Douluo : I steal tang san's luck

Tang San fell into deep thought, and Tang Lan chuckled.

You're stuck on this?

Take your time.

After checking on Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong for a bit, their progress seemed steady and solid.

Tang Lan then walked toward Flender.

"Dean, I'm heading into town to buy some materials."

"Go ahead." Flender responded readily. "Come find me when you're free—I have something to discuss with you."

"Got it!"

Tang Lan headed straight for Soto City.

He bought a considerable amount of rare metals, gemstones, engraving knives, and the like.

Naturally, these were for making soul tools.

At first, he thought the most he could create for now would be a Blue Silver Grass signal conversion soul tool.

Because the core of a storage-type soul tool required a gemstone called "Void Crystal," which had to be engraved with spatial formations to function.

But unexpectedly, due to the lost craftsmanship of soul tool production on Douluo Continent, the precious Void Crystals were mistaken for "sapphires" and crafted into various pieces of jewelry.

Though still expensive—each, even the smallest, costing hundreds of gold soul coins—

Compared to the convenience of a storage-type soul tool, it was insignificant.

As for the price?

Tang Lan didn't care.

The Tang Sect's flagship product—firearms—were more than enough.

For now, he was the only one capable of making storage soul tools, and he had no time to waste on mass production.

So, he checked into Rose Hotel.

He tipped a waiter 1 gold soul coin to send a message back to Shrek Academy, informing them that he wouldn't be returning for the next couple of days.

Because—

He was preparing a tiny surprise for Ning Fengzhi!

Three Days Later

Early in the morning.

Tang Lan returned to his dorm, dust-covered from the journey.

After taking a quick shower and opening the door, he saw Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing waiting outside.

"Brother!"

Xiao Wu leaped at him, wrapping her long legs around his waist.

"I missed you, Brother~"

Tang Lan rubbed her rabbit ears and looked at Zhu Zhuqing.

"Can you use 'Lingbo Weibu' (Rippleless Steps) in real combat now?"

Zhu Zhuqing nodded.

"How's Rongrong's progress?" Tang Lan asked again.

Zhu Zhuqing was about to answer when—

"Of course, I'm slower than Zhuqing." Ning Rongrong's voice rang out. "After all, I'm a support-type Soul Master."

Tang Lan nodded understandingly.

"If the deal with Ning Sect Master goes well this time, Rongrong, you can choose another cultivation method to learn."

As for Zhu Zhuqing, he didn't mention it.

Sects weren't schools; you couldn't just learn whatever you wanted.

There had to be "contributions."

"Really?" Ning Rongrong was excited. "Then I want to learn that technique that makes soul power feel scorching hot—"

"You can't learn it." Tang Lan shook his head.

"What? You just said I could pick whatever I wanted!" Ning Rongrong pouted.

Tang Lan chuckled.

—A woman practicing 'Nine Yang Divine Skill'? Now, that's gutsy.

He patted Xiao Wu's waist, signaling her to explain things to Ning Rongrong.

Then, he headed toward Tang San's dorm.

The sound of hammering echoed from inside, indicating that Tang San was still hard at work.

"Knock knock knock—"

"Little San, I've got something to discuss. Can I come in?"

The room fell silent for a few seconds.

[Host caused Tang San to become obsessed with forging, delaying his cultivation progress. A small amount of Tang San's fate has been plundered!]

[Reward: External Soul Bone · Heavy Pupil Age +100 years!]

Not bad, not bad.

Looks like Tang San had put real effort into completing his assigned task over the past three days.

"Brother, come in."

Tang Lan pushed the door open and scanned the room.

A workbench in the corner was covered with a cloth. Judging by its shape, it seemed to be some kind of hidden weapon assembly.

He could already guess what Tang San had been up to these past few seconds.

Tang San's expression was slightly unnatural as he attempted to shift the topic—

"Brother, I've finished the security measures for the bullet."

He picked up a bullet from the side and handed it over.

"I used a mortise and tenon structure to lock the connection points."

"This ensures that the primer and propellant fire smoothly."

"But if someone tries to disassemble or damage the casing, the charge will ignite instantly."

"That way, even if they get their hands on the shell, they won't be able to reverse-engineer the gunpowder formula."

Oh-ho?

Tang San actually came up with a solution?

"How difficult is the manufacturing process?" Tang Lan asked.

"It's actually even easier." Tang San grinned. "I opted for mold pressing, so the bullet is formed in one piece. As long as the assembly process remains confidential, there won't be any issues."

Tsk!

Tang San was truly suited to be a "Chief Technical Officer."

As for cultivation?

His big brother would just work twice as hard to cover for him.

"Have you completed the Fire God Gatling Gun?" Tang Lan asked.

"Of course!"

Tang San's eyes lit up with excitement as he rushed to the workbench.

He picked up a six-barreled Gatling gun and held it up.

"Brother! This beast is insane!" Tang San's eyes gleamed with purple light. "Its power may not match Storm Rain Crossbow, but against mid-to-low-level Soul Masters, it's pure slaughter!"

Heh!

Having Tang San as a subordinate was truly satisfying.

Tang Lan didn't reach for the Fire God Gatling Gun. Instead, he walked over to a crate nearby.

Inside, 12.7mm machine gun rounds were stacked, prepared specifically for the Fire God Gatling Gun.

The rounds were already linked into belts, but they still looked bulky and cumbersome.

A flash of light appeared in Tang Lan's hand.

He took out something resembling a magazine and pressed it against the bullet belt.

All the belts vanished instantly.

He then walked over to the Fire God Gatling Gun, pressed a button on the magazine, and the bullet belt reappeared, sliding directly into the gun's delinking feed system.

The magazine itself stuck neatly to the barrel.

Perfect.

Now, there was no need to carry around heavy ammo boxes.

"Brother, is this a storage-type Soul Tool? Specifically for holding bullets?" Tang San was shocked. "You spent these three days working on this?"

Wait.

Wasn't that a huge waste?!

Didn't Tang Lan realize how precious storage Soul Tools were?!

"Yup. I call it the 'Storage Magazine.'"

Tang Lan casually tossed a ring to Tang San.

—If you wanted a horse to run, you had to at least feed it some pig slop.

This storage ring was made from the smallest Void Crystal, giving it only 1 cubic meter of space.

But Tang San still beamed with joy!

He had long been envious of storage Soul Tools—just imagine how convenient they would be for storing hidden weapons!

And now, he finally had one!

Then he suddenly realized—

"Brother!"

"Did you crack the storage Soul Tool's secrets? Can you make them yourself now?"

Tang Lan smirked and nodded.

Just as Tang Lan was about to speak—

"Sect Master, Little San!" Ning Rongrong called from outside. "My dad is here, and Grandpa Sword is with him!"

Hmm?

This early in the morning?

They probably arrived last night.

"Come on, Little San!" Tang Lan grinned. "Let's give Sect Master Ning a tiny little shock!"

Tang San nodded firmly.

The inspiration for firearm soul tools came from hidden weapons—he couldn't be prouder.

As they stepped outside, Ning Rongrong cheerfully trotted over.

"Sect Master, my Grandpa Sword's martial soul, the Seven Kill Sword, focuses on offense. It pairs perfectly with the pure Yang energy of the Nine Yang Divine Skill!"

"Our sect is still missing a Titled Douluo as a guardian. Why not recruit Grandpa Sword as an Honorary Elder?"

Tang Lan blinked.

Are you teaching me… how to poach talent?

"Also!" Ning Rongrong continued—

"Grandpa Bone and Grandpa Sword have always been competing."

"If Grandpa Sword powers up, you could take the Undying Seal Technique to Grandpa Bone. He'd definitely join as an Honorary Elder too!"

Well, damn!

If Ning Fengzhi found out how much of a traitor his precious daughter was… what would he even say?

"Stop worrying about it." Tang Lan refused flatly. "It's just a Titled Douluo—we'll reach that level ourselves."

At those words, Ning Rongrong's face fell slightly.

With Tang Lan's talent, becoming a Titled Douluo was inevitable—it was just a matter of how many levels he'd reach.

But for her…

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had a hard cap at Rank 79.

Tang Lan saw her thoughts but didn't comment.

Instead, he turned to Xiao Wu, who looked visibly nervous.

He reached for her hand.

"Let's go. I'll go with you."

But Xiao Wu froze in place.

Her eyes, filled with hesitation, panic, and fear, locked onto Tang Lan.

Titled Douluos could see through her disguise as a transformed soul beast!

They didn't even need to see her directly.

They probably knew the moment she stepped into Shrek.

If she went now, wouldn't she be walking into a trap?

"Trust me." Tang Lan smiled warmly. "With me here, nothing will happen."

Xiao Wu's anxious heart finally calmed down.

She gripped Tang Lan's hand tightly and followed behind him.

With her brother by her side, she felt safe.

Tang Lan wasn't just bluffing.

The world moves for profit.

He had a way to make Sword Douluo Chen Xin willingly keep this secret.

That was why he hadn't told Xiao Wu to temporarily leave Shrek to hide.

Behind them—

Tang San and Ning Rongrong found it odd, but didn't ask.

As for Zhu Zhuqing…

Her gaze landed on Tang Lan and Xiao Wu's interlocked hands.

—Aren't they supposed to be siblings? Why are they so… close?

"Rongrong." Tang Lan suddenly said. "I'll need you in a bit."

Dean's Office

Since Ning Fengzhi held an esteemed status, he was naturally being hosted in Flender's office.

As they got closer—

They heard Flender laughing heartily.

"Hahaha—"

"Sect Master Ning, thank you for your generosity!"

"I can finally train these students with peace of mind!"

A cultured, refined voice chuckled softly.

"I should be the one thanking you, Dean Flender, for educating my Rongrong."

"Seeing her today, actually speaking respectfully… I was truly shocked."

"No, no." Flender replied humbly. "If not for your letter, Sect Master Ning, I wouldn't have dared to go all out teaching her. You had the real foresight!"

Tang Lan and the others turned to look at Ning Rongrong.

She rolled her eyes and coughed loudly.

The conversation inside immediately stopped.

Only then did she knock on the door.

"Come in," Flender called.

Ning Rongrong pushed the door open, and the others followed her inside.

She walked straight behind a refined-looking man—

Didn't say a word.

Just puffed up her cheeks and looked pitiful.

Ning Fengzhi, who had been all calm and composed, visibly panicked.

Tang Lan ignored the father-daughter interaction.

He shifted his position slightly, blocking Xiao Wu from view.

His eyes met Chen Xin, the white-robed Sword Douluo.

"I am Tang Lan. Greetings, Your Eminence Sword Douluo." His tone was calm, neither servile nor arrogant.

Chen Xin withdrew his gaze and studied Tang Lan.

He nodded slightly.

"Twelve years old, Rank 45… as expected of his son."

Then, he looked at Tang San.

Without commenting, he averted his eyes, crossing his arms and standing silently behind Ning Fengzhi, blending into the background.

Tang Lan didn't press for conversation.

Instead, he turned his attention to Ning Rongrong, who was still staring at Ning Fengzhi with teary eyes.

"Alright, Rongrong, we have serious matters to discuss today. Stop teasing Sect Master Ning."

The moment he finished speaking—

Ning Rongrong immediately stopped crying.

She stuck out her tongue at Ning Fengzhi and grinned. "Now we're even! Next time, don't go selling your daughter off again!"

Ning Fengzhi let out a relieved sigh.

If this had been the past, she would've thrown a tantrum for three days and three nights.

Now, Tang Lan's single sentence was enough to end the drama.

It seemed sending her to Shrek had really been the right decision.

At that thought, Ning Fengzhi took a serious look at Tang Lan, nodding repeatedly.

Handsome appearance, monstrous talent, and ambition.

Even though he had created his own sect, wouldn't it be possible to merge into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?

As long as…

"Young Friend Tang, you are truly exceptional. Thank you for taking care of Rongrong." Ning Fengzhi spoke politely.

"Sect Master Ning, you're too kind." Tang Lan stepped aside and said, "Let's get straight to the point—shall we test the firearm soul tools?"

All talk was meaningless.

Better to let the weapons speak.

Such a direct, decisive way of handling things took Ning Fengzhi by surprise.

But he quickly got up.

"Then I'll trouble Sect Master Tang."

His address had changed.

The familiarity was gone—he no longer saw Tang Lan as a junior.

Instead, he regarded him with respect, treating him as an equal.

Tang Lan smirked.

Talking to smart people was always easier.

Walking alongside Ning Fengzhi, they made their way to the training grounds.

"If anything unexpected happens during the test, I ask for your understanding." Tang Lan said. "To show sincerity, our Tang Sect's demonstrator will be… my fourth disciple, Ning Rongrong."

Ning Rongrong stepped forward and waved at her father.

—Surprised? Unexpected?

But Ning Fengzhi seemed unfazed—likely because Flender had warned him in advance.

He smiled gently. "Sword Uncle, I'll have to trouble you."

"Heh, let this old man humor the little girl." Chen Xin chuckled.

He stepped in front of Ning Rongrong, making no effort to defend himself.

"Girl, go all out with that soul tool. Grandpa will just take it head-on."

(^_~)

Oh damn!

Was Chen Xin… winking?

That contrast between his usual arrogant demeanor and this playful gesture—

Even Tang Lan, knowing the truth, couldn't help but laugh.

—It was obvious that Chen Xin truly doted on Ning Rongrong.

Meanwhile—

Tang Lan exchanged a glance with Tang San.

Tang San nodded and quietly left the area.

Ning Fengzhi noticed but didn't question it.

On the Training Grounds

A flash of light shone from Ning Rongrong's storage ring.

She raised the Python Revolver, aiming at Chen Xin.

"Bang—"

A piercing bullet shot forward—

Only to be caught between Chen Xin's fingers.

"Not bad." Chen Xin commented. "It's roughly equivalent to a first soul skill attack from an offensive martial soul."

Then, with casual ease—

He caught the remaining five bullets barehanded.

Chen Xin hadn't even used his soul power.

So—

When Ning Rongrong suddenly pulled out two Uzis and unloaded 100 armor-piercing rounds in two seconds—

She completely caught Chen Xin off guard.

He had no choice but to release sword energy, forming a barrier in front of him to block the barrage.

"Not bad."

"That's about the power of a second soul skill."

"If a Soul Master below Rank 30 isn't careful, they'll die instantly."

Over 50% of Soul Masters on the continent were stuck around Rank 30.

Just the Uzis alone were enough to make the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect take this seriously.

But then—

Ning Rongrong pulled out a Barrett sniper rifle and fired directly at Chen Xin!

"BOOM))))=>"

Chen Xin focused his energy into his sword, intending to slice the armor-piercing bullet in half.

But—

The bullet spun rapidly for an instant—

And bounced off purely due to its own high-density material!

"Crack—"

A branch 100 meters away was blown off.

"Buzzzzz—"

Chen Xin's sword hummed violently, trembling for a long time before settling.

"Such powerful force!" Chen Xin was shocked. "This has the strength of a fourth soul skill?"

"Any non-defense Soul Master below Rank 40, without activating defensive abilities—"

"BOOM))))=>"

"BOOM))))=>"

"BOOM))))=>"

(End of Chapter)