"Damn it." Tang Kai's eyes were bloodshot, his breath heavy as an ox. "That bastard Tang Hao caused this mess, but now my Clear Sky Sect has to bear the consequences. It seems today we'll have to fight to the bitter end."
"Master Tang Kai, please wait." Ning Fengzhi calmly stepped forward and said, "Allow me, Ning, to attempt a negotiation. Perhaps today I can help your Clear Sky Sect avoid a disaster."
"Can you really?" Tang Kai asked doubtfully.
Ning Fengzhi replied with confidence, "Of course. With just a few words from me, the Spirit Hall will retreat, and the crisis will resolve without a fight."
"Oh?" Yu Yuanzhen asked curiously, "Sect Master Ning, what ingenious plan do you have to resolve Clear Sky Sect's crisis?"
Ning Fengzhi said, "Just watch and see. Elder Kuang Xi, Elder Man Niu, would you accompany me to meet the two Grand Worshippers of Spirit Hall?"
Kuang Xi and Man Niu hesitated for a moment, then said, "Alright."
While Qianjun and Demon-subduing Douluo were commanding Spirit Hall's troops in their assault on Clear Sky Sect, suddenly, two powerful soul force fluctuations appeared above the sect's gates.
"Seventh Soul Skill — True Body!"
"Seventh Soul Skill — True Body!"
"Seventh Soul Skill — True Body!"
A massive black rhinoceros emanating a water-blue soul force stood to the right, a strong wild bull emitting a thick earth-yellow soul force stood to the left, and between them rose a towering seven-story glazed pagoda.
The three blocked the path of Spirit Hall's advancing army.
"Oh," Qianjun and Demon-subduing Douluo looked at Ning Fengzhi and his group with mild interest, not rushing to attack.
Ning Fengzhi released several soul skills in succession, boosting Kuang Xi and Man Niu's power as level 95 Title Douluos to the point where they could contend with a level 96 Title Douluo.
However, in the eyes of the two Grand Worshippers, this level of strength was still insufficient. Not to mention that the two of them combined could fight even a level 98 Super Douluo—each of them alone didn't regard the trio as a threat.
Demon-subduing Douluo, toying with his Coiling Dragon-Staff, said, "Clear Sky Sect hasn't even made a move yet, but you, Ning Fengzhi, have jumped out in such a hurry. What, are you intending to oppose Spirit Hall?"
Facing the two Worshippers, Ning Fengzhi showed no fear. Calm and composed, he replied, "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has no intention of opposing Spirit Hall."
"Then what are you planning to do?" Qianjun asked coldly.
"There may be some misunderstandings between Spirit Hall and Clear Sky Sect. There's no need for the conflict to escalate this far. Could you do me, Ning, a favor—both sides stop here and reconcile?" Ning Fengzhi spread his hands and continued, "In my view, all of this stems from Tang Hao. When he was on the run, he destroyed Spirit Hall properties and even killed the Pope and Elders."
"In my opinion, blaming this entirely on Clear Sky Sect is unreasonable. Sect Master Tang Kai has already announced to the world that Tang Hao was expelled from Clear Sky Sect—he is no longer one of them. Spirit Hall is entitled to its revenge, but I believe you should seek out Tang Hao, not Clear Sky Sect."
Ning Fengzhi thought this was a perfect plan: redirect Spirit Hall's hatred toward Tang Hao. Considering Tang Hao's potential after becoming a Title Douluo, Spirit Hall would pay dearly trying to hunt him down. Meanwhile, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could sit back and watch Spirit Hall weaken, restoring balance to the continent.
Qianjun said, "It seems this new Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect Master is quite eloquent. Then let me ask you this: when Tang Hao was destroying Spirit Hall properties, what was his status?"
Ning Fengzhi fell silent.
Qianjun sneered, "Can't answer, can you? He was Clear Sky Sect's heir. When he killed Elders, he was still Clear Sky Sect's heir. When he committed those crimes, it was under the identity of a Clear Sky Sect disciple. Now you claim that by expelling him, Clear Sky Sect should bear no responsibility?"
Demon-subduing Douluo added, "Even if we set that aside, tell me—what is Tang Hao's surname? It is Tang. What is his martial soul? The Clear Sky Hammer. As long as these two facts remain, whether or not he has left the sect, Spirit Hall has every right to hold Clear Sky Sect accountable. Otherwise, what's to stop a Title Douluo from any sect committing crimes, then feigning expulsion to shield the sect from retribution? How could such logic stand?"
The Clear Sky Sect members couldn't stay silent after hearing this.
"What? Tang Hao causes trouble, and we Clear Sky Sect must bear the consequences?"
"Damn it! Tang Hao, you beast—this is all your fault!"
"For a thousand-year-old Clear Sky Sect to produce a disgrace like you—it's a tragedy for the sect."
Ning Fengzhi's face darkened. He hadn't expected Spirit Hall to be so determined to act against Clear Sky Sect.
He shifted tactics: "Then let me put it another way. Spirit Hall bears a blood feud with Tang Hao, and so does Clear Sky Sect. You share a common enemy. Why not set aside differences and hunt Tang Hao together?"
"No need." Qianjun replied. "We will settle the score with Tang Hao in due time. Today, we'll first settle accounts with Clear Sky Sect."
Demon-subduing Douluo brandished his Coiling Dragon Staff and pointed it at Ning Fengzhi. "Ning Fengzhi, this is between Spirit Hall and Clear Sky Sect. I'll give you one last chance—leave peacefully, or don't blame me for being ruthless."
Threatened so directly, Ning Fengzhi's expression grew stiff. He replied firmly, "Elders, the Three Great Sects have always stood united. If you attack Clear Sky Sect, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect cannot stand by idly. Today, the leaders of the Three Great Sects are here. Are you sure Spirit Hall wants to start a war with us?"
Upon hearing this, the two other sect leaders reacted differently.
Tang Kai was deeply moved—true friendship is revealed in adversity. He hadn't expected Ning Fengzhi to stand with Clear Sky Sect at this critical moment.
Yu Yuanzhen, on the other hand, was almost cursing aloud in his heart: I thought you, Ning Fengzhi, would make some brilliant argument here at the frontlines, but this is your grand plan? I don't care if your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect wants to back Clear Sky Sect, but damn it—who said you could speak for my Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect?
Qianjun said, "So, are you threatening Spirit Hall?"
Ning Fengzhi stiffened his neck and said, "Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect harbors no hostility toward Spirit Hall, but the Three Great Sects stand united. How could I ignore Clear Sky Sect's plight? I must ask you, Spirit Hall—do you really intend to start a war with us Three Sects?"
The Three Great Sects barely managed to contend with Spirit Hall. Ning Fengzhi would not allow Spirit Hall to destroy Clear Sky Sect—otherwise, Spirit Hall's growing power would eventually overwhelm them all, picking them off one by one.
Qianjun and Demon-subduing Douluo smiled faintly but did not act. Behind them, two silent, invisible arrows shot forward—one pierced Kuang Xi's heart, the other struck Man Niu's heart.
In an instant, the phantom images of the Wild Rhinoceros and the Barbaric Bull martial souls let out a mournful wail. A chilling aura spread out, and both Title Douluos of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan perished, their bodies frozen solid in ice.
The sudden turn of events shocked everyone present.
Just moments ago, it had been a standoff between Ning Fengzhi, two Title Douluos from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and the Spirit Hall forces. Now, it had become a scene where Ning Fengzhi, a lone auxiliary-type soul master, stood helplessly at the front line, exposed while maintaining his martial soul avatar.
With the two Title Douluos fallen, everyone's eyes turned toward the direction from which the arrow had flown.
On a nearby mountain ridge, a figure that appeared to be a youth—though his silver hair floated elegantly—stood holding an ice-blue bow. He toyed with an arrow in his hand and said:
"Ah, I've been spotted. But since I seem to be the strongest one here, I suppose there's no need to hide anymore."
With that, he leaped from the mountain peak—over a thousand meters away—and landed behind Qianjun and Demon-subduing Douluo.
"Spirit Hall, Fifth Worshiper, Glowing Feather Douluo!"
An immense wave of soul power emanated from him, even more formidable than that of Title Douluos Qianjun and Demon-subduing Douluo.
Tang Kai was drenched in sweat. He said, "Such a powerful aura... it must be at the 98th rank. To deal with my Clear Sky Clan, Spirit Hall has actually mobilized two rank-97 Super Douluos and one rank-98 Super Douluo. Truly, they think very highly of us."
"Though your Clear Sky Clan's foundation has been weakened by Tang Hao, the title of the world's number one clan still stands, does it not?
Having one more person ensures greater success," replied Glowing Feather Douluo.
However, the usually wise Ning Fengzhi seemed to have forgotten the reality of his current situation. His eyes were vacant as he stared at the two ice statues beside him.
Through the ice, he could see the final moments of Grandpa Wild Rhinoceros and Grandpa Barbaric Bull. The icy arrows had pierced their hearts, and they were instantly killed from afar. The chill spread outward from their hearts, freezing them solid from the inside out.
"Grandpa Wild Rhinoceros... Grandpa Barbaric Bull..." Ning Fengzhi collapsed to his knees in grief.
Though he had known their time was near and they wouldn't live many more years, he had never imagined they would fall this way. A deep sorrow welled up in his heart.
Suddenly, a burly figure appeared before Ning Fengzhi, casting a shadow over him. Only then did Ning Fengzhi snap back to reality. When he looked up, he was struck with terror—it was Demon-subduing Douluo Douluo. He realized with dread that, as a mere rank-79 Soul Sage with no combat strength, he was now exposed before a Super Douluo of Spirit Hall.
His face turned as pale as paper, his body trembling under Demon-subduing Douluo Douluo's overwhelming soul power. Gone was the composure he'd had earlier when protected by two Title Douluos.
Demon-subduing Douluo approached Ning Fengzhi, extending his hand to grip Ning Fengzhi's head. Ning Fengzhi stared in terror, not daring to move. He had a gut feeling that the man could crush his skull like tofu with just a squeeze.
"The three upper clans are as one. If you oppose the Clear Sky Clan, you oppose the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan as well, right? Hmm? You think your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has the strength to go against my Spirit Hall? Don't say I didn't give you a chance. I told you to get out of the way smoothly," Demon-subduing Douluo said, squeezing Ning Fengzhi's head as if playing with a walnut.
Then Demon-subduing Douluo gave his head a shove, speaking in a scolding tone: "But why didn't you listen, hmm? Why? I gave you a chance, but you couldn't make use of it. Huh? I gave you a chance, but you couldn't make use of it!"
Ning Fengzhi was pushed to the ground like a leaf in the wind, feeling utterly humiliated.
"You said your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan wouldn't stand idly by—that you would advance and retreat with the Clear Sky Clan, right?
Now that Tang Hao has left the Clear Sky Clan, this matter no longer concerns them, does it? You tried to threaten us with the unity of the three upper clans, right? You're bold, I'll give you that.
Very well, I'll use your own logic against you. Once we finish dealing with the Clear Sky Clan, my brother Qianjun and I will leave Spirit Hall and attack your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, wiping out every last one of you. We'll make sure the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul disappears from this world."
Demon-subduing Douluo stroked the staff in his hand, speaking coldly: "Rest assured—when that time comes, I'll have already left Spirit Hall. The matter will have nothing to do with Spirit Hall. Later, I'll rejoin Spirit Hall, and at worst, Spirit Hall will merely be harboring a criminal who slaughtered the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. What can the world say about that?"
Panic flashed in Ning Fengzhi's eyes. He crawled over to Demon-subduing Douluo Douluo and pleaded: "Please, no! Senior Demon-subduing Douluo, please, I was blind and foolish!"
"Hahaha!" Demon-subduing Douluo Douluo sneered: "If you want me to spare your clan, there's a way. In front of everyone here, kneel down and kowtow three times, loudly using your soul power to say, 'Grandpa Demon-subduing Douluo, I dare not oppose you again,' and make sure everyone hears you. If you do that, I might let your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan survive a little longer."
Ning Fengzhi felt utterly humiliated, but when he thought of the thousands of lives in his clan, his pregnant wife about to give birth, and more...
He swallowed his pride, knelt down, and said loudly with his soul power: "Grandpa Demon-subduing Douluo, I dare not oppose you again." As he spoke, he kowtowed repeatedly. When finished, he asked obsequiously: "Grandpa, is this sufficient?"
Demon-subduing Douluo shrank his martial soul into a small ear-cleaning stick: "Do it again. I didn't hear it clearly the first time. Use more force when kowtowing. Speak louder so I can see your sincerity."
Ning Fengzhi, humiliated beyond words, could only kowtow even harder, banging his head against the ground until his forehead was bloody. All the while he repeated: "Grandpa Demon-subduing Douluo, I dare not oppose you again."
"Hahaha," Demon-subduing Douluo said, toying with Ning Fengzhi's head again: "You know how to behave. Now, get lost."
Feeling as if he had received a pardon, Ning Fengzhi stood up and prepared to leave this humiliating place—but was kicked to the ground by Demon-subduing Douluo:
"When I say get lost, I mean roll! Now roll!"
"Yes, yes!" Ning Fengzhi nodded frantically, curling up and rolling away like a ball.
It was shameful—Tang Kai and Yu Yuanzhen couldn't bear to watch. If they were treated this way, they would rather die.
Demon-subduing Douluo turned his gaze to Yu Yuanzhen and said warningly: "Yu Yuanzhen, old dragon, are you also planning to unite with the Clear Sky Clan and oppose Spirit Hall? Want to test your luck too?"
Yu Yuanzhen quickly shook his head: "No, absolutely not. This so-called unity of the three upper clans was just Ning Fengzhi's personal decision. It does not represent the stance of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Today, the matter between Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Clan has nothing to do with us."
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect retreated in humiliation, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan also backed away. Now, what should we do? Tang Kai was drenched in cold sweat when suddenly a sharp, thread-like voice sounded in his ear.
"Little Kai, in a moment, this old man will go deal with the Worshippers of the Spirit Hall. You take the core disciples of the Clear Sky Sect and head toward the Ancestral Grounds. Don't look back—just run. If you make it inside, our Clear Sky Sect will survive. Back in the day, my nephew Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu made an agreement: from Qian Daoliu onward, no member of the Spirit Hall may enter that place. It is our Clear Sky Sect's private domain."
After dealing with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Qian Jun immediately ordered all Spirit Hall Soul Masters to attack the Clear Sky Sect with full force.
At that moment, a massive Clear Sky Hammer suddenly descended from the sky, smashing toward the Spirit Hall Soul Masters.
At the same time, a deep, domineering voice echoed across heaven and earth:
"Let me see who dares—!"
Qian Jun, quick-eyed, grabbed his Coiling Dragon Staff and struck at the Clear Sky Hammer. Staff and hammer clashed mid-air, with neither side gaining the upper hand for the moment.
"That is... a level 97 Clear Sky Sect Title Douluo," Glowing Feather Douluo said.
The Clear Sky Hammer was knocked backward, eventually landing in the hands of a man in the sky.
His face was pale, holding the Clear Sky Hammer, surrounded by nine Soul Rings: yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black.
The older generation were all stunned when they saw him.
"You are... Tang Ba!" Yu Yuanzhen said in shock.
"Tang Ba! I didn't expect you to still be alive," Qian Jun exclaimed.
"Oh? You all know him?" Glowing Feather Douluo Douluo asked curiously.
"Of course. Ba Tian Douluo — he was of the same generation as my second brother. Tang Chen would have to call him uncle," Qian Jun replied.
"Back when Demon-subduing Douluo and I were just rookies, he was already a renowned Title Douluo."
"But judging by how his life force is withering, he probably doesn't have many years left," Qian Jun commented.
"Let me handle him. You all cover me."
Having said that, he leapt into the air, spinning his Coiling Dragon Staff as he approached Tang Ba. His Soul Rings lit up: yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red.
The overwhelming Soul Power radiating from him surged toward Tang Ba.
Both were level 97 Title Douluo, but Tang Ba was old and frail, near the end of his lifespan. Qian Jun was in his prime, further empowered by a 100,000-year Soul Ring, allowing him to suppress Ba Tian Douluo temporarily.
"Qian Jun, you brat—weren't all your Soul Rings only ten-thousand-year?" Tang Ba exclaimed.
"Hmph. Personal fortune, no need to explain. Let's fight, Tang Ba. Let's see whether your Clear Sky Hammer deserves the title of the number one Tool Spirit, or my Coiling Dragon Staff does," Qian Jun challenged, wielding his staff.
"Coiling Dragon Staff? You think it's worthy to compare with my Clear Sky Hammer? Even if you have a 100,000-year Soul Ring, so what?" Tang Ba said proudly.
He lifted his Clear Sky Hammer and shouted:
"Clear Sky Hammer — Ring Detonation!"
One by one, his Soul Rings exploded, merging into his hammer. Its aura grew even more massive, overwhelming Qian Jun.
"So, you're going all out? Ring Detonation?" Qian Jun's Coiling Dragon Staff expanded. Cracks appeared on his Soul Rings, and then, before the shocked eyes of the Clear Sky Sect disciples, they detonated.
"You detonate your rings, I detonate mine."
Qian Jun's Soul Rings exploded and merged into his staff, and he charged straight at the Clear Sky Hammer.
Hammer and staff collided mid-air, with Soul Power waves spreading outward like a storm.
"You... you actually know how to detonate rings?!" Tang Zhen exclaimed in shock.
"As you can see. The art of Ring Detonation is quite fitting for my Coiling Dragon Staff," Qian Jun said smugly.
Damn it. Who betrayed the sect's secret technique?
But Tang Zhen had no time to dwell on that. Both were level 97 Title Douluo, and the battle demanded their full attention — even a moment's distraction could be fatal.
Demon-subduing Douluoand Glowing Feather Douluo had no intention of joining the fight. They simply stood on the ground, watching the battle in the sky.
Above them, two Title Douluo—one blue, one red—clashed again and again, hammer versus staff.
"By the way, those Clear Sky Sect disciples are already running toward the back mountain. Should we stop them?" Glowing Feather Douluo pointed at the scene of Tang Kai leading the remaining Clear Sky Hammer disciples away.
"Fifth brother, you know the answer already. The Grand Worshipper instructed us not to exterminate the Clear Sky Sect completely—leave a few alive," Demon-subduing Douluo replied helplessly.
"Since that's the order, just let our subordinates harass them."
"Fair enough." Glowing Feather Douluo shrugged.
"I do wonder why big brother gave such an order. Isn't it best to uproot the weeds completely?"
Then he looked at Tang Kai and dropped his playful tone:
"But before that, let me hunt a few rats. I'll start with this unscathed Title Douluo rat."
He readied his bow, aimed at Tang Kai, and loosed an arrow.
"Quick, follow me!" Tang Kai led the Clear Sky Sect disciples in retreat. Tang Lie was at his side, and Title Douluo-level Tang Xiao was not abandoned — several disciples were pushing his wheelchair as they fled.
"Damn that Tang Hao! If not for him, we wouldn't be in this catastrophe. It's all his fault," Tang Lie said venomously.
"No point in blaming anyone now," Tang Kai said.
"We need to reach the Ancestral Grounds. Only there will we be safe."
"Uncle Kai, will the Spirit Hall really honor Qian Daoliu's promise?" Tang Lie asked.
Tang Kai wasn't certain.
"I think so. Qian Daoliu is a man of his word. With his prestige, the Spirit Hall should honor his vow... unless—"
Before Tang Kai could finish, a cold sensation pierced his back. His heart was impaled by some sharp object. Cold energy spread through his body, and he lost consciousness.
Tang Lie watched in horror as Tang Kai's body froze over. He instantly understood what had happened, eyes turning red as he cried out hoarsely:
"Uncle Kai—!"
Next, several more arrows rained down.
"Run! We must run!" a Clear Sky Sect disciple shouted in panic.
This seemed to trigger a stampede. The previously organized group of "rats" fell into chaos. In the confusion, some disciples fell and were trampled to death by their comrades.
"Fifth brother, go easy! Some of them are on big brother's 'do not kill' list!" Demon-subduing Douluo called out.
"Relax. My aim is perfect — I won't accidentally kill any rats I shouldn't," Glowing Feather Douluo replied, sticking out his tongue.