You damn lowly commoners! So what if I, Tang San, carry soul beast blood? Precisely because I possess the finest human bloodline combined with the finest soul beast bloodline, I was able to overthrow Spirit Hall's tyranny and save you from misery.
Later, after I became a god, I even protected you wretches for tens of thousands of years, and I even planned to devour the Abyss in the future to raise the level of this plane—all for your benefit! And yet you dogs dare to curse your benefactor like this. Tang San was already hurling curses in his heart.
At that moment, Yu Xiaogang forced himself to speak:
"Your Holiness the Pope, I know Little San is a beastkin, but he is my disciple—my only disciple. Please, spare him. I promise, I will teach Tang San well." Yu Xiaogang gazed pitifully at Bibi Dong, trying to awaken some trace of her former feelings for him—even pity would suffice.
But he was already ruined; his title of "theory master" had become a stench. Tang San was his only remaining hope. He could not allow Spirit Hall to kill Tang San.
The next instant, a terrifying surge of soul power swept in. Yu Xiaogang was blasted away by a soul skill cast remotely by a red-clad bishop.
Bibi Dong's eyes were icy as she commanded Yue Guan and Ghost:
"Yue Guan, Ghost—anyone who dares to interfere, kill without mercy!"
Yu Xiaogang was so terrified that the smell of urine seeped from his pants—he had wet himself.
Her gaze was devoid of emotion. Yu Xiaogang now understood: this Bibi Dong was not the same "Dong'er" he once knew. She really would kill him.
What should I do? Yu Xiaogang's mind spun furiously. I can't risk my life to save Little San. But I can make someone else save him for me!
He turned to Ning Fengzhi. Ning Fengzhi shook his head. He then looked toward Snow Empress of Spark Academy and the Sect Master of the Body Sect—two powerful figures. Neither responded.
No one would step up for Yu Xiaogang at this moment. Barring a miracle, his beloved disciple would die here today, and with him, all Yu Xiaogang's hopes.
His heart erupted with boundless fury toward Bibi Dong. He lowered his head, not daring to meet her eyes, but inwardly he howled:
Bibi Dong, you venomous wretch! Why? Tang San is all I have left! He's my final chance to rise again, to win fame through him—why must you strip even that from me?!
Yu Xiaogang cursed her madly in his heart, with the vilest, filthiest language. Then his hatred spread to Ning Fengzhi, to the Body Sect's master, to Spark's Snow Empress—for standing by, doing nothing.
But in reality, he cowered. He turned his head away, refusing to look at Tang San.
As important as Tang San was, before life and death he meant nothing. If Tang San died, Yu Xiaogang could still live on like a maggot. But if he himself died, he would lose even the right to breathe.
What… this is how it ends?
Tang San stared blankly at Yu Xiaogang, then at Bibi Dong. At last, he recognized the truth: in this life, Bibi Dong felt nothing for Yu Xiaogang. Yu Xiaogang was utterly useless, a worthless parasite.
If that was the case, why had he ever bowed to Yu Xiaogang as teacher? Not only useless, but binding their fates together—using me only to seek his own glory?
The image of kneeling to Yu Xiaogang in a past life and again in this one flashed through Tang San's mind, making him feel like nothing but a clown.
"Little beast, at death's door, and you're still daydreaming?" Ghost, who had been advancing slowly, suddenly accelerated. In an instant, the forty-plus meters between them closed—Ghost flashed to within three meters of Tang San.
Tang San's pupils shrank!
The next moment, Ghost sensed danger and instantly dodged aside—just as a massive Clear Sky Hammer smashed down before him.
Yue Guan also halted.
A deep, rugged voice echoed from all directions:
"A mere chrysanthemum and a petty ghost—you dare to harm my son?"
The Clear Sky Hammer embedded in the ground dissolved into pure soul power and vanished.
Hearing his father's voice, Tang San's heart surged with pride.
Father—my invincible father has come to save me.
Every Title Douluo present turned their gaze in one direction, locking on the newcomer.
Far on the horizon, the sky darkened. A burly, ragged figure appeared. The Clear Sky Hammer reformed in his hand.
He strode forward in the air, each step carrying him closer to the Pope's Palace. Around him shone nine soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red.
The oppressive might of a level 96 Super Douluo poured recklessly toward the Pope's Palace.
On Shrek's side, Xiao Wu lowered her head, body trembling, eyes bloodshot with hatred.
Yu Tianheng and Dai Mubai placed their hands on her shoulders, silently comforting her.
At last, Xiao Wu smothered the hatred in her heart, raised her head with feigned innocence, and fixed her gaze on Tang Hao—memorizing every detail.
Tang Hao—the murderer who had slain her mother—had finally appeared. Reflected in Xiao Wu's pupils was that blood-red soul ring. Though she could not sense its aura to deduce its origin, she knew—that was her mother's ring.
In the VIP seats, Ning Fengzhi turned his head and asked Chen Xin:
"Uncle Jian, how strong is Tang Hao now?"
"His soul power is level 96. But…" Chen Xin sounded uncertain. "Tang Hao feels like an ordinary level 96 Title Douluo. Perhaps with his Clear Sky Hammer's secret arts and his hundred-thousand-year soul rings he could edge past me. But the sense he gives me… not as overwhelming as expected."
Tang Hao's infamy was unmatched. No one on the continent doubted his strength or record. Before even reaching Title Douluo, he had slain several famed Title Douluo—including the sect master of the Clear Sky Sect and the Pope of Spirit Hall, both at level 95.
By reason, after breaking through to Title Douluo, he should have grown even more terrifying. Yet now, he seemed merely the standard of a level 96. That was strange.
Perhaps he still has hidden cards, Chen Xin thought to himself.
"Level 96, hm." Ning Fengzhi adjusted his glasses, a trace of schadenfreude in his tone.
He hadn't thought as deeply as Chen Xin. All he knew was this: Tang Hao had been terrifying even at level 90, a quasi-Title Douluo. Now at level 96, he would shake the heavens. If Spirit Hall clashed with Tang Hao today, they would surely suffer heavy losses and humiliation.
Tang Hao looked down from above, casting a provocative gaze toward the Pope's Palace—like a sovereign of an entire plane passing judgment on a guilty power.
"Little San—" Tang Hao's deep voice rumbled:
"The Clear Sky Hammer must be used like this. Seventh Soul Skill—Martial Soul True Body!"
He summoned his Martial Soul True Body. Behind him appeared a colossal figure, brandishing the Clear Sky Hammer, and brought it crashing down.
If that hammer struck solidly, this Pope's Palace—the symbol of Spirit Hall's authority—would be destroyed by Tang Hao.
In his previous life, Tang Hao had relied on the Shura God's power and a strategy of attacking where the enemy must defend to draw Spirit Hall's attention away, thereby escaping with Tang San and Xiao Wu.
This time, Spirit Hall moved quickly. Chrysanthemum Douluo released his Odd Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. After years of cultivation plus the enhancement of immortal herbs, his strength had reached level 97!
Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red!
"Seventh Soul Skill—Martial Soul True Body!"
A towering golden chrysanthemum bloomed above the Pope's Palace.
The flower spread wide, enveloping the entire palace.
"Ninth Soul Skill—Odd Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum Domain—" Golden light burst forth, clashing head-on with Tang Hao's surging Killing God Domain.
From afar, one could see the scene: a giant, hammer raised high, descending from the sky, while above the Pope's Palace, a golden chrysanthemum blossomed to block its fall.
Ghost's figure vanished, leaving only his raspy voice:
"Ninth Soul Skill—Shadow Ambush!"
Tang Hao felt the resistance from Yue Guan's defense. This outcome left him furious.
In his past life, though he had been gravely injured when he stormed Spirit Hall, they had needed seven Title Douluo—including Bibi Dong herself—to withstand his assault. But now, this life, one Chrysanthemum Douluo was already holding him off? How could Tang Hao accept this?
His eyes bulged, teeth clenched.
"Then I'll accompany you to the end!"
Pouring more soul power into the hammer, he pressed harder.
Just as Yue Guan was straining under the mounting pressure, Ghost's voice came from behind Tang Hao:
"Ninth Soul Skill—Endless Ghost Shadow Bombardment!"
Ghost's ninth crimson soul ring blazed. The peak-level 96 Super Douluo unleashed his full power. Countless phantom shadows split forth, swarming the colossal Clear Sky Hammer phantom.
"What—" Tang Hao was shocked. But the shadows were already upon his Martial Soul True Body. Each one exploded, releasing terrifying energy.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
From top to bottom, Tang Hao's Martial Soul True Body shattered and tore apart.
Tang Hao staggered, spitting a mouthful of blood—injured by the ambush. His True Body collapsed.
The very first attempt at showing off in Spirit Hall had blown up in his face.
On the other side, Yue Guan's True Body shrank down into a chrysanthemum floating above his head. He stepped on his soul rings, rising slowly to Tang Hao's level.
Now, three Title Douluo faced one another.
All three had identical ring configurations: yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red. Among them, Yue Guan was the strongest, with level 97 soul power. Ghost followed, peak level 96—just a hair away from 97. Tang Hao was the weakest: a level 96 Super Douluo.
The entire audience fixed their eyes on this standoff.
Tang San and the other reborn ones were puzzled—Tang San most of all. He frowned and thought to himself:
This isn't right. Yue Guan and Ghost shouldn't possibly have hundred-thousand-year soul rings, nor should their strength be this much greater than last life. And even so, Father has part of the Shura God's power. How could Spirit Hall's "laughing and crying duo" hold him back? He must not be using his full strength yet.
"This doesn't make sense," Ning Fengzhi murmured.
"After all, Tang Hao is only a level 96 Super Douluo," Chen Xin said.
"That's exactly what's strange." Ning Fengzhi turned to him: "Uncle Jian, back when Tang Hao had just earned his title, he could already slay a level 95 Super Douluo. But now? His performance doesn't feel as fierce as the legends say."
"Unclear. Perhaps he hasn't used his trump card yet," Chen Xin replied uncertainly. As a level 96 himself, he could sense Tang Hao's state—and it didn't quite match the terrifying reputation.
"Tang Hao," Bibi Dong said coldly, making no move to act herself, "you think my Spirit Hall is some place you can come and go as you please? Yue Guan, Ghost—capture him."
Though the situation was dire, Tang Hao's mouth remained sharp.
"Bibi Dong, trying to avenge your teacher Qian Xunji? What a filial disciple. Come, then—Tang Hao will accompany you to the very end!"
"Hmph, courting death," Ghost sneered. "Dog Hao, you're not even worth our Pope's time. Against you, Chrysanthemum and I are more than enough!"
"Hmph! Just a flower and a ghost. If you want to die, then come!" Tang Hao's eyes flashed with killing intent.
The three clashed in midair.
Their movements were so fast that only Title Douluo could follow the battle.
It was no one-sided fight. Yue Guan confronted Tang Hao directly, while Ghost used his agility to harass and distract, forcing Tang Hao to split his attention.
Unable to finish them quickly and wearied by constant interference, Tang Hao finally lost patience:
"Soul rings—detonate for me!"
One by one, the soul rings around him exploded, pouring purest energy into his body.
The Clear Sky Hammer became wrapped in terrifying blood-red lightning.
"AAAAHHHH—DIE! Great Sumeru Hammer!" Tang Hao roared, scarlet light streaming from his eyes, and charged at Yue Guan with murderous intent.
"Old Chrysanthemum, dodge!" Ghost shouted, ghosting behind the slower Yue Guan and dragging him away from Tang Hao's strike.
Just as Tang Hao, hammer in hand, was ready to unleash carnage, the two slipped away. His mind blanked.
Wait—what? You ran? I detonated my rings, readied a killing blow—and instead of meeting me head-on, you ran? If you run, what am I supposed to do??
To sum up Tang Hao's current plight in one phrase:
"Hammer raised high—yet lost and bewildered on all sides."
Tang Hao had absolute confidence in the Great Sumeru Hammer. Even without the blessing of the Shura God's power, with the secret technique pioneered by his grandfather, he dared to step into Spirit Hall itself.
In his previous life, when his grandfather used the Great Sumeru Hammer, even Qian Daoliu had taken it head-on, and only lost by half a move. When Tang Hao himself fought Qian Xunji, Qian Xunji also met the hammer with his strongest technique.
Even Tang San, when fighting the god-level Qian Renxue, unleashed the exploding-ring Great Sumeru Hammer, and Qian Renxue had chosen to resist it head-on.
Thus, in Tang Hao's mind, there had never been the thought: what if I use the Clear Sky Hammer and the enemy just runs away?
That was why, when Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo fled, Tang Hao was dumbfounded.
Meanwhile, on Spirit Hall's side, once they acquired the Haotian Sect's secret hammer technique, they began researching it.
The Great Sumeru Hammer could be used by some martial souls, such as Qian Jun's Staff, but most martial souls weren't suited for it. Still, this allowed Spirit Hall's experts to deduce strategies to counter it.
They gathered many soul master specialists to discuss how to deal with the Tang Clan's Clear Sky Hammer.
Most experts tried to find counters among Spirit Hall's powerful soul skills. Others suggested using their secretly produced ninth-tier soul tools to block the hammer. Then one theorist, unwilling to give his name, raised a finger and said:
"The Great Sumeru Hammer is created through exploding rings, condensing soul power into a strike that transcends soul skill and level limits, enabling battle across realms. It is powerful, but has a weakness—aftereffects. So why must we clash head-on with it? After the user explodes their rings, why not simply evade at high speed, stall until the backlash strikes them, and then counterattack?"
This proposal caused a stir within Spirit Hall, even alarming Grand Worship Qian Daoliu.
Qian Daoliu slapped his forehead and said: "Right! Why didn't I think of that? I am the unrivaled Qian Daoliu! My Angel martial soul excels in mobility. When Tang Chen used the Great Sumeru Hammer back then, I could've just dodged, couldn't I? Ah~"
From then on, whenever a Clear Sky Sect disciple used the Great Sumeru Hammer, Spirit Hall's common practice became simple: dodge, wait out the backlash, then strike.
—
Back on the battlefield.
When his strike missed, Tang Hao quickly locked onto Chrysanthemum and Ghost and swung the Great Sumeru Hammer after them. As he chased, his eyes reddened, his breath heaving like a bull's, he roared:
"Yue Guan! Ghost! You two are Titled Douluo, yet you lack the courage of true powerhouses? Come fight me directly! Stop skulking like rats, only knowing how to dodge!"
Yue Guan mocked: "Tang Hao, speed is strength as well. You can explode your rings to boost your power, but we must play the fool and crash into your hammer head-on?"
And so, the three chased one another through the skies. As they dodged Tang Hao's hammer, Yue Guan occasionally cast small soul skills like Golden Radiance of Flowing Petals to distract him. They did no real damage, but they stoked Tang Hao's furious temper further.
"Get over here! Come take your death!" Tang Hao couldn't keep up. As he sensed his hammer's time limit nearing its end, he grew desperate, bellowing at the distant figures just out of reach.
Yue Guan and Ghost only looked at him as if watching a fool.
Then the chase in the skies began anew.
Chen Xin watched and remarked: "So this is how the Great Sumeru Hammer's secret can be broken!"
Ning Fengzhi replied: "But knowing how to counter the Clear Sky Hammer isn't necessarily a good thing…"
At last, Ning Fengzhi understood. The fearsome Tang Hao of legend was merely a silver-plated spearhead—shiny on the outside, hollow within. He couldn't even subdue Spirit Hall's so-called duo. The disappointment was crushing.
Tang Hao was like a balloon: in his normal state, modest in size; when using the Great Sumeru Hammer, he inflated, but only for a while. Once the time passed, the balloon shrank back.
Exactly so—now that the Great Sumeru Hammer's time had ended, Tang Hao collapsed instantly.
"The chance is here." Yue Guan and Ghost sensed the change in Tang Hao's aura. In that moment, they struck with full power.
"Ninth Soul Skill: Celestial Chrysanthemum Shines on the Heavens!"
The Chrysanthemum martial soul burst into dazzling radiance, petals rapidly expanding and spinning into the phantom of a giant flower. From its petals condensed countless starlike motes, gathering into colossal beams of light that descended like divine punishment, all targeting Tang Hao.
On the other side, Ghost's ninth soul ring flared:
"Ninth Soul Skill: Infinite Ghostly Bombardment!"
Weakened by exploding-ring backlash, Tang Hao could not dodge. He could only raise his Clear Sky Body Protection to meet both Title Douluo's ninth skills.
Boom—!
The once-proud figure was struck by golden brilliance and ghostly shadows, blasted from the sky like a cannonball. He slammed into the ground, collapsing it into a ruined crater.
Tang Hao lay sprawled like a dead dog, writhing in pain, groaning pitifully.
"Father!" Tang San cried out in anguish.
Just moments ago, watching his father battle Yue Guan and Ghost, he had believed firmly: Father can't possibly lose. He must still be hiding some trump card—perhaps the Shura God's power.
But cruel reality told Tang San that his invincible father had fallen after all.
Chrysanthemum and Ghost descended into the crater. Ghost planted a foot on Tang Hao's head, grinding it into the dirt, trampling his dignity.
"Rat," Yue Guan sneered, "what was it you said just now? Why are you lying here like a dead dog?"
"D-don't get cocky…" Tang Hao tried to keep his domineering bluster, but Yue Guan spat directly into his face.
"A pathetic little hammer, and you dare offend the majesty of Spirit Hall!" Yue Guan raised a chrysanthemum-forged blade, slashing down to sever Tang Hao's right hand—the hand that wielded the Clear Sky Hammer.
"Ugh—ahhhhhh!" Tang Hao clutched his bloody stump and howled in agony.