Xiao Lan's words were polite yet razor-sharp.
She was simply an employee, earning her living through her skills. If every customer behaved like Tang Hao—shouting and acting shameless—then naturally she wouldn't be happy doing her job.
"No! You must take this money!"
Tang Hao was anxious now.
He could afford to lose face.
But the Clear Sky Clan—the so-called number one clan in the world—absolutely could not.
Ah Yin watched the entire exchange with confusion written all over her face.
"Fu Ye, didn't that uncle just say the food was bad and refuse to pay? Why is he forcing that big sister to take the money now?"
"Who knows? Maybe he just couldn't find his money earlier."
Their conversation wasn't quiet.
Anyone with even modest cultivation could hear it.
Soon, suppressed laughter spread through the hall.
Bad food, refused to pay… now forcing them to take the money… maybe he couldn't find it earlier…
Tang Hao and Tang Xiao's expressions finally twisted.
As the widely famed Twin Heroes of the Clear Sky Clan, when had they ever suffered such humiliation?
Just as Tang Hao was about to release his Soul Douluo-level soul power—
A powerful aura erupted nearby.
The young man who had just finished paying his bill stepped forward, radiating soul power not the slightest bit weaker than Tang Hao's.
"I frequent this restaurant," he said calmly. "The flavor and price suit me just fine. If you don't like it, you can leave. They didn't ask you to pay. But if you intend to smash this place…"
His eyes sharpened like drawn blades.
"As an old customer, I won't allow it."
Tang Xiao immediately stepped in front of his younger brother after sensing the strength of the aura.
Upstairs, Fu Ye raised an eyebrow.
His system had just displayed the young man's information.
"Sword Dao Chen Xin…"
[Chen Xin
Age: 60Identity: Sole surviving descendant of the Battle Soul Sect, current and only inheritor of the Seven Kill Sword—once known as the strongest tool-type Martial Spirit on the continent
Level: 89Martial Spirit: Seven Kill Sword (Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Black)]
The atmosphere grew tense.
The surrounding diners barely dared breathe.
Tang Hao, however, glanced up toward Fu Ye on the second floor, a trace of coldness in his eyes.
"If you want to fight, do it outside. Don't ruin this establishment's business."
Chen Xin didn't waste words.
He had been bored lately.
And now, at his regular restaurant, he just happened to run into two Clear Sky Clan Soul Douluos picking a fight.
He had never forgotten that the Clear Sky Hammer had taken the title of strongest tool-type Martial Spirit from the Seven Kill Sword.
He had always wanted to reclaim that title with his own hands.
"Hmph! It's just one hundred gold soul coins! I, Tang Hao, am not someone who can't afford a meal!"
Tang Hao slammed the money pouch onto the table.
But Xiao Lan didn't even look at it.
After finishing Chen Xin's bill, she calmly continued working.
As for the other staff?
They were earning enough here to buy homes and get married.
Why would they care about Tang Hao's loose change?
Besides, stealing would get them fired instantly.
They weren't idiots.
Thus, everyone witnessed an absurd scene—
Six or seven waiters on the first floor, and not one of them paid any attention to Tang Hao's money.
"Wow, rare to see the Twin Heroes of the Clear Sky Clan embarrassed."
"Haha, not Twin Heroes—Twin Disasters!"
"Oh man, Juxiang Pavilion is famous here. When they update their blacklist tomorrow, won't the Clear Sky Clan lose even more face?"
"Who's that guy, though? His aura doesn't lose to Tang Hao or Tang Xiao at all."
Amidst the whispers, Chen Xin and the Clear Sky brothers stepped outside.
Dusk had fallen, and the streets were emptier.
Seeing the tense confrontation, passersby quickly backed away, eager to spectate from a safe distance.
Tang Hao and Tang Xiao were well-known figures in Heaven Dou City.
But few recognized the man standing opposite them.
Upstairs, Fu Ye was browsing the system store.
"Found it."
[Item: Perfected Sword IntentStock: 99999Price: 0(Limit: One per purchase)]
[Item: Chance of EnlightenmentStock: 99999Price: 0(Limit: One per purchase)]
Fu Ye confirmed the purchase.
[Congratulations, Host, for obtaining Perfected Sword Intent ×1][Congratulations, Host, for obtaining Chance of Enlightenment ×1][Perfected Sword Intent successfully fused]
In an instant, supreme sword intent filled Fu Ye's body.
It felt as if he had cultivated the sword for centuries—completely natural, completely controlled.
Looking at Chen Xin below, defending Juxiang Pavilion, Fu Ye smiled faintly.
"Tang Hao. Level 83 Assault-Type Soul Douluo. Martial Spirit: Clear Sky Hammer."
"Tang Xiao. Level 83 Assault-Type Soul Douluo. Martial Spirit: Clear Sky Hammer. And you?"
Tang Hao and Tang Xiao displayed their strength openly.
Chen Xin's eyes burned with battle intent.
"Chen Xin. Level 89 Assault-Type Soul Douluo. Martial Spirit: Seven Kill Sword!"
As his words fell—
A chilling killing aura swept across the area.
In his hand appeared a long sword that gleamed coldly under the night sky.
"The Seven Kill Sword! You're the Battle Soul Sect's last heir—Sword Dao Chen Xin!"
The Battle Soul Sect had once ranked among the Lower Three Sects. The Seven Kill Sword had once claimed the title of strongest tool-type Martial Spirit on the continent.
If not for Tang Hao's grandfather, Tang Chen, who had swept the continent with the Clear Sky Hammer, that title would likely still belong to the Seven Kill Sword.
But the Seven Kill lineage passed to only one successor per generation.
Chen Xin's father had challenged Extreme Douluo Qian Daoliu in pursuit of breakthrough—and died at the hands of Spirit Hall.
The Battle Soul Sect collapsed soon after.
Tang Hao and Tang Xiao hadn't expected to meet him here.
Battle Soul Sect disciples were known for their sword Martial Spirits and their battle-crazed nature.
And Chen Xin, the sect master's son, was even more extreme.
"Enough words. Today, I will see whether your Clear Sky Hammer truly lives up to its reputation."
A terrifying killing aura engulfed the scene.
Tang Hao and Tang Xiao exchanged a glance.
Though Chen Xin was five levels higher—
There were two of them.
"One step, one kill. Seven steps, seven kills."
Buzz—!
The sword trembled.
Dense sword qi surrounded Chen Xin like a protective barrier, reminiscent of martial arts internal energy—yet far more lethal.
Anything that touched it would be shredded instantly.
"First Soul Skill — Sword Edge Unleashed!