Tang Hao, who had regained his memories from a previous life, soon noticed something strange about Tang San.
Initially, Tang San cried, fussed, and behaved like a normal baby. But now, he lay quietly, calm and composed—unnatural for an infant.
Even Tang Hao, dense as he was, realized his son's soul had been replaced.
Thinking of the soul that had been robbed, a flicker of guilt crossed his heart.
Under normal circumstances, no father could accept such a truth. Tang Hao's discomfort was inevitable.
But then he remembered: the Tang San from his past life was a filial son, chosen by the Asura God, destined to become a god, and the hope of reviving the Tang Clan.
Tang Hao could only accept with tears that Tang San was still his flesh and blood. The soul may be different, but the body carried his bloodline.
He had no choice but to accept it. He couldn't resist the will of the Asura God—nor could he turn down the chance to have a son who would become a Divine King.
Still, Tang Hao made a private vow: once Tang San achieved godhood and Ah Yin was resurrected with her memories wiped—transformed into someone who only loved him—he would have another child with her. This time, with a soul and body entirely his own. He wouldn't expect greatness, just for this child to inherit a secondary divinity and remain by their side forever.
With everything resolved in his heart, Tang Hao recalled the past life's events.
"In that life, shortly after Tang San was born, a Titled Douluo from Spirit Hall broke into our home. I repelled him, but because I didn't want to provoke Spirit Hall, I let him go. Who knew he'd report back and bring the Pope and more Titled Douluo down upon us?" Tang Hao murmured.
"That same elder should be arriving soon," he said grimly.
This time, he would also spare the elder—but not because of sect concerns. No, this time it was for something darker.
He needed Ah Yin to sacrifice herself. He needed her soul ring and soul bone to boost his power—and give Tang San what he needed to become Blue Silver Emperor.
And later, when she was revived with no memory of Tang Xiao, she would love only him.
"Come, Spirit Hall Titled Douluo. I, Tang Hao, await you here. This will mark the beginning of our enmity—and your downfall."
Days later, a Titled Douluo did appear—but not from Spirit Hall. It was a newly-promoted Titled Douluo from the Haotian Sect: Tang Kai, titled "Kai Tian."
On his way back to the sect, he sensed a powerful soul beast aura in a mountain valley. Curiosity piqued, he approached.
From a cliffside, he saw a small house in the valley. A man held a baby in the yard, with a woman sitting silently nearby.
"That's… a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in human form!" Tang Kai trembled with excitement.
Such a soul beast meant a hundred-thousand-year ring and soul bone. And as a transformed beast, she would have little combat power.
Though he'd just acquired his ninth ring, he still coveted her. If he captured her alive, the sect could use her later for soul rings and bones.
With that thought, Tang Kai gathered his soul power and soared down toward the valley.
Within the valley, Tang Hao, holding little Tang San, sensed the powerful aura approaching.
"So you've come, Spirit Hall Titled Douluo…" Tang Hao's mouth curled into a cold smile—unaware that this visitor was someone else entirely.
Thinking of this, Tang Kai used his soul power and flew into the air under the valley.
In the valley, when Tang Hao was holding little Tang San, he suddenly realized that a strong breath was flying towards where he was.
Are you here, the Titled Douluo of the Spirit Hall? Tang Hao smiled and casually placed Tang San on the crib.
Then he summoned the Clear Sky Hammer in his hand, and eight soul rings of yellow, purple, black and black lingered around him: "You are here, the Titled Douluo of the Spirit Hall, let me build my reputation from now on."
After saying that, Tang Hao jumped up and flew towards the direction of the soul master.
Two huge soul power auras collided with each other, and soon, Tang Hao realized that something was wrong.
"This is the aura of the Clear Sky Hammer!"
The person who came also stopped. He flew to the sky more than ten meters away from Tang Hao, staring blankly at the Clear Sky Hammer in Tang Hao's hand.
"Are you the second nephew?" Tang Kai said in surprise.
"Are you, Uncle Kai?" Tang Hao also looked at the person who came and said in shock.
Tang Kai recovered from his surprise. He said sternly, "Tang Hao, do you still have the sect in your eyes? You disappeared for decade, and it took the sect a while to find you. So you are hiding here."
Tang Hao lowered his head and said nothing. Even though he had been the master of the plane for ten thousand years in his memory, the genes of the past sect slaves were still affecting Tang Hao.
"You have broken through level 90." Tang Kai looked up and down at Tang Hao and the eight spirit rings surrounding him. He looked in the direction of Ah Yin thoughtfully and said, "You hide yourself. Are you planning to keep the spirit beast in captivity until you get the ninth spirit ring and then go back?"
Even Ah Yin could hear this voice.
Tang Kai continued, "Since you've reached Level 90, go ahead and kill that soul beast. Take her soul ring and soul bone, break through to Title Douluo, and return to the sect with me."
Tang Hao quickly explained, "No, that's not my intention. She is my wife. I will never kill her."
Although he had never sought a soul ring, it wasn't because he had been coveting Ah Yin's 100,000-year soul ring. Absolutely not.
"What did you say?" Tang Kai pointed at Ah Yin in shock. "You're telling me that this 100,000-year soul beast is your wife? And…"
"Back then, did you really turn against your brother… for a soul beast?"
Tang Hao remained silent. He didn't know how to explain.
Tang Kai looked at Tang Hao as if he were a monster. Then, his eyes caught sight of the sleeping infant in the crib in the courtyard—Little Tang San.
"Don't tell me that child was born between you and that soul beast… A beastman?!"
"Uncle Kai, Tang San isn't a beastman!" Tang Hao tried to explain.
"Half-human, half-soul beast. A beastman hybrid. Am I wrong?" Tang Kai said disdainfully, without concealing his contempt and disgust.
Tang Hao had no argument.
"Tang Hao, do you realize how much shame you've brought to your father, your grandfather, and our sect? You actually laid with a soul beast and birthed a hybrid. If this news spreads, how do you think the world will view our Clear Sky Sect?" Tang Kai said bitterly, disappointed like iron not turning into steel.
(Note: Since Tang Hao never became world-famous and Tang San never became a god in this timeline, the common human attitude toward human-soul beast unions in this era is about the same as if you said someone slept with a dog and gave birth to a half-dog. Except dogs might at least become cute dog girls.)
"I was with Ah Yin because of true love. What right does the world have to judge our love?" Tang Hao said proudly, neck straightened. In that moment, he seemed like a sovereign ignoring the masses, uncaring of their opinions.
Of course, in his memories, he didn't need to care.
In his past life, even though he had lusted after Ah Yin's body and united with a soul beast, he had still become the awe-inspiring Clear Sky Douluo, and ultimately, the supreme ruler of the Douluo Plane. His son Tang San would become a god. A god and a human are entirely different. The masses are like ants. How could giants like them care what ants think?
"Tang Hao, you're simply delusional." Tang Kai looked away from Tang Hao and glared at Ah Yin, then turned his killing intent toward Tang San. "You don't want this 100,000-year soul beast? The sect has plenty of people waiting for their ninth ring. And this hybrid—he must die today. A beastman like him—if word spreads, what a stain on the Clear Sky Sect's name!"
With that, Tang Kai lifted his hammer and moved toward Ah Yin and Tang San.
Seeing this, Tang Hao could no longer hold back. He summoned the Clear Sky Hammer and blocked Tang Kai's path. "Uncle Kai, must you really force me?"
"Step aside, Tang Hao. If not for this soul beast, would the Twin Stars of the Clear Sky Sect have turned on each other? Today, I'll slay this hybrid, take the 100,000-year soul beast, and drag you back to the sect!"
As he spoke, Tang Kai summoned nine soul rings and struck Tang Hao mercilessly with his hammer, sending him flying. Then he swung his hammer toward the infant Tang San.
Ah Yin watched in horror. She wanted to intervene, but her soul power had long since been sealed by Tang Hao.
Looking at the baby Tang San and the Clear Sky Hammer approaching fast—
She couldn't say she didn't hate this child. He was a stain on her existence, a constant reminder of that shameful past. But he was still her flesh and blood. Ah Yin couldn't bring herself to kill him.
As the hammer fell, she could only shut her eyes in pain—
Tang Hao, I don't know what your grand plan is, but wasn't the child the core of all your calculations? And now, your sect elder is about to kill him. Ironic, isn't it?
In the Divine Realm – Eternal Temple
The Title Douluo from the Clear Sky Sect chosen by Huo Yuhao—Tang Kai—was a man who held his sect above all else. In his eyes, there could be no stain on the sect's name.
How could someone like him tolerate the existence of a half-human, half-soul beast hybrid like Tang San?
At this moment, Tang San had yet to display his twin martial souls, his slew of 100,000-year soul rings, or any trace of divine inheritance.
Huo Yuhao murmured to Tang Kai, "Yes, this is how it should be. The heir of the Clear Sky Sect mated with a soul beast and birthed a beastman. If the world finds out, what would they think of your so-called number one sect? End that hybrid, erase this stain on your sect's future."
He then looked toward Tang Hao.
"So, what's more important to you—your own son and your future, or your loyalty to the sect? Tang Hao, what will you choose?"
This wasn't a hard decision for Tang Hao.
Just as Tang Kai's hammer was about to crash down on Tang San's tiny body, Tang Hao threw everything aside. This child was his path to becoming the Plane's ruler, his bond with Ah Yin, and the very foundation for the Tang family's future domination over the Douluo Divine Realm!
"Uncle Kai, don't force me!" Tang Hao summoned his Clear Sky Hammer, unleashed his Slaughter God Domain, eyes bloodshot, breath ragged.
"You would dare strike a sect elder—"
"Ring Detonation! Great Sumeru Hammer!"
The Clear Sky Hammer swelled to its limit, radiating blinding red light and murderous energy as it smashed toward Tang Kai.
Seeing Tang Hao was serious, Tang Kai had no choice but to retract his own hammer and strike back.
The two massive Clear Sky Hammers clashed violently, red and blue energies grinding against each other. But it didn't last long—Tang Hao's hammer soon devoured Tang Kai's. His martial soul shattered segment by segment.
In the end, Tang Kai looked on in disbelief as Tang Hao's hammer came crashing down. He didn't have time to dodge.
Boom!
His ribs cracked, organs shifted, and he was sent flying, finally crashing to the ground.
"Cough, cough, cough..." Tang Kai coughed up blood. Tang Hao landed in front of him, having retracted his hammer. Guilt filled his face.
"Uncle Kai, you forced me."
"Tang Hao... you would do this for a hybrid..." Tang Kai said weakly.
"Uncle Kai, Tang San is not a hybrid. He is my son. I will not allow you to harm him."
Tang Hao continued, "And my son, Tang San—if we can protect him and let him grow, he will bring fortune to the Clear Sky Sect for tens of thousands of years. His existence will benefit the sect."
Tang Kai sneered, "Are you kidding me? A beastman bringing fortune to the Clear Sky Sect for millennia? Even your grandfather wouldn't dare make such a claim."
How could Tang Hao explain future events to such a stubborn elder?
"You shouldn't have come here. Leave, Uncle Kai. I will not hand over Ah Yin or Tang San."
"You just wait, Tang Hao."
Tang Kai got up, limping as he left.
(In the distance, a Titled Douluo from Spirit Hall hidden in the shadows observed the unfolding events. Initially, he had planned to intervene and snatch the spirit beast from Tang Hao. However, under the influence of Huo Yuhao, his thoughts shifted. His eyes sparkled with calculation:
A hundred-thousand-year spirit beast transforming into human form? That's a big deal. I'd better return and inform His Holiness the Pope before making any further moves."
And with that, he quietly retreated.
After sending Tang Kai away, Tang Hao was left seething with frustration.
"Where the hell is the Spirit Hall's Titled Douluo? Why did it have to be one from the Clear Sky Clan?"
If it had been a Spirit Hall Douluo, Tang Hao wouldn't have hesitated—he'd have brought out his Clear Sky Hammer, smashed the enemy into a bloody pulp, leaving them barely alive to crawl back and summon Qian Xunji.
He even had a speech prepared for the occasion:
"Go back and tell that trash Qian Xunji: Ah Yin is my wife. If Spirit Hall dares lay a finger on her, I'll kill every last one of you. Even if Qian Daoliu shows up, I, Tang Hao, will still not flinch!"
But why—WHY—did it have to be someone from my own Clear Sky Clan?
With a dark expression, Tang Hao returned, carrying Tang San in his arms, and said to Ah Yin:
"Ah Yin, we need to go. Once Uncle Kai returns, he'll surely report this to the clan. They'll definitely come after us."
Two decades of inherited clan loyalty made Tang Hao reluctant to raise arms against his own people. But the reality was that the enemies he had hoped to make his name fighting—Spirit Hall—hadn't shown up. Instead, his own clan did. He had no choice but to plan accordingly.
Ah Yin teased:
"Your uncle actually reminded me of something—you've been at Rank 90 for so long, why haven't you acquired your ninth spirit ring yet? Don't tell me… you're waiting for my ring?"
Her words struck a nerve. Tang Hao had been thinking about Ah Yin's ring—just not in the usual sense of slaughtering a beast for it. His plan was to be hunted by Spirit Hall, show his dedication, move Ah Yin with his passion and sacrifice, and make her offer herself willingly to him.
Righteously, he responded:
"Ah Yin, do you think I'm the kind of man who'd covet his wife's spirit ring or bone? If I wanted your ring, I would've taken it two and a half years ago when I first became a Titled Douluo."
Ah Yin scoffed, eyes on Tang San:
"Because of this bastard. I can feel the intense calculation in you. I don't know what you're plotting, but it all starts with this brat. And now—"
"Now that he's born, your objective is complete. So why not just kill me and take your ninth ring?"
Tang Hao forced a fake smile:
"Ah Yin, how could I ever do that? My love for you is written in the heavens, witnessed by sun and moon! I swear upon my martial spirit—I, Tang Hao, will never kill you for your ring or spirit bone. Should I break this vow, may my spirit shatter!"
In his mind, Tang Hao had everything mapped out. First, escape from here, shake off the Clear Sky Clan, and head somewhere that would catch Spirit Hall's attention. Draw them out and recreate his past exploits—heroic battles, desperate odds, all while showcasing his love and sacrifice. Eventually, Ah Yin would be moved by his performance and offer herself willingly.
And in the future, once Xiao San became a god, he'd resurrect Ah Yin—but erase all her memories of Tang Xiao. Then Ah Yin would truly belong to him alone.
Fired up by this vision, Tang Hao tried to score more emotional points with Ah Yin:
"Ah Yin, I love you. I know humans and spirit beasts aren't accepted together in this world, but who cares? You've lived in human form for so long; if a Titled Douluo notices you, many will try to kill you. If that day comes, and I can't protect you—I swear, I'll let them step over my corpse first!"
To gain favor, Tang Hao shamelessly stole his son's future iconic lines.
Ah Yin, unimpressed, said coldly:
"If you truly loved me, you'd set me free instead of imprisoning me here."
Disappointed by her lack of emotion, Tang Hao comforted himself with the thought that once they were hunted and cornered by Spirit Hall, his valiant image would eventually win her over. Her eventual sacrifice was, in his mind, a matter of when, not if.
So, carrying Tang San, Tang Hao burned down their small house, took Ah Yin's hand, and began their grand escape.
Clear Sky Clan
Although Tang Chen had already left, the Clear Sky Clan's deep foundation remained intact. From Tang Chen to Tang Tian's generation, talents had continued to emerge. It had more Titled Douluo than any other sect—unlike the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, which barely held on with just one.
The first thing Tang Kai did upon returning was convene the Elder Council and pressure Tang Tian, the current clan leader.
During the meeting, he revealed everything about Tang Hao.
When he mentioned the hundred-thousand-year spirit beast's human form, every elder's eyes gleamed with greed. But when he recounted Tang Hao's outrageous actions, everyone was stunned.
"What did you say?" Elder Tang Qi exclaimed. "Tang Hao… actually coupled with a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast and even birthed a beastkin?!"
"Ridiculous! Absolutely absurd!" Elder Tang Mie said.
"A spirit beast ensnaring our two most promising geniuses into killing each other? And Tang Hao, bewitched into fathering a beastkin?" said Elder Tang Po.
"This must not go public. If word spreads, our Clear Sky Clan's reputation will be in ruins!" Elder Tang Zhe added.
Though human-spirit beast unions weren't unheard of (e.g., Langdao, the offspring of a Gale Demon Wolf and a human), Langdao was infamously villainous. If the world learned that the heir of the top clan mated with a spirit beast and birthed a hybrid, the Clear Sky Clan would be a laughingstock.
Enraged, Tang Tian slammed the stone table, shattering it with his soul power.
"Bastard! Tang Hao, you disgrace!"
Catching his breath, he solemnly declared:
"Elders, for this disgrace, I will personally bring him back."
"Clan Leader," said Tang Mie, "we must consider not just retrieving him but covering up this scandal. One man alone can't do it."
"Agreed," Tang Po added. "We recommend a joint operation—Clan Leader and four Titled Elders should act together. Capture Tang Hao and the spirit beast, execute the beastkin, and bury this scandal before it spreads."
Tang Tian looked at the eager elders and immediately understood their true motives.
Who wouldn't covet a hundred-thousand-year ring and bone?
Now that Tang Chen was gone and the twin stars of the clan had emerged, each branch of the clan was eyeing this opportunity. Tang Tian couldn't say much—he was also furious at Tang Hao.
"You seduced a beast, had a kid, brought us shame—and now you're at Rank 90, and you still haven't killed her for her ring? What's the damn holdup? Now even your uncles are eyeing her."
In the end, the Clear Sky Clan resolved: the Clan Leader and four Titled Elders would set out together to capture Tang Hao, eliminate the spirit beast, and kill the beastkin before the scandal became public.
After the council ended, a paralyzed, broken man in a wheelchair rolled out from the corner—Tang Xiao. He had heard everything.
"Ah Yin… is actually a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast?" he muttered in shock. But love and longing quickly drowned his disbelief.
"So what? I still love her."
Years of longing had turned his memory of her into a flawless dream. Imagining her delicate form and gentle face, Tang Xiao felt deep sorrow.
"Tang Hao, just you wait. I'll save Ah Yin from your demonic clutches, even if it costs me my life!"
With that, he rolled away, consumed by hatred. Whatever brotherly affection once existed was now dead—replaced by deep, enduring resentment.