang San, it is truly great that you could return safely!"
Emperor Xue Ye's voice carried a hint of excitement.
"I have already seen those weapons you designed and forged; their power is indeed shocking, enough to kill ordinary Soul Masters. You are not only an excellent Soul Master but also a Genius craftsman."
Tang San humbly said:
"Your Majesty is too kind; that is merely a hobby of mine."
"This is no ordinary hobby of yours; its impact is too great."
Emperor Xue Ye smiled slightly and continued:
"Tang San, I have an important task to entrust to you."
"Please instruct me, Your Majesty."
"I have decided to confer upon you the title of Count, to enjoy the corresponding treatment and honor. At the same time, I will hand over the Heaven Dou City Military Weaponry Bureau to your charge, and you will be fully responsible for the production of weapons."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present was shocked.
The Empire's titles, from high to low, were Duke, Marquis, Count, Viscount, and Baron.
Emperor Xue Ye directly conferred the title of Count upon Tang San, showing just how much importance he placed on him.
Qian Renxue thought to herself that the reason Emperor Xue Ye did this was likely also considering the interests and relationship with the Clear Sky Sect.
If Tang Hao were truly dead, then it would be even easier for Tang San to be accepted by the Clear Sky Sect.
Judging by the strength and potential Tang San had shown so far, as long as he remained alive, he would certainly have a place in the Clear Sky Sect in the future.
By then, the Tiandou Royal Family would have the opportunity to be on good terms with the Clear Sky Sect.
Facing Emperor Xue Ye's trust and affirmation, Tang San did not immediately accept the reward but instead proposed a request.
"Your Majesty, I am grateful for your favor, but there is one thing I must clarify."
Emperor Xue Ye was somewhat confused.
"Tang San, if you have any concerns, feel free to speak directly."
Tang San said with a serious face:
"Your Majesty, the weapons I designed and forged can indeed be used to arm the Empire's armies and increase our combat strength. However, I have a request: those weapons cannot be used against the Star Luo Empire."
Hearing this, Emperor Xue Ye frowned, somewhat displeased.
For a long time, the Star Luo Emperor had been known for his iron-fisted rule, and the Star Luo Empire's military power was stronger than the Heaven Dou Empire's.
Emperor Xue Ye had been counting on relying on those highly lethal weapons to strengthen his military power and resist foreign enemies.
Yet he hadn't expected Tang San to make such a request.
"Tang San, what do you mean by this?"
"Your Majesty, my good brother Dai Mubai is very likely to become the Crown Prince of the Star Luo Empire, and in the future, he may even become the ruler of a nation. I do not wish to use the weapons I forged with my own hands to deal with my brother; that is something I cannot accept."
After listening, a look of admiration appeared on Emperor Xue Ye's face.
Given Tang San's current situation, defecting to Dai Mubai in the Star Luo Empire was also a good choice, yet he still insisted on staying in Heaven Dou City.
"Tang San, your frankness makes me admire you greatly. Rest assured, I will use those weapons to prevent threats from the Martial Soul Empire and will not easily commit them to battle against the Star Luo Empire. If Dai Mubai can truly ascend to the throne of the Star Luo Empire, with your presence, Tang San, I believe the two nations will certainly be able to be on good terms and jointly resist the threat of Spirit Hall."
Hearing this, Tang San breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to research and develop even more powerful weapons to contribute my meager efforts to the Empire's strength."
Emperor Xue Ye nodded with satisfaction.
"Very good. Spirit Hall destroyed the Strength Clan precisely to stop the forging of those weapons, but as long as you are here, everything can start anew."
A light of hope flickered in Emperor Xue Ye's eyes, as if he saw the scene of the Empire's armies rising.
"Tang San, I have heard Sect Master Ning speak of your father and son's encounter in the Star Dou Great Forest center, and I also know your thoughts. You need not worry too much; Clear Sky Douluo might still be alive, and I will dispatch a team of Soul Masters to accompany you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Tang San bowed again in gratitude.
Subsequently, the group left the palace and returned to Shrek Academy.
Upon learning that Tang San had been conferred the title of Count, Flender was incredibly excited.
"Xiao San, you really are something, directly conferred as a Count. With a student like you in Shrek Academy, we are also basking in the glory, haha~~"
"Dean, my ability to achieve such accomplishments is inseparable from your and the teachers' guidance; this is a shared honor for both me and the Academy."
Yu Xiaogang asked:
"Xiao San, then when do you plan to go to the Star Dou Great Forest?"
"In the next two days. By the way, Teacher, have you been in contact with Yu Tianheng recently? Does he know I've returned?"
Yu Xiaogang shook his head.
"I haven't notified him yet, why?"
"Nothing. There isn't enough time; let's contact him after returning from the forest center."
Tang San hoped that the more experts who accompanied them, the better.
But he also knew that after several Disciples of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon were devoured by Long Chen, they would certainly not feel at ease letting Yu Tianheng go to the Star Dou Forest to search for an Immortal Herb again.
Even if he went, the Second Master, Yu Luomian, would accompany him.
This time, Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong would both go to the forest center.
Due to that incident back then, Liu Erlong still held a grudge against Yu Luomian.
If the three of them traveled together, it would inevitably be awkward.
Yu Xiaogang suddenly thought of something.
"By the way, Xiao San, I forgot to tell you, Tian Heng and the others have already found the medical hall where Long Chen used to study medicine in Heaven Dou City, called Guangan Hall. However, the shopkeeper seems to know nothing about Immortal Herbs."
"Guangan Hall."
Tang San was lost in thought, and a sinister smile rose on his face.