The Zhuge Godly Crossbow's bolts were capable of piercing the protective soul power of a Soul Ancestor-level Soul Master. Its power, especially with its four-round burst, was not to be underestimated. However, this was only effective against lower-level Soul Masters.
The Sea Dragon Douluo's martial soul was the Sea Dragon, a pure-blooded true dragon martial soul of extraordinary quality, comparable to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Even away from the ocean, his combat power remained overwhelming, which was one of the reasons he had been sent to the Douluo Continent.
Sea Dragon Douluo did not dodge or flinch. He merely gave a faint snort as blue light flared from his body, instantly freezing the countless arrows in the air before they shattered into fragments.
Witnessing this scene, Tang San's heart was filled with pain and despair. He couldn't help but curse himself once again for his lack of strength.
If he could survive this day, no matter the cost, no matter the means, he swore to raise his power to a level where no one could ever look down on him again.
Just as Tang San closed his eyes, prepared to meet his end, the expected pain never came. Instead, he felt a gentle force of soul power lift him up.
Opening his eyes, Tang San was surprised to see the same Titled Douluo who had attacked him earlier. But now, the killing intent in the Douluo's eyes had completely disappeared, replaced by a complex gaze that Tang San couldn't quite decipher.
"The Clear Sky Hammer and Blue Silver Grass... Are you a twin martial soul wielder?"
"Indeed." Tang San warily observed Sea Dragon Douluo, unsure of his intentions.
"Let me guess further... Is your father Tang Hao?"
Hearing this, Tang San's heart skipped a beat.
"Senior, do you have a connection with my father?"
"I've met your father once, but we aren't close. However, I do know your great-grandfather."
Sea Dragon Douluo then elaborated on the connection between Tang Chen and Sea God Island.
Long ago, when Spirit Hall attacked Sea God Island, their forces were nearly annihilated due to being outnumbered and the island's home-field advantage. As a result, Qian Daoliu, the strongest expert on the continent at the time, joined forces with Tang Chen to visit Sea God Island.
In single combat, even with the Sea God Island High Priest Bo Saixi holding the home-field advantage, neither Qian Daoliu nor Tang Chen could defeat her. However, their strength was close enough that they developed mutual respect. Both men pursued Bo Saixi romantically, but while she showed little interest in Qian Daoliu, she seemed to favor Tang Chen.
Sea Dragon Douluo admitted he didn't know the details, as no one would dare pry into the High Priest's private life. However, he did recall seeing Tang Hao and his brother Tang Xiao when they were sent by Tang Chen to deliver a message to Bo Saixi. There had even been a brief exchange of blows between them.
In truth, Sea Dragon Douluo's connection to Tang Chen and the Clear Sky Clan was tenuous at best. If one wanted to downplay it, they were practically unrelated. But if one wanted to emphasize it, they could still claim some form of familiarity.
After hearing Sea Dragon Douluo's explanation of the relationship between his great-grandfather and the High Priest, Tang San's expression turned rather strange. He didn't know what to say and was hesitant to comment.
Sea Dragon Douluo, however, wasn't overly concerned with Tang San's reaction. What he truly valued was Tang San's talent as a twin martial soul wielder.
Without giving Tang San a chance to refuse, Sea Dragon Douluo voiced his thoughts.
"You're the great-grandson of Senior Tang Chen. By extension, that gives you a connection to Sea God Island. The continent is in turmoil, your father has been captured, and Spirit Hall is targeting the Clear Sky Clan. Traveling alone on the continent is extremely dangerous for you."
"I can see that you have the talent of a twin martial soul wielder and a solid foundation. In the future, you're bound to become a great powerhouse, possibly even attaching high-year soul rings to your second martial soul, the Clear Sky Hammer. What is your name, young man?"
At this point, Sea Dragon Douluo realized he had forgotten to ask for Tang San's name.
"This junior is named Tang San." Tang San cupped his hands in respect, though he remained cautious.
"Very well, Tang San. Follow me to Sea God Island. The High Priest can evaluate your talent and may even provide you with guidance. Meanwhile, Sea God Island can send someone to contact your great-grandfather, Tang Chen, saving you the danger of wandering the continent alone."
Tang San wanted to refuse, but as he glanced at the nine soul rings on Sea Dragon Douluo's body, the words stuck in his throat.
"Sea God Island is the sacred land of sea-based Soul Masters and holds the legacy of Lord Sea God. Everyone who enters the island undergoes a divine trial. To summarize, the divine trial is... (a thousand words omitted here). In short, Sea God Island has thrived for generations thanks to the transformative power of the divine trial."
"Your talent is exceptional. If you come to Sea God Island, you might even receive a high-level divine trial. Your future achievements could surpass mine and even reach greater heights."
Sea Dragon Douluo conveniently omitted the consequences of failing the divine trial and focused solely on its benefits, hoping to tempt Tang San. As he expected, Tang San's eyes lit up upon hearing about the miraculous divine legacy of Sea God Island.
Originally, Tang San had intended to bring Xiao Wu with him to Sea God Island. However, as he noticed the cold glint hidden in Sea Dragon Douluo's gaze, he realized he had no room to negotiate.
Though his heart was full of love for his sister, Xiao Wu, and he wanted nothing more than to return to her side, Tang San could only nod repeatedly with an expression of admiration.
"Thank you, Senior, for your kindness. This junior is willing to go to Sea God Island."
Tang San could only hope to reunite with his great-grandfather soon so that he could eventually return to Xiao Wu.
"Good."
Satisfied, Sea Dragon Douluo nodded and grabbed Tang San by the shoulder, taking him in another direction.
Tang San thought they were heading directly to Sea God Island, but to his surprise, Sea Dragon Douluo brought him into a forest and found a secluded wooden hut. They stayed there until nightfall.
When the moon rose, another member of their group, Sea Spear Douluo, returned from scouting. Upon seeing Tang San, a young man with a sharp, triangular face and a collapsed nose bridge, Sea Spear Douluo was momentarily stunned.
After Sea Dragon Douluo explained Tang San's identity, Sea Spear Douluo reluctantly agreed to bring an outsider to Sea God Island. Although he had reservations, Sea Dragon Douluo was the leader of the mission, the strongest of the Seven Sacred Pillars, and second only to the High Priest. Ultimately, Sea Spear Douluo had no choice but to comply.
PS: As expected Tang San luck is off the chart.