A Deadly Night Closes In on Tang San; Fiery Red Lips Settle the Bet-Heaven Dou City, Spirit Hall

Heaven Dou City, Spirit Hall.

The Spirit Hall was still brightly lit in the dead of night, but the air was thick with a suffocating sense of oppression.

Platinum Bishop Salas sat in a broad, high-backed chair, squeezing the two iron balls in his hand until they creaked. On the desk before him lay a top-secret dossier that had just been compiled.

Two characters stood out on its cover: Tang San.

"Graduated from Nuoding City Junior Soul Master Academy... Disciple of Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang... His father is a blacksmith named Tang Hao..."

As Salas read the file, the chill in his eyes grew stronger, until it became naked killing intent.

"Tang Hao... Clear Sky Hammer... Twin Martial Souls..."

"Excellent. Simply excellent!"

Salas slammed the dossier onto the desk, his voice as cold as a venomous snake's. "The Clear Sky Douluo, who vanished all those years ago, hid his bastard child in a place like this! And the boy even has the talent for Twin Martial Souls!"

What did Twin Martial Souls mean?

It meant that once Tang San grew powerful, with the Clear Sky Sect's Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer technique and that terrifying Ring Detonation ability, Spirit Hall would face a nightmare even more terrible than Tang Hao!

"Your Excellency."

A black-clad officer knelt on the floor, trembling. "We've confirmed that although Tang San revealed his Clear Sky Hammer, he hasn't received the Clear Sky Sect's protection. The Clear Sky Sect is still in seclusion."

"In seclusion? Hmph. They're just afraid to show their faces!"

Salas rose and walked to the window, looking out at the distant darkness.

"Without his sect's protection, he's just a weed with no roots."

"Take my orders."

Salas pulled a golden token from his robes and tossed it in front of the black-clad officer.

"Mobilize every Soul Emperor-level expert and above in the Spirit Hall. Also, go ask 'those few' worshippers to come out."

"On the road to the Royal Enclosure for the promotion round, I want to see Tang San's head."

"Remember, make it clean and quick. If you fail... you can bring your heads to me!"

"Yes!" The black-clad officer snatched up the token and vanished into the darkness.

Salas stared out the window, the corner of his mouth curling into a cruel smile.

"A genius? A genius who hasn't grown up yet is just a corpse."

Meanwhile, in Heaven Dou City's slums.

Inside the run-down courtyard rented by Shrek Academy, the atmosphere was so heavy it felt as though water might drip from the air.

Tang San sat on a hard bed, using the Mysterious Heaven Skill to heal his injuries. His face was pale—not just from the injuries Yu Tianxin had dealt him with lightning earlier that day, but also from the unease deep in his heart.

"Xiao San, how are you feeling?"

Grandmaster came in carrying a bowl of cheap medicinal broth. His already stiff face was now clouded with worry.

"Teacher, I'm fine."

Tang San took the bowl and drank it in one gulp. A trace of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes. "It's just a shame I revealed the Clear Sky Hammer and still couldn't win..."

"Winning or losing doesn't matter anymore."

Flender pushed up his glasses and paced around the room anxiously. "Xiao San, do you know what revealing the Clear Sky Hammer today means? The look in that old devil Salas's eyes made it seem like he wanted to devour you alive!"

"The grudge between Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect is one that can only end in death."

"We're already being watched."

Grandmaster sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, cradling his head in his hands. "It's my fault... If only I'd stopped you sooner..."

"It's not your fault, Teacher."

Tang San clenched his fists. "It was Yu Tianyu! He ordered Thunder Academy to force my hand! If Yu Tianxin hadn't kept pushing me, I wouldn't have..."

At the mention of Yu Tianyu, hatred nearly spilled from Tang San's eyes.

The one behind all this was that lofty Heaven Dou team captain!

"There's no use talking about that now."

Zhao Wuji rumbled, "We need to figure out how to stay alive. How about we withdraw from the tournament and run?"

"No!"

Grandmaster raised his head sharply, his opposition firm. "The Continental Soul Master Tournament is the highest honor in the Soul Master World, and Xiao San's best chance to make a name for himself. If he runs now, he'll carry the disgrace of being a 'deserter' for the rest of his life. It'll damage his resolve. How will he cultivate after that?"

"Besides, once we reach the promotion round, we'll be in the Heaven Dou Empire's Royal Enclosure. With Emperor Xue Ye and the Royal Knights stationed there, Spirit Hall won't dare attack in broad daylight."

"What about the road there?" Flender shot back. "What do we do on the way to the Enclosure?"

Grandmaster fell silent.

After a long while, he gritted his teeth, a resolute look flashing through his eyes.

"I'll go to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Sect Master Ning Fengzhi had always valued talent, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was at odds with Spirit Hall, too. As long as Sect Master Ning was willing to protect us, we'd still have a chance!

Heaven Dou Royal Academy, luxury dormitory district.

Compared to Shrek's bleak misery, the scene here was entirely different.

Yu Tianyu had just finished bathing. Wearing a loose silk robe, he sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, slowly swirling a glass of crimson wine in his hand.

He was waiting.

Waiting for a proud Fire Phoenix to walk right into his trap.

Knock, knock, knock.

The faint, hesitant knocking sounded.

Yu Tianyu's lips curled slightly. He set down his glass.

"The door's unlocked. Come in."

The handle turned and the door opened a crack. Then a red figure slipped inside and quickly shut the door behind her.

It was Huo Wu.

She had clearly taken great care with her appearance that night.

She wasn't wearing her bright red team uniform. Instead, she had changed into a tight-fitting, dark red dress. Its hem was slit high, revealing long, straight, shapely legs. Her short hair, usually kept practical, had been smoothed until it lay sleek, and she wore light makeup that gave her wild beauty a touch of allure.

Still, her expression remained stubborn, and her eyes held resentment and embarrassment.

"I'm here."

Huo Wu stood by the door, gripping her skirt tightly in both hands, as if trying to hold on to the last shred of her dignity.

"People from Blazing Fire Academy keep their word and accept defeat."

Yu Tianyu turned his chair around and looked her over with interest.

"Dressed up so nicely. Is it to honor our bet?"

"Or did you come to seduce me, hoping I'd let you off?"

"Don't flatter yourself!"

Huo Wu bristled like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "I, Huo Wu, keep my word! I lost, so I'll accept it! What do you want? Kill me or cut me up, it's up to you!"

"Kill you? Cut you up?"

Yu Tianyu rose and walked toward Huo Wu, step by step.

As he drew closer, the dragon's might that made her soul tremble began to radiate from him again.

Huo Wu instinctively stepped back until her back pressed against the cold door.

"If I remember right, our bet was..."

Yu Tianyu braced one hand against the door and looked down at her. Their noses were almost touching.

"What are you supposed to call me when you see me from now on?"

Huo Wu's face turned bright red, like a ripe apple. The humiliating title circled in her throat, but she couldn't force it out.

"What? Trying to go back on your word?" Yu Tianyu's gaze turned cold.

"N-no!"

Huo Wu took a deep breath and closed her eyes, as if she were steeling herself for the worst.

"M-mas... master."

Her voice was as faint as a mosquito's, and it trembled.

"I can't hear you," Yu Tianyu said coldly.

"Master!!"

Huo Wu abruptly opened her eyes and shouted. Tears had welled up in them—tears of humiliation and hurt.

As a heaven's favorite, when had she ever suffered such indignity?

"Good."

Yu Tianyu nodded in satisfaction. He brushed his fingers lightly over her burning cheek, then lifted her delicate chin.

"This is only the first step."

"Huo Wu, I know you're not convinced. You think you lost to me because my abilities counter yours."

"You think that if I weren't immune to fire, your Fire Dance Shining Sun would have blasted me away, right?"

Called out, Huo Wu bit her lip and turned her face aside without answering.

"How foolish."

Yu Tianyu scoffed.

"It seems I'll have to show you that even without fire immunity, you're still weak."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Tianyu suddenly grabbed Huo Wu's wrist. An incredibly pure stream of Soul Power surged into her body, forcibly guiding the course of her Soul Power.

"Can you feel it?"

"Your flames are explosive, but too scattered."

"True flames don't burst outward. They gather together."

Yu Tianyu's voice sounded beside her ear, carrying an irresistible force.

Under his guidance, the Soul Power within Huo Wu began to transform. The restless fire element was compressed into a thin line, and its temperature instantly soared several times over!

"Th-this is..."

Huo Wu's eyes widened as she felt the change inside her, unable to believe it.

Such control over fire was practically a divine skill!

"This is the first lesson I'll teach you."

Yu Tianyu released her and watched her astonishment.

"Being my maid for a month doesn't just mean serving tea and water."

"I'll show you that by following me, you can gain far more than you ever could at that worthless Blazing Fire Academy."

"Of course, in exchange..."

Yu Tianyu moved close again, pressed his lips to her ear, and blew gently.

"You'll have to bear my mark on your entire being—including your soul."

"Tonight, I'll collect a little tuition first."

Before Huo Wu could react, Yu Tianyu kissed her forcefully.

"Mmph!!"

Huo Wu's eyes widened, and her mind went blank.

It was her first kiss!

She instinctively tried to push him away, but under the forceful aura of the Dragon Clan, her body went weak and powerless. Worse still, as they kissed, another warm current that delighted her Martial Soul flowed into her body, making her want to take in even more.

In the end, even a wild horse would be tamed by its rider.

And the night had only just begun.

The next morning.

Yu Tianyu left the dormitory looking refreshed. Inside, Huo Wu was fast asleep beneath the covers. The blush on her face had yet to fade, and tear tracks still marked the corners of her eyes, but the corners of her lips seemed to hold a hint of satisfaction.

When he reached the academy gate, he saw a familiar carriage.

It bore the emblem of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Ning Fengzhi was already waiting there, though his expression was somewhat grave.

"Uncle Ning, you're up early."

Yu Tianyu walked over, pretending not to know. "Have you come to see Rongrong?"

"Dear nephew Tianyu."

Ning Fengzhi gave Yu Tianyu a wry smile. "I don't usually come without a reason. Grandmaster and Flender visited me last night."

"Oh?"

Yu Tianyu raised an eyebrow. "Those defeated dogs are asking Uncle Ning to save their lives?"

"You're as sharp as ever, nephew."

Ning Fengzhi nodded. "Tang San revealed his Clear Sky Hammer, and Spirit Hall will kill him for it. Grandmaster hopes the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will step in and protect Tang San on the way to the promotion round."

He paused, watching Yu Tianyu's expression.

"Tianyu, I won't hide it from you. I value talent. Tang San has Twin Martial Souls, and he's Tang Hao's son. If I could win his favor..."

"Uncle Ning."

Yu Tianyu cut him off. The smile vanished from his face, replaced by absolute coldness.

"Win his favor? Investing in someone who's destined to die is a losing proposition."

"I only want to ask you one question, Uncle Ning."

Yu Tianyu stepped forward, fixing Ning Fengzhi with a blazing stare. "Are you staking the future of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect on that Tang San who's still nursing at his mother's breast, or on me, Yu Tianyu?"

"If you protect Tang San, you'll be opposing Spirit Hall. I won't stop you."

"But be clear about this."

"If you protect Tang San, you'll also be opposing me."

"Because... I want him dead."

Boom!

That one sentence killed the conversation outright.

Ning Fengzhi stared at Yu Tianyu in shock. He had never expected Yu Tianyu's determination to kill Tang San to be so unwavering that he would even threaten the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect over it!

On one side was Yu Tianyu, who possessed the secret of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, whose strength was unfathomable, and who had the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—and possibly some hidden faction—behind him.

On the other was Tang San, hunted by Spirit Hall. Though exceptionally talented, he could meet an early end at any moment.

As a competent sect master, the choice wasn't difficult.

After a long while,

Ning Fengzhi took a deep breath and shook his head helplessly.

"I understand."

"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect... will remain neutral."

"I'll tell Grandmaster that the sect is occupied with its affairs and can't spare experts to escort him."

Yu Tianyu smiled, his smile radiant.

"Uncle Ning really is a smart man."

"In return, I'll make Rongrong shine at the promotion round and ensure the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's name rings across the continent."

Three days later.

The qualifiers ended, and the promotion round was about to be held at the Royal Enclosure.

Fifteen teams, including Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Shrek Academy, and the Five Element Academies, left Heaven Dou City in a grand procession under the escort of the Heaven Dou Empire Royal Knights.

The procession stretched for miles.

At its very front was the crown prince's lavish carriage. Xue Qinghe sat inside, eyes closed as he rested.

Right behind him was the World Burial Team, led by Yu Tianyu. They rode tall horses, cutting an imposing figure. Huo Wu rode alongside Yu Tianyu. Though she still wore her usual haughty expression, her gaze had grown noticeably more complicated—and... more obedient.

At the very back of the procession,

Shrek Academy's carriage trailed along all by itself.

Sitting inside, Tang San peered through a gap in the curtain at Yu Tianyu, who rode ahead with confident flair. His teeth were nearly ground to powder.

"Teacher, did the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect really refuse?" Tang San asked, unwilling to give up.

Grandmaster nodded, his face ashen. "Sect Master Ning said... it wouldn't be appropriate for him to get involved."

"Damn it! They're all a bunch of fair-weather friends!"

Tang San's heart was filled with venom.

If the whole world turns against me, then don't blame me for being ruthless!

"Xiao San, look out!"

Flender, who was in the agility attack system, suddenly opened his eyes and looked toward the steep canyon walls on either side of the road.

"There's killing intent!"

Before the words had even left his mouth,

Rumble!!

Countless enormous boulders came crashing down from both sides of the canyon, accompanied by a rain of arrows. In an instant, they cut the entire procession in two.

Thousands of black-clad, masked assassins rushed down from the cliffs like a swarm of locusts.

Their target was unmistakable—

They weren't here to rob anyone, nor were they after Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

They were charging straight for Shrek Academy at the rear of the procession!

"Where is Tang San?!"

"Kill them! Leave no one alive!"

A terrifying pressure from a Titled Douluo—Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan—faintly emerged above the canyon.

At that very moment,

Yu Tianyu reined in his horse at the front of the procession and looked back at the flames and cries of battle rising behind them.

He took a grape from his pocket and fed it to Huo Wu beside him.

"Let's watch the show."

"This is a funeral... prepared especially for the so-called 'Child of Destiny.'"