Chapter 47: A Friendly Spar
"In reality, this is our first time meeting, isn't it?"
Ye Cheng looked at the silent Tang Hao, smiling slightly as he spoke in a calm tone.
He could clearly feel that, despite Tang Hao's seemingly composed demeanor, his soul power was surging, and his entire body was tense, ready to strike at any moment.
It was obvious Tang Hao was extremely wary of him, his guard up to the highest degree.
This was understandable. After all, in the future video revealed by the Q&A, Ye Cheng had severed his limbs. Even though that was something that hadn't happened yet, and Ye Cheng himself had never done anything to provoke Tang Hao, being on guard was only natural.
Tang Hao, however, was slightly surprised at Ye Cheng's neutral attitude. He had expected hostility or at least some kind of targeted aggression.
But after thinking it over carefully, Tang Hao quickly realized why Ye Cheng was acting like this.
In the future video, he had provoked Ye Cheng by being overly protective of his son, which ultimately led to the tragedy. But that was only one possible future.
As of now, he had never actually done anything to offend Ye Cheng.
They had no personal grudges, no conflicts of interest, and Ye Cheng wasn't even affiliated with the Spirit Hall.
There was no logical reason for Ye Cheng to act hostile toward him.
In fact, Ye Cheng's calm attitude was actually the most reasonable reaction.
If Ye Cheng had come at him with immediate killing intent, it would have been highly suspicious either he was with the Spirit Hall, or somehow, Tang Hao had unknowingly provoked him.
Even though he had figured this out, Tang Hao remained on high alert.
This man in front of him was someone who could kill him at any moment.
There was no such thing as being too careful.
Watching Tang Hao grip his hammer tightly, his entire body tense with vigilance, Ye Cheng contemplated for a moment.
Should he teach this guy a lesson?
Just seeing this pathetic excuse of a man was making him angry.
Even back in his past life, when reading the novel, Ye Cheng had never liked this so called "legendary figure" Tang Hao.
Even with all the hype about his explosive power, his legendary talent, and his overwhelming hammer techniques, he had never been able to respect him.
Because to Ye Cheng, Tang Hao was nothing more than a weak willed coward.
His wife was gone, and he crumbled.
He lost himself in alcohol, neglected his son, and did nothing for revenge.
What kind of legendary powerhouse was this?!
Your wife sacrificed herself but she didn't die.
She left behind the Blue Silver Emperor.
Couldn't he have found a way to help her regenerate faster?
Even if that hadn't crossed his mind, even if he truly believed she was dead
What about vengeance?!
The Clear Sky Sect was forced into seclusion. His father died of anger.
And what did Tang Hao do?
Nothing.
Did he train hard to surpass Qian Daoliu? Did he find a way to get stronger and take revenge?
No he gave up.
He hid away in some tiny village, drowning himself in alcohol like some pathetic drunkard.
And then, only when he realized his son had twin martial souls, only when he saw the potential of Tang San, did he suddenly find the will to fight again.
How pathetic was that?
Where was his pride?
Where was his determination?
This man was once known as the youngest Titled Douluo, one of the legendary Haotian Twin Stars, a supposed martial prodigy
And this was all he amounted to?!
Ye Cheng had always despised characters like this. To him, Tang Hao's entire persona was inconsistent, poorly written, and disappointing.
And now, seeing him in person, with his uncombed, bird's nest like hair, his bloodshot eyes, and the stench of alcohol and sweat clinging to him
Ye Cheng felt his disdain grow even stronger.
Without thinking, he suddenly spoke.
"Let's spar."
Tang Hao's eyes narrowed.
Ye Cheng continued, "It's rare to meet the legendary Haotian Douluo. I'd like to see the techniques of the Clear Sky Sect firsthand."
"Huh?!"
Tang Hao felt the atmosphere shift instantly.
Ye Cheng's aura, which had seemed completely ordinary just moments ago, suddenly became fierce and sharp, completely blocking all of his escape routes.
Tang Hao instantly realized this fight was inevitable.
Even if he didn't want to fight, he had no choice now.
A sharp gleam flashed in his eyes.
"Fine. I'd like to see the mysteries of twin martial souls for myself."
Tang Hao knew that refusing wasn't an option.
But at the same time, he sensed no killing intent from Ye Cheng.
If Ye Cheng really wanted him dead, there would be no need for a so called spar.
Which meant that this was a test a chance to exchange blows and measure their respective strengths.
More importantly
This was a golden opportunity.
Ever since he discovered Tang San's twin martial souls, he had been both excited and worried.
Because there was a huge problem with twin martial souls.
Even in the entire thousand year history of the Heaven Dou Empire, only one person had ever been recorded to possess twin martial souls.
Back then, the entire continent believed that this person was destined for unparalleled greatness that he would reach a level no soul master had ever achieved before.
But instead
He suddenly exploded and died.
After an investigation, it was discovered that his two martial souls clashed against each other, and ultimately, he was torn apart from the inside.
This meant that twin martial souls weren't just a blessing they were a dangerous curse.
If not cultivated properly, the two martial souls could interfere with each other, leading to death.
That was why Tang Hao had been so concerned when he learned that Tang San possessed twin martial souls.
But now standing before him was Ye Cheng, a living, breathing example of a fully developed twin martial soul user.
This man had figured out the secret.
Tang Hao was certain of it.
He wouldn't reveal it willingly.
That much was obvious.
Just like how the Clear Sky Sect kept their martial techniques a strict secret, Ye Cheng would never openly share the method of mastering twin martial souls.
But if he could observe Ye Cheng closely during the battle
If he could analyze his techniques and uncover the secret on his own
Then Tang San would have a path forward.
This fight…
Was more than just a spar.
For Tang Hao
It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
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