Twin Stars Vie for Brilliance, the Grudge of Dust and Mud

Eight years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Under the Federation's governance, the Douluo Continent is becoming increasingly prosperous, and the Soul Master World is producing outstanding talents. Among the younger generation, the most dazzling twin stars are undoubtedly Tang Hao of the Clear Sky Sect and Qian Xunji of the Spirit Hall (an institution under the Federation's Department of Education).

Clear Sky Sect, Sect Master's Hall.

A burly young man with a resolute face stood tall, none other than Tang Hao! At only twenty-seven years old, his Soul Power had already reached Level 92, making him Titled Douluo. His Martial Soul had also successfully undergone a sublimation after breaking through level 90 and condensing its Soul Core, and could be called the Great Sumeru Hammer.

His aura was as solid as an abyss, faintly radiating a sense of oppressive power that made people's hearts tremble. It was the magnificent aura that came from being tempered by countless blood and fire and having completely integrated the "Clear Sky Slaughter Domain" he had comprehended in the City of City of Slaughter.

What's even more astonishing is that several powerful energy fluctuations of different attributes flowed continuously around him. Those were six Spirit Bone in total! And none of them were less than 50,000 years old! His head, torso, and limbs were almost entirely filled with top-tier Spirit Bone in the best positions.

This is the foundation upon which the Clear Sky Sect poured in all its resources, along with some treasures that his grandfather God of Destruction Tang Chen, had retrieved from the Divine Realm, all to pave the way for his ascension to godhood! Due to his fame and strength, the Soul Master World of the continent has already revered him as the Clear Sky Douluo of the new era!

"Father, my mind is made up." Tang Hao's voice was steady, his gaze fixed intently on Sect Master Tang Wei. "I am going to Spirit City to fight Qian Xunji!"

This was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. Eight years ago, after returning from the City of Slaughter, with his domain newly formed, he regarded Qian Xunji as a target he had to surpass. Over the years, he had diligently cultivated, perfecting the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer to the point of eighty-one strikes, and his Clear Sky Nine Absolutes had reached perfection. He believed that among those of the first rank, his attack power had reached the pinnacle. Now, having achieved a title and been endowed with Spirit Bone, he was confident that he was capable of challenging the opponent known as the "Descendant of Gods."

Tang Wei looked at his son, whose aura was soaring, with pride in his eyes, but also a hint of complexity. He knew how terrifying Qian Xunji was; it was not only his talent, but also the profound meaning behind his father Qian Daoliu's ten years of honing his skills.

"Hao'er, that Qian Xunji fellow has spent the last ten years or so re-cultivating the ' Angel's Path,' and his understanding of the Martial Soul Origin has probably reached an unbelievable level. Although he is now a level 96 Super Douluo, he has already sent out a message that if you challenge him, he is willing to suppress his Cultivation Level to Level 92 and fight you fairly."

"Level suppression?" Tang Hao raised an eyebrow, not annoyed by the slight, but instead his fighting spirit intensified. "Good! Even better! I'll see whether his Six-winged Angel is stronger, or my Great Sumeru Hammer, at the same level!"

The news sent shockwaves across mainland China!

Haotian Douluo Tang Hao challenges Qian Xunji, the son of the Angel God! The latter actually suppresses his cultivation level to fight against someone of the same level!

This is undoubtedly the most eye-catching event in the Soul Master World of the Douluo Continent in the past decade! Countless Soul Master and forces from all sides flocked to Spirit City, eager to witness this ultimate showdown.

Spirit City, Central Great Soul Arena.

This magnificent venue, reinforced with Soul Tool Technology and capable of withstanding the aftershocks of a fierce battle between Titled Douluo, was packed to capacity and filled with the lively chatter of people.

In the VIP section, high-ranking officials of the Federation, leaders of major sects, top experts, and deans of major Soul Master Academy gathered together. Even Yu Yuanchen, who was far away in Purple Blazing Dragon City, sent down a wisp of Divine Sense to watch the battle with great interest.

In the center of the arena, Qian Xunji stood dressed in white, his golden hair gleaming. His face was handsome and serene, and he exuded a warm yet majestic aura of holiness, like a deity descended to earth. He did not deliberately release any pressure, yet he naturally became the focus of everyone's attention.

Opposite him, Tang Hao, dressed in a black outfit, held Great Sumeru Hammer. His eyes were sharp as an eagle's, and his muscles were bulging, exuding an explosive sense of power, like a Primordial Era Ferocious Beast ready to Accumulate Power.

"Although you should call me uncle according to seniority, since we are about the same age (Soul Master have long lifespans, so being a dozen years old is indeed quite similar), let's treat each other as equals. Brother Tang, please." Qian Xunji smiled slightly, exuding elegance.

Before he finished speaking, his aura suddenly subsided, and he steadily suppressed himself from the level of a level 96 Super Douluo to the level of a Level 92 Titled Douluo, exactly the same as Tang Hao!

"Since that's the case, I won't be coy anymore, Brother Qian, let's fight!" Tang Hao didn't waste any more words. With a roar, the blood-red Clear Sky Slaughter Domain beneath his feet suddenly unfolded. In an instant, the entire arena seemed to transform into a battlefield of Asura, the air stagnant, filled with a suffocating killing intent and Destruction will.

He leaped up, the Great Sumeru Hammer roaring with ear-piercing force. The simplest "Shock" technique contained the power to shatter mountains and split rocks, aiming straight for Qian Xunji's face!

"Angel Sacred Radiance Domain, activate." Qian Xunji's expression remained unchanged as he whispered. A pure, warm, yet supremely majestic golden halo spread out from him, which was the Angel Sacred Radiance Domain. It was based on his Innate Domain — Angel Domain —and incorporated his own understanding of his Martial Soul, making it even more powerful.

Within the domain, a sacred aura permeated the air, effectively neutralizing most of Tang Hao's intense killing intent. At the same time, a Purification and judgmental will enveloped Tang Hao in reverse.

At the same time, behind Qian Xunji, six enormous golden phantom wings unfolded, radiating divine light! He did not use his Martial Soul Avatar, but the pressure of his God-Tier Martial Soul was already fully revealed.

Faced with Tang Hao's Sky Breaker hammer blow, he did not take it head-on. Instead, he lightly flapped his wings and flew backward like Gui Mei. At the same time, he pointed his fingers like a sword and pointed an extremely condensed golden sword aura at the side of the hammer.

"Clang--!"

Hammer and sword clashed, unleashing a piercing metallic clang! A terrifying shockwave exploded outwards in a ring, striking the Soul Tool Barrier surrounding the arena and creating ripples that filled the sky!

Tang Hao felt a scorching and sharp force travel through the hammer handle, his arm went slightly numb, and he was awestruck. "What exquisite use of power! At the same level, his Soul Power seems to be even more refined than mine!" But his fighting spirit was even stronger, and he took a series of steps, unleashing the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer!

One hammer blow, two hammer blows, three hammer blows... The hammering force was like overlapping waves, each blow heavier than the last, the power and speed accumulating wildly! The dark red Slaughter Domain power continuously flowed into the hammer, making each blow carry a soul-tearing murderous aura!

Qian Xunji remained calm as he gracefully weaved through the barrage of hammer blows. His movements seemed slow, yet he always managed to dodge the most intense strikes at the last possible moment.

The Six-winged Angel Martial Soul granted him unparalleled perception and speed. Combined with the Angel Domain's ability to weaken the enemy's killing intent and amplify his own movements, he seemed to be handling Tang Hao's storm-like offensive with ease.

He would point or palm, or condense a sacred Light Sword to parry. Each collision was precisely aimed at the point where Tang Hao's power Daoliu. Although he did not fight head-on, he effectively interfered with the Accumulate Power of the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

On the arena, golden light and crimson light clashed wildly, creating a continuous series of deafening roars. Tang Hao's attacks were fierce and unparalleled, each hammer blow capable of splitting mountains and severing rivers; Qian Xunji's defense was like a vast abyss, unfathomable, using softness to overcome hardness. The scene became a stalemate for a time.

"The Clear Sky Nine Absolutes, Break Character Art!" After a prolonged and fruitless attack, Tang Hao knew he couldn't let Qian Xunji prolong the fight, otherwise, once she got used to his rhythm, things might change.

He abruptly changed his move, abandoning the continuously stacked Chaotic Cloak. The Great Sumeru Hammer transformed into a condensed black light, ignoring spatial distance, and pierced straight for Qian Xunji's chest! This strike contained his ultimate understanding of "breaking through the surface," concentrating all his strength and killing intent into a single point!

Qian Xunji's expression finally turned serious. "Angel's Guard!" he shouted, and golden light shone brightly around him. A diamond-shaped light shield formed from pure holy power instantly appeared in front of him, with angelic runes flowing across its surface!

"Snap!"

The dark light pierced the light shield, producing a teeth-grinding cracking sound! The light shield shattered instantly, but the speed and power of the dark light were also greatly weakened. Qian Xunji of this opportunity, Qian Xunji's six wings flapped violently, and his figure retreated rapidly, while his hands formed a hand seal. "Holy Light, Judgment!"

A thick golden beam of light descended from the sky, carrying a sacred aura that Purification all things, and blasted towards Tang Hao!

"Well done! Slaughter Clear Sky, break!" Tang Hao neither dodged nor evaded, his eyes blazing with blood-red light. The Clear Sky Slaughter Domain contracted and condensed at the hammerhead, defying the heavens and rising fiercely to meet the Holy Light Judgment!

"Boom--!"

An unprecedentedly massive explosion resounded throughout the arena! A storm of golden and dark red energy swept across the entire arena, and the Soul Tool Barrier fluctuated violently, as if it would shatter at any moment! Gasps of surprise erupted from the audience.

As the storm subsided, the scene inside was revealed. Tang Hao knelt on the ground, a trace of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, his Great Sumeru Hammer planted firmly on the ground, clearly indicating that he had suffered some shock in the previous clash.

Qian Xunji hovered in mid-air, his white clothes still pristine, though his face was slightly pale and his breathing a little rapid.

While the two sides appeared evenly matched, it was clear to anyone with discerning eyes that Qian Xunji still had the strength to levitate after dealing with Tang Hao's strongest attack, giving him a slight advantage.

"The defensive enhancement of the Godly Lineage has indeed weakened considerably at the Titled Douluo level, at most negating about 20% of my power." Tang Hao wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, slowly stood up, his eyes burning even more fiercely. "But this is more satisfying! Qian Xunji, take my final move! Clear Sky True Body, Great Sumeru Hammer Profound Technique— Explode Ring!"

With a roar, the first six of his nine Soul Ring Soul Ring erupted with blinding light, then—exploded! A terrifying torrent of energy surged wildly into the Great Sumeru Hammer, instantly expanding its dark body into a Giant Hammer hammer phantom that seemed capable of Heaven-Splitting! This was the Clear Sky Sect Sect's trump card Ultimate Skill, sacrificing Soul Ring for a short-term, world-destroying attack! Although he would be weak for a long time afterward, at this moment, Tang Hao's aura had already surpassed that of an ordinary Super Douluo!

Qian Xunji sensed the terrifying power that threatened his Life, and his expression finally turned completely solemn. "Six-winged Angel, descend in your true form! Glory is my destiny, judgment is my duty—angel, descend!"

A dazzling golden light erupted, and Qian Xunji Xunji's figure vanished into the light. In its place, a colossal Angel Phantom phantom, ten zhang tall, with six wings on its back and wielding a holy sword, materialized! Its divine pressure swept out like a tsunami, rivaling Tang Hao's Destruction aura!

"Slash!" The Angel Phantom wielded the holy sword, and a golden sword aura that stretched across the heavens and earth, carrying the will to judge all things, slashed towards the Giant Hammer!

"Smash!" Tang Hao roared, and the Giant Hammer, imbued with the power of six Soul Ring, slammed down with unwavering determination!

This is the ultimate clash between power and divinity! A head-on confrontation between Destruction and order!

"Buzz--!"

There was no deafening explosion, only a buzzing sound like the beginning of time! Golden and black light intertwined and annihilated, forming a massive Energy Vortex that frantically devoured everything around it! The Soul Tool Barrier groaned under the strain and finally shattered! A violent energy shockwave spread outwards!

In the VIP section, several powerful auras erupted, and together they set up a barrier to barely block the aftershocks and protect the audience.

After a long while, the light faded away.

In the center of the arena, a huge crater appeared. The Qian Xunji Angel Phantom that Qian Xunji had transformed into had dissipated. He knelt on the ground, with golden-red blood hanging from the corner of his mouth, his white clothes stained with dust, and his aura weak, but his eyes were still bright. Tang Hao, on the other hand, lay on the edge of the crater, the Great Sumeru Hammer shrunken and lying beside him, unconscious, with many charred parts on his body, obviously more seriously injured.

The outcome is decided!

Qian Xunji; he wins!

Despite Cultivation Level his cultivation to Level 92, and despite Tang Hao unleashing the Explode Ring Technique, he ultimately prevailed slightly due to his deeper understanding of the Six-winged Angel Martial Soul, more refined combat skills, and the Angel Domain's partial restraint on the Slaughter Domain!

A moment of silence fell over the entire arena, followed by thunderous cheers and gasps of amazement! This duel was a classic battle at the level of Titled Douluo! Both Tang Hao's domineering and unparalleled attacks and Qian Xunji's unfathomable defense and counterattacks deeply shocked everyone.

"Although Clear Sky Douluo was defeated, he is still glorious!"

"Lord Qian Xunji is too strong! Unrivaled among those of the same level!"

"Two stars shining brightly, truly deserving of the title!"

Praises rose and fell. Tang Hao was quickly carried away by the Clear Sky Sect members for treatment, while Qian Xunji also left to recuperate, surrounded by the Spirit Hall personnel. This epic battle was destined to be recorded in history.

However, amidst the electrifying glow of the crowd, in an inconspicuous corner of the stands, one figure stood out as completely out of place.

Yu Xiaogang huddled in the cheap seat, his hands gripping the hem of his clothes so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh. Through the throng of people, he looked at the huge crater in the center of the arena, at Qian Xunji being escorted away by the crowd, and at Tang Hao being carefully carried away. His eyes were filled with overflowing envy, jealousy, and bottomless resentment.

"Why... why can't it be me standing there?!" he screamed internally. "I should have been the young master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan! I should have possessed the strongest Martial Soul! I should have been revered by thousands! It's all their fault! The sect has wronged me! This world has wronged me!"

He once dreamed of standing on such a stage and enjoying the spotlight.

But the reality is that eight years have passed, and he is still a level 29 Soul Grandmaster, stuck at the threshold of level 30, unable to make any progress! Logically speaking, with his innate level 3 Soul Power after taking the Marrow Cleansing Pill, even if his talent is poor, it wouldn't be too difficult for him to break through to Soul Elder after decades of hard work.

However, he was restless and impatient, afraid of difficulties and hardships, and wasted most of his time on unrealistic theoretical fantasies and complaining about fate, Cultivation Level naturally stagnated.

After arriving in Spirit City, he harbored a dream of becoming a "theoretical Grandmaster," only to find that reality was incredibly cruel.

While ordinary books in the Spirit City Library can be viewed for free, truly profound Soul Master theories and cultivation techniques require certain authorization or exorbitant fees to borrow. He attempted to use his supposed ancestry from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to get away with it, but the librarian demanded to see proof.

He stammered that he could find someone to vouch for him, but what he got in return was a cold reply: After verification, Yu Xiaogang had been expelled from the sect in his childhood, and after adulthood, he had not gone to the industry assigned by the sect to perform his duties on time. His status as a sect disciple had been automatically logged out.

At that moment, Yu Xiaogang felt as if he had fallen into Ice Cave. He had lost even his last bit of support.

He had already received all the Soul Master subsidies issued by the Federation (one ring for three years, 1 Gold Soul Coin per month; two rings for five years, 10 Gold Soul Coin per month). He could only take on some low-paying odd jobs in Spirit City or help low-level Soul Master process materials to earn a meager income.

His combat strength was at the bottom among his peers, and Luo Sanpao's Soul Skill made him suffer from discrimination. Most of the money he earned was invested in the paid sections of the library. Over the years, he did indeed memorize a lot of things and called himself "well-read".

He even arrogantly summarized a so-called "Ten Core Competencies of Martial Soul" from these pieced-together and superficially understood knowledge. The content was mostly empty and illogical. Most importantly, many of the viewpoints were obviously plagiarized or misinterpreted from others' work, but the source was not indicated.

When he excitedly wanted to publish it, the manuscript was rejected by the academic auditing agency, which pointed out dozens of serious flaws and suspected plagiarism in its comments.

Yu Xiaogang stubbornly believed that the authorities were suppressing him, a "folk genius," and that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was behind it all. He channeled this resentment and bitterness into his extreme desire for fame and recognition.

During this time, he happened to meet Bibi Dong, a genius girl who was rising to fame in the Spirit Hall. Bibi Dong was born with Twin Martial Souls, Innate Full Soul Power, was exceptionally talented, and had a stunning appearance, which made her highly valued by the Federation.

Attracted by her appearance and talent, Yu Xiaogang had the audacious idea of trying to attract her with his own "theory".

He stopped Bibi Dong, boasting that he had discovered the truth of the Soul Master World and compiled an invincible theory, but he had suffered unfair suppression and hoped that Bibi Dong could "uphold justice" for him.

Bibi Dong initially thought there was some genuine injustice and listened patiently for a while. However, Yu Xiaogang brought out his flawed "Ten Core Competencies," but before he could finish, Bibi Dong used her solid theoretical foundation and clear logic to refute each point point by point, leaving him utterly exposed.

Yu Xiaogang blushed and tried to argue, but he was at a loss for words. He then began to recount his "tragic" background, claiming that he was born into the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, but was ruthlessly expelled because of his poor talent. He tried to gain sympathy by smearing the sect, and even secretly hoped to arouse the interest of this proud young woman in the "secrets of a wealthy family".

He never expected that Bibi Dong had a close friend, who was none other than Yu Yunliu (Liu Erlong in the original novel), the illegitimate daughter of Yu Luomian, the third master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan Yu Luomian Clan.

From Yu Yunliu's words, though she didn't know before and wouldn't know in the future, Bibi Dong the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan now knows that the sect has strict discipline and treats its disciples quite fairly. Even those born out of wedlock or those with Martial Soul Mutation have the opportunity to be trained as long as they have talent and are willing to work hard. Her best friend is a case in point.

Yu Xiaogang's nonsensical and distorted statements thoroughly enraged Bibi Dong.

"Nonsense! It's one thing to be weak, but to have such a wicked heart is to slander the descendants of meritorious officials and defame the pillar sect of the Federation!" Bibi Dong's pretty face was frosty as she summoned the city's law enforcement Soul Master and ordered them to take Yu Xiaogang away and detain him on the grounds of "spreading rumors and disturbing order."

Even more coincidentally, the captain of the enforcement team who came to handle the situation happened to be a member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and had heard of Yu Xiaogang's "glorious deeds".

Upon learning the whole story, especially hearing that Yu Xiaogang dared to openly slander the sect that had given him life and raised him, the captain was immediately enraged!

"You were born and raised by the sect, and we don't ask for anything in return, yet you repay kindness with enmity and turn around and slander us! Yu Xiaogang, are you even human?!" The captain roared, and after politely seeing Bibi Dong off, he turned off his Law Enforcement Recorder and walked toward Yu Xiaogang, who was locked in Soul Tool Handcuffs, with a gloomy expression.

What happened next was predictable. A "profound lesson" filled with anger at their incompetence and pity for their misfortune unfolded in the interrogation room.

Although the captain acted with restraint and did not cause any serious injury, the physical pain and mental humiliation left an indelible mark on Yu Xiaogang.

When Yu Xiaogang, his face bruised and swollen, was dragged out, the Enforcement Squad calmed down and thought that he was, after all, a descendant of the sect Sect Master. Although he had been abandoned, it was not appropriate to punish him too severely on his own. So he decided to escort him back to Dragon City and hand him over to the Sect Master, Yu Yuanzhen.

The prison van slowly drove away from the bustling Spirit City, its wheels rolling over the stone pavement with a monotonous sound. Inside, Yu Xiaogang huddled in a corner, his body aching, but his heart ached even more.

Through the fence, he gazed at the scenery rushing past outside the window, at the cheers that seemed to still echo in the distant sky. His eyes, which had previously been merely obsessive, were now filled with a venomous light, like those of a viper.

"Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan... Bibi Dong... and all those who looked down on me... you just wait... I, Yu Xiaogang, will never let this go! One day, I will make you all pay the price!"

The seeds of hatred, nurtured by humiliation and jealousy, quietly sprouted in the deepest mire of his heart. Meanwhile, the convoy escorting him was heading north towards Dragon City. And it was at this moment that a voice "changed" his fate.