Following close behind

"Enough. It was only something an outsider said. Why take it to heart?"

"Even now, we at Shrek are a renowned academy of geniuses. She's someone who gave up halfway and chose to quit. What can she accomplish by slandering Shrek?"

Everyone's face burned, shame, anger, embarrassment, and frustration tangled together, yet they had no room whatsoever to argue.

Yu Xiaogang's words seemed to open a breach. Everyone began making excuses for themselves, breaking the deadlock.

Then, at his instruction.

Everyone from Shrek who had yet to obtain twin martial souls acquired their own second martial soul from the Game Pods, then left indignantly.

Meanwhile.

More than three hundred li east of Heaven Dou City.

Mountain ranges stretched on and on, strange peaks towering above them, clouds and mist lingering among the mountains year-round.

The Clear Sky Sect, the foremost tool martial soul sect, which had lived in seclusion for years, stood here, cut off from all worldly strife.

At that moment, on a mountain path not far outside the sect, a shabby, down-and-out figure stood silently.

It was Tang Hao.

His ragged black clothes were covered in dust, his hair and beard unkempt, his whole body weather-beaten. None of the Clear Sky Douluo's former imposing grandeur remained.

He merely gazed heavily at the utterly familiar Clear Sky Sect before him, endless weariness and remorse churning in his eyes.

He had once been the pride of the Clear Sky Sect, the youngest Titled Douluo on the continent, the hope of the sect's future.

Yet after decades of wandering, hiding his identity, bearing guilt, and staying far from his sect, the once spirited Clear Sky prodigy had ultimately fallen into such a wretched, destitute state.

A low sigh scattered into the mountains on the wind.

Ever since he had offended that young shopkeeper that day and had some kind of restriction placed on him, no matter what methods he tried, he had never managed to break through that paper-thin barrier to Level 90 and the rank of Titled Douluo.

He had even absorbed the Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone left behind by his wife, Ah Yin, thinking he could use it to break his shackles. Yet the restriction within him had shown not the slightest sign of loosening.

Level eighty-nine, firmly stuck at the peak of Soul Douluo, without the slightest further progress!

He hated it!

He hated his own momentary recklessness, but he also hated that young man for not telling him sooner how powerful he was!

Yet after the hatred, all that remained was mostly helplessness.

That shopkeeper's strength had long since exceeded his understanding. He was simply not someone Tang Hao or the Clear Sky Sect could contend with or take revenge upon.

So he had decided to tell the sect everything.

If the Clear Sky Sect could establish a connection with that young man, it would surely gain considerable benefits. And as long as its people put in a few good words for him before the young man, perhaps he still had hope of becoming a Titled Douluo again, or even advancing further!

With that thought, he stepped toward the main gate.

"Stop!"

The two disciples guarding the gate stretched out their arms to block him, looked him up and down, and frowned.

"Where did this stinking beggar come from? Get lost! The Clear Sky Sect's grounds aren't somewhere the likes of you can come."

Tang Hao said nothing, merely raising his eyes to glance at them.

The pressure of a peak Soul Douluo abruptly erupted, forcing both gatekeepers to their knees, their faces deathly pale.

"Hmph! I'm Tang Hao! You dare block my way? You must be tired of living. Get out of my way!"

With that, Tang Hao withdrew his pressure, stepped over the threshold, and headed straight up the mountain.

Elsewhere, inside the sect's council hall.

Sect Master Tang Xiao sat at the head, his expression solemn. His features bore some resemblance to Tang Hao's, but carried more of the authority that came from long holding a high position, imposing even without anger.

An elder stood to the left in the hall, bowing as he delivered his report.

"About ten days ago, Ning Fengzhi personally left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect with several Titled Douluos. Their destination is unknown."

"Afterward, several factions in Heaven Dou City also began leaving the city frequently. Some even went out of their way to disguise themselves."

"With this information as corroboration, I believe there's a very strong possibility that they went to compete for some opportunity!"

Tang Xiao's fingers stopped tapping the armrest. He looked up at the elder and asked in an indifferent tone:

"And? Including the earlier intelligence, this is all you've uncovered? Have you found out exactly what this opportunity is?"

The elder's expression stiffened, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. After hesitating briefly, he said quietly:

"The details... have yet to be ascertained..."

Hearing this, Tang Xiao was about to speak again when the council hall doors suddenly opened.

Someone approached against the light, his tall figure looking somewhat haggard, his black robe worn, his face weathered.

But Tang Xiao recognized those eyes at once.

"Brother Hao!"

Tang Hao stepped into the hall, met his elder brother's slightly surprised gaze, and curved his lips into a smile.

"Big brother, it's been a long time."

Tang Xiao abruptly rose, strode down from his seat, and hurried over to Tang Hao.

Seeing his younger brother so weather-beaten, destitute, and worn, he could hardly contain the ache in his heart. He pressed both hands heavily onto Tang Hao's shoulders, his eyes reddening.

"Brother Hao, you've suffered all these years!"

Tang Hao shook his head, not a trace of resentment in his eyes, and said with the same smile:

"What are you saying, big brother? I've been hiding here and there all these years, but I've had my freedom. I wouldn't call it suffering."

"You're the one who's had to support such a large sect alone, shouldering so many matters inside and out. I've heard about the sect's affairs over the years. You're the one who's truly worked hard."

After they exchanged greetings, the distance of years apart and the unfamiliarity of their long separation seemed to be washed away by their blood ties. In the end, a thousand words became a single sentence.

"It's good that you're back."

Then, calming the turmoil in his heart, Tang Xiao reined in his emotions and said seriously:

"We brothers haven't seen each other in years. I know your temperament. You'd never return so suddenly unless you had nowhere else to turn."

"Tell me. What exactly happened?"

As his words fell, he saw the smile gradually fade from the other's face, his expression turning incredibly grave.

With a soft sigh, Tang Hao began explaining.

"Some time ago, I discovered an enormous opportunity in Suotuo City's Soul Fighting Arena. Only when I tried to seize it did I learn that it originated from a Mysterious Shop."

He paused, a trace of regret and unwillingness appearing in his eyes:

"Afterward, I intended to rely on my strength as a Titled Douluo to go there and forcibly seize this opportunity. Who knew that the young man in that Mysterious Shop would render me immobile with a single word, then place some strange restriction on me?"

"My cultivation actually plummeted from a level ninety-five Titled Douluo to the peak of Soul Douluo at level eighty-nine, and I've been unable to break through to Level 90 ever since."

His words exploded like thunder in the council hall. The Soul Douluo elder present was utterly incredulous!

Bang!

Tang Xiao flew into a rage, slamming his palm onto the stone table before him. Spiderweb cracks instantly spread across its surface.

"He's gone too far! Brother Hao, tell me where he is! I'll go meet him myself and see just who this mighty figure is, daring to lay hands on someone from my Clear Sky Sect!"

His fury surging to his crown, Tang Xiao immediately moved to rise and summon the sect's Titled Douluos to descend the mountain and demand justice.

"Big brother! You mustn't act rashly!"

Tang Hao hurried forward, firmly blocking the enraged Tang Xiao, his expression intensely serious and urgent.

"His strength is more terrifying than either of us can imagine! If you go, I'm afraid you'll only throw yourself away for nothing. The loss wouldn't be worth it!"

Tang Xiao's chest heaved violently, his fists clenched until his knuckles turned white. Rage churned in his chest for a long time before reason finally suppressed it little by little.

"Then, Brother Hao, are you planning to swallow this insult and remain at level eighty-nine for the rest of your life?!"

Hearing this, Tang Hao shook his head and said meaningfully, "Of course not."

"Even if I, Tang Hao, have fallen this far, I will never accept leaving things at that. So I came back this time first to help the Clear Sky Sect rise again, and second, so I can return to my peak."

Tang Xiao was puzzled for a moment, his brows knitting and then relaxing as he said gravely:

"Since the Clear Sky Sect's resurgence is connected to your return to your peak, Brother Hao, explain it in detail."

Tang Hao did not beat around the bush, saying seriously:

"Big brother, suppose I told you there was something that could give everyone in the sect twin martial souls, raise their soul power by ten levels in a short time, and even provide armor that amplifies soul power. Do you think our Clear Sky Sect could rise again through that?"

At these words, both Tang Xiao's and the elder's pupils abruptly contracted, their breathing growing heavier.

Tang Xiao fell silent for a moment, his eyes flickering, clearly weighing its significance and feasibility at great speed.

After a long while, Tang Xiao looked up at Tang Hao and asked gravely:

"Brother Hao, all these things you mentioned... they're probably connected to that Mysterious Shop you spoke of, aren't they?"

Tang Hao nodded slightly and said admiringly:

"You're sharp as ever, big brother. You guessed it straight away. Such blessings don't seem to be difficult matters in that shop."

"So this isn't merely something that can bring the Clear Sky Sect back to the pinnacle of the continent. For me, having the sect establish a good relationship with him is also my only hope of returning to being a level ninety-five Titled Douluo."

After hearing him out, Tang Xiao leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant, and remained silent for a long time.

The council hall was so quiet that only the mountain wind could be heard moaning outside the windows, yet the fire in his eyes burned ever brighter.

The following evening.

At Heaven Dou Royal Academy, the bell signaling the end of classes rang on time. Students emerged from the gates in twos and threes, the air filled with the cheerful voices and laughter of boys and girls.

Yu Tianheng stood at the academy entrance. The once steady, capable genius captain now looked as though all his vitality had been drained away.

Ever since they had returned from their trip to Suotuo City a few days earlier, Dugu Yan had broken up with him without any warning.

Afterward, the matter had weighed on his heart like a boulder, leaving him gloomy and restless day after day.

He had racked his brains, yet still could not understand.

They had once shared mutual affection, spending every day together, their relationship utterly solid. How could a single trip to Suotuo City have changed Dugu Yan's attitude so completely, leaving her cold and resolute, without the slightest room for compromise?

Suddenly, what sounded like Dugu Yan's voice rang beside his ears.

Unwilling to keep tormenting himself this way, he came back to his senses and hurried after her, determined to ask exactly why!

Yet just as he hurried through the scattered groups of people, spotted that familiar jade-green figure in the distance, and prepared to call her name.

His pupils abruptly contracted, his steps freezing in place. The urgency on his face instantly became shock and disbelief.

Beside Dugu Yan stood a young man of outstanding bearing and elegant demeanor, his head turned as he spoke to her, his manner natural and intimate.

Yet Dugu Yan showed no resistance whatsoever. She nodded slightly, even wearing a faint smile.

The sight undoubtedly stabbed viciously at Yu Tianheng's heart.

He stared fixedly at the pair talking ahead, his mind a complete mess.

Their years of love had certainly not been false. He absolutely refused to believe Dugu Yan was someone so fickle and heartless.

What he found even harder to accept was that he, the young master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, with his outstanding talent and exalted status, had actually been cuckolded!

Humiliation and unwillingness surged to his head together. Clenching his teeth, he hurried after them again, determined to get to the bottom of it.

He followed closely all the way, passing through the noisy crowds and following them around a quiet corner, only to see Dugu Yan and the young man walk through a doorway covered in strange runes.

Yu Tianheng rushed up to that wall. The runes were still flowing with a faint glow over the doorway.

But after only a moment's hesitation, he stepped through the doorway as well.

The next instant, the scene before him abruptly changed.

The bustling city streets vanished completely, replaced by a spacious, brightly lit interior.

Not far away.

Feng Xiaotian and Dugu Yan had chatted about their insights into combat techniques along the way and were preparing to enter the Arena for a spar.

Just then, a low cry of surprise came from nearby. "Yu Tianheng?!"

The speaker was one of the Heaven Dou Team's core members. He stared in astonishment at the suddenly appearing Yu Tianheng.

The other team members also turned toward the voice, their expressions varying, clearly not expecting to encounter their captain here.

Likewise, Dugu Yan's brows had already drawn together slightly when she heard it, and she turned around.

The instant her gaze landed on Yu Tianheng, it turned into cold scrutiny. Her tone was calm but carried a questioning edge as she looked over the Heaven Dou Team members present.

"Which of you leaked the information to him?"

Seeing this, the core members hurriedly shook their heads in unison, their faces innocent.

"Sister Yan, it definitely wasn't us!"

They all protested their innocence, but after a moment's hesitation, one team member cautiously spoke:

"Sister Yan, could it be... that the captain followed you when you came over just now?"

At these words, everyone present froze. All their gazes, including Dugu Yan's, turned in unison toward the utterly bewildered Yu Tianheng beside the doorway.

At the same time, Yu Tianheng swept his gaze across the hall and happened to meet their eyes.

Seeing his familiar teammates, a flash of delight first crossed his eyes. He suppressed most of his panic and hurried forward.

"Why are you all here? What exactly is this place?"

As he voiced his confusion, every Heaven Dou Team member present wore a subtle expression, their gazes drifting, deliberately or otherwise, toward Dugu Yan beside them. The atmosphere grew inexplicably awkward.

Without noticing anything unusual about them, Yu Tianheng turned and saw Dugu Yan. He froze slightly, then urgently asked:

"Right, Yanzi, where's that person who was with you just now?"

Hearing this, Dugu Yan understood. She really had accidentally led him here...

[Thanks to reader Tako for the nine recommendation votes, and thanks to Fengcun for the monthly vote. Thank you for your support!]