Tang Hao's body shook violently as his Clear Sky Hammer erupted with black, torrential light.
In an instant, the colossal weapon expanded outward, growing to over a hundred meters in length. Its massive hammerhead loomed like a mountain, and the immense pressure it radiated shrouded the entire Heaven Dou City in a suffocating gloom.
Crimson patterns began to snake across the surface of the hammer, and the ten-thousand-year red soul ring on Tang Hao's body blazed to life.
"Come!"
Facing Sword Douluo's ninth soul skill, Tang Hao's aura turned wild, almost maniacal, as he hurled the monstrous hammer down from the sky.
At that moment, the very air around Shrek Academy twisted, becoming distorted under the sheer pressure.
Even the Golden Iron Triangle, along with all other soul masters not at the Title Douluo level, found themselves completely immobilized—unable to move even a finger.
At this critical moment, a withered figure in gray robes appeared—Bone Douluo had arrived just in time.
From a distance, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda lit up, its seven rings shining brilliantly as it extended its power outward, forming a protective barrier.
They didn't interfere in the fight itself—just shielded the surroundings, ensuring that innocent lives wouldn't be caught in the shockwaves.
BOOM—!!
The giant black hammer collided with the azure Seven Kill Sword, producing a sound like divine judgment. The echo thundered across the city, causing Heaven Dou City itself to tremble violently.
Sword Douluo was blown back like a cannonball, sent flying over a thousand meters.
Tang Hao, though unmoved in place, suddenly threw his head back and coughed out a mouthful of blood mist.
"Sword Saint Chenxin, truly formidable!"
He wiped the blood from the corner of his lips with his filthy sleeve. His previously dull eyes now gleamed with fierce brightness.
Sword Douluo returned atop his sword, face slightly pale, but his voice remained calm:
"What now? You're allowed to protect your son, but I can't protect my grandson?"
"If you're still unsatisfied, we can go again!"
Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the air was heavy with renewed killing intent.
Then, Bone Douluo descended from the sky with Ning Fengzhi protected at his side.
"Gentlemen, please… calm yourselves," Ning Fengzhi said with a helpless sigh.
"Our true enemy is Spirit Hall. If we start turning on each other, all we're doing is giving joy to our foes while bringing sorrow to our own."
Bone Douluo nodded, baffled.
"It was just a spat between two kids. Must you both, as elders, take it this far?"
Sword Douluo let out a cold snort and turned away.
"He struck first. Ask him!"
Tang Hao remained silent—he couldn't refute that.
He had indeed been the first to intervene.
Glancing sideways at Sword Douluo, Tang Hao muttered,
"They say the Seven Kill Sword holds the greatest attack power under heaven. Today, I've experienced it firsthand—truly impressive.
Still… I've yet to reveal the full power of the Clear Sky Hammer. If there's a next time… we'll settle this properly."
Sword Douluo sneered coldly,
"I'll be waiting. Afraid of you? Not in the slightest."
Tang Hao flung his sleeve and turned to go. Before leaving, he cast a glance toward the Golden Iron Triangle, sending them a spiritual transmission:
"Grandmaster, Flender—
I will never forget the kindness you've shown in teaching Tang San.
After the Continental Soul Master Tournament ends, I will take him away.
Until then, please take care of him."
Then, with a flicker, Tang Hao vanished.
Only Title Douluo-level experts could even begin to sense how he left. To everyone else, it was as if he had simply disappeared into thin air.
Yet, just before departing, he cast a meaningful glance at Xiao Wu, who stood quietly beside Tang San…
The storm had passed.
The clash between Chen Feng and Shrek Academy had drawn to a close.
Yet what remained most etched in everyone's minds was the spectacular confrontation between Sword Douluo and Clear Sky Douluo—a direct collision of two ninth soul skills.
The display was so awe-inspiring that no soul master could watch it without their blood boiling.
Even the Heaven Dou Imperial Family was shaken.
Fearing an assault by Spirit Hall, they quickly dispatched people to investigate.
Upon learning the truth, they all breathed a sigh of relief.
At the same time, they secretly rejoiced—thank heavens the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan was located nearby.
If something truly serious had occurred, at least two Title Douluo could respond quickly.
At Shrek Academy, with Ning Fengzhi and both guardian elders present, no one dared to object to Ning Rongrong's withdrawal any longer.
Once the process was completed, Oscar finally arrived.
"Rongrong… are you leaving?
Can you take me with you?"
Compared to Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, Oscar seemed like a completely different person these days.
He had thrown himself into relentless training, all to become worthy of Ning Rongrong.
Everyone around them saw the depth of his feelings.
And Rongrong herself… how could she not understand?
She lowered her head, not daring to meet those soulful peach blossom eyes of his, fearing she might break into tears.
She knew that whether or not Oscar could leave with her wasn't up to her.
It was a matter of the clan's future. It would have to be approved by her father.
Ning Fengzhi had already noticed.
He pulled Chen Feng to his side and whispered:
"That's Oscar, isn't it?"
Of course, he had heard of the food-type soul master from Shrek who had been madly pursuing his daughter.
Chen Feng had mentioned it in passing before.
But… pairing the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, a support-type martial soul, with a food-type martial soul?
What future would they have for survival?
Ning Fengzhi's heart was torn.
On one side, his daughter's happiness.
On the other hand, the fate of the sect.
What should he choose?
At that moment, Sword Douluo stepped in.
"Fengzhi—sometimes, when the time comes, you have to cut."
Bone Douluo nodded in agreement.
Even with his heart aching, Ning Fengzhi slowly closed his eyes. His throat tightened, and the words caught like a fishbone.
He was just about to speak—about to make the decision that would break his daughter's heart—when suddenly:
"Uncle Ning," Chen Feng said softly, "let Oscar come with us."
Ning Fengzhi turned, only to meet Chen Feng's unwavering gaze.
In that moment, he understood:
This was not a decision made out of sympathy, but one born from deliberate thought.
"Chen Feng… you want Oscar to come with us? But Rongrong…"
Chen Feng nodded.
"Don't worry, Uncle Ning. I'm confident.
Oscar will protect Rongrong.
Won't you, Oscar?"
Oscar froze. His eyes reddened.
Then, with all his strength, he nodded:
"Yes, Sect Master Ning. I will protect Rongrong.
No matter who it is…
If they want to hurt her,
they'll have to step over my dead body first!"
The three elders—Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo—were visibly moved.
This young man… was genuinely devoted.
Ning Fengzhi's eyes twitched with a faint smile.
"Oscar, you are an excellent young man, and I truly admire your heart.
But you must understand—empty promises mean little without strength.
If a powerful enemy appears, and you die without even being able to resist…
What good is that to Rongrong?"
Oscar was stunned. He couldn't find the words to refute him.
As a food-type support soul master, how was he supposed to improve his combat capabilities?
Then, a thought flashed through Oscar's mind.
He remembered something Ning Rongrong once told him.
Chen Feng had once mentioned that deep within a certain soul beast forest…
lived a mystical creature known as the Mirror Beast.
The soul ring it produced could allow its wielder to replicate another's soul skills…
Oscar's head snapped up—
And just so happened to meet Chen Feng's knowing gaze, smiling quietly at him.