Chapter 12: Tang Hao Reaches Titled Douluo
In the days that followed, the children of the Po Clan continued living as usual in Heaven Dou City.
Yang Zhentian, Potian's father, had managed to buy a considerable amount of whale gelatin from the auction house and even sourced some from the black market. Now, people in town were giving him odd looks, and even Potian's second grand-uncle, Yang Wushuang, approached him, leaving Zhentian feeling mortified. Meanwhile, Potian and his mother, Niu Jinfeng, laughed quietly to themselves. Niu Jinfeng, too, had taken some of the whale gelatin and saw her soul power rise by one level, reaching rank 64 as a Soul Emperor.
But unknown to them, world-shaking events were unfolding across the continent.
In the Heaven Dou Empire's Fasinuo Province, a fierce battle was taking place. Tang Hao, now a rank-90 Titled Douluo, was with his wife, Ah Yin, and their newborn son, Tang San. Opposing them were Spirit Hall's Supreme Pontiff Qian Xunji, Chrysanthemum Douluo, and Ghost Douluo, who had come specifically to capture Tang Hao's wife, Ah Yin, a 100,000-year Blue Silver Emperor.
As in the original story, Ah Yin chose to sacrifice herself to protect her husband and child. This act gifted Tang Hao a precious 100,000-year spirit ring. Empowered by this new spirit ring and using the Haotian Sect's secret techniques, the Exploding Ring and Great Sumeru Hammer, Tang Hao defeated the three Spirit Hall members, leaving Qian Xunji critically injured and forcing them to retreat.
In one of the most legendary battles on the continent, Tang Hao, despite being a newly advanced Titled Douluo, defeated three Titled Douluos, including the formidable Qian Xunji, a rank-95 powerhouse with the divine martial spirit of the Six-Winged Angel. But there were no true victors. Though Tang Hao triumphed, he lost his beloved wife. Qian Xunji's plan to capture a 100,000-year soul beast failed, and he returned to Spirit Hall with life-threatening injuries.
At the Po family residence, Potian was eating with his parents when his second grand-uncle Yang Wushuang rushed in with an anxious expression. "Zhentian, something big has happened!"
Yang Zhentian looked up in surprise. "Second Uncle, what's wrong? Why the urgency?"
"News just came in—Spirit Hall's Supreme Pontiff Qian Xunji was mortally injured by Tang Hao. He died after returning to Spirit Hall."
"Second Uncle, that can't be true! Qian Xunji was a rank-95 Titled Douluo and had Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo with him. Even if Tang Hao is powerful, he couldn't have taken on all three alone."
Yang Wushuang's face was grim. "Spirit Hall also confirmed that Tang Hao has reached the Titled Douluo level. And at age forty-four, he's now the youngest Titled Douluo in recorded history."
Yang Zhentian was alarmed. "Second Uncle, what should we do now? Spirit Hall won't let this go. And where's Tang Hao? Has he returned to Haotian Sect?"
"No one knows where Tang Hao is now. Haotian Sect is in complete turmoil."
"Second Uncle, should we return to the Po Clan?"
Yang Wushuang glanced at Potian and gradually calmed down. "No, we can't go back. Remember, we have over fifty children with us. If we go back, what will happen to them?"
"But won't staying here put even more pressure on Father?" Yang Zhentian asked, clearly troubled.
"You're wrong, Zhentian," Wushuang replied. "Everyone left in the Po Clan are soul masters with no children to protect. They can fight without hesitation. And remember, your father entrusted us with a task."
"But isn't he in danger?"
Yang Wushuang's expression wavered between worry and determination. "Zhentian, before we left, your father sensed something wasn't right. He likely anticipated a great risk, which is why he arranged for us to bring the younger generation here to Heaven Dou City."
"Our Po Clan is an affiliated sect of Haotian Sect. If necessary, all our people will fight to the death. But these children are innocent. Our duty is to train them and secure the Po Clan's future."
"Second Uncle, so what do we do now?"
"We'll call a meeting with all adults. Starting today, no one is allowed outside. We must prepare for any threat and increase security to protect these children."
"Understood, Second Uncle. I'll get things ready," Yang Zhentian replied before rushing off.
In the following days, all recreational outings were canceled. Adults took turns on patrol and guard duty, and strict instructions were given: no one was allowed to leave the estate. The adults looked tense and worried as if a storm were brewing, though they still held faith in Haotian Sect's strength.
Soon, news continued pouring in.
First came the shocking announcement that Tang Hao had officially left Haotian Sect, sending waves of astonishment across the continent.
Then came another proclamation: Spirit Hall announced that Qian Xunji's disciple, the Holy Maiden Bibi Dong, would take over as the new Supreme Pontiff.
Shortly afterward, Spirit Hall declared war on Haotian Sect. The new Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong herself would lead an army of elders and soul master troops, vowing not to return until Haotian Sect was annihilated. The entire world of soul masters was gripped with fear.
Next came reports that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan were sending soul master forces to aid Haotian Sect, with both sect masters joining in the battle. The Heaven Dou Empire's Prince Xue Xing also mobilized an army to march toward Haotian Sect's territory.
With four major powers on the verge of a full-scale war, Haotian Sect was in a state of upheaval, its members like ants on a hot pan. Sect Master Tang Zhen, his son Tang Xiao, and the other elders gathered, their faces dark with worry.
Finally, Tang Zhen spoke, "First Elder, what's the situation outside?"
The First Elder replied gravely, "Sect Master, the situation is dire. Spirit Hall is led by the new Supreme Pontiff, Bibi Dong, and the forces approaching Haotian Sect include over ten thousand soul masters, with at least six Titled Douluos."
"Spirit Hall sent that many? This must be nearly their entire force," Tang Zhen noted.
"Indeed. Reports indicate that Spirit Hall has recalled many soul masters stationed across the continent."
"Did Qian Daoliu come?"
"No news yet of Qian Daoliu. It seems he's still wary of our former sect leader's power."
"But his son's death may still push him to act eventually. That would spell real trouble," Tang Zhen replied, his face clouded with concern.
"What about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and Heaven Dou Empire?"
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's leader Ning Fengzhi, along with Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, is en route with one thousand soul masters. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's leader Yu Yuanzhen is leading eight hundred soul masters, and the Heaven Dou Empire's Prince Xue Xing is coming with fifty thousand troops."
Tang Zhen's worry deepened. "Haotian Sect's combined inner and outer forces amount to only around four thousand soul masters, with two thousand from our main sect and another two thousand from the four single-attribute clans. Even with the help of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, we'll only have about 5,800 soul masters. Spirit Hall alone is sending ten thousand. The difference in strength is significant."
(End of Chapter)
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