Chapter 199

The competition in Spirit City was in full swing, while Shrek Academy, located on the road back to the Tian Dou Empire, had fallen into crisis.

Translation: "The competition in Wu Hun City was in full swing, while Shrek Academy, located on the road back to the Tian Dou Empire, had fallen into crisis."

Check: Keep meaning. "was fiercely underway" -> "was in full swing". Could also be "was fiercely underway". We'll keep concise.

At this moment, Shrek Academy was trapped in a narrow valley, and the martial soul fusion technique of Long Gong Meng Shu and Snake Po Chao Tian Xiang—Dragon Snake Combined Strike—transformed into a thirty‑meter‑long great dragon soaring in the sky.

Translation: "At this moment, Shrek Academy was trapped in a narrow valley, and the martial soul fusion skill of Dragon Lord Meng Shu and Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang—Dragon Snake Combined Strike—transformed into a great dragon thirty meters long, soaring in the sky."

Shrek Academy's Golden Iron Triangle's martial soul fusion technique, the Golden Holy Dragon, also turned into a thirty‑meter golden giant dragon that rose to confront.

Translation: "Shrek Academy's Golden Iron Triangle's martial soul fusion skill, the Golden Holy Dragon, likewise turned into a golden giant dragon thirty meters tall, rising to confront."

Facing the two great martial soul fusion techniques, one of the two figures was pitch‑black all over, bearing two yellow, two purple, and five black soul rings—nine in total—glittering brightly; he was the Ghost Leopard Douluo of Spirit Hall.

Translation: "At this moment, facing the two martial soul fusion skills, one of the two was pitch-black all over, with two yellow, two purple, and five black soul rings—nine in total—shining brightly; this was the Spirit Hall's Ghost Leopard Douluo."

The other individual was muscular and clad in heavy armor, resembling a ferocious savage bear; his body likewise displayed two yellow, two purple, and five black soul rings—nine in total—pulsing; he was the Magic Bear Douluo of Spirit Hall.

Translation: "The other was bulked with muscles, clad in heavy armor, resembling a savage bear; his body likewise bore two yellow, two purple, and five black soul rings—nine in total—flickering, and he was the Spirit Hall's Magic Bear Douluo."

Zhao Wuji and several other Shrek Academy teachers shielded the students at the center, their faces equally grim.

Translation: "Zhao Wuji and several other Shrek Academy teachers shielded the academy's students at the center, their faces equally grim."

Tang San gazed at the two titled Douluo confronting the teachers in the sky, his heart filled with hatred toward Spirit Hall, wondering why they wouldn't just leave him alone.

Translation: "Tang San watched the two Titled Douluo confronting the teachers above, his heart filled with hatred toward the Spirit Hall, wondering why they wouldn't spare him."

Moreover, although Tang San had no chance to learn from Prince Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi that his parents' enemies were Spirit Hall members, he did receive some information from Titan.

Translation: "Moreover, this time Tang San had no chance to learn from Prince Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi that his parents' enemies were Spirit Hall members, but he did receive some information from Titan."

Therefore, with Tang San's intelligence, he naturally guessed that his enemies were Spirit Hall; this was already the second time he had been besieged by Spirit Hall's strong warriors, and each time they dispatched two titled Douluo, which only intensified his hatred toward Spirit Hall.

Translation: "Thus, with Tang San's intelligence, he naturally guessed that his enemies were the Spirit Hall; now he had been surrounded and attacked by Spirit Hall experts for the second time, each time with two Titled Douluo dispatched, which only intensified his hatred toward the Spirit Hall."

At this moment, Tang San swore in his heart: "If I survive this battle, I will make Spirit Hall pay with their lives!"

Translation: "At this moment, Tang San swore in his heart: 'If I survive this battle, I will make the Spirit Hall pay with their lives!'"

Meanwhile, above the sky, the Ghost Leopard Douluo facing the two great martial soul fusion techniques calmly said: "Elder Yu, the Pope's decree—this time we only kill Tang San; you may take the others and leave, otherwise, show no mercy!"

Translation: "Meanwhile, the Ghost Leopard Douluo facing the two martial soul fusion skills above said lightly: 'Elder Yu, the Pope's decree—this time we only kill Tang San; you may take the others and leave, otherwise, no mercy!'"

Indeed, Bi Bi Dong couldn't help but want to protect his Xiao Gang again, even directly issuing a death order to the Magic Bear and Ghost Leopard Douluo: the others of Shrek Academy may die, but Xiao Gang must not be lost!

Translation: "Indeed, Bi Bi Dong couldn't help but want to protect her little Gang again, even directly issuing a death order to the Magic Bear and Ghost Leopard: the others of Shrek Academy may die, but Yu Xiaogang must not be lost!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Gang seemed to recall something; a flicker of tenderness and hope flashed deep in his heart, yet he did not retreat even a step.

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaogang seemed to think of something; a trace of tenderness and hope flickered deep in his heart, yet he did not retreat half a step."

"Ghost Leopard Elder, Xiao San is my disciple; in my heart he is like my own son. Do you think I would abandon my son to flee?" Yu Xiaogang said coldly: "More talk is useless! What you do today will make the Haotian Douluo make you pay a bloody price someday!"

Translation: "\"Ghost Leopard Elder, Xiao San is my disciple; in my heart he is like my own son. Do you think I would abandon my son to flee? \" Yu Xiaogang said coldly: \"More talk is useless! What you do today will make the Haotian Douluo exact a bloody price from you someday! \"

Hearing Yu Xiaogang's threat as a great soul master, the Ghost Leopard Douluo snorted coldly: "Ignoring heavenly numbers, just two soul rings—how dare you provoke a titled Douluo? Even if the Pope himself wanted to protect you, I'd still take half your life!"

Translation: "Hearing Yu Xiaogang's threat as a Great Soul Master, the Ghost Leopard Douluo snorted coldly: 'What nonsense, with only two soul rings you dare provoke a Titled Douluo? Even if the Pope himself protects you, I will take half your life!'"

Thereafter, the Ghost Leopard Douluo hesitated no longer, telling the Magic Bear Douluo: "Let's attack—kill Tang San, so we can return and report!"

Translation: "Thereafter, the Ghost Leopard Douluo hesitated no longer, saying to the Magic Bear Douluo: 'Let's move—kill Tang San, so we can return to report!'"

"It's about time we attacked!" the Magic Bear Douluo snarled: "Seventh soul skill: Martial Soul True Body!"

Translation: "\"It's about time we attacked! \" the Magic Bear Douluo snarled: 'Seventh Soul Skill: Martial Soul True Form!'"

Afterwards, the Ghost Leopard Douluo's black seventh soul ring on his body also lit up; unlike the Chrysanthemum Ghost Douluo, they didn't hesitate but went all out from the start.

Translation: "Afterward, the Ghost Leopard Douluo's black seventh soul ring on his body also lit up; unlike the Chrysanthemum Ghost Douluo who hesitates, they went all out from the start."

As the two released their Martial Soul True Bodies, two terrifying aberrant beasts over five meters long appeared in the firmament, and the pressure of titled Douluo‑level instantly suppressed the two martial soul fusion techniques.

Translation: "With the release of their Martial Soul True Forms, two terrifying beasts over five meters long appeared in the firmament, the aura of Titled Douluo level instantly suppressing the two martial soul fusion skills."

The martial soul fusion technique of Long Gong Meng Shu and Snake Po Chao Tian Xiang can indeed rival a titled Douluo, but only enough to barely exchange a few moves with someone newly entered the titled Douluo rank.

Translation: "The martial soul fusion skill of Dragon Lord Meng Shu and Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang can indeed rival a Titled Douluo, but only enough to barely exchange a few moves with one who has just entered that rank."

Although the Golden Holy Dragon of the Golden Iron Triangle is of superb quality, the presence of the great soul master Da Shi holding it back means its manifested strength is even less than that of the Dragon Snake Combined Strike.

Translation: "Although the Golden Holy Dragon of the Golden Iron Triangle is of superb quality, the Great Master, a Great Soul Master, holds it back, so its exerted strength even falls short of the Dragon Snake Combined Strike."

At this moment, facing two rank‑95 super Douluo releasing their Martial Soul True Bodies, they had utterly no ability to fight back—not even a match for a single exchange.

Translation: "Now facing two ninety-five-rank Super Douluo unleashing their Martial Soul True Forms, they had utterly no power to retaliate, not even a match for a single exchange."

"Sixth soul skill: Netherworld Cold Light!"

Translation: "\"Sixth Soul Skill: Netherworld Cold Light! \""

"Fifth soul skill: Magic Bear Fury!"

Translation: "\"Fifth Soul Skill: Magic Bear Fury! \""

Flander and the others never imagined that these two titled Douluo would directly employ ten‑thousand‑year‑level soul skills in their attack; if their strikes landed, not only would the two great martial soul fusion techniques be destroyed, but even the other Shrek Academy members below would have no chance of survival.

Translation: "Flandre and the others never imagined that these two Titled Douluo would directly employ ten-thousand-year level soul skills in their attack; if their strikes landed, not only would the two great martial soul fusion skills be doomed, but even the other Shrek Academy members below could not escape."

At this moment, countless thoughts flashed through the minds of everyone in Shrek Academy like a fleeting glance, yet none of them was a wish to die.

Translation: "At this moment, countless thoughts flashed through the minds of everyone in Shrek Academy like fleeting images, yet none of them was a wish to die."

But what could they do, being as insignificant as ants? Aside from waiting to die, they could do nothing!

Translation: "But what could they do, being as insignificant as ants? Aside from waiting for death, they could do nothing!"

Tang San clutched Meng Yiran tightly in his arms, gazing coldly at the two titled Douluo above launching their fierce assault; his eyes held reluctance and desolation.

Translation: "Tang San held Meng Yiran tightly in his arms, gazing coldly at the two Titled Douluo above launching their fierce assault, his eyes filled with unwillingness and desolation."

"Old Brother Gu……"

Translation: "\"Older Brother Gu…\""

For some reason, at this moment the first thing that came to Tang San's mind was Gu Xuan; he imagined Gu Xuan suddenly soaring down from the heavens, accompanied by the Sword Douluo, to rescue them.

Translation: "I don't know why, but at this moment the first thing Tang San thought of was Gu Xuan, imagining that Gu Xuan would suddenly descend from the heavens, bringing the Sword Douluo to save them."

Alas, Gu Xuan is currently in the lounge discussing how to deal with the Spirit Hall Academy team!

Translation: "Alas, Gu Xuan is currently in the lounge discussing how to deal with the Spirit Hall Academy Team!"

But just as everyone felt despair, a low, booming voice suddenly rang out like an explosion in the air: "A wild dog, a bear—do you dare harm my son with just you? Get lost!!!"

Translation: "But just as everyone felt despair, a low voice suddenly rang out, like an explosion in the air: 'A wild dog, a bear—how dare you hurt my son with your ilk? Get lost!!!'"

Though the voice wasn't loud, the authority it carried made every person's body involuntarily tremble.

Translation: "Though the voice was not loud, the authority it carried made every person's body tremble involuntarily."

Hearing that voice, Tang San, who was holding Meng Yiran and shielding her with his back, snapped his head up, his eyes shining with delighted light.

We need to correct: "his eyes brimming with delighted light" is likely a typo; it should be "his eyes filled with delighted light". We'll translate: "Hearing this voice, Tang San, who was holding Meng Yiran and shielding her with his back, jerked his head up, his eyes brimming with delighted light."

In a low, booming explosion, a huge hammer flashing red light flew out; the bodies of Ghost Leopard Douluo Yue Guan and Magic Bear Douluo, these two titled Douluo, were flung back like cannonballs.

Translation: "In a low, booming blast, a huge hammer flashing red light flew out, and the bodies of Ghost Leopard Douluo Yue Guan and Magic Bear Douluo, these two Titled Douluo, were flung back like cannonballs."

Their faces simultaneously changed dramatically; as titled Douluo who had gone all out, they now faced this outcome—for the first time in years.

Translation: "Their faces changed simultaneously; as Titled Douluo who had gone all out, facing this outcome was the first time in many years."

A black silhouette silently appeared in mid‑air, hovering there as if it had always belonged.

Translation: "A black silhouette silently appeared in midair, hovering there as if it had always belonged."

He was a middle‑aged man, about fifty years old, tall and sturdy, but his attire was nothing to be proud of.

Translation: "It was a middle-aged man, about fifty years old, tall and sturdy, but his attire was nothing to be proud of."

His tattered robe had no patches, revealing the bronzed skin beneath; his once‑decent features were covered in a sallow yellow, giving him a sleepy, dazed look, his hair a messy bird's nest, and his beard unkempt for who knows how many days.

Translation: "His torn robe hung on him without even a patch, revealing the bronzed skin beneath; his originally decent features were covered in a waxy yellow, giving a drowsy, half-closed look, his hair a messy bird's nest, and his beard untrimmed for who knows how many days."

Seeing this person, the usually steadfast Tang San seemed to collapse; even though he had previously resolved to die with Shrek Academy, tears he had held back finally spilled, and he choked out two difficult words: "Dad… Dad…"

Translation: "Seeing this person, the usually steadfast Tang San seemed to collapse; even when he had previously resolved to die alongside Shrek Academy, he had never shed tears, but now two difficult words slipped from his lips: 'Dad… Dad…'"

Yes, this figure appearing out of thin air and hovering in mid‑air was Tang San's father, Tang Hao, who had been absent for over eight years.

Translation: "Yes, this figure appearing out of thin air and hovering in midair was Tang San's father, Tang Hao, who had been away from him for over eight years."

Compared to when he left, Tang Hao now looks merely a bit older, with no other changes; behind him floats a colossal black hammer that appeared out of nowhere.

Translation: "Compared to when he left, Tang Hao now looks merely a bit older, with no other changes; behind him floats a colossal black hammer."

"Tang Hao." Upon recognizing him, the Ghost Leopard Douluo bellowed.

Translation: "\"Tang Hao. \" Upon recognizing the comer, the Ghost Leopard Douluo bellowed."

Their eyes locked firmly on the Tang Hao hovering in the air; they never expected him to show up now.

Translation: "Their eyes locked onto the airborne Tang Hao; they never expected him to show up at this moment."

Although they hadn't yet clashed with Tang Hao, his recent maneuver undoubtedly proved he possessed the strength to take on two opponents.

Translation: "Although they had not yet clashed with Tang Hao, his recent maneuver undoubtedly proved he possessed the strength to take on two opponents."

After all, the Ghost Leopard and Magic Bear Douluo had both unleashed their Martial Soul True Bodies and a ten‑thousand‑year soul skill, whereas Tang Hao used no soul skill at all, relying solely on his terrifying soul power and martial soul to repel them—proof enough of his strength.

Translation: "After all, the Ghost Leopard and Magic Bear Douluo had simultaneously used their Martial Soul True Forms and a ten-thousand-year soul skill, whereas Tang Hao, without employing any soul skill, relied solely on his terrifying soul power and martial soul to repel them—proof enough of his strength."

"Tang Hao! I never thought you'd dare show your face—aren't you afraid to die?" the Ghost Leopard Douluo said coldly.

Translation: "\"Tang Hao! I never expected you to dare show your face—aren't you afraid of dying? \" the Ghost Leopard Douluo said coldly."

"Die?" Tang Hao gave a faint smile; he possessed a special aura, as if even a thousand‑strong army arrayed before him would be of no concern.

Translation: "\"Death? \" Tang Hao smiled faintly, possessing a special aura as if even ten thousand troops arrayed before him would be of no concern."

Tang Hao never wastes words in battle; one after another, soul rings rose slowly from his feet, not quickly, but with each ring's appearance he grew more solemn.

Translation: "Tang Hao never talks big when fighting; one after another, soul rings rose slowly from his feet, not swift in ascent, but with each ring's appearance, Tang Hao standing there grew ever more solemn."

The immense pressure generated by the Ghost Leopard and Magic Bear Douluo's Martial Soul True Bodies was actually pushed back by the gradually intensifying deep, condensing aura emanating from Tang Hao.

Translation: "The immense pressure generated by the Ghost Leopard Douluo and Magic Bear Douluo's Martial Soul True Forms before him was actually pushed back by his gradually intensifying solemn aura."

Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red.

Translation: "Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red."

"A hundred‑thousand‑year soul ring?!" Upon seeing the nine soul rings on Tang Hao's body, both the Ghost Leopard and Magic Bear Douluo couldn't help but suck in a breath of cold air.

Translation: "\"A hundred-thousand-year soul ring?! \" Upon seeing the nine soul rings on Tang Hao's body, the Ghost Leopard Douluo and Magic Bear Douluo couldn't help but suck in a breath of cold air."

That is a hundred‑thousand‑year soul ring, the greatest treasure of the soul master world; I never expected Tang Hao to also possess one.

Translation: "That is a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, the greatest secret treasure of the Soul Master world; who would have thought Tang Hao also possesses one?"

When they originally hunted Tang Hao, neither of them was among his pursuers, so they had no idea he possessed a hundred‑thousand‑year soul ring.

Translation: "When they originally hunted Tang Hao, neither of them was among the pursuers, so they had no idea he possessed a hundred-thousand-year soul ring."

Faced with a titled Douluo who possessed a hundred‑thousand‑year soul ring and whose soul power was not inferior to theirs, they now knew this mission would fail.

Translation: "Faced with a Titled Douluo possessing a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, and whose soul power is not inferior to theirs, they now know this mission will fail."

Tang Hao said indifferently: "With just the two of you, how are you going to kill me?"

Translation: "Tang Hao said indifferently: 'With just the two of you, how do you expect me to die?'"

The Ghost Leopard and Magic Bear Douluo exchanged a glance; even though they knew the mission was impossible, they were not the type to shrink back.

Translation: "The Ghost Leopard Douluo and Magic Bear Douluo exchanged a glance; even though they knew the mission was impossible, they were not the type to shrink back."

Then they both shouted loudly: "Bring on death!"

Translation: "They both shouted loudly: 'Come at me, death!'"

At the same moment, their soul power surged, their aura instantly reaching its peak.

Translation: "At the same time, their soul power surged, their aura instantly reaching its peak."

Ninth soul skill: Shadow of the Void!

"Ninth soul skill: Demon Bear Rending Heaven Collapse!"

The two Titled Douluo showed no hesitation at all, and at the same moment unleashed their Ninth soul skill, and their attack was not aimed at Tang Hao but at the many trainees of the Sleak Academy below.

Seeing this scene, Tang Hao coldly swept toward the Demon Bear Douluo and the Ghost Leopard Douluo, and said coldly, "Seeking your own death! Look closely, this is the true Haotian form."

Hearing Tang Hao's words, Tang San's spirit was lifted; Tang Hao's final sentence was clearly addressed to him.

The Seventh Soul Ring flashed, and the massive black Haotian hammer behind Tang Hao suddenly burst forth, a surge of intense black light rippling. The huge hammer unfurled in the wind, extending over a hundred meters, its massive head like a small mountain.

Fine red patterns emerged from the massive Haotian hammer, and the ten‑thousand‑year red Soul Ring on Tang Hao instantly lit up, turning the black giant hammer completely red.

"Ling Tian Strike!"

The hundred‑meter‑long super‑giant hammer in the sky suddenly descended, crashing straight toward the Demon Bear Douluo and the Ghost Leopard Douluo, its speed surpassing even the two of them's raid on the Sleak Academy trainees.

Tang Hao's single strike blocked the Ninth soul skill unleashed at full power by the two level‑95 Titled Douluo!

"Boom—"

The thunderous roar, like a bomb, made the entire valley tremble violently, and even half a mountain ridge was silently erased.

As the three Titled Douluo clashed, in an instant all Soul Masters below level 70 at Sleak Academy had their minds go blank and collapsed to the ground amid the indescribable, violent roar.

The Ghost Leopard Douluo and the Demon Bear Douluo were struck down simultaneously, and the giant hammer in the sky vanished.

Spitting a mouthful of fresh blood skyward, Tang Hao still laughed wildly, "The Spirit Hall owes me a debt; one day I will collect it all, and that day is not far off."

In a flicker, Tang Hao vanished, and the fallen Tang San also disappeared with him.

However, before disappearing with Tang Hao, Tang San raised his hand and tossed something toward Meng Shu…

Tang Hao's deep voice faded in the air: "Master, Fland, you have taught the youngster for many years; I cannot thank you enough, I, Tang, owe you."

The Demon Bear Douluo and the Ghost Leopard Douluo scrambled to their feet, yet Tang Hao and Tang San were nowhere to be seen; their anger was eclipsed by shock.

It was unexpected that within just over a decade of becoming a Titled Douluo, Tang Hao's strength was so overwhelming; that hammer just now directly blocked their Ninth soul skill.

With such power, he might already surpass the two of them.

At this moment, the five who were performing the Spirit Fusion technique at Sleak Academy did not faint, but their Spirit Fusion was shattered by the terrifying aftershocks of the battle.

The Ghost Leopard Douluo and the Demon Bear Douluo glanced at the others from Sleak Academy, then both leapt skyward and left the area.

Their ultimate goal was only Tang San; now that Tang San has been rescued by Tang Hao, there is no need to involve anyone else.

Of course, what mattered most here was Bi Bi Dong's words; Yu Xiaogang could not move.

Watching the Ghost Leopard Douluo and Demon Bear Douluo vanish, Shao Xin, the food‑type Soul Master of Sleak Academy, immediately stepped in to treat Dai Mubai and the others.

Fortunately the battle's aftershocks did not harm them, because Fland and Meng Shu's Spirit Fusion technique had been shielding them.

Soon, the trainees of Sleak Academy all woke up, and Ma Hongjun, just like in the original, opened his eyes and exclaimed excitedly, "Whoa, that was too strong, Third Brother's dad is awesome! I've decided, from now on Third Brother's dad is my idol."

The remaining few stared at each other; each harbored many doubts, but given the situation, it was clearly not the time for questions.

Fland sighed, suddenly feeling a bit despondent; although he is also a Soul Saint‑level powerhouse, he is still far from the truly great masters.

If Tang Hao had not appeared in time today, they probably wouldn't have been able to leave this place at all.

At this moment, among the crowd, Meng Yiran seemed a bit panicked, because as soon as she woke up she realized Tang San was gone.

"Little San…" Meng Yiran stared blankly at her grandfather.

Meng Shu sighed; in that moment he hadn't even had time to say a word to Tang Hao.

Meng Shu spread his palm and placed something before Meng Yiran.

Seeing what Meng Shu held, Meng Yiran's spirit instantly revived, and the earlier panic vanished.

In Meng Shu's hand lay a bracelet, bearing a thumb‑sized golden sphere; it was something Tang San had specially crafted for Meng Yiran, essentially a token of affection.

The golden sphere was a Dragon‑beard Needle; by injecting soul power into it one could activate it. Inside the sphere were roughly ten Dragon‑beard Needles, which could serve as Meng Yiran's trump card in a crisis.

As Tang San was about to leave, he gave this item to Meng Shu, the implication obvious.

Yet Meng Yiran did not know when she would next see Meng Shu…

ps: typos will be corrected later.

(End of chapter)