They had traveled for several hours before finding a location to rest. It was a half-circled rock formation providing a bit of shade. After they had set up their camp for the day. Tang Yuan took the chance to examine his current state and determine his changes.
Tang Yuan found that moving through the desert had become easier. The constant heat was more tolerable to him now both as a result of his increased stamina and physical ability.
His body's physical ability had certainly increased to a high level. Tang Yuan felt that his current self's base had reached the low superhuman level. His hammer weighed at least 250kg now or more than 500 pounds. He never imagined lifting so much in his previous life.
Tang Yuan turned his gaze inward now to his Spiritual Sea to examine changes. Having broken through, he expected a noticeable change. Yet the level of change was jarring, the area of his realm had massively expanded. The Mental Palace remained much the same as before.
Tang Yuan believed he had stepped into the Spiritual Sea Realm. He debated things for a moment he had been awakened at age six, and he was now age eleven. It took him about 4 to 5 years to reach this point. A mix of cultivating, natural growth, and increases brought through breakthroughs.
He supposed that his nature as a reincarnation also contributed. The Mental Palace helped solidify, and his dealing with obsessions helped with growth. Would his growth be fast by future standards he wondered. He felt he was progressing well all things considered.
Returning from his mind he turned his focus to his soul power, and meridians. His soul power had heavily increased with this third ring. Compared to before he believed he could fight for more than 50% longer. At least not considering his new skill.
As he cycled his soul power he found both good and bad news. His current speed of cycling soul power had grown quite a bit. But his body's limit had also grown meaning he needed more cycles. He supposed this could only be a good thing in the long run.
As he finished his last cycle he stood up from his cultivation. Now he had a more complete understanding of his current state. What remained was his third Spirit Skill, and testing it.
Tang Nuan noticed that her son had finished "I trust that you have finished your self-inspection." It was more of a statement than a question. "Then how is your third ability?" she asked him eager to know what it was like.
Tang Yuan nodded as he examined his third skill again. "It's my first attack skill, and a powerful one I feel. Golden Hammer Crash that is the name of this ability of mine." he summoned his hammer as Yellow, Purple, Purple three soul rings rose.
Tang Nuan nodded "Then let me see this ability I will counter it." she commanded as she stood ready for an exchange.
Tang Yuan readied his hammer at her command. He was well aware that his mother was far stronger than him. So he didn't hesitate to activate his third ring.
As his third ring flashed his hammer became surrounded in golden soul power. Tang Yuan steadied himself preparing his strike, and swung his hammer. The hammer moved with a powerful force to crush all in its path.
Tang Nuan without summoning her soul, or using soul power acted. Her hand made a fist as she casually prepared herself. Then she threw a punch to counter her son's third skill with naught but her body.
As the hammer and fist made contact both were stopped by the other. The struggle had begun as Tang Yuan tried to do his best. Tang Nuan merely increased her power slightly as he punch became stronger.
Tang Yuan was forced back losing the struggle in mere instances. He took a breath then "I'm activating my other skills, Mom be ready." he warned her slightly. As both rings flashed his hammer was covered with golden light, emitting sparks of lightning.
Tang Nuan nodded "Very well then let's see." She met her son in another clash. Despite this blow having more power, she in an instant overpowered the hammer. Then the air of tension faded as she calmed down from the battle.
"Good, good your third skill does have some power to it." she praised him first more than satisfied. She took a second to consider it before saying, "Your third skill has power rivaling the fourth skill of a strong Soul Ancestor." She determined, not surprised by that fact.
"Paired with your other skills it surpasses that. Almost at the level of a weaker Soul King's fourth skill." she found herself impressed by that fact slightly. Though that was only under the best of circumstances, or weaker Soul Kings. It was impressive considering his current rank, and as his soul power grew denser.
Tang Yuan nodded, but did not allow that fact to go to his head. He was happy at its power but "I will remain cautious a Soul King is beyond me." he answered the hidden unspoken warning she had not directly voiced.
Tang Nuan smiled as she placed a hand on his head "Good boy, then I don't need to say more. Though Soul Ancestors may not be beyond you, at least normal ones." She was happy her son was able to realize that on his own. He was a smart one this child of hers, always so down to earth.
Bibi Dong approached the mother-son pair as she watched the mock trial. There was a slight air of curiosity around her. "So you have become a Soul Elder now Yuan." She said looking at him with consideration.
Tang Yuan looked at her with a competitive edge. "Would you be up for a small spar than Bibi Dong?" He wanted to see how a battle with her would go with a third skill.
Bibi Dong was surprised at the request before "I agree, let's have a fight, but be prepared when I win." She had absolute confidence in her own victory.
The two began a small spar on the desert sands. The elders looked on ready to intervene if they needed to. Yet this might be a good chance for both of them.
Their group moved through the desert as they rapidly approached their destination. Bibi Dong found herself eager, or rather instead impatient to get there. She had challenged Tang Yuan to spar several times after the first. She was losing more than winning now to him the opposite of how it was.
Her losses frustrated her more than she cared to admit. She wanted to obtain her third soul ring to become a Soul Elder as soon as possible. Then she would see how he liked it.
"Dong'er you seem deep in thought." Tang Yuan probed her. She had shown a rather competitive streak in the last few days. Far more than he had seen from her.
"Hmhm." was all Bibi Dong let leave her mouth. Her face was a picture of annoyed frustration at least it should have been. Instead, it seemed more along the lines of a lion cub grumpily pouting.
Tang Yuan knew he should never say diecrtly say that however. Doing so might only make her more grumpy. "So nice weather we are having right now." He asked the girl a completely stupid question.
"Sure." She says clippedly as she tries to keep ahead of him. The aura of her sulking visible to anyone.
Tang Yuan could only smile trying not to let his amusement be too obvious. "So when do you want another spar?" He asked her leadingly.
"Once I have my soul ring we will have another spar, and this time I will win." She said with certainly at her future victory. "The difference is too great right now. After all, I can't fight you with my poison." She said with stubbornness.
Tang Yuan smiled "I know if you did use poison I would probably die. Still, I will enjoy my victories with pride, my friend." He both admitted that and teased her at the same time.
Bibi Dong's expression turned even grumpier at the second statement. Feeling more annoyance towards this annoying stinky person. "Just you wait I will beat you up later." She said with childish pettiness.
"I'm sure you will try, but will you succeed Dong'er is the question." He told her with a shining smile to her irritation.
Their conversation came to a close as they came within sight of something. It was a massive series of raised land, it looked like a great rock wall. As they drew closer the size just seemed to become greater and greater.
As the mountain loomed before and above them, they just continued forward. As they moved closer they finally spotted their destination. A large opening in the almost sheer rock of the massive wall.
They stood before this opening looking into the cave mouth. With caution, they stepped into the wall of rock properly. Light shone into the cave illuminating their path. Within this area there lived several Black Night Spiders that they would hunt.
They moved carefully through the tunnel as it began to widen. As they did the Soul Douluo kept their senses sharp for movement. This place was ideal for ambushes just like the ant mound. More importantly, the Black Night Spiders were ambush predators with great skill.
Then as they stepped from a cave into a larger area they found a happy surprise. Light shone from a large hole above them, illuminating the area. The area was a wide open cavern the size of a large sports field. A third of that space was taken up by the most welcome sight of crystal clear water.
The other two-thirds found itself covered by the unexpected sight of greenery. There was a mix of different plants scattered in their sight. The ever-present Blue Silver Grass, the rarer Yellow Gold Grass was also present, and even a few trees. Tang Yuan saw moss and other plants in the darker areas.
"I had wondered if the information was true, but seeing it like this. A Hidden Oasis what a precious and rare sight to see." Tang Nuan sighed as she looked around already committing this place to memory.
She would have to write about this Oasis's location later to be passed down. Such a Hidden Oasis was truly a critical safe haven in the desert.
Tang Nuan turned to the others "We shall use this place as our resting place, and a temporary base." She looked to Dugu Bo for any objections from him.
Dugu Bo offered no complaints it was a smart play. Besides this place had several interesting herbs. "I assume you will also want to negotiate this place." He asked her shrewdly prepared to begin talks.
Tang Nuan nodded there clans could both use the knowledge of this place. They could only use it though if they determined its location. Though the massive rocky formation would help with that.
The two begin talks of the Oasis trying to determine where they were. As well as sharing other bits of information about the Endless Desert there clans had accumulated. Coupled with more common knowledge they fashioned a more complete map.
As they did Chrysanthemum found his attention divided partly on the younger ones. Yet also on the fauna in the area surrounding them in all directions. Gui Mei kept himself at full attention with a pointed glance at his friend. Both kept on guard for possible activity even if Yue Guan found himself looking around.
In minutes they had prepared everything for their temporary habitation. With their exchange done Dugu Bu and Tang Nuan walked over. A better understanding of this place is only marginally better.
Tang Nuan then takes the chance to move Bibi Dong away from them. Tang Yuan found himself curious about what his mother had planned. Yet in considering more closely, two girls plus an ample pool of water. Yeah, he could put two and two together well enough deciding to stay away.
The others besides Dugu Xin also easily understand. Dugu Xin lacking quite the same understanding simply follows his father.
Tang Yuan entered meditation while they waited for them to finish. He would rather not take the risk in this world if there's. Especially considering that old trope being a thing in this world of Love Brain World.
Some time later the girls returned from their baths elsewhere in the cave. Both of them had clean clothes, and still slightly wet hair. Bibi Dong in particular seemed especially happy as if her bad mood had been washed away as well.
Tang Nuan looks at her son pointedly. Tang Yuan found himself understanding her gaze well enough. He stood up as he moved towards a more hidden part of the water. Arguing with one's mother was difficult of course, and he also needed a bath.
Tang Yuan stepped into the water, and as he did he felt a slight chill. This water was rather chilled all things considered. He took a few minutes to soak and then clean his body with soap. "I hate cold baths." Tang Yuan mutters as he gets out of the water.
The next day they moved through the tunnels once more. As they did there map continued to become more accurate. This was the second labyrinth that they had wandered into in the past few days.
Tang Yuan found himself slightly annoyed as the tunnel narrowed before ending. "Another dead end it would seem." He voiced the obvious sight before them. He examined this ending for anything particular about it.
They had already encountered several dead ends like this one. Some were completely ordinary, and others served as lairs for beasts. There were no webs anywhere in this one so no spider it would seem.
The question of how massive the Rocky Mountains were eluded them. Yet the sheer mass of tunnels revealed this place to be quite widespread. Their search had already discovered several dozen soul beasts showing the size. Including finding several Black Night Spiders rather easily.
However, Bibi Dong had previously said before "I want one at least 4,500 years old if not 5,000 years old." Perhaps it was ambition, or maybe it was the competition between friends. So they continued searching for a spider of that age to become her ring.
Bibi Dong did her best to hold back her impatience. Especially as they were forced to backtrack once more. She knew she was simply being too impatient in this situation. Yet still "this is so annoying."
Tang Yuan could not really find himself saying anything. This experience was very different from the ant mound after all. "In the ant mound, every tunnel was made to serve a functional purpose. Because of that they would never end in a dead end like this."
"This is a natural cave system, maybe." Tang Nuan said as she looked at the walls of the cavern. Soul beasts might have expanded upon the area of course.
So they moved through this annoying labyrinth once more. Through a number of winding tunnels, they moved. As they did hours passed quickly in their exploration.
Then they stepped through another tunnel to find a familiar, yet different sight. Another chamber like the Oasis from before including some greenery. There was much less light from above them. It was also only about a third the size of the massive chamber they had once seen. Still, it meant they had another place to rest in these tunnels.
"Two of them so close together what a find." Dugu Bo said with a measure of astonishment. Perhaps it was because of how the environment was set up.
"I wonder if there are more entrances around the rock wall. If so this place could really serve as major help in the future." Tang Yuan shared the realized possibility.
If someone could enter this maze of tunnels and exit elsewhere. All the while at least two Oasis existed in the area. It could allow a traveller to not only avoid the sun, but also go around the rock mass.
"That assumes that such a thing is possible for us to do." Tang Nuan said as she used a sheet of paper and a pencil to write. She wrote a rough sketch of the tunnels they had moved through.
It was a bit too soon to really form a conclusion. Yet Tang Nuan had a small suspicion that needed later study.
Gui Mei stepped forward silently "sister Nuan should I?" He asked her his voice slightly raspy. His gaze moved languidly as he peered into the shadows around them.
Tang Nuan nodded "I suppose you should bring it to us Gui Mei." She gave him the go-ahead. She considered using this chance as a teaching moment at first. Instead, she decided that the younger ones had already gained much.
With that Gui Mei sank into the shadows at his feet. Like a ghost dissipated into nothing as if they had never existed. It really was something that Ng from a scary story.
Dugu Xin paled slightly as he stepped back "What, senior just disappeared?" As the only one who had never seen it before.
Tang Yuan found himself slightly happy at his reaction. He had once been startled by Gui Mei just popping up out of nowhere. It was nice to see another get caught off guard by it.
In the shadows of the cavern, eight purplish eyes peered upon prey. Its body was a shiny black that let it blend into the shadows. It has eight legs carefully holding onto its black webs.
It looked around one of its potential prey had disappeared. The spider tried to find this hidden prey, wondering how it had disappeared. It kept still ready to strike once its enemy let down its guard. Once they tried to eat, or tried to release waste it would strike.
Never once did it consider that its enemy had discovered its presence. The creature held confidence in its stealth that had never failed it. Many stronger than it had fallen because of this stealth.
Unseen to the spider a shadow had moved close to it. The shadow of a human rippled slightly as if water. The spider barely had a moment to realize something was wrong before. Gui Mei emerged from the shadow and grabbed the spider in an unyielding hold.
Gui Mei suddenly returned to the group from the shadows. He tossed the half-dead spider to the ground as it twitched. "Target taken down nearly at the limit."
Dugu Bo examined the spider as the one with the most knowledge of Poison beasts. "It should be close to 5,000 years old if I'm not mistaken." He identifies with a single look at the spider's body.
The poison master moves closer to better examine the creature. Looking at it more closely it wasn't quite 5,000, but it wasn't far off. Its legs weren't quite as they should be about a century or two off. Still, "roughly 4,800 years is its cultivation." He gave his estimate of its age.
Tang Nuan nodded "A good chance to encounter it now, Dong'er it's your turn." She encouraged Bibi Dong to step forward and handle the spider.
Bibi Dong stepped forward already activating her soul possession. Her legs transformed into spider legs in an instant. The aura of the Death Spider Emperor fills the air with deathly tension. She activated her second skill and in a moment pierced the weakened spider's head.
A purple soul ring arose from the now dead spider. It was a deep purple in color floating around the creature. Bibi Dong sat down for meditation drawing the ring to circle around her. As she begins the absorption process.
Dugu Xin could not help staring at that ring "nearly 5,000 years old to think it's possible to absorb a ring like that. Can Sister Dong actually absorb that ring?" He asked uncertainly, he had watched Tang Yuan absorb a similar ring before. Yet this ring was more than three centuries older than that.
Dugu Bo eyed his son with slight suspicion. He wondered if it was a matter of the ring's age, or who was absorbing it.
Tang Yuan voiced his support "She will be fine if anything she will find it easier than me. It's a spider-type beast, Whale Glue, and her natural ability." He had faith in her ability to absorb this ring with little to no trouble. After all, she had managed to absorb a purple ring in the original series without Whale Glue.
Besides this girl was already a strong-willed person not easily taken down. Tang Yuan still watched her closely as she began absorbing the Ring.
Hours passed as the absorption process continued. Bibi Dong had shown no major struggle during the period. If anything she seemed to be doing extremely well.
Finally, the end came as the rind dispersed completely being absorbed completely. As a new ring came to move around her body. She opened her eyes with a new clarity of a breakthrough to another rank.
Chrysanthemum looked at her, appraisingly, nothing seemed to be wrong. Though she might have grown a bit during the absorption process. "So Dongdong how do you feel after your breakthrough?"
Bibi Dong stood up from her meditation looking towards them. "Something weird happened when I was absorbing my ring. I faced the Black Night Spider's… soul, shadow maybe? It happened in my mind, it didn't feel like that the first two times."
Bibi Dong was confused about this new experience. She experienced a mental or spiritual battle with the remnant. She turned to Tang Yuan curious of her friend's Mental Palace was responsible.
Tang Nuan glances at her son as well instantly understanding. Still, they would talk about that later. "Dong'er we can talk about that later." She altered the subject for now.
Bibi Dong though slightly reluctant did not resist the subject change. Still, she would have to bug Yuan to learn more if they didn't talk. Speaking of Tang Yuan she smiled ever so sweetly. "Oh, Tang Yuan won't you have a spar with me now?"
Tang Yuan hearing her words could instantly sense her bad intentions. She would totally try to beat him up in this fight. Still, "very well, then I accept Dong'er."
Bibi Dong smiled as she prepared herself instantly for battle. "This time I'm winning after all my new skill isn't actually poisoned." She revealed easy enough confident in her newfound power. Yellow, Purple, and Purple three rings float around her.
Tang Yuan summoned his hammer Yellow, Purple, and Purple orbit around him. He immediately activated his first skill Golden Aura increasing his attack by 20%.
Bibi Dong immediately takes action closing in on Tang Yuan. She wanted to end this battle as quickly as possible. Now that they were on the same level she was confident of winning. No now she could actually use a soul skill in this battle, she was going to win.
Tang Yuan dodged her charge as he activated his second ring as well. The sparks of lightning clung to his hammer now. He forced himself to dodge yet another strike from her. She was much faster and stronger now, but also not as focused.
Bibi Dong continues to attack Tang Yuan as he dodges skillfully. As the minutes passed, Bibi Dong found herself better understanding her new power. The high of breaking through had lessened considerably. And in consequence, Tang Yuan had led her around.
She took a long sigh to calm herself down. Bibi Dong realized she had been far too impatient, and far too eager. She retreated from the battle as she struggled to restrain her instincts. Her martial soul's instinct had become far more overbearing.
Tang Yuan looked at her realizing she had regained control. "Enjoyed yourself enough now Dong'er?" He said half teasingly, and half-seriously.
Bibi Dong felt a great deal of embarrassment well aware she made an absolute fool of herself. "Shut up." She said half-heartedly with only a bit of heat.
Her third ring lit up "Third Skill: Demon Spider Web." She spoke as two of her spider legs and her human arms became a blur. Then a large complex purple web appeared in her grasp, her third skill. Then in a moment she sent it at him like a net.
Tang Yuan was already in motion he couldn't afford to be hit. That web was likely impossibly strong he might not escape it. Even if he did he would lose too much time. So he jumped away from the effect of the web as it missed him.
As he tried to recover Tang Yuan felt a chill down his neck. Raising his hammer in a hurry to block a strike from Bibi Dong's legs. She had closed in quickly, she expected his dodge he realized.
Bibi Dong smiled as her leg faced her friend in an exchange. Leaning closer to him as he struggled with her leg. Her smile was predatory almost filled with a degree of happiness.
Tang Yuan felt as if he could really see a different side of her. He broke the exchange with her spider leg. Then his third ring lit up in an instant, "Golden Hammer Crash." He swung his hammer at her with crushing force.
Bibi Dong used two crossed legs to block the powerful strike. Even then both legs were bypassed easily as the hammer continued sailing. Straight into her with crushing force causing real damage. As she was forced to step back in pain even as her carapace took most of the damage.
Bibi Dong felt her martial soul's carapace armor crack slightly from the blow. It used to be that her friend could cause her much damage. Only his lightning could consistently give minor pain. Now his powerful third skill could hurt her even with her defensive and physical power.
Tang Yuan acted decisively striking her legs with another strike. With a second strike, she came fell onto the ground. Tang Yuan held his hammer at her head mid blow a clear message. "I won Dong'er."
Bibi Dong found herself stunned in disbelief. She looked up at Tang Yuan from where she had fallen. Yes, he had won unless she used a skill. She doubted he would allow that, never mind the danger of her poison.
Tang Yuan kept watching her closely. Until she admitted defeat or an adult intervened the battle was still on. So he himself prepared to counter any move she tried.
"I admit my loss, this time." Bibi Dong admitted reluctantly. Her martial soul was desummoned as proof of that. She knew that this loss was without a doubt her own fault. She was far too eager to fight, with no experience using her current abilities.
Tang Yuan's hammer also disappeared as well. He held his hand out to her in an offer. Bibi Dong seeing the offered hand reluctantly accepted. Her soft hand grasped his in a firm grip as he helped her up.
As she got up she winced slightly in pain, her chest stung. His hammer blow was no joke even with her carapace defense. It didn't hurt all that much, but it definitely bruised her. She glowered at him "Did you have to hit that hard you jerk?"
Tang Yuan smiled wryly at her "would have preferred that I held back." He said knowingly. Though he held back to prevent serious injury, so did she of course. "Never mind your opinion on that, your to strong for that."
Bibi Dong could not answer that she would have hated it if he let her win. It would have been worse than losing to him. "You'd better never do that." She leaned against him almost forcing him to carry her along. Fully willing to cause him trouble out of a slight pettiness.
Bibi Dong may have admitted her own fault, but the bitterness of defeat lingered. As did a self-admonishment at her own naivety, she needed to do better. Mixed with a strange feeling she didn't quite understand. Ever since Tang Yuan who beat her so easily called her strong.
Perhaps it was respect for her friend who was so skilled. Maybe she wondered at her own state once again.
Tang Nuan nodded at the end of the battle. "With that all three of you have acquired a spirit ring. We could leave this desert, or we could continue to explore these caves. Would everyone be agreeable to that exploration?"
Tang Yuan of course had no reason to argue against it. The Yue Guan and Gui Mei had no reason either as the former was curious about the flora in the cave. With Bibi Dong also agreeing they had no reason to leave.
Dugu Bu as a guest of the party might have decided to leave. But, Tang Yuan had presented a method to stave of there clans curse. Once more he also possesses others so he saw more benefit in sticking with them.
Dugu Xin had no desire to part with his newfound friends. Especially as his father did not voice a reason to.
So their group rested for a time, and then once more began exploration of the caves. Eager to discover what they could in the agreed time of several days. Then they would simply leave this vast desert for home.