Although Tang San's performance in the grand finals had been downright disgraceful, even kneeling before his elders and slapping their faces, under the circumstances, the boy remained the best-and only-choice he had.
No matter what, he had to let him pass this first trial of the Asura God Trial.
Douluo Continent, outside Vast Sea City.
The salty, fishy sea breeze struck them head-on, while waves crashed against the black reefs below the cliff.
Four figures stumbled onto the shore.
Tang Hao and Tang Xiao lowered Tang Chen and Tang San from their backs. The brothers leaned against two thick coconut trees, panting heavily.
Their journey had been fraught with hardship. Tang Hao had lost his right arm, and Tang Xiao his left leg, with two Spirit Bones stripped away along with them. Both brothers' Soul Power had fallen below level 90, leaving them at the Soul Douluo rank.
Although Soul Douluos could still fly, their missing limbs threw off their balance. Every time they channeled Soul Power to travel, agonizing pain shot through their wounds.
Moreover, the Clear Sky Sect's reputation now stank to high heaven, and with old grudges piled atop new grievances, Tang Hao practically topped the continent's list of people who deserved death.
Even so, they dared not stop for a moment. Only by reaching Vast Sea City at the westernmost edge as quickly as possible and heading straight out to sea could they seize a thread of hope for survival.
Tang San leaned against a cold reef, about to close his eyes and regulate his breathing.
Suddenly, he felt a scorching heat between his brows.
The red sword-shaped mark erupted with dazzling crimson light, bathing the surrounding dim woodland in blood-red.
Immediately afterward, a grand, majestic voice rang directly through Tang San's mind:
``` "Asura