Chapter 277: Shura's Celestial Descent Final Part
The initial defeat had cast a heavy shadow over Tang Xiao and the nine elders, weighing on them like a dark cloud. However, the timely arrival of Tang San and Tang Hao rekindled their spirits, especially Tang Xiao's.
"If it weren't for you, Hao Di, they would have finished us off," Tang Xiao said, a hint of relief in his voice.
Tang Hao, helping his brother recover, waved off the gratitude.
"It was simply good timing, Brother. You should really thank Xiao San; without his good fortune, I wouldn't have made it here in time."
Tang Xiao's curiosity was piqued how had his nephew, in just five years, achieved such powerful cultivation? And Tang Hao not only seemed healed but even stronger than before. Unable to contain his intrigue, he pressed for details, and Tang Hao recounted Tang San's achievement in completing the Asura God Trials.
Listening in, the elders were stunned. Their legendary ancestor, Tang Chen, had disappeared in his quest for a divine inheritance, a quest they all believed to be impossible. Yet now, that lofty goal had been achieved by Tang San. Knowing that their Clear Sky Clan had produced a true god lifted their spirits, restoring a sense of pride and hope to the once disheartened elders.
"We really did it... the Clear Sky Clan has produced a god!" The disbelief and joy spread among the elders. However, Seventh Elder muttered with a scowl,
"If he's a god now, why didn't he just finish off those brats on the spot?"
Horrified, the Great Elder tried to silence the reckless remark, but it was too late. Tang San's icy gaze swept over the Seventh Elder, and with an effortless motion, Tang San unleashed a burst of force that sent the elder flying, crashing through a wall. All the elders froze, drenched in cold sweat, their fear of Tang San now absolute.
Tang Hao quickly stepped in, attempting to calm the situation.
"Xiao San, take it easy there's no need for this."
Though his face remained cold, Tang San respected Tang Hao's wishes, withdrawing his aura. The Clear Sky Clan elders were nothing to him, especially after Tang Hao's years of exile due to their betrayal. Now, witnessing their pompous arrogance, Tang San's heart filled with disdain. These elders reminded him of the long forgotten, condescending leaders of his past life's Tang Sect. It was high time they were humbled.
"You have no right to dictate my actions," he said, leaving the room without another word.
The elders, still reeling from Tang San's attitude, couldn't voice their resentment under his intimidating presence. Though they still disapproved of Tang Hao, they dared not speak up with Tang San around. But in their hearts, they resented the "wild child raised outside the clan," whom they believed lacked proper manners.
Shortly after, Emperor White Tiger entered, his heart sinking at the sight of the gravely injured Clear Sky elders. This group was crucial to Star Luo's resistance efforts, and seeing their dire state filled him with apprehension.
"Forgive me for my poor intelligence gathering," the Emperor said with a bow, "I am deeply sorry for the injuries you have suffered."
While his remorse appeared sincere, most of the elders saw through his act, but they offered words of comfort, assuring him that losses in war were inevitable. They also shared the news of Tang San's divinity with the Emperor. Upon hearing this, his spirits lifted, and he resolved to thank Tang San personally.
When he met Tang San, the White Tiger Emperor lavished praise on him, singing his praises in a shamelessly sycophantic tone. Though Tang San had initially remained aloof, the flattery soon softened his expression, and he beamed under the Emperor's continued adulation. The Emperor, however, was cautious having a god oversee the empire would mean losing some control.
With a touch of trepidation, the White Tiger Emperor proposed a compromise, offering Tang San the title of "Equal King," with a rank parallel to his own. Tang San, once a lowly disciple in his past life's Tang Sect, was flattered by the recognition and accepted the title eagerly. With that settled, the Emperor raised his glass in a toast, asking for Tang San's guidance on their strategy in the war.
Now filled with a sense of divine power, Tang San dismissed all mortals as insignificant. He was confident that only another god could pose a challenge to him.
"I will handle it myself. The Spirit Hall will pay for its sins, and I will ensure it becomes nothing more than history."
Buoyed by Tang San's confidence, and mistakenly attributing the Spirit Empire's delay in attack to fear of Tang San, the Emperor grew bold and delighted, toasting his new ally.
In truth, Ye Wen had simply postponed the next offensive to absorb the spoils of their recent victories. Inside the Spirit Empire camp, Huo Rui approached Ye Wen with a respectful query.
"Master, what's our plan for tomorrow's battle?"
Ye Wen tapped his fingers against the table thoughtfully. With so many strong disciples under his command, he held little concern for Tang San's newfound power. Huo Rui, noticing his silence, waited patiently. Though she was eager to test her skills against Tang San, she respected Ye Wen's judgment on such matters.
"Shura is a god king, after all. It's unclear what kind of trump card he's provided Tang San. Tomorrow, I'll join the battle myself," Ye Wen decided.
Huo Rui nodded, accepting his decision. Having recently reached level 97, she knew that her Five Word Divine Armor boosted her abilities to the equivalent of level 117. However, she was well aware that a true god with a divine mantle was much stronger than a mere pseudo god like herself.
Wanting Ye Wen to make a grand entrance befitting his authority, Huo Rui began planning how to set the stage. Meanwhile, Ye Wen's gaze fell on a new intelligence report.
"Overreaching fools," he muttered with a slight smirk.
His words caught Huo Rui's attention.
"What is it, Master?"
Ye Wen placed the report aside dismissively.
"It's nothing. With Tang San's involvement, Star Luo has grown overconfident and plans to concentrate their forces for a decisive blow. They're gathering all their best troops here, including those from the Dai clan with the fusion ability of the Nether White Tiger."
Huo Rui understood and shared in Ye Wen's amusement. The Dai family's Nether White Tiger fusion technique did indeed resemble a Spirit Avatar, often misleading people into thinking it was a genuine breakthrough, even though it was merely a fusion skill that gave an impressive power boost.
Still, she knew such techniques could be effective, like the combination of the Heaven Sky Douluo and the Snake Woman one a Soul Douluo, the other a Soul Emperor. Together, they could put up a decent fight even against Titled Douluo such as Dugu Bo.
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