Chapter 180: Tang Hao and Tang Xiao—A Discussion Between Brothers

"That Ye Hao is the son of Pope Bibi Dong. Looks like Spirit Hall is determined to win this tournament."

Outside the Royal Hunting Grounds, Tang Xiao and Tang Hao sat on the ground, having a private discussion centered around Tang San's safety.

"Indeed." Tang Hao let out a long sigh, his expression filled with regret. "Xiao San's External Soul Bone was forcefully ripped away by Ye Hao, and I—his own father—was played like a fool, manipulated by Ye Hao into going to Spirit Hall, where I almost lost my life."

His eyes burned with rage.

"This grudge… I, Tang Hao, will definitely repay it!"

"Hao, you've suffered so much all these years." Tang Xiao patted his younger brother's shoulder, sighing deeply.

Once, the mighty Clear Sky Douluo had dominated the world, yet now, he had fallen to such a miserable state—it was truly heartbreaking.

"Right now, including Dugu Bo, we only have three people. But Spirit Hall has more than a dozen Titled Douluo. If Xiao San actually goes to Spirit Hall, it will undoubtedly be a life-threatening situation." Tang Xiao folded his arms. "I think we should have him withdraw from the tournament. Let's wait a few more years—once he's stronger, you can tell him the full truth. That way, at least we ensure his safety."

Tang Hao, however, shook his head.

"I know Xiao San too well. He will never quit this tournament."

"In his heart, Ye Hao and Ye Ritian are the ones who have caused him the most suffering. His External Soul Bone was taken, he's been shunned and isolated for years—all of it orchestrated by Ye Hao behind the scenes."

"As his father, even I feel unbearable grief. And Xiao San… he's still just a child."

Tang Xiao nodded. "If that's the case, then it seems this trip to Spirit Hall is inevitable. But let me tell you this—unless Qian Daoliu personally steps in, you and I, working together, are more than enough to handle the other Titled Douluo of Spirit Hall."

"Back then, we were the 'Clear Sky Twin Stars.' It's about time we remind the world of our power."

At that moment, Tang Xiao's expression became serious.

"By the way, what about Ah Yin? After her sacrifice… what happened?"

This question struck a nerve.

Tang Hao's face twisted, his breath caught in his throat, and in the next second—he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

"Hao! What's wrong?!" Tang Xiao rushed forward in concern.

Tang Hao waved him off, his killing intent spreading rapidly.

"Brother, I won't hide this from you anymore."

"After Ah Yin sacrificed herself, she left behind a seed… and a Right Leg Bone of the Blue Silver Emperor."

"I took Xiao San with me to hide in Holy Soul Village, while I secretly planted the seed and stored the Soul Bone in a hidden cave in the mountains behind the village."

"For over ten years, Ah Yin slowly regrew… and finally, she fully revived. I finally saw hope!"

Tang Xiao's eyes lit up with excitement. "And then? What happened next?"

Back then, both brothers had loved Ah Yin, but she had chosen Tang Hao.

Because of that, Tang Xiao had never married—his heart still held onto his feelings for her.

But just as Tang Xiao was filled with anticipation—

Tang Hao's expression darkened, and he suddenly stood up.

"Then… Ye Hao appeared."

"He went to Holy Soul Village and stole Ah Yin's body along with the Blue Silver Emperor's Right Leg Bone."

"Not only that—he left behind a note."

"Ye Ritian was here. Took your Soul Bone. Thanks!"

Tang Hao let out a furious roar, tears of blood streaming down his face.

His and his son's hatred for Ye Hao was now beyond anything words could describe.

Hearing this, Tang Xiao's expression turned ice-cold.

The two stood side by side on the cliff, their gazes filled with killing intent as they glared toward the Royal Hunting Grounds, where the tournament was still underway.

"Hao, what about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? Have you spoken to them?" Tang Xiao asked seriously. "If we can get another ally, it would be for the best."

Tang Hao shook his head.

"I went to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan a month ago, personally asking Ning Fengzhi for help.

"Since then, I haven't received a single response. It's clear that Ning Fengzhi has no intention of helping us."

Tang Xiao sighed. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is closely tied to Heaven Dou Empire. For the sake of his own interests, Ning Fengzhi has no reason to openly oppose Spirit Hall. If he did, he'd be bringing disaster upon his clan."

"To be fair, his decision is a wise one."

But Tang Hao wasn't convinced.

With a roar of frustration, he punched a nearby tree, instantly shattering its thick trunk.

"They talk about the 'Upper Three Clans standing together'—but where were they when Clear Sky Clan was hunted by Spirit Hall?!"

"Now, the moment trouble comes knocking, they all act like cowards! They don't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Clear Sky Clan!"

Tang Xiao quickly grabbed his brother's shoulder. "Hao, be careful what you say."

Then, he added, "I heard that Ning Fengzhi's daughter is currently studying at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, and she's a classmate of Ye Hao."

"Perhaps… that's also part of his decision-making."

Tang Hao sighed deeply. "Forget it… there's nothing we can do about it now."

After a moment of silence, Tang Hao suddenly asked, "Brother, what about the Five Elders of the clan? How are they doing?"

Tang Xiao gave him a puzzled look. "Why are you suddenly asking about them?"

"No reason. Just curious." Tang Hao's gaze flickered.

Tang Xiao sighed. "Ever since you were expelled, they've held a deep grudge against you. They believe that if not for you, the Clear Sky Clan wouldn't have fallen into decline."

"Especially the Seventh Elder. His son was killed by Spirit Hall, and he blames you for it. He claims that if it weren't for you, his son would still be alive."

Tang Xiao let out another long sigh.

"I only managed to leave the clan by claiming I was going into seclusion to break through Rank 97. If I hadn't used that excuse, the Five Elders would never have let me go."

"Hao, our only hope now is for Xiao San to grow stronger.

"Once he becomes a Titled Douluo—with his Twin Martial Souls—he'll go even further than either of us.

"At that time, I'll bring up your case with the Five Elders. If I play it right, you may have a chance to return to the clan."

Tang Hao nodded solemnly. "Let's deal with what's in front of us first. No one knows what the future holds."

Back at the Royal Hunting Grounds

On the battlefield, Ye Hao had effortlessly defeated three students from Divine Wind Academy, each fight ending in a complete and utter stomp.

At the same time, he had also gained waves of admiration from countless female spectators—his reputation only growing stronger.

Shrek Academy's members were filled with resentment toward Ye Hao. Was this really all Divine Wind Academy had to offer?

How could three of their students fail so miserably against him?

Not even one of them lasted a single move.

Divine Wind Academy—what a bunch of weaklings.

"Captain, I'm sorry… I did my best."

The defeated Divine Wind Academy student returned to the spectator area, his spirit crushed.

Feng Xiaotian simply shook his head, smiling bitterly. "Ye Hao is a Soul King. It's only natural that you lost. You fought well—get some rest. We still have battles ahead of us tomorrow."

With that, he adjusted his mask, stood tall, and confidently walked toward the stage.

As he passed by Blazing Academy, he suddenly stopped.

His gaze landed on Huo Wu, who was seated among her academy teammates.

For once, he abandoned his usual playful attitude. Instead, he spoke seriously, his voice carrying deep emotion.

"Huo Wu, didn't you say before that if I defeat Ye Hao, you would acknowledge my feelings for you?"

Huo Wu was caught off guard. "You can't possibly defeat Ye Hao. He's a Soul King. Three of your teammates already lost, two of whom were Soul Ancestors. As a Soul Ancestor yourself, how could you possibly win?"

Feng Xiaotian smiled bitterly. "I know."

"Then why are you asking me?" Huo Wu asked, puzzled.

"I just want to confirm… does your promise still stand?" Feng Xiaotian asked sincerely.

Huo Wu froze, confused by his words.

He clearly wasn't Ye Hao's match—so why was he saying this?

What was the point?

Seeing that Huo Wu remained silent, Feng Xiaotian smiled.

"Since you're not saying anything, I'll take that as a yes."

Without waiting for her reply, he leapt onto the stage.

By the time Huo Wu snapped out of it, Feng Xiaotian was already standing in the arena.

"What's the point of this…?" she muttered under her breath.

"He knows he's going to lose. Why bother?"

Standing on the stage alongside Ye Hao, Feng Xiaotian grinned.

"Ye Hao, how about we make a deal?"

Ye Hao was speechless.

"Brother Feng, do you even realize? The saying goes—'a bootlicker gets nothing in the end.'"

"I…" Feng Xiaotian was stunned.

"I don't care. This is my choice."

Without hesitation, four soul rings rose beneath his feet—two yellow, two purple.

His muscles swelled, his physique grew larger, and his hair turned green. A wolf's head appeared on his left shoulder.

Mutated Beast Martial Soul—Gale Twin-Headed Wolf.

A positive mutation, making it one of the strongest beast-type martial souls.

"Gale Twin-Headed Wolf… not bad."

Ye Hao smirked. "Brother Feng, your martial soul is a rare mutation, and you were also born with full innate soul power, weren't you?"

"That's right." Feng Xiaotian nodded.

This was his first time facing Ye Hao head-on, and he couldn't afford to take him lightly.

At 24 years old, he had already reached Rank 44. In this tournament, he was considered a top-tier genius.

But Ye Hao was even more monstrous.

At only 14 years old, he was already a Soul King.

How the hell was that even possible?

"For Huo Wu… and for myself… Ye Hao, fight me with everything you've got. Don't hold back!"

Hearing this, Ye Hao nodded slightly.

"As you wish."

The referee saw that both were ready and immediately announced—

"Battle, begin!"

The Fight Begins

In an instant, Feng Xiaotian moved!

The crowd's attention locked onto him, holding their breath.

Despite being a power-attack-type Soul Master, Feng Xiaotian's speed far exceeded most agility-type Soul Masters—all thanks to his Gale Twin-Headed Wolf martial soul.

But Ye Hao remained calm.

He had watched too many of Feng Xiaotian's matches to be caught off guard.

Feng Xiaotian lunged forward, his first soul ring lighting up!

His hands transformed into razor-sharp wolf claws, aiming to slash Ye Hao from head to toe.

The attack was swift and deadly.

But Ye Hao remained unfazed.

Just as Feng Xiaotian's attack came down, Ye Hao's fifth soul ring suddenly lit up!

Feng Xiaotian's pupils shrank in shock.

Ye Hao tilted slightly to the side, effortlessly dodging the attack.

At the same time, his scythe-like claws shimmered with a dark aura, descending toward Feng Xiaotian's head—

But then… they stopped.

Right above Feng Xiaotian's head.

A few strands of green hair fluttered down.

Feng Xiaotian's back was drenched in cold sweat.

But he quickly regained his composure.

Clenching his teeth, he launched another flurry of attacks, his claws slicing through the air!

To the spectators, it looked like a waste of effort.

If Ye Hao had wanted to, he could have ended this fight in a single strike.

But he didn't.

"Ye Hao! You said you wouldn't hold back! Why are you dodging instead of fighting me seriously?!"

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Feng Xiaotian yelled in frustration.

Ye Hao shook his head.

"If I had gone all out, you would have already lost."

"Feng Xiaotian, you're a true warrior. Show me your best moves—I'm curious to see how you'll try to handle this."

"Alright!"

Feng Xiaotian's eyes lit up, and his second and third soul rings flared simultaneously.

Wind wings sprouted from his back, allowing him to briefly fly.

Behind him, the shadow of a Gale Twin-Headed Wolf flickered ominously.

"As you wish!"

Using his wings, Feng Xiaotian shot into the sky.

Then—he unleashed two massive tornadoes, filled with sharp wind blades, descending like a guillotine aimed directly at Ye Hao.

In the Shrek Academy viewing area, Tang San's eyes burned with anticipation.

"Please… please let this hit him."

"Let Ye Hao be humiliated!"

But reality had other plans.

Ye Hao didn't move.

As the tornadoes descended upon him, a mysterious black light suddenly shrouded his body.

It formed a protective barrier, enveloping him completely.

The moment the tornadoes made contact—

They dispersed instantly.

Not even a second had passed.

Feng Xiaotian's eyes widened in shock.

"This… this is impossible!"

His voice trembled.

Sitting in the VIP section, Bone Douluo chuckled.

"That is… the Death Domain."

"Death… Domain?"

The crowd was stunned.

Not every Soul Master could possess a domain.

For most, it required reaching Titled Douluo level, and even then, the chances of awakening a domain were extremely low. That was why Soul Masters with domains were incredibly rare.

But now…

"How old is he?!" Someone in the audience let out a long sigh, suddenly feeling like they had wasted their entire life.

"A domain…?"

Tang San clenched his teeth so hard he nearly cursed out loud.

He knew exactly what a domain meant.

Now that Ye Hao possessed one… how the hell was he supposed to defeat him and reclaim his dignity?

Might as well wait for the next life.

Emperor Xue Ye was filled with shock and admiration.

Once again, Ye Hao had exceeded his expectations.

At the same time, a thought crossed his mind—what official position should he grant Ye Hao after the tournament?

Seated nearby, Ning Fengzhi shook his head and smiled bitterly.

"Ye Hao is an absolute monster."

The innate domain of the Death Spider Emperor—Death Domain.

At his age, possessing a domain was already insane.

But from what Ning Fengzhi saw, Ye Hao wielded it like a seasoned expert, as if he had been using it for years.

Looking back, rejecting Tang Hao's request and choosing not to oppose Ye Hao was an incredibly wise decision.

Ning Fengzhi felt relieved, unaware that Spirit Hall had already set its sights on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

Their Soul Hunting Operation was already in motion…

The revelation of Ye Hao's domain caused an uproar in the crowd.

"You… you actually have a domain?!"

Feng Xiaotian broke into a cold sweat.

Ye Hao chuckled. "It's just a domain. Nothing to make a fuss about."

"Brother Feng, if you have any more tricks, feel free to use them."

Hearing this, Feng Xiaotian's face darkened.

He suddenly felt deeply insulted.

"Just a domain?!"

Why don't I have one, then?!

Taking a deep breath, Feng Xiaotian steadied himself.

"Ye Hao, I admit that you're incredibly powerful. Your talent is beyond words."

"But until the very last moment—I, Feng Xiaotian, will not give up!"

"Prepare yourself—this is my self-created soul skill…

Gale Demon Wolf: Thirty-Six Consecutive Slashes!"

Ye Hao's smile grew wider.

"Finally."

He remained silent, patiently waiting for Feng Xiaotian to show off.

The moment Feng Xiaotian finished speaking, the shadow of the Gale Twin-Headed Wolf merged into his body.

His second martial soul naturally enhanced his attack power, defense, and speed.

When combined with his third soul skill, Gale Wings, his body entered peak condition.

With this level of power, his Thirty-Six Consecutive Slashes was undoubtedly devastating.

A sudden storm of wind erupted as Feng Xiaotian launched his attack.

Using his wings as blades, his body shot downward in a straight line—

His wings and torso aligned perfectly, creating a razor-sharp arc.

This was the ultimate speed-based slashing technique.

Even solid stone would be split in half.

Feng Xiaotian had tested it before.

He was confident in his Thirty-Six Consecutive Slashes—it was his pride and joy.

His hurricane-infused wings gleamed like blades, reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling display.

Then—his attack came down!

Ye Hao Responds

Just as Feng Xiaotian's attack was about to land—

Ye Hao moved his right arm.

With perfect timing, he swung his scythe-like blade to intercept.

CLANG!

Sparks erupted as the two attacks clashed.

Ye Hao only took one step back.

Feng Xiaotian, on the other hand—almost lost his balance.

Barely managing to steady himself, he looked at Ye Hao in pure shock.

Then—he felt pain.

A sharp sting radiated from his back.

Despair crept into his heart.

The Thirty-Six Consecutive Slashes relied on a series of stacked attacks, building up to a final, ultimate strike.

But if the first attack didn't even shake Ye Hao…

What was the point of the next thirty-five?

"I don't believe it!"

Feng Xiaotian's eyes turned bloodshot.

"My Thirty-Six Consecutive Slashes is unstoppable!"

"I will not lose to anyone!"

With unwavering determination, he charged forward again.

Ye Hao sighed inwardly.

"This guy… he's a real warrior."

The key to the Thirty-Six Consecutive Slashes lay in the word 'Consecutive'.

The strength of each slash increased cumulatively, with the thirty-sixth strike being the most devastating.

Ye Hao was curious.

He wanted to see it for himself.

The Second Slash

Feng Xiaotian's second strike came down in an instant!

Ye Hao crossed his arms—