Chapter 291: Target Haotian! Encounter with Tang San Again!
"So, this young man is Dai Yao? Impressive. To withstand nearly thirty percent of your pressure with such ease—quite remarkable. If it weren't for Bibi Dong's interference, I would've taken him on as my personal disciple without hesitation," said Golden Crocodile Douluo, his hands clasped behind him as he looked off in the direction Dai Yao had just left, his expression one of deep contemplation. A faint glimmer crossed his otherwise weathered eyes, betraying a hint of calculation.
"If you're still interested, Second Brother, I could have a word with him. If he agrees, not even Bibi Dong could reasonably object," suggested Qingluan Douluo, his brow slightly furrowed.
Golden Crocodile Douluo waved dismissively. "No need. A forced apprenticeship yields no sweetness. If fate has decided he's not mine to mentor, so be it. If he and I are destined to cross paths in such a way, it'll happen naturally. Don't meddle in this, leave it be." Golden Crocodile Douluo turned with a sly grin, eyeing Qingluan Douluo playfully. "By the way, that little disciple of yours—she has a fierce spirit, doesn't she? I never thought she'd defy you head-on for Dai Yao. Seems very unlike the sweet, obedient girl she usually is."
At the mention of Feng Wutong, Qingluan Douluo sighed in frustration. "That disciple of mine has always been the ideal student—talented, respectful, diligent. But for reasons I can't understand, she's absolutely fixated on Dai Yao. No matter how hard I've tried to separate them, nothing can sway her heart. Of all the men in this world, why does she have to be so utterly devoted to him?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo chuckled, shaking his head in sympathy. "Brother, I think you finally understand our elder brother's frustrations. When Qian Daoliu made the difficult decision to let Xue'er go to the Heaven Dou Empire, it must have been with a similar feeling of helplessness."
Qingluan Douluo nodded ruefully. "I suppose I do. Here we are, figures of respect and power, but utterly helpless in guiding our own kin." He sighed again, his thoughts drifting to the challenges facing the Spirit Hall.
"Still," Golden Crocodile Douluo reminded him, "take care on this mission to Haotian Sect. Though Tang Chen's been gone from the Spirit Master world for years, he may have left hidden defenses in place. Especially watch over Qianjun and Jiangmo; those two are all too eager for a fight. Against a sect known for wielding the strongest Tool Spirit, their eagerness could be dangerous. Let the Spirit Hall's Titled Douluo handle the heavier blows; we can afford no needless losses."
"I understand, Second Brother," Qingluan Douluo said solemnly. With Bibi Dong's power steadily rising and her influence expanding, the pressure on the Elder's Hall had only increased. The Spirit Hall was gaining Titled Douluo at a pace that made it hard for them to keep up; the dwindling numbers of Douluo willing to join the Elders' Hall only highlighted the imbalance. All that remained was to endure until Qian Renxue returned to inherit the Angelic Deity, the Elder Hall's long-held hope.
Under the waterfall, another streak of lightning arced through the water, illuminating the scene as Dai Yao's triumphant laugh echoed in the valley. He had finally mastered the Thunderous Eightfold Collapse. With a deft leap, he landed at the water's edge, where Cuckoo quickly stepped forward with a towel, diligently drying him off.
As he brushed off the last droplets of water, Dai Yao thought of the fast-approaching date of his mission to the Haotian Sect. "Time to say goodbye to Zhuqing and Wutong," he reflected.
With the Elder's Hall suddenly adding Qianjun and Jiangmo, Bibi Dong had held back the Bear Douluo, sending Chrysanthemum, Ghost, and Lingyuan Douluo instead. Alongside Qingluan, Qianjun, and Jiangmo, there would be six Titled Douluo—three of them being Super Douluo. With such forces, he had no concerns for his safety.
"Haotian Sect, if you've chosen isolation, then let it be your final resting place," he thought as he gazed toward the valley's edge. This mission was primarily to assess the Haotian Sect's strength. Once Spirit Hall confirmed their ranks held six Titled Douluo, a full assault would be inevitable, especially with the Hall's plan to exterminate Soul Beasts on the horizon. Dai Yao harbored no illusions about sparing Tang San, even if he'd bested him multiple times—he was determined to obliterate any force standing with the young Haotian heir.
Several days later, outside Spirit City, two carriages stood ready. The air had turned crisp, and the horses' breath condensed into wisps of fog. Hundreds of elite soldiers, backs straight and faces stern, stood guard in disciplined silence. These seasoned troops, hardened by countless battles, did not dare make a sound.
Sitting on the carriage's front step, Dai Yao was engrossed in a book. Noting the late hour, he calculated, "They should be arriving soon."
Just then, three rays of light shot from mid-mountain where the Pope's Hall sat, streaking toward them. Moments later, three figures—a man cloaked in shadow, another with an elegant air, and a woman with an ethereal grace—landed in front of the gathered forces. They were none other than Ghost Douluo, Chrysanthemum Douluo, and Lingyuan Douluo.
The effeminate Chrysanthemum Douluo surveyed the scene, his gaze settling with a scoff on the empty carriage nearby. "So, the Elder's Hall is late. Must we wait on their convenience?" he sneered.
Before he could finish, a booming voice exploded across the sky. "Little Chrysanthemum, it's not your place to scold me!"
The source of the voice—a colossal dragon-headed staff—hurtled toward Chrysanthemum Douluo, hitting the ground in front of him with a resounding thud and sending up a cloud of dust.
When the dust cleared, three figures emerged. Although none of them released their Spirit Power, an undeniable pressure filled the area, forcing the three from the Pope's Hall to take an instinctive step back.
"Jiangmo, enough," Qingluan Douluo's calm voice cut in. "We are allies on this journey to Haotian Sect, not rivals. Let's work in harmony."
Jiangmo Douluo merely grunted, lifting his staff onto his shoulder as he threw a dismissive look toward the trio. Though resentment flickered in their eyes, the disparity in strength meant Chrysanthemum, Ghost, and Lingyuan had no choice but to swallow their pride.
Watching this barely veiled animosity, Dai Yao couldn't help but sigh. The tension between the Pope's Hall and Elder's Hall had become so volatile. He questioned whether this journey to the Haotian Sect was wise; however, they had passed the point of no return. Drawing a deep breath, he positioned himself between the two groups, bowing respectfully to each Titled Douluo before addressing them firmly.
"Honored Elders, we may come from different factions, but we are all of Spirit Hall. Our common purpose today is our shared enemy—the Haotian Sect," Dai Yao said. "Only by uniting our efforts can we fully dismantle them."
With his words, the hostility in the air slowly dissipated as both sides refrained from further antagonism.
As they traveled on the winding road to the Haotian Sect, Dai Yao sensed the faint unease within his group. He couldn't dismiss the weight of their mission; the Haotian Sect's seclusion had given them a fearsome reputation. Rumors claimed that six Titled Douluo were now among their ranks, making them a direct threat to the Hall's plans for dominance.
Finally, their destination loomed—a mountain range that stood tall and imposing against the horizon. The road before them grew steeper, flanked by ancient pines that had stood as silent witnesses to Haotian's isolation.
As they climbed higher, Dai Yao's mind wandered to Tang San. It had been years since their last confrontation, and though he had bested him before, Tang San's potential haunted him. Every clash reminded Dai Yao of the latent strength in this chosen child of destiny.
But this was no ordinary test. Dai Yao knew that if Tang San appeared here, he wouldn't show mercy.
"Let the Haotian Sect serve as an example," Dai Yao thought, his gaze sharpening as he watched the path before him twist toward the peak.
Ghost Douluo, Zhu Zhuqing's mentor, and Chrysanthemum Douluo, who shared past ties with Dai Yao, as well as Lingyuan Douluo and Qingluan Douluo, both Feng Wutong's mentors, found Dai Yao's words reasonable. In the end, all of them decided to grant him this request. With Ghost, Chrysanthemum, and Lingyuan Douluo from the Pope's Hall and the three from the Elder Hall led by Qingluan, both groups gradually reined in their mutual hostility at Qingluan's signal.
Dai Yao breathed a silent sigh of relief at the softened atmosphere. "Honored Douluo," he continued, "the Haotian Sect's hideaway is located three hundred miles east of Heaven Dou City in the Heaven Dou Empire. To avoid unnecessary conflict, we'll need to blend in and disguise ourselves as ordinary travelers. Your patience and cooperation are essential for a smooth journey."
Wielding his dragon-headed staff, Jiangmo Douluo scoffed. "Why bother hiding? We could just charge in! The three of us from the Elder Hall alone are enough to crush their so-called 'Number One Sect' without any help from the Pope's Hall."
"You!" Jiangmo's words sparked the ire of the three Douluo from the Pope's Hall. They may not have been his equal in strength, but they were not about to back down.
"Enough, Brother!" Qianjun Douluo's voice cracked like a whip, his tone severe. Jiangmo's fiery spirit cooled under his brother's intense gaze, his dragon-headed staff dropping to the ground in submission.
With his brother subdued, Qianjun Douluo turned to the three Douluo from the Pope's Hall and clasped his hands in apology. "Dai Yao's right. The Haotian Sect has long been a thorn in our side. We must work together to ensure success. Please accept my apologies on my brother's behalf."
His tone was firm but respectful, offering a way forward without deepening the rift. The three Douluo from the Pope's Hall exchanged looks, their expressions relaxing slightly as they accepted the peace offering.
Dai Yao exhaled, relieved. Qianjun Douluo's level-headedness was a stark contrast to his brother's aggressive nature. Without him, an uncontrollable conflict might have broken out before the journey even began.
"Honored Douluo, Haotian Sect is far from here and difficult to reach. Let us make haste." Dai Yao gestured toward two carriages nearby, identical in construction and decoration. "For a smoother journey, I suggest that each hall takes one carriage. I'll ensure the comfort and privacy of both."
The three Douluo from the Pope's Hall exchanged glances and, in silent agreement, chose the carriage to the left. Though Jiangmo Douluo made a move toward it, Qianjun Douluo's subtle restraint pulled him back, and he grudgingly relented. Qianjun and Qingluan then boarded the carriage to the right, and after each Douluo was settled, Dai Yao climbed into the driver's seat of the left carriage. With a gentle flick of the reins, they set off toward their destination, a long journey beginning with rolling wheels and a cloud of dust that marked the start of a mission that would shake the continent to its core.
Haotian Sect, the Iron Chain Bridge
Standing upon the frost-covered iron bridge, Tang San's sea-blue hair billowed like ocean waves in the chilly mountain wind. He cast his gaze toward the entrance of Haotian Sect, where numerous disciples gathered, their expressions filled with disdain, skepticism, resentment, or simple incomprehension. Among them was his aunt, Tang Yuehua, who, without a trace of spirit power, stood elegantly in a fitted silver cheongsam. Her worried gaze softened the otherwise biting cold as it fell upon him.
In contrast, Sect Leader Tang Xiao—a towering figure as stalwart as his own father—regarded him with an expression of solemn scrutiny. Despite the frigid air, Tang San felt an unwavering resolve surge within him, his blood hot with purpose as his fists clenched tight.
"I must restore my father's honor in Haotian Sect. I won't let my uncle or aunt down. All my father's sins—I will bear them myself!" Tang San reflected as he glanced over the cliffside. Though he had faced similar circumstances in his past life, this time, he was determined to change his fate.
With a fierce glint in his eyes and a spirit ready for battle, Tang San's aura surged. Memories of past failures fueled his resolve, sharpening his focus to an unparalleled degree. Lifting his gaze, he locked eyes with the Seventh Elder, who stood like a weightless phantom upon the iron bridge before him. Tang San's fighting spirit burned so bright that the elder couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease.
"What a fierce spirit for one so young. I, too, feel a touch of that fire," thought the Seventh Elder, gripping his Haotian Hammer. "But if you wish for Tang Hao to return, you'll need to prove yourself first."
Tang San took a step forward, raising his hand in invitation. "Seventh Elder, shall we test ourselves with a duel? First to fall from the bridge loses." His words, spoken with the poised grace of a noble, gave the invitation an air of formality. His demeanor exuded such elegance that even his aunt, Tang Yuehua, nodded in admiration, her eyes shining with pride. Several female disciples couldn't help blushing as they looked at him, momentarily forgetting their grievances against Tang Hao.
The Seventh Elder nodded, summoning his Haotian Hammer with a flick of his wrist. The hammer materialized in his hand, its nine soul rings gleaming brightly:
Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Black, Black.
A Titled Douluo!
The nine soul rings flashed like blades, sending a shiver through Tang San. He had anticipated a challenge, but he hadn't expected the Seventh Elder to wield such power.
But suddenly, the Seventh Elder's attention shifted past Tang San. He squinted into the distance, eyes narrowing at a figure approaching from the snow-covered mountains.
Following the elder's gaze, the disciples turned to see a golden-haired figure striding confidently toward the iron bridge. His demeanor was calm, almost scholarly, though his next words sent a wave of shock through the Haotian disciples.
"So, the so-called Number One Sect—just a bunch of cowards hiding away? Today, I'll see if your Haotian Hammer is worthy of its title as the strongest Tool Spirit!"
Hearing this, Tang San spun around, his heart skipping a beat as his eyes fell upon the speaker. Recognition struck him like a blow. His pupils shrank in surprise. It was him—Dai Yao.
(To be continued)
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