Soul Land: Raiden Shogun Is My Martial Soul

Chapter 218: The Thoughtless Strike and Unimaginable Culinary Skills

"I am a twin martial soul wielder, born with innate spirit power surpassing the tenth level, carrying the memories of my past life, and the profound knowledge of the Tang Sect. My talent is unparalleled!"

"Is there any creature in this world that can compare to me?"

"Even that Yu Tiankong is nothing more than a resource-backed waste, spending his days indulging in leisure without striving for progress."

"Such a person is not worthy of being compared to me, Tang San!"

Tang San's heart burned with conviction, his gaze unwavering.

The sense of helplessness he felt when his hidden weapons were rendered ineffective was something he never wanted to experience again.

To him, being a flawless individual, breaking through limitations was only natural.

"If I could obtain the Infernal Delicate Apricot and the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, I could forge a body immune to both fire and ice, as well as invulnerable to poisons. But alas, how could such celestial treasures exist in the Douluo Continent?"

"Wait… That Yu Tiankong, isn't he immune to poisons? Could it be…?"

Tang San's memory was impeccable. He recalled a time when Kong mentioned being immune to poisons during their interactions.

If Kong also possessed immunity to fire and ice, it was highly likely that he had consumed the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot!

After some thought, Tang San shook his head. It was impossible. The survival conditions for those two celestial herbs required the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, an environment so miraculous that its existence was almost a legend.

The chances of Kong stumbling upon such a place and conveniently consuming both herbs were negligible. Tang San doubted that Kong even knew of their existence.

With this realization, Tang San almost laughed. Kong's so-called immunity to poisons probably just meant resistance to common toxins. If he encountered the Tang Sect's mixed poisons, it would undoubtedly break through his defenses!

What Tang San didn't know was that his assumptions were entirely correct. Kong had indeed consumed both the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot.

Not only was Kong immune to ice, fire, and poisons, but his body was also resistant to lightning-based attacks. While he couldn't yet completely resist natural lightning, he was entirely immune to lightning generated by spirit power.

Ice, fire, lightning, and poison—these attributes were virtually ineffective against Kong.

"Xiao San, I know you're anxious, but don't rush. The path of a soul master is long. Look to the future. Once you reach the level of Title Douluo, you can address all these issues," Grandmaster said earnestly, seeing Tang San's silence.

He understood Tang San's pride. Ever since awakening his martial soul, Tang San had been the strongest among his peers—until encountering Kong.

From then on, Tang San faced repeated defeats, forcing him to suppress his pride and endure humiliation.

This latest setback at the tournament's opening ceremony reignited Tang San's competitive spirit. He was unwilling to accept this outcome.

What should have been his moment to shine, proving that there were no useless martial souls, only useless soul masters, ended in failure.

In less than five minutes, their team was defeated—including Tang San.

"Teacher, I'm not willing to accept this! Is there really no way to overcome the fire weakness?" Tang San asked firmly, his eyes filled with determination and hope.

Grandmaster sighed, seeing Tang San's stubbornness.

"There is a way, but it requires you to reach level fifty before it can be implemented," Grandmaster said, patting Tang San on the shoulder.

Tang San, currently at level forty-one, would need at least two to three more years to break through to level fifty. By then, the next All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament would already be approaching.

Hearing this, Tang San froze momentarily, then let out a bitter laugh. Even if he obtained a spirit ring that granted fire resistance to his Blue Silver Grass martial soul, it wouldn't happen until he reached level fifty.

"Sigh…"

Tang San felt dejected. For the first time, he doubted the value of his Blue Silver Grass martial soul, though he wasn't completely discouraged.

"Go get some rest. You have a break tomorrow. Use the time to recover from today's match," Grandmaster said.

At the opening match, Grandmaster had watched from the sidelines. When he saw the Emperor Team draw against the Blazing Fire Team, he was taken aback.

He wanted to warn Tang San to conserve his strength but had no way to communicate with him since he wasn't a participant or team leader.

The Blazing Fire Academy was a veteran academy and a representative of the elemental extreme flow.

For Tang San, the greatest threats were undoubtedly the Blazing Fire Academy and Thunderclap Academy.

Thunder was an even more violent element than fire, with immense destructive power. Among all elemental attributes, lightning was one of the most devastating.

Moreover, Thunderclap Academy was backed by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.

Lightning also restrained plant-type martial souls, making Tang San's matchups against these academies exceptionally challenging.

This was Grandmaster's assessment, but he refrained from sharing it with Tang San, fearing it would affect his confidence.

"Understood, Teacher. I'll head back to rest now. You should rest early too. Goodbye!" Tang San said respectfully before leaving.

Tang San cupped his hands and gave a slight bow as he spoke. After Grandmaster nodded, Tang San took his leave.

"Ah, this stubborn child. To cultivate the Blue Silver Grass martial soul to this level, you've already made history. Why can't you be satisfied?" Grandmaster murmured to himself.

He didn't care much about the Blue Silver Grass martial soul—it was merely a transitional tool. That Tang San had developed it to such a level was already a stroke of luck.

Still, the Blue Silver Grass martial soul had served a purpose: it validated one of Grandmaster's theories—that plant-type martial souls could absorb animal-type spirit rings, rather than being limited to plant-type ones.

When Tang San returned to his dormitory, he sat in silence for a long time before closing his eyes and beginning to cultivate the Mysterious Heaven Skill.

There was no point dwelling on things before reaching level fifty; it would only add unnecessary stress.

All he could hope for was fewer fire-attribute soul masters among his opponents during the competition.

"If only I had focused on the Clear Sky Hammer martial soul instead, I wouldn't be in this situation."

"Against opponents like Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang, even in a one-against-six or one-against-seven scenario, I, Tang San, would remain fearless!"

"But alas..."

Meanwhile, on Kong's side.

After returning to his dorm, Kong sighed helplessly as he glanced at Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling. The two beauties had truly turned his dormitory into their home.

The dorm was spacious enough, though—there'd be room even if two more joined. Shaking his head, Kong decided not to dwell on the matter.

The bonfire party earlier had been a great success, especially since Raiden Shogun hadn't insisted on cooking herself, allowing the event to proceed smoothly.

"Good thing I prepared in advance," Kong chuckled as he pulled out some skewers and milk tea from his storage soul guide. These were reserved for Ei.

Recently, Ei had rekindled her interest in research, not just in gunpowder but also in soul guides, mechas, and battle armor—all things Kong had introduced.

Kong's seventh spirit skill, the Spirit Avatar, was essentially a hybrid of "mecha" and "battle armor." Though relatively simple in design, it packed an extraordinary punch.

Kong's figure suddenly disappeared from the room, reappearing in the Pure Land of One Heart.

Unbeknownst to him, Dugu Yan crept into his room after he vanished.

Dugu Yan frowned, looking puzzled. She hadn't seen Kong leave. Where did he go?

"Darn it! So much for wearing these black stockings!"

Upon arriving at the Pure Land of One Heart, Kong's expression changed. He saw Raiden Shogun and Ei engaged in a heated discussion, with Ei clenching her fists—an ominous sight that made Kong's scalp tingle.

What's going on?!

"Milk tea, skewers, and desserts are so delicious. Every time, Kong always serves me first…"

Kong: "???"

Shogun, could you please stop provoking Ei like this? She might throw you out of the Pure Land!

Raiden Shogun was getting better at chatting—or worse, depending on the perspective. The last time she was banished from the Pure Land, it wasn't just for stealing Ei's hidden stash of food but also because of her sharp tongue.

"Ei, try this!"

Kong forced a smile and walked toward Raiden Shogun and Ei, presenting them with the skewers he had prepared.

His nerves were shot. He knew the Shogun liked to "show off" to Ei, but he hadn't realized she did it in such a provocative manner.

"Kong, so you prepared extras for Ei?"

"I thought you hadn't, so I was just describing tonight's event to her, helping her imagine the food and atmosphere," Raiden Shogun said with genuine surprise.

Kong and Ei: "..."

That was entirely unnecessary!

Raiden Shogun was indeed mischievous. Should Kong consider "tuning" her programming a little?

Kong was utterly drained—Raiden Shogun's "good intentions" were becoming too much to handle.

Even Ei, who had lived for thousands of years, found herself at a loss when faced with the "good intentions" of Raiden Shogun.

Her fists clenched tightly.

"Hoo…"

Kong exhaled a long breath before placing the prepared food beside Ei. This wasn't the first time he'd dealt with such a situation. Similar things had happened before, like when they went shopping for clothes.

"Husband, I believe the Shogun might have some issues that require repairs and maintenance," Ei remarked calmly, her gaze, however, drifting toward the food on the table.

"Ei, I think the Shogun really does mean well…"

Even as Kong said this, he didn't believe it himself. Speaking against his conscience, he feigned confidence, hoping to convince both Ei and himself.

"My programming has no errors!"

Raiden Shogun immediately refuted Ei's suggestion, her voice rising a few decibels.

She was convinced that there was nothing wrong with her programming. As a martial soul, how could she easily malfunction? Besides, Ei's craftsmanship in designing her was impeccable—there was no way she could be faulty.

"Ahem, let's all just eat and speak less. After we're done, how about I teach you both how to cook?"

Kong quickly changed the topic. Was the Shogun malfunctioning? Of course!

She had developed a human-like personality!

Unlike her previous rigid demeanor, she could now feel joy, jealousy, pride, and even a desire to show off.

For instance, when Ma Hongjun and the others had referred to her as "sister-in-law," the Shogun had clearly been delighted.

And earlier, when she spoke to Ei, her words carried an unmistakable air of pride. Though Kong suspected it was a way to show off, he couldn't entirely dismiss the idea that she was merely sharing sincerely.

"Alright!" ×2

Both Ei and the Shogun's interest was piqued. Cooking was their eternal Achilles' heel.

As women of Inazuma (and deities, no less), the fact that they couldn't cook after getting married was a source of great shame. If word got out, how could they face anyone?

The pain was real.

Kong sighed inwardly. He knew full well that neither Ei nor the Shogun had any talent for cooking, but their enthusiasm for it was undeniable.

Teaching them, however, was a daunting task. Even a renowned chef from Liyue had once commented that Ei's "perfect wife" appearance was a complete waste.

"It's going to be a sleepless night…"

For deities, not resting for several days wasn't an issue. While Kong's physique was far inferior to theirs, his body—crafted by Ei—was not much different in essence.

A day or two without rest was trivial.

As time passed, the three finished eating, and the cooking lessons began.

"To start cooking, the first step is selecting ingredients. The combination of ingredients is crucial, but occasional innovation can be great too."

"For example, kun eggs and tomatoes make for a perfect pairing!"

At this point, Kong shuddered as if recalling a traumatic memory. He vaguely remembered that his storage soul guide still contained a stack of "tomato scrambled eggs" that were as black as coal.

That dish had been the Shogun's "labor of love."

"Hiss…"

Just thinking about it made Kong take a deep breath. Maybe skipping tomato scrambled eggs as a lesson wasn't such a bad idea?

"Oh, I know this! I successfully made a batch before!"

Raiden Shogun crossed her arms, looking smugly at Ei.

Kong: "..."

You attempted to "murder your husband," and you're proud of it?!

That incident was precisely why Kong had avoided mentioning cooking in front of the two ever since.

Ei glanced at Raiden Shogun, her eyebrow twitching slightly. She knew all too well what the Shogun was capable of.

A thought crossed Ei's mind: "The Thoughtless Blade" paired with "Unthinkable Culinary Skills"…

"After selecting the ingredients, the first step is to wash the kun eggs. Then, crack the shells into a bowl, discarding the shells…"

"Wait, we're supposed to remove the shells?"

Both Ei and the Shogun asked simultaneously, their expressions serious.

Seeing their earnest faces, Kong's mouth twitched. He wanted to say something, but no words came out.

He still remembered the Shogun's previous "culinary masterpiece," which had eggshells intact amidst the carbonized food.

After some thought, Kong said carefully, "Removing the shells makes the dish taste better."

"Oh, so that's how it is!"

Their enlightened expressions made Kong feel numb. Teaching them to cook was going to be a long road.

"Alright, next, we need to wash the tomatoes. Then, dice or chop them into pieces."

"The tomatoes need to be cut too?"

"..."

"Yes, cutting the tomatoes helps them cook more evenly…"

Kong slapped his forehead as he explained.

This was going to be a truly exhausting, sleepless night…

(End of chapter)

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