Chapter 104: Tang Hao Appears
Since the promotion tournament was held in Soul Master City, the Tiandou Empire specifically arranged for Prince Xue Qinghe to lead the group there, accompanied by many high-ranking officials, especially the three deans of Tiandou Royal Academy, who followed closely behind the prince.
Additionally, Dugu Bo, a guest elder of the Tiandou Empire, was also part of the group. His only granddaughter, Dugu Yan, was set to compete in the finals.
As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, Lin Gong, and several others were present, all seeming quite powerful.
Under the protection of a group of knights, they traveled in grand, luxurious carriages, each one large enough that sitting inside felt like being on solid ground.
Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong didn't sit with the rest of the group. Instead, they traveled with Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and others. This way, they would be safer, especially with Sword Douluo present, not to mention the presence of Prince Xue Qinghe in their carriage.
Yang Xiong had interacted with Xue Qinghe countless times over the years. On the surface, the two were very familiar with each other, though both liked to tease each other with little jabs.
Every time, Yang Xiong would introduce girlfriends to Xue Qinghe, even promising that if Xue Qinghe liked someone, he would do everything in his power to help. In return, Xue Qinghe would joke that Yang Xiong had a girlfriend at such a young age and feared he would become a playboy, advising him to focus on his cultivation for now.
…
However, this time, Xue Qinghe seemed genuinely happy. Even the corners of his eyes showed a hint of excitement, which was completely unlike his usual indifference.
Seeing this, Yang Xiong couldn't help but chuckle: "Your Highness, from the way you're grinning, one would think you're heading home, rather than to Soul Master City. Looks like you really like this place."
Xue Qinghe's expression darkened momentarily, but he quickly regained his composure: "I've always lived in the palace and rarely had the chance to leave. This trip to Soul Master City is also a chance for me to visit the holy land of soul masters. As a soul master, I am indeed a bit excited."
Yang Xiong sighed: "Soul Master City truly is the holy land of soul masters, but unfortunately, it has become too pragmatic over the years. It no longer has the same angelic brilliance it once had."
Xue Qinghe forced a smile: "Looks like you really miss the old Spirit Hall, don't you?"
Yang Xiong couldn't help but sigh again: "It's a bit regrettable. I heard the Angel Clan has no descendants left. Furthermore, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Spirit Hall have fundamentally different paths."
Xue Qinghe responded, "Who knows? Maybe the Angel Clan still has some hidden descendants."
Yang Xiong smiled: "That's unclear. I heard that after the previous Pope, Qian Xunji, was killed by Title Douluo Tang Hao, the Angel Clan hasn't appeared in the soul master world since."
Hearing the conversation growing more intense, Ning Fengzhi finally spoke up: "Qinghe, Xiao Xiong, the Angel Clan isn't so simple. Qian Daoliu, from the Angel Clan, is recognized as one of the strongest in the continent. It's said that Qian Xunji had a daughter, but unfortunately, she was said to have passed away."
Yang Xiong quickly added, "Sect Master, if what you say is true, then this little girl must be the last hope of the Angel Clan. She shouldn't have died so easily. How old was she when she passed?"
Ning Fengzhi thought for a moment before replying: "Judging by her age, she should be about the same age as Qinghe. Specific information is unclear, as Spirit Hall hasn't released any news."
Yang Xiong smiled: "If Sect Master is right, this girl would probably be the right age to participate in this Soul Master Tournament. Who knows, maybe she'll show up? The Angel Clan's talent shouldn't be too bad."
Xue Qinghe then spoke up: "Teacher, Xiao Xiong, from the information I've received, there isn't any soul master from the Angel Clan among the Golden Generation of Spirit Hall. It's possible that this girl really did fall."
Yang Xiong gave Xue Qinghe a few curious glances: "Your Highness, I'm noticing that your temperament and posture are beginning to resemble a girl's more and more. Could it be that you have a hidden secret?"
Xue Qinghe, who had been drinking tea, immediately choked on it: "Xiao Xiong, you're joking. My personality has always been like this since childhood, and I have to thank Teacher for his guidance."
Indeed, Xue Qinghe's demeanor was elegant, much like Ning Fengzhi, as if they shared the same style.
After their occasional teasing, Yang Xiong and Xue Qinghe settled into their respective cultivation.
The journey was quite pleasant, at least on the surface, with everyone appearing to get along. Even Ning Fengzhi seemed satisfied with the atmosphere.
However, Yang Xiong couldn't help but secretly criticize. Despite all his subtle hints, Ning Fengzhi hadn't shown any signs of suspicion. It seemed that Ning Fengzhi really valued his disciple.
After more than ten days, Yang Xiong was meditating with his eyes closed when suddenly, a deafening explosion was heard in the distance.
As the group exited their carriages, a swarm of black-clad figures appeared and attacked the caravans. From the situation, it seemed that the Shrek carriage was the primary target.
A huge, green-scaled Serpent Emperor appeared in the distance, and it was none other than Dugu Bo, the guest elder of the Tiandou Empire. His granddaughter, Dugu Yan, was also accompanying him.
Both Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe, as well as Sword Douluo, grew serious. Clearly, this attack was not simple, as even Dugu Bo had been involved.
Sword Douluo spoke solemnly: "Only the shadow appears, no soul ring. This must be Ghost Shadow."
Yang Xiong was startled upon hearing this, quickly focusing all his mental energy to observe the distant battle.
Dugu Bo's figure flickered as the massive Serpent Emperor struck with incredible speed, accompanied by green poisonous mist that made the scene even more terrifying.
However, his opponent was a shadow-like figure that moved without a trace, and no soul rings were visible. Clearly, this opponent was not ordinary.
Even with Dugu Bo's Title Douluo strength, he was now struggling. The shadow-like figure was lightning-fast, and Dugu Bo appeared to be having difficulty keeping up. It seemed that the person was only aiming to stall Dugu Bo, as neither side was going all out.
In other areas of the battlefield, although the fighting appeared intense, the black-clad attackers seemed more focused on holding everyone back rather than going for immediate strikes.
Meanwhile, in the Shrek area, things were more dramatic. Several top-tier experts had appeared, including the Four-Eyed Cat Eagle and Fire Dragon martial spirits, which likely meant that Liu Erlong and Flander were involved.
At this moment, a massive Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon appeared. The figure seemed very tall and had eight soul rings.
The person appeared extremely enraged: "How dare you challenge the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!"
However, the incoming figure didn't seem to care, completely ignoring the Soul Douluo's aura.
Yang Xiong was confused: "Sect Master, I don't think I've seen this Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul master before."
Ning Fengzhi replied: "He's an elder from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. He's likely been secretly protecting Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin. It seems that Yu Yuanzhen had already made preparations."
Yang Xiong asked, "Sect Master, could their target be Tang San? Should we go and take a look?"
Ning Fengzhi hesitated before responding: "It seems so. Tang San's performance in this Soul Master Tournament has been too dazzling. Furthermore, the Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall have been at odds for a long time. Going to Soul Master City right now isn't the wisest choice."
Even with several Title Douluo present, including Long Gong, Yang Xiong noticed that Long Gong was not guarding Tang San as in the original, but was instead protecting his own students from the academy.
As the group deliberated, a golden figure appeared in the sky, surrounded by countless chrysanthemums petals. This person was none other than Chrysanthemum Douluo.
With a simple gesture, Chrysanthemum Douluo enveloped Flander with countless petals, each one sharp as a blade.
Yang Xiong stared intently at Chrysanthemum Douluo. He had always found it strange that a plant-based soul master could become a formidable attacker. Seeing the giant and rare Chrysanthemum flower in bloom, Yang Xiong's eyes grew brighter with interest.
Among all the rare herbs, Yang Xiong's favorite was the magnificent Chrysanthemum, though he hadn't intended to use it yet. Now, seeing Chrysanthemum Douluo in action, it seemed quite intriguing.
Around them, many black-clad figures had gathered, though their strength was far inferior to Sword Douluo's. This was why Sword Douluo remained calm, simply standing next to Ning Fengzhi.
With Chrysanthemum Douluo's sudden appearance, even Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo were startled. It seemed that Spirit Hall had sent two Title Douluos, clearly intending to target Tang San.
Just as Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo were about to assist Tang San, a giant blood-red hammer appeared from the sky and struck directly at Chrysanthemum Douluo.
The hammer arrived so quickly that even Chrysanthemum Douluo didn't have time to react fully. Though he used countless petals to block the hammer, he was still sent flying dozens of meters.
At that moment, a figure in tattered black clothes appeared in the sky. This person had nine soul rings, with the last one being blood-red, exuding immense pressure.
Ghost Douluo was equally shocked, instantly summoning a black hole to attack Dugu Bo, before turning into a ghostly figure and heading toward the Shrek team.
But just then, a massive, azure sword descended from the sky, blocking the ghostly figure's path. It was Sword Douluo and Ning Fengzhi.
Chrysanthemum Douluo, enraged, shouted: "Tang Hao, I didn't expect you to show up!"
"Tang Hao, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, didn't expect you to oppose us too," Chrysanthemum Douluo continued.
Tang Hao's face showed a hint of displeasure: "A flower, a ghost. Is this all you Spirit Hall can do—sneaking around?"
Ning Fengzhi didn't reply to Chrysanthemum Douluo. Instead, he turned to Tang Hao, "Brother Tang, it's been a long time. I didn't expect you to still look so impressive after all these years."
Tang Hao smiled bitterly: "I'm just a useless man now. But Spirit Hall will never harm my son."
After hearing this, Ning Fengzhi didn't say more. Though Chrysanthemum Douluo was furious, three Title Douluos had now appeared, making it clear that their plans were no longer feasible. After a few harsh words, Chrysanthemum Douluo reluctantly withdrew.
Tang Hao exchanged a few glances with Ning Fengzhi. It was unclear whether they spoke to each other, but in the end, Tang Hao turned and left, as if nothing had happened.
Yang Xiong suddenly realized something and quickly turned to look at Xue Qinghe. At that moment, Xue Qinghe no longer had his usual calm demeanor. His eyes even showed a hint of hatred as he stared intently at Tang Hao's retreating figure.
However, Xue Qinghe quickly noticed Yang Xiong's gaze. His previously angry expression turned pale for a moment but soon became eerily calm again.
After the situation settled, the entire caravan was organized and checked. There were no major losses, and the team members had suffered only minor injuries, which should heal quickly.
Xue Qinghe then comforted everyone, showing the demeanor of a prince and a respectful attitude toward his subordinates.
But as they returned to their carriages, Yang Xiong, with a serious expression, spoke up: "Brother Qinghe, why does it seem like you saw that Title Douluo like he was your father's murderer? Could it be that you have some kind of grudge with him?"
(END CHAPTER)
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