Tang San took a deep breath, carefully sensing the Eight Spider Lances on his back. The eight spider legs connected to his eight ribs, as if he had gained eight additional three-meter-long arms.
This familiar sensation was exactly what he felt when he first obtained the External Soul Bone.
It was also the fleeting feeling he experienced when absorbing his fourth Spirit Ring.
The tingling sensation from his back was indescribably comfortable. With just a thought, he could control these eight spider legs.
Tang San had never felt so powerful before, but he knew now wasn't the time for celebration.
The most threatening Evil Soul Master could appear at any moment.
As his teacher had said, an External Soul Bone could only be secured from theft after completely merging with the body.
This required at least half a year of cultivation.
For now, he must remain vigilant.
Tang San decisively retracted the Eight Spider Lances into his body. The segmented spider legs first folded gradually, then slowly merged into his back.
This miraculous scene amazed Ning Fengzhi, Tang Xiao, and the others.
Even Sword Douluo couldn't help but show an approving gaze.
With his combat experience, he understood perfectly what these eight spider legs represented!
If used properly, those eight spider lances would become lethal weapons.
He gave Tang San a deep look, finally understanding why Tang Xiao, Tang Hao, and others had repeatedly urged him to absorb the Man-faced Demon Spider. Such an External Soul Bone was indeed worth it.
"This place isn't safe to stay. It's time to leave!" Tang Xiao said calmly.
Since they had already obtained the Spirit Ring and External Soul Bone, they must protect their hard-won gains.
Ning Fengzhi and the others nodded, continuing to shield Tang San in their formation as they quickly made their way out of the forest.
All of them were powerful Soul Masters, moving swiftly along the path. Within half an hour, they had exited the forest boundaries.
Without pause, they hurried toward Heaven Dou City.
Dugu Feng was speechless.
Are you all that afraid of that Evil Soul Master?
But the reality was exactly so. In the eyes of Tang Hao and Tang Xiao, the Clear Sky Sect couldn't afford any more mishaps.
Nor could Tang San withstand even the slightest accident.
"Xiao San, you shouldn't participate in the Soul Master Competition. Stay in Heaven Dou City during this period.
Ning Zongzhu, I must trouble your sect during this time. Xiao San's External Soul Bone hasn't fully merged yet and could still be stolen. He needs protection from both of your excellencies!"
As they approached Heaven Dou City, Tang Xiao shamelessly requested Ning Fengzhi's assistance again.
Tang San nodded and looked hopefully at Ning Fengzhi.
He understood clearly that his current situation was like a child carrying gold through busy streets—extremely dangerous.
Only Heaven Dou City, with both powerful experts and military forces, could protect him.
"Easily arranged. You may stay at my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School until Xiao San completes the fusion before leaving!" Ning Fengzhi said generously.
Since they were helping, they might as well see it through to the end.
Tang San was worth the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's assistance.
Moreover, Ning Fengzhi had already decided—this time he would properly extort Tang San. You can't keep hiding your hidden weapon manufacturing techniques anymore, right?
After cooperating with Tang San to create hidden weapons, he had used them to tempt the divine craftsman Lou Gao from Gengxin City.
After years of research under Lou Gao, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School could now manufacture most hidden weapons.
However, some crucial components still relied solely on Tang San.
If he didn't manage to extract some benefits this time, Ning Fengzhi would not be satisfied.
Seeing Ning Fengzhi agree, Tang San was overjoyed—his safety was now guaranteed.
After entering the city, the group headed straight for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was located just outside the imperial palace.
It was a sect established by Qian Renxue to win over Ning Fengzhi, covering an area one-third the size of the palace, filled with pavilions, towers, and numerous defensive structures.
This was all to ensure the safety of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Dugu Shuo and Meng Shenji did not follow them inside upon arrival, instead dispersing and returning to their respective homes.
Dugu Feng, however, made his way into the imperial palace.
He believed Qian Renxue was waiting for news, specifically the outcome of Tang San's Spirit Ring absorption.
Additionally, Dugu Feng wanted to probe whether Qian Renxue had discovered the loss of the national treasure!
Holding the former Crown Prince Token, which had now become the Emperor Token, he smoothly entered the palace.
The former bedchamber of Xue Ye the Great had been converted into Qian Renxue's quarters.
To Dugu Feng's surprise, Qian Renxue was already waiting for him at the palace gates.
Now dressed in imperial robes, Qian Renxue exuded far more authority than she had as the crown prince.
"Brother Feng, come quickly! Tell me about Tang San's hunt for the Spirit Ring!"
Qian Renxue remained as warm and familiar as ever.
Seeing her in such high spirits, Dugu Feng immediately understood that she had not yet noticed the disappearance of the Vast Sea Cosmos Cover.
He chuckled inwardly, thinking how careless Qian Renxue was—several days had passed, and she still hadn't checked on her treasures.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Dugu Feng offered a polite greeting.
"Brother Feng, there's no need for such formality! Why be so polite? I may now be the emperor of Heaven Dou, but I am still your brother. Let's not stand on ceremony—our bond matters more," Qian Renxue feigned annoyance, then pulled Dugu Feng into her bedchamber.
"Brother Xue, your status has changed, and I was worried that continuing to address you so familiarly might be too presumptuous," Dugu Feng pretended to breathe a sigh of relief.
Qian Renxue shook her head, as if scolding him. "You mustn't act like this in the future."
She invited Dugu Feng into her study, making no effort to hide the memorials and documents on her desk from him.
"I truly envy you, Brother Feng. All you have to do is cultivate, and you can go wherever you please. I, on the other hand, am not so fortunate. These past few days have made me feel the immense pressure of endless governmental affairs," Qian Renxue said with a bitter smile, personally pouring tea for Dugu Feng.
But Dugu Feng saw no genuine complaint in her words—instead, he sensed she was thoroughly enjoying herself.
Qian Renxue was likely savoring the fruits of her victory and the power now in her hands.
Her complaints to Dugu Feng were merely a way to strengthen their relationship.
"Brother Xue has grand ambitions to unify the continent. With great ability comes great responsibility. For us, cultivation is equally arduous. Take Tang San, for example—with his Twin Soul Spirits and exceptional talent, he still risks his life to absorb Spirit Rings beyond his level. And he has done so repeatedly. Brother Xue, I must congratulate you. The empire is about to gain a top-tier powerhouse. Tang San has finally succeeded this time, and an External Soul Bone has reappeared. With Sword Douluo and others protecting him, there was no trace of any Evil Soul Masters. You have no idea how astonishing that External Soul Bone was—eight Spider Lances from the Man-faced Demon Spider burst out from Tang San's back, making him look like a giant spider."
Dugu Feng vividly recounted the entire process.
He practically praised Tang San as if he were the one and only, unparalleled in heaven and on earth.
Qian Renxue listened patiently.
Outwardly, she appeared excited, but inwardly, she was shocked and suspicious to the extreme.
Tang San had actually succeeded.
(End of Chapter)