Tang Hao sat imposingly, his sharp gaze sweeping over everyone present. The wine gourd in his hand instantly frosted over, and the bone-chilling killing intent was no joke. Every person who met his eyes instinctively gulped, fearing what this God of Slaughter might do next.
As the Soul Incense continued to burn, it wasn't until the last ember faded that Tang San finally snapped out of his trance. With a heavy thud, the Clear Sky Hammer struck the ground so forcefully it left a crater, cracks spiderwebbing across the floor. Even without any Soul Rings, the hammer already possessed astonishing weight.
"What in the world..."
It took considerable effort for Tang San to recover from the visions of mountains of corpses and seas of blood. He collapsed onto the floor, gasping for breath, needing quite some time before he felt somewhat better.
"What happened?" Seeing Tang San had successfully awakened his Martial Soul, Tang Hao flashed to his side in concern.
Tang San regained his senses but didn't explain the situation. Far too many people were watching right now. His Innate Full Spirit Power and awakening of the Clear Sky Hammer already threatened many factions' interests. If his Twin Spirits were exposed, it might invite even greater calamity.
Tang Hao narrowed his eyes, already guessing something. He gave a subtle nod to Tang Xiao, who was presiding over the ceremony nearby.
Tang Xiao acknowledged imperceptibly, then raised his Clear Sky Hammer and declared, "Heaven blesses our Clear Sky Sect. This year's awakening ceremony has seen four disciples awaken the Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul. Therefore, starting today and lasting four days, all taverns and restaurants in Clear Sky City shall provide free feasts for all residents."
"As the Sect Master of Clear Sky Sect, I declare this year's Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony successfully concluded. Everyone may proceed to designated establishments to rest."
The attendees understood—this was Tang Xiao's way of dismissing them. None had plans to remain at Clear Sky Sect anyway, especially Spirit Hall's Yue Guan, who needed to deliver this news back to Spirit Hall with utmost urgency.
"The Clear Sky Sect has produced a variant Clear Sky Hammer with Innate Full Spirit Power, and of all people, it's Tang Hao's son. If mishandled, this could affect Spirit Hall's plans." Yue Guan's gaze lingered thoughtfully on Tang San as he withdrew, a strange glint flashing in his eyes. "But why would awakening a variant Martial Soul... take so long?"
Unable to deduce more, Yue Guan soon vanished from Clear Sky Sect in a flurry of chrysanthemum petals.
After the awakening ceremony, in Tang San's room.
"The surroundings are completely sealed off. Not even Qian Xun Ji could eavesdrop now."
Having deployed his God of Slaughter Domain, Tang Hao asked, "Xiao San, what exactly happened during your Martial Soul awakening?"
Hearing his father's question, Tang San gave a bitter smile. "I'm not sure either. At first, everything went smoothly, and I quickly awakened the Clear Sky Hammer." Tang San extended his right hand, summoning his Clear Sky Hammer at will.
Though Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer differed slightly from Tang Hao's and Tang Xiao's, bearing purplish-red patterns, variations in Martial Souls were common enough that no one found it particularly strange.
Tang San rolled up his sleeve, revealing a strange purplish-red mark on the back of his left hand. The mark flickered eerily, as if it were alive. "But not long after, I felt a surge of scorching Soul Power emanating from my left hand. This power even suppressed the Clear Sky Hammer."
"Twin Spirits?!?" *2
The two brothers widened their eyes and opened their mouths in unison. After glancing at Tang San's left hand, they exchanged looks, both seeing astonishment reflected in each other's expressions.
Innate Full Spirit Power, Twin Spirits—good heavens!
Soon, Tang Hao seemed to notice something, his expression turning grave. "The shape and pattern of this Martial Soul... they somewhat resemble the markings of the God of Slaughter Domain."
"Xiao San, what is your second Martial Soul?" Tang Xiao asked curiously.
Tang San shook his head helplessly. "I don't know."
"You don't know???"
Tang San nodded. "It seems I can't summon my second Martial Soul." He continuously channeled his Soul Power, trying to summon the second Martial Soul, but no matter how hard he tried, the mark on his hand merely flickered without manifesting. That was why he said he didn't know what it was.
Then, Tang San described the vision he had 'seen' during the awakening ceremony.
Hearing his account, Tang Hao sighed. "Slaughter City... Ah, it seems your second Martial Soul must be related to your mother. I had planned to tell you about this when your cultivation grew stronger. Your mother... she has always been in Slaughter City. She is an envoy of Slaughter City, a Soul Master born and raised there."
"An envoy of Slaughter City?!" Tang San was shocked. For the past six years, he had never seen his mother, and Tang Hao had never mentioned her. He had always assumed she was dead.
Tang Hao continued, "When I was young, I once went to Slaughter City to train. That's when I met your mother. My God of Slaughter Domain was the reward I obtained there. Slaughter Envoys have no names, only numbers. Later, I named her Hongyan based on the color of her hair."
Tang Hao summoned his Clear Sky Hammer. Apart from the difference in color, there was also a cold white pattern on it—the mark of the God of Slaughter Domain.
"What about Mother...?"
Tang Hao said helplessly, "Slaughter City is a prison. Entering is easy, but leaving is nearly impossible. Only by winning the championship in the Hell Slaughter Arena and earning the right to challenge the Road to Hell can one escape Slaughter City by breaking through it."
"Although I passed the Road to Hell and obtained the God of Slaughter Domain, Hongyan is an envoy of Slaughter City. The Slaughter King would never allow his envoys to leave. That Slaughter King is incredibly powerful—even I cannot defeat him."
Hearing this, Tang San looked astonished. "Not even you can defeat the Slaughter King?"
Tang Hao smiled bitterly. "If I'm not mistaken, that Slaughter King is a ninety-ninth rank Ultimate Douluo. After reaching Titled Douluo, each rank represents a qualitative leap, with vast differences in power. Beyond the ninety-fifth rank, each level is a world of its own. At the ninety-ninth rank, all living beings are but ants."
Tang San finally understood now. No wonder his father would disappear for a few days every now and then. So his mother wasn't dead—they were just in a long-distance relationship!
"Slaughter King... a ninety-ninth rank Ultimate Douluo," Tang San murmured to himself, recalling the two towering figures he'd seen during his Martial Soul awakening. Their power was absolutely unimaginable, far surpassing even his father Tang Hao's by countless times.
"Father, Uncle, do gods exist in this world?"
After a moment of silence, Tang Xiao nodded. "They do."