Chapter 173: The Meeting of Ye Hao and Tang Yuehua – On What Grounds?

"Who am I? I remain unfazed even in the face of a crumbling Mount Tai."

"I didn't say anything!" The Grandmaster shook his head with great difficulty, his expression filled with immense pain, and then, unable to hold back, he burst into tears.

"The Spirit Hall tortured me, yet even so, I never revealed Xiao San's background."

Seeing this scene, Liu Erlong's eyes turned red with emotion. Her heart burned with hatred toward the Spirit Hall, and at the same time, she stepped forward and pulled the Grandmaster into her embrace.

Hearing these words, Tang San felt warmth in his heart. As expected, his teacher would never betray him.

"Damn Spirit Hall!" Flender sighed. "As long as Xiaogang returned safely, that's all that matters."

"By the way, Xiaogang, how did you return?" Flender asked, puzzled. "Xiao San told me that the people from the Spirit Hall sent you back in a carriage. I just don't understand. If they tortured you, why would they go out of their way to send you back in a carriage?"

Flender had hit the nail on the head. He murmured, "If I were the Spirit Hall, I would have thrown you into the wilderness and let you fend for yourself. Why would they bother to send you back?"

Yu Xiaogang: "..."

"The Spirit Hall subjected me to severe torture. I never want to experience that again." The Grandmaster's voice trembled. "Xiao San's secret of possessing twin martial souls has already been exposed. Salas interrogated me multiple times, but I never let anything slip."

"In the end, Salas couldn't get anything out of me, so he just had me sent back."

Hearing this, Flender couldn't help but grow suspicious. He picked up the Pope's decree from the table and carefully examined it.

No mistake!

It was identical to the one Tang Hao had given the Grandmaster. The Pope's decree symbolized the authority of the elders within the Spirit Hall, and it was impossible for it to be left outside their control.

Aside from the elders of the Spirit Hall, only three decrees had ever been lost to outsiders. Flender remembered the Grandmaster once telling him that his decree came from the Clear Sky Sect. The other two were held by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—one for each of the three upper sects. These were the only three decrees that had fallen into outside hands.

Now that the Grandmaster had returned, and more than that, Salas, a Platinum Bishop of the Spirit Hall, had even returned the Pope's decree along with him.

One must understand—Salas was not a reckless person. To sit in the position of Platinum Bishop, how could he be simple?

There was only one possibility…

"Xiaogang lied to us." Flender thought to himself.

His mind quickly connected the dots. If he recalled correctly, Yu Xiaogang had been taken yesterday and returned this morning. He must have suffered brutal torture during this time—the wounds on his body were undeniable.

That left only one possibility: Salas knew about Xiao San's true identity.

Moreover, the Pope's decree in Flender's hand came from the Clear Sky Clan.

Even though Salas was a Platinum Bishop, he did not have the authority to possess the decree. Not to mention, when he first saw it yesterday, his reverence had been genuine. Such emotions couldn't be faked.

Flender put down the decree and carefully observed the Grandmaster.

He had changed.

Flender's first impression was that he now seemed unfamiliar.

"Xiaogang, are you absolutely sure you didn't reveal Xiao San's true identity to Salas?" Flender asked in a deep voice.

Caught off guard by Flender's sudden question, the Grandmaster was momentarily stunned.

Before he could respond, Liu Erlong, who was completely devoted to love, became displeased. She glared at Flender with indignation, her expression filled with emotion.

"Flender, Xiaogang barely escaped from the jaws of death! Instead of caring for him, you're questioning him? Do you really think Xiaogang is that kind of person?"

The Grandmaster quickly added, "Flender, I swear, I didn't reveal Xiao San's true identity. I only said he was an ordinary disciple of the Clear Sky Clan. As for the fact that his father is Tang Hao, I never said a single word."

He spoke with absolute confidence.

Flender picked up the Pope's decree, intending to say something more, but then hesitated.

"Since that's the case, Xiaogang just focus on recovering. I have matters to attend to at the academy, so I'll take my leave."

With that, Flender left the wooden cabin.

As he stepped outside, he vaguely heard Liu Erlong's complaints behind him.

"Flender doesn't care about Xiaogang's injuries, and now he even doubts him? Xiaogang isn't like some people—he's brave! Just now, who was the one who fainted at the mere mention of a ten-thousand-gold-soul-coin compensation? And now he's doubting Xiaogang?"

Hearing Liu Erlong's remarks, Flender remained unfazed. He turned his gaze toward Tang San, who was sitting on a tree branch, lost in thought.

"Xiao San, can I ask you a few questions?"

Tang San was slightly startled, then leaped down from the tree and approached Flender.

"Dean, what's the matter?"

Flender smiled slightly. "Now that Xiaogang has returned, you can finally set your mind at ease and focus on the upcoming competition. Remember, what happened at Canghui Academy must never happen again. Shrek Academy cannot afford another incident like that."

Hearing this, Tang San nodded deeply. "I understand, Dean Flender. Is there anything else?"

At that moment, Flender lowered his voice and asked, "Did you notice anything strange about Xiaogang after he returned?"

As the Grandmaster's disciple, Tang San had been the first to see him return. Compared to Flender, who arrived later, Tang San would naturally have a keener sense of any abnormalities.

After thinking for a moment, Tang San replied, "No, when I saw Teacher seriously injured, I didn't think twice before carrying him here."

"If there was anything strange, it would be that Teacher was tied up in a burlap sack and thrown down by the Spirit Hall's people. They moved so fast that I didn't even have time to react before they were gone."

Flender was momentarily stunned, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly.

"Xiaogang was tied up in a burlap sack and thrown down?"

"That's completely different from what Xiaogang said. There must be something suspicious going on." Flender thought to himself.

Seeing Flender deep in thought, Tang San couldn't help but ask, "Dean, is something wrong?"

"No." Flender shook his head and smiled. "Nothing's wrong, Xiao San. Just remember what I said."

"I'll be leaving now. Go see your teacher."

With that, Flender walked away, hands clasped behind his back, his expression darkening.

Tang San scratched his head in confusion before turning back toward the wooden cabin.

Not long after the two left, a figure slowly emerged from the depths of the forest.

It was Tang Hao.

Tang Hao carefully observed the Grandmaster. He had heard every word of the conversation between Flender and Tang San.

Flender had always been a smart man. Though usually greedy, he had a knack for coming up with clever ideas in critical moments. This time, he had keenly noticed something "off" about Yu Xiaogang.

Aside from Liu Erlong, who blindly trusted him due to her love-struck nature, Tang Hao remained skeptical.

The Spirit Hall would never release someone who hadn't confessed the truth. Not only that, but they even returned the Pope's decree that belonged exclusively to the Clear Sky Clan.

There was only one explanation—Yu Xiaogang had revealed the origin of the decree, and as a result, Salas had publicly exposed Tang San's identity.

Twin Martial Souls—Blue Silver Grass and the Clear Sky Hammer. The meaning was obvious.

"Xiao San's identity has been exposed." Tang Hao sighed, then looked toward the direction of the Clear Sky Clan, silently praying in his heart.

"For the sake of your so-called dignity, Grandmaster, who exactly are you putting on this act for?"

With another sigh, Tang Hao's figure disappeared into the forest.

At the same time, a letter from Yue Xuan had already been sent out of the city, heading towards the Clear Sky Clan near Heaven Dou City.

Shortly after, Salas also penned a top-secret letter, which was escorted by three Soul Emperors toward the Spirit Hall.

Unbeknownst to all, the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Elite Tournament had reached its final stage. The chances for each academy were dwindling.

 • Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's Second Team occupied the top spot.

 • Following closely were Tianshui Academy, Blazing Academy, Divine Wind Academy, and Shrek Academy—which was ranked last among them.

Shrek had only managed to reach this height thanks to Tang San crippling his own Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul to forcefully increase his strength. Otherwise, Shrek Academy wouldn't have made it this far.

Today's match was the final round of the qualifiers. For the teams that had already secured their advancement, they could freely adjust their strategies.

For those who had lost their qualification chances, however, this would be their last battle on this stage.

Not every path in life is smooth—some losses are inevitable.

----

The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy Second Team was scheduled to face Purple Star Academy, a relatively unknown advanced Spirit Master Academy.

But before the match even began, Purple Star Academy immediately surrendered after consulting with the referee.

This shocking news left the audience utterly stunned.

Ever since Ye Hao had returned to compete, every single match had been a crushing victory. There wasn't a single opponent he couldn't defeat.

Whether it was the Four Elemental Academies or the rising Shrek Academy, all had been trampled beneath Ye Hao's leadership.

Recently, the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy Second Team barely had to fight. Their opponents had been forfeiting matches left and right—all out of fear of Ye Hao's overwhelming strength.

Instead of wasting energy fighting them, the other teams preferred to use their time to study other opponents.

Upon hearing this news, Ye Hao couldn't help but chuckle bitterly.

"Came here for nothing today. Oh well, might as well go home and rest."

After bidding farewell to Yu Tianheng and the others, Ye Hao left the resting area alone.

Just as he stepped out, however, a woman he had never seen before suddenly appeared in front of him.

"Who are you?" Ye Hao instinctively asked.

The woman gave off an air of nobility.

She wore an elegant silver palace gown that fit her figure perfectly. Among all the women Ye Hao had ever seen, this one was undeniably the most regal.

She appeared to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, yet strangely, she wasn't a Spirit Master—Ye Hao couldn't sense any spirit power from her.

The woman smiled politely and said, "Hello, may we speak in private?"

Ye Hao was momentarily stunned but then nodded. "Please."

Shortly after, the two entered a vacant room.

The woman sat gracefully on the sofa, maintaining her noble demeanor at all times.

"May I ask what brings you here, Miss?" Ye Hao handed her a cup of fragrant tea, clearly intrigued. There was no way a beauty would just randomly seek him out.

The woman gently took a sip of tea and spoke with a poised voice:

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tang Yuehua, from Yue Xuan."

"Yue Xuan… Tang Yuehua?" Ye Hao murmured.

It was her!

Ye Hao's brows furrowed slightly.

A direct descendant of the Clear Sky Clan, Tang San's aunt, and Tang Hao's younger sister—why had she suddenly come looking for him?

Could it be because of Tang San?

"So, it's true." Tang Yuehua, an expert at reading people, immediately saw through his reaction.

"As the heir of the Spirit Hall, there's no way you wouldn't know who I am. I came today for one simple reason—to understand the past grievances between you and my nephew, Xiao San."

Now that she had laid her cards on the table, Ye Hao didn't bother wasting time either.

"And what exactly does Lady Tang wish to know?" He asked calmly. "How the Spirit Hall destroyed the Clear Sky Clan? Or when I plan to kill Tang San?"

Hearing this, Tang Yuehua frowned.

"You and my nephew have had minor conflicts, but why must you seek his death? What do you gain from it?"

"So, Tang Hao has already taken Tang San to see you and told you everything." Ye Hao chuckled. "Did Tang San tell you about our history?"

"You're correct." Tang Yuehua admitted. "Xiao San told me that you two were once schoolmates at the same academy. But because Grandmaster made you enroll in Shrek Academy, you two had a falling out."

"In my opinion, Shrek Academy isn't that bad. Is this really the reason you turned against each other?"

For the sake of her nephew's safety, Tang Yuehua had taken a great risk in meeting Ye Hao, the heir of the Spirit Hall.

Ye Hao, however, asked in return, "That's not the whole story. There are many things Tang San didn't tell you."

"Lady Tang, before I answer your question, may I ask you one first?"

Tang Yuehua paused briefly before nodding. "Go ahead."

Ye Hao smirked slightly. "I assume Tang Hao brought Tang San to visit you. Otherwise, you wouldn't have come to see me, right? As an outsider, you wouldn't have known my true identity otherwise."

Tang Yuehua remained silent, clearly acknowledging this fact.

Ye Hao continued, "Tell me, when Tang San and Tang Hao visited you that day, did they cause any disturbances—perhaps… breaking the arms and legs of your two gatekeepers?"

Tang Yuehua was visibly shaken by Ye Hao's words.

"Did you have people tail my second brother?" she asked, frowning.

Ye Hao chuckled. "I don't stoop to such petty tactics. But knowing Tang San, breaking someone's hands is already him showing 'mercy.' If he didn't take their lives on the spot, it's only because he still has some respect for you as his aunt."

"What do you mean by that?" Tang Yuehua's expression darkened. "I trust Xiao San. He would never do such things. As for what you said about breaking people's limbs, I can tell you—it did happen. But that was just a moment of impulse. Who hasn't acted recklessly in their youth? I have, too."

Ye Hao sipped his tea and looked at her with amusement. "Madam Tang, you have seen many people in your life. How can you still judge a book by its cover?"

Tang Yuehua's tone turned colder. "What exactly are you implying? My nephew isn't as despicable as you make him out to be. He's my second brother's son, my own blood. He is the future of the Clear Sky Clan. And with his twin martial souls, he has already reached the Soul King rank at such a young age. You're trying to kill him only because you want to eliminate a threat to the Spirit Hall, aren't you?"

Ye Hao suddenly burst into laughter.

Tang Yuehua's reasoning wasn't wrong, but she was underestimating Tang San's true nature.

"What's so funny?" she asked.

"You're half right," Ye Hao said, standing up. "As the heir to the Spirit Hall, I won't deny that eliminating threats to us is part of my duty."

"But do you really understand your dear nephew? Even his own father would be ashamed of some of the things he has done."

Tang Yuehua's face turned grim. "I don't know what nonsense you're spouting, but I warn you—let my nephew go. My brothers are not people to be trifled with."

Ye Hao smirked. "And do you think I, or the Spirit Hall, are easy to trifle with?"

"Your Clear Sky Clan has been in seclusion ever since Tang Hao's incident with Qian Xunji. You were once the number one clan in the world, but now, you're nothing more than a relic of the past."

Tang Yuehua remained silent.

Ye Hao's words were painful but true. The downfall of the Clear Sky Clan was their greatest shame.

For years, Tang Yuehua had harbored hope that her eldest brother would return to the sect.

She took a deep breath and asked, "What will it take for you to spare my nephew?"

For her, Tang San was more than just a nephew—he was like a son. Especially since her eldest brother had never married, Tang San was her only family. And, of course, his twin martial souls made him all the more precious in her eyes.

She had risked everything by coming here to meet Ye Hao, the heir of the Spirit Hall, knowing that their factions were mortal enemies.

Even if Ye Hao didn't intend to kill Tang San now, what about the future?

Once Tang San fully understood the blood feud between him and the Spirit Hall, he would never let it go. And as the Spirit Hall's heir, Ye Hao could not sit back and watch his own faction be destroyed by Tang San.

Ye Hao smiled. "Let me tell you a story. About Tang San's time in Soto City. Maybe he already told you a version of it, but what I'm about to say will shatter your understanding of him."

Tang Yuehua hesitated, then sat down again. "Go on."

Ye Hao began narrating.

When he finished, Tang Yuehua's face was pale.

"No… that's impossible!" she protested. "You're just making things up! My nephew would never do such monstrous things!"

Ye Hao shrugged. "Believe what you want. I'm not forcing you."

It was clear that his words had shaken her deeply.

In her mind, Tang San was kind, righteous, and noble. But Ye Hao's version of events painted a completely different picture—one of a calculating, ruthless individual who wouldn't hesitate to eliminate those who stood in his way.

She refused to believe it.

No—this had to be Ye Hao's attempt to drive a wedge between her and Tang San.

"This world has two sides—light and darkness. Every story has a front and back." Ye Hao sighed. "If you refuse to believe me, that's your choice. But I've said what I needed to say."

He stood up to leave.

Just then, Tang Yuehua suddenly asked, "Is the Spirit Hall planning to attack during the tournament?"

Ye Hao responded coolly, "That's not for me to decide."

"But I can tell you this—even if I don't act, there are plenty of people who want Tang San dead."

"Your nephew isn't as innocent as you think. He slaughtered six innocent soul masters. And he was the one who provoked Ye Ritian, which led to his external soul bone being forcibly removed."

Tang Yuehua's face froze.

"How… how do you know about that?" she stammered. "Are you saying that you…?"

Ye Hao smiled.

It was time to stop hiding.

"Yes. I am Ye Ritian."

Tang Yuehua's eyes widened in shock. "You… you're saying that you're the one who took my nephew's external soul bone?"

Ye Hao nodded. "Do you want me to say it again? I am Ye Ritian."

Tang Yuehua could barely breathe. "But… but why?"

Ye Hao's voice turned cold. "I already explained it. Tang San used his Eight Spider Lances to poison my teammates. If we didn't extract the toxins, they would have died."

"And you think that justifies tearing out my nephew's external soul bone?!" Tang Yuehua's voice was filled with grief and rage.

Ye Hao scoffed. "You're telling me I should have begged him for an antidote? We were already mortal enemies by then. The poison was his doing. Do you really think he would have cured them so easily?"

Tears welled up in Tang Yuehua's eyes.

"Everything I needed to say, I've said."

Ye Hao turned to leave. But before stepping out, he paused and said one final thing:

"Tang Yuehua, I never expected you to come to me. You are indeed a worthy aunt. No one can deny that."

"But this world isn't black and white. I've told you who Tang San really is. You're a smart woman—think carefully about what I've said."

"That little brat broke the wrists of your two gatekeepers. That alone should tell you something."

His tone darkened.

"And one last thing—if the Clear Sky Clan has chosen seclusion, then stay that way. Don't get any ideas."

"I don't know what Tang Hao wanted from you, but I suggest you be careful. The Clear Sky Clan isn't as strong as it once was."

"Your so-called mighty clan is filled with nothing but weak old men. And don't forget—Tang Chen, your great clan master, is still trapped."

"If the Clear Sky Clan makes a move, it will only bring disaster upon itself."

With that, Ye Hao walked away.