Douluo Dalu: Volume 23: Spirit Hunting Operation

by Tang Jia San Shao

  “Is there anything else?”

  Yan coldly said:

  “Immediately leave Star Dou Great Forest. This isn’t a place you should come to. Our Spirit Hall has business in Star Dou Great Forest right now, other Spirit Masters can enter in half a year.”

  Tang San smiled. In that faint smiling expression, the ice chill on his face quietly disappeared, replaced by a noble grace,

  “Is Star Dou Great Forest your Spirit Hall’s property?”

  Looking at that as if cleansed in the spring wind smile on Tang San’s face, and still the grace he suddenly displayed, Hu Liena’s gaze couldn’t help turning somewhat lifeless. She had never seen Tang San with such a temperament. This moment, the man in front of her seemed to suddenly have changed, going from the original ice cold to warm, leaving her very uncomfortable. But it was just because of this discomfort that the handsome face was deeply imprinted in her mind.

  Yan grew angry, coldly saying:

  “You’re challenging? Challenging Spirit Hall’s authority?”

  Tang San smiled calmly,

  “You’re Spirit Hall’s people, I’m not. I’m only a free Spirit Master. You’re the one challenging, not me. I’m friends with Hu Liena, not with you.”

  Finished speaking, he turned around to leave without the slightest hesitation.

  A scorching heat abruptly exploded behind his back, even the pitch black forest was also illuminated in fiery red at this instant.

  “Careful!”

  Hu Liena’s voice resounded in practically the first moment.

  Tang San didn’t turn around, but rather swiftly moved three steps forward. These three steps were very carefully chosen, not at all in a straight line, but rather one step forward to the left, afterwards again to the right, then again turning left for the third step. The split second movement immediately made his silhouette seem to sway, and especially in that instant, his aura became unfathomable.

  When his third step touched the ground, using the tops of his toes as axis, his entire body spun at an astonishing speed, the Clear Sky Hammer held in his hand shooting out in passing, surging black light abruptly spreading, a tyrannical current spreading in the blink of an eye, heavily colliding with a more than one meter in diameter fireball.

  Even without one spirit ring, Tang San’s body had long since been transformed by the Blue Silver Emperor spirit rings, and his Clear Sky Hammer was also urged on by his fifty ninth ranked spirit power. So what if he didn’t use spirit abilities? He was still a fifty ninth ranked Spirit King.

  With a loud explosion, countless sparks flew in all directions, the fireball completely shattering, and Tang San’s Clear Sky Hammer also turned a deep red. But he didn’t withdraw a hair’s breadth. Bathed in the aftermath of the scorching hot flame, he didn’t suffer a trace of injuries from the elemental force.

  The fireball exploded, revealing behind it, body already extremely expanded, whole body overflowing with heavenly flame, Yan.

  Yan’s spirit was a Flame Lord, and after body enhancement, he possessed extreme might. Right now six spirit rings revolved around him, fluctuating, the light of the second spirit ring just vanishing.

  “Yan, what are you doing?”

  Hu Liena stepped sideways, already blocking in front of Tang San.

  Because of anger, her lovable face already seemed somewhat pale, releasing her spirit almost without the slightest hesitation, fiery red long hair scattering across her back, and still that astonishing curve of her back and butt that even Tang San with his steady mind didn’t dare look at.

  “Nana, we can’t let him leave, this person despises our Spirit Hall, we have to call him to account. Moreover, you also saw, his spirit is the Clear Sky Hammer! Isn’t he a Clear Sky School person? We’ll arrest him and bring him back, that’s a meritorious deed. If he leaves, and by any chance alarms our target, won’t we have wasted all our previous efforts on this trip? You also won’t be able to explain that to Her Holiness the Supreme Pontiff.”

  The expression in Hu Liena’s eyes chilled, as if she had returned to those days in the Hell Slaughter Arena. Seeing the expression in her eyes, Yan couldn’t help being shocked, Hu Liena had never used this kind of manner against him.

  “I said, he is my friend. Yan, out of consideration for our many years of friendship, I’ll let you off this time. If there’s a next time, don’t blame me for being blunt. Mounting a sneak attack from behind, is that the work of a great man?”

  Chapter 158: Hiding Successfully

  Tang San could see from behind that Hu Liena’s fists were closed tightly, apparently as if restraining herself. She didn’t say anything, only had a quiet expression.

  To the side, Xie Yue always watched him, but making something out from Tang San’s face was harder than scaling to Heaven.

  How could Yan have expected Hu Liena would actually say something like this to him? Feeling wronged, unreconciled, angry, pained, all kinds of emotions constantly dashed in his heart. But confronting Hu Liena, he was still unable to flare up.

  Gazing past Hu Liena, glare firmly fixed on Tang San, snorting angrily, he turned and walked in the direction of the camp.

  “Now can I leave? Miss Hu Liena.”

  Tang San said indifferently.

  Hu Liena turned around. Looking at the first man to move her heart, for some reason, she panicked somewhat.

  Quickly stepping forward, reaching Tang San, Hu Liena apologetically said:

  “I’m sorry, just now Yan was too impetuous. Don’t mind it. Are you in such a hurry to leave? It would be better to stay in our camp. We haven’t met for more than a year either, we can just chat about what we’ve learned with the Deathgod Domain.”

  Tang San waved his hand,

  “No need. Still not being part of your Spirit Hall’s camp everyone will see me as an enemy. When I leave, wouldn’t that be seen as stealing information? I can’t bear that.”

  “You……”

  Hu Liena looked at his thousand miles distant manner, and recalling that vanished grace from before, for a moment someone as intelligent as her was unexpectedly left somewhat speechless.

  “Nana, just now you said that he also has the Deathgod Domain? Won’t you give us an introduction?”

  Xie Yue walked up next to his little sister. He and Yan were different. Once the number one of the Golden Generation, his attitude was a lot steadier than Yan’s. He was even more interested in Tang San. To be able to make his little sister change, this youth wasn’t simple.

  Hu Liena looked at her brother,

  “Tang Yin, this is my big brother. Ge, he’s called Tang Yin. Back when I was in Slaughter City, I walked the final Hell Road with him. Without his assistance, I’m afraid you wouldn’t have seen me again.”

  Xie Yue had already guessed somewhat, and he also wasn’t very surprised when he heard what she said, but his eyes displayed some gratitude,

  “Then I must thank you. You are Nana’s saviour.”

  Tang San shook his head,

  “Don’t mention it, at that time we helped each other. We had the same goal It’s very late, I still need to find a place to rest, I won’t disturb you.”

  In order to capture, one must let loose, Tang San used this to the limit. He was betting, betting that Hu Liena would ask him to stay.

  “You still can’t leave.”

  Just at this moment, a cold voice resounded. Tang San only felt everything flash before his eyes, the next moment, there was already a shadow in front of him. He of course recognized it, it was Ghost Douluo.

  “Grandpa Gui. Why did you come?”

  Hu Liena cried out in surprise. In seniority, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were even one generation above Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong. Therefore the Golden Generation called them ‘grandpa’ in private, and addressed them as ‘elder’ on formal occasions.

  Ghost Douluo’s face still couldn’t be seen clearly, but his voice was very steady, and also very concise,

  “I heard your co
nversation just now. There’s one thing Yan said that wasn’t wrong. If he alerts our target, leading to all our effort being wasted, even me and Chrysanthemum Guan couldn’t swallow the sin. Nana, you should know how important our target is to Her Holiness this time.”

  A cold light flashed in Tang San’s eyes,

  “Then in other words, you’re demanding I stay?”

  He slowly raised the Clear Sky Hammer in his hand.

  Hearing Ghost Douluo’s words, Hu Liena couldn’t keep her heart from worrying,

  “Grandpa Gui. He wouldn’t. He’s my friend. How about, we advise him to leave the Star Dou Great Forest first?”

  Ghost Douluo smiled calmly, saying:

  “Concern causes confusion, concern causes confusion! Nana, this isn’t like the clever you. Don’t tell me our goal wouldn’t appear on the outskirts of the forest? Any direction he leaves in, there’s a chance he’ll disturb the target. Even if the possibility is only one in ten thousand, we still have to avert it as much as possible.”

  Hu Liena’s charming face reddened, but she still hadn’t caught any intent to kill in Ghost Douluo’s words.

  “That you can’t leave doesn’t mean we must be harmful to you. Youngster, we only want you to temporarily cooperate with us, come with us on the way. Once we’ve succeeded in our purpose, we’ll naturally give you your liberty. Didn’t you come to kill your sixth spirit beast? I can promise to help you choose a most suitable one. Consider it reciprocation, how about it? Our Spirit Hall isn’t a dictatorship. Just a Spirit Master organization.”

  Tang San was amazed as he listened to Ghost Douluo, and even Hu Liena and Xie Yue were somewhat shocked. Ghost Douluo was always known as gloomy and cold, when did he become so well spoken?

  “Fine, I agree.”

  Tang San’s reply equally startled Xie Yue and his sister.

  Hu Liena somewhat shocked asked:

  “You agree?”

  Tang San calmly said:

  “Without the ability to resist, but still able to profit, why wouldn’t I agree? Only, even if I travel together with you, I won’t help you.”

  Ghost Douluo loftily said:

  “Spirit Hall has still never needed help from others. Xie Yue, first take him to find a place in the camp, he stays together with you and Yan. Nana, you stay, I have something to talk to you about.”

  Xie Yue deferentially said:

  “Yes.”

  Afterwards making an inviting gesture to Tang San, he took the lead to walk away.

  Now, Tang San’s always nervous heart finally calmed, the goal of the first stepped had been reached. This was practically the best result he hoped for.

  Looking at the two entering the forest darkness, Ghost Douluo said to Hu Liena:

  “Know why I want him to stay?”

  Hu Liena shook her head,

  “It wouldn’t be because there’s a risk he’ll alert the target anyway. Only Yan would reach a conclusion like that. With Star Dou Great Forest’s size, let alone the possibility of him coming across that spirit beast, even if he did, that spirit beast still wouldn’t be on guard because of him.”

  Ghost Douluo smiled:

  “That’s our clever Sacred Maiden. I had him stay because he might help us settle a large problem.”

  Hu Liena’s heart twitched,

  “You mean, Clear Sky School?”

  Ghost Douluo nodded slowly,

  “That’s right. It seems that he should be very dissatisfied. He said two times that he’s a free person. Perhaps that was an unconscious emphasis, but at least it could prove that his relationship with the Clear Sky School isn’t harmonious, even to the extent that he might have already separated from the Clear Sky School. If it’s like that, then it’s undoubtedly a great benefit to us. If we can learn some of Clear Sky School’s internal circumstances from his mouth, it would be a very great advantage to Her Holiness’ Spirit Hunting Operation follow up.”

  Even though Hu Liena knew intellectually that she should support Ghost Douluo, but when she thought about dealing with Tang Yin’s sect, she couldn’t help feeling somewhat apprehensive,

  “Grandpa Gui, we already roughly know the location of the Clear Sky School by now, we just haven’t moved because we haven’t completely investigated them. Why should we need to involve someone like him? With his age, at most he’s only a third generation disciple, it’s impossible for him to know much about the Clear Sky School’s internal secrets.”

  Gui Mei smiled,

  “Silly girl, concern really causes confusion! The Clear Sky School matter is only one reason to have him stay. The other is for you. It seems you already like that kid. I have to admit that he’s indeed very outstanding, in no way inferior to Xie Yue and Yan. Considered a good match for you. Even more when he possesses the same Deathgod Domain as you. Undoubtedly an outstanding talent.”

  “But, if you want to be together with him, his identity is a major problem. If he can join Spirit Hall, and moreover establish some contributions, obtain promotions, then, Her Holiness should also more easily accept him.”

  “That’s impossible.”

  Even though she blushed a bit, Hu Liena still immediately denied Ghost Douluo’s words,

  “Grandpa Gui, how could I persuade him to go against his own sect? Actually, the Clear Sky School is already in seclusion, must we insist on exterminating them to the last?”

  Gui Mei lowered his voice:

  “Nana, don’t say something like that in front of Her Holiness. Her Holiness’ hatred for the Clear Sky School is extremely deep. If she had to choose only one of three, then of the three upper sects she would definitely exterminate the Clear Sky School. Back then Tang Hao killed the late Pontiff, putting Her Holiness in such pain as to not want to live. Us and the Clear Sky School are as incompatible as fire and water. Furthermore, leaving behind this once number one under Heaven sect, is a bomb that might explode at any time. Thus, the Clear Sky School must be destroyed.”

  Hu Liena still wanted to say something, but was stopped by Ghost Douluo’s raised hand,

  “If you want his best, then convince him to join Spirit Hall. There will inevitably be a way to settle things. At least our Spirit Hunting Operation will always be kept confidential. As for the final decision, that’s not for you and me to make, everything still follows Her Holiness’ will. But, you and him standing together, it really is a very good match. This youngster’s temperament is also quite good. Back then when you left Slaughter City, he still didn’t take advantage of you under such circumstances, remarkable.”

  Hu Liena walked back to the camp with her restless heart. Because she discovered that she didn’t know how she should face Tang San. Spirit Hall’s matters weren’t for her to decide, and no matter how you looked at it, even if Tang San had already broken away from the Clear Sky School, she and him still stood on opposite sides.

  Hu Liena wanted for not the first time erase Tang San’s shadow from her mind, but, it was impossible. The happiness in that split second when they met again just now was greater than everything her heart had felt in this past year.

  Tang San followed Xie Yue into the camp. He had already relied on his spiritual force to scan this place before, his gaze roamed, simply observing the circumstances all around. Right now, besides the patrolling members, the others had already returned to their tents to rest. But that Yan still stood in the opening of a tent.

  Seeing Xie Yan bringing back Tang San, he couldn’t help looking distracted, shooting Xie Yue an inquiring look.

  Xie Yue slightly shook his head at him, bringing Tang San over, he simply explained Ghost Douluo’s words from before.

  “What? He’ll always be together with us until the operation ends?”

  Yan regretted, regretted that he had been so impetuous before. If he had let this Tang Yin fellow leave at that time, that would have been a lot better than having him follow the group now. At least when he left he couldn’t see Hu Liena.

  Xie Yue’s tone grew a bit mor
e serious,

  “This is elder Gui’s orders. Yan, don’t think too much.”

  Yan glared resolutely at Tang San,

  “Kid, mark my words. If you dare get close to Nana, I’ll kill you immediately.”

  Tang San gave a slight smile, his flat tone mostly containing a flavor of provocation,

  “Do you have the skill?”

  “You……”

  Yan’s suppressed fury surged almost instantly, but just as he was about to piece life and death against Tang San, a feminine voice drifted over.

  “It’s late, everyone rest early.”

  Hearing this voice, Yan shivered. He of course knew who the source of the voice was. Enduring the rage, he turned and stepped into the tent.

  Now, Hu Liena and Ghost Douluo returned simultaneously. Hu Liena’s gazed at Tang San, and Tang San also just turned his head and looked at her. The pair’s gazes met in the air. The expression in Hu Liena’s eyes was brimming with apology, but Tang San only gave a slight smile, letting her once again see that perfect grace.

  Entering the tent, Tang San didn’t further provoke Yan sitting in a corner with his eyes closed, and also found a corner to sit cross legged and start to cultivate. Of course, he constantly kept himself alert. Not only towards Yan, but also Xie Yue.

  A night without comment. Early the next day, as Tang San finished cultivating, there was already nobody else in the tent. Xie Yue and Yan had both left one after another not long ago.

  Tang San sorted out his plans and thoughts for a moment, then left the tent.

  “Eat something.”

  A fair little hand stretched in front of him, handing over a chunk of dried meat and one of rations. It was Hu Liena.

  Taking the food, Tang San nodded to Hu Liena.

  Hu Liena lowered her voice:

  “I’m truly sorry about yesterday. I didn’t know it would bring you so much trouble. But grandpa Gui doesn’t have any bad intentions towards you. We’ve basically already found the position of our target this time. Once the mission is completed, you can leave at any time.”

  Tang San said calmly:

  “I believe you want to persuade me to join Spirit Hall.”