Golden Crocodile Douluo

(This chapter includes a section added to echo the revised Chapter 35. If any readers find it confusing, they can go back and read the revised Chapter 35; that version should flow much better.)

After parting ways with Tian Hao, Ah Yin came to a mountaintop outside the village, where Tang Hao stood surveying the surroundings.

What he had said yesterday had not been entirely a lie. As the young master of the Clear Sky Sect, he had long been on Spirit Hall's kill list, and he was deeply worried that Tian Hao might secretly report his whereabouts to Spirit Hall.

After all, you could never truly know what was in another person's heart. That kid might have put on a good show, but who knew what he was really thinking?

During his years of wandering, he had come to understand the true meaning of how treacherous people could be.

If that kid secretly informed Spirit Hall and they sent Titled Douluo-level experts to assassinate them, both he and Ah Yin would be in grave danger.

In such a remote place, even if Spirit Hall surrounded and killed the two of them, no one would ever know. His father and elder brother would have neither reason nor evidence to avenge him.

And if a Titled Douluo truly arrived, they might very well see through Ah Yin's identity. That would not only be devastating for him and Ah Yin, but a disaster for the entire Clear Sky Sect.

That was why he came here whenever he had free time these past few days, keeping watch in every direction in case Spirit Hall experts secretly closed in on them.

Don't call him overly sensitive. Some things were not about fearing the worst—they were about fearing the one chance it might happen.

Fortunately, everything had remained calm these past few days, without any unusual developments.

"Did he agree?"

Seeing his fiancée arrive, Tang Hao hurriedly asked. He had to confirm this first.

"Little Haozi said he'll come himself once I'm settled in the Clear Sky Sect."

Ah Yin answered. She could understand Tang Hao's urgency. Little Haozi's talent spoke for itself; if he could join them, it would bring enormous benefits to the entire Clear Sky Sect.

Yet Tang Hao's heart sank at those words. It practically confirmed his suspicions.

"What's wrong?"

Noticing that Ah Yin's expression was off, he instinctively grew wary of their surroundings. He even summoned his Clear Sky Hammer, eight soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and four black—flashing as he prepared for battle.

He knew that Ah Yin's senses far surpassed his own. Had she discovered something?

"Little Haozi is incredibly intelligent. He actually guessed from a few clues that I'm a transformed soul beast."

Ah Yin did not conceal it. Even now, she was still shaken by it.

She had originally believed that as long as she completely concealed her soul beast aura, she could walk among humans. Unless she encountered a Super Douluo, no one should have been able to see through her.

But Tian Hao had taught her a lesson last night. There really was a reason humans had replaced soul beasts as the rulers of Douluo Continent.

Still, she did not dwell on it too much. Once she followed Tang Hao to the Clear Sky Sect, she would not be able to hide her identity anyway. After all, her future father-in-law was a level ninety-eight Super Douluo; there was no way her methods could deceive him.

But with Hao by her side, she was not afraid. As for Tian Hao, she trusted Little Haozi. Besides, they would soon be family, so there was no need to worry that Little Haozi would reveal her secret.

What Ah Yin failed to notice was the cold glint that flashed through Tang Hao's eyes the moment she said it. Killing intent arose within him.

Ah Yin was his reverse scale. He would never allow outsiders to learn of her identity.

If it were exposed, not only would he and Ah Yin suffer disaster, but the Clear Sky Sect would be implicated as well.

His original plan had been to tell only his elder brother and father—not even his younger sister.

But now an outsider knew. How could that not stir killing intent in him?

For Ah Yin and the sect, he could do anything that violated his principles. He could not gamble with Ah Yin and the sect.

Most importantly, he finally understood. He had never been able to figure out why that little thief had been so generous in explaining all those theories to them. He could not see what the fellow stood to gain. Even if he had contacted Spirit Hall and intended to kill him for credit, there had been no need to use so many precious theories to keep them occupied. But now, he finally understood.

That little thief's real target was not him, but Ah Yin—even the entire Clear Sky Sect.

Once Spirit Hall obtained proof that he and Ah Yin were together, the whole Clear Sky Sect would be dragged into it. Spirit Hall might even use that as an excuse to destroy the sect. What vicious intentions.

"Will your father accept me?"

Ah Yin had no idea what Tang Hao was thinking. As soon as she thought about going to the Clear Sky Sect and meeting her future father-in-law, she could not help feeling worried and nervous.

Her identity as a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast was simply too troublesome. If it were exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"No matter what happens, I'll protect you. Anyone who wants to hurt you will have to step over my corpse first."

Tang Hao once again gave her a firm, unwavering answer and promise. He meant every word.

So will I!

Ah Yin nodded, deeply moved, silently making her own vow.

She had absolute trust in Tang Hao. It was proof of the bond between them.

Just as she could sacrifice herself for Tang Hao, Tang Hao could sacrifice himself for her. Ordinary people could never understand such sincere love.

"These are all the theoretical conjectures Little Haozi wrote down overnight. Keep them safe, and give them to your father once we reach the Clear Sky Sect. Consider them my gift of filial respect to him. You can also read them along the way."

Remembering the notebook the youth had given her, Ah Yin happily took it out to share with him.

With this notebook as part of her dowry, surely her future father-in-law would accept her.

"This is perfect."

Tang Hao was overjoyed. Although he neither acknowledged nor liked Tian Hao, that thief and plagiarist, these theoretical conjectures were undeniably genuine treasures.

Together with Yu Xiaogang's theories, they would surely move his father, make him accept Ah Yin's identity, and strengthen the sect.

He had originally considered having someone capture that kid and force every one of those theoretical conjectures out of him. Now, it seemed there was no need.

Do not call him despicable. If those theories had been the kid's own creations, he naturally would not have done such a thing. But it was obvious that the kid had stolen them from the great master Yu Xiaogang. He would not feel the slightest psychological burden in acting against such a despicable man.

What was more, Tian Hao had very likely already secretly informed Spirit Hall. He had even noticed that quite a few people from the village had left earlier and had not returned for a long time. He guessed they were the ones sent out to report them.

And here he had been, trusting those mud-legged peasants so much. It was truly hateful.

What Tang Hao likewise did not know was that the instant he accepted the notebook, the luck around him was drained completely, not a trace left behind.

Unlike Ah Yin, who had repaid Tian Hao with her Soul Power Meditation Method and the secrets of soul beasts, Tang Hao had repaid almost nothing. Everything he had gained needed to be exchanged for with his own luck. This completely drained the immense fortune surrounding him, and he even still owed quite a bit.

And having one's luck drained dry was no small matter. It could be fatal.

"Let's go!"

The more he thought about it, the more anxious Tang Hao became. He leaped down the mountain first, remaining alert to his surroundings and guarding against any possible ambush.

Until they returned to the Clear Sky Sect, he could not lower his guard. At this moment, he carried not only his and Ah Yin's future, but the future of the Clear Sky Sect as well.

No matter what, he had to safely deliver the Hundred Great Conjectures back to the sect. There could not be the slightest mishap.

Once the sect possessed these theories, even if most of them were only conjectures and had yet to be verified, they could still greatly enhance the sect's overall strength.

With the foundations of the Clear Sky Sect, it would only be a matter of time before they verified and implemented those theories. Their value would only grow greater, enough to benefit the sect without end.

At the same time, he considered how he needed to erase Tian Hao and that village as soon as possible. Ah Yin's identity absolutely, absolutely could not be leaked.

Do not blame him for being ruthless. For Ah Yin, he could do anything that went against his principles, because Ah Yin was his highest principle.

For Ah Yin and the sect, he also could not gamble on another person's character. Besides, could a plagiarist even possess any character worth trusting?

For now, it was still all right. That kid only suspected the truth and had no concrete evidence. Even if he leaked it to Spirit Hall, at worst Tang Hao could take Ah Yin into hiding and never return to the sect.

Spirit Hall would never attack the Clear Sky Sect over an unsubstantiated rumor. His grandfather Tang Chen's lingering prestige still remained.

Of course, the most important thing was keeping the Hundred Great Conjectures secret. They absolutely could not let the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan learn that they had obtained these theories. Otherwise, the two sects would surely turn hostile and perhaps even go to war. Spirit Hall might even seize the excuse to intervene against the Clear Sky Sect.

Once they eliminated that kid and those mud-legged peasants in the mountain village, they could return and lead the sect in secretly studying and implementing those theories. Once they had achieved them and strengthened the sect, they would have enough power to deal with any leaks.

Yet for some reason, he felt a vague unease, as if something bad was about to happen. The feeling only grew stronger. Could Spirit Hall's people already be nearby?

Ah Yin had wanted to tell Tang Hao that she had condensed her ninth soul ring, and that she even had a Blood Essence Soul Ring, to share her joy with him. But seeing how grave and anxious her fiancé was, and how exhausted he seemed, she said nothing and followed him down the mountain and out of the region.

I'll tell him when there's time!

The two traveled quickly and arrived at a city the next day. Tang Hao had Ah Yin buy some dry provisions for the road while he went to one of the family's local outposts.

He arrived at a large blacksmith shop and soon met the person in charge there, Tang Jue.

"Greetings, Young Master!"

After confirming Tang Hao's identity, Tang Jue hurriedly dropped to one knee.

He was merely a collateral branch disciple, and his status was far beneath that of the young master.

"Send this letter to my father as quickly as possible using the sect's letter eagle. Then go to this location. There is a mountain village there. Kill everyone inside. Leave no one alive.

"Remember, first destroy the Blue Silver Tree in the courtyard at the center of the village orchard. Then kill the youth inside. Finally, burn down the entire village. Leave no traces or omissions.

"Go alone. Let no one know. Once the job is done and you reach level seventy, I will personally help you hunt a suitable soul beast."

Taking out a note he had prepared long ago and a simple map, Tang Hao handed them over. He carefully condensed his voice with Soul Power and transmitted it into Tang Jue's ears.

This matter had to remain secret. Not the slightest detail could be leaked, especially not to Ah Yin.

Ah Yin had already been utterly fooled by that kid. Even if Tang Hao told her the truth, she would not believe it anytime soon. He could only act first, then conceal it forever and make it an eternal secret.

"Thank you, Young Master. I'll handle it right away."

Tang Jue was overjoyed. He hurriedly rose and headed outside.

He was already level sixty-nine. Once he broke through to level seventy and became a Soul Sage, he could return to the Clear Sky Sect as one of its core members. The resources he could obtain there would be far beyond what was available here.

If he performed well enough, he might even learn a few moves from the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes.

Not to mention that the young master had promised to hunt a suitable soul beast for his soul ring. He could choose a better soul beast, and the resulting Martial Soul Avatar would boost his strength even more.

How could he possibly refuse such a good opportunity?

He immediately stuffed the rolled-up note into the bamboo tube attached to the leg of a Swiftwind Letter Eagle specially used to contact the sect, then sent it soaring toward the Clear Sky Sect.

Tang Jue did not delay. After making a few simple preparations, he swiftly left the city and headed for the location marked on the map.

He had stayed here for more than ten years and was very familiar with the surrounding region, so he naturally knew where the young master's map indicated.

Tang Hao did not linger either. He left the blacksmith shop, reunited with Ah Yin after she had bought the provisions, and drove a carriage out of the city.

But on the third day after leaving the city, the two had no choice but to stop, warily staring at the old man standing in the road ahead.

He was an extremely burly elder with a fierce, vicious face.

"Golden Crocodile Douluo of Spirit Hall?"

Sensing Soul Power from the other man that was no weaker than his father's, Tang Hao quickly guessed his identity. His expression immediately darkened.

This was undoubtedly a level ninety-eight Super Douluo. There were not many such experts in the world today. The known ones were only his father Tang Zhen, the previous sect master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan Yu Bayue, Sword Master Douluo Chen Jianjun of the Battle Soul Sect and his Seven Kill Sword, and finally Spirit Hall's Second Worship, Golden Crocodile Douluo.

But why would he encounter Golden Crocodile Douluo here?

Was his luck simply terrible, or had the man deliberately waited here to intercept them?

Could that kid truly have secretly sent someone to inform Spirit Hall, with Golden Crocodile Douluo specifically lying in wait for them?

Tang Hao was not the only confused one. Even Golden Crocodile Douluo was baffled.

He had merely gone back to his hometown to relax, fish, and take a breather. Staying in the Elder Hall all the time was no good; work and rest had to be balanced. Yet who would have thought that he would run into these two strange people on his way back?

If they were ordinary people, he naturally would not have cared. But the young man gave him the same feeling as Clear Sky Douluo Tang Chen had decades ago, which made him take notice.

Thinking of the intelligence his subordinates had reported earlier, he formed a guess about the young man's identity.

"I heard that the Clear Sky Sect's current generation has produced the Clear Sky Twin Stars. In particular, Tang Hao is said to have Tang Chen's bearing. I suppose that means you, kid."

After looking Tang Hao over, Golden Crocodile Douluo guessed who he was.

That familiar feeling surely came from the Clear Sky Hammer. There were only two notable figures among the Clear Sky Sect's younger generation, and they were called the Clear Sky Twin Stars.

Intelligence had previously reported that Tang Xiao had already returned to the Clear Sky Sect, and that Tang Zhen was even preparing to pass on his position. It seemed the injuries from that battle years ago had been serious, and he still had not fully recovered.

Otherwise, with his level ninety-eight Soul Power cultivation and lifespan, he was in the prime of life. There was no way he would be so eager to pass on his position.

That meant the only one still wandering outside was Tang Hao, the man who had yet to become a Titled Douluo but already bore the Clear Sky name.

"Tang Hao of the Clear Sky Sect greets Your Excellency!"

Tang Hao took a deep breath, stepped down from the carriage, and respectfully greeted Golden Crocodile Douluo.

If it had been an ordinary Titled Douluo, he would still have had confidence in joining forces with Ah Yin to fight. But facing this veteran level ninety-eight Super Douluo, fighting was out of the question—escaping would be difficult enough.

This was an old monster over a hundred years old, someone from a generation even older than his grandfather Tang Chen's.

"You've got some potential. Though you're far inferior to Tang Chen, you'll surely have a place among the powerhouses of the future."

After looking him over, Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded in praise.

Although Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect had plenty of conflicts, he was not about to personally bully a junior.

Of course, more importantly, Tang Chen had once made an agreement with Qian Daoliu. Unless necessary, he could not take the initiative to strike against the Clear Sky Sect.

But that only meant he could not attack without cause. Now, however, he had a reason.

"For Tang Chen's sake, you may leave. But the soul beast in that carriage must stay."

His ferocious, bell-like eyes stared fixedly at the carriage draped in cloth curtains. He himself possessed a Hundred-Thousand-Year soul ring and its matching soul bone, taken from a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast he had hunted.

Thus, he was very familiar with the aura of a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast. He had sensed it from afar earlier, though the other party's aura was very well concealed. If he had not once received an Angel God trial, granting him powerful Mental Power and keen senses, he truly might not have detected it.

At the time, he had guessed that a powerhouse possessing a Hundred-Thousand-Year soul ring or soul bone might be approaching. He had even wondered which old friend it was. But after getting close enough to sense it properly, he discovered that it was actually a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast.

A carriage of that size could never carry the true body of a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast. It must be the legendary Soul Beast Transformation.

How could he let such a wonderful opportunity slip away?

Tang Hao: Kid, you have chosen death!

Tian Someone: Uncle, you have chosen death too. But I'll take care of your wife, so don't worry!

Golden Crocodile Douluo: Has this old man's luck finally turned around? I'd better hurry and cast the recommendation votes in my hand to bless my luck.

In the original work, Tang Hao beat Golden Crocodile Douluo senseless. Letting Golden Crocodile Douluo clash with him now counts as fate of a kind, right?