Outside Heaven Dou City, Tang Hao, Tang San, and Yu Xiaogang managed to pull off an escape that could only be described as bizarre. Thanks to Tang San's quick thinking and Yu Xiaogang's unexpected "jet propulsion" ability, the trio maintained a lead over Spirit Hall's pursuit Titled Douluo.
Though Yu Xiaogang had enough radishes to fuel his unique escape method, ensuring their arrival at the Clear Sky Clan, the question still lingered: would the Clear Sky Clan offer them refuge? That remained to be seen.
Meanwhile, back at the Strength Clan's stronghold, the situation was grim. Taitan, Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi were still locked in battle with the four Titled Douluo of Spirit Hall: Demon Bear Douluo, Snake Lance Douluo, Blazing Eagle Douluo, and Porcupinefish Douluo. The fight was reaching a dangerous climax, and the clan leaders were struggling to hold their ground.
Truth be told, aside from Bai He, who had been convinced by Tang San's words, the others had no desire to help Tang Hao and his son escape. However, they had no choice. If they didn't hold back the Spirit Hall Douluo, the battlefield would shift back to the Strength Clan's stronghold, and their sacrifices would be in vain.
Now that Tang Hao and his companions had managed to flee, the clan leaders began to lose their momentum. Without the same determination they had moments ago, they quickly found themselves overwhelmed.
"You traitorous scum dare to harbor fugitives wanted by Spirit Hall? You'll regret this!" Blazing Eagle Douluo roared with fury as he saw Bai He's defense weakening. In a fit of rage, he unleashed a barrage of soul abilities, relentlessly targeting Bai He.
A fiery orb hurtled toward Bai He, striking him squarely and sending him plummeting from the sky, severely injured and unable to continue the fight.
Across the battlefield, Taitan and Niu Gao were also struggling. Though Taitan was renowned for his raw power, Demon Bear Douluo's spirit—the Earth Demon Bear—was both powerful and nearly impenetrable. Demon Bear Douluo had the upper hand, his strength and defense overwhelming Taitan.
After a brutal exchange, Taitan was finally struck down.
Niu Gao faced a similar fate. His opponent, Snake Lance Douluo, wielded an incredibly versatile spirit. Though an artifact spirit, the Snake Lance could transform into a massive serpent, mimicking a beast spirit's true form. Despite Niu Gao's formidable defense, the serpent managed to find his weak points, coiling around him and slowly crushing him.
With Bai He down and both Taitan and Niu Gao on the verge of defeat, only Yang Wudi remained capable of holding his ground. But even he was beginning to falter.
From a distance, Lin Yu had been observing the entire battle. A slight smile curled at his lips as he shook his head. It was time for him to intervene.
"Stop!" Lin Yu's voice rang out, echoing across the battlefield as he ascended into the sky.
The Spirit Hall Titled Douluo—Demon Bear, Blazing Eagle, and Snake Lance—turned their attention to the newcomer, frowning in irritation. Demon Bear Douluo, the largest of the three, stepped forward, his voice a deep growl.
"Who are you? Spirit Hall is dealing with criminals. This is none of your concern!"
Lin Yu's response was calm, even playful. "I know exactly what you're doing. But these four clans are under my protection now. I'd appreciate it if Spirit Hall could give me some face. Oh, and my name is Lin Yu."
The instant the name left his lips, the expressions of the Spirit Hall Titled Douluo changed drastically. Demon Bear Douluo, Blazing Eagle Douluo, and Snake Lance Douluo exchanged alarmed glances, their once-confident demeanor fading.
Lin Yu wasn't just any name. They had heard of him before. During an earlier mission, when Bibi Dong had personally led Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo to Heaven Dou City, they encountered Lin Yu. Despite their combined efforts—and Bibi Dong herself joining the fray—they had failed to defeat him. The encounter had left an impression on the entire Spirit Hall hierarchy.
Upon their return to Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong had made it clear: do not provoke Lin Yu unless necessary.
Faced with such an opponent, even the combined might of the three Titled Douluo seemed inadequate. Reluctantly, they realized they had no choice but to retreat.
Demon Bear Douluo stepped forward, bowing slightly. "We didn't realize it was you, Young Master Lin. Our Pope, Her Holiness Bibi Dong, has told us about you. Since you've decided to protect these four clans, we'll respect that. But I hope there won't be any more incidents like today."
Though his words were polite, there was a subtle undertone of warning, an attempt to preserve Spirit Hall's dignity.
Lin Yu smiled and nodded. "You have my word. These clans will have nothing to do with Tang Hao or his son in the future."
He knew that the clan leaders had been dragged into this mess against their will. Their involvement was a result of circumstances, and after today's events, whatever debts or ties they had to Tang Hao would be repaid in full.
With Lin Yu's assurance, the Spirit Hall Titled Douluo had no further reason to remain. They quickly gathered up Ghost Leopard Douluo, who had been gravely injured, and retreated into the sky, heading not in the direction of Tang Hao's escape, but toward the Spirit Hall's sanctuary in Heaven Dou City. Their immediate priority was to tend to Ghost Leopard Douluo's wounds before considering any further pursuit of Tang Hao.
As Lin Yu watched them leave, he finally turned his gaze to Taitan, Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi.
The battle was over, and Lin Yu had accomplished his goal: the four great clans were now under his protection.