Chapter 17: The True Worth of Merit
In the annals of the Douluo Continent's history, the achievements of its greatest heroes are often debated. To the common reader, it's obvious: Huo Yuhao created the Soul Pagoda and destroyed the Holy Spirit Church. His deeds were monumental, shaping the future of soul masters for generations to come. Tang Wulin, likewise, repelled the terrifying Abyss Plane, preventing an unimaginable catastrophe. Yet, in the grand scheme of power and influence, neither could surpass the legacy of Tang San.
To the average observer, this seems unfair. After all, what Huo Yuhao and Tang Wulin accomplished were undeniable feats of heroism and innovation. But to the ruling elite of the Douluo Continent—those noble families and imperial houses—the scale of achievement is not measured by moral victories or the salvation of the weak. It's measured by power, influence, and the preservation of the status quo.
Huo Yuhao's invention of the Soul Pagoda was revolutionary. He introduced the concept of souls replacing soul rings, offering an alternative path to power. Yet, in its infancy, the system had glaring limitations. Early soul spirits were weak—30,000-year souls were given as seventh, eighth, or even ninth rings, but their combat effectiveness was lackluster. These spirits could assist in battle, yes, but the strength they provided was modest at best.
Moreover, the Soul Pagoda operated like a business. Anyone with money could buy a soul. Even those affiliated with Shrek Academy, which had publicly opposed the Soul Pagoda, were still able to purchase high-quality soul spirits if they had the coin. This transactional nature weakened the Pagoda's perceived value in the eyes of the nobles. If anyone could obtain a soul spirit regardless of status or loyalty, then what use was the Soul Pagoda in upholding the power of the elite?
In the eyes of the aristocracy, only one part of the Pagoda's legacy truly mattered—the Living Soul Platform, a practical tool that allowed nobles to strengthen their own forces. Everything else was secondary.
As for the Holy Spirit Church, its eradication was seen as a necessary but ultimately low-priority task. The evil soul masters within the church—those like Blood Infant Douluo, who thrived on the suffering of the innocent, or the village-slaughtering madmen of old—posed no real threat to the upper echelon. They targeted commoners, never daring to provoke powerful Titled Douluo families. Their actions, while heinous, were not disruptive to the societal structure the nobles ruled.
The elimination of the Holy Spirit Church, then, was a moral victory for the people—but only a symbolic one for the powerful.
By contrast, Spirit Hall, back in the age of Tang San, was a true threat to the nobles. Spirit Hall's most subversive act was financial: it provided subsidies to every soul master, no matter how weak. Even someone with the most worthless spirit—say, a spirit beast derived from livestock—could receive money from Spirit Hall. This assistance was funded by the Hall's dominance over the continent and the heavy pressure it applied to the two empires.
Whether Spirit Hall's intentions were noble or merely strategic—perhaps aiming to uplift civilians, or perhaps to undermine the empires' grip—the result was clear: the common people benefited, and the nobility suffered.
In Douluo Dalu 1, the two great empires had no Titled Douluo of their own. It was only through Tang San's efforts that the Spirit Hall was destroyed, and the power of Titled Douluo returned to the empires. This was a massive political victory.
By tearing down Spirit Hall, Tang San allowed the nobility to stop supporting low-level soul masters. Those without powerful spirits or noble connections were left without backing. They could no longer rely on external aid. If they wanted to cultivate, they had to serve. And if they wanted to survive? Becoming cannon fodder for the noble families' heirs was their only path.
It was a brutal system—but a stable one for those in power. And it was Tang San who had made it possible.
Tang San's lineage was impeccable. Born into the Haotian Sect, the strongest sect with the mightiest offensive martial spirit on the continent, his family status was unmatched. His uncle, the sect leader, had no heir of his own. Tang San was destined to lead.
Thus, it was no surprise that he became the figurehead of the nobility. He was the chosen one to destroy Spirit Hall. And when he succeeded, the nobles and the empires reaped enormous rewards. Tang San became their hero, the one who secured their future and strengthened their rule.
In comparison, Huo Yuhao and Tang Wulin were innovators and warriors, but not guardians of the noble class's interests.
That's why Shrek City, the stronghold built by Tang San's legacy, remained the only city that still gave subsidies to soul masters. But even this was layered in privilege. Ordinary soul masters had no real chance of receiving those subsidies. The entry requirements to Shrek Academy included a letter of introduction from a major city's lord—an insurmountable barrier for most.
This structure ensured that Shrek City, and by extension Tang San's influence, perfectly aligned with noble interests. Even if their power did not surpass the combined strength of all nobles, their political voice remained powerful.
It was here that Tang Ya, carrying on Shrek's legacy, took Huo Yuhao to receive a rare subsidy—one exclusively reserved for soul masters of Shrek City.
But the mortal realm was not the only battleground. In the God Realm, the power struggles were equally fierce.
Within the God Realm Committee, the Goddess of Life remained neutral. For two hours, Tang San fiercely debated the God of Destruction, who insisted on expanding the God Realm. Though their exchange was not physical, the pressure was as intense as a true battle.
Destruction eventually stormed out, slamming the door behind him, but Tang San was mentally and spiritually exhausted. Convincing the Goddess of Life to stay neutral—especially given she was Destruction's wife—had nearly cost him everything.
Fortunately, she did not side with her husband. This balance of power held—for now.
Yet, Tang San had already foreseen the need for a countermeasure. His plan was already in motion: he had begun preparations to summon a Son of Fortune, a being whose existence could shift the balance of the realms. In just a few days, the Son of Fortune would descend, and the pressure on Tang San would ease.
But when Tang San returned home and checked the status of the Son of Fortune, he was stunned. The star that represented the Son's destiny had dimmed.
Tang San blinked in confusion.
"How could the fortune of the Son of Fortune drop by nearly 30%? What happened?"
His brows furrowed. Only one possibility came to mind—the God of Destruction.
"Damn it… Did he interfere with my plan?"
Tang San clenched his fists tightly, but the next second, he took a deep breath. His expression calmed. He knew full well that, at present, he could not defeat Destruction.
But that didn't mean he would let it go.
A cold glint flashed through his eyes.
"Destroy my plan, will you…"
"Destruction… You've already signed your own death sentence."