The forest was quiet at night, with a cold wind rustling through the trees.
Tang San lay under a tree trunk, shivering as the chilly breeze swept over him.
"Xiao Wu!"
When Tang San woke up, the first thing he saw was Tang Xiao, dressed in a black robe, his hair disheveled.
Tang Xiao was sitting by a campfire, holding a dry branch and adding firewood to keep the flames alive.
"Xiao San, you're awake," Tang Xiao said with a rare smile.
"Uncle, where's Xiao Wu? Could it be..." Tang San thought of the worst-case scenario but still held onto a sliver of hope.
"Xiao Wu was captured by Ye Hao. We're currently at the edge of the Star Dou Great Forest. It's safe here for now," Tang Xiao said casually, though his eyes were already moist.
Tang Hao was now disabled, and Tang San's reputation was ruined. Where could this child go now?
Poor child!
Upon hearing this, Tang San's body swayed, and he froze in place.
After a long while, he slowly turned to Tang Xiao and asked coldly, "Uncle, why didn't you save Xiao Wu? You're a Titled Douluo, and Ye Hao is just a mere Soul King. How could he be a match for you?"
Tang Xiao was momentarily stunned, then shook his head vigorously. Why did Xiao San's gaze seem filled with killing intent toward him?
No, he must be mistaken.
When Tang Xiao looked again, he saw that Tang San was still staring at him the same way, and he couldn't help but feel annoyed.
He stood up abruptly, releasing an overwhelming pressure. The aura of a Titled Douluo instantly engulfed Tang San, like a vast ocean.
Tang San gritted his teeth, his body trembling uncontrollably.
"Xiao San, you've really disappointed your uncle. What has your father been teaching you all these years? At such a young age, you're already so bloodthirsty. What will you become when you grow up?"
Tang Xiao couldn't help but scold him. "As for Xiao Wu, your uncle couldn't save her, nor did he want to."
Hearing this, Tang San was completely shocked. He looked at his uncle in horror, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"Do you really think Ye Hao is as simple as you imagine? Let me tell you the truth. Last time, your father and I fought him together. Do you know what the outcome was?"
Tang Xiao paused, a bitter smile on his face.
"Neither your father nor I were a match for Ye Hao. Not only that, but your father also lost an arm and a leg to him. He's now disabled."
Upon hearing that his father was disabled, Tang San could no longer hold back. Tears the size of beans fell from his eyes as he collapsed to his knees, his expression numb.
"Ye Hao is more terrifying than you can imagine. He can perform a Martial Soul Fusion Technique, and after the fusion, his combat power rivals that of a level 99 Limit Douluo. Your father and I suffered because of this, and that's why we lost."
As he spoke, Tang Xiao clutched his chest, secretly spitting out a mouthful of blood. He had also been severely injured in the previous battle.
It had already been difficult enough to rescue Tang San. He couldn't afford any more accidents.
"Dad! Ahhh!" Tang San clutched his head, howling in pain.
The death of his teacher, his father's disability, and the loss of his mother—all of this became the final straw that broke Tang San.
His heart ached, and blood spilled from his mouth as he looked up at the dark night sky with bloodshot eyes.
"I, Tang San, swear that in this life, I will personally destroy Spirit Hall!" With blood and tears, Tang San finally made his vow.
Seeing this scene, Tang Xiao didn't know whether to feel happy or sad.
"Xiao San, don't blame your uncle for keeping this from you. If you had known earlier, I was afraid something might have happened to you."
Tang San shook his head, his eyes filled with sorrow. "Uncle, I don't blame you.
Where do we go from here?"
Tang San was now homeless, and Xiao Wu had been captured.
At this moment, he was truly alone in the world.
"Let's go to the Moon Pavilion in Heaven Dou City. Your emotions are unstable right now, and your aunt happens to be an expert in this area. You're not just carrying the weight of vengeance now, but also the burden of the Clear Sky Clan and the responsibilities your father left behind.
Ye Hao is already preparing to move against the top three sects. You have a twin Martial Soul, so you must quickly improve your strength. If we wait for Ye Hao to make his move, it will be too late."
"Okay."
After a long while, Tang San nodded numbly, his heart filled with pain.
Today was the hardest day Tang San had experienced since coming to this world.
Despite having a twin Martial Soul, being reincarnated, and possessing the many techniques of the Tang Sect, he had now become a cripple.
His reputation outside was also ruined, labeled as a "traitor," making him a public enemy.
The night gradually enveloped the entire continent, just like Tang San's current mood—lifeless and bleak.
Half a month later, the long-absent Heaven Dou City was suddenly disturbed by the sound of hurried hoofbeats.
The Royal Knights escorted the Heaven Dou Empire's competition team back, and Crown Prince Xue Qinghe also returned.
Heaven Dou City was about to undergo a major change. Emperor Xue Ye was on the verge of death.
To settle his affairs, this emperor, who was like a candle in the wind, had barely held on until now.
The palace was heavily guarded, and not even a fly could enter.
The borders were also heavily fortified to prevent the Star Luo Empire from taking advantage of the situation.
Now, the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament had officially come to an end, and everything was reset.
Spirit Hall, the Heaven Dou Empire, and the Star Luo Empire were once again on the same rope.
Xue Qinghe, surrounded by layers of soldiers, entered the palace. Once inside, he understood everything that was happening.
"My brother's move was truly devastating. I originally planned to use poison to slowly weaken this old thing, but my brother's move was a one-hit kill! Silly brother, your sister has benefited a lot from you. Love you!"
Xue Qinghe secretly rejoiced, though his expression remained solemn.
He glanced around, and after confirming that the people nearby were from Spirit Hall, he felt at ease.
After spending so many years in Heaven Dou City, Xue Qinghe had already cultivated his own forces.
"Father," Xue Qinghe said with a sorrowful expression, kneeling before Emperor Xue Ye.
"It was my blindness that led me to mistake Ye Hao, the murderer of my brothers, as a friend. Please punish me, Father!" As he spoke, Xue Qinghe knelt on the ground.
Emperor Xue Ye mumbled incoherently, raising his frail, aged hand and placing it tremblingly on Xue Qinghe's shoulder.
He patted it lightly a few times...
"From now on, the Heaven Dou... Empire... is entrusted... to... you..."
With these words, Emperor Xue Ye breathed his last and passed away.
For a moment, everyone was stunned, then they all knelt down. The large room erupted with the sound of weeping.
The royal family hated Ye Hao to the core and had already listed him as a top target for elimination.
Heaven Dou City had also explicitly banned Ye Hao from appearing. Anyone who spotted him had the authority to kill him on sight.
Looking at the motionless Emperor Xue Ye lying on the bed, Xue Qinghe, as if possessed by a drama spirit, let tears stream down his face as he leaned over the bed, silently crying.
Among the mourners, only Xue Beng seemed out of place, as if something felt off.
A few days later, after a grand funeral was held for Emperor Xue Ye.
The new emperor, Xue Qinghe, ascended to the throne!
Meanwhile, inside Spirit Hall...
Ye Hao's lips curled into a faint smile. "That old fool Xue Ye is finally dead. Did he really think sealing off Heaven Dou City would work? Now that Sister has successfully ascended to the throne, the next step is a series of purges to cultivate her own forces. Slowly eroding away, turning the Heaven Dou Empire into... the Spirit Empire! Hahaha!!!"
"Laughing so happily? Have you reached level 60 soul power?" At this moment, Xiao Hong walked over. After not seeing him for a few days, the dog had gotten fatter.
Ye Hao chuckled, "Nothing much, just that the situation on the continent is rapidly changing, and everything is moving in the direction we want.
Xiao Hong, my soul power is almost at level 60. Is the first trial about to begin?"
Xiao Hong nodded, "It's coming soon. Focus on your cultivation during this final period. Remember, don't rush to kill that rabbit. Let her become your seventh soul ring. Making her your sixth soul ring would be a waste.
Skills like teleportation and invincible golden body are practically useless. They might turn the tide in battle, but for you, especially with the Death Spider Emperor Martial Soul, making her your sixth soul ring would be a complete waste.
It's better to have her as your seventh soul ring. That way, your seventh soul skill, Martial Soul True Body, won't be wasted either."
"What about the source of the sixth soul ring..."
"Have you heard of God-given soul rings?"
"Of course, soul rings directly bestowed by a god. Only those who pass the trials are qualified to receive them," Ye Hao explained.
"Exactly. Once your soul power reaches level 60, your Death God Nine Trials will begin. At that time, prepare to head to Slaughter City.
Remember, you only have one year."
Xiao Hong became serious. "Within one year, you must successfully clear that place. By then, the Death God will bestow upon you a God-given soul ring. As for what level it will be, that depends on you.
However, I believe in you. With your physical structure, especially after the baptism of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, your body is already extraordinary. You might even get a pleasant surprise, like a 100,000-year soul ring."
After saying this, Xiao Hong leaped down.
"I'm off. I have a Martial Soul exchange session with your grandpa today. Bye!"
After watching Xiao Hong swagger away, Ye Hao leaned on the balcony, gazing at the unobstructed view below. A flame of determination ignited in his eyes.
...
...
...
Nine months later, after Ye Hao won the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament, the continent experienced a temporary peace.
However, it was only temporary.
With Xue Qinghe on the throne, the Heaven Dou Empire appeared calm on the surface, but beneath it, undercurrents were swirling.
He began dealing with the royal family—assassinations, exiles, banishments. Even Xue Beng wasn't spared, ultimately being forced to drink poisoned wine and commit suicide under false charges.
The only one who escaped unscathed was Princess Xue Ke. As a woman, Xue Qinghe was quite fond of her.
In the end, the Heaven Dou Empire existed in name only. In reality, it had already become the Spirit Empire.
All that was left was the right moment to announce it to the world!
On this day, inside a room in Spirit Hall.
Ye Hao slowly opened his eyes. His soul power had finally broken through to level 60, taking a total of nine months.
Soul power wasn't easy to break through, and being a soul master was even harder.
At the same time, a majestic voice echoed in his mind.
"Congratulations, heir of the Death God. Your Death God Nine Trials have now arrived. Complete the nine trials, and you will be qualified to inherit the Death God's divine position.
Death God's First Trial: Successfully clear Slaughter City and pass the Road to Hell. Time limit: one year. Upon completion, you will receive a 5% Death God affinity."
As soon as the voice finished, a black light flashed across the sickle mark on Ye Hao's forehead.
The Death God Nine Trials had finally arrived, and a new mission unique to Ye Hao was about to begin.
Ye Hao got up and began packing. Slaughter City was no ordinary place, and he had to be fully prepared.
A year wasn't too long, but it wasn't short either. Completing the trial within this time frame was essentially a race against time.
After packing his things and storing them in the Death God's Heart, Ye Hao immediately went to bid farewell to Bibi Dong.
"Mom, I'm leaving Spirit Hall to head to Slaughter City to complete the first trial."
Bibi Dong was stunned. "Your soul power has broken through to level 60, and the Death God Nine Trials have arrived?"
"Yes," Ye Hao nodded. "I only have one year. The trials just arrived, so I came to say goodbye as soon as possible."
Bibi Dong put down the brush in her hand and stood up, gently touching Ye Hao's cheek.
"Go. I originally thought you could take Nana with you after some time, but since the trials have arrived, there's no time to delay. Before you go, head to Heaven Dou City. Your sister has already cleared out the forces there.
The Heaven Dou Empire might as well be called the Spirit Empire now. Most of the royal family members are dead, with only a handful remaining. Her plan is complete."
Ye Hao's heart leaped with joy. "When will Sister return?"
Bibi Dong shook her head. "I don't know. She's currently the emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, swamped with work. I'm not sure when she'll return. Your grandfather has sent a core member of Spirit Hall to replace her position. The mission of the Angel Clan is too important, and as the only bloodline of the Angel Clan, it's time for her to return.
I just don't know if it's the Angel Eight Trials or..."
"The Angel Nine Trials," Ye Hao thought gleefully. The Angel, Rakshasa, and Death God—three divine powers converging.
The era of Spirit Hall was about to begin.
"Mom, I'm leaving."
"Alright, stay safe." Bibi Dong stepped forward and gave her son a brief hug. Finally, Ye Hao spread his six-foot purple light wings and set off toward Heaven Dou City.
Time flew by, and two and a half days passed.
On this day, in Heaven Dou City.
Xue Qinghe's ascension to the throne didn't bring much change to the lives of the city's residents. Life went on as usual, with three meals a day still the norm.
However, for Shrek Academy, after the incidents involving Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, the academy was struggling to make ends meet. The number of new students this year was pitifully low, barely reaching double digits.
After all, the reputation of those two was utterly ruined!
Even though Yu Xiaogang was dead, people still couldn't help but bring him up from time to time.
After Yu Xiaogang's death, Flender naturally ended up with Liu Erlong. In the end, he was the true winner. (TLnote: Damn boss Flender finally hit it)
As for Tang San, he remained in seclusion at the Moon Pavilion. The continent's opinion of him was at an all-time low.
Even the Clear Sky Clan was humiliating Tang San, calling him a remnant of the clan and saying he wasn't worthy of setting foot in the Clear Sky Clan. If he dared to show up, they'd break his legs.
Even with Tang Xiao speaking up for him, it was useless.
As for Tang Hao, he was now completely crippled, with his soul power stuck at level 78.
Having lost an arm and a leg to Ye Hao, Tang Hao had suffered massive blood loss. However, the Death Spider Emperor poison in his body had also diminished with the blood loss, and now his body was surprisingly robust. It was a case of misfortune turning into fortune.
He was also in seclusion at the Moon Pavilion, spending his free time guiding Tang San in his cultivation.
The night was quiet, and another ordinary night arrived.
But at this moment, an uninvited guest appeared in Heaven Dou City.
Inside the palace, Xue Qinghe, dressed in the emperor's robes, finished a long day of political affairs and was ready to rest, exhausted both physically and mentally.
He closed the doors and windows tightly, removed his clothes, and prepared to sleep.
But at that moment, an uninvited guest appeared in the room.
"It's you!"
"Sister, it's been a long time."
After a long separation, Ye Hao and Xue Qinghe finally met again.
Xue Qinghe smiled slightly, and Ye Hao, understanding her intentions, quickly used the Death God's Heart to isolate the area.
"You silly brother, it's been so long since you came to see me. Have you forgotten about your sister?" Xue Qinghe removed her disguise, and even after nine months apart, Ye Hao's sister was still as beautiful and radiant as ever.
Ye Hao, overwhelmed with emotion, pulled Qian Renxue into a tight embrace. Both of them had deeply missed each other.
Especially since Qian Renxue had left Spirit Hall with the words...
"When I return, I'll marry you."
Over the past nine months, through 270 days and nights, both of them had been constantly thinking about each other.
However, each had their own tasks. Ye Hao needed to cultivate, while Qian Renxue had to fulfill her mission.
But now, everything had finally settled!
Ye Hao greedily inhaled the faint fragrance from Qian Renxue's hair, and his heart instantly calmed.
"When do you plan to return?" Ye Hao asked softly.
Qian Renxue replied, "The person Grandpa sent will arrive soon. Once I hand over my duties, I'll return.
What about you? Why do you have time to come to the palace today? The outside world is watching you closely! Aren't you afraid?"
Ye Hao smiled faintly, "I fear nothing. Heaven Dou City is nothing. Besides, you're the emperor now. I don't believe you'd let them capture me, right?"
"Cheeky!" Qian Renxue laughed brightly and leaned in to kiss Ye Hao.
After a while, their lips parted.
Both of them were dazed, their faces flushed.
"Xue'er, I'm preparing to go to Slaughter City," Ye Hao said with a bitter smile.
"Slaughter City!" Qian Renxue was startled, but she quickly understood.
"You're going to complete your Death God Nine Trials, aren't you?" Qian Renxue's eyes were filled with melancholy, and a trace of reluctance appeared between her brows.
"Yes," Ye Hao gently hugged Qian Renxue. "The divine trials have arrived, and time waits for no one. I must complete the trial within a year. Today, I came to say goodbye."
"..."
"..."
"..."
For a moment, the two fell into silence. In this enclosed space, their hurried breaths were faintly audible to each other.
"Um... lie down," Qian Renxue said, her face red.
Ye Hao was stunned. "What... what do you mean?"
He was a bit confused. Lie down?
"You! You rascal! You came all this way, and I don't believe you don't have other intentions!"
With that, Qian Renxue pounced on Ye Hao like a fierce tiger enjoying its prey.
Everything happened naturally...
The Death God's Heart formed a space within, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a secret chamber.
The next morning, at dawn, when the sky was still not fully bright.
Inside the room, still enveloped by the Death God's Heart.
Clothes were scattered all over the floor. Ye Hao was sleeping soundly, his arm draped over Qian Renxue's shoulder. The two of them were nestled together.
After a while, Ye Hao groggily opened his eyes and looked up at the pitch-black ceiling.
Recalling what had happened the previous night, he couldn't help but smile. He glanced at Qian Renxue lying beside him.
The Secret Chamber Douluo achievement had been unlocked.
"Wuwuwu..."
Qian Renxue also opened her eyes and happened to meet Ye Hao's gaze. She quickly buried herself under the covers, recalling her boldness from the previous night. She felt a bit embarrassed and blushed.
"Xue'er, thank you for fulfilling my wish."
Qian Renxue smiled faintly. "You're leaving, so I had to make sure you left something behind. Hurry up and go. It's almost time for me to attend court."
"Okay," Ye Hao nodded with a smile, but his body moved closer to Qian Renxue, and then...
In the morning, Ye Hao's figure flew off into the distance.
Xue Qinghe, surrounded by attendants, had already donned the emperor's robes. He glanced in the direction Ye Hao had left, feeling a warmth in his heart.
"I'll wait for you to return," he thought, then headed toward the court.
Meanwhile, a tiny new life was beginning...
Inside the Moon Pavilion.
Tang San was immersed in his cultivation. Under Tang Hao's supervision, he had already mastered the Clear Sky Hammer.
"Dad, when can we take revenge on Spirit Hall?"
The deep-seated hatred had not been forgotten. Over the years, the weight of vengeance on Tang San's shoulders had only grown heavier.
Seeing this, Tang Hao shook his head in disappointment. He had hoped that in the Moon Pavilion, a place far from the noise of the world, Tang San could find peace.
But instead, the opposite had happened.
"Xiao San, the resentment in you is growing heavier. It will crush you," Tang Hao said earnestly.
"But! The harder I work, the safer Xiao Wu will be! I must save Xiao Wu!"
Seeing this, Tang Hao shook his head. "Xiao San, in a year, you should go to Slaughter City."
"Slaughter City?" Tang San was puzzled. "What kind of place is that? I've never heard of it before."
Tang Hao explained, "Slaughter City is a paradise for the wicked and a hell of slaughter. There are no rules there, only killing. Once, your father ventured there, achieved a hundred victories in the Hell Killing Arena, and finally walked the Road to Hell. By doing so, you can obtain a domain!"
"A domain!" Tang San's eyes lit up. He had never forgotten Ye Hao's Death Domain.
Now that the Blue Silver Grass couldn't awaken into the Blue Silver Emperor, the Blue Silver Domain was naturally gone.
"What kind of domain is it?" Tang San asked eagerly.
"The Slaughter Domain," Tang Hao said. As he spoke, a wave of killing intent erupted from his body. The temperature in the room plummeted, and even the flowers and plants on the table instantly froze. A white, tangible killing intent enveloped Tang San, filling every corner of the room.
Tang San was shocked. "So this is the Slaughter Domain!
This is great! I must obtain it!"
Domains weren't something everyone could possess, but the Slaughter Domain was an exception.
"Dad, I want to go now!" Tang San couldn't resist the temptation.