Chapter 119: Challenge from Tang Hao
Without any visible action, three golden tokens instantly magnified before Qian Xunji, floating in mid-air. They were the Pontiff's Decrees.
"Holders will gain a status equivalent to a Spirit Hall Titled Douluo Elder," Ghost Douluo explained in his low voice. "Their Martial Soul will also be engraved upon it. There are six patterns in total. Three have been confirmed: the chrysanthemum for Chrysanthemum Douluo, the incomplete human figure for me, and the crown for a guardian of the Star Luo Royal Family, the Star Crown Douluo. The remaining three will be chosen from the Martial Souls of the three strongest individuals among the Upper Three Clans."
Upon hearing this, the Heaven Dou Empire's Crown Prince, Xue Ye, immediately became displeased. "May I ask His Supreme Pontiff, why is our Heaven Dou Imperial Family not on the decree?"
"To be on the decree, one needs at least a Titled Douluo," Chrysanthemum Douluo sneered with his sharp voice. "Does your Imperial Family have a Titled Douluo guardian? If so, this seat is willing to yield my spot to you."
This single sentence left Xue Ye speechless.
Qian Xunji said indifferently, "There are only three spots. These three Pontiff's Decrees will belong to the clans that ultimately rank in the top three. Additionally, our Spirit Hall will re-rank titles such as the World's Number One Sect, World's Number One Tool Spirit, and World's Number One Beast Spirit based on this competition. I hope everyone will give their best."
The title 'World's Number One' made almost every Spirit Master's eyes light up. The Clear Sky Clan, in particular, felt a surge of anger. They believed those two titles rightfully belonged to them, and Spirit Hall had no right to re-rank them.
Also eyeing the top spot was Yu Yuanzhen. With Bone Douluo now crippled, he was completely free of any worries and had no intention of honoring the "alliance" Ning Fengzhi had proposed.
"The rules are simple," Qian Xunji continued. "Each clan sends representatives to compete in a round-robin format. The Seven Great Clans will be ranked according to their total points." He then glanced meaningfully at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. "Of course, if a certain clan has two Douluo, as long as the second can defeat the four masters of the Lower Four Clans, they can still earn one point for their clan, even if they lose to the other two."
"You—" Bone Douluo, leaning on a crutch, his withered old face turning from green to purple at the blatant mockery.
"Uncle Gu, please calm down," Ning Fengzhi whispered quickly. "Someone will avenge us."
As he spoke, Tang Hao had already walked out from the Clear Sky Clan's resting area. He cupped his fists towards Qian Xunji. "Your Supreme Pontiff, before the competition begins, I, Tang Hao, have an impertinent request."
"Speak," Qian Xunji nodded.
"I have long heard that Spirit Hall's Second Majesty Qin Xuan is exceptionally gifted, breaking through to the Spirit Saint realm at only twenty years old," Tang Hao said in a deep voice. "Although I am a few years older, I am also a Spirit Saint. I boldly ask to spar with him."
The entire venue instantly erupted. Everyone knew that Tang Hao was here to reclaim face for the Upper Three Clans—or rather, for the Clear Sky Clan.
"Oh?" Qian Xunji was somewhat surprised, a hint of interest in his eyes as he looked at Qin Xuan. "Second Brother, do you dare to accept the challenge?" He would be happy no matter who lost. In fact, he hoped Qin Xuan would be severely injured, which might provoke Jingni Douluo into weakening the Clear Sky Clan.
"Why not?" Qin Xuan smiled. Just as he was about to walk to the arena, Bibi Dong's voice transmission sounded in his ear. "Qin Xuan, be careful. Tang Hao is a once-in-a-century genius and has obtained the Slaughter God Domain; his strength is extraordinary."
Qin Xuan glanced at her with some surprise, said nothing, and stepped out, instantly arriving beside Tang Hao.
"So fast!" Tang Hao was slightly startled. He hadn't even clearly seen his movement.
"A once-in-a-century genius?" Qin Xuan said. "I hope you are as formidable as the rumors say."
"The same to you," Tang Hao sneered.
The two walked to the center of the arena as Ghost Douluo flashed between them to act as referee. "You have one minute to activate your Martial Souls," he said loudly. "After one minute, the battle officially begins."
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