Chapter 174: Ye Hao, the Master of Schemes Once Again

"Wait! Explain yourself clearly!"

By the time Tang Yuehua snapped back to her senses, Ye Hao was already gone.

The room was empty, its door still slightly ajar. The handle trembled faintly, indicating that Ye Hao had only just left.

"Was that a warning to the Clear Sky Clan?" she murmured.

"And… Grandpa is trapped?"

Suddenly, a terrifying thought struck her. She rushed out of the room into the corridor, but there was no trace of Ye Hao.

He had vanished.

Ye Hao hated being chased by women.

Of course—except for Sister Xue.

Her heart pounded. "Ye Hao, what are you really trying to tell me? And Grandpa… how could he be trapped? With his level 99 strength, he is undefeated across the continent."

"Unless…" Tang Yuehua's eyes widened in horror. "Could it be the Spirit Hall that imprisoned him?"

----

After leaving Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena, Ye Hao swiftly returned home.

With the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Elite Tournament's qualifier rounds officially concluded, the next phase would shift to one-on-one battles, determining which academies would advance to the final elimination round held at Spirit Hall.

For now, there was finally a brief period of rest.

As Ye Hao settled down, Qian Renxue approached and sat beside him.

"Tang Yuehua came looking for you just now?"

Ye Hao nodded, gulping down a mouthful of tea. "Yeah, my throat is dry from talking so much."

Qian Renxue's curiosity grew. "What did she want?"

Ye Hao sighed, shaking his head with a wry smile. "What else? She came to plead for her 'precious' nephew, Tang San, begging me not to kill him."

Qian Renxue's eyes sparkled with interest. "So Tang Yuehua now knows who you really are?"

"That's right," Ye Hao confirmed. "Tang Hao took Tang San to see her. She's his sister, after all. The qualifiers are over, and soon the teams heading to Spirit Hall for the elimination rounds will be decided. I have no doubt Shrek Academy will be among them."

He paused, his tone turning sharp. "Our mother is likely to make her move before then. Tang Hao won't just sit and watch his son die—he'll be making preparations in advance."

Tang Yuehua held a high status in Heaven Dou City. Not only was she the Clear Sky Clan's eldest lady, but even the royal family showed her great respect.

And Princess Xue Ke, Qian Renxue's "sister," was currently studying at Yue Xuan.

As a royal princess, learning noble etiquette was essential, and Yue Xuan was the top choice for Heaven Dou's aristocrats.

Qian Renxue's expression darkened. "If Tang Yuehua knows your identity, you need to leave Heaven Dou City immediately and return to Spirit Hall. It's no longer safe for you here."

Ye Hao blinked, then suddenly understood. "You think Tang Yuehua might expose me to the royal family, prompting them to take action?"

The Spirit Hall was the greatest enemy of both Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires.

Its very existence served to balance power between the two empires, preventing full-scale war.

If not for Spirit Hall's influence, Star Luo Empire's military strength would have long made them the undisputed rulers of the continent.

If Heaven Dou Royalty discovered that the heir of Spirit Hall was in their city, it wouldn't just ruin Qian Renxue's carefully planned infiltration—it could throw the entire continent into chaos.

The only solution… was for Ye Hao to leave.

But instead of panicking, Ye Hao felt a warmth in his heart. He grasped Qian Renxue's hand gently.

"Don't worry, Sister. Tang Yuehua won't betray me."

Qian Renxue tilted her head, intrigued. "Why do you say that?"

Ye Hao smirked. "Because before I left, I made sure to 'warn' her. If she reveals my secret… I can't guarantee that the Clear Sky Clan won't be wiped out because of it."

His gaze shifted toward the Clear Sky Clan's location, and as his anger flared, Zhu Zhu, Zhu'er, and Xiao Hong silently appeared by his side.

"I've never claimed to be a good person," he murmured. "Tang San and I are destined to be enemies. The grudge between the Spirit Hall and Tang Hao didn't end with the last generation—it has only carried over to us."

His voice grew colder. "Either he dies, or I do. Sitting in this position, I must always plan for the future."

"Think about it, Sister—once Tang Hao tells Tang San about the past, do you really think that brat will let Spirit Hall live?"

Qian Renxue's expression turned ice-cold. "Then Tang San must die!"

Ye Hao smiled approvingly. "Now you understand."

He sighed, clasping his hands behind his back. "This continent is even more chaotic than I imagined—especially Heaven Dou City. Ever since I came here, I've seen too much. I'm just… numb to it all now."

Qian Renxue chuckled. "You'll get used to it. I had to go through so much effort just to kill Xue Ye's two sons. Do you think I got this crown prince title easily? A royal family without bloodshed isn't a real royal family. If even the imperial family is like this, how much worse do you think it is outside?"

She shot him a meaningful look. "Tang Yuehua isn't someone to be underestimated. You should lay low for now—I'll go to the palace and see what I can find out."

Ye Hao nodded. "Thanks, Sister."

Qian Renxue waved him off. "We're family. No need for thanks."

Then, she smirked. "But are you really sure Tang Yuehua won't tell Xue Ye about you? For your safety, I still think you should leave early and head to Spirit Hall. That way, when you compete in the elimination rounds as the Spirit Hall's heir, we can really piss off Xue Ye. Maybe we'll even anger him to death!"

Ye Hao chuckled. "Don't worry, Sister. Snow Night will die, but not yet. Before leaving, I made sure to mention a certain name. Tang Yuehua will have to think carefully before doing anything rash."

Qian Renxue's eyes narrowed. "Who?"

Ye Hao's smile deepened. "Tang Chen."

Qian Renxue's expression changed. "Tang Chen? The former clan master of the Clear Sky Clan? Why bring him up?"

Ye Hao's gaze darkened. "Tang Chen was once one of the strongest in the world—Grandfather's greatest rival—and one of the Three Limit Douluo, alongside Sea God Island's Bo Saixi."

He continued, "Sister, you know as well as I do—Tang Chen disappeared decades ago. If he were still around, would the Clear Sky Clan have crumbled so easily? Would they have needed to exile Tang Hao and shut their gates just to survive?"

Qian Renxue's lips curled into a dangerous smile. "Interesting… So, what exactly happened to Tang Chen?"

Ye Hao's smile remained cryptic. "That's the million-gold-soul-coin question, isn't it?"

"That's right." Qian Renxue sighed helplessly. "Even Grandfather is puzzled. Tang Chen has been missing for years, and even he doesn't know where he went. It's as if he vanished from the face of the continent. If he were still here, the Clear Sky Clan wouldn't have fallen to this level."

She narrowed her eyes. "But what does that have to do with you mentioning him? Don't tell me… you actually know where Tang Chen is?"

Ye Hao nodded. "Slaughter City. Tang Chen is there."

Qian Renxue's eyes widened in shock. "Slaughter City?! No way. How do you know everything?"

Ye Hao smirked proudly, rubbing his nose. "There's nothing on this continent that I don't know. Right now, Tang Chen is in Slaughter City, ruling as the Slaughter King. But his body has been taken over by an old bat. He's no longer human nor ghost—he has no self-awareness anymore. That old bat is in full control of his body."

Then, Ye Hao's voice turned serious. "After the tournament ends, I'm going there."

Qian Renxue was startled. "You're going to Slaughter City? Don't tell me… it's for the Killing God Domain?"

It was well known that anyone who survived Slaughter City's trials would gain the Killing God Domain. Bibi Dong had once conquered Slaughter City and was now one of the only two living Killing Gods.

Ye Hao nodded. "That's part of it. But I also have another test to undergo."

He smirked. "That's why I told Tang Yuehua that Tang Chen is still alive. Without Tang Chen, the Clear Sky Clan is on a downward spiral. Forget about being the number one clan—they don't even dare to show their faces in the world anymore."

Ye Hao suddenly changed the subject. "Sister, our Spirit Hall worships the Angel God, right?"

Qian Renxue nodded. "That's right. Our Spirit Hall has always worshipped the Angel God. But by my generation, the angel bloodline has dwindled—only Grandfather and I remain."

Ye Hao leaned closer, raising an eyebrow. "Then why not consider me? I'm in great shape. I could help rebuild the angel bloodline, you know."

Qian Renxue: "…..."

She immediately glared at him. "You were fine until you brought that up! Just wait until we get back to Spirit Hall. Let's see how Grandfather punishes you!"

Then, her tone became serious again. "But are you really sure Tang Yuehua won't talk? This still worries me."

Ye Hao dismissed her concerns with a wave. Then he turned to Zhu Zhu.

"Zhu Zhu, keep a close watch on Shrek Academy. The moment Tang Hao and his son start making trouble, report to me immediately through the Death God's Heart."

Zhu Zhu nodded. "Understood!"

Next, Ye Hao looked at Xiao Hong. "Hong, what are your limits?"

Xiao Hong tilted his head. "Limits? Why do you ask?"

Ye Hao smirked. "If you had to fight multiple Titled Douluo at once, what are your chances of winning?"

Despite his ordinary-looking appearance, Xiao Hong was a hidden powerhouse, always keeping a low profile like some grandmaster.

Xiao Hong bared his teeth in a grin. "One hundred percent."

Ye Hao raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

Xiao Hong nodded. "Seriously."

Ye Hao's eyes gleamed. "I have a bold idea!"

He turned to Qian Renxue. "Hong and I are going on a trip tomorrow. Zhu Zhu and Zhu'er will stay in Heaven Dou City. I'll be back before the one-on-one battles begin."

Qian Renxue, sitting in the pavilion, laughed. "Now that your identity has been exposed, you're finally planning to hide in Spirit Hall for a while, huh?"

Ye Hao grinned. "Who cares about that?"

Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes. "Then where are you going this time? Don't cause more chaos. I can't handle any more of your antics."

She knew her troublesome little brother all too well. Whatever he was planning, it wasn't good.

Ye Hao chuckled. "I'm heading overseas… to find some reinforcements."

Qian Renxue frowned. "Overseas? Reinforcements? Since when do you have contacts overseas?"

Ye Hao smirked. "The ocean is far larger than the land. Naturally, the variety of soul beasts is greater as well."

At that moment, Qian Renxue's expression changed.

"Wait… you're not planning to kidnap soul beasts again, are you?"

Hearing the word "kidnap," Zhu Zhu and Zhu'er shivered uncontrollably.

It seemed like they were about to get a new companion.

Another poor soul about to be captured.

Ye Hao laughed and hugged Qian Renxue around the waist. "Sister, you really are the person who understands me best!"

Qian Renxue rolled her eyes and shoved him away. "I knew it! Tell me—who's your target this time? And don't tell me it's another hundred-thousand-year-old beast!"

Ye Hao sighed dramatically. "Sister, you're too smart. Unfortunately, my Death God's Heart can only hold hundred-thousand-year-old beasts. Otherwise, I'd go after a 990,000-year-old one!"

Qian Renxue felt a headache coming on.

This guy…

Most people are lucky just to encounter a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast. Let alone capture or kill one.

But Ye Hao?

He kidnapped them. Alive.

If soul beasts saw him coming, they would probably run in the opposite direction.

Zhu Zhu and Zhu'er had similar thoughts.

Of course, turning into humans had its advantages. But still… they had been "kidnapped."

Ye Hao continued, "Kidnap? That's an insult! I'm saving them from their suffering."

Then, he grinned. "My target this time is a hundred-thousand-year-old sea soul beast: the Evil Demon Orca King."

"It's one of the ocean's deadliest predators—far more brutal than creatures like the Man-Faced Demon Spider."

Qian Renxue hesitated.

Then, she sighed. "Fine. Just be careful. Don't overdo it, alright?"

Ye Hao smiled warmly. "Sister, you're the best. I'll be leaving now. The ocean is far from Heaven Dou City. If I don't go now, I won't make it back before the one-on-one battles begin."

As Ye Hao was leaving, he suddenly hugged Qian Renxue.

Before she could react, he lightly kissed her right cheek and then bolted, grabbing Xiao Hong off the ground as he made his escape.

Zhu Zhu: "..."

Zhu'er: "..."

Just another normal day…

"You little brat!" Qian Renxue scolded with a half-smile. She wiped her slightly damp cheek but didn't seem truly angry. Watching Ye Hao disappear into the distance, she turned back toward home with Zhu Zhu and Zhu'er.

Meanwhile, Ye Hao and Xiao Hong left Heaven Dou City, heading straight for the ocean.

A monster like the Evil Demon Orca King could only be subdued by someone as overwhelmingly powerful as Xiao Hong.

At Yue Xuan

Tang Yuehua had summoned Tang Hao for a private conversation.

Inside a bedroom on the second floor, the air was heavy with tension.

"What did you say?!" Tang Hao's face darkened as he shot to his feet.

"Ye Hao is Ye Ritian!" Tang Yuehua repeated firmly.

Tang Hao clenched his fists, his aura surging with intensity, making it hard for even Tang Yuehua to breathe.

"Are you certain?" he demanded.

Tang Yuehua's tone was solemn. "He admitted it himself. And not just that—he also acknowledged his status as Spirit Hall's heir. That means the one who took Xiao San's soul bone… was Ye Hao. Ye Hao and Ye Ritian are the same person!"

CRACK!

Tang Hao smashed the table in two with a single hand.

The table was made of sandalwood—incredibly sturdy. But under Tang Hao's uncontrollable rage, it was nothing.

His fury was boundless.

From the beginning, the person who had been working against him and his son had been right under their noses the whole time.

His son, forced to absorb the Clear Sky Hammer prematurely, had suffered greatly—all because of Ye Hao's manipulations.

(Ye Hao: "Did I force him to absorb it? No. Don't blame me for your son's own reckless choices.")

Tang Hao took a deep breath. "Yuehua, inform the Heaven Dou Royal Family immediately. They will definitely be interested in this information."

His intent was clear—use the Heaven Dou Royal Family's power to capture Ye Hao.

This was Heaven Dou's territory. No matter how powerful Ye Hao was, he had to bow his head here.

However, Tang Yuehua shook her head.

"Brother, do you think I didn't consider that? But Ye Hao warned me before he left—if I exposed his identity, he would destroy the Clear Sky Clan without hesitation."

Tang Hao snorted disdainfully. "What arrogant nonsense!"

"The Clear Sky Clan has stood for centuries! Big Brother is the sect master, and didn't Yuehua just say that five elders have reached the Titled Douluo level? Does that brat actually think he has the power to wipe out the Clear Sky Clan?"

Tang Hao refused to believe that some "young upstart" could possibly be a real threat to their sect.

Meanwhile…

Ye Hao was already on his way to recruit reinforcements.

Tang Yuehua's voice was serious. "Brother, Ye Hao didn't just warn me—he also told me something very important."

Tang Hao's killing intent surged. "What is it?"

"It's about Grandfather."

Tang Hao froze.

His imposing figure shook. "Grandfather? What about him?"

It had been many years since Tang Chen, the greatest Clear Sky Clan master, had disappeared.

If Tang Chen had still been around, the Clear Sky Clan never would have fallen to this state.

Tang Yuehua took a deep breath. "Ye Hao told me… that Grandfather is imprisoned. He advised that the Clear Sky Clan should tread carefully."

Tang Hao's entire body stiffened.

Tang Yuehua hesitated. "I think… Ye Hao knows where Grandfather is."

Tang Hao's eyes flashed with realization. "That means… the Spirit Hall has imprisoned him!"

Tang Yuehua nodded grimly. "That's the only explanation that makes sense."

But before Tang Hao could react further, Tang Yuehua changed the subject.

"Brother, Big Brother has already sent word."

Tang Hao's expression hardened. "What did he say?"

"Big Brother values Xiao San immensely. A twin martial soul user like him only appears once in a century. His talent gives the Clear Sky Clan hope for the future."

"If the Spirit Hall tries to kill him during the tournament, Big Brother will personally intervene from the shadows."

Hearing this, Tang Hao finally felt some relief.

But…

Tang Yuehua hesitated.

"However…"

Tang Hao's brow furrowed. "What is it?"

Tang Yuehua sighed. "Brother, you should seek more allies. Ye Hao has at least four or five Titled Douluo at his side. Even if we count Big Brother and Poison Douluo, we are outmatched."

"And you're still injured. You can't afford to fight right now."

Tang Hao's expression darkened. "But where can I find more allies?"

The Spirit Hall's power was immense.

Even those who hated it didn't dare to openly oppose it.

Tang Yuehua's eyes gleamed with determination. "Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."

Tang Hao was stunned. "That's impossible."

Tang Yuehua countered, "Why not? The Three Upper Clans are closely linked. If the Clear Sky Sect falls, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will suffer as well."

She continued, "Ye Hao has already issued his ultimatum to us. If we do nothing, his threats may become reality."

"Sometimes, survival is more important than grudges. You should personally go to Ning Fengzhi and warn him of the impending danger."

"We don't need much—just for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to step in if Xiao San's life is at risk."

Tang Hao remained silent.

Then, he stood up.

His gaze locked onto the direction of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

Then—his figure vanished.

For Tang San, he was willing to sacrifice everything.

Tang Yuehua watched him leave, her heart heavy.

"Brother… you've suffered so much."

Meanwhile, in Spirit Hall…

Bibi Dong sat in the Papal Hall, holding a letter from Salas.

Her cold, beautiful face twisted into a sneer.

"Tang Hao… Tang San…"

Her lips curled in disdain.

"They will both die here.

But then—her gaze flickered.

"Xiaogang… he…"

Reading about Yu Xiaogang's torture, her heart trembled slightly.

It had been so many years since she last heard that name.

"Yu Xiaogang…"

A deep sigh echoed through the Pope Hall.

She burned the letter.

"Send my orders. Tang San must not reach Spirit Hall. Ju Douluo and Ghost Douluo will handle this."

Two figures bowed.

"As you command."

At the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan…

A disciple rushed into the hall.

"Clan Master! Tang Hao requests an audience!"

Ning Fengzhi, sitting at the head of the table, froze.

"Who did you say?"

The disciple gulped. "Clear Sky Douluo… Tang Hao."

Bone Douluo frowned. "What does he want?"

Ning Fengzhi sighed. "I don't know. But regardless, let him in. Even if he's no longer part of the Clear Sky Clan, he's still Clear Sky Douluo."

He rose from his seat to personally welcome Tang Hao, with Bone Douluo following behind.

Outside, Tang Hao, dressed in black, waited anxiously.

He feared Ning Fengzhi would refuse to see him.

After all—he had nothing left.

"Brother Tang, long time no see."