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Only now did Tang Hao finally realize the truth.
Back in the day, after he and Ah Yin met, they spent most of their time in the Great Star Dou Forest, rarely appearing on the continent. How could the outside world have known her true identity?
After Ah Yin's sacrifice, during the years he lived in Holy Spirit Village, Tang Hao often pondered when the information might have leaked.
He even suspected that Tang Xiao, out of love turned to hatred, had deliberately informed the Spirit Hall.
But today, hearing Ning Tianchen speak, he didn't think the other was making it up.
Ning Tianchen hadn't even been born back then—how could he possibly fabricate such a story? Moreover, few people on the continent even remembered Ah Yin's name anymore, let alone her identity as a transformed soul beast.
Tang Hao frowned deeply, his voice low and gruff. "You're telling me all this—what do you want? I don't know many things from the past, so I can't satisfy your curiosity."
This matter was likely only known by the late Tang Wei and a few elder sect members.
However, Tang Hao decided that upon reaching the Tang Sect, he would ask Tang Xiao for clarification.
Ning Tianchen shrugged. "I'm telling you this not just to satisfy my curiosity. My main purpose is to ensure you die as an enlightened ghost."
Tang Hao laughed bitterly in anger. "You want to kill me, arrogant brat!"
Through his senses, he confirmed there were no powerful ambushers nearby. With Ning Tianchen's strength as a Soul Douluo, how could he possibly kill him?
Ning Tianchen took out a handkerchief from his spirit tool, wiped his hands, and said calmly, "I guess you once hoped to use Tang San to win me over, and through me, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect behind me."
"But unfortunately, things didn't go as you expected. My relationship with Tang San has reached an all-time low—you must have already harbored thoughts of killing me!"
"Since you want to kill me, why can't I kill you?"
He knew the Tang family's nature all too well. Likely, since the Soul Master Tournament, he had already been on Tang Hao's list of targets.
But compared to killing him, Tang San needed more time to grow, so Tang Hao hadn't acted hastily.
Having his own thoughts laid bare, Tang Hao wasn't angry but burst into laughter. "So what if you know? Since there's no possibility of cooperation between us, today marks your death."
With that, nine soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red—shimmered beneath Tang Hao's feet.
The Coiling Dragon Seven Kill Sword materialized in Ning Tianchen's hand, his gaze sharpening.
Before the fight began, he added one more statement. "Tang Hao, there's something you probably still don't know. Qian Xunji wasn't killed by you—the calamity that befell you and the Hao Tian Sect back then was undeserved!"
With that, the Seven Kill Sword swung in his hand, releasing sharp sword qi that shot forward.
Tang Hao was stunned by his words.
Back then, he had also harbored doubts about this matter.
Qian Xunji had clearly only been injured by him and was immediately rescued by Ju and Gui Douluo at the scene—he didn't seem like someone on the verge of death.
Yet shortly after returning to the Spirit Hall, Qian Xunji suddenly died (according to the Spirit Hall's account), and Elder Qian Daoliu of the Spirit Hall issued orders to launch an assault on the Hao Tian Sect and Tang Hao.
Seeing Ning Tianchen's confident demeanor, it was clear he knew the inside story.
Tang Hao knew his reputation had long been tarnished, but no one wanted to be falsely accused without cause!
Swinging his Hao Tian Hammer, he shattered Ning Tianchen's sword qi attack and hurriedly asked, "What was the truth back then? Tell me, and I'll spare your life."
Ning Tianchen sneered. "Tang Hao, what's the point of saying these things now? Since we are destined to be enemies, both you and I seek to kill each other."
"If you really want to know what happened, hoh, I'll tell you before you die."
Tang Hao's gaze burned fiercely. "Arrogant talk!"
"If you're truly seeking death, don't blame me for being ruthless."
"Hao Tian Hammer, Chaotic Wind Hammer!"
The Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique was the foundational hammer skill of the Hao Tian Hammer. Ning Tianchen had fought Tang San and Feng Xiaotian multiple times and had already thoroughly understood the mechanics of the Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique.
"Seven Kill Sword Technique, Entwining Sword Style."
The sword moved like a silver python, its qi entangling and crushing.
Ning Tianchen actively stepped forward, seemingly intending to clash head-on with Tang Hao—but that wasn't the case.
The Seven Kill Sword continuously spun in his hand, each strike precisely entangling the Hao Tian Hammer.
The direction of Tang Hao's hammer strikes was forced to change. For an ordinary person, the Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique would have been rendered unusable.
But who was Tang Hao?
In his youth, he had been groomed as the successor of a future generation under Tang Chen's personal tutelage.
Later, he trained under the strong masters of the Hao Tian Sect, bringing his mastery of the Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique to perfection.
As long as the airflow around him remained unchanged, the Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique wouldn't be interrupted.
After several exchanges, Ning Tianchen could see the other's strength, but his Seven Kill Sword was far from limited to this.
"Fourth Soul Skill, Wind Dragon Sword Shadow."
A blood-red hundred-thousand-year soul ring shimmered beneath his feet, and the Seven Kill Sword was enveloped in wind-attribute soul power.
Every swing of the blade stirred the winds and clouds, completely dispersing the airflow generated by the Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique.
Tang Hao's brows twitched, his heart filled with shock. "To possess such strength at such a young age—given time, Xiao San will surely not be his match. No one on the continent may be able to defeat him!"
Thinking of this, the killing intent in Tang Hao's eyes intensified!
Ning Tianchen had grown into a formidable powerhouse, and an irreconcilable enmity now existed between them.
If left unchecked, the Tang family would inevitably suffer a devastating blow.
No matter what, even if he had to exhaust all his strength today, he had to kill Ning Tianchen.
"Hao Tian Nine Absolutes, Penetrating Strike."
A continuous flow of energy, leveraging the residual momentum of the Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique, combined two attacks into one, creating an extraordinary force.
"Seven Kill Sword Ultimate, Piercing Sword Style."
Retreating to advance, swift and piercing.
This duel was not only a life-and-death battle between the two but also a fateful confrontation between the Hao Tian Hammer and the Seven Kill Sword.
The Hao Tian Sect had already fallen, and Tang Hao was now the representative of the Hao Tian Hammer. Though the Seven Kill Sword was already considered the continent's top weapon-type spirit, it lacked the achievement of slaying a wielder of the Hao Tian Hammer.
Today, Ning Tianchen decided to remedy the final regret of the Seven Kill Sword spirit.
The clash between the inheritance of the Seven Kill Sword and the Hao Tian Hammer was destined to become a legendary battle.
The Piercing Sword Style countered Tang Hao's attack, followed by a swift thrust aimed directly at Tang Hao's throat.
As a seasoned powerhouse, Tang Hao wouldn't be intimidated by such tricks. The Hao Tian Hammer quickly moved to block in front of him.
The Seven Kill Sword struck the hammer, emitting a crisp metallic clang and leaving a deep sword mark on its surface.
The powerful impact forced Tang Hao to retreat several steps.
"You're not a Soul Douluo!" Tang Hao's brows furrowed tightly.
Ning Tianchen's strength and speed surpassed even those of a peak Soul Douluo.
Moreover, the rivalry between the Hao Tian Hammer and the Seven Kill Sword had been a topic of endless discussion in Tang Chen's era.
To prevent the Seven Kill Sword from reclaiming its position as the continent's top weapon-type spirit, Tang Chen had thoroughly studied it.
Growing up learning under him, Tang Hao had gained a deep understanding of the Seven Kill Sword through constant exposure.
Ning Tianchen must have broken through to Title Douluo—otherwise, he couldn't possibly possess such strength!
Ning Tianchen didn't deny it but instead openly admitted, "Tang Hao, allow me to reintroduce myself—I am Jian Douluo."
"Indeed!" Tang Hao's expression darkened. "I never expected you to inherit the ancient title passed down by the Chen family. It seems the conflict between the Hao Tian Hammer and the Seven Kill Sword is unavoidable."
The life-and-death battle between the current inheritors of the Hao Tian Hammer and the Seven Kill Sword ignited Tang Hao's fighting spirit.
Back then, his grandfather Tang Chen had defeated Chen Xun and claimed the title of the continent's top weapon-type spirit. Today, he would still triumph over Ning Tianchen and defend the honor of the Hao Tian Hammer.
As for the rumors circulating on the continent, Tang Hao didn't care.
"The Seventh Soul Skill, Hao Tian True Body. Killing God Domain, activate!"
Tang Hao's figure shot up into the air, and his massive Hao Tian Hammer crackled with blood-red lightning.
The Killing God Domain rapidly expanded from his body, enveloping Ning Tianchen within it.
But a dramatic scene unfolded: Ning Tianchen, standing within the domain, was completely unaffected. His attributes didn't drop at all.
Moreover, Tang Hao himself, despite being inside his own domain, didn't receive any of its boosts.
It was as if he hadn't activated the Killing God Domain at all.
"How could this be!" Tang Hao exclaimed in shock once again.
Why wasn't his usually unstoppable Killing God Domain working today?
After all, the Killing God Domain was a divine-bestowed domain—what kind of power could possibly nullify it!?
Unfortunately, Tang Hao still didn't know that Ning Tianchen had already obtained the Asura God Trial.
The Killing God Domain originated from the Asura God, and Ning Tianchen, with 100% divine affinity, couldn't possibly be affected by it.
"If this is all you've got, then I'm truly disappointed," Ning Tianchen said, feigning regret.
Ignoring Tang Hao's ineffective Killing God Domain, Ning Tianchen promptly activated the Seven Kill Domain.
Since this was a clash between the Hao Tian Hammer and the Seven Kill Sword, Ning Tianchen decided not to use underhanded tactics.
The Seven Kill Domain enveloped Tang Hao, reducing his attack power by 70%, while Ning Tianchen's attack power increased by 70%.
With this one-sided advantage, Tang Hao couldn't withstand Ning Tianchen's onslaught.
After a few exchanges, several deep sword wounds appeared on Tang Hao's body, blood gushing out and dripping onto the ground.
"I can't drag this out any longer. Ninth Soul Skill, Blue Silver Hao Tian Strike!"
A blood-red soul ring shimmered beneath Tang Hao's feet, causing the skies to churn with ominous energy.
Ning Tianchen remained calm, his eighth blood-red soul ring glowing brightly beneath him. At the same time, nine rings of red and gold intermingled beneath his feet, transforming the surrounding area with their overwhelming presence.
This spectacle was clearly visible to everyone in Suotuo City.
"Good heavens, what's going on over there? Such terrifying power!"
"Which elder is fighting?"
Even from a great distance, the sheer force of the battle caused everyone in the city to tremble in fear.
…
"Eighth Soul Skill, Shattered Silver Sword Song."
Ning Tianchen's figure split into ten, and ten phantom images simultaneously rushed toward Tang Hao.
The Hao Tian Hammer slammed down heavily, easily dismantling five of the phantoms' attacks along with Tang Hao's Ninth Soul Skill.
"Heaven-Piercing Strike!"
Upon seeing the configuration of soul rings beneath Ning Tianchen's feet, even the well-experienced Tang Hao had never seen anything like it before.
This brat absolutely cannot be allowed to live!
Tang Hao gripped the Hao Tian Hammer tightly in his hand, unleashing its supreme might.
The heavy hammer swung horizontally, and Ning Tianchen's remaining five phantoms launched a combined assault to counter Tang Hao's powerful strike.
Seeing that all his techniques had been exhausted yet he still couldn't overcome his opponent, Tang Hao made a ruthless decision. The nine soul rings beneath his feet shattered with a resounding crash.
The shattered soul rings transformed into pure soul power, infusing into the Hao Tian Hammer.
The explosion of all nine rings inflicted immense harm on Tang Hao's body.
In the past, such an overwhelming force would have caused him to explode and die instantly.
Thanks to Tang San's healing, the hidden injuries within his body had fully recovered, allowing him to unleash this technique. However, it would still leave him with severe aftereffects.
But eliminating Ning Tianchen, his greatest potential enemy, would make it all worth it.
Tang Hao let out a furious roar, chanting word by word: "Great Sumeru Hammer!"
"Here it comes!" Ning Tianchen looked up.
The goal of the Eighth Trial required him to face Tang Chen.
As the creator of the Great Sumeru Hammer technique, Tang Chen's mastery of it would undoubtedly far surpass Tang Hao's.
Today, by facing Tang Hao, Ning Tianchen aimed to understand the true power of the Great Sumeru Hammer so he could better counter Tang Chen's attacks in the future.
"Ninth Soul Skill, Earth Rift!" (Lowkey wanted to call it 'Fissure' as in the Pokemon move lol)
The Seven Kill Sword plunged into the ground, and a vast surge of sword qi quickly split open a bottomless chasm.
Immediately afterward, Ning Tianchen gripped the Seven Kill Sword tightly in his hand, swung it upward, and sent the sword qi surging through the ground toward Tang Hao.
The power of a million-year soul skill was second only to a true god-level technique!
When the sword qi collided with the Hao Tian Hammer, the surrounding air seemed to be sucked dry, plunging the area into absolute silence.
A blood-red mushroom cloud rose into the sky, accompanied by blinding red light, making it seem as though another sun had appeared in the heavens.
In Suotuo City, the battle's shockwaves triggered a violent earthquake, causing many dilapidated buildings to collapse.
The citizens in the streets were thrown to the ground due to the intense tremors.
Panic spread throughout the city, and the high-level soul masters residing there were shocked. "Which two elders are fighting? Such destruction—it's enough to obliterate heaven and earth!"
…
On the battlefield.
When the light finally faded, Tang Hao collapsed weakly to the ground, utterly drained.
After the explosion of all nine rings, his body was now without any soul rings. At this moment, even a Soul Sage could easily take his life.
Seeing no trace of Ning Tianchen on the battlefield, Tang Hao muttered, "Is it over?"
During the earlier exchange of soul skills, both sides had been evenly matched. Tang Hao guessed that Ning Tianchen might have been killed by the aftershocks of the battle.
At the same time, he felt a sense of relief.
When Tang Chen first created the Great Sumeru Hammer technique, he anticipated that the backlash might kill the user.
Thus, when using the Great Sumeru Hammer, a protective barrier would form around the user to shield them from the aftershocks.
Exhausted, Tang Hao struggled to stand up, unable to hide the smile on his face.
But suddenly, an all-too-familiar voice came from behind him. "Tang Hao, is this all the strength you've got? What a waste of my spiritual power."
Tang Hao spun around abruptly, and there stood none other than Ning Tianchen.
During their earlier fight, Ning Tianchen had anticipated the intense aftershocks and fled to a safe distance.
His Ninth Soul Skill didn't require a continuous supply of soul power, so there was no need for him to remain stationary to maintain the soul skill's effects.
In contrast, the Great Sumeru Hammer required Tang Hao to grip the Hao Tian Hammer tightly, constantly channeling soul power into it.
This left his body immobile, and he failed to notice Ning Tianchen slipping away.
"Since you have no strength left to fight, let's end this."
With those words, Ning Tianchen thrust the Seven Kill Sword into Tang Hao's chest.
The blade pierced through his lungs, and Tang Hao clutched his chest, collapsing to his knees as he coughed up blood continuously. A suffocating sensation quickly set in, turning his face bright red.
Ning Tianchen slowly crouched down. "I promised to let you die as an enlightened ghost. Now, I'll tell you the answers to the questions you've always wondered about."
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