Chapter 163: The Final Showdown
Over the next period, Yang Potian focused intensely on cultivating his spirit power through meditation while also studying the techniques from the "Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record." This text proved invaluable, especially the Mysterious Heaven Technique, a top-tier Taoist practice that fostered an endless, regenerative flow of power. Converted into spirit power, it made his energy significantly more robust than that of spirit masters at the same level.
The Purple Demon Eyes technique was both intricate and highly practical. Divided into four stages—"Perception," "Detail," "Microscopic," and "Vast"—it granted extraordinary observational powers capable of inflicting mental damage on opponents, allowing the user to see great distances and minute details. In the Douluo Dalu universe, it's the only technique for cultivating spiritual power. However, it must be practiced at dawn, absorbing the early morning purple energy, and it temporarily turns the practitioner's eyes purple, making it easy to detect.
In the original story, Tang San reached the Perception stage even before becoming a spirit master, the Detail stage after, and finally, the Microscopic stage after absorbing the Dew of Insight. Eventually, he attained the Vast stage during the Sea God Nine Trials. The Microscopic stage alone allowed Tang San to see through Xiao Wu's true form, essentially equating this stage to a Titled Douluo level of spiritual power—immensely practical.
The remaining techniques were relatively less effective. Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon was a grappling method that might be useful to lower-level spirit masters but had limited effectiveness in the later stages. Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, a footwork technique similar to "Ling Bo's Micro Steps" from martial arts, offered moderate utility in the early stages but became less significant for high-level spirit masters. Hidden Weapons 100 Solutions provided guidance on creating hidden weapons, valuable for anyone below the Spirit King level; above that, advanced spirit masters could simply react too quickly for hidden weapons to be effective.
After carefully reviewing all six techniques, Yang Potian devised a way to prevent potential risks. He divided the Mysterious Heaven Technique into nine levels, making modifications to each one and trimming certain key parts. For Hidden Weapons 100 Solutions, he categorized the techniques by difficulty, splitting them into various levels. The remaining four techniques were similarly altered to increase their training difficulty and slightly reduce their effectiveness.
A month passed, and Yang Potian's preparations were nearly complete, just in time for the impending showdown. He had already broken through to level 68, just two levels shy of Spirit Saint.
The duel between his grandfather, Yang Wudi, and his uncle, Niu Gao, against two Titled Douluo from the Spirit Hall was set to take place at Rainfall Mountain, about 100 kilometers from the clan's territory. Rainfall Mountain, desolate and remote, minimized the risk of interference. Though many knew about the duel, neither side publicized it widely, so only high-level representatives of major powers were aware. Common folk wouldn't have dared to witness a Titled Douluo battle anyway, as even the shockwaves could pose serious danger to ordinary people.
For over a month, both Yang Wudi and Niu Gao remained in seclusion, conserving their strength in preparation for this confrontation. Both stood at level 92, while the Spirit Hall's Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were level 95, presenting a significant spirit power gap.
At dawn, the family set out by carriage for Rainfall Mountain. Yang Potian's father, Yang Zhentian, managed the trip's logistics, with nearly half the clan's elders and many clansmen attending. Most of them were survivors from years ago, bearing witness to this duel meant to avenge their fallen kin.
Yang Potian and others assisted their father, demonstrating their acceptance within the clan. Meanwhile, Yang Wudi and Niu Gao rested with closed eyes in the carriage, preserving their strength and remaining unconcerned with external matters.
Two hours later, they arrived at Rainfall Mountain. Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo of the Spirit Hall awaited them, joined by several other Spirit Hall members, including Salas, the Platinum Bishop of Heaven Dou City. Spirit Hall had even dispatched two additional Titled Douluo, Qianjun Douluo and Jiangmo Douluo.
For the first time, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, Xue Qinghe, and Dugu Bo were all present as witnesses. This close proximity to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's territory made it easy for them to attend.
Hidden observers from various family clans gathered in secret to witness the rare Titled Douluo battle. Even Tang Hao had brought Tang San and his companions, positioning themselves discreetly to observe.
Tang Hao spoke to Tang San. "Xiao San, I planned to take you for private training, but I wanted you to witness this duel firsthand. Watching a Titled Douluo-level battle will help you understand the gap between yourself and true powerhouses."
A cold, eerie voice suddenly called out, "Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, everyone is here. Let's begin."
Yang Wudi and Niu Gao opened their eyes and leaped from the carriage to the mountain.
Yang Wudi spoke sternly, "Yue Guan, Gui Mei, today we're here for vengeance. Years ago, your Spirit Hall slaughtered so many of our families. Today, we will erase that disgrace."
Ghost Douluo replied icily, "Enough talking—let's begin."
Yang Wudi gripped his Breaking Spear and charged toward Chrysanthemum Douluo with a fierce strike, as if to impale him. Chrysanthemum Douluo transformed into a massive Chrysanthemum Titan, its petals forming a barrier. But under Yang Wudi's assault, the petals shattered instantly. Startled, Chrysanthemum Douluo dodged and activated his fifth spirit skill: Frozen Blossom Formation, transforming petals into razor-sharp blades that filled the sky.
Niu Gao stepped in front of Yang Wudi, activating his fourth spirit skill, Iron Wall, summoning a colossal armored rhinoceros that shielded them from the deadly petals.
Meanwhile, Ghost Douluo moved like a wraith, attacking with Phantom Clone to split into multiple shadows, aiming for Yang Wudi. Yang Wudi countered with his Breaking Spear, slower than Ghost Douluo but with far greater strength.
The two veterans exchanged blows for over ten minutes, with neither side gaining a decisive advantage. Chrysanthemum Douluo, facing Yang Wudi's raw power, showed signs of struggle.
Yang Wudi taunted, "If this is all you have, then you two can stay here permanently."
Exchanging a determined glance, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo activated their seventh spirit skills, Spirit Avatar, transforming into their true forms. Chrysanthemum Douluo summoned an enormous, unbreakable Chrysanthemum Titan, while Ghost Douluo shifted into a ghostly, intangible state, significantly boosting his speed and reducing spirit power consumption.
Seeing this, Yang Wudi and Niu Gao activated their own seventh spirit skills. Niu Gao transformed into a massive Armored Rhino, his body protected by thick plates, while Yang Wudi morphed into a towering figure wielding a blood-red Breaking Spear, exuding a powerful killing intent.
The four titanic figures clashed in the sky, unleashing waves of power that devastated the mountainside. Though Yang Wudi and Niu Gao held a slight advantage due to their coordinated offense and defense, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo's years of partnership allowed them to respond quickly, keeping the battle evenly matched.
Watching from a distance, Ning Fengzhi noted the brutal intensity of the battle. "Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, what do you think?"
Sword Douluo, eyes fixed on Yang Wudi, replied, "The Breaking Spear is truly exceptional—a premier weapon spirit of unrivaled power."
Nearby, Bone Douluo observed Niu Gao. "The Armored Rhino is indeed one of the strongest defensive spirits, rivaling even my defenses."
Despite their advantage in tactics, Yang Wudi and Niu Gao's 92 levels were overshadowed by their opponents' 95-level experience and battle knowledge. Realizing this, the two exchanged a look, their eyes filled with resolve.
With Niu Gao blocking the Titled Douluo, Yang Wudi stood behind him as his spirit rings began to dissolve. Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, recognizing his intent, immediately launched their ninth spirit skills.
Chrysanthemum Douluo cast Wilted Blossoms, Broken Hearts, scattering razor-sharp petals in a massive whirlwind aimed at ensnaring his opponents. Ghost Douluo followed with Endless Phantom Devour, unleashing a torrent of explosive shadows from a void.
In response, Niu Gao activated his ninth spirit skill, Absolute Armor, surrounding himself with dense layers of armor to endure the onslaught.
Meanwhile, Yang Wudi's spirit rings melted, merging their power into his ninth ring, which flared as he activated his final skill, Kill. The Breaking Spear glowed a blood-red hue, radiating an aura that seemed to embody death itself.
With a decisive strike, Yang Wudi's blood-red spear shattered Chrysanthemum Douluo's whirlwind and Ghost Douluo's shadow vortex, piercing straight through their avatars with unstoppable force.
Yang Potian could hardly believe it—his grandfather's final strike bore a hint of the Killing God Domain.
(End of Chapter)