Flender said to Yu Xiaogang, "Gangzi, what you did this time really wasn't appropriate. Tang San doesn't have the strength to convince the others. It's one thing that he didn't lose to Yu Tianheng in the tournament, but he did lose when they made a bet—whoever won would be the team captain—and he refused to accept the result. Yet you still made him captain. Aren't you just worsening the internal conflict within the Shrek team? How can the team stay united like this?"
Flender had high hopes for this generation of the Shrek team.
They had three Soul Kings, and the rest were all above Soul Ancestor. In previous tournaments, having even one Soul King made a team a strong contender for the championship. Let alone having three.
However, behind this powerful Shrek team, Flender sensed a potential crisis—an underlying tension between Yu Tianheng, Er Ming, and the others, versus Tang San, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar. That conflict seemed to have been triggered by Xiao Wu.
If this internal rift wasn't handled well, it could cost them a victory that was practically in the bag. That left Flender very troubled.
Right now, the most important task for the teachers was to reconcile the internal divisions within Shrek. But Yu Xiaogang's decision, in Flender's view, didn't help unify Shrek—on the contrary, it deepened the cracks within the team.
"I—I'm doing this for Shrek's sake. That Tianheng kid always acts on impulse, only knows how to brute-force things. A guy like that shouldn't be team captain," Yu Xiaogang stiffened his neck and said stubbornly.
Flender replied, "You're being too judgmental. Don't forget, Tianheng was captain of the Heaven Dou Imperial Team for a while."
"So what? I've achieved nothing my whole life. Xiao San is like my own son—I want him to shine brilliantly in this tournament. That's all I wish for! Flender, you already took Liu Erlong from me and even had a kid with her. Can't you at least let me have this one small wish?" Yu Xiaogang's eyes reddened as he delivered a guilt-laced plea, using emotional manipulation to force his will—just so Tang San could be team captain.
"This..." At the mention of that topic, Flender felt a deep sense of guilt toward Yu Xiaogang. He sighed and said, "Alright, Gangzi. Then let Tang San remain as team captain."
Yu Xiaogang instantly felt a wave of relief. He knew full well there were conflicts within Shrek. Two years ago, when Tang San was first made captain, there was little opposition from the teachers.
After all, aside from Dai Mubai and Yu Tianheng, who were slightly older, everyone else was more or less on the same level.
But who would've thought that in just two years, the Shrek team would change so drastically?
To use an analogy, it was like the members of Shrek were running a sprint race. At the signal, Yu Tianheng, Xiao Wu, and Er Ming took the lead with overwhelming strength. Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun followed close behind, while Tang San was the one bringing up the rear.
In truth, Tang San's progress hadn't been bad, but compared to the others in Shrek, it just wasn't impressive.
This made Yu Xiaogang deeply anxious. The root of it all lay in Tang San's Blue Silver Grass martial soul, which was essentially trash. (Yes, Yu Xiaogang still didn't believe that Tang San's Blue Silver Grass had been crippled by the poison attribute—he thought the only reason Tang San was cultivating so fast was entirely due to his theories.)
And so an awkward problem arose—Tang San, the weakest in the team, was the one commanding everyone else as their captain. How could this not create friction within Shrek?
Flender, Zhao Wuji, Liu Erlong, and the other teachers had all considered replacing the captain. But each time, Yu Xiaogang shot it down through emotional manipulation.
Sure, Tang San was extraordinary. But if you covered up his second spirit, he was just a Soul Ancestor with Blue Silver Grass. In this Continental Soul Master Tournament, if he wasn't captain and couldn't decide who got to play, he'd likely be relegated to a benchwarmer by Yu Tianheng or any other captain.
To Yu Xiaogang, that was unthinkable. Tang San was his one chance to gain fame. This tournament would be the stage where Tang San rose to prominence—and where Yu Xiaogang's name would also shine.
So, for the sake of his own ambitions—even if making Tang San captain meant deepening rifts within Shrek—Yu Xiaogang would still force Tang San into the role.
The skeptical gazes of Ning Rongrong, Er Ming, and the others made Tang San feel like he was sitting on pins and needles. He knew his current strength made it hard to command respect.
But Tang San didn't want to see Xiao Wu using a martial soul fusion technique with someone else. To stop Yu Tianheng's scheme from succeeding, Tang San had no choice but to steel himself and accept the role of captain.
Dai Mubai placed a hand on Tang San's shoulder and said, "Ah San, don't worry about it. In our eyes, you'll always be the soul of the Shrek Seven Devils."
Oscar also placed his hand on Tang San's shoulder and added, "That's right, Ah San. The captain of the Seven Devils—there's only one choice for us, and it's you."
Ma Hongjun followed suit, pressing his hand on Tang San's shoulder. "Yu Tianheng? Screw that guy. He's just a stinking dragon, and he dares to compete with you for Xiao Wu? He's got no sense of his own limits."
Even Tai Long joined in, placing one hand on Tang San's shoulder. "Young master, it's just that you didn't cultivate the Clear Sky Hammer. Otherwise, what right would that Yu Tianheng trash have to act arrogant in front of you?"
"Everyone… thank you." Tang San said with emotion. Then he finally asked the question that had been on his mind for two years—but one he had never dared to voice out of respect:
"Er Ming, Xiao Wu, Yu Tianheng—they've been able to train so quickly because of their martial soul fusion techniques. But you guys… how did you manage to improve so fast without even having immortal-grade herbs?"
Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and Tai Long all tensed up at the question. In the end, this issue was unavoidable. If they wanted to gain Tang San's trust and work together on matters concerning Xiao Wu, they needed to come up with a reason that would convince Tang San—without exposing their secret relationship with Xiao Wu.
Dai Mubai was the first to speak. His face was serious as he said, "Ah San, you know my background. Since birth, I've had to compete with my older brother. Only one of us can survive the fight for the throne.
But this life, Zhu Zhuqing has already left me. I had hoped your immortal herbs would give me the edge, but an accident at the Ice-Fire Yin-Yang Well ruined that plan. So, to survive, I could only train with twice the effort—no, two hundred times the effort."
(Dai Mubai's heart had long been filled with Xiao Wu. He had already forgotten about Zhu Zhuqing. But to convince Tang San, he had to dig up the name of this long-forgotten girl.)
Tang San nodded. Dai Mubai's reason made sense to him. Rebirth or not, his most direct threat was the battle for the throne of Star Luo. So Dai Mubai had to fight hard.
Tang San said, "Don't worry, Mubai. We'll support you. When the time comes, we'll help you win that destined battle."
"Then what about you, Fatty? You carry the burden of Evil Fire and have no immortal-grade treasures. How did you cultivate so fast?" Tang San asked Ma Hongjun with a suspicious gaze.
Ma Hongjun replied in a tone full of melancholy, "Ah San, you know me. In my past life, because I didn't train hard enough, I missed out on the position of Flame God and could only inherit the Phoenix God's seat. That's what led to my true love, Bai Chenxiang, dying of old age on the Douluo Continent.
Now that I've been reborn, I, Ma Hongjun, won't let such a tragedy repeat. For Bai Chenxiang, no matter how hard the Evil Fire is to endure, it can't compare to the longing in my heart.
To reunite with her in this life, I must endure the Evil Fire. No immortal treasure? Then I'll bridge the gap with pure effort. If normal effort isn't enough, I'll train a hundred times harder—or even two hundred times harder."
(Of course, in reality, Ma Hongjun's heart had already been captured by Xiao Wu. Bai Chenxiang? He didn't even care anymore. But to fool Tang San, she made for an excellent excuse.)
"Yeah, totally," Oscar chimed in. "Ah San, we've all seen how hard Fatty's been working. He's been using pure willpower to resist the corrosion of the Evil Fire. It's incredible."
"Is that so…" Tang San murmured. "Fatty, no matter what, I promise I'll find a way to rid you of the Evil Fire in this life. Just like last time, Shrek must ascend to godhood together."
Then Tang San turned to Oscar. "And what about you, Oscar?"
Oscar immediately put on a face full of resentment and said, "Ah San, I don't know if you noticed, but in our past life, Ning Rongrong always liked you, not me! But I don't blame you.
It's that treacherous woman—Ning Rongrong—who was too fickle. Now that I've been reborn, I'm going to make her see me in a new light.
I'll train with everything I've got, draw her in, make her fall head over heels… then I'll cruelly dump her. That's how I'll wash away the humiliation of my last life. And to do that, I'll train with all I have. If normal effort doesn't cut it, then I'll put in a hundred times, two hundred times more."
(Truthfully, Oscar had long been healed by Xiao Wu in this life. He neither loved nor hated Ning Rongrong anymore—she was just a stranger to him now. But to brush off Tang San, he pulled out Ning Rongrong as a convenient scapegoat.)
Tang San was fully convinced by Oscar's excuse. In his previous life, he had always known that Ning Rongrong secretly liked him and deliberately kept her from getting close to Oscar.
Their relationship had stagnated because of that. Deep down, Tang San had always been aware of this, and it gave him a faint sense of superiority.
"Oscar… I'm sorry. I didn't realize your relationship was falling apart back then. If you had come to me, I would've talked to her on your behalf." Tang San said with sincere guilt. "But what's done is done. Whatever you want to do in this life, I, Tang San, support you."
"Really? Thanks, Ah San." Oscar said gratefully.
Tang San then turned to Tai Long. "And what about you? How did you improve so quickly?"
Tai Long scratched his head and thought for a moment. "Young master, you know me. I grew up listening to my grandpa's stories about senior Tang Hao.
My admiration for His Highness senior Tang Hao is boundless. I respect you as I respect your father. My grandpa told me to follow you as your loyal follower—that's my greatest honor.
I know I'm crippled and imperfect, but to be useful to you, I'll give everything I've got in cultivation. If one time's not enough, I'll train a hundred times harder… two hundred times harder. I firmly believe that one day, I'll be able to help you."
"So…" Tang San's face twitched. "You're also training two hundred times harder?"
He began to doubt life. Why did it feel like everyone was training so ridiculously hard? Compared to them, he, Tang San, suddenly seemed lazy!
Still, all four had given convincing stories, and Tang San bought them all.
Spirit Hall — The Pope's Hall
Bibi Dong sat on the throne of the Pope.
A red-robed cardinal stepped forward, holding a tray. He lifted the red silk covering it to reveal three spirit bones resting quietly on the tray.
Bibi Dong said calmly, "Announce to the world: the prizes for this year's Spirit Master Tournament will be these three spirit bones, to inspire the spirit masters of this generation. The three pieces are: the 100,000-year Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone, the 100,000-year Soft Bone Rabbit Right Arm Bone, and the 50,000-year Spirit Condensation Wisdom Skull."
"As you command, Your Holiness," the red-robed cardinal replied.
And thus, the prize that the Spirit Hall had promised the world two years ago—100,000-year spirit bones—was officially unveiled just before the tournament began.
The entire spirit master world erupted in excitement. Of course, some also saw through the deception behind this reward.
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan
Gu Rong frowned at the intelligence report. "The 100,000-year Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone… Could it be that 100,000-year spirit beast?"
"Who else could it be?" Ning Fengzhi replied. "There's only one Blue Silver Emperor in the entire Douluo Continent."
"But how did that spirit bone fall into Spirit Hall's hands? Did Qian Xuanji really snatch it from Tang Hao all those years ago?" Ning Fengzhi said suspiciously. While he knew the general events of that pursuit, the exact details weren't widely known. "In any case, I think this is a trap. Spirit Hall is clearly using this 100,000-year spirit bone as bait to lure Tang Hao out."
"Then what should we do, Sect Master?" Gu Rong asked.
Ning Fengzhi rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "We observe. Tang Hao displayed extraordinary strength even before becoming a Titled Douluo. Now, he's definitely beyond that level. If Spirit Hall wants to hunt this tiger, they'll have to pay a steep price."
Meanwhile…
Tang Hao had emerged from seclusion.
He stretched his limbs, revealing his powerful aura as a level 96 Super Douluo.
"It's been years… Spirit Hall… The blood debt you owe my sect—
It's time for me to collect interest."
Tang Hao stepped out and said,
"It's time to visit Little San. He's probably finished absorbing the immortal herbs from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well by now. He should be preparing for the Spirit Master Tournament."
Saying this, Tang Hao headed toward Heaven Dou City.
On the way, he passed a spirit master inn and stepped inside. He walked to the counter and laid down nine copper soul coins with one hand.
"Warm up two bowls of cheap barley ale. And give me a plate of spiced fava beans."
"Right away, sir. Please, this way."
Tang Hao found a seat and sat down. Once the food and drink arrived, he started sipping the beer and munching on the beans.
That's when he overheard a conversation from the next table between two spirit masters.
"Hey, did you hear? Spirit Hall is putting up two 100,000-year spirit bones as prizes for the tournament!"
"Oh? Which ones?"
"Rumor says one is the 100,000-year Blue Silver Emperor bone, and the other is the 100,000-year Soft Bone Rabbit bone."
"What? The rewards for this year's Soul Master Tournament are that generous? Sigh, why was I born twenty years too early… I missed the chance to get a hundred-thousand-year soul bone for nothing."
"Heh, even if you were born twenty years later, what difference would it make? With your aptitude, no academy would have let you into the competition team."
"I was just joking… But seriously, a Soft Bone Rabbit and Blue Silver Grass can both become hundred-thousand-year soul beasts?"
"You really don't know, huh? There's a story behind that hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Grass!"
"Oh? What story?"
"Well, back in the day, the Clear Sky Clan had two incredibly talented individuals—Tang Xiao and Tang Hao. They were known as the Twin Stars of Clear Sky."
Before the storyteller could finish, a giant hammer suddenly came crashing down on them. They didn't even have time to react before they were smashed flat.
The entire hotel was reduced to rubble under the residual force of the Clear Sky Hammer. No one inside survived its murderous intent.
The surrounding passersby panicked at the sight and fled in terror.
"Ahhhhhhhh!!!"
Tang Hao put down the Clear Sky Hammer. His eyes were bloodshot, his breath came in furious gasps, and with arms like apes, he pounded his chest and roared with rage.
"Spirit Hall… It really was you. You took my Ah Yin from me!" Tang Hao growled in fury.
Head bowed, fists clenched so tightly they trembled, Tang Hao desperately wanted to storm every Spirit Hall across the continent and destroy them to exact vengeance.
But when he thought of the Clear Sky Clan, his fists slackened in helplessness. No… He couldn't bring disaster upon his clan.
Then, his blood-red eyes scanned the fleeing crowd. With hatred in his voice, he shouted, "Ah Yin was forced by Spirit Hall to sacrifice herself! Even her Seed of Life was taken! Why do you people get to live peacefully? Come, be buried with Ah Yin!"
Grabbing the Clear Sky Hammer again, he began smashing everything around him.
When the dust finally settled and the area had turned to rubble, beneath the debris lay mutilated corpses. Only then did Tang Hao feel his raging sorrow ease a little.
"Spirit Hall, you may be triumphant for now… But when my son Tang San ascends to the position of the God of Asura and rules the Douluo Continent, he will cleanse this filthy world. Your Spirit Hall will be erased from history."
The Clear Sky Hammer shrunk and disappeared from Tang Hao's hand. He pulled down the brim of his hat and vanished into the ruins.
Shrek Academy
Flender stood excitedly before the Shrek Seven Devils, hands clasped behind his back.
"Little monsters, today I have some good news for you."
"Teacher, what is it?" Ma Hongjun asked.
Flender announced, "The rewards for this year's Soul Master Tournament have been confirmed: two hundred-thousand-year soul bones and one rare spiritual-type skull soul bone."
This is different from my previous life…
When did Spirit Hall become so generous? Tang San thought, a curious glint in his eyes. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
But if Spirit Hall is bold enough to use these soul bones as prizes… then before I destroy them, I'll gladly accept their offerings.
Yu Tianheng asked, "Teacher, what soul bones are they?"
Flender replied, "A hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone, a hundred-thousand-year Soft Bone Rabbit Right Arm Bone, and a rare 50,000 year Head Bone spiritual 'Wisdom Skull'."
As soon as he said this, the four reborn individuals, Xiao Wu, Er Ming, and the others—fell completely silent.
What?!
Tang San wasn't surprised that Spirit Hall had the Soft Bone Rabbit Right Arm Bone. What shocked him was that Bibi Dong hadn't absorbed Xiao Wu's mother's soul bone.
But the hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone?
Wasn't that his mother's soul bone from his previous life?
How did it end up in Spirit Hall's hands?
On the other side, Xiao Wu and Er Ming were also stunned. Xiao Wu had witnessed her mother being killed by Tang Hao, and the soul bone should've ended up with Tang Hao too.
So how did it appear in Spirit Hall?
Meanwhile, Yu Tianheng—clueless about the past—had a flash of excitement in his eyes. These were two hundred-thousand-year soul bones!
If they won, the Soft Bone Rabbit Bone could go to Xiao Wu, and the Blue Silver Emperor Bone would perfectly complement his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's vitality. The skull bone could go to Er Ming.
As for Tang San?
He was just a mere Soul Sect (four-ring soul master)—he didn't deserve such treasures.
Flender continued: "You lot are the best students I've ever taught. Except for Oscar, Yu Tianheng, and Dai Mubai, the rest of you are only twelve years old. If the tournament were delayed two more years, we'd have an even better chance at winning. But even now, we're sending a team with three Soul Kings. That's already considered a championship contender."
Flender's pep talk didn't even register with Tang San.
Win? So what if we win?
We're just reclaiming what was originally ours.
The hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone was his mother's to begin with. Winning it back was no victory—it was merely restoring what was rightfully his.
He remembered his father had placed his mother's soul bone in the Water Curtain Cave behind Holy Soul Village.
How did it end up with Spirit Hall?
Had something happened to the Seed of Life?
Tang San's heart grew increasingly chaotic.
After the meeting ended, he noticed Xiao Wu's eyes slightly red. Sensing a chance to win her favor, he stepped up and said:
"Xiao Wu, that hundred-thousand-year Soft Bone Rabbit Bone must be very important to you, right?"
Hearing this brought Xiao Wu out of her daze. Her face showed deep nostalgia as she softly replied:
"That's my mother's relic… Ah San giegie."
"What? That's your mother's relic?! How dare Spirit Hall steal your mother's soul bone! They're truly heartless!" Tang San exclaimed in mock shock, then righteously declared:
"Don't worry, Xiao Wu. Ah San giegie will definitely win that soul bone back for you!"
But Xiao Wu wasn't fooled.
Though she didn't yet understand how Spirit Hall got her mother's soul bone, she was certain of one thing:
It originally belonged to Tang Hao.
If both soul bones ended up with Spirit Hall, then something must have happened between Tang Hao and Spirit Hall.
Regardless, Xiao Wu knew:
Her mother's soul bone must be reclaimed.But Spirit Hall was not her true enemy.
Her true enemy was—
Tang Hao.
Not only did Tang San fail to gain her favor with his "virtuous act," but in Xiao Wu's heart, he only drew her deeper disgust.
You, the son of the man who murdered my mother, pretending to care like a mourning cat—
What a joke.
You covet my body? I'd weld that place shut before letting you have it.
You crave my soul ring and soul bone? I'd rather sacrifice myself to a stranger than let you benefit.
Give it up already.