Chapter 164: Victory Over Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo
The Titled Douluo battle between Yang Wudi and Niu Gao against Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo seemed to conclude with Yang Wudi's final strike. His ninth spirit skill, empowered by fused rings, not only tore through Chrysanthemum Douluo's whirlwind and Ghost Douluo's black vortex but also shattered their Spirit Avatars. The crimson Breaking Spear pierced straight through the massive Chrysanthemum Titan and Ghost Douluo's wraith form.
Watching from a distance, Qianjun Douluo and Jiangmo Douluo sensed trouble and immediately rushed forward, wielding their Coiling Dragon Staffs to block the spear. Despite the sheer size and power of their staffs, the blood-red Breaking Spear continued its relentless advance, producing a sharp, piercing sound before culminating in a powerful explosion.
When the dust settled, Rainfall Mountain had been leveled in parts. Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo lay on the ground, their energy severely depleted—Yang Wudi's final blow had gravely injured them. Even Qianjun Douluo and Jiangmo Douluo, who had attempted to intervene, were forced back, leaving deep grooves in the ground where they had been pushed.
Both Yang Wudi and Niu Gao panted heavily, clearly exhausted from the battle.
Yang Wudi shouted, "What do you two think you're doing? Trying to interfere in our duel?"
Qianjun Douluo shook his head. "Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, you two have won this battle. Our Spirit Hall will accept this loss. Your Breaking Spear's power is impressive, especially in its attack potential, rivaling my own Coiling Dragon Staff. But at level 92, you're still far from the level of us two brothers."
Yang Wudi, filled with anger and frustration, retorted, "Qianjun, Jiangmo, you two are only relying on a few extra years of cultivation. Ten years from now, the Breaking Clan and Defense Clan will meet Spirit Hall's Coiling Dragon Staff again."
Qianjun Douluo grew serious. "Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, are you formally challenging us?"
Yang Wudi replied firmly, "Both of you played a role in the Clear Sky Clan massacre. Ten years from today, we'll be right here for a rematch. Don't tell me you'll lack the courage to show up."
Jiangmo Douluo laughed heartily. "Fine, excellent! It's been a long time since anyone dared to challenge us. Things have gotten dull in Spirit Hall anyway. We'll await your clans' challenge in ten years."
With a cold huff, Yang Wudi and Niu Gao exchanged a glance, then departed Rainfall Mountain.
Two healing-type spirit masters from Spirit Hall quickly attended to the injured Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, but their injuries were severe, and it was clear they wouldn't recover soon. Seeing this, the onlookers began to leave Rainfall Mountain. With Qianjun and Jiangmo Douluo present, no one wanted to take any risks.
In the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's carriage, Ning Fengzhi turned to Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. "Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, how badly are Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo injured?"
Sword Douluo pondered briefly. "It'll take at least three to five years for them to recover. Yang Wudi's final spear strike maximized his power. Even if it were us facing him, we might not have escaped unscathed."
Ning Fengzhi reflected aloud, "With Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo seriously injured, Spirit Hall will likely keep a low profile for a while, which means less pressure on us. But what did Yang Wudi and Niu Gao mean by that ten-year challenge? Do they believe they can defeat Qianjun and Jiangmo Douluo by then?"
Sword Douluo shook his head. "Even with their potential, it's unlikely Yang Wudi and Niu Gao could surpass Qianjun and Jiangmo Douluo in ten years. Their teamwork is remarkable—one attacks, the other defends, a perfect combination. Against either Qianjun or Jiangmo alone, they could possibly win even now. But facing both simultaneously would be a different story. Even the two of us might not prevail unless they experience a breakthrough or have some hidden advantage."
Ning Fengzhi sighed after a pause. "It's unfortunate we can't recruit the Breaking Clan and Defense Clan to our cause. Given recent events, it seems they'll soon move to Almo Mountain and won't align with us against Spirit Hall."
He then asked, "Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, what do you think about forming an alliance between our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Breaking Clan?"
Sword Douluo hesitated. "Fengzhi, I understand your intentions to match Rongrong with Yang Potian, but he's not one to stay under anyone's influence. If they were to marry, it's unclear who would have the final say, and Yang Potian is already involved with that girl from the Ye family. I worry Rongrong might end up hurt."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes glinted thoughtfully. "It doesn't have to be Yang Potian. Yang Ping'an, Yang Tianyue, and even Niu Meng all show promise. Each of them has the potential to become Titled Douluo, especially Yang Tianyue—his talent rivals Yang Potian's."
Hearing this, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo fell silent. As guardians of the clan, they spent most of their time cultivating and left matters of clan development to Ning Fengzhi, the sect leader.
Meanwhile, in another carriage, Tang Hao, Tang San, Bai He, and Titan sat in contemplative silence.
Breaking the quiet, Tang Hao asked, "Xiao San, what did you think of today's battle? This was a rare Titled Douluo-level showdown."
Tang San's expression was grave. "Father, Yang Wudi and Niu Gao's strength is greater than I imagined. Their coordination was impressive, and Yang Wudi's final strike would be hard for anyone to block."
Tang Hao nodded. "The Breaking Spear is indeed a top-grade weapon spirit, rivaling our Clear Sky Hammer in quality. Yang Wudi is the first Titled Douluo in history to wield it, and his attack power matches any Clear Sky Hammer spirit master of the same rank."
He added, "Niu Gao's defenses as a Titled Douluo exceeded my expectations. Unfortunately, their age limits further progress."
After a thoughtful moment, Tang San responded, "Father, although Yang Wudi and Niu Gao may have reached their peak, the younger members of the Breaking Clan are exceptionally talented. They're likely future Titled Douluo."
Tang Hao agreed. "With such gifted descendants, they have no interest in any alliance with the Clear Sky Clan. Moving to Almo Mountain is part of their plan to secure decades of peace for these younger generations."
He added, "Your performance with the Clear Sky Hammer in the tournament was lacking. I plan to take you into seclusion for intensive training so you can improve. Without this, you'll struggle to surpass Yang Ping'an, let alone Yang Potian."
Tang San seemed to realize something. "Father, just how strong is Yang Potian? Is he really that powerful?"
After a pause, Tang Hao replied, "Yang Potian has never shown his full power. I estimate he has at least peak Spirit Sage-level combat ability, if not higher. Even I would struggle to beat him at the same level."
"Moreover," he continued, "his intelligence is remarkable. In both insight and training, he's highly perceptive. In the tournament finals, he could have taken your Clear Sky Hammer's Spirit Avatar head-on but opted for a simpler path to victory, which shows he quickly identified your weaknesses."
Tang Hao then asked, "Xiao San, you're familiar with the Chrysanthemum Titan Yang Potian consumed. What effects does it have? Could it be even better than your Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng?"
Tang San shook his head. "The Chrysanthemum Titan enhances physical endurance, granting the user a nearly indestructible body and faster cultivation. The Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, however, primarily strengthens qi, blood, and spirit power. For a spirit master, the Chrysanthemum Titan offers greater benefits, likely explaining Yang Potian's ability to absorb spirit rings beyond his level."
After this conversation, father and son decided to leave Heaven Dou City for secluded training.
Meanwhile, Titan and Bai He, seated nearby, remained silent.
In the past, Titan and Bai He had been brothers to Yang Wudi and Niu Gao. Now, seeing Yang Wudi and Niu Gao fight fiercely for vengeance, both as Titled Douluo, Titan and Bai He couldn't help but reflect on their own limitations. Since the four clans split, life had been difficult. The Strength Clan's residence was destroyed, with many casualties. Titan lost an arm, which severely restricted his future. Bai He fared no better, struggling to maintain the Agility Clan's existence and unable to advance his own strength.
With their clans weakened, any hope for revenge faded. The gap between the younger generation of their clans and those of their former allies grew wider.
Even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was present merely as onlookers, knowing they couldn't afford to provoke either side. Despite still being one of the top three sects, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan now seemed clearly weaker than a combined Breaking and Defense Clan, signaling potential difficulties in the future.
Back in their carriage, Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, Yang Zhentian, Niu Jinfeng, and Yang Potian were all together.
Once inside, Yang Wudi and Niu Gao both coughed up blood, showing that they, too, were injured. After all, they had faced two level-95 Titled Douluo.
Yang Zhentian and Niu Jinfeng supported them, concern evident on their faces.
After some meditation, Yang Wudi reassured them, "Don't worry. Old Rhino and I are fine, just a bit of minor injuries. We'll recover in ten days or so."
Niu Gao grinned. "Old Goat, that was one satisfying battle. For over ten years, I've had this burden weighing me down. It finally feels lifted."
Yang Wudi nodded. "I've lost sleep countless times thinking about our fallen clansmen. Today, we finally struck back. No one will dare trample on us again."
"Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo won't recover in less than three to five years."
Yang Zhentian asked in confusion, "Father, if we won today, why did you set another challenge for ten years later? Qianjun and Jiangmo are both at peak level 96."
Yang Wudi grew stern. "What? Is that a problem? You'll be taking up that challenge in ten years! Don't tell me you won't have reached level 96 by then."
Yang Zhentian looked speechless. "Father, I'll definitely reach level 96, but they'll still have two on their side."
Yang Wudi scoffed, "So what? If necessary, push yourself to level 97. Besides, aren't you bringing Jinfeng and Potian? Are you really planning to back down?"
Yang Zhentian became resolute. "Don't worry, Father. Ten years from now, Jinfeng and I will defeat Qianjun and Jiangmo."
Beside him, Niu Jinfeng nodded confidently. "Father, I promise I'll win."
Hearing this, Yang Wudi and Niu Gao nodded in satisfaction. As for Yang Zhentian's concerns, they dismissed them. He had absorbed three supreme spirit bones from the clan, so it was his duty to step up.
Meanwhile, Yang Potian reflected silently. Among his elders, his mother, Niu Jinfeng, actually had the greatest potential, as her spirit had fully evolved from the Armored Rhinoceros to the Primordial Dragon Rhinoceros.
Lately, his grandfather had been urging his mother to have another child in hopes of passing down the Primordial Dragon Rhinoceros spirit.
(End of Chapter)