Chapter 385: No Victor
At Jialing Pass, within the Spirit Hall's branch.
Under the curious gazes of numerous spirit masters, a man with a bamboo hat slowly exited the Spirit Hall branch, merging with the flow of people. He passed inspection and exited Jialing Pass. Once he reached a secluded area, he removed his hat, revealing long golden hair.
It was Dai Yao.
Looking back at the towering fortress of Jialing Pass, Dai Yao's gaze shifted towards the Star Dou Forest, a dark expression clouding his face.
"The Spirit Beast Clan... It really was them pulling the strings behind the scenes. Injuring Golden Crocodile Douluo, freeing the Clear Sky Clan, intercepting Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo—leaving me isolated in the Heaven Dou Empire. If I hadn't prepared, the Clear Sky Clan would've captured Qian Renxue by now."
"In that case, even if I returned to Spirit Hall safely, Qian Daoliu would never have accepted me."
After parting ways with Qian Renxue, Dai Yao did not immediately leave. He stayed in Jialing Pass for a while, seeking answers. How had the Clear Sky Clan escaped, even though Golden Crocodile Douluo was supposedly blocking their path? And if Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo had the time to exterminate the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, why hadn't they been able to assist him and Qian Renxue?
At the branch hall, he found answers through Chrysanthemum Douluo. The Spirit Beast Clan intended to isolate him, hoping he would have no choice but to accept their aid, allowing them to gain control over him.
"Thinking back on it now, it's clear Lion Douluo infiltrated the Worship Hall to ultimately ascend to the God Realm with Qian Renxue once she becomes a deity. The Spirit Beast Clan's plan has been in the works for ages. In the original story, if it weren't for Tang San's unexpected rise, they might have succeeded."
"I'll remember this debt."
Dai Yao cast a long, somber glance toward the Star Dou Forest before taking out the Haotian Mystic Sea Barrier. The triangular object emitted a faint blue light, and as it appeared, the air around him grew noticeably cooler.
"All this searching, and I found it without effort. Who would've thought I'd obtain it this way? With the Haotian Mystic Sea Barrier in hand, Tang San's path to becoming the Sea God is cut off. Even if he gains control over the entire Heaven Dou Empire, he'll pose no threat to me."
"If he pursues the path to inherit the Asura God, he likely won't even reach godhood before Qian Renxue, as the Angelic God, cuts him down."
"This Tang San won't have the advantages of the Swan Kiss or Tang Chen's unexpected return from the Hell Road; he'll have no shortcuts and must follow the full path to inherit the Asura God. A lengthy process, by which time I'll have already become a god."
Dai Yao glanced at the Haotian Mystic Sea Barrier, its deep blue hue reflected in his eyes.
"Upon binding with it, I can choose to inherit the Sea God's position. But the Sea God, while powerful, is just a first-level deity, quite a step down from the five Great God Kings. Opting for it would be a waste of my potential."
"However, choosing the Asura God requires extended time in the Hell Road. Zhuqing, Wu Tong, Yan Yan, and Rong Rong have all waited for me. If I separate from them for that long, it wouldn't be fair…"
"Moreover, with the continent so unsettled, entering the Hell Road alone while leaving them unprotected would be unwise."
Dai Yao exhaled deeply, uncertain which godly path to choose. He still had his Chaos Green Lotus Spirit, which might lead him down a different path, one that could unlock its unique mysteries. The Haotian Mystic Sea Barrier might be kept in reserve until he decided.
"For now, the Haotian Mystic Sea Barrier remains a precious artifact with boundless uses at sea. But the Sea God, Poseidon, isn't one to be trifled with. If I bind it yet avoid inheriting his position, he'll undoubtedly make things difficult for me. I'll keep it stored and decide in the future."
Dai Yao cast another glance back towards Jialing Pass, stowed away the Haotian Mystic Sea Barrier, and donned his bamboo hat once more. Four pairs of wings unfolded on his back, lifting him skyward. He sped westward, toward the Heaven Dou Empire.
In his absence, Qinglian Sect had relocated to Seaward City to avoid the storm of unrest. Following Dai Yao's advice, the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect had also moved there. Now, Seaward City held both super sects, boasting four Title Douluo-level powerhouses and the world's greatest auxiliary spirit master, Ning Fengzhi. Even Tang San and the Clear Sky Clan dared not lightly provoke them, making Seaward City effectively the two sects' territory.
With the recent relocation, sect members were anxious. As Qinglian Sect's leader, Dai Yao needed to stabilize morale. He also felt obliged to acknowledge the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect's support.
Thus, before returning to Spirit Hall, Dai Yao headed to Seaward City.
In Heaven Dou Empire's imperial palace, Heaven Dou City.
After hearing the Tang Sect disciple's report, Tang San gave a slight wave, signaling the disciple to leave. Left alone, Tang San's face grew somber.
"Teacher, I've failed again."
Despite having the upper hand and pushing both the Shura King and Qian Renxue to their limits, the two had slipped away under his watch. Losing at such a critical moment left even Tang San feeling demoralized.
Watching his most promising student, Yu Xiaogang closed his eyes in pained silence. His own eyes were bloodshot, grief visible in his face. After the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's massacre, he and Liu Erlong had raced to the scene, only to find nothing but devastation. Hundreds of members of the Blue Lightning Clan had been slaughtered; not a soul survived.
Although estranged from the clan, Yu Xiaogang had always harbored a sense of belonging. Confronted by such carnage, both he and Liu Erlong had wept bitterly. Hearing that Tang San was determined to capture the Shura King and Qian Renxue, Yu Xiaogang had pulled himself together to aid his disciple.
After a pause, he slowly opened his eyes and spoke with a heavy tone.
"Xiao San, this isn't your fault. Xue Qinghe infiltrated Heaven Dou City for years, laying countless traps. That you thwarted their plot at the last minute is already a great feat. Don't blame yourself."
"Yes, Third Brother! Don't worry, with us by your side, we'll definitely defeat Spirit Hall. And with Big Brother Dai soon inheriting the throne, and you now the Lan Hao King of Heaven Dou, our empire and Star Luo together can definitely take Spirit Hall down!" Fatty added excitedly.
"Shut it, Fatty!" Oscar snapped. "No one cares if you keep quiet. Spirit Hall has plenty of powerful spirit masters, and now that the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect has withdrawn, we're short even more spirit masters. How are we supposed to fight Spirit Hall's elites?"
Standing nearby, Flender sighed at his cherished disciples. Due to his persistent evil fire, Ma Hongjun had taken almost a hundred wives. Even Flender couldn't tell if his behavior stemmed from his evil fire or his own desires.
Presently, Oscar and Ma Hongjun had only reached the Soul King level, and the extended peace and comfort had gradually dulled the edges of their youthful ambition. At times, they even considered staying in this tranquility forever.
Oscar's words struck the same chord of worry that troubled Tang San. Heaven Dou Empire's top-tier spirit master strength now relied solely on the Clear Sky Clan. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had withdrawn, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was destroyed, and Dugu Bo was missing, leaving Heaven Dou with a mere handful of Title Douluo. Were it not for the Star Luo Empire sharing some of Spirit Hall's pressure, countless people would have already chosen to surrender in the face of Spirit Hall's immense power.
Tang San rubbed his temples in frustration, frowning as he said, "Our lack of high-level spirit masters is a serious problem. Among the seven major sects, the lower four clans are practically Spirit Hall's lapdogs. As for the upper three clans, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has withdrawn, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was annihilated. My Clear Sky Clan can hardly hold out on its own."
He turned his gaze to the injured Seventh Elder, who was still recovering, and asked, "Seventh Elder, I recall you mentioning a mysterious force supporting us from the shadows. Is there any way you can contact them? We could use their assistance."
The Seventh Elder's right sleeve hung empty as he looked up, his face deathly pale. He had fallen from the Title Douluo realm down to Soul Douluo level and now carried an aura of decay. If not for the Clear Sky Clan's precarious situation, he would likely have given up the struggle.
"Young Clan Master, we cannot rely on that force. We don't know who they are—they contact us, never the other way around. Despite our attempts to locate them, we found nothing."
Tang San's frown deepened. "Not a single clue?"
"None at all," replied the Seventh Elder without hesitation.
Tang San sighed, realizing he would have to abandon that hope. Meanwhile, the development of Tang Sect's hidden weapons had hit a wall. Although Titan was a divine craftsman capable of creating peerless hidden weapons, he lacked the materials necessary to craft weapons that could truly threaten a Title Douluo.
Spirit Hall's current restraint likely had much to do with the hidden force's influence, but Spirit Hall would eventually discover the connection between them and the mysterious force. When that happened, it would mean the onset of war.
Tang San could feel the drumbeats of impending conflict reverberating ever closer, causing his heart to tighten. Seeing his deep contemplation, the Seventh Elder exchanged a glance with Yu Xiaogang before addressing Tang San.
"Young Clan Master, I am not sure if I should speak, but…"
"Please, Seventh Elder. Speak freely," Tang San replied.
The Seventh Elder began slowly, "It has been over a month now. Perhaps it is time to arrange your marriage to Empress Xueke. Only by fulfilling this marriage alliance can we firmly solidify our hold over the Heaven Dou Empire. There are already rumors circulating in the court that could harm your reputation. Should Spirit Hall take advantage and fan the flames, the entire Heaven Dou Empire could descend into chaos."
"Formalizing your marriage with Empress Xueke would be the best way to quell these doubts."
After listening to the Seventh Elder, Tang San's face turned icy. His initial frustration transformed into an intense chill, a murderous aura leaking from him that lowered the temperature throughout the hall. Without expression, he said, "Seventh Elder, we'll discuss this matter later."
"Young Clan Master…" the Seventh Elder tried to continue.
Tang San's cold gaze fixed upon him like a blade. "Seventh Elder, that is an order, not a topic for debate."
The Seventh Elder found his voice caught in his throat, unable to argue further.
The Shrek members understood why Tang San reacted so fiercely. Xiao Wu was the love of his life, and the thought of abandoning her to marry another was unbearable.
Flender quickly intervened, forcing a smile as he said, "Alright, alright, let's leave this matter for another time. Right now, we must prioritize the impending crisis. As for marriage, we can address that later."
Just then, footsteps sounded outside the hall. The doors opened, and they turned to see Empress Xueke's personal maid standing there. Her face expressionless, she addressed Tang San directly.
"Lord Lan Hao, Her Majesty the Empress would like a word with you. Will you oblige her?"
After several declined invitations, Empress Xueke's attendants had grown irritated on her behalf and showed Tang San little courtesy.
"No, I will not," Tang San replied coldly.
"Very well, my lord." The maid simply acknowledged him, as if only performing a routine task, then turned and departed.
Yu Xiaogang sighed, gesturing for the others to leave. "Everyone, step outside. I'd like a word with Xiao San alone."
After glancing at one another, the others left the hall in silence. Approaching the throne, Yu Xiaogang placed a hand on Tang San's shoulder, his voice heavy with sorrow.
"Xiao San, I understand how hard this is for you. But Xiao Wu… she's gone. The dead cannot return, and you still have a chance for happiness. Xiao Wu wouldn't want you trapped in the past like this."
When Tang San remained unmoved, Yu Xiaogang continued, "Moreover, your marriage to Empress Xueke concerns more than just your happiness—it affects our lives. Without the shelter of the Heaven Dou Empire, Spirit Hall would slaughter us all. Consider your father, your clan elders, the Shrek Seven Devils—if you refuse, they will all be in grave danger."
The weight of these words pressed heavily on Tang San, suffocating him with the knowledge that his choice would affect everyone he held dear. Gritting his teeth, his body trembled as he struggled with his answer.
Finally, he whispered, "Teacher, I agree."
Although Tang San still believed there was a sliver of hope for Xiao Wu's revival, the reality before him left him no room for selfishness. He had to accept the marriage with Xueke to protect everyone he cared about from harm.
The upheaval at Heaven Dou Palace concluded without a single victor.
Dai Yao may have escaped Tang San's pursuit with Qian Renxue, gaining possession of the Haotian Mystic Sea Barrier, but Heaven Dou Empire, seemingly his for the taking, fell to Tang San's control, thereby consolidating Tang San's power. Though Tang San had thwarted Spirit Hall's plot, he felt he had betrayed Xiao Wu, leaving him in an endless state of despair. Qian Renxue's well-devised plan failed at the last moment.
Spirit Hall's scheme ended in failure. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan abandoned valuable interests to leave Heaven Dou City, while the Qinglian Sect gave up its newly established base and moved to its branch in Seaward City. Meanwhile, the Clear Sky Clan, although now resurfacing, faced greater exposure and risk than ever, and the Seventh Elder had fallen from the Title Douluo rank.
As for the Spirit Beast Clan, their attempt to force Dai Yao into a desperate corner failed, only causing a complete breakdown in their relationship with him.
Worst of all was the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, who, despite doing nothing, was erased from the continent entirely.
This conflict left no victors, yet it was only the beginning of turmoil across the land...
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