First Clash Erupts!

In that brief span of time, Tang Hao's heart churned like a stormy sea, countless thoughts racing through his mind. Suddenly, he clenched his teeth, and the anger and shock in his heart were gradually replaced by resolve. After all, he was an experienced Titled Douluo. He quickly decided that this might merely be one of Blade's special abilities—the plants had been controlled by him! He decided that once he had taught Blade a lesson, these plants would naturally return to normal and acknowledge his status once more. A trace of determination flashed through his eyes. He was ready to give this kid a lesson he would never forget for the rest of his life.

Driven by rage, Tang Hao forcefully adjusted his hat, making sure his face remained hidden in shadow, before slowly stepping out from the darkness. Every step he took seemed exceptionally heavy, as though each one was venting the fury in his heart.

With his appearance, the pressure of a Titled Douluo surged forth like a tide. Within mere seconds, it rapidly spread, crushing the surrounding air and making the entire forest seem to feel this oppressive force.

Tang Hao was prepared to bully the weak and teach the boy before him a lesson. "Kid, you've got some skill to have noticed me. Heh heh." His voice was low and powerful, carrying an unquestionable pressure and warning as it went straight to Blade's ears, as though planting the seed of fear in Blade's heart.

Yet Blade was not affected by the pressure in the slightest. Instead, a smile curled onto his lips. His blood-red eyes shone exceptionally brightly in the darkness as he stared at Tang Hao, his gaze filled with anticipation, as though waiting for a dreamlike battle that could send him to the other shore.

Blade raised Shizun's Sword in his hand, its edge aimed directly at Tang Hao. His attitude was firm and cold.

Seeing this, Tang Hao could not help frowning. Though his face hidden in the darkness appeared utterly calm, only he knew that shock was raging within him like crashing waves. This kid had not been suppressed by his pressure at all. Even though he had deliberately held back some of his strength, this was still not something an ordinary person who had just awakened their martial soul could endure.

Under normal circumstances, ordinary people would not last more than a few seconds before collapsing to their knees beneath his pressure, unable to move. Yet this boy was completely unharmed and even had the strength to provoke him.

Tang Hao's curiosity and doubts grew wildly like weeds. He became increasingly interested in the origins of this kid who had once beaten his son so badly. Who exactly was this kid? What secrets lay hidden behind him? Tang Hao's heart was filled with the desire to find out.

"Did you get my permission before coming onto my territory?!" Tang Hao's voice exploded like thunder as he increased the suppression of his Soul Power once more. His voice became even more deafening, as though it could directly shake one's soul.

At the same time, as his words fell, nine soul rings suddenly appeared beneath his feet like phantoms, circling around his body. The outermost red soul ring was especially eye-catching, like Burning Flames, displaying his power and inviolability.

Tang Hao's intentions were obvious. He planned to first scare this kid out of his wits with this terrifying display, then, while he was overwhelmed by terror, toy with him like a cat playing with a dying mouse. Only after thoroughly tormenting him would he knock him unconscious, turning that fear into a lifelong shadow. Perhaps it might even destabilize his state of mind, making it difficult for him to break through to higher ranks on his future Cultivation Path.

"Kid, I'll teach you a lesson today. I'll use only my fists." Tang Hao's voice was full of confidence and disdain. He seemed to have already seen Blade collapsing before him.

However, Blade's reaction was beyond Tang Hao's expectations. He merely coldly drew his palm swiftly across Shizun's Sword, and blood immediately swirled around him, forming a strange Aura. The corners of his lips lifted into a mocking, playful smile, as though he were laughing at Tang Hao's ignorance and arrogance.

Surrounded by Blood Qi, Blade's gaze appeared even deeper. His eyes were like bottomless ancient wells, cold and resolute. It was as though a burning flame danced within his pupils, flickering with unyielding light. Every blink seemed like a silent challenge to Tang Hao's pressure. That calmness and composure made it seem as though he had long anticipated the outcome of this confrontation.

There was neither fear of a Titled Douluo nor nervousness over the coming battle in his eyes. Instead, what they revealed was longing—a longing for a powerful opponent, a longing for a battle that could draw out his potential. His gaze seemed to say, "Come on, let me see what level this world's Titled Douluo are really at."

"Is that so? Don't disappoint me. Heh heh." Blade's voice was calm and firm, utterly devoid of the fear one would expect when facing a Titled Douluo.

Tang Hao clenched his teeth, the fury in his heart nearly bursting through his chest. He truly had not expected to be mocked so brazenly by a mere brat. He was, after all, a dignified Titled Douluo. When had he ever suffered such contempt?

"Heh, then you'd better keep that attitude. I'll make sure you can't laugh!" Tang Hao's voice was filled with icy killing intent. He had already decided that no matter what, he would make this kid pay today.

The moment his words fell, Tang Hao moved. His foot stomped heavily onto the ground, as though he intended to crush a pit into the earth. With that step, his body shot forward like an arrow released from its bow. Where he had been standing just moments ago, dead leaves and dust were instantly swept into the air by his powerful presence, as though torn apart by an invisible force.

In the forest, the sudden howl of tearing wind rang out like a beast's roar, echoing through the woods and startling the resting birds and beasts. They scattered in all directions, making room for the coming battle.

Excitement appeared on Blade's face, and his eyes shone even more brightly. Every muscle in his body tensed, showing that he had already entered a combat state. He took this sudden duel just as seriously. With a sudden burst, Shizun's Sword in his hand traced a beautiful arc through the air, carrying sharp sword aura as it shot straight toward Tang Hao!

Bang!!!

A deafening collision rang out instantly as fist and sword slammed violently together in midair. The clash of power seemed capable of tearing space apart, and the resulting energy ripples spread in all directions like waves across water.

The surrounding plants bent outward beneath the impact. Leaves were shaken loose, branches snapped, and even the ground seemed to tremble.

At that moment, the forest's tranquility was completely shattered, replaced by a contest of power—the opening of a battle to the death!