Douluo: Blade Template, Death Omen Approaching

Chapter 26 Unexpected Changes

In this ancient forest that has witnessed countless years of vicissitudes, Tang Hao and Ren's ultimate moves collided, as if opening a rift in time and space.

Centered on the battlefield, trees within a radius of several miles were toppled as if pushed down by an invisible hand. Thick trunks snapped like fragile straws under the aftershocks of the explosion, splinters flying everywhere.

On the battlefield, billowing smoke and dust made it seem like the end of the world had arrived. Broken leaves and twigs swirled in the air like spirits ravaged by a raging storm, lost and disoriented. The sunlight, stripped of its former majesty by the thick smoke and dust, cast a somber and terrifying shadow over the entire battlefield.

The aftershocks of the explosion surged like a tide, and it took an unknown amount of time before the deafening sound gradually subsided, but the echoing sound in the forest still sent chills down one's spine.

At this moment, Ren steadied himself, gently wiping away a trace of blood from the corner of his mouth. He descended slowly from mid-air, like a war god descending. He opened his palm, and the crimson ball of light pulsed within it, seemingly containing boundless power. The fragmented pieces of the sword, as if summoned, coalesced and reformed into a complete blade. Although cracks remained on the blade, it still radiated a chilling light that sent shivers down one's spine.

Blade's eyes were as cold as ice, his face devoid of any emotion, as unchanging as an ancient iceberg. He walked steadily towards Tang Hao, who was shrouded in smoke. Each step seemed to pound on people's hearts, conveying his determination and mockery. He wanted to taunt his equally matched opponent with the air of a victor, thereby gaining more glory and progress in this battle.

"Heh, still hiding? You've disappointed me the most." Blade's voice, like a cold north wind, pierced through the dust and smoke of the battlefield, coldly transmitting to Tang Hao on the other side.

His steps were steady, each one seemingly mocking his opponent's cowardice. A disdainful smile played on Ren's lips, his eyes revealing his dissatisfaction and contempt for Tang Hao.

However, as time passed, there was no response from the smoke on the other side, which made Ren's brows furrow slightly, and a sense of doubt welled up in his heart.

Just as Ren was about to speak again in mockery, the system's voice suddenly rang in his mind. The voice was mechanical and cold, devoid of any emotion.

[Ding! Tang Hao mistakenly believes the host has a powerful background and has brought reinforcements, and has already fled! Role-playing progress increased by 1%!]

[Ding! In this operation, Tang Hao's understanding has been repeatedly refreshed by the host, leaving him extremely terrified. Role-playing progress increased by 5%!!!]

[Current role-playing progress: 17.78%!!]

[Warning: The system has detected that the host's physical side effects have exceeded the system's suppression threshold. The host must immediately stop using power and rest to recover! Otherwise, the consequences will be borne by the host!]

The system's notification caused a barely perceptible twitch to flash across Ren's face. He gritted his teeth, trying his best to maintain his expressionless indifference. The system's reminder was like a bucket of cold water poured over his head, causing Ren, who was originally filled with killing intent, to suddenly feel a sharp pain. The pain surged from all directions like a tidal wave, instantly spreading throughout his body.

His body seemed to be protesting; the symptoms of the konjac drink began to flare up at this crucial moment, causing his fingers to twitch involuntarily and a fine layer of cold sweat to appear on his forehead. Ren knew that if he didn't follow the system's instructions, he might face even more serious consequences.

"Cough cough." Ren's voice trembled slightly, accompanied by a weak cough. His body leaned forward slightly, as if he was trying his best to suppress the discomfort surging within him.

He swiftly sheathed the fragmented sword, his movements revealing a barely perceptible tremor. One hand clutched his forehead, seemingly resisting the sudden dizziness, while the other limply supported the tree beside him, half-destroyed by the battle. The rough texture of the bark transmitted through his palm to his nerves, giving him a tangible sensation.

The side effects of the konjac drink came crashing down on him like a tidal wave. Ren felt as if his brain had been struck by a heavy hammer, and waves of dizziness made him almost unable to stand. He cursed inwardly. Sure enough, his progress was slow. Although dealing with a Title Douluo was no problem, he still had a long way to go before he could truly become invincible until the side effects of this abundant power were eliminated.

At this moment, to clear his mind, Ren slowly sat down, leaning against the broken tree trunk, his body almost becoming one with the shattered battlefield. He took out the broken sword again, hugged it tightly to his chest, and gently rested his cheek against the cold blade; the chill of the sword seemed to help him regain some clarity.

Ren closed his eyes, trying to distract himself. His thoughts returned to the system's earlier prompt, and he began to ponder the reason for Tang Hao's sudden escape. Did he really think Tang Hao had a powerful background and had brought in reinforcements? In this world, he clearly had nothing; where would he get such a background?

Ren sneered inwardly. He himself was his strongest support; his power and will were the foundation upon which he stood in this world. He needed no outside help, for he himself was the strongest backing and the sharpest blade!

Blade's mind was in turmoil due to the side effects of the konjac drink. He had closed his eyes, seeking a moment of peace, but suddenly opened them wide. The bloodshot in his eyes intensified, like a raging fire—a clear sign that the side effects of the konjac drink were worsening.

His intuition was sharper than ever; he could sense subtle fluctuations in the surrounding air—the approach of human presence. Not just one person, but a group. Their auras were unfamiliar yet intense; though weaker than a Title Douluo, they were clearly a group of formidable experts.

Ren instantly understood why Tang Hao had chosen to flee. It turned out that he had already sensed the commotion around him. However, Tang Hao mistook him for one of his men. Ren was already injured, and after their battle, he naturally chose to retreat.

Ren had no time to think. He knew he couldn't stay and wait for those people to arrive. He quickly stood up, his steps light and firm. He had to avoid them. If the Konjac Soup acted up now, the consequences would be unimaginable.

He knew that if he lost control, he would become a ruthless killing machine, capable of cutting down any number of people who came.

This was not the outcome Ren wanted; he did not want to see innocent killings occur.

Then, Blade carefully moved through the shadows of the forest, trying to make as little noise as possible with each step.

His figure quickly disappeared among the dense trees, leaving behind only the devastated battlefield ravaged by battle.

(End of this chapter)