The fact that Tai Tan had come to cause trouble was a clear indication that Yu Xiaogang was behind it. Tai Tan had inadvertently revealed this during his earlier outburst.
"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan... one day, I will personally destroy them," Ye Hao muttered, suppressing his anger. With the Continental Elite Soul Master Tournament underway, the upper three clans were a sensitive topic, and acting rashly was not an option.
His mother had already devised the "Soul Hunting Operation," which included the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family as a primary target. From the moment Ye Hao joined the Spirit Hall, he had prepared himself to oppose all forces on the continent.
"Yu Xiaogang... Yu Xiaogang, I underestimated you," Ye Hao frowned, deep in thought. "If I remember correctly, you plan to visit the Spirit Hall to ask my mother about the cultivation method for twin martial souls. This is an opportunity... a perfect opportunity."
A cold glint flashed in Ye Hao's eyes. "Since you've drawn your sword, I'll make sure you pay the price."
"Zhu Zhu! Zhu'er!" Ye Hao called out.
Immediately, Zhu Zhu and Zhu'er appeared, sensing Ye Hao's anger.
"By tomorrow, I don't want to see the Strength Clan still standing in Heaven Dou City. Let the destruction of the Strength Clan serve as a warning to Yu Xiaogang," Ye Hao declared, his voice filled with rare fury.
The two were momentarily stunned but quickly nodded in agreement.
At that moment, Xue Qinghe returned.
"Brother..."
The atmosphere felt off.
"Brother, who upset you this time?" Xue Qinghe removed her disguise, revealing her true form as the beautiful Qian Renxue.
"Who else?" Ye Hao sighed.
"Sister, I've decided. Tonight, the Strength Clan will be wiped out."
Qian Renxue was taken aback. "Are you insane? The Strength Clan was once a subsidiary of the Clear Sky Clan. After leaving the Clear Sky Clan, they settled in Heaven Dou City. Did they... provoke you?"
Knowing Ye Hao, Qian Renxue understood he wouldn't take such drastic measures without good reason.
After Ye Hao explained what had happened, Qian Renxue's expression darkened. "Kill them! Leave no one alive!"
"Elder Snake Spear! Elder Bloodthorn!"
The two elders appeared instantly, ready for action.
"Tonight, the four of you will act together. By tomorrow, I don't want to see the Strength Clan still standing. Especially their leader, Titan. I never expected that after leaving the Clear Sky Clan, he would still be connected to Tang Hao and become Tang San's hidden force in Heaven Dou City. How impressive!" Qian Renxue sneered.
"Remember, leave no one alive," she emphasized.
The four nodded in unison and quickly left to prepare.
Qian Renxue then took out a letter from her pocket.
"This is... a letter from her to you."
Ye Hao took the envelope...
"To my son," it read.
The four words were written vertically in the center. Ye Hao was slightly surprised to see the letter still sealed.
"Sister, you didn't read it?" Ye Hao asked.
Qian Renxue shrugged. "I usually don't read her letters unless they're important. Besides, this one is for you. It's not my place to read it."
It seemed Qian Renxue still harbored some resentment. Ye Hao sighed and opened the letter.
"Come to the Spirit Hall soon. Mom misses you."
Only one line, simple and to the point.
Ye Hao checked the back of the letter, confirming there was nothing else, and chuckled.
"What did she write that made you laugh so much?"
"Nothing," Ye Hao shook his head, smiling. "She just wants me to come to the Spirit Hall soon. Mom misses me."
Qian Renxue: "..."
"Brother, I plan to leave for the Spirit Hall tomorrow. I won't be traveling with you."
Qian Renxue raised an eyebrow. "Suit yourself. Leading the team to the Spirit Hall for the tournament will take a while, and the journey will be long. If you want to see her, go ahead. We'll meet at the Spirit Hall."
Ye Hao nodded and stood up, walking into the courtyard.
Unknowingly, eight years had passed since he arrived in this world. In those eight years, Ye Hao had experienced many things.
This world was vastly different from his original one. Today's events had made him realize something crucial.
In his previous world, if someone wronged you, you could rely on the law for protection. But here, in the Douluo Continent, strength was the ultimate authority.
"I hope the moonlight won't be too red tonight," Ye Hao muttered with a self-deprecating smile.
---
The night was quiet, and the Strength Clan's residence outside the city was peaceful.
The Strength Clan was once a subsidiary of the Clear Sky Clan. After the Clear Sky Clan closed its doors, they had moved and settled elsewhere. Recently, with Tang San's appearance, the Strength Clan had reconnected with Tang Hao, their former master. Tai Tan had been incited by Yu Xiaogang to cause trouble at Ye Hao's residence.
Little did they know...
"Father, are you alright?" Tai Nuo supported the injured Tai Tan, his eyes filled with anger.
"Father, speak to me! Who is this Ye Hao? I'll go and avenge you!"
The entire family was known for their short tempers.
Tai Tan slapped Tai Nuo across the face, scolding, "If I, a Soul Douluo, couldn't defeat Ye Hao, what makes you think you, a mere Soul King, can? Ye Hao is a Soul King himself. If I couldn't beat him, you stand no chance."
"But..." Tai Nuo touched his swollen face. "We can't just let this go. What will people think of the Strength Clan?"
"I have my plans. Ye Hao insulted the Strength Clan and severely injured my grandson and young master. I will never forgive him! When I see our master again, I will report this matter to him personally."
Tai Tan sighed. "To think a Soul Douluo like me couldn't defeat a Soul King. What a disgrace! Master, where are you now? Your servant is useless!"
As the father and son walked, Tai Tan suddenly froze.
"Father, what's wrong?" Tai Nuo noticed his father's expression change.
"There's killing intent," Tai Tan said gravely.
The surroundings were eerily quiet, and a faint smell of blood filled the air.
In an instant, Tai Tan's face darkened. Several overwhelming auras pressed down on him, each stronger than his own.
The moon was full, casting a bright light over the courtyard where the father and son stood.
"Thud—"
Two members of the Strength Clan collapsed outside the courtyard gate.
Tai Nuo rushed to check on them.
"What happened to you..."
Instinctively, Tai Tan shouted, "Son, don't go!"
"Huh?"
"Ah—"
A golden flash streaked past...
Tai Nuo stopped in his tracks. He looked down in shock, feeling a warm liquid flowing from his chest.
A golden snake spear had pierced through his chest, leaving a gaping hole.
"Tai Nuo!!!" Tai Tan roared in fury, watching his son die before his eyes. His eyes turned blood-red as he charged forward.
But then, under the dim moonlight, three figures appeared.
In their hands, they held the bodies of several Strength Clan members, their clothes stained with blood. They were mercilessly thrown over the courtyard wall.
"Who... who are you!" Tai Tan demanded.
"Someone you can't afford to provoke," Elder Snake Spear said coldly, pulling his spear from Tai Nuo's chest and kicking the body aside.
"Where are the rest of my clan?" Tai Tan shouted, a sense of dread rising in his heart.
"All dead. Not a single one left," Zhu Zhu said indifferently.
In an instant, Tai Tan felt the world spinning. Looking at the four figures before him, his body trembled. The ground was covered in blood, warm and bright red. In the distance, flames lit up the night sky.
"Aren't you afraid of my master's retaliation?" Tai Tan trembled as he spoke, the overwhelming pressure from the four making even a Soul Douluo like him break into a cold sweat.
"You mean Tang Hao?" Zhu Zhu sneered. "He's already on his last breath, poisoned by my Death Spider Emperor venom. He's like a leaf in the wind, barely hanging on. A drowning man can't save a drowning dog like you."
Tai Tan staggered back, tears welling up in his eyes as he looked at the bodies of his clan members.
"I'll fight you to the death!"
Tai Tan roared, his seventh soul ring lighting up.
"Seventh Soul Skill, Martial Soul..."
Before Tai Tan could complete his Martial Soul True Body, Zhu'er's arms turned into emerald-green spider spears. With a cold glint in her eyes, she slit Tai Tan's throat in an instant.
"Thud—"
The headless body fell to the ground. Zhu'er glanced at it coldly and said, "Let's go. The master is waiting for our report."
Zhu'er was always cold and efficient, never wasting time.
The three exchanged glances and then soared into the sky, heading back to Heaven Dou City.
In one night, the Strength Clan was reduced to ashes. Their buildings collapsed, and the fire burned for a full day and night. Except for Tai Long, who was safe at Shrek Academy, every member of the Strength Clan was dead.
Before leaving, Zhu Zhu and the others erased all traces and used a special method to summon soul beasts from the nearby Sunset Forest, framing the incident as a soul beast rampage.
---
The next morning, Heaven Dou City was as bustling as ever. The streets were filled with people, and life went on as usual.
At Qian Renxue's residence, Ye Hao packed his belongings, preparing to leave for the Spirit Hall with Zhu Zhu and Zhu'er.
"Be careful on the road. When you get back, don't forget to visit Grandfather and... her," Qian Renxue reminded him repeatedly.
Ye Hao smiled. "Sister, I've traveled before. Don't worry. I'll wait for you at the Spirit Hall."
"After yesterday's events, I've gained some clarity. My mindset has become more stable," Ye Hao said with a sigh.
"Oh? Tell me about it," Qian Renxue asked with interest.
"In the past, I was always hesitant, never acting decisively. But after yesterday, I've realized something. If you don't kill others, they will come to kill you."
Perhaps because Ye Hao came from Earth, his way of thinking was different. He always left room for negotiation or hesitated in his actions. But after years of living in this world and experiencing recent events, Ye Hao's mindset had shifted. He had become more resolute, to the point where it was almost frightening.
He had fully integrated into this continent. From now on, Ye Hao would no longer hesitate. Anyone who stood in his way would be eliminated without mercy.
Just like the Strength Clan last night—it was merely a test.
"It's good that you've realized this. To be honest, when you suggested wiping out the Strength Clan last night, I was shocked at first. But now that I think about it, the Strength Clan has sided with Tang Hao and Tang San. They would have been a variable in the future. With the Continental Elite Soul Master Tournament over in Heaven Dou City, this serves as a warning and a fitting end to your time here."
Qian Renxue was reluctant to let him go. She touched Ye Hao's cheek and smiled bitterly. "Once you leave for the Spirit Hall, it will be difficult for you to return to Heaven Dou City. They will publicly announce your identity. The Heaven Dou royal family has invested so much in you, even going so far as to make Shrek Academy pay 100,000 gold soul coins for your sake yesterday."
"Now that you're leaving, the Heaven Dou royal family will undoubtedly be in an uproar. It will be harder for us siblings to meet in the future."
Ye Hao smirked. "There's no place in this world I can't go. Don't worry, sister. Whenever you need me, no matter where I am, I'll come to you immediately."
Hearing this, Qian Renxue smiled. "That's enough for me. It's time to go. Don't delay."
Ye Hao was about to leave but felt something was missing.
"Sister, see you at the Spirit Hall," Ye Hao said, hugging Qian Renxue.
Qian Renxue didn't resist.
Then, to her surprise, Ye Hao suddenly leaned in. At the same time, the Death God's Heart enveloped the area, isolating them completely.
"Mm..."
Qian Renxue's eyes widened in shock.
Ye Hao kissed her firmly, his movements skilled and confident.
Qian Renxue tried to push him away but found her body weak and unresponsive.
After what felt like an eternity, the Death God's Heart returned to Ye Hao.
Qian Renxue's face was dark as she watched Ye Hao board the carriage with a cheeky grin. The carriage soon disappeared into the distance.
"That brat, always teasing his sister," Qian Renxue shook her head. She could guarantee this was the last time.
---
At Shrek Academy...
"Xiaogang, Tai Tan lost yesterday," Flender reported.
"Lost? How is that possible!" Grandmaster was stunned. "Titan is a Soul Douluo. How could he lose? Flender, are you lying to me?"
Flender rolled his eyes. "Why would I lie? It's true. Tai Tan was defeated by Ye Hao in a direct confrontation. I saw it with my own eyes. Ye Hao transformed into a black-clad figure wielding a scythe and defeated Tai Tan with a single strike. It was terrifying!"
Flender couldn't help but shudder. If it had been him, he wouldn't have even known how he died.
"How infuriating!" Grandmaster's face darkened. "Ye Hao has always been low-key. I never expected him to be so powerful. Even Tai Tan couldn't defeat him. How are we supposed to deal with him now?"
Tai Long, who was lying in bed, anxiously asked, "My grandfather lost? Is he alright?"
"Don't worry," Flender smiled. "Tai Tan is a Soul Douluo. He's fine. He's just embarrassed. Ye Hao has made a powerful enemy. I wonder how Tai Tan will retaliate."
Tai Long nodded. He knew his grandfather well. Titan was proud and protective of his family. If his son was beaten, the father would step in. If the father was beaten, the grandfather would step in. It was a family tradition.
At this moment, Tang San spoke up. "Teacher, what should we do next? Ye Hao's strength is beyond our expectations."
Tang San clenched his fists. The gap between him and Ye Hao had grown even wider.
"This time, we can ask your father for help," Grandmaster said softly.
"My father?" Tang San was surprised. "Teacher, do you have a plan?"
"Tang San, Shrek Academy has advanced to the final elimination round. In a few days, we'll be heading to Spirit City. We can strike on the way. Your father and uncle were once known as the Twin Stars of the Clear Sky Clan. Together, they are invincible in the soul master world. We can coordinate with them and strike when the opportunity arises. Even if Ye Hao has Titled Douluo by his side, it won't matter."
"Once they create chaos, we can escape, and Ye Hao will be dead for sure!" Master Yu's voice was filled with determination.
Hearing this, Tang San's eyes lit up, while Flender sighed deeply.
"Xiaogang, you've become so ruthless," Flender said.
Grandmaster snorted. "Ye Hao ruined my reputation and made me the target of public scorn. Do you know what I went through at the Spirit Hall? Do you know what it feels like to be beaten a hundred times? Ye Hao destroyed me, so I will destroy him! I want him dead!!!"
The Shrek students in the room collectively gasped. Grandmaster had gone mad, completely mad.
Tang San's eyes gleamed. Finally, he had found someone who shared his sentiments.
"Teacher, I believe in your plan," Tang San said with confidence. He was already imagining Ye Hao being crushed by the Clear Sky Hammer.
Just then, Zhao Wuji burst into the room, looking panicked.
"Boss, something terrible has happened!" Zhao Wuji shouted.
Flender frowned. "Wuji, how many times have I told you to stay calm? We're a prestigious academy now. What will the students think if they see you like this?"
"Tell me, what's going on?"
Zhao Wuji whispered into Flender's ear.
Flender's face turned pale, and he trembled as he looked at Tai Long, who was still lying in bed. He then gestured for Grandmaster to follow him outside.
Grandmaster was confused but followed Flender and Zhao Wuji to a pavilion.
"Flender, why all the secrecy?" Grandmaster asked, noticing Flender's grim expression.
Flender took a deep breath. "Xiaogang, the Strength Clan... is gone."
"What?" Master Yu was stunned. "What do you mean? The Strength Clan can't be gone. They were fine."
"Wait..." Grandmaster's face turned pale. "Are you saying... the Strength Clan was... wiped out!!!"
Flender shook his head. "Not just wiped out. According to Wuji, it was a soul beast rampage. The entire clan was annihilated. Only scattered bones were found, and some were incomplete. Tai Tan is gone. The Strength Clan has been erased from this world."
Flender's mood was heavy. Just yesterday, the Strength Clan had been fine. How could they be gone overnight?
Grandmaster was in shock. The Strength Clan had over a hundred soul masters, and their leader was a Soul Douluo. It was impossible for them to be wiped out overnight. There had to be more to this.
"This is definitely not a coincidence!" Grandmaster declared. "It must be him. Ye Hao is behind this. He ordered the destruction of the Strength Clan."
"But..." Flender looked uneasy. "Why would Ye Hao do this? What does he gain?"
Grandmaster thought for a moment. "It must be because of yesterday's confrontation with Titan. Ye Hao harbored resentment and decided to wipe out the Strength Clan. That must be it!"
Flender added, "But that doesn't make sense. Most of the buildings were destroyed by soul beasts, and the bones were gnawed clean. According to Wuji, when the Heaven Dou Empire's Royal Knights arrived this morning, the Strength Clan's residence was in ruins. Only a few scattered bones were found, none of them complete."
"Therefore, they concluded it was a soul beast rampage."
Grandmaster shook his head. "Flender, don't forget. Ye Hao has a dog that can speak human language."
At this, Flender's face darkened. "Are you saying Ye Hao used that dog to incite a soul beast rampage and then took the opportunity to wipe out the Strength Clan?"
"Most likely!" Master Yu nodded firmly. "I think Ye Hao was dissatisfied with Titan's provocation yesterday and used the soul beasts to destroy the Strength Clan. In the entire Douluo Continent, no one has ever wiped out a clan overnight."
"In that case, doesn't that mean..."
Master Yu nodded gravely. "Ye Hao's attack on the Strength Clan is a warning to us."
Hearing this, Flender broke out in a cold sweat.
"If he can destroy the Strength Clan, what about Shrek Academy?" Flender asked fearfully.
Master Yu, however, was unfazed. "Even if Ye Hao is powerful, this is still Heaven Dou City. Don't worry. Ye Hao wouldn't dare."
"Besides, when we head to Spirit City, we'll coordinate with Tang Hao and Tang Xiao to deal with Ye Hao. He will definitely die. The Spirit Hall will lose their young master, and they'll blame it on others. We can reap the benefits."