Grandmaster was left speechless, silently sitting to the side as he began to ponder life once more.
Tang San gritted his teeth, initially wanting to reprimand Dai Mubai and issue a death threat. However...
"Please have the Shrek Academy team send a member to the stage immediately!" The referee urged impatiently once more. What was Shrek Academy doing? They needed to hurry up and get on stage. The advancement match was about to end, and the referee wanted to finish early and take a break.
Tang San had no choice but to deal with Dai Mubai after defeating Ye Hao.
"Hmph!" Tang San snorted coldly, walking onto the stage with an air of arrogance.
"It seems Fatty was right. Tang San is not someone to befriend deeply," Dai Mubai thought to himself.
Now, Dai Mubai had fully seen through Tang San's character—narrow-minded and capable of anything when it came to those who insulted him. If not for the tournament rules restricting Tang San, Dai Mubai was certain that Tang San would have immediately retaliated against Ma Hongjun last night after he insulted Xiao Wu.
Dai Mubai, having seen much of the world, could clearly discern this.
"Look! Shrek Academy has sent Tang San to the stage!"
"It's true! Tang San is really stepping up!"
"Who do you think is stronger, Ye Hao or Tang San?"
"I think it's Ye Hao. He hasn't even used his martial soul yet. Tang San's martial soul is just Blue Silver Grass. Even if he's a Soul King, a trash martial soul is still a trash martial soul."
"..."
The crowd chattered away, holding little hope for Tang San.
Tang San frowned, his eyes filled with killing intent as he scanned the crowd. Immediately, everyone fell silent.
"Finally, some peace and quiet," Tang San smirked.
"This Tang San has quite the temper," Sword Douluo remarked with a slight frown.
"He's just young and impulsive. I think the outcome of this match is already clear—Ye Hao will win," Bone Douluo declared.
"I agree with Uncle Bone," Ning Fengzhi nodded, then turned to Emperor Xue Ye.
"Your Majesty, what do you think?" Ning Fengzhi asked softly.
Emperor Xue Ye didn't hesitate. "I choose Ye Hao. Tang San's martial soul is Blue Silver Grass. Even though he's a Soul King, a trash martial soul is still a trash martial soul. That's an undeniable fact."
Everyone present agreed. A trash martial soul was a trash martial soul, just as a rotten orange was a rotten orange. This was an indisputable truth.
"Little brother, I believe in you," Xue Qinghe silently prayed for Ye Hao.
As Tang San stepped onto the stage, he and Ye Hao locked eyes, their gazes filled with intense killing intent.
"Ye Hao, are you ready to die?" Tang San said coldly.
Ye Hao remained silent, simply raising his middle finger in disdain.
"You're asking for death. Now that I'm a Soul King, I'm no longer the same as before," Tang San laughed maniacally. "Today, I'll make you kneel on this stage and use your blood to wash away my humiliation."
"Are you done with your nonsense?" Ye Hao said indifferently, looking at Tang San with a bored expression.
"You... say that again!!!" Tang San was instantly enraged, his face twisting in fury.
Ye Hao sneered, "Let me give you a piece of advice: villains die because they talk too much."
"You're the one who's going to die!" Tang San roared, his five soul rings rising from his feet. Blue Silver Grass sprouted from his palms, and the ground began to bulge as more and more Blue Silver Grass appeared around him.
"First Soul Skill, Entanglement."
"Third Soul Skill, Spiderweb Restraint."
Tang San's first and third soul rings lit up in succession. The Blue Silver Grass grew wildly, quickly covering the entire stage. At the same time, a large net woven from Blue Silver Grass descended from above.
At this moment, Ye Hao had nowhere to escape. Tang San had sealed off all possible exits.
No way up, no way down.
The Blue Silver Grass was covered in thorns, each vine lined with barbs. A faint, sweet scent could be detected.
"Poison," Ye Hao smiled calmly. His fifth soul ring lit up, and in an instant, he completed his Death Spider Emperor transformation.
His arms transformed into two massive scythes, slicing through the Blue Silver Grass on the stage. The grass was reduced to fragments, scattering everywhere.
"Tang San, I suppose that old rabbit is the last one to fight, right? You've gone to great lengths to protect her," Ye Hao instantly understood Tang San's strategy.
"I'll defeat you on this stage and make you beg for death. Xiao Wu won't need to fight," Tang San said confidently, his eyes filled with murderous intent.
More and more Blue Silver Grass began to grow wildly, as if it had a life of its own. Thick vines, each a meter in diameter, sprouted from the ground. After becoming a Soul King, Tang San had gained a deeper understanding of his Blue Silver Grass.
"Don't worry, I'll defeat you and then slap that old rabbit into a pig's head again, just like at the Soto Great Spirit Arena."
Ye Hao's words struck a nerve. Tang San's eyes turned bloodshot, and his movements became a blur as he activated Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track.
Tang San moved swiftly, appearing behind Ye Hao. In his hand was a hidden dagger, which he thrust toward Ye Hao's neck.
"Tang San, you've crossed the line," Ye Hao turned and grabbed Tang San's wrist. The dagger slipped back into Tang San's sleeve, disappearing without a trace.
"Give my mother back!" Tang San growled through clenched teeth, his hatred for Ye Hao reaching unprecedented levels.
"Sorry, but your mother... is gone," Ye Hao released Tang San's wrist and stepped back to maintain distance.
"You... Ye Hao, what do you mean by that!!!" Tang San roared in fury.
"Exactly what I said."
With that, Ye Hao took out a leaf from the Blue Silver Emperor and tossed it to Tang San.
"This is all that's left of her. Keep it safe."
Tang San caught the Blue Silver Emperor leaf, his hands trembling as he held it. To ensure Ye Hao wasn't lying, he used his Blue Silver Grass to verify its authenticity. The reaction was exactly the same as that night.
At this moment, Tang San felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He collapsed to his knees, holding the tattered Blue Silver Emperor leaf in his hands. There were bite marks on it, as if some creature had gnawed on it.
But then, the Blue Silver Emperor leaf in Tang San's hands began to wither.
The Blue Silver Emperor was known for its incredible vitality. How could this be happening?
As the golden veins on the Blue Silver Emperor leaf turned yellow and withered, Tang San's eyes widened in shock. What had just happened? Who could explain this to him?
With a gentle breeze, the withered Blue Silver Emperor leaf in Tang San's hands turned to ash.
Instinctively, Tang San reached out to grab it, but no matter how hard he tried, it was futile. The ashes of the Blue Silver Emperor leaf quickly dissipated into the air, as if they had never existed in the first place.
---
Tang San silently knelt on the ground, his eyes turning blood-red as a solemn aura began to rise around him. The crowd watched with bated breath, their faces filled with unease as they instinctively took a few steps back. No one had expected Tang San to possess such a terrifying presence.
"Ye Hao, I will kill you!" Tang San roared in fury, his left hand suddenly enveloped in a dark, ominous light. At this moment, Tang San became a figure of pure terror, his murderous intent causing everyone present to pale.
He had truly snapped.
"Is that... the Clear Sky Hammer?! How is this possible?" Emperor Xue Ye stared at Tang San, particularly at the hammer in his hand, his face filled with shock.
"Indeed, it is the Clear Sky Hammer," Ning Fengzhi nodded coldly. However, what truly stunned Ning Fengzhi was the four soul rings surrounding Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer—two yellow and two purple.
As someone knowledgeable about twin martial souls, Ning Fengzhi understood the usual process: one must first absorb nine soul rings for their first martial soul before adding rings to the second. Yet, Tang San's actions completely defied this logic.
"The Clear Sky Hammer has soul rings? Tang San truly has no fear of death," Bone Douluo said, his face filled with astonishment.
"Youth is fearless. Now I understand how Tang San became a Soul King so quickly. What a pity, though. Such a talented twin martial soul user, wasted," Sword Douluo sighed.
"Grandmaster Ning, from your tone, it seems you know Tang San's background. Is he from the long-secluded Clear Sky Clan?" Emperor Xue Ye probed, eager to recruit such a talent.
Since the Clear Sky Clan had closed its doors, Tang San was the first person with the surname "Tang" to reveal the Clear Sky Hammer in public. It was natural for people to assume he was a disciple of the Clear Sky Clan.
(Tang Hao excluded of course.)
"Your Majesty, Tang San is not from the Clear Sky Clan," Ning Fengzhi shook his head with a smile.
"Not from the Clear Sky Clan?" Emperor Xue Ye pondered for a moment before his eyes lit up. "Could it be...?"
"Indeed, he is the son of the Clear Sky Douluo, Tang Hao," Ning Fengzhi stated calmly.
This revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd. The Clear Sky Douluo, Tang Hao! Who would have thought that his son was studying at Shrek Academy? Moreover, Tang San was a twin martial soul user. He had hidden his identity well.
"Clear Sky Douluo," Emperor Xue Ye murmured, his mind racing with thoughts.
As Tang San revealed the Clear Sky Hammer, many among the audience recognized it immediately. After all, the Clear Sky Hammer was the number one tool-type martial soul in the world.
"The... the number one tool-type martial soul, the Clear Sky Hammer!"
"Tang San is from the Clear Sky Clan!"
"Blue Silver Grass and the Clear Sky Hammer—one is the weakest martial soul, and the other is the strongest. These two are like heaven and earth, yet they exist in the same person."
"A twin martial soul, huh?" Feng Xiaotian said with a grave expression. "It seems Ye Hao is in danger."
"Brother, will Ye Hao... lose?" Huo Wu asked uncertainly.
Huo Wushuang shrugged, equally unsure. "I don't know. Ye Hao is strong, but Tang San is a twin martial soul user. His second martial soul, the Clear Sky Hammer, is the number one tool-type martial soul. I think... Ye Hao's chances of losing are much higher."
A twin martial soul had appeared, a once-in-a-century event!
The crowd erupted in chatter, filled with shock and awe.
At this moment, Grandmaster, despite the pain in his backside, straightened up and stood tall, a bitter smile on his face as he addressed the crowd.
"Everyone, Tang San is my disciple, and I am his teacher. As you can see, Tang San is a twin martial soul user. His achievements today would not have been possible without my guidance..."
Grandmaster began to boast, drawing gasps of amazement from the crowd. However, what truly amazed them was not Grandmaster's skills but his sheer luck. How had such a mediocre man, stuck at level 29, managed to take a twin martial soul user as his disciple? What kind of fortune had he stumbled upon?
Seeing the audience's reaction, Ye Hao couldn't help but mutter, "He really knows how to flatter himself."
Facing Tang San, who was charging forward with the Clear Sky Hammer, Ye Hao raised his twin scythes to meet the attack. Tang San's first soul ring glowed brightly.
"First Soul Skill, Thousand Ton Breaker."
The Clear Sky Hammer suddenly doubled in size. Its first soul ring came from a hundred-year-old Thousand Ton Ant, a soul beast known for its immense strength. It was a perfect match for the Clear Sky Hammer.
"Tang San, do you want to know how it died?" Ye Hao smiled faintly, his twin scythes clashing with Tang San's hammer.
Sparks flew as Tang San, now a frenzied beast, fought with all his might. The loss of his mother had driven him to the brink of despair. All he wanted now was to kill the man before him and exact his revenge.
"Shut up!" Tang San roared, slamming his hammer into the stage. The entire platform shook, and debris flew everywhere.
"Today, I will end your life!" Tang San raised his hammer again, the fourth soul ring around it glowing brightly. He activated his strongest skill yet.
"Fourth Soul Skill, Clear Sky Strike."
The Clear Sky Hammer grew five times its original size, becoming larger than Tang San himself. The hammer radiated a dark red light, exuding an eerie and oppressive aura that left many students sweating. The number one tool-type martial soul truly lived up to its reputation.
---
Grandmaster's eyes lit up with excitement. Go! Go! Go!!!
This hammer strike was enough to crush Ye Hao into paste. With this, Grandmaster would finally have his revenge.
Facing Tang San's most powerful attack, Ye Hao remained calm and composed.
"Fourth Soul Skill, Thorn Spider Armor."
Ye Hao's entire body was covered in black armor as he stood motionless, allowing Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer to descend upon him.
The crowd couldn't help but break into a cold sweat for Ye Hao. Was he insane? How could he dare to face the Clear Sky Hammer head-on? It was over. Ye Hao was done for.
Clang—
After a deafening sound, the spot where Ye Hao had been standing was now a deep crater. The Clear Sky Hammer had landed exactly where Ye Hao had been.
Everyone was stunned.
After being hit by such a powerful attack, even Ye Hao couldn't survive. It seemed Ye Hao was doomed.
Grandmaster suddenly burst into laughter. "Xiao San! Well done! You've finally defeated Ye Hao!"
Xiao Wu was also in tears, crying like a delicate flower.
"Brother, I love you so much. Thank you for avenging me."
On the VIP seats, Xue Qinghe suddenly stood up, looking at the spot where the Clear Sky Hammer had landed. Tears streamed down his face uncontrollably.
"Tang San, you will pay for my brother's death with your life," Xue Qinghe vowed silently, determined to make Tang San pay during their journey to the Spirit Hall.
"Ha ha ha!!!"
Tang San laughed maniacally, his expression twisted with madness.
"I've finally killed Ye Hao with my own hands! I've finally killed him! Ha ha ha!!!"
Just as everyone thought Ye Hao was dead...
"Ha ha ha!!!"
A familiar laugh suddenly echoed through the arena, sending a chill down Tang San's spine.
"Tang San, you're nothing special. The number one tool-type martial soul? Just average."
Ye Hao's voice spread slowly. At this moment, Xue Qinghe cried tears of joy, looking hopefully at the spot beneath the Clear Sky Hammer.
There, Ye Hao was holding up the massive hammer with one hand. He was completely unharmed, his Thorn Spider Armor having played a crucial role in protecting him.
"Impossible! How are you still alive?" Tang San's eyes widened in disbelief.
Ye Hao looked at Tang San with disdain. "Your Clear Sky Hammer is as useless as your Blue Silver Grass. The so-called number one tool-type martial soul? Just average! My fourth soul skill is a ten-thousand-year skill, and the Thorn Spider Armor can withstand any damage. Your Clear Sky Hammer's fourth soul skill is only a thousand-year skill. Did you really think it could hurt me?"
Tang San shook his head violently, then raised his hammer again.
"I don't believe it! If the first strike didn't work, the second one will definitely kill you!" Tang San was determined to end Ye Hao's life.
Ye Hao smirked, looking at Tang San with contempt.
"I won't give you another chance, Tang San. Now it's my turn!"
"What!" Tang San was shocked. In the next second, Ye Hao appeared behind him with his Six-Winged Purple Light Wings.
Slap—
A crisp sound rang out as Ye Hao delivered a hard slap to Tang San's face. Five red handprints were clearly visible on Tang San's right cheek.
Tang San's body collapsed to the ground. His entire right face seemed to have lost all sensation, and the Clear Sky Hammer in his hand shrank back to its original size, falling to the ground nearby.
"Damn you! How dare you hit me!" Tang San gritted his teeth, unwilling to let it go.
"What? You can hit others, but others can't hit you?"
Ye Hao descended from the air, stepping on Tang San with one foot.
"Don't look at me with those eyes. I hate it." Ye Hao applied a bit of pressure with his foot, causing Tang San to spit out blood. Despite this, Tang San's killing intent remained strong, his fists clenched tightly.
"Ye Hao, if you don't kill me now, I'll kill you later!" Tang San spat blood as he spoke.
Unmoved, Ye Hao's heart hardened. He stepped forward, locking Tang San's throat to the ground in front of countless students and the VIPs seated in the arena.
Ye Hao raised his fist and then brought it down heavily, striking Tang San's face. The intense pain made Tang San cry out.
"This punch is for the innocent soul masters who died by your hands!"
"This punch is for your hypocrisy, preaching morality while doing inhumane things!"
As Ye Hao continued to punch, he realized it wasn't enough. The anger in his heart still hadn't been fully vented.
"Not satisfying enough," Ye Hao stood up.
Looking at Tang San, who was lying on the ground, battered and barely conscious but still glaring at him with malice, Ye Hao kicked him once more.