Chapter 89: Tang Hao Appears - A Threat

Yin Yang left Shrek Academy and began his journey back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Just as he exited Suoto City and entered a dense forest, he suddenly realized that the same aura had locked onto him again. That person, who had been observing him earlier, had followed him all the way here without being detected. "Who's there? Show yourself!" Yin Yang called out to his surroundings. He speculated that whoever could suppress him to such an extent must be a renowned Titled Douluo, likely someone on the same level as Yu Yuanzhen. However, he was confident in his ability to escape—if it came to a fight, he might not win, but he could at least flee. For now, it was best to figure out his opponent's intentions to prepare for Chen Xin's response later. After all, knowing one's enemy ensures victory. "There's no need for such formalities. I should be the one addressing you as senior," a man in black robes said, appearing atop a tree branch without a sound. Thanks to Yin Yang's sharp eyesight, granted by his hawk-like martial soul, he was able to see the man's face. He was in his fifties, and upon seeing his features, Yin Yang's pupils constricted. "You're... Tang Hao, the Clear Sky Douluo!" To his shock, Tang Hao, who had vanished for more than a decade, suddenly appeared before him. "Yin Yang, it's been nearly twenty years since we last met, hasn't it? Congratulations on breaking through your limits and entering the realm of Titled Douluo," Tang Hao said in a low, deep voice—completely different from the spirited and imposing man Yin Yang had encountered years ago. Back then, Tang Hao was brimming with confidence and authority, but now, he seemed weathered and worn by time. "Coming from the youngest Titled Douluo in the continent's history, words of praise like that almost feel like mockery," Yin Yang said with a bitter smile. Although he had successfully become a Titled Douluo, he realized he couldn't see through Tang Hao's strength at all. Conservatively, Tang Hao was at least level 95. "You didn't come here just to congratulate me, did you? Is this about that 100,000-year soul beast?" Yin Yang guessed the reason for Tang Hao's appearance. Since Tang Hao had been at Shrek Academy earlier, there was no way he hadn't noticed what Yin Yang had. Tang Hao nodded. "You're right. I know you're planning to return to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and inform Ning Fengzhi about this. However, I'm asking you to do me a favor and keep this matter a secret. If you agree, I promise to repay you generously in the future." "Why should I?" Yin Yang sneered. "Tang Hao, as a Titled Douluo, you should know what a 100,000-year soul beast represents. It's an opportunity to obtain both a 100,000-year soul ring and a 100,000-year soul bone. With the right level 90 soul master, it could instantly create a Titled Douluo far stronger than the average. Why should I give up such an advantage for my clan—just because you ask?" Tang Hao's expression darkened. "So, you're refusing? In that case, let's settle this with our strength!" He suddenly lifted his head, releasing an overwhelming killing intent. Tang Hao was one of the Killing City's Death Gods, and at this moment, his aura completely locked onto Yin Yang. Yin Yang didn't dare to be careless. His martial soul instantly activated, and nine soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and five black—emerged around him. Seeing this, Tang Hao smirked disdainfully. The Clear Sky Hammer appeared in his hand, accompanied by nine soul rings of his own—two yellow, two purple, four black, and one red. In a remote forest near Soto City, two of the world's Titled Douluos now stood face-to-face. "A red ring—a 100,000-year soul ring!" Yin Yang was stunned. Tang Hao was at least four levels higher than him. In the realm of Titled Douluo, even a one-level difference was significant, let alone four. He had no confidence in defeating Tang Hao. And now he realized that Tang Hao also possessed a 100,000-year soul ring. If they fought, he doubted he could withstand even two strikes from Tang Hao's hammer. "Yin Yang," Tang Hao's voice was calm but firm, "my offer still stands. Swear on your martial soul that you won't reveal anything about the 100,000-year soul beast, and I'll let you live. Otherwise, you'll die here and now." Tang Hao's approach was measured. He had no personal grudge against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and their power was formidable. If he killed Yin Yang here, the clan would undoubtedly investigate and would eventually discover the truth. Tang Hao couldn't afford for this to happen—especially not if it endangered Tang San and Xiao Wu. Yin Yang hesitated. He didn't want to lose the opportunity to capture the 100,000-year-old soul beast, but he knew he couldn't defeat Tang Hao. As a speed-focused soul master, he might escape if he made a run for it. However, Tang Hao seemed to anticipate this, and a red light flashed around him. A domain spread out, instantly enveloping Yin Yang. "I advise you not to run," Tang Hao said coldly. "This is my Deathgod Domain. Without your domain, you won't be able to resist it. In my domain, your speed will be drastically reduced. And don't forget the Clear Sky Clan's ultimate technique. One strike from me, and you'll be dead." Yin Yang broke into a cold sweat. The Deathgod Domain's oppressive aura was terrifying, and he suddenly remembered the Clear Sky Clan's most fearsome technique—ring detonation. If Tang Hao detonated his 100,000-year soul ring, he could kill Yin Yang instantly. Reluctantly, Yin Yang made his decision. He had spent years cultivating to reach the Titled Douluo level and wasn't ready to throw his life away. If he died here, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would lose both him and the crucial information about the soul beast. "Fine, Tang Hao. I'll give you this favor. I swear on my martial soul that I won't reveal anything about the 100,000-year-old soul beast. If I break this oath, my martial soul will shatter, and I will die!" Hearing Yin Yang's oath, Tang Hao withdrew his Deathgod Domain and the Clear Sky Hammer. He had no desire to make an enemy of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan unless necessary. "Thank you, Yin Yang. You have my gratitude. The Clear Sky Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan are both members of the upper three clans, and we should stand united, not as enemies. Today was an unfortunate necessity," Tang Hao said with a sigh. "Hmph. A 100,000-year soul beast is something no one would willingly give up—I can understand that much," Yin Yang replied coldly. Though he was furious, he had no choice but to concede. It seemed the 100,000-year soul beast would belong to the Clear Sky Clan after all. In hindsight, he thought, he should have brought Sword Douluo along. With Chen Xin present, Tang Hao—even with his 100,000-year soul ring—wouldn't have stood a chance. Chen Xin had already reached level 98, and the difference in levels would have been enough to overcome the ring's power. Moreover, the Seven Kill Sword and its domain were not inferior to the Clear Sky Clan's techniques or the Deathgod Domain.