Tang Hao staggered, a mouthful of black-green blood spraying from his lips as the poison invaded his organs like living serpents.
Yet—Even then—He did not release his hammer.
With blood dripping from his chin and veins bulging violently, Tang Hao forced himself forward, raising the Clear Sky Hammer once more.
Dugu Bo's pupils shrank.
He immediately backed away, smiling faintly.
"I won."
That exchange had been a bargain , afterall the move he developed based on the ring fusion technique can only hold for about 30 seconds.
While the technique fused all his soul rings into one, it will make him almost hollow for months. He would have never used such overpowered technique, if the opponent in front of him was not Tang Hao, whose power does not seem to have any ending.
Dugu Bo didn't know it was not Tang Hao who was strong, but the endless supply of energy from Asura God that made him strong.
His injuries were heavy, but Tang Hao's were fatal if left unchecked.
All he needed to do now was wait.
Still—Seeing Tang Hao continuing to advance, step by blood-soaked step, something cold flickered in Dugu Bo's heart.
'This man… is insane.'
His smile faded.
'No need to gamble further.'
'I'll let the poison do the rest.'
With a cold snort, Dugu Bo retreated rapidly.
The green miasma surged as he vanished back into the poisonous barrier, his voice echoing faintly:
Tang Hao stood rigidly at the edge of the battlefield.
His vision blurred.
The Death God Domain flickered violently, then dissipated.
A drop of green blood fell from his hand onto the ground, sizzling as it corroded the soil.
"Father!"
Tang San ran forward in panic.
Tang Hao raised his hand weakly, stopping him.
"Stay… away, little San…"
His voice was hoarse.
"This poison… is extremely potent…"
Before Tang San could respond—Tang Hao's legs gave way, and his massive body crashed heavily to the ground.
The Clear Sky Hammer struck the earth beside him with a dull thud.
As consciousness slipped into darkness, Tang Hao heard his son's trembling voice echo beside his ear—
"Father… I'll save you."
-----
Prince Mansion, Heaven Dou City
Eve sat languidly in an ornate chair within the inner study of the Prince Mansion. Sunlight filtered through the carved windows, casting long shadows across the polished floor. One slender leg rested atop the other as her fingers lightly tapped the armrest, her expression calm yet contemplative.
'I really don't understand what Qian Renxue in the original novel was thinking,' she mused inwardly.
'Taking on the identity of the Crown Prince tied her hands completely. Endless court affairs, constant vigilance, no room to truly cultivate…'
A faint smile curved her lips.
'And yet here I am. Same identity, same position—yet I still have time to sit, think, and even relax.'
A soft knock echoed at the door.
"Come in," Eve said casually.
The door opened, and Qian Xunji stepped inside.
He moved with the habitual stiffness of an old clerk, his back slightly bent, his movements cautious—as though afraid of taking up too much space. This was a far cry from the imposing Pope he once was. Since losing his status and authority, Qian Xunji had been forced to confront the weight of his past actions.
Only then had he truly realized the many mistakes and crimes he had committed in the name of ambition and power.
In his own way, he tried to atone.
Charity projects, relief efforts under Spirit Hall's banner, rebuilding villages damaged by soul beast tides—he involved himself in all of it. Whether it was genuine repentance or an attempt to cling to meaning, even he could not fully tell.
'Who knows', Eve thought lightly, watching him.
'Perhaps this is precisely why Qian Renxue didn't kill him in the script till now… or perhaps something far worse is still waiting for him.'
Qian Xunji cleared his throat, his voice carrying a practiced humility.
"The clans of Element City have rejected the proposal," he said. "They are unwilling to surrender or cooperate."
Eve showed no surprise.
"The clans," she replied calmly, "are the true backbone of the elemental academies in Element City."
She leaned forward slightly, her gaze sharpening.
"The Elephant Armored Academy has already backed down. The Elephant Armored Clan has withdrawn from Element City entirely."
Qian Xunji's fingers twitched almost imperceptibly.
"You must be confused," Eve continued with a faint smile. "After all, the plan to plant a nail like the Elephant Armored Academy in Element City was your idea, wasn't it? Back when you were Pope."
She tilted her head slightly.
"After all, the Elephant Armored Clan had already pledged loyalty to Spirit Hall."
Qian Xunji remained silent. His expression stiffened, but he did not refute her words.
Eve did not press him—she simply continued.
"However, those three elemental clans are far from foolish. In order to counter Spirit Hall's influence, they invited the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to establish an academy of their own."
A faint glint passed through her eyes.
"So now, with the withdrawal of the Elephant Armored Academy, there are only four academies left in Element City."
She counted them off effortlessly.
"Skywater Academy. Godwind Academy. Thunderclap Academy. Blazing Academy."
She leaned back, fingers interlaced, lost in thought.
Eve reflected inwardly.
'I still don't know how Qian Renxue convinced Bibi Dong to allow the complete removal of the Elephant Armored Clan from Element City.'
Her brows knit slightly.
'Without Spirit Hall's deterrence, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan will inevitably exert pressure on the remaining three clans.'
A possibility surfaced in her mind.
'Is Qian Renxue planning to let the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to overstep… and then crush them publicly? To completely discredit one of the Three Great Clan?'
---
(Author notes: I had introduced the characters from these academies in the chapters of Gathering of geniuses)