Very soon, Oscar prepared a full table of dishes, and he, Tang San, and Xiao Wu enjoyed a pleasant meal together.
At the table, Tang San was very curious why Oscar was also there. "Senior, how come you're here?"
Oscar glanced at Xiao Wu, and a trace of unease flashed across her face. Oscar immediately understood that Xiao Wu hadn't told Tang San about the Soul Spirit Method.
Xiao Wu knew about it,Oscar had even discussed it with her before. After all, she was a transformed soul beast, and if she ever had the chance to become a god in the future, she might be the first soul beast to do so.
From that, it could be seen that Xiao Wu still trusted Oscar deeply. Even to Tang San, she hadn't revealed a word.
Oscar smiled. "I had some important matters to handle, so I stayed here. This time, being able to rescue you both in time was thanks to Xiao Wu's two companions."
Hearing that, Tang San recalled what Xiao Wu had just said,that she indeed had two younger brothers she grew up with, and that both were hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, absolute rulers of the Star Dou Great Forest.
But why hadn't he seen those two supreme beings?
More than that, Tang San was shocked that Oscar could actually stay with the Emperor of the Forest,and that the latter, being a soul beast, could live peacefully with a human.
Was this the charm of his senior?
The more Tang San learned about Oscar, the more admiration and awe he felt. Even though he had studied vast amounts of knowledge and read countless ancient texts, he had never heard of any human who could be as capable and versatile as Oscar.
Tang San said, "Then please thank them for me, Senior. Xiao Wu and I still need to return to Heaven Dou City. I plan to leave after she condenses her fifth soul ring."
Xiao Wu didn't object. Though she missed Da Ming and Er Ming, Tang San had finally received news of his father, and she knew he was anxious.
Oscar didn't stop them. Instead, he explained, "Your father is currently in the Sword Sect, and he won't be leaving for a while. You don't need to worry."
Tang San froze, his hand pausing midair as he picked up food. "My father is in the Sword Sect?"
Oscar smiled. "I was surprised too. Half a month ago, Uncle Tang arrived at the sect for some cooperation. I can't tell you the details, but you can ask him yourself when you see him."
This was truly an unexpected joy for Tang San. His father, who had disappeared for almost ten years, not only had been found but was right now in the Sword Sect.
Knowing Tang Hao's whereabouts made Tang San's longing for him grow even stronger. There were so many questions he wanted to ask his father.
Oscar continued, "I also spoke with your father. He said he has a way to help your Blue Silver King martial soul fully awaken into its final form, the Blue Silver Emperor. So you don't need to worry about that either."
Hearing this, Tang San's joy could no longer be contained. Though he had just narrowly escaped death from the Spirit Hall's pursuit, this rainbow after the storm filled him with excitement.
Oscar took a sip of bamboo wine. "So don't rush back. Wait until Xiao Wu finishes condensing her fifth soul ring. Let her stay a few days and spend time with her friends. What do you think?"
Tang San hesitated. Seeing the happiness on Xiao Wu's face, he finally nodded. "Since I already know Father is in the Sword Sect and won't leave soon, waiting a few more days isn't a problem. Xiao Wu hasn't seen her friends for a long time anyway."
Seeing that Tang San agreed, Xiao Wu happily picked up food for him. "Thank you, Brother. You're the best."
Tang San gently patted her head. "I can't be that selfish. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have suffered all this misfortune."
Xiao Wu looked at him lovingly. "That's not true. As long as I can stay with you, I'm not afraid of anything."
"Ahem." Oscar couldn't stand the couple's affection any longer and coughed. "Alright, if you two want to be lovey-dovey, do it somewhere else. I have serious matters to discuss with you, Xiao San."
Hearing that, Xiao Wu and Tang San both sat upright, waiting to hear what Oscar had to say.
"Xiao San, you're only fifteen, yet you're already close to level fifty-two. That kind of talent is extremely rare. Since I was the one who led you all back then, there's something I want to talk about."
Tang San said earnestly, "Please speak freely, Senior. If it's something I can do, I'll do it without hesitation."
Having lived two lifetimes, Tang San admired very few of his peers. Only Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai could compare to him. Among all of them, the one he admired most was Oscar.
Although Oscar was only two years older, in Tang San's eyes, he was like a teacher,someone he deeply respected and admired beyond age.
Oscar decided not to beat around the bush. "You must know my ambition. The path I'm taking won't be a lonely one. Hongjun grew up with me and fully supports my plans. Later, Mubai and Zhuqing also agreed to join me. But I've never spoken seriously to you about this. Do you know why?"
Tang San hesitated, then said, "Is it because of my background?"
Oscar nodded. "Exactly. You should know your father was expelled from the Clear Sky Sect, but that was only in name. In secret, the sect wouldn't be foolish enough to truly give up someone as powerful as him."
"Because of your identity, with the Clear Sky Sect behind you, your father will most likely want you to return and rejoin the sect. Once you meet him, he might start grooming you immediately."
"The reason I'm bringing this up now is to let you think carefully. With your talent, I'd hate to let you go."
Hearing this, Tang San felt both honored and emotional. Oscar had never spoken to him this way before.
Tang San possessed twin martial souls and would one day surpass even his father, Tang Hao. Yet Oscar, also a twin-souled genius, was far ahead of him already.
Oscar's words were clearly an invitation,to join his cause. And being valued by someone like Oscar was no small honor.
Tang San said humbly, "Senior flatters me. It's my honor to be recognized by you."
Oscar smiled casually. "No need to be modest. You may not be as strong as Mubai and the others yet, but you have advantages they don't. If you keep working hard, your future achievements will surpass theirs."
"The path I'll walk will be different from your sect's. Whether you follow me or your father, think carefully."
Tang San nodded seriously, then said after a pause, "Senior, do you remember what I told you when we discussed my Tang Sect techniques?"
Oscar nodded. "You said you wanted to rebuild the Tang Sect and restore its former glory to repay the kindness of your predecessors."
Tang San said, "Exactly. So I won't return to the Clear Sky Sect."
Oscar raised a brow. "So you want to establish your own sect instead of following me?"
Tang San replied, "Not exactly, Senior. Here's what I'm thinking."
"Go on."
"I want to first rebuild the Tang Sect and pass down my techniques. But that doesn't stop me from following you. When the time comes, your path will surely involve fighting against all of the continent, and the Tang Sect can serve as your ally, contributing to your cause."
Oscar chuckled. "That's quite a good idea. Your Tang Sect hidden weapons are indeed powerful tools for war."
Oscar understood Tang San's strong desire to rebuild the Tang Sect. Being a man of ancient times, Tang San naturally valued the heritage of his sect more than most.
And if Tang San founded the Tang Sect under Oscar's guidance, it would still, in essence, be under Oscar's influence,Tang San's Tang Sect in name, but still serving Oscar's greater plan.
That was acceptable enough.
After all, the current Tang San adored and admired Oscar completely, unlike the proud and independent Tang San of the original story.
Tang San raised his cup to Oscar. "I hope you'll grant me your support, Senior."
Oscar raised his cup and drained it. "I have no objections. But as for your father…"
Tang San thought for a moment, then said, "If rejoining the Clear Sky Sect is my father's wish, I'll do my best to fulfill it as his son. But rebuilding the Tang Sect is my lifelong goal. That will never change."
Oscar nodded. "Then I won't interfere. If you face difficulties, come to me. As your senior, I'll help however I can."
Tang San was delighted to hear this. After traveling the continent for more than a year, he knew well the advantages of having a powerful backer. He raised his cup again and toasted Oscar.
After the meal, Tang San was drunk. He didn't use his spirit power to dispel the alcohol and soon fell asleep in the cave.
Oscar put him to bed and then left with Xiao Wu to help her condense her next soul ring.
Oscar had never seen the process of a ten-thousand-year soul ring being condensed firsthand.
Xiao Wu knew he was researching the Soul Spirit Method, so she didn't mind him observing and recording everything.
She sat cross-legged by the lake and began condensing her fifth soul ring. She was about to become a Soul King, and within three years, she could reach Soul Emperor level,by then entering full maturity, becoming no different from a human.
As she cultivated, Da Ming and Er Ming returned silently and stood guard nearby.
Oscar gestured for them to stay quiet and continued recording the entire process.
He noticed that the condensation of a soul ring by a transformed soul beast was similar to a god-bestowed ring, only with a slightly different source of energy.
The energy Xiao Wu used came from her former hundred-thousand-year cultivation, enough to support her up to her sixth soul ring.
Part of her power had been consumed when she transformed, turning into her martial soul, so she couldn't condense further rings from that energy.
Thus, after level sixty, she would have to obtain new rings by absorbing them like normal soul masters,since by then, she would be a true human.
From Oscar's observation, soul rings were essentially a special form of energy. If there were a device capable of absorbing and storing the world's spirit energy, a soul master could use it to condense rings when breaking through.
That would be similar to a god-bestowed ring,though lacking special beast attributes, the resulting ring and ability would perfectly suit the user.
It was a huge advantage overall and would eliminate the need for soul masters to hunt soul beasts for rings.
If soul beasts no longer faced human hunters, and if strict laws prevented them from harming humans, both sides could coexist peacefully and grow stronger together.
In the future, if a path to godhood for soul beasts could be established, resolving the soul ring issue would lead to a lasting balance,soul beasts becoming another form of humanity.
Of course, that was the ideal. For now, Oscar couldn't create such a device. It was merely the seed of an idea.
For the time being, the Soul Spirit Method remained the best way to solve the ring issue. Everything else would take time and gradual progress.
Oscar didn't know how long it would take, but no matter the cost, he was determined to see it through. Otherwise, he would feel his life had been wasted.
A person had to accomplish something meaningful in life,and for Oscar, this was it. Whether he succeeded or failed, he would give it his all.
After two hours, Xiao Wu's four rings of yellow, yellow, purple, and purple were joined by a new black one. Her spirit power stabilized at level fifty-one,she had advanced to the Soul King realm.
Da Ming and Er Ming were overjoyed. "Congratulations, Sister Xiao Wu, you've reached Soul King! You're one step closer to full maturity."
Xiao Wu smiled. "Thank you, Da Ming, Er Ming. You've worked hard."
Da Ming laughed. "Not hard at all. With Senior Oscar guiding us, we barely need to think for ourselves."
Er Ming grinned. "Yeah, we just missed you, Sister Xiao Wu. It's been too long."
Feeling guilty, Xiao Wu said, "Senior Oscar agreed to let me and Xiao San stay for a few more days. I'll spend time with you both."
Hearing that, Da Ming and Er Ming were delighted and looked at Oscar gratefully. "Thank you, Senior, for understanding. But… isn't it a bit risky to let that kid stay here?"
Xiao Wu frowned. "What do you mean 'that kid'? Xiao San is the one I love! You should be calling him Brother-in-law!"
Da Ming and Er Ming immediately protested. Er Ming said, "Sister Xiao Wu, I'll never call him that! He's just a human,why should we?"
Da Ming nodded. "Er Ming's right. You can like him if you want, but we won't acknowledge him."
Xiao Wu pouted. "You two!"
Oscar chuckled, playing peacemaker. "Alright, Xiao Wu, give them some time."
Xiao Wu glared at Da Ming and Er Ming. "No wonder you've been avoiding him. I don't care,no one's leaving today. You're both going to meet Xiao San!"
Without Tang San present, Xiao Wu truly acted like the big sister before Da Ming and Er Ming. Watching this, Oscar couldn't help but click his tongue in amusement.
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