Not long ago, Yu Xiaogang experienced a martial soul evolution. He was happy to the extreme, reaching the peak of his life—only for joy to turn into sorrow. His martial soul was stripped away, and he was thrown straight from the clouds down into a latrine pit, becoming nothing more than a wriggling maggot in the filth.
And now, just as disaster never comes alone, Yu Xiaogang encountered them.
His frail body trembled in the cold wind. He wanted to run, but because he had just used a whip to lash at his martial soul, he had no strength left to escape.
"You—you shouldn't be—"
"You want to ask if we should still be in prison, right?" Scar Brother clamped a hand down hard on Yu Xiaogang's shoulder, squeezing tightly. With his grim face, he forced out a sickly sweet line: "Because we missed you so much, we've all gathered here again."
Dragon Brother's massive hand also gripped Yu Xiaogang's thin shoulder, making his bones creak audibly. He sneered, "Seeing you so miserable, we brothers got out of prison just to comfort you a little."
"Even though you don't have your Golden Holy Dragon, you still have us." Chicken Brother grinned. "Tonight, I'll broaden your horizons."
Jie Brother scratched Yu Xiaogang's nose and said, "Haven't seen you in years, and you've gotten so tender and delicate. I missed you so much. I already booked a private room tonight—come on, let's have a good time together."
"No, no, no! Don't, don't!" Yu Xiaogang cried in despair.
And so, Yu Xiaogang was surrounded by this group of burly men, and in the end, he became their cream puff.
Meanwhile…
After returning from soul hunting, Tang San had fallen into a slump.
This time, his Clear Sky Hammer had wasted four soul ring slots, and his talent had even been weakened by a layer.
Thinking about his Clear Sky Hammer and Blue Silver Grass setup, Tang San couldn't help but feel discouraged.
"Ah San giegie." Xiao Wu's voice pulled Tang San back to reality.
"Little Xiao Wu… sister." Tang San's voice trembled (Finally—after so many nights, my Xiao Wu has at last come willingly to giegie's room).
Xiao Wu stepped into Tang San's room, pacing curiously. "Ah San giegie, I heard you've been attaching soul rings to your Clear Sky Hammer?"
"Mm." Tang San nodded.
"Then… it must be very powerful, right?" Xiao Wu asked with sparkling expectation.
"Uh…" Thinking of the soul skills on his Clear Sky Hammer, Tang San felt embarrassed. They were hardly impressive. But faced with Xiao Wu's bright, hopeful eyes, he couldn't admit weakness. He nodded stiffly. "Mm, not bad, not bad."
"Ah San giegie, you're too modest. The Clear Sky Hammer is the number one martial soul in the world."
"Tomorrow's round-robin match—you must be the opening fighter, giegie. I've always had great expectations for you. I believe you'll shine brilliantly in the match."
Looking into Xiao Wu's adorable, expectant eyes, Tang San nodded firmly. "Xiao Wu, don't worry. In tomorrow's round-robin match, I will display my great strength."
"Mm. Ah San giegie, I'm really looking forward to your performance."
"Mm." Tang San nodded again.
No matter what, tomorrow he had to prove his strength to Xiao Wu—only then could he earn the right to mate with her, thereby gaining recognition to draw the Shura Sword from its sheath, opening the Shura God Trials, and continuing the legendary path of his previous life.
"Tomorrow's opponent in the round-robin is Forest Academy. As usual, I, Yu Tianheng, will go first. You all can cheer me on from the sidelines," Yu Tianheng announced.
At this, Tang San stood up. "Wait, I object. Yu Tianheng, tomorrow's first match should be mine."
"You—" Yu Tianheng looked at Tang San with disdain. "With your Blue Silver Grass martial soul, do you even have the strength? Don't embarrass us."
Dai Mubai stepped forward, pointing at Yu Tianheng's nose. "Yu Tianheng, the past is the past. Don't drag it into the present. Our Ah San now trains the Clear Sky Hammer—his martial soul isn't the useless Blue Silver Grass anymore."
Ma Hongjun also spoke up. "Yu Tianheng, your arrogant days are over. Our Ah San's Clear Sky Hammer is already trained up—get ready to be smashed."
Oscar added, "And don't think being temporary captain for a few days makes your tail reach the heavens. Don't forget, our Ah San is the real captain."
"Training the Clear Sky Hammer, huh…" Yu Tianheng was briefly stunned. He stepped over and patted Tang San on the shoulder. This time, Tang San decisively slapped his hand away.
"Oho, so dark-skinned Ah San's grown some guts now, eh? That's the confidence your Clear Sky Hammer gives you?" Yu Tianheng smirked. "Fine then, you can go first. Tomorrow, I'll see just how strong you are. Don't end up forcing me or my brother Er Ming to clean up your mess."
"If you're waiting for me to fail, you'll be disappointed," Tang San said coldly.
"Hmph. You've seen the results of the previous matches, right? Every decisive victory was mine. In several rounds, I even one-versus-sevensed the whole enemy team. Can you do that?" Yu Tianheng retorted.
Before Tang San returned, the round-robin had already gone on for several rounds. In each one, Yu Tianheng had led as the opening fighter, claiming victory—and in several matches, he had swept all seven opponents by himself.
If Yu Tianheng hadn't mentioned this, Tang San might have stayed a little grounded in reality. But reminded of it, he immediately refused to back down. "What you can do, I, Tang San, can do as well."
"Good. Then tomorrow, let's wait and see," Yu Tianheng replied.
The next day, the Shrek team arrived at the competition grounds. On the way, Tang San ran into Ning Fengzhi.
"Tang San, where have you been these days?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
"I went to train and improve my strength," Tang San said, unwilling to mention the soul ring additions.
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Such talent, yet still so hardworking—you have limitless potential."
"Thank you, Sect Master Ning," Tang San replied politely.
"By the way, Tang San, I'd like to introduce someone to you." Ning Fengzhi stepped aside, revealing the person behind him.
"This is Sect Master Huo Qiqiang of the Body Sect."
Looking at the short, dark-skinned kid before him, Huo Qiqiang nearly burst out laughing. He had to admit, Ah Yin had been ruthless—at this point, if Tang San were dropped off in Africa or South India, he'd instantly blend in with a whole crowd of "fellow countrymen."
"Ah, so this is the young friend Tang San whom Sect Master Ning so highly recommends." said Huo Qiqiang.
Tang San stepped forward and replied without arrogance or humility,
"Junior Tang San greets Sect Master Huo."
Although he disliked these deviations from his previous life, Tang San knew circumstances had changed. He needed to expand his network to deal with the shifting future. The Body Sect was a good connection to make.
(In the original timeline, the Body Sect appeared only long after Tang San's ascension. But here, his memories are already muddled—he believes both the Body Sect and the Star Crown Sect were hidden sects in his past life.)
Huo Qiqiang patted Tang San on the shoulder and said:
"Not bad. So young, yet gifted and diligent in cultivation. Little San, I have high hopes for your future."
Tang San responded,
"Thank you, Sect Master Huo."
The two established initial rapport and exchanged pleasantries. During their chat, Tang San even took the opportunity to promote his hidden weapons. Huo Qiqiang generously purchased a batch, and Ning Fengzhi directly covered the expense. Thus, the three parties formed a preliminary relationship of mutual interest.
In speaking with Huo Qiqiang, Tang San felt a long-lost sense of appreciation. His shaken confidence steadied a little.
He even slightly revised his view of this Body Sect master:
Yes, this sect master has keen eyes—he immediately recognized my extraordinary talent and the value of my hidden weapons. The Body Martial Spirit's potential is also remarkable, perhaps even greater than the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. It may be wise to ally with the Body Sect now and, in the future, turn them into one of my pawns to control the Douluo Continent from afar.
Thus, after this first contact, our "God King" Tang San had already decided the ultimate role of the Body Sect.
The round-robin matches differed from the elimination format. Here, seven members fought in succession until one team's last member was defeated.
Both teams entered the arena. On the Forest Academy's side, just like the Tianshui team, all members were beautiful female spirit masters.
They wore green dresses, with fair and delicate skin, graceful figures, and stunning looks.
If Tianshui Academy resembled mermaids of the ocean, then Forest Academy resembled elves of the jungle—capturing everyone's attention.
Beauty was a practical advantage anywhere. Before the match even started, they had already won over the audience with their looks.
"My goddesses of the Forest Team, I await your glorious triumph!"
"Oh, Forest Academy! No matter the result, I'm betting on your victory to show my devotion—even if I lose all my money, I'll never regret it!"
"The public opinion seems a little against us." Dai Mubai muttered.
Tang San coldly replied:
"No matter. In the end, this world still speaks with strength."
Xiao Wu stepped in front of Tang San and said sweetly:
"Ah San giegie, I'm looking forward to your performance. I'll be cheering for you from the stands."
Tang San was deeply moved. He said,
"Thank you, Xiao Wu. I won't let you down."
Since cultivating the Clear Sky Hammer, Tang San felt Xiao Wu's attitude toward him had softened—no longer so distant. He began to think that perhaps practicing the Clear Sky Hammer wasn't a bad choice after all.
Better yet, he could seize this chance—win a decisive victory and use it to capture Xiao Wu's heart.
With that thought, Tang San stepped onto the stage.
On one side of the ring stood the beautiful maidens of Forest Academy. On the other side stood Tang San—shorter than most women, with stumpy arms and legs, dark skin, and an ugly face. The contrast struck the spectators' eyes like a blow.
"What the hell—since when are gorillas allowed on stage?"
"That ugly dark freak? Forest Academy girls, I'm with you! Defeat this hideous embodiment of sin!"
"Go, Forest Academy! Crush Shrek Academy—you're the best!"
Amidst the jeers, Tang San ignored the noise. His gaze locked on his opponent. The girl from Forest Academy was indeed beautiful, but—
So what?
His heart already belonged to another girl. Glancing from the corner of his eye, he saw her in the audience—his beloved Xiao Wu, cheering for him.
This time, he couldn't just avoid losing. He had to win—win beautifully.
With that thought, his eyes sharpened as he stared at the Forest Academy student.
"You—why are you looking at me like that, you dark brute?" The girl shivered under the gleam in Tang San's eyes, shining from his pitch-black face.
"Hmph. I advise you to surrender early, or don't blame me for being merciless later." Tang San threatened coldly.
"Surrender? The match hasn't even started. Who wins or loses is far from certain. You dark-skinned brute, just wait and see how I deal with you." the girl retorted.
A flash of hostility flickered in Tang San's eyes.
The referee announced:
"Both sides, release your spirits. You have one minute to prepare."
The Forest Team student released her spirit: Violet Vine, at Spirit Ancestor level, rank 41, with the standard spirit ring configuration—yellow, yellow, purple, purple.
Tang San grasped his hand, summoning a slightly rusted hammer—the Clear Sky Hammer.
Then, a purple spirit ring descended around him.
The audience erupted in shock. Those unfamiliar with him were stunned that his first spirit ring was already at the thousand-year level. Those who knew him were shocked that he had attached rings to his second martial spirit.
Seeing this, Ning Fengzhi nearly died on the spot. Tang San was the genius he had pinned his hopes on—a potential force strong enough to counter the tyranny of Spirit Hall and the unruly upstarts of Starfire Academy. And yet, this genius had wasted his own future by placing rings on the Clear Sky Hammer. That would forever limit his achievements.
"Too rash… Tang San, how could you be so impatient?" Ning Fengzhi sighed in regret.
On the other side, Flender also lamented. Regretfully shaking his head, he muttered:
"Alas, why did Tang San have to cultivate the Clear Sky Hammer? When Xiao Gang returns, how can I possibly explain this to him?"
Purple. Purple. Purple.
Three noble purple spirit rings revolved around Tang San, their immense pressure forcing his opponent back a few steps. Tang San felt immense pride—but when he thought about his next spirit ring, his joy dimmed.
A deep yellow ring—tinged with purple—descended slowly, locking into place as the fourth ring on his Clear Sky Hammer.
Thus, Tang San's configuration was revealed: Purple, Purple, Purple, Yellow!
The sight gave off a feeling of absurdity. Many rubbed their eyes, opened them again, and double-checked repeatedly.
No, something was wrong here—
A hundred-year spirit ring??
Soon, another wave of public uproar arose.
"Eh, something's off! A hundred-year soul ring? His fourth soul ring is just a hundred-year one? Hahahahaha!"
"He tried to act all high and mighty at the start, but in the end, he slipped up badly. What a disgraceful fool."
"If my first three rings were all thousand-year, then no matter what, my fourth would at least have to be ten-thousand-year!"
"Hahaha! I thought this guy with the Clear Sky Hammer would put on some shocking display, but turns out his fourth soul ring is trash!"
"He's only got one more thousand-year ring than a standard martial soul. What's even the point of those first three thousand-year rings?"
In the audience and the VIP stands, Shrek Academy's teachers and Ning Fengzhi sighed in regret. Fine, starting with the Clear Sky Hammer is one thing—but how could Tang San attach such a poor-quality ring? Not saying it had to be ten-thousand-year, but at least a thousand-year one! Why on earth pick a hundred-year soul ring?
Across the stage, a girl from Forest Academy couldn't help pointing at Tang San's fourth ring and exclaimed:
"Uh… this black brute's fourth ring—is this some kind of joke?"
Tang San's face darkened. He didn't answer. His gaze turned toward the stands, where Xiao Wu was still cheering for him.
At once, Tang San let out a breath of relief.
The whole world's ridicule meant nothing to him. As long as Xiao Wu recognized him, that was enough. He only needed to win this match.
"Dang, dang, dang—"
The gong struck. The battle began!
All the jeering vanished instantly. No matter how poor Tang San's configuration looked, this was still the Clear Sky Hammer—its first appearance in this entire tournament. Everyone was eager to see how it would dominate.
And just as they waited to witness the strength of the hammer… Tang San shouted:
"Clear Sky Hammer—First Soul Skill: Snot Strike!"
He swung the hammer down in front of the woman opponent.
Everyone saw the hammer compress like a sponge—then thick, foul-smelling slime oozed out from within, spraying forward like expelled mucus.
The female soul master from Forest Academy, totally unprepared, was instantly covered head to toe in the disgusting sticky fluid.
She froze, trembling, raised her hand to wipe at it—then stared in horror at the slimy green muck on her palm.
"Eeeeek—ahhhhhh! It's SNOT—urghh!"
She forgot everything else, retching as she leapt off the stage and dashed straight for the bathhouse!
The whole venue went silent.
"Wait, what? That's the Clear Sky Hammer?"
"Since when was it this… 'versatile'?"
"So gross! Snot??"
"Unforgivable! How dare he fling snot at my goddess! This brute is disgusting!"
Even the VIPs were dumbstruck. Wasn't the Clear Sky Hammer supposed to be a weapon of raw physical might? Since when did it deal… psychological damage?
Salas smirked and said:
"Who would've thought—the famed Clear Sky Hammer could be used like this? Sect Master Ning, tell me, could your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda be squeezed for something too?"
Ning Fengzhi's face went cold.
"Bishop Salas, please don't compare my sect's martial soul with Tang San's hammer. Ours is strictly a support-type."
Yuehua, meanwhile, sneered in disgust:
"A mongrel will always be a mongrel. That the Clear Sky Hammer ended up in the hands of such a beast is the greatest shame to our clan."
Having eliminated one opponent, Tang San still felt uneasy under the rain of curses. He feared Xiao Wu might find this soul skill indecent and be repelled by him.
He secretly glanced back—and saw Xiao Wu still cheering loudly. His sensitive ears picked her voice out of the crowd:
"Gege San, you're amazing! One skill and you've already knocked out an opponent! You're the best gege in the whole world! Keep going—!"
Tang San was instantly reinvigorated. He gripped the hammer tightly, his heart surging: Finally, Xiao Wu is impressed by my magnificence. All my years of hard work are paying off!
"Forest Academy member eliminated, send out your next fighter," the referee announced. Leaving the stage voluntarily counted as forfeiting.
The six remaining girls from Forest Academy all shuddered. After exchanging glances, a tall soul master finally stepped forward.
"I'll face him. My martial soul should be able to block that disgusting snot."
"Good luck, sis! You can defeat that brute—we believe in you!"
With a solemn face, she entered the stage.
Tang San immediately attacked first:
"First Soul Skill—Snot Strike!"
The girl shivered in disgust, quickly activating her Grass Spirit Shield—a bright green shield materialized before her, stopping the sticky mucus.
Seeing it blocked, she finally relaxed slightly.
But Tang San only snorted coldly:
"Hmph! You think one little shield will save you?"
His second soul ring lit up.
"Clear Sky Hammer, Second Soul Skill—Snot Bind!"
Again the hammer compressed like a sponge, spewing more foul mucus that splattered toward her.
She raised the shield to block.
But the snot seemed alive—like tentacles—it slithered around the shield, bypassing it, and lunged directly at her body.
She turned her head in horror—only to see slimy green tendrils closing in from behind.
"N-no! Don't come near meeee—!" she shrieked.
The next moment, she was wrapped and entangled in the revolting slime.
Screaming, she bolted off the stage on her own, racing toward the baths.
Tang San had scored a double kill.
"Forest Academy member eliminated. Next contestant!" the referee announced.
The third girl stepped up, staring at Tang San in terror.
"Um… can I… surrender?"
"Surrender? Impossible!" Tang San had already been carried away by Xiao Wu's constant cheering. He wanted to show her his full might—how could he accept a surrender without fighting?
He swung his hammer down once more—
Snot splattered.
The third girl wailed, crying for her parents, and fled the stage drenched in slime.
Tang San had claimed his third consecutive victory.