Tang San's gaze lingered on the vacant spots at the center of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, where two precious immortal herbs used to be. A sense of longing and frustration burned in his heart—those were supposed to be his!
Why, why does Ye Hao always get there first?
Ruining someone's opportunity was akin to taking their life. Tang San clenched his fists. Ye Hao, just you wait.
A flame of revenge ignited within him…
"Old Poison, I want to ask you something, and you must answer honestly."
Dugu Bo was slightly taken aback but nodded in agreement.
Tang San took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm brewing in his heart.
"Old Poison, did Ye Hao take all the immortal herbs from this place?" Tang San had avoided asking this question for months. But now, as he was about to leave, he couldn't hold back any longer. Though he already knew the answer, he needed to hear it directly from Dugu Bo, the master of this domain.
Dugu Bo nodded slowly. "You're correct. Most of the herbs here were given to Ye Hao. Is there a problem?"
Dugu Bo's sharp eyes studied Tang San. Over the past six months, he had come to understand the deep-seated rivalry between Tang San and Ye Hao. This conflict wasn't just personal—it consumed Tang San, leaving him feeling trapped in the unfairness of fate.
"Why?!" Tang San shouted, his voice trembling with rage. "Why would you give them to him?!"
Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed, his aura surging as he replied in a stern voice:
"Little monster, do you still not understand? Ye Hao cured me of my lifelong poison affliction. As repayment, I gave him the herbs. What's wrong with that? A drop of kindness must be repaid a hundredfold. I may not be a saint, but I understand gratitude. And let me warn you: don't let your hatred and bloodlust consume you. It will only lead to your downfall."
Tang San clenched his fists, frustration and helplessness coursing through him.
His only option now was to wait for the right opportunity to kill Ye Hao. The herbs Ye Hao hadn't used would then become his.
"Pack your things. I'll wait for you outside," Dugu Bo said as he turned to leave.
As he walked away, he paused and looked back at Tang San, whose killing intent was palpable.
"One more thing—don't act rashly. Ye Hao's background is far beyond what you can imagine. If you act without thinking, you might trigger a disaster for the entire continent."
Tang San froze but eventually nodded, watching Dugu Bo's retreating figure. A faint, almost imperceptible killing intent flickered in his eyes. Ye Hao already walks the path of death—this much is certain.
But why Dugu Bo had given all the herbs to Ye Hao remained a mystery to Tang San.
On top of that, six months ago, Dugu Bo had severely injured Tang San's teacher, Yu Xiaogang, leaving him bedridden and utterly demoralized.
"Those who block my path… must die." Tang San's resolve hardened, though he temporarily suppressed his murderous thoughts.
As for Dugu Bo's warning, he dismissed it. In his eyes, Ye Hao was just an ordinary person. Even with the backing of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, what kind of "powerful background" could he possibly have?
Now, Tang San had Shrek Academy and the protection of Dugu Bo—a formidable alliance in its own right.
Meanwhile, at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Ye Hao was training with the Emperor Team in preparation for the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament. Though the team had a direct pass to the finals at Spirit Hall, the competition promised to be fierce.
"Watch out!" Ye Hao activated his Death Spider Emperor possession and launched two massive webs.
Seeing this, Zhu Zhuqing and Yu Tianheng quickly dodged. The webs corroded everything in their path, leaving the grass and flowers dead and withered.
The sheer potency of Ye Hao's spider venom terrified everyone. It was even more fearsome than Dugu Yan's Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor poison.
The other team members retreated to a safe distance, unwilling to risk being caught in the crossfire.
"Brother Hao is so strong!" Ning Rongrong muttered enviously. "He's already a Soul Ancestor at our age!"
Standing beside her, Ye Lingling smiled gently. "Rongrong, you've worked hard too. It's just that Xiao Hao grows so quickly."
Ning Rongrong glanced at Ye Lingling suspiciously. "Lingling, you seem to know Brother Hao quite well. Don't tell me you two are…?"
Her bold insinuation made Ye Lingling chuckle softly. "Don't overthink it. I see him as a younger brother, nothing more. If there's any affection between us, it's purely sibling love."
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong pouted. She had thought there might be something more.
On the battlefield, the fight intensified. Yu Tianheng's Thunder Dragon Claw crackled with lightning as it aimed for Ye Hao's face, while Zhu Zhuqing darted like a black flash.
Ye Hao noticed the stark difference in Zhu Zhuqing. Over the past six months, she had transformed from an inexperienced girl into a polished warrior.
Faced with a two-pronged attack, Ye Hao stopped resisting, closing his eyes. The area around him turned a deep purple as his Death Domain activated.
Zhu Zhuqing and Yu Tianheng suddenly felt a stifling pressure in their chests, their limbs growing weak. They couldn't muster the strength to fight back and had to exit their martial soul possession states, staring at Ye Hao in terror.
Realizing he had pushed too far, Ye Hao quickly deactivated his domain and helped them up.
"Sorry, Zhuqing, Tianheng. My domain is a bit overwhelming. Are you hurt?"
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head. "Brother Hao… was that your… domain?"
Domains were incredibly rare on the continent. Ye Hao's mastery of one at such a young age left everyone speechless.
"Yes, it's my Death Domain, an innate talent granted by my martial soul," Ye Hao explained, his tone light but confident.
The others fell silent, overwhelmed by the sheer gap in their abilities.
Suddenly, Meng Shenji appeared, clapping his hands in approval.
"Excellent! I never expected someone so young to possess a domain. Many Soul Masters dream of such power but never achieve it. Ye Hao, you are destined to be the pride of the Heaven Dou Empire."
Ye Hao smiled modestly. "Thank you for the praise, but may I ask what brings you here, Headmaster?"
Meng Shenji handed him a golden invitation. Lavishly adorned with gold embroidery, it radiated extravagance.
"This is from His Highness, the Crown Prince."
"Brother Xue?" Ye Hao accepted the invitation.
It was more of a formal dinner invitation than a letter, inviting Ye Hao to join Xue Qinghe for dinner that evening.
"The Crown Prince holds you in high regard, Ye Hao. Don't let this opportunity slip by," Meng Shenji advised.
After offering some additional guidance, he left.
Holding the weighty invitation, Ye Hao couldn't shake the feeling that Xue Qinghe had ulterior motives.
In a discreet mansion on the outskirts of the Heaven Dou Royal Palace, Xue Qinghe awaited Ye Hao's arrival.
The lavishly decorated residence was Xue Qinghe's private retreat, equipped with everything from scenic rock gardens to luxurious interiors.
Seated in the main hall, Xue Qinghe was flanked by two Titled Douluo—Snake Spear and a hulking figure. Both were there to ensure his safety.
"Has the invitation been delivered?" Xue Qinghe asked lazily.
Snake Spear nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. Ye Hao has left Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and is on his way here."
"Good. Once he arrives, the two of you should keep a distance of at least 500 meters."
The hulking Douluo frowned. "Why such precautions, Your Highness?"
Xue Qinghe smiled. "Ye Hao has a 'pet' that's unusually perceptive. The last time we met, it saw through my disguise instantly."
Both Titled Douluo were shocked. If Xue Qinghe's true identity were exposed, Ye Hao could not be allowed to live.
Xue Qinghe quickly reassured them. "Relax. Ye Hao is a genius, and Spirit Hall loves geniuses. I'm confident he'll join us willingly."