Chapter 596: Tang San's Hidden Reserves
Tang San felt he had been played by the Seven Elemental Gods. But being a god himself now, his perspective had changed drastically since the days of his mortal struggles thousands of years ago. After his initial frustration, he began to speak to himself in a low voice.
"Though this faith energy is only secondary, it at least confirms my existence to those on the Douluo Continent. If I establish shrines now, I should be able to gather some additional faith."
Tang San's ambition was clear. He had set his sights on more than just the sparse faith energy he was currently receiving he wanted much more. Slowly, his thoughts drifted to the era of the Spirit Hall.
"The Tianxing Federation, an inherently evil entity, has dared to disregard the wishes of the Douluo Continent's inhabitants, forcibly merging three empires with a history of blood feuds into a single entity. Despicable! I would bring divine retribution upon them if only the gods of the Divine Realm weren't obstructing my righteous judgment. Truly, they are courting death!"
Frustration clear in his tone, Tang San muttered ceaselessly to himself. Once weak and oppressed by the old gods led by the God of Destruction, Tang San now held considerable power, comparable to the former Shura God King. Yet he remained far from undisputed rule, which irritated him greatly.
The sharp decline in faith was hampering his ability to ascend, stirring up further frustration. At last, after much internal deliberation, Tang San made a bold decision.
"This Tianxing Federation follows in the footsteps of the wicked Spirit Hall from millennia ago. I cannot allow the Douluo Continent to continue its descent into darkness. I must bring change! If they invade, then so shall I! If the high ranking evildoers in the Tianxing Federation are to rule, then let my righteous Tang Sect stand in their place! And only the son I have so carefully taught in virtue and purity deserves to take that seat."
Tang San's gaze shifted to his son, Tang Wulin, who had just returned to the Haotian Sect.
"Even though the Federation has the Seven Elemental Gods' assessments, my son is no less worthy. I shall relive the scene of vanquishing the evil Spirit Hall from millennia past."
With this resolve, Tang San began rummaging through his godly storehouses in his temple.
"The Rabbit God, Butterfly God, Snake God, Ape God, Tiger God… Emmm…" Tang San's brows furrowed as he appraised his collection. "Poseidon's reserves are pathetic, filled with nothing but second tier beast god positions. Well, it's better than nothing. If they can become gods, I'll add a few divine tools later on. Even at the level of divine officials, the Seven Elemental Gods won't wield much power our advantage will be solid."
Confidently, Tang San prepared his plans, yet after some time, doubt crept back into his mind. The power level between divine positions could vary dramatically, even within the same rank. While these were all second tier god positions, they fell far short of the Phoenix God position his former comrade, Ma Hongjun, held.
Currently, other first tier gods in the Divine Realm were also casting their gaze on Douluo Continent to search for successors. But they would hardly choose someone from Tang Wulin's close circle. Unlike Tang San, who had honed his skills through countless trials in the mortal realm, Tang Wulin had the support of the powerful Haotian Sect from the outset and had lacked opportunities to build alliances with outstanding talents.
If Tang San still had access to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well before Ye Wen's intervention, he might have artificially nurtured some suitable candidates for divine inheritance. But that was then, and this was now Tang San now felt his options narrowing.
Finally, Tang San's resolve crystallized as he made an audacious decision, shifting his focus to himself. Tang San had attained god king level, primarily through the Shura God's position and his insights into the path of Shura. The Poseidon position served more as a "battery" for gathering faith power than anything else.
Losing the Poseidon position would indeed diminish Tang San's faith supply temporarily, but he reasoned that by seizing control of the Douluo Continent, he would gain faith in abundance.
With his confidence bolstered, a smirk crept onto Tang San's face. The possibility of defeat was simply not on his mind. After all, Ye Wen had hidden his true power well.
Tang San's son, Tang Wulin, already carried the Sea God's bloodline. By bestowing the Sea God's divine core upon him, Tang San could subtly guide the transfer process, just as the Shura God King and Poseidon had done for him back in his day. It would be an easy victory.
Fairness? Fairness was for the strong, Tang San thought smugly. Victory was within his reach.
The only source of frustration were those pesky old gods. "A bunch of decrepit fools clinging to life," he muttered, irritation flashing across his face. "If only they would die off like the former Angel God I'd be spared so much trouble."
With his plan set, Tang San vanished into the shadows, quietly setting his schemes in motion. Soon, Tang Wulin received a dual inheritance the positions of Sea God and Rabbit God.
Unlike his father, who lacked the physical prowess for this position, Tang Wulin's beast type martial soul enabled him to wield immense strength. With the Sea God's Trident in hand, his combat power soared to astonishing heights.
The Snake God position was bestowed upon Da Ming, and the Ape God upon Er Ming. The Tiger God position went to a previously unknown illegitimate child who, though lacking the Evil Eyed White Tiger martial soul, had been secretly raised and protected by the Haotian Sect.
The Butterfly God posed a unique challenge. Unlike Tang San's daughter, Tang Wutong, who received her Light Goddess Butterfly martial soul through special intervention, Tang San struggled to find a suitable candidate with a powerful butterfly type martial soul. So he turned his attention to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, seeking an auxiliary soul master who could inherit the role.
Though the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had inherent limitations, a touch of divine power would remedy that. And with the Butterfly God position, Tang San would be able to influence events, perhaps even bringing the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda back into prominence.
However, Tang San underestimated the current Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect Master. Unlike the reclusive Haotian Sect, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had thrived in Douluo society for millennia, successfully navigating the ever changing landscape.
Though the temptation to attain godhood was strong, the head of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Group valued the survival and prosperity of the entire sect over individual ascension. And with the Federation ruling peacefully, there was no need to entangle their family in the murky waters of warfare.
The era had changed, and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect leader had a vision far beyond the power struggles of the past.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 597: Tang San's Cheat Code
Ultimately, Da Ming and Er Ming did not press Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Group any further. After all, they still had connections within the Divine Realm, and disrupting relationships with allies was unnecessary for a temporary gain. Instead, the two gods found a disgraced noble with a spirit of the Spirit Butterfly on the former lands of the Douling Empire.
From here, hidden currents surged across the Douluo Continent. Following the Tang Sect incident, Tang Wulin's Tang Group, which had been painstakingly built up to prominence, saw its influence rapidly diminish, descending to a second rate group. However, thanks to the backing of the Haotian Sect, they avoided bankruptcy, though the covert suppression from the Tianxing Federation was relentless. For now, Tang Group limped along in survival mode.
Yet, this was all secondary to Tang Wulin now; he had received a new divine directive.
"Gather all technology related to battle armor."
Hearing this divine directive, Tang Wulin was thrilled. The purpose of this order was all too clear. First rate powers across Douluo Continent had already started to widely use two word battle armor, and top forces like Haotian Sect and Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Group had even developed three word battle armor. The age when the Continent held only a hundred or so Title Douluo level combatants had rapidly passed, transforming to an era of thousands of combatants with comparable power.
However, the pinnacle of battle armor the four word battle armor remained an achievement that only the Tianxing Academy had mastered.
Though gifted, Tang Wulin shared the same kind of genius as Tang San, one who excelled at learning but lacked innate creative ability. And now, on the continent, only soul refinement techniques were widely available; heavenly refinement a domain that reached into divine realms remained inaccessible.
Ye Wen had, however, shared some information on heavenly refinement. The key to heavenly refinement required alloys with a 90% or higher fusion rate, which had earned the reputation as "divine metals" on the continent. When fusion rates exceeded 50%, such alloys became challenging even for Title Douluo to destroy.
Tianxing Federation and Douluo Continent alike, however, still had a long journey to reach these standards. Despite Haotian Sect's advantage due to the Haotian Hammer martial soul, they had only achieved a fusion rate of around 75% still far from adequate.
Tang San knew that this was the age of battle armor. Without large scale production of four word armor, even with his god level blessings, the power balance would favor the Tianxing Federation. So, Tang San decided it was time to personally intervene.
Though unable to directly manipulate the lower realm, Tang San could still analyze the acquired data and simulate it with his godly power. Confident in his divine abilities, Tang San reasoned that with enough observation of those who wielded four word armor, he could replicate it in no time.
As for spying on the technologies of other sects, wasn't that unethical?
Tang San dismissed such qualms, justifying his actions: "The Tianxing Federation hoards four word battle armor technology out of selfish ambition, oppressing the whole continent. It's the duty of righteousness to end this monopoly!"
Armed with the specifics of the four word armor designs, Tang San experienced a moment of epiphany.
"Isn't this just a degraded version of divine armor? How did I not see it before? Had I realized these techniques earlier and shared them with the Shrek Academy, I wouldn't be stuck in this predicament."
Yet, despite his initial regret, Tang San's expression grew grave.
"No… something feels wrong completely wrong. I deciphered the four word armor because I own divine armor myself. But how could those ants down there have mastered such a technique?"
After long contemplation, Tang San became convinced that an invisible hand was manipulating Douluo Continent's affairs. Yet, as he surveyed the vast Divine Realm, he couldn't determine the identity of this puppet master. His eyes turned cold as they settled on Douluo Continent.
"Whoever you are, know that you will not win now that I've entered the game! And if I catch you, I'll make you answer for daring to meddle under my jurisdiction as the god of law!"
Now feeling the weight of righteous duty, Tang San glowed with newfound purpose. He had entirely forgotten about his prior interference on Douluo Continent.
Meanwhile, upon receiving Tang San's support, Haotian Sect was electrified. They now had access to the complete four word battle armor technology! They began to dream of outfitting every master in the sect with four word armor, envisioning dominion over the continent.
But reality, as it so often does, soon struck hard.
While Tang San had managed to grasp four word armor techniques so quickly due to his godly powers, Haotian Sect lacked such advantages. The strength of four word armor lay not only in its materials and intricate soul guidance designs but in the profound comprehension of divine laws that a craftsman must imbue during the heavenly refinement process.
Though Haotian Sect boasted a dozen Title Douluo level soul masters, none could comprehend divine laws a prerequisite for crafting the four word armor.
At this stage, Tang San's shameless determination came to the fore. With great reluctance, Da Ming and Er Ming the recently ascended Snake God and Ape God had to join in this blacksmithing endeavor. With their insights into divine laws, the pair finally advanced to godly craftsmanship, allowing them to break the Tianxing Federation's monopoly on four word armor.
But, Haotian Sect kept this breakthrough under wraps, discreetly equipping itself and secretly allying with other fading aristocratic families who resented the new order.
After all, transitioning from riches to modesty is easier than the reverse. With four word armor, these once great families, oppressed under the new order, eagerly joined Haotian Sect.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 598: Shrek's Choice
But these influential families were nothing more than an appetizer. Tang Wulin's true target for alliance was never them. These people were only meant to serve as cannon fodder in the end.
Shrek City
Having lost its status as the top academy, the millennia old Shrek Academy was now in decline. The once bustling Shrek City was bleak; many shops had closed, with ironic signs advertising prime rental spaces hanging in their windows. Anyone could see that Shrek's economy was faltering.
Yet none of this concerned Tang Wulin. With his exceptional strength, he disregarded Shrek City's no fly zone and flew directly towards the inner academy. However, just before entering the inner courtyard, he prudently chose to descend and walk the rest of the way, mindful not to disrespect Shrek by outrightly barging in.
With a respectful bow, he announced, "Inner court disciple Tang Wulin requests an audience."
Under the ancient Golden Tree, Xuanzi, who had been leisurely gnawing on a chicken leg, wore a conflicted expression. But considering Tang Wulin's status, he sighed helplessly.
"Come in," Xuanzi finally replied.
As the two met, Tang Wulin was no longer the young boy he once was, while Xuanzi looked more withered and defeated than ever, showing little of his former vigor as a powerful Rank 99 Title Douluo. Although Shrek's decline wasn't directly due to Tang San, their years of helping Tang Wulin and the Haotian Sect on Tang San's orders had left Shrek with nothing in return, a bitter truth Xuanzi could no longer ignore. Indeed, he harbored a growing resentment toward both Tang Wulin and the Haotian Sect.
"What do you want? Just say it," Xuanzi said coldly.
Tang Wulin was undeterred, his smile unfaltering. He gave a polite nod before replying, "I've come today, Senior Xuanzi, to respectfully ask for your assistance. I would be honored if you could lend me your strength."
Xuanzi paused, mid bite, his gaze sharpening as he looked at Tang Wulin.
"Assistance?" Xuanzi sneered. "What kind of assistance could I possibly offer now? This is the Tianxing Douluo's era. What could I possibly change now, even if I did lend a hand? Kid, take my advice. Just focus on your cultivation. With your backing, you'll likely become a god don't waste your time chasing empty dreams."
Despite Xuanzi's indifferent tone, Tang Wulin could detect the bitterness behind his words. He noticed that Xuanzi hadn't called this the "era of the Tianxing Federation," but specifically the "era of the Tianxing Douluo," just as Douluo Continent once belonged to Shrek's Mu En. Encouraged, Tang Wulin dropped his feigned politeness and let his powerful aura radiate freely.
From his forehead, the trident symbol appeared, followed by the faint image of a small white rabbit just behind it.
"What... this...?" Xuanzi's eyes widened as he jumped up from his seat, staring at Tang Wulin in stunned silence.
Radiating confidence and authority, Tang Wulin summoned the Sea God's Trident, driving it into the ground with such force that even the magically reinforced floor cracked under its weight.
"Just as you might have guessed, Senior Xuanzi, I am now the Sea God's inheritor. Soon, I will ascend and become the Sea God, just as my ancestor Tang San once did, and bring my rule to the Douluo Continent."
Yet after hearing him out, Xuanzi simply sank back into his chair, as though unmoved.
Tang Wulin was baffled. Did his imposing display not command enough presence? Shouldn't Xuanzi have been kneeling in reverence by now?
After a brief moment of emotion, Xuanzi's eyes returned to a state of indifference.
"Kid, I admit, you have some ability. But don't think that achieving godhood will make you invincible. The Haotian Sect has existed for millennia, yet you've never read the records of the God Wars? Even gods can be killed. And don't think you're the only one who received a god's inheritance."
Xuanzi's calm warning left Tang Wulin momentarily stunned.
Even in Shrek's weakened state, they had avoided outright collapse, and involving them in another God War would only add to their troubles. After a long sigh, Xuanzi finally continued, "Kid, go back. I'm just an ordinary Rank 99 Title Douluo. I have no business getting involved in your God Wars. Besides, if you truly succeed in becoming a god, stay clear of conflict with Tianxing Academy. Otherwise, I fear you'll meet the same fate as those two from the old Spirit Hall."
Though Xuanzi's refusal irked Tang Wulin, years of managing the Tang Group had taught him patience. Despite being turned down, he wasn't about to give up.
With his proposal in mind, Tang Wulin said, "Senior Xuanzi, are you truly content to watch Shrek fall into obscurity as a second rate academy?"
Xuanzi took another swig of his drink, unconcerned. "Second rate is a bit much. Shrek's reputation didn't grow overnight. We'll survive."
Though weakened, Shrek Academy had deep rooted connections that weren't easily dismissed. It had formed an extensive network of influential relationships over the millennia, and while its student body had shrunk, Shrek would neither close nor fall to second rate status. Still, aware of the academy's gradual decline, Xuanzi had already been working for years to reform teaching practices, dismissing incompetent staff like Zhou Yi and gradually revitalizing Shrek's academic rigor.
But Tang Wulin, having come prepared, wasn't ready to give up.
"Why deceive yourself, Senior Xuanzi? Shrek's glory was only possible because of Tang San, our ancestor. Let me be blunt: the great Tang San has already declared that he will begin the God Wars and has granted multiple god positions to the Haotian Sect. We are amassing our power as we speak, ready to overthrow the Tianxing Federation. When the time comes, do you truly think Shrek Academy, which rose thanks to Tang San's legacy, will remain unaffected?"
Xuanzi fell silent, contemplating for a long time.
Godhood never came without consequences; even after a thousand years, cause and effect remained. If Tang San won, Shrek could regain its former glory. But if Tang Wulin lost, Shrek would certainly be implicated. As Tang Wulin had pointed out, Xuanzi had indeed been fooling himself.
"Alright," Xuanzi said at last, sighing. "Let's hear this plan of yours, kid."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 599: Rebellion · Part One
"Heavenly Acts are unjust, bringing calamity to Douluo; divine protection from the Sea God will make all evil bow."
In her office, Juzi a former empress now responsible for overseeing the Tianxing Federation's government affairs due to her relatively weaker talent read the intelligence report with a moment of bafflement. However, a mocking smile quickly curved her lips.
Recently, a series of inexplicable uprisings had disrupted Douluo's previously stable political scene. Though the Tianxing Federation quickly subdued these rebellions with its overwhelming military strength, the insurrections continued to grow in number, and even intensified, with some cities recently falling into rebel hands. Sensing the severity of the situation, Juzi had immediately instructed Tang Sect to gather intelligence on the insurgent groups behind these attacks.
Those pulling the strings behind these rebellions thought they had concealed their movements well. But under the current leadership of Tang Ya and the careful guidance of Ye Wen, the Tang Sect had become a highly effective intelligence force. Members of Tang Sect now occupied every corner of society. Tang Sect agents were no longer limited to those with spiritual power; even civilians could join, although their identities remained top secret, only to be activated when necessary.
The intelligence on these rebel forces was gathered by Tang Sect agents embedded within them. Though Juzi knew these groups weren't formidable, she refrained from underestimating them, recalling Ye Wen's teachings. "Even a lion must use all its strength when catching a rabbit; to be careless is to risk everything."
Given that most of the Tang Sect operatives who had infiltrated these rebel forces were of low spiritual rank, they had no access to the enemy's core plans. But as Juzi continued to review the reports, her expression grew increasingly serious.
Setting down the papers, she drummed her elegant fingers on her expensive soul beast wood desk. "Something's wrong terribly wrong. Knowing full well the Federation's overwhelming power, what gives these rebels the courage to act so brazenly? A Title Douluo was lost in one of their recent attacks, yet it seems these rebels still haven't reached their limit. It's as though they're... waiting for something."
A flash of insight crossed Juzi's eyes. She quickly stood, calling out to her secretary, "Miya, get me any requests for reinforcement from first level governors currently handling the uprisings! No, wait first, check if any of our highest ranking combat forces have been called out to provide backup!"
The vast expanse of Douluo required delegation, so the Federation relied on local officials known as first level governors to handle regional affairs. These governors would send monthly reports, while Tang Sect agents covertly monitored their actions to prevent corruption. Only matters beyond a governor's capability would be escalated to Juzi or the other central leaders.
To be appointed as a first level governor required, at minimum, the strength of a Title Douluo and passing a series of competency exams. This arrangement had made the post attractive to many Title Douluo, who valued the generous resources and prestige that came with it, despite the demands of the role.
Recently, some first level governors, the targets of the rebels' attacks, had lost Title Douluo level combatants. News of these losses quickly circulated among their peers, leading many to call for reinforcements at the first sign of insurrection. After all, while Title Douluos remained powerful, they were no longer the unmatched forces they once were.
As Juzi reviewed the rebels' rallying slogans, one phrase in particular caught her attention: Sea God.
Ordinary civilians might view The Legend of the Shrek Seven Monsters as nothing more than a fictional tale, but Douluo's higher echelons Title Douluos, Juzi, and others knew that the Sea God was real. Furthermore, the rebels' slogans hinted at the phrase "all evil will bow," an implication that wasn't lost on her.
Juzi couldn't help but chuckle bitterly at the irony.
"The Tianxing Federation is the villain? What a joke! Since its founding, the Federation has ended all wars on Douluo, adhered to Ye Wen's teachings of valuing humanity, established public schools, and ensured free martial spirit awakenings to prevent anyone from dying of hunger. If such a nation can be deemed evil, then what does that make Douluo's last ten thousand years? Hell on earth?"
As she scoffed internally at the hypocrisy of those invoking the Sea God's name, Juzi's secretary, Miya, entered the office, intelligence report in hand.
The Tianxing Federation's highest authority was shared among the three Sovereigns. The Empress title for the newly formed Daymoon faction would typically belong to Xu Yunhan, but since he was still too young, Juzi managed the affairs in his stead. Thus, she was respectfully addressed as Empress Yuno, also known as the Heavenly Peace Empress, with "Yun" derived from Yunhan's name and "Peace" symbolizing the unity achieved under the Federation's new structure.
"Your Grace, the intelligence is compiled. The first level governor of Great Luo City, in the Xinguang District, has requested reinforcements, reporting that the rebel forces include Super Douluo level combatants. Support was requested immediately. Given the presence of a Super Douluo, along with potential unknown assets, the message was promptly relayed to Lady Xuan Yue and Lord Xiao Ding. Both are en route to support them as we speak."
Hearing that two elite forces had been dispatched, Juzi frowned rather than relaxed. Many of her sisters were currently roaming the continent, completing their divine trials. The odds of two of them happening to be near Great Luo City were alarmingly slim. Nevertheless, given their strength, there was still a chance to salvage the situation.
"Order all Title Douluo level combatants near Great Luo City to drop whatever they're doing and head there immediately. There's a trap waiting in Great Luo City! They can't waste a single second!"
Miya paused in shock at the urgency in Juzi's tone, then bowed before hurrying to relay her orders.
Juzi's expression was grave as she weighed the situation. She couldn't be certain if this was truly an ambush, but the timing of everything was suspiciously convenient. Her sisters' presence near Great Luo City, the uprising's carefully chosen locations all of it pointed to a deliberate scheme.
Even if there was only a slim chance that her suspicions were right, Juzi would not risk letting her sisters walk blindly into danger.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 600: Rebellion · Part Two
At this moment, in Great Luo City
Though the city's name exuded grandeur, it had nothing to do with any legendary Daoist immortals from other worlds. It was simply named by the city's first governor, a man surnamed Luo, who, feeling proud to rule over such a large city, decided to name it after himself.
Time passed, and the Luo family lost its hold over the city long ago. Great Luo City wasn't even considered a major city in fact, it ranked quite low among the larger cities in the entire Xingluo District.
The current administrator of the city was Cheng Gang, once known as the Guardian Douluo of the former Xingluo Empire. Yes, the same Cheng Gang who, in a more traditional timeline, had foolishly assumed that Huo Yuhao was a 100,000 year old soul beast disguised as a human. Even though none of the core disciples or Super Douluos at Shrek Academy saw this, Cheng Gang believed he alone had discovered Huo Yuhao's "secret."
Cheng Gang's martial spirit was the Ant Emperor a rare insect based martial spirit. His strength was as direct and unsubtle as his personality. His spirit ring allocation was two yellow, three purple, and four black rings a far cry from elite spirit master configurations. If he'd been born ten thousand years earlier, he might have given Dugu Bo serious competition for the title of the weakest Title Douluo.
Now, true to his character, Cheng Gang was spitting blood after being mercilessly pummeled by two Super Douluos. If not for his martial spirit's powerful exoskeleton defense, he would have been dead already. Even so, his four limbs were broken, and he could barely move, relying only on his armor's exoskeletal enhancements to keep himself upright.
Realizing he was out of options, Cheng Gang did what he'd done countless times before he repeated his offer for the two assailants.
"Both of you! You've spent so much time and effort to become Title Douluos; it's foolish to throw it all away! With your power, you could join the Tianxing Federation and live prosperous lives. Why risk your heads over this rebellion nonsense? If you join me, I can put in a good word for you you might even become first level governors yourselves one day, enjoying wealth, power, wine, and women in abundance."
To his surprise, the two Super Douluos stopped their assault, catching him off guard. He'd made similar offers earlier, only to receive more brutal attacks in response. Why were they hesitating now? Confused, Cheng Gang's mind spun as he tried to figure it out.
With no clear answer, Cheng Gang kept sending distress signals in secret, determined to buy time for reinforcements. Oddly, neither opponent had activated their martial spirits during the fight, a fact that assured Cheng Gang they were indeed Super Douluos. No lesser fighter could have pushed him so close to death without even summoning a martial spirit.
One of the Super Douluos, an elder with a bristly beard, examined Cheng Gang with a calculating gaze. "Not bad. Weak, but your spirit power does indeed reach the Title Douluo level, and your martial spirit grants considerable physical strength. You'd make a good blacksmith."
The other Super Douluo, a muscle bound middle aged man, nodded in agreement without speaking.
The elder chuckled. "Kid, you've offered us a choice, so I'll offer you one: join our sect and work for us, and we'll spare your life."
Cheng Gang's mouth twitched. Was this how you recruited people? No benefits mentioned, just a thinly veiled threat. And why did this feel uncomfortably like his early days as an overworked laborer? Fighting down nausea, Cheng Gang forced himself to respond politely. He'd rather buy time than refuse outright and face instant death.
"Your... sect?" he asked cautiously. "What sect is that?"
Joining or not was irrelevant to him at the moment stalling was his only priority. If he held them off until reinforcements arrived, he'd survive this and maybe even earn a promotion for gathering valuable intelligence. His thoughts ran with fantasies of future riches.
But his two assailants weren't fools. They understood the importance of secrecy and weren't about to reveal their plans to him. The elder, still smiling, replied, "You don't need to know that. We're still building strength in secret, so we can't expose ourselves lightly. Just answer me: will you join us?"
This time, however, the elder's tone carried a heavy hint of killing intent, something Cheng Gang hadn't sensed before. Suddenly, Cheng Gang felt cold sweat trickling down his spine. The killing aura radiating from the elder was terrifying, far more intense than anything he'd faced, even from 100,000 year old soul beasts.
Cheng Gang's resolve was crumbling, his mouth already opening to agree when a powerful surge of spirit energy jolted him back to his senses.
"Close call !" he thought, relieved. He'd nearly signed up with this weak rebel faction, even though he knew firsthand the power of the Tianxing Federation. Just as relief washed over him, he noticed something odd he was looking at his own back.
"What... was I just... beheaded?"
Before he could process it, darkness claimed him. Cheng Gang, a Title Douluo, had been slain.
The elder shook his head with mild regret, watching his muscular comrade wipe the blood off his weapon. "I suppose a mere 91st level Douluo wasn't worth the trouble after all. Better to remove him now than let him cause distractions later on."
Suddenly, a cold, powerful voice rang out from above.
"How dare you!"
A terrifying force descended upon them, an attack coming down from the heavens. No flashy martial skill just pure, devastating spirit energy that seemed to tear through the atmosphere itself, enough to make any ordinary soul master's heart quail. This was the unmistakable power of a Limit Douluo a simple gesture becoming a natural disaster.
In the eyes of ordinary soul masters, these two Super Douluos had chosen certain death, for even they could scarcely withstand the casual might of a Limit Douluo. But in response, the two rebel Douluos unleashed their own horrifying waves of energy!
Jiang Nannan, the Limit Douluo who had arrived, found herself momentarily stunned as her powerful kick met the flat side of a massive hexagonal hammer.
"This spirit power... a Limit Douluo ?"
Before Jiang Nannan could process her shock, another elderly man in pitch black armor swung a second massive hammer at her.
(End of Chapter)
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