Chapter 18 – Tang San's Schemes, Xiao Qiang's Gambit
"Brother, have you seen Xiao Wutong recently? I don't know where that child has run off to. I asked Rongrong and Zhuqing—she's not with them either."
Just as Tang San was contemplating how to deal with the God of Destruction after sensing his divine intentions, Xiao Wu approached with concern etched on her face, inquiring about their daughter.
"I asked her to visit the Douluo Continent for a few days," Tang San replied calmly.
"Douluo Continent? That's where you and I first met…" Xiao Wu's expression softened with nostalgia, then she chuckled. "I wonder if Xiao Wutong will meet a boy she likes while she's there."
"I think she will," Tang San said with a rare, warm smile, gently patting her head in reassurance.
After exchanging a few simple words with Xiao Wu, Tang San turned his attention back to his plans. He summoned the divine shadows of Da Ming and Er Ming, currently residing in Haotian Castle under the Haotian Sect's protection.
"Da Ming, Er Ming."
"Third Brother!"
In Haotian Castle, two large, burly men who had been enjoying a drink immediately stood at attention as the divine projection of the Sea God materialized before them.
Tang San wasted no time. "Some time ago, I observed the stars and sensed the birth of a 'Child of Fortune' in the Douluo Continent. It would be a waste if we didn't use him. So, I sent Wutong there to investigate."
His expression darkened slightly. "But now, his luck has started to fade. I'm worried something might happen. Er Ming, I want you to go down there and check on him. I'll temporarily channel some of my divine power into you so you can assess how much luck he still holds."
"Understood, Third Brother," Er Ming replied with a serious nod.
Tang San turned to Da Ming. "I also sensed that this child suffered a miserable childhood, relying only on his mother for survival. Now, she's passed away too. I can't bear the thought of another child growing up without a mother. So Da Ming, head to the White Tiger Duke's Mansion and retrieve the soul of a maid named Huo Yun'er who recently passed. I'll take her soul to the God Realm. When the child ascends, he'll be reunited with her."
"Yes, Third Brother. You're truly merciful."
"Go quickly," Tang San ordered. "Retrieve her soul before anything goes wrong."
With his final words, Tang San's projection faded, leaving behind only silence.
Er Ming exhaled deeply, slumping onto the nearby sofa. "No matter how many times I see him, Brother San's pressure is still terrifying. I thought that if I said the wrong thing just now, he'd slap me to death."
Da Ming swatted the back of his head. "What nonsense are you spewing? Third Brother isn't like that. He's a first-level god who's stepped into the realm of God King. Of course the pressure is overwhelming. Do you think Third Brother is some random brute?"
"Ouch! Easy, big bro! I was just making a comment. Of course I know what kind of person Third Brother is."
"You'd better remember it," Da Ming snorted. "Third Brother has borne so much for the God Realm—constantly preventing other gods from interfering with the Douluo Continent. Don't add to his burdens. Now let's get to work."
"Alright, alright," Er Ming muttered, standing up as the two spirit beasts began carrying out Tang San's orders.
Meanwhile, back in the God Realm, Tang San met with Zhou Weiqing—current inheritor of the God of Destruction's mantle and once a candidate Tang San had personally chosen to inherit the Asura God's throne.
Tang San took the central seat in the divine chamber. Zhou Weiqing entered and immediately knelt with reverence.
"Lord Sea God," he greeted respectfully.
Tang San raised a hand. "No need for such formality. You and I are both first-level gods. This kind of greeting is too excessive."
He gestured for Zhou Weiqing to sit.
But Zhou Weiqing remained kneeling. "No, Lord Sea God. This is the respect you deserve. You once wished for me to inherit the Shura God's position, but back then… I was young and arrogant. I failed to understand your good intentions. Now…"
Zhou Weiqing bowed his head low in shame. "Now I've become nothing more than the God of Destruction's pawn. If Lord Sea God commands it, I will not hesitate—even if it means destroying the God of Destruction himself."
His tone was firm and filled with conviction.
Although the God of Destruction had saved him from death and granted him the position of a first-level god, Zhou Weiqing had long suspected the offer came with hidden motives. The timing had been too perfect—just when he was dying of old age, the God of Destruction conveniently appeared.
In contrast, Tang San had once intended for him to become a God King. But due to certain reasons, the plan had failed, leaving him with only a first-level position under the God of Destruction's watchful eye.
Zhou Weiqing wasn't a fool. He could see the difference in treatment. The God of Destruction had given him power, yes—but also shackled him with obligation and false gratitude.
Tang San, watching Zhou Weiqing's sincere resentment, sighed deeply. "Don't blame yourself. It's my fault too. If I'd pushed harder back then, you wouldn't have ended up inheriting only the first-level title."
"Lord Sea God!"
Zhou Weiqing's eyes were red with emotion. Tang San's kindness confirmed that his trust had not been misplaced.
"It's all in the past now," Tang San said. "No way to change what has already happened. I only regret the waste of your potential. But don't worry—I'll find a way to make it up to you."
"Thank you, Lord Sea God."
Tang San's expression turned solemn. "For now… I want to avoid conflict with the God of Destruction if possible. Fighting would drain the God Realm's power. Although I have the means to oppose the Seven Deadly Sins, I'm still lacking something."
Zhou Weiqing bowed his head again. "Please rest assured, Lord Poseidon. If the time comes, I will stand at your side and help you crush the God of Destruction."
Tang San fell silent for a moment before slowly nodding. "If there were any other way, I wouldn't want you to carry this burden. But I truly have no choice."
"For your ideals, Lord Poseidon… what does my reputation matter?" Zhou Weiqing's eyes gleamed. "If you need it, I will become the sharpest blade in your hand, ready to pierce through the God of Destruction."
Tang San smiled faintly, his heart assured. He had chosen well.
While Tang San secured Zhou Weiqing's loyalty, on the Douluo Continent, Tianmeng's training was nearing completion.
At the same time, Xiao Qiang had arrived at the grand gates of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Instructor Academy.
Staring at the technologically advanced building before him, Xiao Qiang knew that everything hinged on what came next.
Success or failure—this was the turning point.
If he succeeded, he would receive abundant resources and reach level 40 within a year. Then, he could fuse with the Ice Emperor, recruit the Snow Emperor as his bodyguard, and steadily train toward becoming a Limit Douluo.
Power, status, wealth, treasures—Xiao Qiang could attain them all.
But if he failed?
If he couldn't gain the necessary resources, if he didn't hit level 40 in time, if the Snow Emperor didn't protect him, then Shrek Academy's Elder Mu might intervene—and everything he had built could crumble in an instant.
"Let's go, Brother Tianmeng," Xiao Qiang whispered, eyes sharp with determination. "Success or failure depends on this moment."