Chapter 296: The Arrival of the Clear Sky Clan
Tang San's plan was simple. With his current strength, he believed that, as long as he was willing to pay the price, he could definitely capture these two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts. The cost was merely a matter of whether he was willing to pay it or not.
"Second Elder, I have a request," Tang San said suddenly, looking at the Second Elder beside him with a serious expression.
The Second Elder was taken aback but quickly regained his composure. He replied firmly, "Young Sect Master, whatever your request is, I will comply."
As a senior elder of the Clear Sky Clan, the Second Elder was willing to sacrifice everything for the clan. He believed that Tang San was destined to lead the Clear Sky Clan to glory. As someone destined to become a god, Tang San's presence meant that the Clear Sky Clan would undoubtedly flourish and endure for millennia.
"Good! I need you to..." Tang San whispered in the Second Elder's ear, and the elder's eyes gleamed with understanding.
Tang San's plan was straightforward: he needed the Second Elder to use half of his life force to help him hold back the two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts. Later, Tang San could use heavenly materials and earthly treasures to help the elder hang onto his life, though it might mean losing all his spirit power.
Under normal circumstances, the Second Elder would never give up the spirit power he had cultivated for decades. But for the soul rings and bones of these two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, the Second Elder felt it was worth the sacrifice. Many members of the Clear Sky Clan had been stuck at level eighty-nine for years. With the help of these soul rings, Tang San could forcefully assist them in breaking through to level ninety.
Thus, the Clear Sky Clan could potentially gain two more Title Douluos with hundred-thousand-year soul rings. Considering this, even if the Second Elder lost his spirit power, it wouldn't be a bad trade. Moreover, Tang San also assured him that once he ascended to godhood, he might be able to restore the elder's power, solidifying the elder's trust in him.
"I will follow your orders, Young Sect Master," the Second Elder nodded.
Seeing the determination in the Second Elder's eyes, Tang San smiled. He then covered the elder with some of his divine power and said, "Second Elder, let's do this together and hold off those beasts."
"Understood!"
Feeling Tang San's divine power coursing through him, the Second Elder didn't hesitate and unleashed the power he had accumulated during his long years in seclusion within the Clear Sky Clan.
In an instant, the terrifying power and aura of the Clear Sky Hammer created a vortex, drawing in the surrounding spirit power towards the Second Elder.
This display of power startled the Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape, who were about to attack the other Clear Sky Clan elders. They both turned to look at the Second Elder.
"Impressive, using one's life force and forcibly channeling divine power through a mortal body. He's burning his life away," the Titan Giant Ape observed with a smile. "But if he thinks he can defeat us, he's mistaken."
"That Tang San is ruthless. He values our soul rings and bones so much that he's willing to sacrifice a Title Douluo's life," the Azure Bull Python scoffed. "Brother, you handle this one."
"Sure thing, big brother. A mere level ninety-four Title Douluo is no match for me," the Titan Giant Ape rumbled. Its enormous body leaped into the air with surprising agility, not resembling a typical brute force soul beast at all.
Seeing the Titan Giant Ape's movement, the Second Elder also sprang into action. He felt as if he was filled with the strength of a dragon and tiger.
"Beast! Today, you'll witness the true power of the Clear Sky Hammer, the world's number one martial spirit!" the Second Elder roared. With a burst of power, he launched himself like a spring, producing a thunderous boom as he shot forward with a mighty swing.
"Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique!"
Thanks to Tang San's influence, the Clear Sky Clan had refined this technique further, allowing for momentum to be built from any position. The Second Elder was one of the quickest learners of this method, executing it with extreme proficiency and even faster than before.
"Heh, a parlor trick. Do you think I'll let you build up momentum?" The Titan Giant Ape, seeing through the essence of the Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique, knew that its initial stages were weak and could be interrupted. It struck out to break the elder's attack.
However, at that moment, Tang San also acted decisively! With divine power augmenting him, he could withstand the combined domains of the two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts.
"Beasts! You injured my uncle that day; today, you'll pay with your lives!" With overwhelming killing intent, Tang San's trident transformed into the Shura Sword, amplifying his murderous aura to the extreme. His attack power increased at least twofold!
"Tang San, do you think you can harm my brother without going through me?" The Azure Bull Python's voice resonated as Tang San attempted to ambush the Titan Giant Ape, causing his expression to darken. In his mind, the Azure Bull Python was more challenging to deal with than the Titan Giant Ape.
After all, the Azure Bull Python not only possesses immense spirit power but also intelligence comparable to a human sage. Moreover, now that it has become Su Yun's subordinate, it must have undergone rigorous training under Su Yun.
Boom!
The Azure Bull Python swung its tail while chanting a soul incantation. Instantly, water from countless lakes within the Star Dou Forest surged and converged in front of the Azure Bull Python, forming a massive water ball.
"Go!"
Boom! Boom! Boom!
With a powerful tail swipe, the Azure Bull Python launched the water ball with incredible initial speed and acceleration. In less than a moment, the water ball's speed reached an astounding level, even making it difficult for Tang San to track.
"This beast... it's even stronger now?!"
Tang San was startled. He was certain that the Azure Bull Python's further enhancement was due to Su Yun's help. At the same time, he felt a twinge of irritation towards Oscar. If Oscar had been more cooperative and handed over the Ice Silkworm earlier, they could have had an additional hundred-thousand-year soul bone at their disposal. Dealing with the Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape would not have been as challenging.
Setting aside his annoyance, Tang San focused on the incoming attack from the Azure Bull Python and countered with a sweeping strike from his sword.
Boom!
The explosion echoed through the forest, sending shockwaves rippling outward!
Meanwhile, the Titan Giant Ape clashed with the Second Elder at the same moment!
The Titan Giant Ape, symbolizing ultimate strength, delivered a powerful punch. The Second Elder, displaying quick reflexes, ceased accumulating power after the twenty-seventh swing of his Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique and struck back with a mighty blow!
Bang!
Unlike the previous explosive sounds, a deep rumble amplified between the two, eventually turning into a terrifying energy storm that hurled the Second Elder hundreds of meters away!
The Titan Giant Ape, however, only took a slight step back.
Nevertheless, it was visibly taken aback.
"This strength..."
Seeing the shocked expression in the Titan Giant Ape's eyes, the returning Second Elder chuckled.
He looked at Tang San with immense pride.
Tang San, the heir of the Clear Sky Clan, never failed to amaze. Despite spending most of his time training arduously on Seagod Island, he always returned with refined techniques for the Clear Sky Hammer.
It was due to Tang San that the Clear Sky Clan disciples had the lowest casualty rate on the battlefield.
"Again!"
Feeling confident from his previous strike, the Second Elder laughed heartily and charged at the Titan Giant Ape once more!
"Azure Bull Python, it seems you're not so formidable without your domain!" Tang San laughed loudly upon seeing this.
In his view, these two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts were weaker compared to the ones he encountered at sea, likely due to their reliance on their invincible combined domain.
"Hmph, foolish human. My brother and I seldom use our true strength. Our domain is merely a way to restrain ourselves and protect the Star Dou Forest," the Azure Bull Python retorted coldly, causing Tang San's pupils to constrict.
"Today, you will meet your end here!"
With a roar, the Azure Bull Python began gathering an immense amount of spirit power around itself.
Seeing this surge of spirit power, Tang San was unwilling to back down and unleashed his divine power!
This was true divine power!
While the Azure Bull Python was a formidable force among hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, it had yet to reach the divine level.
Therefore, when it saw Tang San simultaneously wielding the Seagod Trident and the Shura Sword, a warning echoed in its mind.
"Is this the true power of a god's inheritor?!"
The Azure Bull Python had to admit, it was no wonder Tang San had the audacity to challenge Su Yun.
So that's why.
However, fortunately for the Azure Bull Python, Tang San's power was still far from matching Su Yun's.
It had its own trump card.
Tang San noticed the Azure Bull Python's moment of hesitation, realizing it was a perfect opportunity to strike. Without a second thought, he launched his attack!
Whoosh!
Although the weapon in Tang San's hand weighed over 108,000 jin, his speed was not affected at all. In just a few breaths, he was within a foot of the Azure Bull Python.
Compared to the Azure Bull Python, Tang San's body seemed small, but his power was undeniable.
"Die!" Seeing the Azure Bull Python so unprepared, Tang San's face twisted into a fierce grin. At this close range, even Su Yun would be severely injured by his attack!
Both divine weapons in Tang San's hands moved like dragons emerging from the sea, striking at the vital points of the Azure Bull Python!
"Did I hit?!" Tang San's face lit up with joy as his attack landed.
However, his elation was short-lived. In the blink of an eye, his joy froze on his face.
In the spot where he had struck, a familiar figure appeared.
Su Yun?!
"No! It's not Su Yun!"
Tang San exclaimed, but quickly realized that the figure before him was not the real Su Yun. It appeared more like a projection.
"This is a time projection. Su Yun's control over his divine power has reached a demigod level. He left a time projection to protect me."
"Tang San, you won't leave here unscathed today."
Taking advantage of Tang San's shock, the Azure Bull Python swung its tail again. In an instant, Tang San was sent flying a thousand meters!
As Tang San regained his senses, he heard another explosion!
Boom!
A figure appeared in front of Tang San.
The Second Elder!
From Tang San's perspective, the Second Elder was covered in blood.
Had it not been for the divine power protecting him, he would have long since been exhausted.
"Second Elder!" Tang San shouted in surprise, not expecting the Second Elder to be beaten so badly by the Titan Giant Ape.
"Hah, foolish. Did you think a bit of divine power could withstand me?"
The Titan Giant Ape's cold snort drew Tang San's gaze. He noticed that the Titan Giant Ape was covered in an armor made of Blue Silver Grass.
This familiar technique instantly reminded him of Su Yun!
"Su Yun has already become the master of the Blue Silver Grass in this Star Dou Forest. Now, with a single thought, I can control them to form my armor."
The Titan Giant Ape looked at Tang San coldly, speaking indifferently, "Here, to harm me, you'd have to destroy all the Blue Silver Grass in one breath. Otherwise, it's all futile."
Destroy all the Blue Silver Grass in one breath!
Tang San's pupils contracted sharply.
The Blue Silver Grass was the most numerous plant-type spirit beast on the continent. Moreover, it was incredibly resilient. Even if he destroyed them all in one breath, they would soon reproduce. Not to mention, he remembered that Su Yun's martial spirit had immense life force, capable of endlessly reviving the Blue Silver Grass!
Damn it!
Tang San cursed inwardly.
Even without being here, Su Yun had put him in a difficult position with just two skills!
That bastard, did he foresee I would come here?
"Hahaha... I didn't expect to witness such an exciting battle. As expected of hundred-thousand-year soul beasts."
Amid the fierce battle, Tang San heard Dugu Bo's laughter from afar, causing his face to darken.
"Human, the only reason you can speak here is out of respect for Su Yun, not the Spirit Empire."
The Azure Bull Python glared at Dugu Bo and warned, "You have no further business here. Leave now, or what follows will have nothing to do with you."
Dugu Bo was taken aback but quickly smiled self-deprecatingly.
With his spirit power too low, he was insignificant before these two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts.
Facing the Azure Bull Python's warning, Dugu Bo harbored no ill will. He bowed respectfully, "Thank you, both."
After all, they had saved him, so Dugu Bo naturally showed his gratitude.
With that, he prepared to leave.
However, just as Dugu Bo was about to depart, a voice suddenly thundered in the air!
"Dugu Bo, you won't leave today!"
Startled, Dugu Bo turned his head towards the sky.
Instantly, his pupils constricted!
Title Douluo of the Heaven Dou Empire...
Had arrived in force!