Chapter 212: The First Chicken Dinner on the Continent of Douluo

Join my patreon to be 30 chapters ahead of the webnovel along with weekly chapters mass release:

patreon.com/ZeroMoney

I would appreciate your help if you could join my Patreon and support me because it would keep me motivated. 

******

"Yes, we definitely need to have a serious talk later," Lan Yinzi replied, hinting that she already knew what Tang San would want to discuss.

Their cryptic exchange left the rest of the group puzzled, except for Xiao Wu, who had some idea of what was going on.

Tang San then turned to Zhu Zhuqing. "What about you, Zhuqing? What do you want to do in the future?"

"Train," she replied after a moment of contemplation, her eyes locking with Tang San's. "In this world, only by getting stronger can you have a voice. I don't want to be controlled by others again. As for dreams, does chasing the strength that inspires me count?"

"That sounds... a bit poetic," Tang San remarked, seeing the intensity in Zhu Zhuqing's gaze. "Maybe you should try learning music."

"Do you want me to become a musical maestro instead of just training?" Zhu Zhuqing asked, a bit surprised but feeling inspired by the suggestion. If that's what Tang San wanted, she would give it a shot.

"No, no, that's not what I meant," Tang San clarified with a shake of his head. "Remember I mentioned the self-created soul techniques and the 'fusion circuit' and 'sustainment circuit'? Well, if you think about it, sound travels through air, and music is just structured sound. If you can understand how different sounds come together to form beautiful music, it might give you new ideas for your soul techniques."

"Oh, I see," Zhu Zhuqing said, slightly disappointed. She'd hoped Tang San meant something else, but it turned out to be about training after all. Makes sense, though—he's a martial soul theory master. He'd only be interested in things related to cultivation.

"Don't look so down," Tang San said, noticing her disappointment. "You should live for yourself. Creating your unique life melody is what gives it meaning. Think about your past. You never know if someone else in your family might go through the same struggles you did with your sister. Wouldn't you like to change that?"

Zhu Zhuqing paused and replied softly, "How can I change it?"

Tang San glanced toward the Wuhun Hall's Pope, hinting at the root of the issue.

Suddenly, Zhu Zhuqing understood: power! In the past, she had sought strength to avoid being controlled by others. But since meeting Tang San, her outlook had changed. His words ignited a new sense of responsibility in her.

"Everyone needs something to strive for," Tang San continued, addressing everyone present. "If you train just for the sake of getting stronger, you become a puppet of power. Many soul masters in Douluo's history who pursued only strength ended up doing reckless things. I think the original corrupters started that way."

The group nodded in agreement, realizing they needed something besides constant cultivation. Too much soul power training could lead to intense body aches.

In their free time, finding a hobby or passion could help relieve stress and promote mental strength. Tang San's advice made sense. By immersing themselves in something they enjoy, they could find balance and perhaps even boost their spiritual power.

As they left the Tian Dou Great Soul Arena, Qin Ming joined them, carrying information about the final competition.

"The final round starts in seven days," he said. "Because our team, along with Star Luo Royal Battle Team and Spirit Hall Battle Team, have guaranteed spots, we don't need to participate in the initial rounds. We can use this time to relax and prepare."

"That's good," Yufeng said, stretching his arms. "I won't need to compete in the final battles."

"True," Qin Ming replied. "We can use this break to observe and see if any other teams have hidden cards to play."

"By the way, Tang San, who are you planning to use for the final battle?"

Without hesitation, Tang San replied, "Xiao Wu, Ye Lingling, Huo Wu, Yu Tianheng, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and me."

Nobody objected. They all knew that among this large group, not everyone would be competing. Some would stay on the sidelines to cheer the others on.

Moreover, those who couldn't make it to the final stage had performed well in the previous preliminary and knockout rounds. This should be enough to earn them a title from the Tian Dou Emperor once they returned.

Though they were disappointed about not making it to the final battle, they understood that facing the Wuhun Hall Battle Team, with three Soul Emperors and four Soul Ancestor above level 45, would be extremely challenging.

"Why this lineup?" Qin Ming asked, curious about Tang San's strategy despite knowing that he was more than capable of defeating the Soul Emperors.

"Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing are agile assassins who can also serve as melee controllers due to their unique body and soul talents. Yu Tianheng is a close-range control fighter, and Huo Wu is a ranged attacker. Ning Rongrong is a versatile support, and Ye Lingling is a healer. I'm a hybrid support," Tang San explained, describing the roles of the seven-person team, including himself.

"To be honest, the lineup isn't ideal," he admitted. "Two agile attackers, two power hitters, and three support types."

"But why this mix?" Qin Ming wondered.

"Well, besides Xiao Wu, Huo Wu, Yu Tianheng, and me, the other three had fewer chances to shine during the preliminary rounds. This is a good opportunity for them to prove themselves."

Tang San's confidence was palpable, as if he was saying, "I'm invincible, so do whatever you like!"

Qin Ming chuckled. "You're a kind-hearted captain. Not many in the history of Tian Dou Royal Battle Team would be bold enough to make such decisions. Most would only think about maximizing team success."

"If the captain is invincible, it gives us room to be more flexible," Yufeng said, laughing as he playfully patted Tang San on the shoulder.

"That's a bit too much," Tang San replied with a smile. "But there's a method to this madness. My setup brings together three major forces on the continent. Yu Tianheng and Ning Rongrong represent Heaven Dou's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, respectively. Zhu Zhuqing represents Star Luo Empire, while Ye Lingling and Huo Wu, from well-known families allied with Tian Dou, mostly represent their clans. Xiao Wu and I are commoners."

"It may sound contrived," he added, "but from an outsider's perspective, our team represents a unity among different soul master groups."

"That's an interesting way to look at it," Qin Ming said, now thinking about how this could be used to generate some positive publicity.

Over the next seven days, everyone rested and adjusted, trying to get into top shape for the finals. Meanwhile, Tang San visited Guang Ling's room, knocking before entering.

"You seem a little down because I didn't put you in the final lineup," he said.

"Not at all," Guang Ling replied, then shifted the topic. "But, San-ge, you must have another plan, right? Before the continental elite competition, you mentioned the allocation of those three ten-thousand-year soul bones and compensation for the others. This lineup also seems like you're conserving your own strength."

"Are you planning to fight someone powerful?" he asked. "And are those three soul bones related to this fight?"

Tang San laughed and patted Guang Ling on the head. "You're smart. You've learned to think like me; you're ready to graduate!"

Guang Ling felt a certain resolve in Tang San's demeanor. "So, who are you planning to fight? The Pope of Wuhun Hall?"

Tang San nodded, looking out the window toward the cathedral on the mountainside. "As a martial soul theory master, I have to prove myself against those who doubt me. The best way is to challenge the strongest, like the Pope of Spirit Hall."

Guang Ling was taken aback. The Pope was one of the most powerful people in the world, with a 98-level soul rank. Even the emperors of the two great empires showed respect to her due to her sheer strength and influence.

"Are you sure you won't get killed?" Guang Ling asked, then wondered if Tang San was relying on the power of a half-god's spirit.

"The challenge has to be fair; I won't use Ilai," Tang San replied. "However, he will take something from the Pope during our battle."

Tang San had promised Xiao Wu to bring back her mother's spirit and soul bone, which the Pope had absorbed into her second martial soul, the Soul-Eating Spider Emperor. To resurrect Xiao Wu's mother, he needed to retrieve her spirit.

As for the soul bone, it was less crucial to resurrection. Ilai had suggested that it contained vital life energy, representing the source of blood and lineage.

Within the soul bone, there was information fundamental to the structure of living beings—details at the level of bloodline factors. Extracting just a small portion would be enough. The key to resurrection lay in reclaiming the soul.

"I see," Guang Ling said, finally understanding the true reason Tang San needed to challenge the Pope—he was doing it to bring back Xiao Wu's mother. A hint of jealousy flashed across Guang Ling's face.

"You're the first to know this secret," Tang San said, noticing Guang Ling's reaction. He gently patted her head again. "So, keep it between us, okay?"

"Of course," Guang Ling agreed, but then she gave him a mischievous smile. "But you have to promise me something in return."

"What is it?" Tang San asked, curious.

"Stay with me tonight and sleep here," she replied.

"Uh?"

Before he could react, Guang Ling had thrown her arms around him, pulling him onto the bed.

Just as things started to get heated, the door suddenly opened.

"Guang Ling, have you seen San-ge? He's not in his room, so I—"

Xiao Wu stopped mid-sentence when she saw Tang San and Guang Ling on the bed, wrapped in a tight embrace.

"Oh, Xiao Wu, you're just in time! Quick, help me! Guang Ling's trying to commit blasphemy!" Tang San exclaimed, attempting to lighten the mood.

Instead, Xiao Wu closed the door and locked it, then jumped onto the bed herself.

Tang San was pinned down by both Guang Ling and Xiao Wu.

"Guang Ling, you're hogging him! I want in too!" Xiao Wu declared. "I'm sleeping here tonight!"

[T/L: Now they are both committing blasphemy '>]

Guang Ling objected, "This is my room!"

"So what?" Xiao Wu shot back, acting like a spoiled child. "We all have keys to each other's rooms. And back in Nuoding City, didn't we often sleep together? Just think of Tang San as a bonus body pillow."

Tang San groaned, "..."

After a rather unconventional night, Tang San woke up, tidied himself, and freshened up. His clothes had stayed on the entire night, but he still needed to fix his hair and adjust the jade ornaments on his ponytail.

"You two need to stop doing that," he chided Xiao Wu and Guang Ling. "I didn't even get a chance to take off my clothes!"

Xiao Wu teasingly puffed out her chest. "Why? You wanted to take your clothes off?"

"Yes, actually," Tang San replied candidly, then quickly added, "I just meant I wanted to appreciate the pure beauty of women."

Xiao Wu rolled her eyes dramatically and said, "Pfft, as if."

Guang Ling blushed deeply, wondering why she had acted so impulsively the night before. It was terribly embarrassing.

"Today is the start of the final competition," Tang San said, trying to change the subject. "Let's get ready to go watch the matches."

"Agreed," Xiao Wu replied, eager to move past the awkwardness.

"Me too," Guang Ling added, hoping to shift focus.

Soon, Tang San gathered everyone, and they headed to the final competition's venue.

Unlike the preliminary rounds and knockout stages, the finals were held in front of the Pope's palace. The emperors of both great empires and the Spirit Hall's judging panel had relocated there. Ordinary spectators weren't allowed—only the elite soul masters and high-ranking officials.

The finals' exclusivity was due to the venue's significance—it represented the authority of Spirit Hall. However, unlike past events, this year's finals were broadcast live through soul power projectors, allowing people to watch without relying on word of mouth or news reports.

As they arrived at the Spirit Mountain's base, they presented their credentials to the guards. After verification, they were allowed entry, but those who had lost their qualification were turned away.

Ascending the mountain, Tang San marveled at the grand architecture. The design resembled Western cathedrals from his past life but was even more magnificent. The structures stretched far across the mountainside, with the main hall rising over 200 meters high.

In front of the Pope's palace was an expansive area, about three kilometers in length and width, with varied landscapes—ice fields, grasslands, forests, rivers, lakes, volcanoes, deserts, swamps, mountains, and more. An outer ring of a blue lake symbolized the ocean, creating a microcosm of the entire Douluo Continent.

The sight was breathtaking.

"Unbelievable! What a spectacle!" Huo Wu exclaimed. "Even if you don't win the finals, just being here is an honor."

"Indeed," Tang San replied, feeling the thrill of competition. "Who could resist fighting in this 'Douluo Continent'?"

Just standing in that grand arena was enough to satisfy the pride and ambition of any soul master.

After all, how many people get the chance to stand at the pinnacle of the entire "Douluo Continent"? Just to defend the honor of being here, both sides would exert every ounce of strength to prove their worth on this grand stage.

...

After the initial awe and amazement, the final competition began with Bibi Dong announcing the new rules.

Aside from the Tian Dou Royal Battle Team, Star Luo Royal Battle Team, and Spirit Hall Battle Team, the other ten teams would all compete simultaneously. Seventy people in a massive melee, and one team would emerge victorious!

"Isn't this a bit chaotic?" Yu Tianheng said, breaking out in a cold sweat. "Is this a free-for-all among ten teams?"

"It's actually not too strange, given how vast the area is," Tang San replied, hands on his hips as he evaluated the situation. "If it were a typical one-on-one battle, it could take forever. This way, we get to see how the teams cooperate or backstab each other... Think of these ten teams as ten factions on this 'Douluo Continent,' forming alliances or engaging in battles."

"If there's no time limit, it could go on for days without a clear winner."

"Luckily, this 'chicken dinner' match has a time limit," Tang San continued. "At the end of one day, the team with the most members left standing will advance."

"Also, the rules say that there's no room for passive play or running away. If there's no engagement with rival teams or assistance to teammates within ten minutes, you'll be warned by the referees. If it happens three times, you're disqualified."

"This kind of format really tests the cooperation between teammates and requires strategy. It makes the competitors think about more than just their own skills and teamwork. They also need to consider the terrain and potential alliances with other teams."

Tang San subtly glanced toward Bibi Dong, Xue Ye, Dai Luogao, and the three major factions' judging panel. His ears twitched slightly, picking up snippets of their conversation about which team seemed strongest. He couldn't help but feel like they were just looking for an easy way to manage the competition, without realizing the full implications of their rules.

When Tang San had arrived, Bibi Dong was a bit taken aback by his analysis of the competition's layout and rules. It seemed like he understood the event's structure even better than the planners did.

"Did we really consider all this when we discussed the rules?" Bibi Dong wondered. "Tang San's observations make a lot of sense. Is the competition really going to play out the way he predicts?"

Meanwhile, Yufeng rubbed his head in relief. "Good thing I don't have to compete. All this strategic thinking gives me a headache."

Huo Wu, who had been quiet for a while, asked, "What does 'chicken dinner' mean?"

"It just means winning or reaching the top," Tang San explained. "I think after this competition is broadcast, other factions might start using the term. It could become a popular way to refer to these kinds of matches."