Douluo Dalu 5: Rebirth Of Tang San

The two of them followed the Sword Saint Demon Emperor deeper inside, passing through the statues and entering a corridor, then coming to a staircase.

The Sword Saint Demon Emperor led them upward step by step, and with each step they climbed, Tang San and Mei Gongzi felt pressure descending from above.

This was completely different from climbing the steps outside. It wasn't just strong sword intent; there was also a sharp divine consciousness, akin to the edge of a divine blade.

"This is not a test specifically for you, but only those who can withstand it are qualified to ascend further," the voice of the Sword Saint Demon Emperor echoed.

Mei Gongzi was about to activate her Asura sword intent, but Tang San stopped her with a glance, and they continued to climb step by step.

An illusory silver light shimmered around Mei Gongzi, and every bit of sword intent that fell on her was silently diverted elsewhere. This was the Peacock clan’s ultimate technique, Star Shift.

After reaching godhood, Mei Gongzi’s use of Star Shift had become even more fluid and effortless. Although her cultivation wasn’t as high as the Peacock Great Demon King’s, her understanding of Star Shift was even deeper, a result of her unique comprehension of space. This higher-level understanding naturally allowed this divine technique to manifest even greater power.

Tang San, on the other hand, took a more straightforward approach. He used the Golden Armor Transformation to protect his body and the Lion-Tiger Golden Force to absorb and reflect the sword intent, enduring the pressure head-on.

As for the pressure on his divine consciousness, although Tang San hadn’t yet reached godhood, the Golden Armor Transformation provided more than just physical protection; it also offered strong protection for his sea of consciousness. The power of the Golden Armor Transformation that covered his head effectively shielded him from the pressure on his divine consciousness. Thus, he forged ahead, keeping pace with Mei Gongzi.

They quickly ascended the dozens of steps, and the Sword Saint Demon Emperor led them to a circular platform. The platform was a hundred meters in diameter, extremely spacious, with a towering dome more than thirty meters high. Around them was a ring of massive windows offering a stunning view of the world outside.

Seeing this place, they couldn't help but recall the feeling they had at the top of the White Tiger Grand Hotel. It seemed these Emperors all enjoyed overlooking the Ancestral Court.

The Sword Saint Demon Emperor's gaze fell on Tang San. "You returned our clan's divine sword during the Ancestral Court Elite Competition. I remember this favor. What do you need this time?"

This one got straight to the point, without any intention of beating around the bush.

Tang San gave a slight bow and said, "We came to thank Your Majesty for saving us last time. Without Your Majesty, we would likely have perished."

The Sword Saint Demon Emperor replied, "This is this, and that is that. You earned the Sword Commands you used by climbing the mountain and winning the competition, and your words back then gave me some insights."

Tang San said, "Returning your clan's divine sword had a purpose at that time. We had already anticipated that the journey back would be perilous, and we hoped that you would assist us. You indeed saved us, so let’s put aside the matter of the divine sword. This time, we've come to thank you for your rescue and to seek your support. Mei Gongzi recently inherited the position of lord of Kali City, and within a year, she must come to the Ancestral Court to report—"

He had just said this when the Sword Saint Demon Emperor interrupted him. "My support won't help you. The Ancestral Court will not allow someone with a foreign bloodline to become the ruler of a main city."

Tang San furrowed his brow. The White Tiger Demon Emperor had said this, and now the Sword Saint Demon Emperor, who was only focused on the sword and cared little about politics, was saying the same thing. Thus, he had to consider another issue—even if they had the support of more than half of the Emperors, would they be able to successfully pass the evaluation?

"Your Majesty, if we have the support of more than half of the Emperors, would that still not guarantee success?"

The Sword Saint Demon Emperor replied calmly, "First, the likelihood of you getting the support of more than half of the Emperors is very low. Secondly, even if you have more than half supporting you, they can't go against the ancestral tenets of the Ancestral Court. Well… not technically. Practically, it’s less important how many support you, and more important who among them support you. In other words, if those actually in charge are on your side, it's not impossible to bend or even amend the ancestral tenets to some extent. Otherwise, even if you have half of them supporting you, it won’t do any good."

Tang San nodded slightly. "I understand."

"Anyway, if you need my support, then you have it."

Tang San's eyes brightened. "Then I will thank you, Your Majesty."

"It's just an exchange, no need to thank me. I want to experience this so-called Asura sword intent, and you need to stay here for a week."

"Agreed," Tang San accepted without hesitation.

The Asura Sword was one of his former divine realm’s absolute divine weapons. Even when his own Sea God’s Trident wasn't yet a transcendent divine weapon, the Asura Sword had already been presiding over the judgment of the entire divine realm under the control of the Asura God.

To comprehend its sword intent, even a hundred weeks might not be enough, let alone one. In fact, without being a God King, one would barely be able to scratch the surface. With that said, for the Sword Saint Demon Emperor, a person with extremely high cultivation and great abilities and—most importantly—focused on the sword and nothing else, there would undoubtedly be some understanding to be gained.

Whether it was the White Tiger Demon Emperor or the Sword Saint Demon Emperor, both were fundamentally kind and appreciative toward Tang San and Mei Gongzi. This goodwill was the foundation for them to seek support. However, the way they had to approach these two Emperors was fundamentally different.

In the case of the White Tiger Demon Emperor, Tang San’s approach involved using familial ties as the key to open the door, and then dealing with him on a basis of fair exchange.

When it came to the Sword Saint Demon Emperor, Tang San had already planted a seed—the sword intent and musings he’d imbued into the tokens, which had already sparked the Emperor's interest. Then, Tang San had Mei Gongzi actively release the Asura Sword's intent, further piquing the Sword Saint Demon Emperor's curiosity. This made them appear more valuable in his eyes. As for the key that opened the door, that was Tang San returning the Red-Crowned Divine Sword. With these factors combined, gaining the Sword Saint Demon Emperor's support wasn't difficult.

Both the White Tiger Demon Emperor and the Sword Saint Demon Emperor believed that their support alone wouldn't change much, but Tang San begged to disagree. These two Emperors were key components of Tang San's plan. In addition, allowing the latter to experience the Asura sword intent wasn't just about securing support when Mei Gongzi reported to the Council—it was also about hoping that he would intervene at critical moments.

"I have a question. Can you answer it?" the Sword Saint Demon Emperor asked, looking at Tang San.

"Please, go ahead."

The Sword Saint Demon Emperor stared at him intently. "Can you tell me how you escaped from Tenebrous? At that time, I couldn't sense your presence at all."

Tang San pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Your Majesty, I don't wish to deceive you. This question touches on the very core of my being, so I am afraid I cannot disclose my methods. Please understand."

The Sword Saint Demon Emperor gave him a long, deep look, then nodded and did not press further. Instead, he sat down cross-legged.

Tang San pulled Mei Gongzi to sit opposite him. Mei Gongzi activated her divine consciousness, drawing forth a strand of the Asura Sword's intent and releasing it.

Without a doubt, Sword Saint Palace was also an excellent place for cultivation. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth here was extremely pure, and it had no particular attribute; it was just pure essence, suitable for all aspects of cultivation.

Tang San and Mei Gongzi thus stayed in the Sword Saint Palace, cultivating together with the Sword Saint Demon Emperor.

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.

When the Sword Saint Demon Emperor reopened his eyes, there was a subtle change in his gaze.

Tang San and Mei Gongzi, drawn by his aura, also opened their eyes.

"This is the most pure and vast sword intent I have ever felt in my life. Your understanding of the sword must have come from it, and I can sense everything you described. It has given me plenty to reflect on. But this sword intent seems to lack a foundation; it isn't the source, but just a derivative. In other words, either you have an incomplete or fragmented item, or you don’t have anything at all. I believe it’s the latter. Do you know where the actual divine weapon is?"

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