A clansman reported to Ning Fengzhi that something significant had occurred on the continent: the Spirit Hall had dispatched Chrysanthemum Ghost to annex the four great clans affiliated with the Clear Sky Sect, but they were repelled by a force calling itself the Body Sect.
"The Body Sect? A sect that uses the physical body as its martial soul... They actually repelled the Spirit Hall?" Chen Xin exclaimed in surprise.
"This is the first time I've heard of the concept of a body martial soul. It seems we've missed out on many similar genius soul masters," said Gu Rong, who had lived long and seen much. Naturally, he was aware that there were always a few people on the Douluo Continent whose martial soul awakening resulted in soul power without a visible martial soul.
Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up as he said, "These days, Spirit Hall is at the peak of its power. For the Body Sect to emerge and oppose them now, they must have some hidden strength."
"So what you're saying, Sect Master..." Chen Xin prompted.
"We need to pay a visit to the Body Sect. We share a common threat—Spirit Hall. If possible, we should form a mutual alliance with them, a united front of offense and defense. When facing Spirit Hall, we should stand together, rise and fall as one." Ning Fengzhi clasped his hands behind his back, once again taking on the demeanor of the wise sect master.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School conveyed its desire for a visit to the Body Sect through the four single-attribute clans.
The Body Sect agreed to the meeting, and the location was set at the former site of the four clans.
On that day, the two major sects gathered.
From the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School, Ning Fengzhi arrived with Chen Xin, while Gu Rong stayed behind to guard the sect.
Representing the Body Sect were Huo Qiang and Zhao Quan, accompanied by Niu Ao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi.
Since Chen Xin had lived with his father for many years, he had a clear sense of what constituted the peak of the continent's power. When he saw Huo Qiang, his eyes narrowed slightly and he whispered to Ning Fengzhi, "Fengzhi, this sect master of the Body Sect is no ordinary man."
Ning Fengzhi gave him a questioning look, and Chen Xin explained, "I can sense unfathomable depth from him. I've only ever felt this before from my father. But... he might even be stronger than my father."
Ning Fengzhi was startled. He knew that Chen Xin's father, Dustseer (Chen Jianjun), was a Super Douluo at level 97. For Chen Xin to say this man was even stronger... then the Body Sect master's strength must be at least at level 97 or 98.
Still, knowing that the Body Sect master was so powerful greatly pleased Ning Fengzhi. If he could persuade the Body Sect to oppose Spirit Hall, then with them taking the lead, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School would be safe.
Meanwhile, Huo Qiang glanced over Ning Fengzhi and looked at Chen Xin.
At this point, Chen Xin was a level 95 Titled Douluo—short of his canon starting strength of 96—but getting close.
"I've long heard of Sect Master Ning Fengzhi. Your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School is said to be the richest in the land," Huo Qiang said.
"Hahaha, and your Body Sect, just emerging from seclusion, has already accomplished such a great feat that the world has taken notice. It shows the strength of your sect," Ning Fengzhi replied.
The two shook hands, and Huo Qiang said, "Please, have a seat."
Once seated, Huo Qiang got straight to the point: "Sect Master Ning, what is the reason for this meeting?"
Ning Fengzhi asked, "I'd like to know, Sect Master Huo—what is your view of Spirit Hall?"
Huo Qiang paused in thought before replying, "From what I understand, the three enshrined elders Spirit Hall sent out this time all have strength above level 97. Their rankings within the Hall of Worship are based purely on power, and these three are ranked fifth, sixth, and seventh. If even the lower three are this strong, I can't imagine the strength of the top three."
(Note: Grand Worship Qian Daoliu is widely known on the continent and thus not mentioned directly.)
At this, Ning Fengzhi broke into a cold sweat. He had only intended to use Spirit Hall's threat as a rhetorical tool to persuade the Body Sect into alliance, but he didn't expect the other side to know even more than he did—making him feel firsthand the shock of Spirit Hall's power.
If even their seventh-ranked enshrined elder was a level 97 Super Douluo, just one of them could easily crush the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School. How could they stand against that?
"Then…" Ning Fengzhi asked with some apprehension, "If you were to face those three enshrined elders, how would you fare?"
"Those three are far beneath me. Even if they came together, I could capture them all," Huo Qiang answered confidently.
"Oh? Then Sect Master Huo, your cultivation must be profound indeed," Ning Fengzhi replied, before shifting the tone. "But as you said, they're only the lower-ranked enshrined elders. What about the second, third, and fourth? And what of Angel Douluo Qian Daoliu, once hailed as the invincible sky itself and one of the two peaks of the soul master world? What would you do against him?"
Ning Fengzhi's question gave Huo Qiang pause, and his expression grew heavy.
Seeing this, Ning Fengzhi pressed his advantage: "Spirit Hall is full of powerful soul masters and possesses overwhelming strength across the continent. They also harbor ambitions of uniting the entire world. With your Body Sect emerging now, I fear they will not tolerate your existence. Though your personal strength is formidable, a single tree cannot support a collapsing wall."
"So… what are you suggesting?" Huo Qiang asked.
"I propose that we form an alliance. We can incorporate the other two upper sects and the forces of the two great empires. United in purpose, we can stand against Spirit Hall together," Ning Fengzhi said.
Upon hearing this, a flicker of interest appeared in Huo Qiang's eyes as he fell into deep thought.
Zhao Quan, standing nearby, sneered and said, "Hmph, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School—just a support sect with only two Titled Douluo. You think you're qualified to ally with us? What does the Body Sect stand to gain?"
"Zhao Quan, that's enough," Huo Qiang reprimanded him, then turned to Ning Fengzhi and said, "Please forgive him, Sect Master Ning."
Ning Fengzhi laughed and said, "Hahaha, it's nothing. In fact, the Firebody Douluo speaks the truth. If your Body Sect has any needs, feel free to come to us. I'll help however I can."
"Oh? Do you mean that?" Huo Qiang asked.
"Of course. Is there something troubling you now?" Ning Fengzhi replied.
With a troubled look, Huo Qiang said, "It's not a major issue. It's just that since we've reemerged, we hope to establish a secular branch of the sect. But after being in hiding for so long, we're rather short on funds…"
Ning Fengzhi patted his chest and said, "That's no problem at all. Leave everything about establishing your sect to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School."
"Oh, you're being too kind. I'd feel bad accepting so much."
"It's really no trouble. Being able to befriend a powerful soul master like you is my honor. From now on, whatever troubles you may have, you can always count on me."
"Well then... I'll gratefully accept your offer."
The Body Sect had received financial support from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and in turn, the two sects signed a pact of mutual alliance—advancing and retreating together as one.
Both sides were satisfied with the outcome. This meeting between the sect masters of these two major factions was a clear win-win. Truly a joyous and celebratory occasion.
Let's now shift our focus from the mortal realm to the Divine Realm above Douluo Continent.
In the Divine Realm, a judgment assembly was being held, bringing together many of the gods of the Divine Realm.
The six God Kings sat high above the rest at the meeting.
As the rotating chair holder for this session, the God of Evil sat in the center. Huo Yuhao was seated beside him, flanked on either side by the God Kings of Destruction and Life.
Next to the God of Evil was his wife, the Goddess of Kindness, and next to her was the Asura God.
Beneath the six God Kings were the first-level gods such as the Angel God, Elemental Gods, and Sin Gods. Each had their own designated seats.
But second-level gods, like the Sea God, could only sit shoulder to shoulder in the audience. Third-level gods were even worse off—they had to stand on the outskirts and simply observe the proceedings.
Soon, five of the six God Kings took their seats. As usual, the God of Life was absent.
Huo Yuhao casually took out a bag of divine sunflower seeds, munching as he curiously asked the God of Evil, "Evil, what happened that made you call this Divine Judgment Assembly so urgently?"
With a slightly unnatural expression, the God of Evil replied, "It's a rather serious matter. You'll know soon enough."
"Oh? Then I'll be watching with great interest," said Huo Yuhao, cracking open another seed.
A few minutes later, all the gods had arrived.
The God of Evil announced, "We now formally begin today's Divine Assembly. Angel God, step forward."
"Yes," came the reply.
Angel God walked to the center of the assembly, directly facing the five supreme God Kings of the Divine Realm.
"Tell the gods your grievance," the God of Evil said awkwardly.
"Thank you, Lord Enforcer," Angel God said, then suddenly pointed to the Asura God seated off to the side and shouted angrily, "I accuse the God King of the Divine Realm, the Asura God, of abusing his authority—interfering in the mortal realm and aiding a morally depraved person, thereby harming the descendants of our Angel Clan!"
The hall instantly erupted in an uproar. A first-level god accusing the Divine Realm's chief enforcer? This was absolutely unprecedented in the entire history of the Divine Realm.
In a corner, the Sea God began to sweat profusely. The Angel God… how dare she?
The Asura God had originally been off in his own world, unconcerned with the meeting, fully focused on how best to arrange the trials for his beloved little disciple. But then, out of nowhere, he was directly named and shamed by the Angel God—and his face froze in disbelief.
Of course, he knew what he had done. He just hadn't expected the Angel God to be so brazen, to dare accuse him at a Divine Assembly. Did she not understand that he was the Enforcer of the Divine Committee? That she, a subordinate god, dared to bring charges against him?
She had to be silenced. If she exposed everything he had done in Douluo Continent, it would damage his prestige in the Divine Realm beyond repair. With this thought, the Asura God made a decision—
He slammed the table and shouted, "Insolent! Angel God, how dare you slander this Enforcer God! I, the Asura God, have always enforced the law with fairness. When have I ever abused my authority or interfered in the mortal world, let alone supported a morally corrupt individual?"
And with that, the Asura God unleashed his God King-level divine pressure, crushing down on Angel God without mercy.
But just then, the God of Destruction intervened. He countered the pressure and said calmly, "Asura, we all know your character. But let's follow proper procedure—let's first hear what the Angel God has to say."
The God of Destruction was known for his stern sense of justice, so it made sense for him to protect Qian Renxue's right to speak.
The Asura God, inwardly cursing, thought: Damn it, Destruction! By stepping in, you're making it look even more suspicious!
He glared threateningly at Qian Renxue. "Angel God, do you have any evidence? If not, your false accusations against me will carry serious consequences. Think carefully—do you really want to accuse this seat?"
Angel God heard the veiled threat in his voice but remained fearless.
"Evidence? Of course, I have it," she said.
With that, she activated a divine projection of the mortal realm, revealing the events below for all to see.
The scene showed Tang Hao fathering a half-beast child with a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast, which led to the Clear Sky Clan hunting him down.
Tang Hao, a mere Spirit Douluo, didn't have soul rings or soul bones strong enough to overpower Titled Douluos. Yet, to the gods' shock, Tang Hao killed or crippled six Clear Sky Titled Douluos—including his own father and his older brother Tang Xiao, who had just become a Titled Douluo with a hundred-thousand-year soul ring.
Watching this, the gods showed visible disgust.
In countless worlds, patricide was considered an unforgivable sin.
Then came the arrival of the Spirit Hall forces. Tang Hao once again displayed exaggerated combat power, hammering two of their Titled Douluos to death and severely injuring Qian Xuanji, who later succumbed to his wounds.
Facing the gods, Angel God said, "You may not know this man, but he is vicious and wicked. For the sake of a woman, he slaughtered his fellow clansmen, his brother, his father, and his elders. I ask you—is that not the mark of a morally depraved man?"
Even those allied with the Asura God had no way to refute this—Tang Hao's actions were beyond the pale.
"But such a man—clearly vile and evil—did not even reach the level of Titled Douluo, nor did he possess extraordinary foundation. By all logic, he shouldn't have been able to challenge a Titled Douluo head-on. Yet how did he kill eight Titled Douluos and cripple another?" Angel God pressed. "You've all seen it. When he activates the Killing God Domain, his strength rises to a level far beyond what he should possess."
"And who bestowed the Killing God Domain upon him? None other than our Divine Realm's Enforcer, the noble and impartial Asura God!"
She turned to glare sharply at the Asura God.
At that moment, even the God of Kindness and the God of Destruction looked toward the Asura God with questioning, judgmental gazes.
"You… even if that's true, the Killing God Domain was granted only after Tang Hao passed the trials of the Slaughter City. If he can use it so powerfully, that's his own doing," the Asura God protested. "I… I merely followed the rules and granted the domain accordingly…"
But under the intense gazes of the other gods, his voice began to falter.
Angel God sharply questioned, "None of the gods present here are fools. Tang Hao's Killing God Domain is fundamentally different from the domain you bestowed upon him. Whenever he's in danger, you can channel divine power into him through the Killing God Domain to enhance his strength."
"God of Asura, I want to ask you—what is Tang Hao to you that you go so far out of your way to support him? Is he your chosen successor as the next God of Asura?" Angel God demanded.
The God of Asura's expression turned pale. Angel God's question was a trap. According to the rules of the Divine Realm, a god may channel divine power to aid their chosen successor in a limited capacity. He could claim that Tang Hao was his successor, which would make helping him during times of danger justifiable.
But look at the things Tang Hao had done—were any of them acceptable to the gods? He maimed his comrades and allies, all for the sake of a woman, and ultimately even committed patricide.
To call such a person his chosen successor would be admitting that the God of Asura had poor judgment.
He could also tell the truth—that Tang San was his chosen one and Tang Hao merely his protector. But right now, Tang San's soul was still in the process of integrating with the Douluo Continent. If the gods scrutinized that "precious one" closely, they might discover the anomaly—and conclude that Tang San hailed from another world.
If they investigated further, it would be even worse than falsely calling Tang Hao his successor. It would be proof that the God of Asura had knowingly broken the laws of the Divine Realm.
"You're speechless now, aren't you? Gods of the Divine Realm, look at this—this is the so-called Enforcer God of our Divine Realm. A god of law and order, knowingly breaking the law, willfully interfering with the mortal world, and supporting a villain who wreaks havoc on all living beings!" Angel God's gaze swept across the gods. "Tell me, where is the justice in this? Where is the order?"
None of the gods spoke.
"Why are you all silent? If the God of Asura can scheme against me today, what's stopping him from scheming against you tomorrow?"
They all knew Angel God was speaking the truth, and the logic was sound—but so what? The God of Asura was one of the six Supreme Gods. Was it worth offending him for the sake of the Angel God?
However, after today, the God of Asura's image had suffered a massive blow.
The God of Asura drew his Asura Demon Sword and pointed it at the Angel God, shouting, "Enough, Angel God! You keep slandering me!"
"Don't take my patience for weakness. Look at this sword in my hand—it has judged countless sinners. Now, repeat what you just told the gods—was all that really the truth? Or did you fabricate it?"
The terrifying divine weapon, soaked in the essence of blood and killing, pointed straight at Angel God. Yet she held her head high and stood firm.
"Even if I have to repeat it again, I will say it: You, the God of Asura, a divine enforcer of the law, knowingly broke the law and interfered in the mortal realm to support a villain who slaughtered the innocent. If you want to judge me for that, then go ahead! Even if I die, I, the Angel God, will demand justice for my descendants!"
"You—!" The God of Asura was furious, and the Asura Demon Sword surged with an overwhelming aura, pressing down toward Angel God.
But in the next moment, that divine pressure vanished like smoke.
A divine spear was now pressed against the God of Asura's neck.
The God of Asura looked clearly—it was the Eternal Singularity Spear, the supreme divine artifact of the God of Eternity.
"You've finally shown yourself, God of Eternity. This whole setup today—it was your doing, wasn't it?" The God of Asura's aura collapsed, and cold sweat dripped from his face as he looked at Huo Yuhao.
Huo Yuhao chuckled and shook his head. "I've never had dealings with the Angel God. What sort of scheme could I have set up?"
"I stopped you simply because—your behavior disgusted me."
Then, standing in front of the sacred relief sculptures of the divine palace, Huo Yuhao raised his voice and questioned harshly, "God of Asura, do you even know where you are?"
"This is the Divine Realm Council! A place of utmost sanctity and solemnity! Your every word and action here represents divine authority. And yet, you threaten the Angel God like this? That's no different from trampling over the dignity of the Council!"
"Or… do you believe that, as a God King, you can ignore and even trample upon the rules? Are you saying that you matter more than the other five Gods Kings? You have a divine weapon—do you think we don't?"
Without giving the God of Asura a chance to respond, Huo Yuhao's words came like a barrage of cannon fire.
He pointed to Angel God and continued, "The Angel God—she founded the Spirit Hall, suppressed the evil spirit masters, and helped generations of civilians awaken their martial souls. She became a god by gathering the faith of countless mortals. With her rise to godhood, the Angel God position became a first-class divine seat. For generations, the Angel Clan has suppressed evil and protected the Douluo Continent, giving the mortals peace from the atrocities of evil soul masters. They have made tremendous contributions."
"And now, look at the thing you've chosen to support."
Huo Yuhao then projected the Angel God's divine vision for all the gods to see. Through a god-king's sight, everything became clear. They saw many of the God of Asura's underhanded actions—such as when Tang Hao was on the verge of collapse, and a burst of divine power from the God of Asura suddenly surged into him, instantly reviving him like someone injected with adrenaline.
That Ring Explosion Technique—others could use it once and be out of commission for days. Tang Hao? He could explode his rings as often as he liked, seemingly without consequence.
"All of you, look closely! Tang Hao—a man who mutilated his comrades and brothers for a woman, who murdered his own father! A morally bankrupt, heartless, and utterly inhumane beast!"
"And you, God of Asura—you, a divine enforcer of the law, who should uphold and safeguard the rules—you supported this beast and allowed him to commit massacre after massacre. Tang Hao is a criminal, and you, an enforcer god—you're his accomplice!"
Huo Yuhao spoke with sorrow and righteous fury. "And then, you help that beast suppress and harm the Angel Clan, which has done so much for the Douluo Continent—"
"Aren't you just bullying an honest god?" Huo Yuhao's voice thundered with a soul-piercing accusation.
"You—!" The God of Asura turned paler and paler, but he couldn't refute a single word.
"I, Huo Yuhao, usually stay out of the Council's decisions. It's always been left to you five Gods Kings."
"But today… today's events were too much, even for me. You—an enforcer god—breaking the law knowingly—does this Divine Realm still have justice? Does it still have laws?"
"Today, the Angel God was bullied, and not a single god spoke up for her. What if tomorrow the God of Asura breaks the law and comes after you? I ask all of you—what's the point of having rules, if they protect no one? I, Huo Yuhao, stand here today—for justice, and for fairness."