Chapter 196: Tang San Hears the Grim News

After everyone chatted happily for a while, Yang Xiong left alone to go look for the Azure Bull Python.

The Azure Bull Python's body was indeed enormous; even while submerged, its head alone was terrifying, and the dread aura radiating from its whole form was fearsome, truly worthy of being one of the strongest Soul Beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest.

Yang Xiong stepped before the Azure Bull Python and said, "Senior Da Ming, may I ask you something?"

The Azure Bull Python let out a strange cry, clearly disdainful of Yang Xiong and the others, and said, "Human, although you helped Sister Xiao Wu, you hunted our Ten-thousand Year Soul Beasts; I have no desire to associate with you."

Yang Xiong couldn't help but smile, "I can't be blamed for that; humans and the Soul Beast clan have been opposed for generations. Soul Masters need Soul Rings to cultivate, especially the stronger ones who demand top‑grade Soul Rings. That's the rule of the world, not something a single Soul Master can change."

Moreover, I helped you this time; otherwise Sister Xiao Wu might have been captured. In any case, you owe me a favor.

The Azure Bull Python's eyes emitted a pale blue light that seized the heart and soul, truly befitting the world's most elite Soul Beast.

"Human, what do you want from me?"

Yang Xiong hurriedly replied, "I'm only seeking some information from you, about certain secrets of the Star Dou Great Forest."

The Azure Bull Python instantly grew angry, the whole area seeming to fill with thunder, and said, "Human, although you helped us, I will not help you hunt Ten-thousand Year Soul Beasts, nor betray the Soul Beast clan."

Yang Xiong shook his head, "I'm only asking you a small question; you just need to confirm whether it exists."

After a moment of hesitation, the Azure Bull Python spoke, "What do you want to ask? But I'm not sure I'll answer."

Yang Xiong's expression grew serious, "Senior Da Ming, have you ever heard of a hidden place within Life Lake?"

The Azure Bull Python shook its head, "I have lived in Life Lake all my life and have never heard of any hidden place here."

Yang Xiong found it odd; a typical Azure Bull Python has lived in Life Lake for tens of thousands of years and is a dominant presence, so how could it have no awareness of its own domain?

Yang Xiong quickly asked, "Then have you heard of Di Tian and Xiong Jun? They should also be Ten-thousand Year Soul Beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest."

The Azure Bull Python froze upon hearing Yang Xiong's words; after an uncertain pause it said, "I have never seen those two Soul Beasts you mention. I only heard of them once in my youth; unfortunately the memory is so distant that I have received no news of them since."

Seeing the Azure Bull Python's demeanor, Yang Xiong guessed it had indeed encountered Di Tian and Xiong Jun, but those fierce beasts hide in the shadows of Life Lake and rarely reveal themselves.

When Yang Xiong returned to Ning Rongrong's side, Tang San's face was twisted with intense anger, while Xiao Wu cautiously offered comfort nearby.

Yang Xiong whispered to Ning Rongrong, "Rong Rong, what's wrong with Tang San?"

Ning Rongrong quickly replied, "Tang San has learned of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's annihilation and of the master's current condition, which is why he is unusually furious."

Tang San suddenly looked at Yang Xiong, "Yang Xiong, what's the current state of my master?"

Yang Xiong shook his head, "I'm not clear on the details; I only had people verify that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has been completely wiped out—its entire 1,800 members were killed."

"However, Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan escaped the disaster by attending a class reunion; the master's condition also seems poor."

Tang San's whole demeanor seemed to flare with rage, "Why, why would the Spirit Hall do this? This involves thousands of lives; aren't they afraid of provoking the public's anger?"

Yang Xiong's mouth twitched with helplessness, "What is 'public anger'? The Spirit Hall is now so powerful that there are over a dozen Title Douluos, accounting for more than sixty percent of the entire Soul Master world's strength."

"If the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had not been prepared in advance, and if I hadn't been planning for this war years ago, the sect might have been destroyed outright."

Tang San's eyes showed surprise, "How is that possible? How could you have known the Spirit Hall would strike the upper three sects? Why didn't you warn the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?"

Yang Xiong shook his head, "It's not that I didn't warn them; both our Sect Leader Ning Fengzhi and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's clan head Yu Yuanzhen have long known a blood‑soaked storm would sweep the Soul Master world."

"Since the Clear Sky Sect War back then, the Spirit Hall has been biding its time; the Soul Master world has seen no large‑scale conflicts, a silence that's almost frightening, unlike the previous generation's era when battles were everywhere."

"Anyone with a bit of perspective knows the Spirit Hall has been amassing power, recruiting gifted youths while plundering treasures of the Soul Master world, and courting the lower four sects."

"Over the years the lower four sects have secretly pledged allegiance to the Spirit Hall, while the upper three sects, after the Clear Sky Sect's retreat, have been unable to oppose it; thus the Spirit Hall has rapidly grown, its strength far exceeding everyone's imagination."

Tang San clenched his teeth, "Is the Spirit Hall really that powerful? Is Bibidong really that strong?"

Yang Xiong replied helplessly, "The Spirit Hall is more than just Bibidong, and not merely the six Grand Elders who once appeared in Spirit City."

"What truly terrifies is Qian Daoliu, a Level 99 Ultimate Douluo, who is god‑like in the Soul Master world; in all these years of the Douluo world, only your great‑grandfather Tang Chen could truly contend with him."

"Unfortunately, after Tang Chen vanished, the Spirit Hall already exuded a dominance over the world; during the Clear Sky Sect War I suspected they were trying to force Tang Chen's appearance, but your great‑grandfather never resurfaced."

"Besides Qian Daoliu, the Spirit Hall has Seven Great Offerings and Nine Great Elders, all Title Douluo‑ranked masters; each of the Seven Great Offerings exceeds Level 96, and none is inferior to Yu Yuanzhen."

Tang San was again taken aback, clearly hearing for the first time about the Spirit Hall's true strength.

Tang San's expression shifted unpredictably; after an uncertain pause he asked, "Is the Spirit Hall's sheer might the reason it seeks to annihilate the major sects? Is its ambition truly that vast?"

Yang Xiong's mouth curled into a cold smile, "It's not the Spirit Hall's fault; anyone sufficiently powerful develops great ambition. Had your great‑grandfather not vanished, perhaps the Clear Sky Sect would have unified the world."

"For major sects like the upper three, there are inevitably some dark deeds, just not as obvious as those of the Spirit Hall."

"Back then the Clear Sky Sect also dominated the world; besides its strength, its manner was exceptionally domineering."

Tang San quickly replied, "That's impossible; the Clear Sky Sect would never do such a thing."

Yang Xiong stared intently at Tang San, "Tang San, have you ever returned to the Clear Sky Sect since you were born?"

Tang San shook his head, "I intended to go back to the Clear Sky Sect soon, but now I may have to wait until I obtain the sixth Soul Ring."

Yang Xiong's tone hinted, "If you return to the Clear Sky Sect and converse with the generation or two above you, you'll understand its way of handling matters."

"The Soul Master world values the law of the jungle; I came to the Star Dou Great Forest specifically to eliminate the Chrysanthemum Ghost Douluo, thereby suppressing the Spirit Hall's arrogant aura, perhaps preventing them from acting so tyrannically in the short term."

"Of course, Sect Leader Ning also expressed gratitude to you; your Hidden Weapon played a role in this Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect battle, otherwise our sect would have faced even greater difficulty."

Tang San's complexion changed at those words; the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect indeed spent a fortune buying many Hidden Weapons, yet the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan never purchased any from them, even though his master knew of the Hidden Weapon trade between them.

If the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan also possessed Hidden Weapons, perhaps they wouldn't have suffered such a crushing defeat.

But who can be blamed? The master for not informing the clan, or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan for ignoring the master?

……

After the group spent a day at Life Lake, they finally prepared to leave.

But before departing, Yang Xiong addressed Xiao Wu, "Rabbit, this time the Spirit Hall suffered heavy losses in the Star Dou Great Forest; they probably won't be satisfied with a simple retreat."

"And you should know that Bibidong also has a dual martial soul and still lacks many Soul Rings. If they return to the Star Dou Great Forest again, Bibidong will likely act personally; then not only you but even the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Bull Python will be extremely dangerous. The three of you should stop being so conspicuous."

Xiao Wu sneered, "If that woman dares to come to the Star Dou Great Forest, I'll have Da Ming Er Ming kill her, to avenge my mother."

Yang Xiong couldn't help shaking his head, "I've already said the Spirit Hall is powerful; there are over a dozen Title Douluos, and Bibidong's strength is unfathomable. This time they only sent two Title Douluos to capture you. If a large force of Title Douluos comes next, you'll be the first target."

"Then I might not be so lucky to be able to rescue you."

"By the way, one more thing: the matter of us killing the Spirit Hall's Chrysanthemum Ghost Douluo, you'd better keep it secret. I helped you this time; if you cause us trouble, we won't even be friends anymore."

Xiao Wu, the Titan Giant Ape, and the Azure Bull Python all fell thoughtful; although the two Ten-thousand Year Soul Beasts are powerful, this time Xiao Wu was nearly captured. If Bibidong truly came in person, perhaps none of them would survive the scene.

After Yang Xiong finished speaking, he prepared to go find the three thousand‑jin Ant Emperors according to Xiao Wu's instructions.

After Yang Xiong left, Tang San also grew nervous: "Xiao Wu, let's leave the Star Dou Great Forest; I always feel you're not safe here, as if the Spirit Hall might target you at any moment."

Xiao Wu showed a hint of helplessness on her face: "San Ge, I still have the protection of Da Ming and Er Ming here; if we really leave the Star Dou Great Forest, where could I go?"

Tang San thought for a moment before speaking: "Xiao Wu, I will definitely protect you. By the way, I'm already Level 60 now; you're familiar with the Star Dou Great Forest, so please lead me to a suitable Soul Ring."

At that moment Tang San seemed to recall something: "Da Ming, who exactly are Di Tian and Xiong Jun that Yang Xiong mentioned?"

The Azure Bull Python shook its head: "I'm not clear either. I only heard those two names when I was young. Back then a terribly horrific war broke out, the battle scene was countless times more brutal than ours; they were two extremely terrifying Soul Beasts—a black giant dragon and a dreadfully fearsome dark‑gold clawed bear. The whole Life Lake was almost destroyed; the fighting was truly cataclysmic."

"I was frozen with fear then, only knowing that one was called Di Tian and the other Xiong Jun. But I haven't seen them since."

Tang San thought for a long time before speaking: "Xiao Wu, I must obtain a Soul Ring as soon as possible; I must return to my teacher quickly, who must be in great difficulty now."

(End of chapter)