Douluo's Spiritual Pearl and Divine Sword

After returning to his room Tianlin waited until Ning Rongrong entered deep meditation and once he confirmed that everyone else was either meditating or asleep and he quietly made his way to the grove outside the hotel.

"Grandpa Eagle, are you there?" Tianlin called out softly into the darkness

A figure emerged from the treetops, standing tall and imposing "I'm here, Xiaotian" Yin Mengyang responded "But you took too much risk today. How could you reveal your spirit ring in public like that?"

Yin Mengyang's tone grew stern as he continued "You should know that the color of your spirit ring is too distinct and easily recognizable. If the people from the Spirit Hall learn that you've left the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan then they won't miss the opportunity to send assassins after you."

Tianlin smiled reassuringly "Don't worry, Grandpa Eagle. After this trip to the Star Dou Great Forest, I'll return to the clan or the academy. The Spirit Hall won't have a chance to send a Titled Douluo here. And if they only send Spirit Sages or Spirit Douluos, you'll be here to protect me, won't you?"

Yin Mengyang nodded and his expression softening slightly "As long as you know your limits. So, why did you call me out tonight? Is there something urgent?"

"I do need a favor, Grandpa" Tianlin replied "Tomorrow, we'll reach the Star Dou Great Forest. I need you to go ahead and prepare for me." He explained his plan in detail Yin Mengyang listened carefully and nodded in agreement as the task Tianlin asked of him wasn't difficult and with his strength as a Titled Douluo, it would be completed quickly.

Just as Yin Mengyang was about to leave, Tianlin suddenly called out "Wait, Grandpa Eagle. Have you seen Tang Hao recently?"

Yin Yang froze and his expression filled with surprise "How do you know Tang Hao was here?"

Tianlin's eyes narrowed slightly "So, it's true. You've seen him."

Yin Mengyang hesitated, but Tianlin pressed on "With your abilities, you must've seen through the little rabbit's true identity. Did Tang Hao make you promise not to reveal it?"

Seeing Yin Mengyang's silence and Tianlin's expression darkened "Did he force you to swear an oath using threats?"

Yin Mengyang nodded slowly. Tianlin's sharp mind had pieced everything together on his own and allowing Yin Mengyang to avoid breaking his oath.

"Well done, Tang Hao" Tianlin muttered coldly "He dares to bully us just because we don't have any soul bones in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan?"

Tianlin suddenly turned to Yin Mengyang. "Grandpa Eagle, you don't have a soul bone, do you?"

Yin Mengyang sighed "No. Soul bones are rare, and although the clan master is willing to give me one, none of them match my attributes."

Tianlin's lips curled into a sly smile "What if I told you I could get you a one-hundred-thousand-year-old soul bone? Would you want it?"

Yin Mengyang's eyes widened in shock "A one-hundred-thousand-year-old soul bone? That's priceless! Even if its attributes don't match, anyone would risk their life for it."

"Good." Tianlin's voice was calm but firm "Tang Hao has one, and I promise that one day I'll make him hand it over as an apology to you."

Yin Mengyang's expression softened with gratitude, and he nodded in approval before disappearing into the night.

The next morning, everyone gathered at the hotel entrance. After paying the room fee, Tianlin handed the shop owner an additional gold soul coin card.

"This is for repairing the road outside,l" Tianlin explained "The ravine from last night's battle shouldn't be left like that."

Ma Hongjun watched in surprise "Big Sister, is the boss always this considerate?"

Ning Rongrong chuckled "Brother Jian has always been like this. He believes in having a personal code of conduct. He says that while he may not be a saint, he has his own bottom line."

"A personal code?" Tang San asked curiously "What kind of code?"

Ning Rongrong smiled as she listed Tianlin's life mottos "First revenge must be paid, and kindness must be returned. Second, don't bully the weak. Third admit your mistakes. Fourth, never rely on the strength of others blindly."

Tang San was surprised "That's it? I thought it would be something more profound."

Ning Rongrong nodded thoughtfully "It may seem simple, but my father says it's a great philosophy. If someone can follow it throughout their life then they'll achieve great things, even without soul power."

Tang San fell silent and deep in thought 'I still have much to learn' he realized.

Just then Tianlin walked over "Ready to go?"

Ma Hongjun grinned "Boss, your mottos are inspiring. If I follow them, will I become as strong as you?"

Tianlin laughed "Haha! If you can persist, you'll become stronger than you ever imagined. But for now, just focus on two things: dry your quilt when the weather's good and walk twenty thousand steps daily."

Ma Hongjun blinked in confusion "Quilt? Steps?"

Tianlin chuckled "You'll understand someday. Let's move."

After leaving the town, the group sped up, finally reaching the Star Dou Great Forest as the sun rose.

Standing before the dense forest Zhao Wuji turned to everyone with a serious expression "Listen carefully. The Star Dou Great Forest isn't a controlled area for soul beasts. It's dangerous and you could be attacked by thousand-year or even ten-thousand-year soul beasts at any moment so stay within twenty meters of me at all times. Ning Rongrong, Oscar, stick close to me and no one is allowed to attack a soul beast without my order. Understood?"

"Yes, Teacher Zhao!" the group chorused

Zhao Wuji's gaze shifted to Tianlin "Tianlin, I know you're not my student, but while you're with us I'm responsible for your safety. Stay close to me."

Tianlin smiled confidently "Teacher Zhao, you don't have to worry. Our goal is a thousand-year soul beast. I doubt we'll encounter anything stronger on the outskirts."

Zhao Wuji shook his head "You're wrong. Twelve years ago, a soul beast riot occurred here. Since then, soul beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest have grown significantly stronger."

"Twelve years ago?" Ning Rongrong interjected "Was that when the meteor appeared in the sky?"

Zhao Wuji nodded "Yes. Several powerful auras emerged that day and terrifying even the strongest Titled Douluo. Investigators from the Spirit Hall and the major clans couldn't find anything, and they had to retreat empty-handed."