Chapter 220: The Miserable Fate of Tang Hao and His Son
After Tang Hao's desperate clash with Yu Yuanzhen, his aura rapidly declined—his life force flickering weakly. His injuries had reached the very root of his being.
From this day forth, Yu Yuanzhen would remain the Clear Sky Sect's sworn enemy—the thorn lodged in their flesh, the blade poised at their throats.
The Pope's decision had been brilliant.
Yu Yuanzhen nodded grimly; he was eager to return to his clan.
Once the Clear Sky Sect launched their inevitable retaliation, another deadly battle would erupt.
After a brief meditation, the Mad Dragon Douluo's body shone with gray light, enveloping Yu Yuanzhen.
With a surge of earthen energy, the two leapt from underground and fled the Sunset Forest—each vanishing in separate directions.
Elsewhere, outside the forest, several figures stood guard warily.
A towering seven-colored light emanated from Ning Fengzhi's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, cascading upon Tang Hao's broken body.
The Pagoda was not only a tool of amplification but also a vessel of healing.
When elevated to its fullest form, its restorative ability surpassed that of most healing spirit masters.
Unlike direct regenerative skills, the Pagoda recovered multiple aspects at once—stamina, strength, spirit power, and mental energy.
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi was personally healing Tang Hao.
Tang Hao's condition was tragic.
His body was caked in grime and blood.
But the external wounds were nothing compared to the internal damage.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "Back when I treated Haotian Douluo in the Great Spirit Arena, his old internal injuries were already severe—difficult to mend.
This battle has reopened all of them. His organs are damaged, his meridians twisted—his recovery will be nearly impossible.
If he refrains from using soul power again, he might preserve his life."
He sighed deeply, heavy with pity.
The great Haotian Douluo was crippled.
These wounds—first inflicted years ago in his battle against Qian Xunji—had never truly healed.
Now, after several fierce clashes with Yu Yuanzhen, his battered body had reached its limit.
Meridians shattered, bones splintered—he would never regain his former strength.
Should he force his spirit power once more, death would surely follow.
Tang Hao's eyes were empty, the truth already clear to him.
"Hao…"
Tang Xiao's voice broke with tears as he pulled his brother into a tight embrace.
"Brother, Sect Master Ning… please, go save Xiao San first. I know my own condition. I no longer hold hope for myself… but Xiao San must live."
Tang Hao's voice trembled with pain.
"Hao, don't worry. The Second Elder and the Bone Douluo have already gone," Tang Xiao assured him solemnly.
His chest ached with grief.
He could already foresee that they were headed toward direct conflict with Spirit Hall—and with his current strength, he could not prevail alone.
That was why the Second Elder had come to Heaven Dou City.
They had avoided traveling together because of lingering discord between the elder and Tang Hao.
Thus, while he remained near Tang Hao to guard Tang San, the Second Elder had stationed himself outside the Sunset Forest—close enough by Titled Douluo standards to intervene quickly.
But no one had expected Yu Yuanzhen to take such drastic action—to personally ambush Tang San—and even bring along the powerful Mad Dragon Douluo.
The attack caught both Tang Xiao and Tang Hao completely off guard.
Even then, Tang San might have survived, if not for that final shadowy figure—an unseen assailant, beyond comprehension.
Who was it?
Tang Xiao's vast spiritual sense could not discern the figure's true form—the speed was too fast, the power immense.
If the figure had been aligned with Yu Yuanzhen, that strike alone could have ended Tang Hao's life.
But instead, the mysterious figure had taken Tang San alive.
Which faction did he belong to?
Tang Xiao recounted everything to Ning Fengzhi.
The latter frowned deeply. "Some time ago, there was unrest across the continent—rumors circulated to inflame tensions between your sect and Spirit Hall.
I suspected another hidden power behind it.
Now it's certain.
There's a secret force watching us all—eager to see Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect destroy each other."
Little did he know that the puppet master lurking behind the scenes was his very own son-in-law.
"Master Ning, have you any clue which faction this hidden power belongs to?" Tang Xiao pressed.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "I've investigated quietly for years—without a trace to show for it."
Silence fell.
The mood grew heavy as they realized events were spiraling beyond anyone's control.
Tang Xiao's mind raced. Regardless of this shadowy faction, he knew he must first deal with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Spirit Hall.
Just then, two figures emerged from the forest—Flender and Yu Xiaogang.
The latter, seeing Tang Hao and Tang Xiao, rushed forward as if seeing salvation itself.
"Master Ning! Sect Master Tang! You must rescue Xiao San at once! He's gained another external soul bone—if we delay, it will be taken from him!"
Yu Xiaogang's frantic plea, his trembling voice filled with despair, drew puzzled looks from those present.
Even Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo exchanged glances.
Yu Yuanzhen's son showed no concern for his father's life—but nearly wept for Tang San's safety.
"Rest assured—strong reinforcements have already gone," Tang Hao said with difficulty, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Master. Had you not protected him before, Xiao San would not have survived."
He truly meant it.
That day, when Yu Xiaogang had shielded Tang San from his own father's attack, even Tang Hao had been stunned.
Yu Xiaogang indeed treated Tang San as his own son.
Although Tang San's fate was now uncertain, Tang Hao could not blame him.
Tang Xiao, however, remained cold and silent.
After all, Yu Yuanzhen's treachery made it hard for him to feel any goodwill toward the man's bloodline.
If not for the fact that Yu Xiaogang had genuinely risked his life to protect Tang San, Tang Xiao might have crushed him with his hammer on the spot.
Yu Xiaogang stood nervously, waiting, hoping—until at last, two figures streaked toward them from the distance.
Among them, one carried a limp blue figure.
"Xiao San…"
"What happened to him?!"
Both Tang Hao and Yu Xiaogang shouted in unison.
The Bone Douluo landed lightly, placing Tang San on the ground. "We found him in the Sunset Forest. He's alive, but…"
Tang Hao and Yu Xiaogang stared anxiously, dread rising in their hearts.
The elder glanced down; seeing Tang San awake enough to speak, he gestured for him to explain himself.
"Father… Teacher… it was the same evil soul master—it must be him!" Tang San's tone was hollow, his face pale. "He devoured my external soul bone again… and part of my own life force."
His voice quavered.
Tang Hao froze for an instant—then slammed his fist into the ground with a booming crash.
"Who is it?! Xiao San, did you see his face?"
"I was unconscious… all I felt was endless pain, my life slipping away. When I woke, he was gone."
Tang San shuddered at the memory of that nightmare—his body trembling uncontrollably.
Seeing this, Tang Hao pulled his son into his arms, tears brimming in his eyes.
This was the second time his child had suffered such torment.
Fate seemed merciless to their family.
He himself was crippled.
Ah Yin—gone. Their soul bones—gone.
Now his son's strength stolen not once, but twice.
The tragedy was unbearable.
Who could hate them so deeply?
The more he thought, the more his chest ached with frustration and rage.
"Pfft—!"
A mouthful of dark blood burst from his lips as grief and fury overwhelmed him once again.
(END CHAPTER)
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