For decades, Shrek Academy had been teetering on the brink of closure, struggling to stay afloat. However, Flender's gift of the gab had improved significantly.
To recruit talented students, Flender used every trick in the book, even fabricating some outright lies.
For instance, he claimed that one of Shrek's graduates had become an elder in Spirit Hall, and within the entire Spirit Hall, this person's status was second only to the Pope.
This was a complete scam. Anyone who knew even a little about Spirit Hall would understand: unless granted honorary titles, all elders were Titled Douluo-level or above. Even honorary elders needed to hold the Pope's command seal, which only the Upper Three Sects possessed.
Shrek had only been operating for a bit over a decade. Students entered at age 12. Even the earliest batch wouldn't be older than 30. Becoming a Titled Douluo by 30? Unless you're talking about freaks like Tang San and his absurd fortunes—do you think that's even possible?
But this is the power of propaganda. It doesn't matter if it's true—as long as the listeners believe it.
So far, Shrek's most outstanding and pride-worthy graduate was Qin Ming.
His martial spirit was the Fire Wolf, and he possessed innate level-9 spirit power. After supposedly "rigorous training" at Shrek (highly exaggerated), he graduated successfully. Due to a poor foundational start, his fifth spirit ring was only of the thousand-year level.
But the fool was so taken in by Shrek's brainwashing that he considered himself a "monster," proud of having graduated from Shrek. At Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, anyone who spoke ill of Shrek Academy—he'd throw hands.
The royal academy, seeing that although his potential had been stifled by "that damn school," he still had the makings of a Titled Douluo, chose not to argue further.
Meanwhile…
Though the surface of the Heaven Dou Empire appeared calm, underneath, turbulence brewed. The imperial Snow family had two princes.
The crown prince, Xue Luochuan, was politically brilliant. Had he succeeded Emperor Xue Ye, he could have healed the empire—he was the ideal future ruler.
The third prince, Xue Haizang, had strong cultivation talent, with innate level-9 spirit power. If he dedicated himself to training, he might become the royal family's first Titled Douluo in generations. Emperor Xue Ye was proud, often saying to others:
"My son Haizang has the potential for a title."
Xue Haizang focused only on cultivation and had no interest in political power, so he didn't conflict with his elder brother. One literary, one martial—the two could have ushered in a golden age for the Heaven Dou Empire.
But fate had other plans.
First, Xue Luochuan died unexpectedly. Then, Xue Haizang also passed. The entire Heaven Dou Empire plunged into mourning. Amidst the grief, the second prince Xue Qinghe (actually Qian Renxue in disguise) rose against all odds, demonstrating extraordinary political skill and eventually earning Emperor Xue Ye's favor. In sorrow, the emperor appointed Xue Qinghe as the new crown prince.
Prince Xue Xing, sensing something suspicious, protected the fourth prince, Xue Beng, urging him to pretend to be a wastrel while he secretly investigated the deaths of the other two princes.
At this point, events in the Heaven Dou capital began aligning with the trajectory of the original timeline.
On this day in Spirit Hall, an elderly man, gaunt like a bamboo pole and emanating a greenish aura with a fatigued spirit, arrived in Spirit City.
His name was Dugu Bo, and he had just reached the rank of Titled Douluo. He was here to be officially conferred with a title by Bibi Dong.
"Martial Spirit: Biphos Snake Emperor. Rank 91 Titled Douluo. Title: Poison!" Bibi Dong announced.
"Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, are you willing to join our Spirit Hall?"
Dugu Bo shook his head and said:
"I live freely and alone. I'm not willing to be bound."
Bibi Dong didn't press him further. After the formal coronation, she immediately allowed Dugu Bo to leave—as if the invitation was merely protocol.
Dugu Bo found this reaction strange but said nothing more. He left after the ceremony.
This version of Dugu Bo had worse luck than in the original timeline.
Previously, he had used the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to suppress the snake venom in his body. But in this lifetime, due to the well being sealed off, he never found it.
He forced his way into Titled Douluo territory with one foot in the grave, barely prolonging his life. But he was only clinging to survival—anyone could tell he wasn't doing well.
Qian Renxue, watching him leave, knew he had proven his worth on the battlefield. Recruiting him would bring more benefit than harm.
However, she retained memories from her previous life. At the Jialing Pass Massacre, though he wasn't the ringleader, Dugu Bo was one of the executioners.
Now that she knew this, Qian Renxue couldn't accept him joining Spirit Hall. Otherwise, how would she explain it to the countless innocent souls who had died by his hands?
"Young Master, should we eliminate him?" asked Golden Crocodile Douluo.
"Perhaps we won't need to. He might die from his own poison," Qian Renxue replied.
"Even if he doesn't, I'll eliminate him before he becomes a threat."
She had secretly placed a tracking mark on Dugu Bo—just like when she once tracked Tang San.
No matter where Dugu Bo went, even to the ends of the earth, she would know.
After leaving Spirit City, Dugu Bo—gripped by paranoia—constantly suspected that Spirit Hall would send people to coerce him. Yet after waiting for a long time, not a single pursuer appeared.
"Did Spirit Hall just let me go that easily?" Dugu Bo was puzzled.
As he walked on, he suddenly spotted a royal convoy up ahead—it was Prince Xue Xing's entourage.
Dugu Bo didn't even look—he immediately detoured around them, causing the prince, who had been waiting patiently for him, to miss him entirely.
It turned out that Prince Xue Xing had made the following deduction when he learned that Dugu Bo was going to the Spirit Hall to be officially conferred the title of Titled Douluo.
Once the Spirit Hall learned of Dugu Bo's promotion, they would inevitably invite him to join their ranks. But Dugu Bo was known for being solitary and would surely refuse.
The Spirit Hall, unwilling to lose face, wouldn't act against him inside the Pope's Hall. However, once Dugu Bo left Spirit City, the Spirit Hall would undoubtedly use force against him.
Prince Xue Xing believed that all he had to do was wait along Dugu Bo's departure route. When the Spirit Hall pursued Dugu Bo and cornered him, he could step in, offer aid, and earn the gratitude of a wild Titled Douluo.
Furthermore, the Spirit Hall would likely respect his identity as a prince of the Heaven Dou Empire and give him face.
Prince Xue Xing had the entire script planned out. Once Dugu Bo appeared, he would invite him into his carriage for a chat. When the Spirit Hall's pursuers arrived, he would step forward, display his status, and politely say: "Give me some face."
The Spirit Hall, not wanting to provoke the Heaven Dou Empire, would surely comply. And thus, he would effortlessly win over Dugu Bo.
Prince Xue Xing happily envisioned the entire plan, just waiting for a desperate, hunted Dugu Bo to walk into his trap. But in the end—
Dugu Bo did appear, but didn't look the least bit harassed or hunted.
He merely glanced at Prince Xue Xing's entourage and then left.
The deviation from his plan infuriated Xue Xing. He wanted to curse aloud: Spirit Hall, aren't you supposed to be domineering and ruthless? Shouldn't you be chasing down someone like Dugu Bo who refuses to join you? How could you just let him go?! If you don't chase him, how can I win his favor? Damn it!
Left with no options, Prince Xue Xing had to withdraw. His plan to recruit Dugu Bo would have to wait.
In the Star Dou Forest...
Xiao Wu had already taken on her human form, and it was time for her to venture into the human world.
Behind her, the Titan Giant Ape Er Ming stared at her fondly. So cute... Xiao Wu...
"Er Ming, I'm about to go to the human world to find the one who killed my mother," Xiao Wu said.
"Xiao Wu-jie, isn't that dangerous? Should I transform too and come with you?" the Titan Giant Ape asked.
"No need, Er Ming. When you haven't transformed, you're a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. But if you do, you'll lose all your cultivation," Xiao Wu replied. "Then how would you protect me?"
Er Ming scratched his furry head. "That's true..."
Xiao Wu suddenly asked, "Er Ming, if one day many people try to kill me, and you're not strong enough to protect me, what would you do?"
Er Ming pounded his chest and said, "Then they'll have to step over my dead body!"
Xiao Wu smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Er Ming. You're truly a good person."
And so, under Er Ming's reluctant gaze, Xiao Wu left for the human world.
She would never forget that night in the forest. Her mother lay in a pool of blood, while a greedy, muscular human wielded a massive hammer. He had killed her mother, absorbed her spirit ring, and taken her spirit bone.
His name was Tang Hao.
Mother, wait for me. I will avenge you. Hatred flashed through Xiao Wu's eyes.
As the sun set, a little demon child completed his final training session.
He sat cross-legged, circulating Xuan Tian Gong to heal his injuries, exhaling a breath of turbid air.
This little demon child was named Tang San—the same Tang San who, in the future, would possess the mind of a Noble, hands of a Sect, legs of a Commoner, and feet of a weak, all while trampling on Spirit Hall outcasts. Yes, that Tang San.
"Tomorrow is spirit awakening day," Tang San's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Xiao Wu, are we finally going to meet again?"
Tang San recalled how, in his previous life, Xiao Wu had borne him a precious son—and, as he thought, a money-draining daughter.
He remembered how she had sacrificed herself for him, brought a dowry of two hundred-thousand-year spirit rings, and married him. He thought of how she endured the Shura Sword's killing aura to anchor a rogue god position in his grasp.
He also remembered how she, even at the cost of soul annihilation, had helped him escape Huo Yuhao's clutches.
Tang San's eyes filled with gentle warmth.
Xiao Wu, don't worry. This life, I won't let anyone hurt you. (Well, except for that Spirit Hall incident... but don't worry, I'll make them all pay.)
Then he looked toward the rear mountain—the place where his mother had left behind a precious hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor spirit bone for him.
Thinking of the Blue Silver Emperor bone, Tang San couldn't help but get a little excited. It was the perfect soul bone for him.
But I won't forget who dug the well I drink from, he thought. Mother, rest assured. I avenged you in the last life, and this time, Spirit Hall will pay in blood too.
After tidying up, Tang San descended from the mountain.
Once again, he accidentally stepped on the golden-veined Blue Silver Grass beneath him.
He didn't notice the faint black aura emanating from it.
Within the Blue Silver Grass, Ah Yin was on the brink of madness.
For five years, she had watched Tang San climb this mountain daily to practice strange techniques and create weapons he called "hidden weapons." He constantly muttered unfamiliar information. Over time, she pieced together his origin.
He was from another world—Tang Sect in Another World. He'd stolen the sect's secret techniques (or as he put it: "I didn't steal—I acquired them! How can it be stealing when it's Tang Sect business?"). Pursued for his actions, he jumped off a cliff known as Ghost's End and died, his soul arriving in the Douluo Continent—to possess her child.
Thanks to Huo Yuhao severing the romantic ties, though she retained memories of once loving Tang Xiao, Ah Yin no longer felt anything for him. All that remained was a deep hatred for Tang Hao, and a complex mix of emotions toward her son.
But now...
She'd discovered that even her son had been possessed by a shameless interloper. How could Ah Yin possibly accept that?
"Tang San, you shameless fiend! Give me back my son's soul!" she shouted in resentment.
"Jie jie jie..." A strange laugh echoed deep into Ah Yin's soul.
"Who's there?" Ah Yin's spirit grew wary.
"Jie jie jie... You want to know what really happened to you?" the eerie voice said.
Ah Yin stayed silent, fully alert.
"You might've guessed that Tang Hao destroyed your love with Tang Xiao and forced you to bear Tang San for him. But do you know why this child is so important to Tang Hao? Want to know the truth? I can tell you everything..."
When Ah Yin heard these words, her heart trembled—her doubts had piled too deeply.
She felt that everything she had experienced was inextricably linked to that child.
Tang Hao may have loved her, but the true focus of his obsession was not her, but that child; after all, his single-minded purpose was overwhelming.
"Tell me—why?" she demanded.
Thus, Ah Yin learned of the first layer of the conspiracy swirling around her (though she remained unaware of a second, even deeper scheme).
It turned out that the Asura God was seeking an heir. He had grown dissatisfied with mortal-born children, so he resolved to use a beast-spirit as the mother—birthing a soul-master wielding the Clear Sky Hammer spirit as his chosen successor.
Because Ah Yin's own life-force had reached the pinnacle of perfection, the Asura God selected her. Under his influence, she imagined traveling to the human world. The other two—Tang Hao and Tang Xiao—were chosen to serve simply as fathers of the heir, vessels to pass down the Clear Sky Hammer spirit.
Though events later swung wildly out of control, they all remained within the Asura God's grand design—and the child's birth proceeded smoothly.
Then Ah Yin witnessed the Asura God dispatch the Sea God to the mortal realm. From another world, the Sea God ferried Tang San's soul over, and forced a spirit-replacement, supplanting her precious son's soul with his own.
Once Tang San was born, and the foreign soul had occupied his body, Ah Yin found that in the Asura God's view, she held little value beyond her soul rings, martial bone, and status as Blue Silver Emperor—so her death would be of greater use.
Then Asura God staged an elaborate drama, guiding her toward sacrifice at Tang Hao's hands. Thus she would die, freeing up the Blue Silver Emperor's throne and her martial bone for that insolent usurper.
Fortunately, at the crucial moment, her love for Tang Xiao overpowered the Asura God's control. She switched her intended sacrifice to Tang Xiao instead—…
Tang Hao, it turned out, knew of the Asura God's scheme all along. That was why he had so ardently pursued the Trial of the Slaughter City to earn the Killing God Domain, and then forcefully taken her back—so she would bear his child.
Why had Tang Hao been so frantic and cruel? Now she understood: being father to the future Asura God was surely maddening enough.
When the full truth sank in, the black miasma swirling about Ah Yin grew denser.
"Heh heh heh… now you know the truth," the eerie voice taunted coldly. "Take my advice: this spirit-beast—you must learn to let go. Under the Asura God's plan, you only need to feign ignorance. Tang Hao is destined to be the Father of the Asura God. You are fated to be the Mother of the Asura God. All you need to do is act like a doting married couple. Tang San will be a filial son—what benefits would he withhold from you later?"
At these words, the black miasma surged around Ah Yin like a tidal wave. In lethal venom she spat, "You have the gall to tell me to pretend to be a happy wife with a rapist—an insolent despoiler of my child—and to treat Tang San as my own flesh and blood?!"
"Then what do you propose?" the sinister voice rasped.
"Tang San is not my son. Not even if I die will I recognize him. The Asura God, Tang Hao, Tang San—let them pay the price, even if I perish!" Ah Yin hissed with fierce hatred.
"Excellent, full of spirit. I admire that," the voice praised her.
A cold wind swept across the Blue Silver Grasslands—and the single golden-veined Blue Silver Grass stalk that belonged to Ah Yin vanished into thin air.
Saint Spirit Village, Spirit Hall Awakening Chamber
Old Jack led a group of children into the Spirit Hall to undergo their spirit awakenings.
Hidden in the shadows, Tang Hao watched intently. In his previous life he had missed seeing Tang San awaken—this time, he was determined not to repeat that mistake.
As for Tang San himself—though he already knew the outcome of this awakening, he couldn't contain his excitement. His spirits were the Clear Sky Hammer and Blue Silver Grass—two top-tier spirits. Their awakening marked the beginning of his legendary life; his righteous path truly began in this moment.
Seeing the other children around him, Tang San felt a flicker of pity.
Last life their spirits had been things like hoes, sickles, or common Blue Silver Grass—useless. Many would never even become soul-masters. "Spirit awakening to change one's fate" was nothing but heartwarming hype.
Out of ten thousand, perhaps none would ever spawn a spirit variation. In the end, dragon fathers begat dragon sons, phoenix fathers begat phoenix sons, and mouse sons dig holes—such was the unbending logic of the world.
But I—my father is the world-renowned Douluo of Clear Sky Sect; my mother is the hundred-thousand-year-old spirit-beast Blue Silver Emperor. I am born Noble among Nobles, heir to mighty spirits. And you? You are nothing but lower-bloodline scum.
In that moment, Tang San felt a sublime superiority. He stood composed in the line, proud and alone.
Around him, the other children stared wide-eyed at Su Yuntao, eager for their own awakenings.
It was Su Yuntao who approached first. He explained the awakening ceremony and displayed his own spirit—Wild Wolf.
"Alright, children—come forward, one by one," Su Yuntao said.
One after another, the children stepped into the formation. Spirits emerged: sickles, hoes, Blue Silver Grass…
Su Yuntao shook his head in disappointment, dismissing each as a "waste spirit."
Finally, after awakening a girl whose spirit was Blue Silver Grass, it was Tang San's turn.
Tang San strode forward, meeting Su Yuntao's gaze.
In his heart he vowed: Spirit Hall—once I awaken my spirits and attain godhood, I will destroy you. For my mother, and for all the innocent souls you slaughtered! (In his last life, Tang San had used his "Angry Buddha Lotus" to slay over seventy spirit saints, and prompted Dugu Bo to massacre an entire city's practitioners—mostly humble mud-folk soul-masters—showing ruthlessness that matched any of Spirit Hall's.)
He mounted the platform. Su Yuntao arranged the awakening formation. A flash of golden light shot forth. Instinctively, Tang San clenched one hand around the soul imprint, opened the other—and a stalk of Blue Silver Grass drifted into his palm. If one looked closely, a faint golden vein pulsed along its blade.
Watching from the shadows, Tang Hao exhaled in relief.
This time there would be no irritating surprises—Tang San truly had twin spirits: the Clear Sky Hammer and the Blue Silver Emperor. One heir to the Sea God's throne, the other to the Asura God's. With Tang San in their lineage, the future Douluo Continent—and even the Douluo Divine Realm—would belong to the Tang family.
"Your spirit is Blue Silver Grass," Su Yuntao suddenly shivere and said, "Let me test your innate spirit power."
He produced a crystal orb for measuring spirit power.
Tang San pressed his hand to the orb. Instantly, its light filled the entire chamber.
Su Yuntao patted Tang San's shoulder. "Excellent—innate spirit power maxed. Congratulations: once you obtain a single soul ring, you will qualify as a soul-master."
He neither sneered at Tang San's Blue Silver Grass nor invited him to join Spirit Hall. After writing his report, Su Yuntao simply turned and left.
Tang San stood dazed, watching the elder's departing form, feeling that something had been lost.
Divine Realm, Asura Temple
Though watched by the Destroyer God, the Asura God was permitted to glance upon the Douluo Continent whenever he willed. How could he miss the awakening of his cherished heir?
Seeing Tang San awaken the Blue Silver Prince while concealing the Clear Sky Hammer, the Asura God nodded with satisfaction: "Well done—truly my chosen treasure, knowing when to hold back."
Divine Realm, Eternal Sanctuary
Earlier, Su Yuntao's odd behavior had been the result of Huo Yuhao's interference.
They said the blind God King had repeatedly turned "waste spirits" into one God King after another. Whether true or not, Huo Yuhao believed it—after all, he would not allow a nobody like Su Yuntao to ride such a buff.
Closing the Book of Eternity, Huo Yuhao observed all the children at the Spirit Hall awakening.
Except for Tang San, every single one had a useless spirit—these children who had grown up alongside Tang San would now diverge from his fate forever.
Every story instills its own lesson. What did Tang San's tale teach you? It is, in essence, the Ugly Duckling's story: even if you grow up among ducks, you remain a swan. Conversely, if you are a duck, you are forever a duck.
Huo Yuhao produced a spirit-factor injector—a product of countless experiments—and sneered, "But in my hands, I can turn ducks into swans… and swans into ducks."
Elder Hall, Divine Spirit Awakening Ceremony
At the same time, the Elders held their own grand awakening ritual for their descendants. Besides Tang San's village peers, only the offspring of the Great Spirit Elders—Glowing Feather Douluo, Jin'e, and Qingluan—took the stage, joined by several other Elder heirs.
First was the grandson of the Ghost Leopard Douluo. Stepping into the formation, he naturally awakened the clan's heirloom spirit, Ghost Leopard. Touching the crystal orb, its light bathed the hall. "Zhang Hua: Ghost Leopard spirit, spirit power maxed."
Next came the grandson of Porcupine Douluo, Ciren—awakening the Porcupine spirit, innate spirit power maxed.
One by one, Elder heirs emerged with their clan's proud spirits—each testing at full innate power.
"This Xuantian Gong is indeed impressive," said the Qingluan Votary. "Even before awakening, one can cultivate it to achieve max spirit power."
"But it remains postnatal," asked the Lion Votary. "How then can we know one's true innate power?"
"For now, we can only judge by each child's post-awakening cultivation," replied the Golden Crocodile Douluo. "Xuantian Gong can't defy fate—it only fully unleashes one's potential. Those who reach their limit will stagnate."
"Next: Qingming," announced the officiant.
"Third Brother, your son's up," the Lion Votary nudged the Qingluan Votary.
Procreation held little allure for the Votaries—but a hundred-thousand-year soul ring was irresistible. Thus Qingming arrived.
A young man with cyan hair mounted the stage. As his spirit awakened, a clear avian cry rang out. Behind him materialized the Qingluan Bird—an apex beast-spirit. Spirit power? Naturally maxed.
"Next: Guangning."
A porcelain-like girl with flowing silver hair—daughter of the Glowing Feather Douluo—approached. The moment her spirit stirred, the hall chilled. An exquisitely crafted ice-blue longbow appeared in her hand—like the Glowing Feather Duoluo, yet even colder. She too tested at full spirit power.
"Next: Tianyue."
Now Golden Crocodile's granddaughter took the stage. All watched closely as the golden-haired girl activated her spirit. The Golden Crocodile clan's spirits are usually Golden Crocodile, a top-tier beast-spirit on par with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Its ascended form, the Golden Crocodile King, rivals the Holy Dragon spirit—and in this early era of cultivation, it crowned Tian'e as the first among the Potential to reach Ultimate or hyper Duoluo. Today, only the Body Sect Master Huo Qiang stands at the very limit, followed by Qingluan, Glowing Feather Douluo, and now Tian'e, each at level ninety-eightDuoluo.
With the spirit's emergence came a mighty roar. The Golden Crocodile sensed Tianyue's aura—unmistakably equal to its own. "It's the Golden Crocodile King! Hahaha—behold its return!"