Chapter 246: Exclusive Dominion Over the Heaven Dou Empire
Chen Xuan and Qian Renxue conferred in secret, quietly setting a plan in motion to assassinate Emperor Xue Ye.
That very day, a spy reported urgent news within the imperial palace: the border had suffered a sudden assault from the Spirit Empire, resulting in heavy casualties. Over ten thousand people had already perished in the flames of war, and immediate military reinforcements were desperately needed.
Upon receiving this information, Emperor Xue Ye's expression darkened. This was an emergency, yet the empire had no readily available troops to mobilize—only those stationed within the imperial palace could be deployed.
Not just him, but also his ministers and Xue Beng found this event highly suspicious. It was too much of a coincidence, raising concerns of a potential conspiracy.
However, the attacked border was of utmost strategic importance, much like Jialing Pass. It could not be lost—should it fall, the entire Heaven Dou Empire would be in jeopardy.
That afternoon, a force of 100,000 troops was dispatched from the imperial palace, departing Heaven Dou City for the battlefield.
With their departure, the imperial palace was left extremely vulnerable, now guarded by fewer than 50,000 soldiers. The only silver lining was the presence of numerous spirit masters among the reserves, capable of holding off formidable foes.
Additionally, three Titled Douluo remained, along with several Spirit Douluo and the remaining disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, led by Ning Fengzhi. As long as no god-level opponents appeared, they had enough strength to protect key figures within the palace.
Nightfall.
Inside the Eastern Palace, the crown prince's residence.
"That old fox Xue Ye is too cunning. Though the imperial troops have been dispatched, the three Titled Douluo remain. The strength of these spirit masters cannot be underestimated," Qian Renxue remarked.
If they launched a direct attack and anything went amiss, these powerful individuals could easily escape with Xue Ye and other palace figures. At worst, they could temporarily abandon the palace and reclaim it later, making the effort futile.
Unless the three Titled Douluo could be lured away, the plan would be difficult to execute.
"No need to worry. Without the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, I should be able to handle three Titled Douluo at full strength," Chen Xuan said, his eyes gleaming with confidence.
This was not arrogance. His body had undergone numerous evolutions—he was even confident in facing a god-level Douluo. Compared to that, dealing with a few Titled Douluo was hardly a challenge.
"Good, as long as you have a plan. Whether we succeed or fail tonight, I must return to Spirit Hall afterward to receive my inheritance," Qian Renxue stated.
Chen Xuan nodded, guessing that she was about to undertake the Angel God Trials—likely the final stages.
That night, Qian Renxue penned a letter and had it delivered to the current territory of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, inviting Ning Fengzhi to the Eastern Palace for an urgent discussion.
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo sensed something suspicious about this unexpected request and refused to let Ning Fengzhi go alone, fearing it might be a trap.
However, Ning Fengzhi had watched Crown Prince Xue Qinghe grow up and had taken him as a student from a young age. He trusted the prince's character and believed he would not do anything extreme.
Thus, that night, Ning Fengzhi went alone to meet the prince in the Eastern Palace. By midnight, he still had not returned.
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo grew increasingly anxious. Yet, palace regulations were strict—they couldn't act recklessly, especially within the prince's domain. After much deliberation, they decided to wait until morning to investigate.
Little did they know, as dawn approached, Heaven Dou City was on the brink of chaos. A massacre was about to unfold.
A storm of destruction engulfed the imperial palace, bringing an unprecedented crisis. Fear and panic spread throughout as an overwhelming sense of doom settled over the city.
Outside the palace, a monstrous figure rose from the earth—a towering giant clad in golden armor, over five hundred meters tall. Its massive frame blocked out the sky, casting a shadow that covered half the palace. Its sheer size was terrifying.
The giant had a fearsome, grotesque face and was draped in radiant golden armor. Two long swords hung from its waist, and golden energy surged across its form, exuding an awe-inspiring might akin to a force capable of toppling mountains.
Boom!
The giant moved. With a single step, the ground trembled violently, shaking half of the palace.
"Aaahhh—!"
Countless palace maids screamed in terror, fleeing in every direction as chaos engulfed the entire palace.
At the same time, multiple explosions erupted throughout the palace, sending flames into the sky and reducing entire buildings to rubble.
From all directions, squads of spirit master troops launched a fierce assault on Heaven Dou Palace, breaking through the defensive frontlines.
"Quick! Intercept the intruders and protect His Majesty!"
Soldiers and spirit masters rushed out in full force—over 50,000 men, splitting into multiple units to fend off the assassins.
In the end, only 10,000 soldiers remained, standing in fear before the golden giant, their confidence shattered.
Despite their numbers, they knew their insignificance before this towering behemoth. To the giant, they were nothing more than ants trying to resist a human—utterly laughable. They could do nothing to stop it.
Terror gripped their hearts. Their hands trembled as they held their weapons, staring up at the towering figure that blocked out the sky. Could they even stand a chance?
Many felt despair sinking in. Faced with an invincible enemy, they knew they might die here—some crushed beneath its feet in an instant.
"Chen Xuan…!"
Bone Douluo gritted his teeth as he stood by the window, staring at the golden giant in the distance. It was unmistakably familiar.
Sword Douluo's expression was grim, his anxiety mounting. Ning Fengzhi had not returned all night, and now the palace was under heavy attack. The chain of events clearly pointed to a premeditated scheme.
The crown prince was making his move.
If not for Xue Qinghe, who else could have orchestrated such a large-scale infiltration of spirit masters right under Emperor Xue Ye's nose?
"Both of you, protect His Majesty. I will confront Chen Xuan myself."
Dugu Bo stepped forward, ready to hold the line.
"No! You can't!"
Bone Douluo reached out to stop him. He was well aware of the golden giant's power and did not want Poison Douluo to throw his life away.
At that moment, a voice echoed through the night, amplified by soul power, reaching every corner of the palace.
"Chen Xin, Gu Rong, Senior Dugu Bo—if you don't want these people to die for nothing, come out and fight me."
Chen Xuan stood atop the golden giant's brow, looking down upon the entire Heaven Dou Palace.
His soul power surged without restraint. He had activated his complete Susanoo form—enough to annihilate the entire imperial palace if necessary.
Inside the palace, the three Titled Douluo wore grave expressions, knowing that this situation would not end peacefully. After a brief discussion, they decided to have the swiftest among them, Bone Douluo, escort Emperor Xue Ye to safety. Another group would take Xue Beng and escape through a different route, ensuring the two were separated.
"Protect His Majesty and Prince Xue Beng. I will buy you time," Dugu Bo declared.
The Spirit Douluo warriors—loyal death guards of the empire—prepared themselves for battle. It was time to fulfill their duty.
Gu Rong said nothing, his face heavy with determination as he led Emperor Xue Ye away.
Ten Spirit Douluo split into two teams, each escorting their charge out of the palace.
Seeing their safe departure, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo felt relieved. Now, it was their turn to stall for time.
"Chen Xuan, you brat! Face me!"
Dugu Bo was the first to charge forward.
Unleashing his full power, he summoned an enormous green Jade Phosphor Serpent, its size rivaling a building. Its forked tongue flickered menacingly as it exuded a chilling aura.
Standing atop the serpent's head, Dugu Bo released his soul power, surging toward the golden giant.
Whoosh!
Sword Douluo shot forward like a blinding streak of light, wielding his Seven Kill Sword. He soared through the air, slicing through the darkness and charging straight at the golden titan.
"So, Emperor Xue Ye has already been evacuated, huh?"
Chen Xuan extended his spiritual senses, scanning a range of dozens of kilometers. Every movement within the palace was within his grasp.
At that moment, Bone Douluo was escorting Emperor Xue Ye out of the palace, heading toward the nearest stronghold in Heaven Dou City.
Chapter 247: Slaying the Old Traitor Xue Ye
Inside the Tian Dou Imperial Palace
A colossal golden giant appeared, blotting out the sky and suddenly launching an attack on the palace. It was enormous—just one step from it crushed an entire hall, flames surging as it wreaked massive destruction.
The buildings, constructed to the highest standards of durability, crumbled like tofu under the dozens-of-meters-long feet, reduced to ruins and debris in an instant. The scene was one of devastation.
The ground trembled violently with a deafening roar, causing half the palace to shake as if an earthquake had struck.
Countless palace maids turned pale, screaming in terror as they fled in all directions, desperately trying to escape the center of the catastrophe.
Inside the giant's head, Chen Xuan observed everything coldly, unmoved as those uninvolved ran for their lives.
He was not a bloodthirsty killer; the palace maids and servants could be spared—there was no need to exterminate ordinary people.
As for the soul masters who resisted him, screaming for his death and attacking, they were as good as Tian Dou's death warriors. He had no reason to let them go.
Chen Xuan had already warned them—those who did not wish to die should leave on their own. Yet, some still chose to fight, launching soul skills at him with determination. If he decided to go on a killing spree, it would be because they had invited it upon themselves.
Sword Douluo and Poison Douluo fought with the resolve to die, their nine soul rings gleaming as vast soul power materialized. They disregarded soul power consumption, continuously unleashing soul skills.
Their combat awareness was among the best in the entire continent. Sword light and poisonous mist intertwined, striking the golden giant again and again.
The two were extremely perceptive. After a short exchange, they discovered the weakness of Susanoo.
Despite its terrifyingly massive 500-meter frame and overwhelming destructive power, the golden giant was too slow and cumbersome in movement.
With their battle instincts, the two Douluo immediately capitalized on this flaw. They used speed-enhancing soul skills, one engaging from the ground while the other took to the skies, sticking close to the giant's body and launching attacks without pause.
They maintained this strategy—using flexibility against brute strength, avoiding direct confrontation, and seizing every opportunity for a heavy strike with surgical precision.
For an entire hour, the battle raged on, reaching an intense stalemate. Neither side could gain the upper hand—it became a contest of endurance, of who could last longer.
Crack!
The golden giant's body began to fracture. Deep fissures spread across its surface, its form splintering like shattered glass, covering its entire frame.
Boom!
Under the combined force of their ninth soul skills, Susanoo was finally breached. The colossal golden giant disintegrated, breaking apart into countless fragments of energy that rained down from the sky.
Seeing this, the distant onlookers erupted in cheers, shouting in triumph.
The godlike giant had cast a shadow of fear over them, but now, it had fallen to the might of Sword Douluo and Poison Douluo. They were the true gods, the strongest existences.
Sword Douluo and Dugu Bo, however, sensed something amiss. Something felt off, though they couldn't pinpoint exactly what. Could it be that the massive giant was all show, without true strength?
What they didn't know was that this was all part of Chen Xuan's plan. He had merely used their attacks as an excuse to dissolve his avatar at the right moment, making the outcome seem more natural.
Otherwise, if the fully powered Susanoo truly went all out, how could a mere imperial palace withstand its wrath?
At this moment, a hundred miles beyond Tian Dou City, in the wilderness—
A group moved swiftly, dashing through the forest and into the plains at an astonishing pace, covering hundreds of meters in the blink of an eye.
This squad consisted entirely of high-level soul masters, escorting an elderly man with a full head of white hair. Their urgency was evident as they hurried toward a small town.
This was Emperor Xue Ye's personal death squad, led by Bone Douluo, who cleared the way and eliminated potential threats.
Although Chen Xuan had the strength to battle three Title Douluo at once, if multiple Soul Douluo hid in the shadows and struck at a critical moment, even he would suffer.
If he were to engage several Title Douluo simultaneously, he wouldn't have the bandwidth to stop others from escorting Xue Ye to safety.
Luring the tiger away from the mountain and intercepting them midway—this strategy was both efficient and effective.
The endless grasslands stretched under the bright sunlight, vibrant and full of life.
Chen Xuan and Qian Renxue stood atop the grassy plains, gazing into the distance. Before long, a group of people appeared at the horizon, racing across the grasslands.
Even the weakest among them was an eighty-level Soul Douluo. Bone Douluo led the escort, protecting Emperor Xue Ye on his journey.
An hour passed, and they had covered over a hundred miles, far from Tian Dou City—meaning no reinforcements could possibly arrive in time.
"They're here," Chen Xuan remarked, glancing at Qian Renxue, who was still disguised as Xue Qinghe in male form. At this point, there was no need for pretense—the enemy had surely seen through her disguise.
Qian Renxue met his gaze and understood his unspoken meaning, but she said nothing.
"Chen Xuan, spare the Soul Douluo if possible. Their strength is valuable," she said. Since she was establishing her own faction, recruiting powerful soul masters was essential.
"These are death warriors. Without killing them, capturing Xue Ye won't be easy. We'll see how things unfold," Chen Xuan replied, agreeing to do his best.
Without further words, he activated his spatial martial soul. A pitch-black spatial rift tore open, and he stepped inside, vanishing from the grassy plain.
Moving silently, he closed in on the group, locking onto the old traitor Xue Ye. He leaped through space, suppressing all traces of his presence.
That old man appeared benevolent, but in reality, he was treacherous beyond measure—he even schemed against a helpless young girl. He deserved nothing but death.
"Die!"
Killing intent surged from Chen Xuan as he unleashed his flying sword without hesitation.
In an instant, the air rippled—a spatial rift split open in the middle of the group. The suddenness of the attack caught the Soul Douluo off guard, even though they had been on high alert.
Bone Douluo, ever vigilant, had his spiritual senses expanded at all times. He was the first to detect the danger, but it was already too late.
Whipping around without hesitation, he lashed out with a palm strike toward Emperor Xue Ye, attempting to knock him away from the attack's path.
Hiss!
From within the rift, a silver streak of light shot out, crackling with electricity, as fast as lightning splitting the clouds.
Slash!
The silver dagger flashed past Xue Ye's chest—blood spurted as his severed arm fell to the ground, staining the grass red.
"Ah—!"
Xue Ye let out a bloodcurdling scream, his face twisted in agony. Even as an emperor, ruling over countless subjects, he was not immune to the sheer pain of losing a limb.
The silver dagger returned, lightning arcing around it as it aimed for his skull, intending to behead him.
At the last moment, Bone Douluo struck out again, sending Xue Ye flying with a palm strike. The force made him cough up blood, but it saved his life—the dagger only managed to slice off an ear instead.
Chen Xuan remained decisive. He didn't overextend. Having failed twice to land a fatal strike, he immediately withdrew to avoid being surrounded.
Sure enough, the moment he vacated his spot, multiple long spears crossed through where he had just been standing. Had he stayed, he would have been impaled on the spot.
"Damn old bastard, you're really hard to kill," Chen Xuan muttered in frustration.
Even so, the mighty Emperor Xue Ye, the supreme ruler of Tian Dou, had now been reduced to a bloodied mess—an ear and an arm lost, humiliated beyond words.
"Capture him! Tear him to pieces!" Xue Ye roared in fury, his wrinkled face contorted in a mix of pain and madness. His cloudy eyes gleamed with malice, desperate for revenge.
Yet, Bone Douluo hesitated, his expression grim. He stared intently at their assailant—because he recognized him.
"Chen Xuan… Do you even realize what you've done? You dared to assassinate Emperor Xue Ye of Tian Dou. Do you seek the extermination of your entire clan?"
Chapter 248 Restoring the True Form
"It's you, that brat from back then! How dare you show up!" Emperor Xue Ye clutched the wound where his ear had been severed, his face drenched in blood that dripped onto the grass.
At this moment, he strained to open his cloudy old eyes, finally seeing the assassin's face clearly. It was the very boy he had once personally ordered a warrant against, decreeing the entire Heaven Dou Empire to hunt down Chen Xuan and his family.
The land and titles that had been distributed were also taken back by his own hand. At the time, he believed this boy was already dead. Moreover, since the boy had killed the master he deeply respected, how could he be allowed to enjoy the benefits of the Heaven Dou Empire for nothing?
"So what if it's me, old bastard? Today is your death day. Do you really think anyone can save you?" Chen Xuan sneered coldly. Today, Xue Ye must die—no one could change that.
The ten Contras present had dark expressions. As nobles and people standing at the top of the pyramid, they were of the highest status, yet they were being ignored by a mere brat. To them, this was nothing short of blatant contempt, an outright provocation.
This brat wasn't even twenty years old, yet he was so arrogant that he dared to assassinate the emperor, a man revered by tens of thousands. It was an unforgivable offense!
One of them, overcome with rage, ignored Gu Rong's attempt to stop him and summoned his martial soul. A pitch-black spirit ring emerged—he was preparing to unleash his most powerful attack.
These people had no idea that Chen Xuan had already reached level eighty. The one who had defeated Bone Douluo a year ago was none other than him.
The Contra was full of confidence, activating his Martial Soul True Body. A house-sized brown bear materialized in an energy form, its bloody maw opening wide as it pounced at Chen Xuan.
Another golden-armored Contra leaped forward, wielding a longsword. His soul power surged explosively, and in an instant, the blade grew several dozen meters long, slashing down toward the young man.
Two Contras simultaneously erupted with their full strength, unleashing devastating attacks on Chen Xuan.
But Chen Xuan was unafraid. Natural energy surged through him, lightning crackled around his body, and with a deafening boom, he shot into the sky like a cannonball—his physical body had already broken the sound barrier.
Splurt!
The massive brown bear let out a muffled groan, blood spraying through the air. Chen Xuan had pierced through its body entirely, leaving a gaping hole the size of a water vat in its chest. The wound was so severe that it was visible from front to back, drenched in blood.
Half of the bear Contra's torso was obliterated—his heart, lungs, ribs, everything was swallowed by the power of Chen Xuan's fist. The damage was irreversible. He was as good as dead.
Hovering midair, Chen Xuan employed the mental technique of sword flight, gathering energy beneath his feet to soar. He swiftly shifted sideways, narrowly dodging the massive blade descending upon him.
He retaliated without hesitation, summoning a silver short sword infused with lightning. It transformed into a streak of light, slashing toward the golden-armored Contra.
Zzzt!
A silver arc streaked across the sky, lightning crackling violently. The dazzling blade resembled a flying sword imbued with thick bolts of electricity, tearing through the air at supersonic speed.
The golden-armored Contra hurriedly recalled his martial soul to defend himself, but with a sickening squelch, he was bisected at the waist. His massive sword was also sliced in half. The scene was unimaginably gruesome.
"Aaahhh..."
The golden-armored Contra screamed in agony. He was a top-tier swordsman, someone standing at the upper echelons of the pyramid, yet he had been slain by a single strike.
He couldn't believe it. He had wielded a sword for decades, only to meet such an end. He was unwilling—he let out one last wail before succumbing to death.
"Not bad." Chen Xuan retrieved the silver short sword, quite satisfied with his weapon.
Although it couldn't channel natural energy like his physical body, which could temporarily reach five times the speed of sound, the palm-sized short sword was still remarkably fast, breaking the sound barrier with ease. It could slice through air silently, making its attacks incredibly sharp and lethal.
Unlike his body, which required natural energy to surpass five times the speed of sound—producing a deafening sonic boom that anyone could detect—this sword was far better suited for assassinations.
Bone Douluo's expression grew grim. He clenched his teeth. In mere seconds, Chen Xuan had slaughtered two Contras with ruthless efficiency. Even with the full support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Bone Douluo himself couldn't have done it so cleanly.
This young man had already been able to contend with him a year ago. Now, his strength had grown even greater—who knew what level he had reached?
Bone Douluo gritted his teeth, cold sweat beading on his forehead. Then, a sudden realization struck him, filling him with inexplicable rage.
He noticed that his palms were drenched in sweat and even trembling slightly. A Super Douluo like him was feeling fear toward a mere youth. It nearly drove him mad—he couldn't accept it. How was he supposed to face himself now?
In reality, Emperor Xue Ye was already dumbfounded, his shock so immense that he momentarily forgot his pain.
His heart was filled with sheer terror. The child he had once considered insignificant, Chen Xuan, had grown into such a monstrous force. Was he really going to die here today?
Not just Bone Douluo and Xue Ye—even the golden-armored death guards standing at a distance were frozen in shock. Two Contras had been slain in mere seconds. Was this even humanly possible?
Chen Xuan's soul power was clearly lower than theirs, yet he could effortlessly kill the strongest among them.
This meant that, even if everyone present joined forces, they still might not be able to defeat him.
Fear gripped every person on the field. How could they not tremble? But as royal death guards, they had no choice but to stand their ground. Their lives belonged to the royal family—they had sworn to protect the emperor to the death.
"Looks like I'll have to kill all of you." Chen Xuan was done being merciful. He drew out a dragon spear a full ten feet long. Its scales gleamed with divine radiance, golden light dazzling as if liquid energy was flowing through it, imbuing each scale with boundless power.
Earlier, he had refrained from using a large-scale attack after hearing Qian Renxue's words. Otherwise, he would have simply thrown a celestial Spiral Shuriken into the crowd, wiping out at least half of them instantly.
The remaining eight Contras summoned their martial souls, steeling themselves for death. As long as they could protect the emperor, they were willing to sacrifice their lives.
Just then, a gentle voice rang out, approaching from the distance.
"Chen Xuan, please spare them—I still have use for them."
A figure appeared at the horizon of the grassy plain, walking toward them.
"Qinghe, why are you here?" Emperor Xue Ye's body shook violently, his entire demeanor crumbling.
For the crown prince to appear here—if he still couldn't figure out what was happening, then he truly was a fool.
In an instant, both Xue Ye and Gu Rong realized the truth. No one should have known about this secret route, yet Chen Xuan had intercepted them perfectly. It was too much of a coincidence.
They had found it strange before, but with Xue Qinghe's arrival, everything made sense.
Emperor Xue Ye felt immense pain, his old face filled with unwillingness. He hadn't expected that, in the end, the one who wanted him dead was his own offspring.
"No, you're not Qinghe! Who are you?!"
Despite his old age, Emperor Xue Ye had keen eyes. He immediately saw through the prince's disguise. This was not the real Xue Qinghe.
Gu Rong realized it too, his face changing drastically. If the crown prince was fake, then that meant he had been lurking in the palace for years without anyone noticing.
"The prince is an impostor?!" The eight Contras were stunned, petrified. If this Xue Qinghe was fake, then where was the real one?
They quickly understood—Xue Qinghe had likely been dead for a long time.
Even as he bled from his wounds, Emperor Xue Ye's imposing aura remained. His sharp gaze locked onto the false prince, and he demanded, "You are not my Qinghe. Who are you?"
"Since things have come to this, I may as well grant a dying man's last wish. No, I am not Xue Qinghe."
Qian Renxue smiled faintly, her voice calm.
Then, she released her six-winged Seraphim martial soul. Holy light radiated, shimmering and resplendent, as she dispelled her disguise—revealing her true form.
Chapter 249: The Death of Emperor Xue Ye
On the vast grassland, two opposing forces stood at a standoff. The eight Contra-level soul masters felt an unbearable weight on their hearts. They had already anticipated the outcome—this place would likely become their final resting ground.
Xue Qinghe slowly floated into the air, the disguise unraveling bit by bit, revealing the true form beneath.
In a dazzling radiance, three pairs of wings unfolded, emanating divine brilliance that shot out piercing golden light, incomparably dazzling.
A stunning woman appeared in midair, exuding a shimmering glow as she gently descended toward the ground.
She was breathtakingly beautiful, a beauty capable of toppling nations. Her golden hair flowed with the wind, each strand glistening like jade, smooth as silk, carrying an aura of nobility.
Her sharp eyes, long eyelashes, high-bridged nose, and fair complexion—almost sickly pale yet not devoid of color—gave her a striking presence.
The eight Contra-level soul masters were momentarily dazed, gazing up in astonishment. The person who had disguised herself as Xue Qinghe for all these years turned out to be such an unbelievably beautiful woman.
Qian Renxue possessed a face of unparalleled beauty, a tall and slender figure, a narrow waist, and long legs wrapped in a short skirt. She wore high heels, exposing her delicate, pink toes—enough to drive anyone with even a slight foot fetish mad.
She was clad in golden armor, her figure flawless, without a trace of excess fat. Her chest was partially exposed, revealing a vast expanse of snowy skin, teasingly hinting at more, mysterious yet alluring.
Standing behind her, Chen Xuan caught a glimpse of her exposed back—pure white as snow. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly. She was truly a woman with no reservations, her attire bold and provocative.
Her entire presence radiated a divine glow, making her appear both ethereal and mysterious. In terms of appearance and temperament, she was in no way inferior to Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing—perhaps, she even surpassed them.
Any young, vigorous man who laid eyes on such an extraordinary beauty would undoubtedly be captivated, their imaginations running wild. She was simply too stunning.
Upon seeing her, Emperor Xue Ye's face turned deathly pale. He felt his strength drain away and collapsed onto the ground.
A woman had been hiding by his side for over twenty years. Not only had he failed to notice, but he had also treated her as his own son, raising her with care. He… had truly brought ruin upon himself, inviting a wolf into his home!
Back then, the second prince had died mysteriously, and Xue Beng had gone mad. Only now did he realize—it had all been this woman's doing.
"Kill her! Kill her now!" Emperor Xue Ye roared in anguish. His heart was filled with seething rage. He had unwittingly harbored a viper, leading to the deaths of both the crown prince and the second prince.
This was an unbearable humiliation, worse than death itself. He had to kill this woman and cleanse his shame in blood!
"If you die here, I will ensure that your families are well taken care of," Emperor Xue Ye shouted to his remaining subordinates.
However, in Gu Rong's eyes, Emperor Xue Ye had gone mad, no different from a senile old fool. Even now, he failed to grasp the reality of the situation.
The eight Contra-level soul masters were indeed loyal to Emperor Xue Ye. Even knowing they were outmatched, they did not retreat, charging forward with determination.
But Qian Renxue was well prepared for this moment.
From the shadows behind her, several figures suddenly emerged, their soul power surging to the sky, rolling black mist billowing around them. A crushing pressure descended upon the battlefield—they were all incredibly powerful. With a mere gesture, they suppressed the group of Contras.
Chen Xuan's sharp eyes spotted a familiar figure among them. He had seen this Titled Douluo in Qian Renxue's quarters before. Judging from his soul power, he was definitely beyond Rank 95—likely capable of overpowering Gu Rong.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The eight Contras, once considered formidable figures, were instantly subdued by the black-clad figures. They were forced to the ground, utterly powerless—completely outmatched.
They were then force-fed pills, given unknown black liquids, and forced to swallow unidentified parasites. One by one, their faces turned an eerie shade of blue, their expressions twisted in agony. Thick veins bulged on their necks, contorting in a grotesque manner.
Chen Xuan noticed something writhing beneath one man's skin—like a worm crawling under his flesh. A chill ran down his spine. It was terrifying.
At that moment, he realized that Qian Renxue was truly ruthless. Her methods were anything but gentle. As the daughter of Bibi Dong, she was no different from her mother at heart.
If it were him, he wouldn't be able to match their level of cruelty.
The black-clad figures acted with brazen arrogance, showing no restraint. Right in front of Gu Rong, they stuffed the eight subdued Contras into sacks and carried them off, disappearing from the scene without the slightest hesitation.
On the battlefield, a once-powerful force had been decimated in an instant. Besides the two Contras Chen Xuan had killed earlier, only Gu Rong and Emperor Xue Ye remained.
The turn of events was so abrupt that Emperor Xue Ye, the old fox, had no time to react. His once-mighty subordinates, known for their fearless prowess, had been wiped out without even putting up a fight.
"Chen Xuan, how do you want to deal with Xue Ye?" Qian Renxue asked, her beautiful eyes glinting as she glanced at him.
She made no effort to hide her intentions—she suggested beheading Xue Ye and displaying his severed head atop Tian Dou City's walls, where it would be exposed to the elements, an enduring warning to the people of Tian Dou.
She spoke of such cruelty with eerie calm, as if it were nothing more than a routine matter.
Upon hearing her words, Emperor Xue Ye turned ghostly pale. He fell onto his backside once more, consumed by fear.
He had once been a mighty emperor, yet in the end, he couldn't even control his own fate. To be killed and humiliated after death—such an end was unbearable.
Panicked, Xue Ye scrambled to Gu Rong, clutching the Titled Douluo's leg in desperation.
"Lord Gu, I am willing to offer the entire imperial palace to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect! Please, protect me!"
Gu Rong remained silent, his face grim.
Chen Xuan watched coldly. Emperor Xue Ye, once so majestic, was now utterly pathetic, rolling in the dirt like a frightened animal.
Qian Renxue gazed down at him, her beautiful face as cold as ice. Having spent over twenty years within the palace, she had witnessed countless instances of bloodshed—ministers executed without reason, officials assassinated over trivial power struggles. All of it had been orchestrated by this very man.
"Senior Gu, what is your decision?" Chen Xuan asked, gripping his crystalline dragon spear without expression.
He didn't hold any particular grudge against Gu Rong. If the old man chose to leave, Chen Xuan wouldn't pursue him. But if he insisted on fighting for Xue Ye, then he would have to face death.
This spear had yet to taste blood.
Gu Rong, having lived long enough, knew when the odds were against him. He couldn't defeat Chen Xuan alone, let alone with Qian Renxue in the mix.
"What about Fengzhi? What have you done to him?" he asked, prioritizing Ning Fengzhi's safety over Xue Ye's.
Qian Renxue remained emotionless. "Sect Master Ning taught me for many years. No matter what, he was my mentor. Naturally, I wouldn't harm him."
And it was true. While she was ruthless, she wasn't as merciless as Bibi Dong.
"Then I bid farewell," Gu Rong said. He kicked the groveling Xue Ye aside, making him cough up blood, then pulled his leg free.
Without another glance at Xue Ye, he strode away, returning to Tian Dou Empire.
"Chen Xuan, I owe you my life. One day, I will repay this debt," he said before leaving, his words filled with resolve.
With Gu Rong gone, Chen Xuan turned his gaze toward Xue Ye, who lay trembling on the ground.
Then, the blade fell.
Blood splattered. Xue Ye's severed head rolled across the grass, eyes wide open in unwillingness.
His life had come to an end.
Chapter 250: Tang San's Challenge
On this day, Emperor Xue Ye passed away. As the news spread, the entire Heaven Dou Empire was shaken to its core, causing an uproar akin to a tidal wave in people's hearts, leaving them unable to remain calm.
The news spread rapidly, even reaching the royal family of the Star Luo Empire.
Emperor Xue Ye had died without any warning, assassinated quietly and without a trace.
The residents of Heaven Dou City were in a state of panic, and all the various factions were even more terrified. A day without an emperor was a day of unrest.
All the ministers of the royal court gathered and deliberated for days and nights before deciding to support Prince Xue Beng's ascension to the throne, placing him as the ruler of the Heaven Dou Empire.
A date was chosen for a grand succession ceremony to be held, announcing it to the entirety of Heaven Dou City.
By the time this news reached Chen Xuan's ears, several days had already passed.
After assassinating Emperor Xue Ye, he and Qian Renxue had not returned to Heaven Dou City. Instead, they left the Heaven Dou Empire and settled in a small town.
This town was located on the empire's outskirts and was not under the control of any faction, making it an ideal base for military operations, as chosen by Qian Renxue.
The town was home to simple and honest commoners, along with passing merchant caravans. As for the presence of soul masters, nearly all of them were under Qian Renxue's command, making the town remarkably safe and suitable for long-term residence.
His daughter, Yiyi, and Jiangzhu all lived here as well. No one could threaten them. They could finally go out, shop, and enjoy life, no longer confined to the palace year-round.
"That woman has gathered her army and is preparing to act." When Qian Renxue received the news days later, it was already evident that the Wuhun Empire's army was on the move.
Although the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire had decided to form an alliance, the details still needed to be discussed. Moreover, with Emperor Xue Ye's death, the division of military forces required further negotiation.
Xilu City, a small town at the border between Star Luo and Heaven Dou, was chosen as the meeting place for the two emperors.
Qian Renxue could already predict Bibi Dong's strategy—dispatching her army to attack Xilu City and assassinate the emperors of both Heaven Dou and Star Luo.
"Xilu City, huh?" Chen Xuan recalled that in the original timeline, Tang San and the Seven Devils had returned from Sea God Island, arriving precisely at this city.
If that was the case, then he should make a trip there as well.
At the same time, he thought of another matter—had Zhuqing and Xiao Wu also returned? Were they somewhere on the continent?
Clenching his fist, Chen Xuan muttered, "Tang San, I refuse to believe that someone will always protect you. I refuse to believe that you're truly that hard to kill. You'd better stay on Sea God Island forever and never come out."
Qian Renxue stared at him for a long while before showing a strange expression and asking, "You really don't know anything?"
"Know what?" Chen Xuan looked confused. Had he missed something important?
Qian Renxue lifted her delicate hand and gently massaged her temple, speaking helplessly, "Tang San returned a few days ago. He made a public declaration on behalf of the Heaven Dou royal family, challenging you to a duel—an unrelenting battle to the death. He vowed to take your life to avenge Emperor Xue Ye's wrongful death. You seriously didn't hear about this?"
This was no secret; the news had already spread throughout Heaven Dou City and across the entire empire.
After all, a Title Douluo had issued the challenge, and he was also the teacher of the reigning emperor. His words carried immense weight and were bound to spread quickly.
"What?" Chen Xuan was stunned. He had no idea this had happened until now!
Qian Renxue's flawless face showed a trace of helplessness. Judging by his reaction, it was clear that he genuinely didn't know.
She had originally assumed that Chen Xuan was deliberately avoiding the challenge from Tang San, which was why she never mentioned it. It turned out he was completely unaware.
That day, when Chen Xuan attacked the Heaven Dou Palace, the towering giant he summoned was so enormous that not only the royal family but many citizens of Heaven Dou City had witnessed it.
Later, when the people and soul masters of Heaven Dou Empire learned that Emperor Xue Ye had been slain by Chen Xuan, public outrage erupted. They labeled him a demon, accusing him of murdering the emperor over a minor dispute, acting with lawless arrogance.
Almost everyone in the city was demanding justice, calling upon Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Poison Douluo to hunt down and capture the criminal Chen Xuan, subjecting him to the harshest punishments of Heaven Dou.
However, the three Douluo never responded to these calls. They neither appeared nor expressed any stance, as if they had ignored the public outcry altogether.
Then, when Tang San, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and the others returned from Sea God Island and learned that Shrek Academy had been destroyed and Emperor Xue Ye had been brutally murdered, the five remaining Shrek Devils were consumed with rage. They swore to take revenge and do what others did not dare to do.
Tang San went a step further, publicly declaring that he would claim Chen Xuan's head as an offering to Emperor Xue Ye and the fallen Shrek Academy. Blood for blood—there would be no compromise!
"Looks like someone forgot the pain after their wounds healed. Gaining a bit of a god's inheritance and they think they're invincible now?" Chen Xuan's killing intent surged as he spoke coldly. He didn't want to waste any more words—he was heading straight for Xilu City.
These so-called Shrek Devils, did they really think that obtaining a divine inheritance made them superior to everyone else?
"Qiu'er, Yiyi, stay at home. I have something to take care of." Chen Xuan turned to his daughter and younger sister.
"Huh?" Chen Yiyi looked exasperated. "You're going out again? Last time you said that, you disappeared for over a year! You scared me and Sister Jiangzhu to death!"
"This time will be different," Chen Xuan promised.
"Dad always lies. You said the same thing last time." Chen Qiu'er puffed up her cheeks, turning her head away in disbelief.
Chen Xuan ruffled her hair and chuckled, "Last time was an accident. This time, I promise I'll be back soon. And when I return, let's find your mother together, okay?"
"I don't believe you—unless you pinky swear!" Chen Qiu'er pouted, extending her little finger.
In the end, Chen Xuan linked pinkies with his daughter, sealing the promise. Only then did he leave the town, setting his sights on Xilu City.
At this stage, war had erupted, and Xilu City was the meeting ground of two emperors, making it a place of utmost importance. The Shrek Devils would undoubtedly be there, serving as bodyguards.
Chen Xuan flicked his kunai, golden light flashing as he transformed into a streak of light, tearing through the sky using his spatial abilities to accelerate his journey.
He was going alone. Qian Renxue was gathering her forces and would not take part in this battle.
Before he left, she had informed him that among the forces of the Wuhun Empire, they had summoned a consecrated Douluo from the Worship Hall—Jiangmo Douluo, who possessed soul power exceeding level 95. This was a force left for her by her grandfather, but due to certain circumstances, Bibi Dong had temporarily borrowed it.
Chen Xuan immediately understood—this was an ally, someone who would stand on his side in the future.
The journey was long, but by flying through the sky and avoiding mountains and rivers, the actual distance was greatly reduced, allowing him to arrive in a relatively short time.
By the time he reached Xilu City, night had already fallen. The city had long been infiltrated by Wuhun Empire's forces, with Spirit Hall operatives lurking in the streets and alleyways.
The city had already been compromised, yet the two empires were unaware, walking right into the enemy's lair.
As Chen Xuan descended from the sky, even before entering the city, he saw the flames of war raging in the distance. Heaven Dou, Star Luo, and Spirit Hall forces were already engaged in battle.
Even from several miles away, he could hear the clash of weapons and the roar of artillery. The battle among the three forces was fierce.
Landing near the city, he was shocked to find that the hundred-meter-high city walls were crumbling, covered in dense cracks, as if they were about to collapse at any moment.
Clearly, an intense battle had already taken place here, shattering even the fortified city walls.
Chen Xuan silently slipped into the city, cloaking himself in spatial laws to conceal his presence.
Inside, the scene was even more devastating. The ground was torn apart, flames raged, and buildings lay in ruins. The entire city was in a state of destruction.
Moving swiftly through the ruins, he expanded his perception, covering half of the city—then, he sensed several familiar presences.
"Tang San, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Ning Rongrong... So you're all here."
Chapter 251 The Golden Trident
Xilu City
Within the city, war raged, and the deafening sounds of battle filled the air as three factions clashed in a fierce confrontation.
Explosions rocked the land, flames surged, and countless buildings collapsed, consumed by raging fire. What was once a prosperous city had, in a single day, been reduced to ruins under the baptism of war.
"As expected, war is always brutal," Chen Xuan murmured.
Suppressing his aura, he expanded his perception and stealthily navigated the devastated Xilu City, making his way toward the central area. There, he sensed several powerful presences, all with soul power no less than level ninety.
Along the way, he saw no commoners or civilians, leading him to speculate that the city's residents had been evacuated in advance to prevent assassins from mingling among them.
The truth, however, was that a group from Spirit Hall remained hidden within the city, undetected and ready to coordinate from within, ensuring the complete rout of the alliance forces.
Chen Xuan held no attachment to the Heaven Dou Empire. Whether they lived or died was of no concern to him. If they survived, he would finish them off himself—there was nothing more to say.
Activating his Thunder Escape technique, he enhanced his speed, tearing through the air without causing too much commotion.
At this moment, he reached the inner ring of the city. The sounds of battle grew louder—he was now less than two miles from the battlefield.
"This powerful aura… Are they in danger?" Chen Xuan halted, turning his head toward the direction of the battlefield.
There, he sensed two familiar figures—Davis and Zhu Zhuyun. A tremendous fluctuation emanated from their location, their soul power nearing the level of a Title Douluo.
Without hesitation, Chen Xuan turned and dashed toward them. These two had shown him kindness, and he had no choice but to see if they were in trouble.
Meanwhile, in the center of Xilu City—
The armies of Heaven Dou and Star Luo had been utterly crushed. Countless soldiers lay dead, their bodies sprawled across the battlefield. Several Soul Douluo had already perished, slain by a single strike from a coiling dragon staff.
Xue Beng, the current emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, was covered in blood. A thin wound ran across his neck, trickling blood.
Moments ago, he had barely escaped decapitation. If not for the timely intervention of his loyal guards, his head would have been severed, his body left as a soulless corpse.
"A two-empire alliance? From what I see, it's nothing special," Xie Yue sneered, his body drenched in blood and his face twisted into a cruel grin.
Holding his moon blades in both hands, he slashed down once more, severing the head of a Heaven Dou general. His silver armor, now stained crimson, bore witness to the number of lives he had taken.
"Heaven Dou Empire really is pathetic!" Descending Demon Douluo sneered, carrying his coiling dragon staff as he advanced step by step.
This man, a middle-aged warrior with sharp features, wore golden armor and radiated an overwhelming killing intent.
Xue Beng's face was ashen. He looked at the corpses of his fallen subjects, once his loyal retainers, now forever lying in pools of blood. Never again would they fight by his side.
Agony filled his heart, his spirit sinking into despair. His eyes were devoid of light.
He regretted everything. If only he had foreseen Spirit Hall's ambush, countless lives could have been spared. He clenched his fists and let out an unwilling roar. It was all his fault. If only he had requested the company of Title Douluo, they wouldn't have been so thoroughly suppressed by Spirit Hall.
A few days prior, Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others had left Heaven Dou Empire for urgent matters. Had they been present, how could Spirit Hall have dared to act so brazenly?
"Teacher, where are you?" He let out a long, anguished howl, wishing with all his heart that Tang San would appear.
At that moment, divine light descended, dazzling and radiant, as if responding to his call. From the pillar of light emerged several figures—none other than the Shrek Five Devils.
Tang San, Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Ning Rongrong, and Bai Chenxiang descended from the sky, their auras surging, storming onto the battlefield.
"Spirit Hall, we're back!" Tang San's eyes were cold as he swept his gaze over Descending Demon Douluo, Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and the other villains of Spirit Hall.
Clad in blue armor, he wielded a golden trident, making his triumphant return.
"Tang Yin!" Hu Liena's beautiful eyes trembled. The moment this man appeared, she momentarily forgot the war, her heart swelling with emotions. Her gaze was filled only with his figure.
Descending Demon Douluo spat to the side and sneered, "I was wondering who it was—turns out it's just a remnant of the Clear Sky Sect. What, are you in a hurry to die?"
Confidently, he twirled his coiling dragon staff and pointed it at Tang San.
"Dai Boss, leave this one to me," Tang San said coldly, locking eyes with Descending Demon Douluo.
After years of training on Sea God Island, he was no longer the same Tang San. He had taken that crucial step, reaching the realm of transcendence—he was now a Title Douluo at level ninety. The only thing he lacked was his spirit rings.
Dai Mubai wasted no words, letting out a battle cry. "Brothers, release your martial spirits!"
Following his lead, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, and Bai Chenxiang all summoned their martial spirits. One after another, soul rings appeared, their dazzling glow illuminating the battlefield—purple, purple, purple, purple, black, black, black, black—eight soul rings in total. The overwhelming presence of Soul Douluo erupted.
"Soul Douluo! How is this possible?!" Xie Yue and Hu Liena were stunned, their eyes wide in disbelief.
Among the six, except for Bai Chenxiang, all had reached the Soul Douluo realm. But at their age, how could they have advanced so quickly? It was completely unreasonable.
Hu Liena and Xie Yue felt their strength drain away. They had poured their souls into cultivation, yet in their twenties, they had only just reached the Soul Sage level. The road to Soul Douluo was still long ahead.
Despair took hold of them, their hearts filled with bitterness. So this was what true geniuses looked like. Their so-called "Golden Generation" title was nothing but a joke.
"Brothers, charge! Show them what we're made of!" Dai Mubai roared, his soul power surging as he manifested a white tiger, leaping toward a Soul Douluo opponent.
Ma Hongjun, no longer the chubby boy he once was, had shed his excess weight. He unleashed his Evil Fire Phoenix, flames roaring into the sky, evaporating the moisture in the air. The sheer heat was terrifying.
Ning Rongrong and Oscar also activated their soul skills, releasing a flood of soul power and filling the battlefield with radiant soul light, supporting the alliance forces.
In an instant, the five warriors erupted, each selecting an opponent, launching into fierce combat.
Descending Demon Douluo remained calm, gripping his coiling dragon staff. The changes on the battlefield did not concern him in the slightest.
"Insects. No matter how much they struggle, they can never surpass gods," he sneered, exuding supreme arrogance. A Super Douluo's might was beyond the comprehension of mere Soul Douluo.
Tang San, however, gazed at him with the same disdain. In his eyes, there was only contempt—the way a god looks at mortals.
Even though his opponent was a level ninety-six Super Douluo, so what? To him, they no longer belonged to the same world.
Tang San had only one goal—to kill Chen Xuan and avenge his teacher and all of Shrek Academy.
"You have no idea what kind of existence you're facing," Tang San said arrogantly, looking down on Descending Demon as though he were nothing more than an ordinary man.
He had returned to Sea God Island precisely to retrieve Poseidon's Trident under the Sea God's guidance.
Now, only the final divine trial remained. Once he completed the Nine Sea God Trials, he would inherit the Sea God's divine throne, gaining supreme power and becoming the first true god in a thousand years.
Tang San's expression was icy. Pointing the Sea God Trident at Descending Demon Douluo, he declared, "Dogs of Spirit Hall, you have slaughtered innocent civilians and massacred my Heaven Dou army. Your crimes are unforgivable. And you—your death is inevitable!"
"Will you take your own life, or shall I cut off your head myself?"
Chapter 252: Sworn Not to Be Human
"Treachery of the Spirit Hall, you've already chosen the path to your own demise. End yourself." Tang San gazed coldly at Jiang Mo.
To speak so arrogantly—to command a Titled Douluo to take his own life—what kind of outrageous audacity was this?
Jiang Mo's expression darkened. He considered himself prideful enough, yet this remnant of the Clear Sky Sect, appearing out of nowhere, was even more conceited than he was. To tell him to die? This was sheer lawlessness, a blatant challenge to the authority of the Spirit Hall.
He sneered. "The Clear Sky Sect deserved to be exterminated. Back then, we were simply too merciful."
"Speaking of which, there were two disciples from the Clear Sky Sect just like you—arrogant, barking at me like mad dogs. Guess what happened to them?"
As he spoke, he waved his Coiling Dragon Staff, flicking off the blood on it. "That's right. I smashed their heads in with a single strike. Their brains splattered everywhere, some even got on me. Disgusting, really."
"You court death!" Tang San's fury erupted. His eyes turned blood-red, and the Killing God Domain unfolded in an instant.
Originally, he had remained indifferent, but now, he could no longer sit still. His composure had shattered, his heart filled with uncontainable rage. He wanted nothing more than to slay this lapdog of the Spirit Hall.
Jiang Mo Douluo let out a cold snort. A black soul ring flashed as his soul skill activated. The Coiling Dragon Staff in his hands glowed, and the roar of a dragon resounded.
Boom!
The battle exploded into chaos. Soul power surged into the skies, tearing through the air, sending shockwaves rippling outward.
Both unleashed their killing moves, clashing violently.
Even though Tang San was normally composed and arrogant, not easily angered, this time, his expression turned frigid. His gaze was chilling, not because of Jiang Mo's provocation, but because of the way he had insulted his father. It was an unforgivable humiliation.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Their weapons collided, sparks flying. Amid the fierce exchanges, Jiang Mo, initially confident, found his face growing increasingly grim. His right hand grew numb, his bones trembled violently, nearly fracturing under the impact.
Shock filled his eyes. Impossible! His opponent was merely a Spirit Douluo! Yet every time Tang San swung that golden trident, it felt as heavy as a mountain, shattering his defenses and splitting the skin of his palm.
How could he have known? The Golden Trident weighed 108,000 jin—a true divine weapon. No ordinary Spirit Master could possibly withstand it.
Pfft!
In the end, Jiang Mo Douluo coughed up blood. His palm split open, his entire right arm flayed and mangled. The Coiling Dragon Staff was knocked out of his hands, sent flying.
The Golden Trident slashed across his chest, carving a half-meter-long wound, so deep that bone was visible. He had barely avoided being cut in half.
Boom!
Jiang Mo Douluo was sent flying like a severed kite, crashing into the ground with a thunderous impact. A house collapsed under his weight, debris and dust rising into the air.
"A Super Douluo is nothing special," Tang San said solemnly. Holding the Golden Trident, he gazed down at Jiang Mo.
He could feel the immense power flowing through him, surging through every vein, granting him a touch of divine strength.
The sensation was so intoxicating that he nearly moaned in pleasure.
A Spirit Douluo utterly overwhelming a Level 96 Super Douluo—what an extraordinary feat.
Outside the battlefield, whether it was the Spirit Empire's forces or the armies of the two great empires, all who witnessed the scene were left utterly dumbfounded, faces filled with shock.
That was a Super Douluo! One of the true peak-level powerhouses of the continent! And yet, he had been defeated by Tang San, unable to rise again.
"Well done, Xiao San!" Dai Mubai, having just defeated an opponent, looked up to witness Tang San's dominance.
Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, and Bai Chenxiang all beamed, their faces full of victorious joy. This was their Third Brother—majestic, unparalleled in might!
"As expected of my teacher!" Xue Beng clenched his fists, his face alight with excitement. This was the monstrous genius of the former Shrek Academy, now his master. The empire was saved!
Many were left dazed, their minds blank. A Spirit Douluo could so easily defeat a Super Douluo—if Tang San reached the level of a Title Douluo, how terrifying would he become?
"The Spirit Hall… our grudge should be settled." Tang San, wielding the Golden Trident, walked through the air, his gaze icy as he looked down at everyone below.
He felt the divine power coursing through his body, filling him with an unmatched strength. He was invincible—he could dominate the continent.
This was the power of a god, boundless and absolute, standing above all Spirit Masters. They weren't even in the same realm.
"Relying on borrowed power to act mighty… you really are as disgusting as ever."
Just then, amidst the cheers and admiration for Tang San, an untimely voice rang out.
"Who?!" Emperor Xue Beng's face darkened. Someone dared to insult his teacher? That was a death sentence!
Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun's expressions shifted. This voice… it was too familiar. They had a vague idea of who it belonged to.
Especially for Dai Mubai—his heart clenched with a trace of fear. This voice belonged to the person who had once shattered half of his body with a single palm strike, nearly leaving him permanently crippled, his life in ruins.
If not for Tang San retrieving a miraculous immortal herb to heal him, he would never have recovered.
Dai Mubai's eyes burned with fury. He glared toward the source of the voice, atop a dilapidated rooftop. There sat a man—someone he despised more than anyone.
"Chen Xuan!" Tang San's voice was hoarse, his eyes immediately turning blood-red. The Killing God Domain surged forth.
Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, and Bai Chenxiang all looked up toward the rooftop.
The armies of the Heaven Dou Empire and the Spirit Empire both fell silent, their gazes fixed on Chen Xuan.
The Spirit Hall's warriors felt a slight stir. Who was this man? He dared to refute the supposedly invincible Tang San and speak on their behalf?
"Chen Xuan, you monster! You're worse than the Spirit Hall! You don't deserve to live!" Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar shouted angrily, venting all their rage.
Seeing their old classmate again, they felt no joy—only overwhelming fury. They wanted to kill Chen Xuan on the spot.
Chen Xuan stood, facing his former classmates. "Oh? So when I destroy your interests, it's a heinous crime, but when you invade someone else's territory and commit atrocities, you're acting in the name of justice? What a joke."
He chuckled mockingly. He knew exactly what kind of people they were—hypocrites who slapped labels on others as they pleased.
Oscar pointed at Chen Xuan, yelling, "Chen Xuan, you ungrateful traitor! I once treated you as a classmate, and now I regret ever knowing you!"
"I was originally from Blue Tyrant Academy. What does that have to do with you? You're the ones who merged with another academy, forcing me to stay with scum like you. That was the real disgrace, so I left. And I'm doing just fine." Chen Xuan replied nonchalantly, throwing the same labels back at them.
Dai Mubai roared, "Chen Xuan, you vile, sharp-tongued rat! You destroyed Shrek Academy, heavily injured Dean Flender and Liu Erlong, and even wounded Senior Qin Ming and Teacher Zhao Wuji! Do you dare deny it?!"
"Stop shouting at me. Get your facts straight before you start barking."
Chen Xuan scoffed. "First of all, those two ambushed me, forcing me into five years of slumber. Now, all I did was destroy a mere academy and injure a few people. If I weren't merciful, would Flender and the others even be alive?"
The spectators outside the battlefield were stunned. Was there really such a backstory? Was this true?
Why had Flender and Liu Erlong never spoken of it before?
"Enough!"
Tang San's furious roar silenced the crowd. His blood-red eyes seethed with killing intent. His voice rasped with hatred. "Chen Xuan, no matter how you twist your words, it won't change the truth. You killed Emperor Xue Ye, wounded my teachers—these are facts. Today, I, Tang San, swear: If I don't kill you, I am no longer human!"