Laying the Groundwork

As Tang Yuehua and Tang Xiao approached Tang Hao with concern, Ling Yi also appeared behind the Valkyrie.

Reaching out his hands and placing them on the Valkyrie's shoulders, the Valkyrie, who was half a head taller than Ling Yi, quietly split into two graceful figures amidst the shimmering Mo Lan light.

With the Martial Soul Fusion Skill dispelled, the two women's bodies went limp due to the depletion of their Soul Power and physical strength. Fortunately, Ling Yi managed to wrap his arms around their slender waists and pull them into his embrace.

Upon seeing this scene, Tang Hao, who was still unable to accept reality, and Tang Xiao, whose heart was filled with complex emotions such as shock, worry, and anger, both had their pupils shrink and subconsciously furrow their brows.

As a result, the other figure who should have been the most noticed by the two brothers, Erlang, who had suddenly appeared between the "Clear Sky Hammer" and the "Blue Silver Overlord Spear" and casually blocked two powerful Power Attack System comparable to the Eighth Soul Skill of the offensive type, was now overlooked by the two brothers.

All he could see and thought about was Ling Yi, and the two beautiful figures he was Ling Yi in his arms.

In particular, there was that fairy maiden with blue hair and blue eyes, wearing a blue dress.

Upon noticing this, Ling Yi also frowned. With a thought, "Erlang" appeared between the three Tang Family siblings and Ling Yi, blocking the two pairs of burning gazes.

Is it the power of fate? Or an innate attraction?

Various thoughts flashed through his mind. Ling Yi opened his right hand, which was around Ah Yin's waist, and "Azure Wood Blue Silver King" appeared. At the same time, the sixth Soul Ring Sixth Soul Ring that appeared under his feet emitted a black light, and the emerald green light of Life covered the two women in Ling Yi's arms.

Visibly, the negative effects of the two women exerting excessive power began to subside. From their muscles and bones to their meridians and internal organs, and even their mental energy, which had been greatly depleted, everything was recovering at an extremely rapid pace.

In just a few breaths, the two women were able to break free from Ling Yi's embrace and stand on their own.

Chen Xin glanced at Ah Yin and Yang Shelly, who were getting up from Ling Yi's arms with reluctance on their faces, shook his head with a twitch at the corner of his eye, stepped forward and slapped "Erlang" on the shoulder, making a crisp metallic sound on the silver shoulder armor.

"Good lad, it hasn't been that long, and you've already gotten this far. Shall we have another match sometime?"

It was clear that Chen Xin's astonishment was entirely from the heart, and his fighting spirit was also being released without restraint.

It's important to know that Tang Hao's previous "Great Sumeru Hammer" had already reached the upper limit of the eighth- Power Attack System Eighth Soul Skill, almost matching the power of Titled Douluo!

When Yang Shelly and Ah Yin unleashed their "Martial Soul Fusion Skill: Blue Silver Overlord Spear," the final move, "Thunderclap Explodes the Five Sacred Mountains," was almost at the top level among the eighth- Power Attack System Eighth Soul Skill!

To be honest, even Soul Douluo like Chen Xin, with his astonishing combat power, would have to be extremely careful when facing these two powerful moves.

But just now, "Erlang" actually rushed between two powerful attacks and took the hits with his bare body. Either of these powerful combat skills was enough to destroy a six-story building, which was truly astonishing.

Just like Huyan Lie just ran away, with his strength as a Defense System Seven-Ring Soul Sage and his Martial Soul being the famous "Diamond Mammoth" on the Douluo Continent, if he had appeared there, the final result would definitely have been that he would have been blown to pieces. It would have been Soul Skill Martial Soul he had left a complete limb!

In fact, both Tang Hao's "Great Sumeru Hammer" and the Valkyrie's "Thunderclap Explodes the Five Sacred Mountains" were enough to blast Huyan Lie!

That's Huyan Lie of the Elephant Armor Sect, one of the Lower Four Sects!

In this era of the decline of the Wu Family Defense Clan the Taiyi Bell and the Niu Clan of the Yu clan becoming an affiliated family of the Clear Sky Sect, the Elephant Armor Sect has already shown signs of pursuing the title of "strongest defensive sect"!

In terms of defense, the "Diamond Mammoth" is not much weaker than the "Armored Giant Rhinoceros," and in terms of strength, it is not much inferior to the "Great Strength Gorilla." In terms of overall attributes, the Martial Soul inherited by the [Defense Clan] and the [Strength Clan] among the Four Single-Attribute Clans, either one alone, cannot compare to the "Diamond Mammoth" of the [Elephant Armor Sect].

Huyan Lie is the younger brother of Hu Huyan Zhen, the current sect leader of the Elephant Armor Sect. Although his strength is not as good as Huyan Zhen's, his elder brother Huyan Zhen is still at the level of Seven-Ring Soul Sage!

Therefore, the same Huyan Lie's "Great Sumeru Hammer" and "Thunderclap Explodes the Five Sacred Mountains" can also destroy Huyan Zhen!

What does this mean?

This means that unless the previous sect leader of the Elephant Armor Sect, or the surviving elder from the generation before that, takes action, either Tang Hao, the young sect leader of the Clear Sky Sect, or the previously unknown Yang Shelly and Ah Yin working together, can suppress the entire Elephant Armor Sect to the point of being unable to raise their heads!

This doesn't just apply to the younger generation; even middle-aged people like Huyan Zhen, who are older than Tang Xiao, are being suppressed!

It is currently February of the 2619th year of the Douluo Calendar.

How old is Tang Hao?

Thirty-two years old!

How old are Yang Shelly and Ah Yin?

The former is the same age as Ling Yi, only a few months younger. If calculated by birthday, he is not yet twenty-eight years old!

Ah Yin is even younger, not yet twenty-two years old!

This made everyone who knew about it feel that the world was crazy, and they exclaimed in disbelief.

But what's truly unbelievable is "Erlang," this guy who's clad in silver armor and whose face is completely covered by a silver-white mask!

Even though Ning Fengzhi and the others had already walked more than ten miles away, the image of that person kept appearing in their minds.

Tang Xiao and Tang Hao didn't care what Ning Fengzhi and the others were thinking. At this moment, because their vision was blocked by "Erlang", their thoughts returned to normal, and they both stared at the "strange man" in front of them with solemn expressions.

It was indeed strange, because up until now, this person hadn't summoned his Martial Soul, nor had he shown any fluctuations in Soul Power. If Tang Xiao hadn't just witnessed the other person pressing his palm against Tang Hao's "Clear Sky Hammer," preventing it from advancing an inch, Tang Xiao would have even thought this person was an ordinary person without Soul Power!

Tang Hao, in particular, who had the most direct contact with "Erlang", could never forget that just now, his "Clear Sky Hammer" that he had unleashed with all his might seemed to have smashed into a towering mountain. No matter how hard he tried, he could not shake the other party in the slightest!

No!

Tang Hao shook his head inwardly, rejecting the above analogy. The feeling this person gave him was more than just a mountain. The force he attacked seemed to vanish into thin air in front of that palm, without any feedback. This move was a level higher than simply blocking an attack!

Thinking of this, Tang Hao narrowed his eyes slightly as he stared at "Erlang," and squeezed out two words through gritted teeth. "Title—?"

In Tang Hao's mind, "Erlang" was definitely a Titled Douluo, and Super Titled Douluo of Level 95 or above!

Even a Level 95 Titled Douluo couldn't block his own "Great Sumeru Hammer" attack with his physical body; it was still so effortless!

Deep down, Tang Hao even had a thought he himself couldn't believe:

Could this person be Level 99 being like my grandfather?

In Tang Hao's mind, only a near-godlike being like his grandfather Tang Chen could withstand his "Great Sumeru Hammer" with one hand without using his Martial Soul!

In other words, Tang Chen, whose consciousness was being corrupted by the "Blood-Red Nine-Headed Bat King," wasn't in the "Slaughter City," thousands of miles away. Otherwise, he could confidently tell Tang Hao, "Grandson, even I couldn't do that!"

Tang Xiao agreed with Tang Hao's words, looking at "Erlang" as if facing a formidable enemy, while subtly protecting the bewildered Tang Yuehua behind him.

"Erlang" ignored the two brothers, Tang Hao and Tang Xiao, and turned to look at Chen Xin who had come to his side. He nodded to him and replied in a low voice, "Okay."

Although it was only one word, Chen Xin didn't take it to heart. Having settled in Lingyun City for over a year, although he had very few interactions with Erlang, he could tell from his observations that Erlang was a pure seeker of the Dao, pursuing the ultimate physical strength and the spiritual will to break through limits. He was the complete opposite of Ling Yi, who was eloquent and whose words were like a gentle breeze.

"Okay!" Chen Xin smiled and said cheerfully, "Then let's find some time later—"

"Senior~" Ling Yi stepped forward at the right time and gestured to Chen Xin.

Upon hearing this, Chen Xin followed Ling Yi's gaze and saw Tang Hao, whose face was slightly flushed, and Tang Xiao, who was faintly angry. He shrugged indifferently but did not continue to say anything to "Erlang".

On the other side, Tang Hao, feeling his pride trampled by being ignored by "Erlang", disregarded his depleted Soul Power and wanted to summon "Clear Sky Hammer" again to fight Ling Yi and the others. However, Tang Xiao grabbed his wrist in time, and under that heavy force, he ultimately did not make any impulsive moves.

"Yuehua, I'm so sorry about what happened today~"

Ling Yi's gaze swept over the faces of the Tang brothers, Tang Hao and Tang Xiao, finally landing on Tang Yuehua, whose pretty face was slightly pale. Looking directly into her watery eyes, he said with a hint of apology, "Logically speaking, we should have a proper get-together after being apart for so long. Besides, given your relationship with Erlong, it would be reasonable for you to travel together for a while. Unfortunately..."

"Brother Yi ~" Tang Yuehua pursed her slightly pale pink lips, shook her head, and said to Ling Yi, "No need to say anything, I understand."

After a pause, glancing at Tang Xiao and Tang Hao beside her, Tang Yuehua continued, "I also bear responsibility for what happened today; I failed to..."

"Yuehua!" *2

Two soft shouts, one high and one low, rang out simultaneously from Tang Hao and Tang Xiao.

Tang Yuehua's expression remained unchanged as she was interrupted; she simply gave Ling Yi a slight, apologetic nod.

Some things really shouldn't be said, after all, she, Tang Xiao, and Tang Hao all represent the number one sect in the world, the Clear Sky Sect.

Although Tang Yuehua didn't finish speaking, Ling Yi understood the meaning behind her words. A familiar, gentle smile appeared on his handsome face, and he nodded slightly to Tang Yuehua in return.

Watching the interaction between the two, Tang Hao, standing to the side, glared angrily. If Tang Xiao hadn't been holding him back, he would have attacked again, smashing a hammer at Ling Yi, who wore a smile that he loathed.

Ling Yi's gaze shifted from Tang Yuehua to the Tang Xiao brothers, Tang Xiao and Tang Hao. His smile faded slightly, and he said calmly, "Gentlemen, meteorite iron is nothing special. It's not a rare treasure that's hard to find, whether for your sect or for me."

"If Ling Yi remembers correctly, today is the first time I've met the young sect leader."

Ling Yi stared directly into Tang Hao's bloodshot eyes, and said without yielding, "But for some reason, Young Sect Master, you hold such a strong grudge against Ling Yi. Even before we met, more than a hundred meters away, you had already shown a hint of killing intent towards Ling Yi. Later, you even challenged me to a duel in the name of the meteorite iron. Can Young Sect Master explain why?"

"Killing intent?!" *N

As soon as Ling Yi finished speaking, everyone around him, including Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua, exclaimed in surprise and turned their gazes to Tang Hao, who had remained silent.

"..." Tang Hao remained silent for a moment, then, under everyone's gaze, he took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. The bloodshot in his eyes faded slightly. Looking at Ling Yi, who had a calm expression on his face, he said coldly, "Such keen spiritual sense! It seems Yuehua was right. Your spiritual power is truly far beyond that of ordinary people. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that your spiritual power is comparable to that of Titled Douluo!"

Everyone: "?!"

Although Tang Hao didn't say it directly, the implication was clear: he admitted to having murderous intent towards Ling Yi.

"Second Brother?!" / "Brother Hao?"

Tang Yuehua and Tang Xiao spoke at the same time, looking at Tang Hao with some confusion.

However, Tang Hao showed no intention of explaining when faced with the questioning gazes of his older brother and younger sister. He simply stared at Ling Yi with an arrogant expression.

Seeing Tang Hao's state, Yang Shelly clenched her fist, feeling that there was still a little bit of energy left in her body from Ling Yi. She turned her head to look at Ah Yin beside her, preparing to use the "Martial Soul Fusion Skill - Blue Silver Overlord Spear" with him again.

Although Tang Hao is the young sect leader of the Clear Sky Sect, Yang Shelly's parents are still in the Breaking Clan, managing the clan's herbal medicine business in Dragon Rising City as a collateral branch. Logically, they shouldn't have offended the main Breaking Clan is affiliated, the Clear Sky Sect.

However, since choosing to follow Ling Yi, Yang Shelly has been prepared to sever ties with the [Breaking Clan]!

As for her parents, Yang Shelly had asked them, and the elderly couple agreed to leave the Breaking Clan with her and settle in Lingyun City if absolutely necessary!

With this, Yang Shelly, who had almost no worries, could take action against Tang Hao, Tang Xiao, and even Tang Yuehua without hesitation, just by giving Ling Yi a word.

"Brother Yi," Tang Yuehua said urgently, glancing at Tang Hao and then at Ling Yi, "Is there some mistake? This is the first time my second brother has met you, how could... how could..."

Faced with Tang Yuehua's eagerness, Ling Yi shrugged and shook his head, saying, "I don't know either, I'm completely clueless."

As he spoke, Ling Yi paused, glanced at Tang Hao beside him, and said thoughtfully, "That pale white domain power just now was filled with a murderous and Evil aura. This should be part of the reason. It seems that your second brother's state of mind is having some problems..."

Upon hearing this, Tang Yuehua was first startled, then asked with a mixture of surprise and delight, "Then..."

"Of course!" Ling Yi changed the subject, not letting Tang Yuehua continue, and looked at Tang Hao, saying, "That domain is at most an amplifier of emotions. Young Sect Master, you probably already harbored considerable resentment towards me, which is why you immediately turned into killing intent upon meeting me!"

"Tsk!"

At this point, Ling Yi shook his head again, showing no intention of pursuing the matter further, and turned to Tang Yuehua, saying:

"Yuehua, we'll meet again someday."

Then he turned his head to look at Yang Shelly, Ah Yin, Chen Xin, Erlang, and Liu Erlong beside him:

"Let's go."

After speaking, Ling Yi ignored Tang Yuehua's resentful gaze and led the people around him toward the riverbank behind them.

The river, which was about 300 meters wide, was easily crossed by the group as a few pieces of driftwood that Ling Yi casually tossed at their feet.

Then we can see that Ling Yi and the others followed the flow of the river, heading downstream.

Watching the figures disappear into the distance, Tang Hao forcefully broke free from Tang Xiao's grip, clenching his fists so tightly that he felt no pain as his nails dug into his palms.

From beginning to end, the people around Ling Yi basically didn't have any interaction with Tang Hao and his brother. But it was precisely this disregard that made Tang Hao even more ashamed and furious.

"Ling—! Yi—!"

Tang Hao almost gritted his teeth as he uttered those two words. He had never found anyone who could leave such a deep impression on him!

Even the guy who blocked the ' Great Sumeru Hammer ' with one hand couldn't be as impacted as Ling Yi's few words!

Goodnight everyone~