Breaking Clan, Council Hall.
As the thick smoke dissipated, Yang Wudi and the Fifth Elder saw the results of their clash.
Looking at Yang Wudi opposite him—whose clothes were shredded in large patches, but whose skin was only slightly scorched by electricity, hair frizzed into an afro, and whose aura remained completely unscathed—the Fifth Elder let out a shriek of disbelief.
"How is this possible?"
In the Fifth Elder's estimation, given the physique of a Weapon Spirit Soul Douluo like Yang Wudi, his "Clear Sky Thunderstorm" should have left Yang Wudi severely injured. Yet, all it did was give him a perm and a new skin tone; how could he not be shocked?
Yang Wudi recalled the Anti-air Power that had surged within his body to protect his internal organs when the attack landed, and his expression turned contemplative. He had clearly not wanted to trigger the Sky Support Mark that Yun Ming had left behind before heading to Martial Soul City.
The situation for the Breaking Clan was dire. If it were just the two Title Douluo elders present, it might be manageable, but since both the Third and Fifth Elders of the Clear Sky Sect had reached the Title Douluo realm, what about the First, Second, and Fourth Elders, or even Tang Xiao? If other Title Douluo were lurking in the shadows, could Yun Ming stop this genocide even if he returned? Or would he just end up sacrificing himself here too?
Yang Wudi hadn't dared to gamble on whether others were hiding in the dark. To protect his grandson and preserve the last shred of hope for the Breaking Clan, he had chosen not to actively trigger the mark to notify Yun Ming. He hadn't expected, however, that Yun Ming had stored a portion of automatic defensive power within the mark. Now that he couldn't hide it from Yun Ming anymore, he could only take things one step at a time.
However, this situation wasn't entirely without benefits. The Fifth Elder hadn't expected him to fight so fiercely and, caught off guard, had suffered a severe injury to his left leg, effectively pulling their raw strength back to the same level. Moreover, with no one else appearing, Yang Wudi felt the possibility of hidden Title Douluo lurking in the shadows had decreased.
Yang Wudi adjusted his breathing, leveled his spear, and lunged at the Fifth Elder, retorting casually.
"Everything is possible, including beating you to death!"
Hearing Yang Wudi's arrogant words, the Fifth Elder flew into a rage and swung his hammer to meet him.
"Ding, ding, ding—"
"Boom—"
"Clang, clang—"
Stabbing, piercing, and smashing, the Soul Breaking Spear collided with the Clear Sky Hammer in various ways, creating a cacophony of sound.
This time, Yang Wudi didn't use a suicidal fighting style. Instead, targeting the Fifth Elder's injured leg and reduced mobility, he chose to move quickly and launch a rapid-fire assault.
He wielded the Soul Breaking Spear with the intensity of a battlefield formation. The shadows of the spear descended like a torrential storm from all directions. The left side of the Fifth Elder's body, in particular, became Yang Wudi's primary target. Coupled with a hit-and-run tactic that avoided direct clashes of strength, Yang Wudi managed to keep the Fifth Elder on the defensive, temporarily stabilizing the situation.
At the same time, a massive amount of Anti-air Power surged from the Sky Support Mark within Yang Wudi, protecting him while simultaneously transmitting the news of the mark's activation to Yun Ming.
⁂
On the other side, within the Heaven Dou competition convoy.
Yun Ming, who had been meditating with his eyes closed inside the carriage, sensed the mark being activated. He opened his eyes, recalled the date, cleared his thoughts, and turned his head toward the direction of Heaven Dou City.
So, the target is the Breaking Clan?
Sensing the sharp depletion of power from the mark within Yang Wudi, a wave of lingering fear washed over Yun Ming.
The fact that the defensive power could be passively triggered meant that Yang Wudi had been subjected to a formidable soul power attack. If he hadn't developed the Fatal Protection Seal specifically for his Second Soul Skill, "Sky Support Mark," he might have truly been blindsided today.
There were two Sky Support Marks equipped with the Fatal Protection Seal, which Yun Ming had given to Ya Li and Yang Wudi respectively; they were specifically developed to protect his closest kin.
Now that he knew the target and realized that someone had managed to force the activation of his defensive seal on a day when the elite of the Breaking Clan were gathered, Yun Ming could easily guess who the culprit was.
The only ones with the capability to do this were the Heaven Dou Empire royal family, Martial Soul Hall, and the Seven Great Sects. He currently had no conflict with Martial Soul Hall, and because his relationship with Ya Li was currently stable, Martial Soul Hall and the Lower Four Sects under its banner were unlikely. The Heaven Dou Empire royal family, despite their current ambiguous attitude, would not act even if the Breaking Clan openly defected to Martial Soul Hall, so they were ruled out. Finally, that left the Upper Three Sects. The Ning family had a great relationship with Yun Ming, and he had little interaction with the Yu family—excluding Gang Zi—so that left only the Clear Sky Tang family.
Thinking of the historical records of the future, where the Clear Sky Sect would re-emerge years later with the legend of "one sect, seven Douluo" (the Clear Sky Twin Stars and the five elders), Yun Ming's expression turned grave, and he immediately took action.
Yun Ming raised his hand to summon the Atlas Divine Spear, and his "pale yellow," purple, and black soul rings appeared and lit up in succession.
The others in the carriage were stunned by Yun Ming's sudden movement, but seeing him activate his soul rings, they knew something important was happening and said nothing.
His Fourth Soul Skill, "Atlas Overlord Spear," activated, doubling the effects of all his soul skills.
His Second Soul Skill, "Sky Support Mark," activated, triggering the two marks he usually left within the Breaking Clan's territory to construct teleportation portals back home.
With the preliminary preparations complete, Yun Ming activated his formidable Fifth Soul Skill, obtained from the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger.
When he had originally chosen the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger for his fifth ring, it was primarily for its ultimate move, "Time-Space Arena." While the final result deviated slightly from his expectation of gaining the "Time-Space Arena" ability directly—because the Atlas Divine Spear lacked a time attribute, he gained a different soul skill—this skill was not inferior, or perhaps even better.
Yun Ming's Fifth Soul Skill, "World," activated. This skill discarded the time attribute of the Time-Space Arena and combined it with the spatial properties of the Atlas Divine Spear, pushing space to its absolute limit. It was a domain-type skill with a simple and brutal effect: within the range of the soul skill, Yun Ming was the absolute master of that space; his heart became the heart of the world.
Yun Ming's soul power, nominally at level fifty-eight, erupted with an actual intensity comparable to level seventy-eight.
A powerful pillar of soul power shot into the sky from Yun Ming's body. Those in the Heaven Dou convoy below the rank of Soul Emperor were stunned by the pressure, falling into an inexplicable panic. The horses in the convoy began to bolt in terror, and for a moment, the entire procession was in chaos.
Dugu Bo, sensing Yun Ming's sudden burst of soul power and thinking an accident had occurred, flashed to the side of Yun Ming's carriage to investigate the cause. However, finding nothing abnormal, he could only wait on the sidelines. He glanced at the somewhat chaotic convoy and snorted coldly.
He released the aura of the Jade Scale Serpent Emperor, stabilizing the chaotic scene.
Chen Xin, seeing that Dugu Bo had not unleashed his soul power, exchanged a few words with Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe before coming over to Yun Ming's side to check the situation.
Only Tang San, who was in the convoy, and Tang Xiao, who was guarding in the shadows, felt a subconscious pang of worry that their plot might have been exposed when they saw Yun Ming cause such a commotion at this specific moment.
However, thinking that they had only informed the employers and outer sect members of the target shortly before the operation, and that they were thousands of miles away, it seemed impossible for him to have discovered it in advance, which eased their minds slightly.
Nevertheless, the level fifty-eight soul power fluctuation from Yun Ming still left Tang Xiao and Tang San dumbfounded. Tang San had only reached his current cultivation level after absorbing eight soul rings; they truly couldn't understand how Yun Ming had achieved this! Could it be that he also possessed Twin Martial Souls? One thing was certain: their intent to kill Yun Ming had grown even stronger.
The pillar of soul power from Yun Ming pierced directly into the void, traveling thousands of miles to Heaven Dou City. A few minutes later, the pressure completely receded. He opened his eyes to see Ning Fengzhi, Xue Qinghe, and the two great Douluo staring at him from inside the carriage.
Ning Fengzhi asked aloud.
"What is this, nephew?"
Yun Ming's expression was cold as he spoke.
"The Breaking Clan is under attack. It should be... the Clear Sky Sect!"
The group: "!!!"
Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi replied earnestly.
"Nephew, do not be anxious. The situation is urgent, and we need to remain calm."
"How about this: we depart immediately and have Sword Uncle carry us there on his sword. That should be the fastest method!"
Yun Ming shook his head and said.
"That method is too slow, and since Tang Xiao is still present, Senior Chen Xin cannot leave."
Ning Fengzhi looked at the composed Yun Ming, realized something, and spoke up.
"Could it be that you have already found a solution, nephew?"
Under the surprised gazes of those present, Yun Ming nodded and said to Ning Fengzhi.
"I must ask Uncle Ning to help me restore my soul power; I consumed too much just now."
Utilizing the Sky Support Mark to release his Fifth Soul Skill at extreme range with doubled power, while also maintaining a constant supply of soul power, had left Yun Ming's internal reserves nearly depleted.
Ning Fengzhi nodded, summoned his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and began to restore Yun Ming's soul power.
While sensing the progress of his recovery, Yun Ming pondered the situation regarding the Clear Sky Sect, whispering to himself.
Clear Sky Sect, you had better be strong enough, otherwise...
Heaven Dou City, Breaking Clan.
The battle between the two Clear Sky elders and the two Yang brothers continued.
Yang Wudi sensed the anomaly of the Sky Support Mark and hurriedly widened the distance between himself and the Fifth Elder.
Seeing Yang Wudi retreat, the Fifth Elder was about to launch an offensive, but the next moment, he saw a pillar of white light erupt from Yang Wudi toward the sky. He simultaneously sensed two other pillars of light rising as well.
At first, he thought Yang Wudi was playing tricks, but seeing the bewildered expression on the other man's face, he became confused himself. However, even more confusion awaited him.
Three pillars of light rose, and countless ornate patterns surged forth, intersecting and connecting in the void until they finally formed a massive barrier, completely shrouding the entire Breaking Clan residence.
Following this, expressions of horror appeared on the faces of the two Clear Sky elders. They felt rejected by this world; they could no longer achieve Unity of Heaven and Man to borrow the power of nature, nor could they mobilize or absorb external energy to replenish their soul power during combat. This was a sensation they had never experienced since becoming Title Douluo.
Even though the two elders were not the type to rely heavily on the power of nature, their strength was inevitably suppressed by ten percent.
In fact, it was not just them who were suppressed, but also the other subordinates arranged by the Clear Sky Sect and a few members of the Breaking Clan.
After all, Yun Ming was controlling this remotely; except for those who possessed the Soul Breaking Spear Martial Soul, everyone else would be suppressed by this domain. It was just that those with weak cultivation could not trigger the power of nature to begin with, nor could they restore soul power during battle, so they did not feel much of a difference.
As one side waned, the other waxed. Those with the Soul Breaking Spear Martial Soul, who were favored by this domain—especially the Yang brothers—felt closer to nature than ever. Unity of Heaven and Man became simple, and for a moment, both felt as if they had become significantly stronger.
Yang Wutian watched the Third Elder's momentum decline, a flash of light in his eyes. He thrust his Soul Breaking Spear forward with all his might, the black flame on the spear merging with the tip. Simultaneously, he activated his third soul skill, the "Bao" (Explode) technique, colliding head-on with the Third Elder's golden Clear Sky Hammer.
"Boom--"
The black explosive spear light at the tip of the Soul Breaking Spear clashed once more with the golden light of the Clear Sky Hammer. Facing the direct strike of the Clear Sky Hammer, Yang Wutian was knocked back three steps again, but he clearly felt that the immovable force behind the opponent's hammer had weakened.
Although Yang Wutian did not fully understand the situation, it was a fact that the Third Elder had weakened while he had grown stronger. Looking at the Third Elder, who had been forced out of the state of Unity of Heaven and Man and had helplessly returned to the ground, Yang Wutian grinned.
"It seems the situation has changed!"
The Third Elder could no longer hold back; his face turned gloomy, and he said with a sinister tone.
"Is that so? But the future I see is still the destruction of your Breaking Clan."
After speaking, his third soul ring lit up, and the Third Elder's Martial Soul amplification skill, "Clear Sky Vajra Hammer," was activated.
He was now completely serious; he wanted to finish off Yang Wutian as quickly as possible.
The head of the Clear Sky Hammer in his hand grew twice as large, the surface turning a dark gold color, and his momentum surged once more. The Third Elder raised the giant hammer and said to Yang Wutian.
"Now, I will slaughter you!"
The Third Elder pushed off the ground, shattering it, and charged toward Yang Wutian like a savage dragon.
Seeing the Third Elder in this state, Yang Wutian did not dare to be careless. He gripped his spear and met him, engaging in battle.
"Clang, clang, clang."
The Soul Breaking Spear struck the Clear Sky Hammer from time to time, emitting crisp sounds.
A serious Third Elder was formidable; his swinging force and hammer techniques were not to be underestimated.
Even though Yang Wutian avoided direct collisions between the Soul Breaking Spear and the Clear Sky Hammer, mostly utilizing his relative advantage in agility—since the opponent was burdened by the three-thousand-jin hammer—to strike from the shadows, the Third Elder's massive hammer, combined with the exquisite Clear Sky Nine Decisions Hammer Technique, remained an impenetrable defense.
Moreover, every time the Third Elder launched an active attack, Yang Wutian had to be extremely careful; if he were to be struck even once, he feared his old body would not be able to withstand it.
The battle at this location fell into a stalemate for the time being.
However, the situation between Yang Wudi and the Fifth Elder was the complete opposite. Having lost the ability to tread on air, the Fifth Elder's leg injury had a magnified impact. Relying on a single leg for power, the Fifth Elder could barely defend, but he had completely lost the initiative, which made the fight incredibly frustrating for him. It looked as if, with one careless move, he might be broken through by Yang Wudi.
But before Yang Wudi could complete his breakthrough, a scorching aura came from behind him, and Yang Wudi hurriedly dodged.
"Boom--"
The fire hammer smashed into the ground, triggering a violent explosion. Yang Wudi looked at the newcomer, his face gloomy.
"Tang Yuran!"
This was the Sixth Elder of the Clear Sky Sect.
The Fifth Elder watched the arrival of the Sixth Elder; although he was somewhat puzzled as to why he had come—had his own mission been completed?—he was inwardly delighted. Otherwise, he feared there was a real possibility he might have lost.
The Fifth Elder had to admit that it was not just them who had improved over the years; Yang Wudi's spear techniques and cultivation had also advanced significantly.
However, with the arrival of the Sixth Elder of the Clear Sky Sect, the situation for Yang Wudi is no longer clear-cut.
Because of Yun Ming's Fifth Soul Skill, the Breaking Clan has barely managed to maintain a stalemate, albeit a disadvantageous one; yet, because his Fifth Soul Skill caused such a massive commotion, the outside world is no longer calm.
Xue Ye looks at the Seventh Elder of the Clear Sky Sect before him and ultimately decides to turn a blind eye to the great battle occurring within the Breaking Clan's clan land.
A few days ago, Salas of the Martial Soul Hall received a secret order from within the hall. Knowing that Ya Li was winning over the hearts of the people, he decided not to intervene in this matter; after all, he is Bibi Dong's man. This is also the reason why the Sixth Elder was able to provide reinforcements, as his original mission was to keep an eye on the Martial Soul Hall.
Meanwhile, at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect outside Heaven Dou City, Gu Rong senses the intense spatial fluctuations coming from the Breaking Clan in the east of the city. Just as he is about to investigate, he is blocked by a middle-aged man.
Gu Rong looks at the old man with some surprise and says.
"Grand Elder of the Clear Sky Sect? You aren't staying in the Clear Sky Sect, so what are you doing at our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
The Grand Elder smiles faintly.
"We are allies, after all; it is only right for us in the Clear Sky Sect to pay a visit occasionally!"
Gu Rong thinks of the strange occurrences at the Breaking Clan and sees the sudden appearance of the Grand Elder of the Clear Sky Sect. His eyes narrow slightly; this is truly a coincidence! Sensing the faint aura of a Title Douluo radiating from the other man, Gu Rong realizes what is happening.
The Clear Sky Sect has secretly moved against the Breaking Clan, and he is here to block me.
However, since he is currently at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Gu Rong really cannot make a move. He can only go along with him, hoping to stall the Grand Elder and buy a glimmer of hope for the Breaking Clan.
"Right, of course it is right!"
"Brother Tang, please!"
But not long after the two sit down, they feel the fluctuations of a Soul Douluo battle coming from outside. These are the Fourth Elder of the Clear Sky Sect and the Soul Douluo powerhouses within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Neither Gu Rong nor the Grand Elder mentions this, only sighing inwardly at the misfortune.
From this point on, with the exception of the Second Elder who guards the Clear Sky Sect, all of the Clear Sky Sect's powerhouses have been deployed.
Breaking Clan Clan Land
After the stalemate has been maintained for more than ten minutes, just as Yang Wudi is stretched thin and on the verge of being unable to hold on, a new variable arrives on the battlefield.
Inside Yun Ming's room, countless silver light patterns flash, and two figures, one old and one young, appear.
The old man looks at the damaged door-shaped object in Yun Ming's hand and clicks his tongue in wonder.
"I didn't expect you kid to have such a strange Soul Tool in your possession. Your Breaking Clan truly has a destiny that cannot be severed!"
The old man is Dugu Bo, and the one he calls "kid" is naturally Yun Ming, who has finished replenishing his Soul Power.
Yun Ming glances at the object in his hand, his expression unreadable.
"Indeed! It is my good fortune to have obtained such a strange item."
This item is the preparation Yun Ming made after sensing something amiss yesterday—a special Soul Tool. Its function is to rely on Yun Ming's own abilities to assist him in long-distance teleportation while carrying others. However, due to material limitations, he could only bring Dugu Bo with him. It is fortunate that Dugu Bo is not a Super Douluo, or this Soul Tool would have shattered halfway through.
Clearing the disrespectful thoughts from his mind, Yun Ming looks toward the two areas of the clan with the most activity. Sensing only two Title Douluos, he says coldly.
"Senior, are you ready? It seems we can do something big today!"
Dugu Bo strokes his beard and says proudly.
"Of course! Killing a Title Douluo is something this old man has never done in his life!"
As everyone knows, Dugu Bo never plays low-end games; even if he is constantly beaten because of it, he never tires of it!
The Atlas Divine Spear appears in Yun Ming's hand as he speaks.
"Then let us begin!"
───────────────
Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: DaoistReader