Chapter 221: The Shura Demon Sword

The news of the death of the Clear Sky Douluo spread like wildfire across the entire Douluo Continent.

Soul masters were the most revered profession on the continent, and Titled Douluo stood at the very peak of the pyramid—figures admired by countless people.

But now, the once-invincible Clear Sky Douluo had been slain.

And the one who killed him was none other than a Soul Sage—Ye Hao, the young master of the Spirit Hall. This fact alone made the news even more explosive.

Inside the Clear Sky Clan, disciples whispered among themselves, their discussions centering on one name: Tang Hao.

"..."

"..."

"..."

The murmurs were endless, filling the air with noise.

Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Clear Sky Clan.

Tang Xiao, the clan master, sat with a heavy heart. His aged eyes were red, but he dared not let his tears fall.

As the clan master, he was the spiritual pillar of the Clear Sky Clan.

Tang Hao was his younger brother, someone he had watched grow up. Now, he was dead—killed by Ye Hao, the young master of the Spirit Hall.

The hatred burned in Tang Xiao's chest.

He wanted nothing more than to hunt Ye Hao down and take revenge.

But when he recalled the battle years ago, when Ye Hao had used a martial soul fusion skill against him, the sheer pressure of that absolute strength made Tang Xiao's limbs go weak.

He slumped into his seat, his gaze shifting to the five elders seated before him, all of whom wore grim expressions.

After a long silence, Tang Xiao sighed.

"Elders, there's no need for me to elaborate on today's events. My stance is clear—we must bring Hao'er's body back to the Clear Sky Clan."

Though Tang Hao had been expelled from the clan, he was still the son of the former clan master, his bloodline tied to the Clear Sky Clan.

Fallen leaves must return to their roots.

The five elders were all Titled Douluo, their soul power ranging from levels 91 to 93. After years of seclusion, they had finally broken through to the Titled Douluo realm.

"Impossible!" The most hot-tempered of them, the Seventh Elder, was the first to voice his opposition.

"Tang Hao and his son colluded with soul beasts, seeking to overthrow humanity. How can such scum be allowed back into the Clear Sky Clan? I refuse!" The Seventh Elder slammed the table, making his stance clear.

"Seventh Elder, watch your words." The Second Elder, his hair white with age, spoke with a bitter expression.

"No matter how disgraceful Tang Hao was, he was still the old clan master's son. Moreover, the Spirit Hall's claim that Tang Hao and his son conspired with soul beasts—do you truly believe their words?"

The Second Elder glanced at the Seventh Elder and shook his head slowly.

"The facts are right before our eyes! How can I not believe them?" the Seventh Elder retorted.

"First, Tang Hao and that hundred-thousand-year soul beast, the Blue Silver Emperor. Then, his son Tang San and that hundred-thousand-year soul beast, the Soft Boned Rabbit.

"Father and son, both cut from the same cloth—one obsessed with grass, the other with rabbits. Their tastes grow more depraved with each generation! How can anyone not be convinced?" (TLnote: Broo you have no idea)

"..."

The others exchanged glances. The Seventh Elder's words did carry some weight.

Tang Xiao remained silent, his grief deepening.

Unconsciously, his eyes reddened.

"Clan Master." The Second Elder suddenly spoke.

"Second Elder, what are your thoughts?" Tang Xiao looked at him with a glimmer of hope. Among the five elders, the Second Elder held the most authority.

"My stance is clear—let Tang Hao return to his roots. Though he was expelled, he was still part of the Clear Sky Clan. That is an undeniable fact.

"The Spirit Hall's young master, Ye Hao, killed Tang Hao. This is a humiliation the Clear Sky Clan cannot ignore. We must never forget this deep-seated hatred."

"But—" The Seventh Elder wanted to argue but was silenced by the Second Elder's sharp gaze.

"Excellent!" Tang Xiao rejoiced inwardly.

"However..."

The Second Elder's expression turned grave.

"I have conditions."

"Please speak," Tang Xiao said.

"I wish to meet Tang Hao's son, Tang San. According to Yuehua, he possesses twin martial souls." The Second Elder's eyes gleamed with calculation.

Tang Xiao was taken aback but nodded.

"Xiao San does indeed have twin martial souls. So, Second Elder, your conditions are...?"

He hoped they wouldn't be too harsh.

"First, bring back the head of a Titled Douluo from the Spirit Hall."

"Second, kill the Spirit Hall's young master, Ye Hao. He has brought too much shame upon the Clear Sky Clan. This debt must be repaid."

"Third, Tang San is now sixteen, with a soul power of level 59. I demand that within ten years, he reaches level 80 and obtains a hundred-thousand-year soul ring."

The Second Elder paused before continuing.

"If Tang San fulfills these three conditions, not only will Tang Hao's body be welcomed back, but his status as a disciple of the Clear Sky Clan will be restored.

"And the same goes for Tang San."

The offer was tempting, but the conditions were undeniably harsh.

Tang Xiao pondered for a long time before sighing in resignation.

The Second Elder was acting for the sake of the Clear Sky Clan. After all, the reputation of Tang Hao and his son was in tatters.

Moreover, the feud between the Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Clan ran deep.

Ye Hao's killing of Tang Hao had ignited the fuse—war was inevitable.

But would Tang San accept these three conditions?

That was the question weighing on Tang Xiao's mind.

"Very well. I will relay this to Yuehua."

Tang Xiao sighed, tears finally spilling from his eyes as he fell into silence.

---

Meanwhile, after killing Tang Hao, Ye Hao did not return to the Spirit Hall.

Instead, he headed for Slaughter City—the location of his third trial.

Slaughter City was as chaotic as ever. Ye Hao entered with practiced ease.

His goal this time was to eliminate a hidden threat—the poison Tang San had introduced.

Upon arrival, Ye Hao immediately noticed something off.

The usual stench of blood in the air was now mixed with something else—an indescribable, foul odor.

As he passed through the gates, the enforcers of the city stared at him, their gazes wary.

Why had the "God of Death" returned?

Was he here to wreak havoc again?

...Well, as long as Slaughter City didn't collapse, they couldn't care less how many he slaughtered.

"Hell Messenger, long time no see."

Ye Hao smiled at the woman approaching him—the Hell Messenger

"God of Death, welcome back. Have you reconsidered and decided to become an elder of Slaughter City?" she asked with a smirk.

"Not quite." Ye Hao shook his head, amused.

"I'm here to save Slaughter City."

"Save it?" The Hell Messenger blinked before bursting into laughter.

"This place is a den of degenerates, filled with slaughter and sin—a paradise for the fallen. And you want to save it? How, exactly?"

She crossed her arms, intrigued.

"Not that kind of salvation. Take me to the Slaughter King. You'll understand once we're there."

Seeing his serious expression, the Hell Messenger stepped aside and led him toward the palace where the Slaughter King resided.

Her curiosity burned.

Along the way, Slaughter City lived up to its name—bloodshed was everywhere, the stench of death thick in the air.

Ye Hao walked calmly, unfazed. He had once been part of this world.

Suddenly, figures emerged from the shadows—degenerates, their eyes locked onto Ye Hao.

But then, one of them stumbled, whether from fear or intent.

Pointing a trembling finger at Ye Hao, he shrieked:

"The... the God of Death has returned!"

With that, the man turned and fled.

The God of Death—who was he?

One of the current Slaughter Gods, the first in decades, and the most ruthless of them all.

In an instant, the degenerates scattered like rats, vanishing into the darkness.

Facing this scene, Ye Hao remained utterly composed - he'd witnessed far too much already.

"See? These people are no longer human, but demons from hell. You speak of salvation... how exactly do you plan to save them?" The Hell Messenger batted her eyelashes at Ye Hao, repeating her question with playful curiosity.

"Take me to the Slaughter King. That's all you need to do," Ye Hao replied impassively.

"Tch!" The Hell Messenger pouted. "No sense of romance at all."

They arrived at a crimson-hued ancient castle. Following the Hell Messenger inside, Ye Hao found himself in the Slaughter King's domain for the first time. The massive castle was monochromatic - a red deeper than fresh blood.

The ancient fortress exuded an aura of weathered history. There, Ye Hao finally met the Slaughter King.

The ruler lounged comfortably on his throne, swirling a goblet of Bloody Mary. Spotting the "Death God," he initially froze before rising with boisterous laughter.

"Death God! What brings you to my domain?" The Slaughter King stood slowly, his mind racing - this cunning visitor never acted without purpose. What could he want?

"Let me be blunt," Ye Hao smiled faintly. "Your Slaughter City... is in grave danger."

"Hahahaha!" The Slaughter King erupted in laughter, joined by the Hell Messenger's muffled giggles.

"Nonsense! What danger could possibly threaten Slaughter City? With my enforcers guarding the perimeter, no soul masters able to use their powers inside, and myself presiding over all - tell me, what danger could there be?"

"Is that so?" Ye Hao studied him meaningfully. This old bat had chosen his human vessel well.

But Ye Hao's priority was completing his third trial. The fastest solution was addressing the poison Tang San had left in Hell Road - which only the Slaughter King could access.

"While you may rule the surface, true power flows from Hell Road beneath," Ye Hao's smile deepened. "And that... is where your city's destruction brews."

The Slaughter King's expression hardened, his gaze turning analytical. To him, Ye Hao should have no secrets.

Yet Hell Road was the lifeblood of Slaughter City. Its corruption would mean utter collapse. Even the Hell Messenger now regarded Ye Hao with grave seriousness.

"Stop staring like that," Ye Hao suppressed a shiver. "The poison wasn't my doing."

"Who then?" The Slaughter King's voice turned glacial.

"Tang San."

"Him?" The ruler's piercing stare seemed to bore into Ye Hao's soul.

After a prolonged silence, the Slaughter King finally nodded. "You speak truth."

Dismissing the Hell Messenger, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

"No more pretenses between us," the Slaughter King's demeanor transformed completely.

"Shall I call you Tang Chen... or just 'old bat'?" Ye Hao smirked.

"You dare!" The Slaughter King's aura erupted - his power surpassing ordinary Titled Douluo, reaching the pinnacle 99th rank.

Yet Ye Hao stood unfazed. The black scythe mark between his brows faded, replaced by a crimson glow that actually made the mighty ruler recoil.

"You... you're actually..." Fear tinged the Slaughter King's voice for the first time.

"Old bat, you may wear Tang Chen's body like a stolen suit, but you haven't fully mastered it yet," Ye Hao stated calmly.

The realization struck like thunder - this youth was the inheritor of the Death God!

"What... what do you truly want?" The shaken ruler took an involuntary step back, forced to reevaluate everything.

"Relax. I'm only here to remove the poison in Hell Road. Keep your stolen flesh - I care not."

Still suspicious, the Slaughter King hesitated. "Why should I trust you?"

Ye Hao shrugged. "Don't, then. When Slaughter City crumbles, where will you rule? Your hard-won stolen throne... gone in an instant."

As Ye Hao turned to leave, panic finally gripped the ancient vampire.

"Wait!"

Ye Hao paused. "Well?"

"How can I verify your claims?"

The Slaughter King's dilemma was clear - this inheritor could destroy him with a thought. Yet Ye Hao's free passage rights as a Slaughter God left him vulnerable. The stolen kingdom he'd schemed for millennia to claim now hung by a thread...

With the added identity of the Death God's successor, it was enough to shake the Slaughter King's towering position.

"Just open Hell Road, and I'll answer all your questions," Ye Hao maintained his faint smile.

But to the Slaughter King, this smile sent chills down his spine - it was too...

To verify Ye Hao's claims, the Slaughter King accompanied him to the Hell Killing Grounds.

The bloody battles continued as always, scenes of slaughter playing out endlessly. Having emerged from this place himself, Ye Hao had long grown accustomed to such sights.

"Contain it if possible. If this place were destroyed, it would spell true catastrophe for the continent," Ye Hao thought silently.

When the Slaughter King appeared at the Hell Killing Grounds, the venue immediately became packed as more and more degenerates gathered. Normally, the king only came to announce new "Slaughter Gods" - what was today's occasion?

Without waiting for his underlings' announcement, the Slaughter King unceremoniously activated Hell Road.

The ground split apart, bathed in crimson light as numerous degenerates were sacrificed to open the path, their bodies dissolving into bloody mist.

After exchanging a glance with Ye Hao, the Slaughter King transformed into red light and entered. Ye Hao followed closely behind...

On Hell Road:

Molten lava stretched like an endless sea, the stench of blood overwhelming, killing intent permeating the air.

As they stood on Hell Road, the Slaughter King clearly sensed something amiss.

"You were right - Hell Road has been tampered with. Tell me, why would the Asura King do this?" The Slaughter King looked to Ye Hao for answers.

"Slaughter City's reputation in the outside world is hardly stellar. Most who come here are fugitives or vicious criminals escaping pursuit."

"Yet in another sense, Slaughter City functions like a prison. Those wicked soul masters are drawn here, and since it's a one-way entrance, I believe its existence is necessary."

Ye Hao paused before continuing: "As for why Tang San would destroy Slaughter City - simply to prevent others from obtaining the Slaughter Domain and its treasures after he got what he wanted. He'd burn the bridge after crossing it."

"Of course, that's only part of it. Another reason is the suffering Slaughter City caused him. Outside, he utterly despises me. You must have noticed this when I left, or when the Hell Messenger departed."

"Indeed, I even intervened that time," the Slaughter King recalled clearly.

"You may proceed now."

Stepping aside, the Slaughter King needed to witness Ye Hao restoring Slaughter City with his own eyes.

Ye Hao shook his head with a smile. The third trial was relatively straightforward.

Approaching the lava, he gazed at the churning molten sea. Suddenly, the red mark between his brows emitted a crimson beam.

Instantly, the calm lava began boiling violently like water at full roll. Not just the lava - all of Slaughter City above started trembling as well.

Emerald-green mist rose from the lava's surface - clearly something was being purified.

Throughout the process, the Slaughter King remained silent, quietly observing Ye Hao's actions.

After a long while...

"Third Trial: Prevent Slaughter City's destruction - Completed. Reward: 15% Death God/Shura affinity, total 30%."

The notification echoed in Ye Hao's mind as he reached new heights. Simultaneously, the fourth trial arrived:

"Fourth Trial: Gain recognition of the Asura Demon Sword. Seize the sword from the previous successor. Time limit: one year. Reward: 20% Death God/Shura affinity."