In the blink of an eye, the third day arrived.
In the southern district of Heaven Dou City stood an expansive mansion with thick, towering walls over four meters high. Before the mansion gates stood two ape-like stone statues, and above the entrance hung a plaque bearing a single large character—Strength.
This was the residence of the Strength Clan, whose Martial Soul was the Great Ape.
At this moment, the gates swung open, and a tall, lean old man with a gloomy expression, accompanied by several young men, was welcomed inside by the host.
This brooding old man was none other than Yang Wudi, nicknamed "Old Goat," the clan leader of the Destruction Clan.
Yang Wudi followed Titan, Bai He, and Niu Gao into the main hall.
Along the way, hearty laughter could be heard.
"Old Goat, we've been waiting for you! Old Rhino and Old Crane arrived long ago. Now that you're on my turf, we're going to have a proper gathering!"
Titan roared with laughter, slapping Yang Wudi on the shoulder.
"You're the one living the good life in Heaven Dou City. Don't worry, I won't hold back on spending your money!"
Beside them, an old man with snow-white hair spoke in a slightly envious tone.
Among the four single-attribute clans, the Agility Clan had fared the worst. The white-haired old man was Bai He, who couldn't help but envy Titan's comfortable lifestyle.
Yang Wudi patted Bai He's shoulder. "I've told you before—you should've come to the Star Luo Empire. We could've developed together!"
Among the four, he and Bai He were the closest, and their clans often exchanged resources in private.
The Destruction Clan's medicinal products were bestsellers among various factions, and their financial situation was on par with the Strength Clan's. They frequently provided aid to Bai He.
"Why go all the way to Star Luo? You might as well come to Heaven Dou City... Tai Nuo, Tai Long! Bring out the food and wine!"
Titan barked the order.
Originally, the Clear Sky Sect had been based in the Heaven Dou Empire, and the four single-attribute clans had all lived near Heaven Dou City.
But after the Clear Sky Sect closed its doors, the four clans became targets of the Spirit Hall and were forced to scatter.
The Destruction Clan and the Defense Clan retreated to the Star Luo Empire.
The Agility Clan and the Strength Clan remained in the Heaven Dou Empire. However, the Agility Clan, being weaker and closely tied to the Clear Sky Sect, was heavily targeted by the Spirit Hall and had to flee farther away.
The Strength Clan, skilled in forging, maintained good relations with some nobles in Heaven Dou City, allowing them to settle there.
As Titan ushered Yang Wudi and the others to their seats, Yang Wudi suddenly asked, "Old Ape, did you invite anyone else?"
Titan froze. "It's just the four of us—who else would be here?"
Yang Wudi's expression instantly darkened.
He turned and strode into the courtyard.
Beside him, Bai He's body flickered like lightning as his arms transformed into wings. With a single motion, he soared into the air.
After circling the mansion once, Bai He's face paled.
"Old Ape! The entire perimeter is surrounded by Heaven Dou's heavy armored infantry! The streets are crawling with soldiers setting up giant crossbows!"
He landed and delivered the news to the group.
"Impossible! I've never offended Heaven Dou! What are they doing? Besides, I pay my respects to Prince Xue Xing every year!"
"Paying respects" was essentially paying protection money.
Titan's eyes bulged like copper bells. "Let's go—I'll see for myself!"
With that, he stormed outside.
Yang Wudi also stepped forward, a twelve-foot-long spear appearing in his hand. The spear was pitch-black with a chilling metallic sheen, eight Spirit Rings swirling around its shaft, radiating dazzling brilliance.
Yang Wudi sensed these people were targeting him.
He had only just arrived in Heaven Dou City when the entire residence of the Strength Clan was surrounded.
But the Heaven Dou Empire had absolutely no reason to act against him!
Yang Wudi couldn't make sense of it no matter how hard he thought.
Led by Titan, the four of them walked out of the residence.
Outside the gates stood three rows of Giant Crossbows, behind which were Heavy Armored Infantry clad in thick armor.
The atmosphere instantly grew tense.
Titan looked across and immediately recognized the frequently seen Prince Xue Xing.
Beside Prince Xue Xing stood the military commander Ge Long and the sect master of the Wind Sword Sect, Feng Bailong.
Also present was the control-type Soul Master from Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Meng Shenji.
Titan could no longer remain calm: "Your Highness, what is the meaning of this? Our Strength Clan has always abided by the law and never offended you!"
Prince Xue Xing coldly stared at Titan: "Back then, your Strength Clan faced annihilation, but our Heaven Dou royal family, considering your cultivation hardships, took you in and allowed you to live in Heaven Dou City.
Yet now, your four single-attribute clans have gathered again. Are you plotting to overthrow our Heaven Dou royal family?"
Prince Xue Xing immediately pinned a grave accusation on them.
Titan hurriedly responded: "Your Highness, why such words? Our four single-attribute clans gather every two years merely to strengthen bonds and support each other.
There are absolutely no other intentions. Could there be some misunderstanding here?"
"Whether there's a misunderstanding, you should ask Clan Leader Yang here. His younger brother has also been in Heaven Dou City, lurking for a long time—he's the one who poisoned the Second and Third Princes.
Clan Leader Yang, will you surrender peacefully, or shall we take action?"
Prince Xue Xing's gaze was icy as water.
Yang Wudi finally understood—it was because of Yang Wushuang.
He knew Yang Wushuang had joined the Spirit Hall.
That was his brother's choice. After the Clear Sky Sect closed its doors, each had gone their separate ways for the clan's survival, and he had tacitly accepted it.
But he never expected such a major incident now.
Titan, Bai He, and Niu Gao exchanged bewildered glances—poisoning the princes?
Titan, residing in Heaven Dou City, was aware of the two princes' deaths.
He never imagined it was Yang Wushuang's doing.
"Your Highness, Yang Wushuang long ago left the Destruction Clan. This matter has absolutely nothing to do with us!"
Titan still attempted to explain.
"Hmph, whether it's related or not, we'll only know after arresting everyone from the Destruction Clan and cross-examining them.
All troops, listen to my command.
I'll count to three. If Yang Wudi still refuses to surrender, fire the Giant Crossbows and have the Heavy Armored Infantry storm the Strength Clan residence—show no mercy!"
A domineering snort rang out, accompanied by the creaking of mechanisms as the Giant Crossbows prepared to fire at any moment.
The snort came from Ge Long.
Previously, Ge Ying's poisoning had been confirmed as Yang Wushuang's doing.
This left him with no goodwill toward the Destruction Clan.
Even though the other side had four Soul Douluos.
His side had a control-type Soul Master, three Soul Douluos, and the entire residence was surrounded by layers of Heavy Armored Infantry.
He truly didn't view these people as a threat.
Ge Long's shout made Titan and Bai He pale, their hearts filled with hatred for Yang Wushuang.
Prince Xue Xing and Ge Long chose to act at this moment, clearly waiting for Yang Wudi to enter Heaven Dou City in order to wipe out the entire Destruction Clan in one fell swoop.
"One!"
"Two!"
Ge Long's voice rang out continuously.
Yang Wudi gripped his Soul Breaking Spear tightly, his heart filled with turmoil.
(End of Chapter)