Dou Luo: This Tang San is Different

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"If not for this layer of blood relation, you wouldn't have had the chance to approach me." 

Tang San stated an undeniable fact, leaving Tang Yuehua unable to refute: 

If Tang San weren't Tang Hao's son, no matter how exceptional he was, he wouldn't have moved her. In fact, if he had been at odds with the Haotian Clan, she might have gone out of her way to gather intelligence on him, report it to the sect, and ultimately have someone quietly eliminate him. 

After all, before resolving her inner conflict, she had been brainwashed by the Haotian Clan's prideful teachings—stubborn and blindly loyal. She revered her second brother, Tang Hao, and adhered strictly to the rules of the sect. 

"You're just no fun at all. Not even a little indulgent with your aunt," Tang Yuehua said with a resentful look. "By the way, you've never even called me 'Aunt' once." 

In response, Tang San nonchalantly changed the topic, bringing up the issue of Moon Pavilion's taxes. This made Tang Yuehua roll her eyes even harder, especially since the person in charge of tax collection, Hu Liena, was sitting right next to them. 

At that moment, Hu Liena was puzzled by the dynamic between these two but couldn't help feeling envious of the atmosphere. Although Bibi Dong was both her teacher and a mother figure, Hu Liena, as an orphan, had never experienced this kind of familial warmth. 

Sensing Hu Liena's shift in mood, Tang San said, "As a Holy Maiden, while you must have a high vantage point, you also need to delve deep into understanding. You can't allow yourself to falter—focus on building this large family." 

"Large family?" Hu Liena was momentarily stunned, then blushed suddenly and shyly murmured, "What are you talking about? What large family? And in front of your aunt, no less." 

Tang San: "…" He was speechless. This girl misunderstood. Then again, at her age, having such thoughts was fairly normal. Still... 

When we get back, I'll have to mention to Bibi Dong to give Hu Liena more responsibilities. If she keeps fantasizing about romance, it'll only distract her from work. 

"I'm talking about the perspective of a leader." 

"Huh?" 

Hu Liena froze, then quickly composed herself, nodding with a serious expression. "Of course, that's what I was thinking too. Besides, I believe I have plenty of experience." 

As the Holy Maiden, Hu Liena had witnessed the limits of a soul master's cultivation, the future of Spirit Hall, the depravity of dark soul masters, and much more. She had envisioned countless scenarios and encountered a wide array of information relayed to her from all over. She could confidently consider herself knowledgeable. 

Tang San smiled and said, "If that's the case, can you summarize: What does it mean to have 'seen the world'? It's boring here anyway, so consider this a little test." 

Hu Liena was stumped. After thinking for a while, she couldn't come up with a clear answer and could only say, "It requires experience and standing in the right position." 

"Not a bad start, but for you, the next leader of Spirit Hall, it's not enough—not nearly enough," Tang San said, nodding first before shaking his head. "Let me ask you five questions. If you can answer them all, then you might truly be capable of standing on your own." 

"What questions?" Hu Liena's curiosity was piqued. 

"What is the highest goal you can see?" 

"In terms of soul master cultivation? That would be Level 100, reaching godhood," Hu Liena replied without hesitation. After a moment of thought, she added, "If we're talking about societal goals, it should be ensuring that people can live peacefully and without the fear of war. What Spirit Hall needs to achieve is the long-term stability of the continent." 

Tang San neither confirmed nor denied her answer and continued, "Then, what is the lowest condition you can envision?" 

"The lowest condition?" Hu Liena realized Tang San might not be referring to soul master cultivation. Still, she replied, "Ordinary people who can't cultivate—fallen ones who slaughter villages, causing unimaginable horrors." 

Tang San posed a third question: "Do you know where you currently stand?" 

"Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden." 

Answering this question left Hu Liena feeling slightly heavy-hearted. She knew she carried great responsibilities—not just for Spirit Hall's development, but for the future of the entire continent. 

"Can you empathize with ordinary people?" 

Hu Liena remained silent. Despite Spirit Hall's many reforms, there was still an inherent arrogance in how soul masters viewed ordinary people. 

Even though she often had casual chats with Tang San during her free time, and he frequently suggested she spend more time among ordinary folks, she hadn't made much effort to follow through. 

After all, her daily workload was overwhelming. How could she find the energy? 

When she wanted to relax, she'd rather chat with… her crush… no, her role model. That's what kept her going. 

Dealing with official matters was utterly dull!

"Last question: If you're faced with a mountain of tasks that you can't possibly finish in one day, what would you do?" 

"Push through it. Work overtime, skip meals if necessary—whatever it takes to get it done." 

Hu Liena responded resolutely. After all, before Spirit City implemented the Blue Silver Network and before she had the support of the spiritual and wisdom imprints from the Throne of Consciousness, this had always been her way of handling things—primarily to avoid disappointing her teacher. 

"So? Did I pass?" 

"Barely," Tang San replied, giving her a measured evaluation. "But I suppose you've seen a bit of the world." 

"Then let's hear it," Hu Liena challenged, slightly annoyed. "What's your definition of 'having seen the world'? Surely, you've got some grand explanation ready to impress me." 

"Seeing the world can be broken down into four levels," Tang San said, holding up four fingers as he began his explanation. 

---

"The First Level: Knowing how high the sky is."

"To understand the world's apex: the most delicious food, the most expensive clothes, the wealthiest person, the most luxurious lifestyle, the farthest and most beautiful places, and the ultimate peak of soul master cultivation. 

Most people's concept of 'having seen the world' stops here. This applies to soul masters, ordinary people, officials, and sect disciples alike. It's the simplest level—just look up, and you'll see it." 

---

"The Second Level: Knowing how deep the abyss is."

"To understand the lowest depths of the world: the poorest places, the darkest corners of human nature, the most impoverished families, and the dampest shadows of society. 

Reaching this level is already beyond most people's ability. The darkness isn't something you can observe from a distance—you have to immerse yourself in it. You must wade into others' despair, experience their suffering firsthand, and understand that the world's lowest point isn't just the theoretical 'ought to be' described in reports, but the tangible, painful 'reality' experienced by those with nowhere else to turn." 

---

"The Third Level: Knowing where you stand." 

"The sky stretches thirty thousand meters high, the earth delves thirty thousand meters deep, and a person stands no taller than seven feet. Where do we fit between heaven and earth? 

This question seems simple but is extraordinarily difficult. We are often deceived by ourselves. 

Sometimes, we become arrogant, inflated by our achievements, forgetting that we are merely standing on high ground—not truly flying. Even if we possess flight abilities, there will inevitably come a day when we must land. Other times, we are crushed by difficulties, becoming blindly self-deprecating, oblivious to those who live in even harsher conditions. 

'Knowing where I stand' addresses one of life's ultimate questions. 

It means understanding your starting point and your boundaries. 

This understanding keeps us from blindly chasing unattainable dreams or recklessly abandoning ourselves to despair. 

It teaches us not to relentlessly pursue the highest peaks, nor to give in to defeat, but to find the path of life and cultivation that is most suitable for us." 

---

"The Fourth Level: Knowing that the world also stretches sideways." 

"The world is not merely a vertical spectrum of high and low—it is a vast, three-dimensional space with infinite breadth. 

This world isn't just about heights and depths, but also the boundless diversity of the multitudes who live within it. 

The people of this world are not above or below us; they exist beside us, each with their own reason for being. Every form of existence has its own light and shadow, its own joys and sorrows. 

To truly 'see the world' is to fully embrace the differences in others, to deeply understand every kind of existence, to rejoice in others' happiness, and to mourn their sadness. 

It is no longer about pursuing heights or depths but about immersing oneself in the vibrant tapestry of life and the mundane beauty of human existence, all while striving to help others find peace and fulfillment." 

---

Tang San paused here, observing the thoughtful expression on Hu Liena's face before continuing, "So, what does it mean to have seen the world?" 

"The answer is actually quite simple—" 

"Strive to see as high as you can." 

"Do your best to go as deep as possible." 

"Maintain clarity to always know where you stand." 

"And wholeheartedly understand the multitudes around you." 

"Do as much as you can." 

(End of Chapter)