Douluo Continent: Long Live the Spirit Hall

Yan smiled confidently and then said, "Although we let Tang Hao and Tang San go this time, the tracking methods I engraved on Tang San are not so easy to remove. They can't escape."

I only gave them one year. During that year, they would be relentlessly hunted down by the Spirit Hall. Only by using the method I gave them could Tang San possibly advance to the Soul King level. However, if they actually used that method, it would not only damage his potential but also affect his body and lifespan.

They wouldn't normally choose that path, but if we cut off their other avenues, they'll have no choice but to do as I say. The arrangements at the Martial Soul Temple in Heaven Dou City are already complete, aren't they?"

Bibi Dong nodded, then revealed a hint of doubt, "Just now, Salas and I confirmed again that there will be no mistakes. If Tang Hao and Tang San dare to approach those two places, they will definitely be killed on the spot by the guards."

However, I'm a little curious; what's so special about those two places?

"That waterfall outside Heaven Dou City is where Tang Hao's wife is. The Blue Silver Emperor from back then wasn't completely dead; he's recovering there. As for that forest, it's home to the ancient Blue Silver King. It wouldn't be good if Tang San got close."

Yan explained briefly, then gazed in the direction where Tang Hao and Tang San had left. "I gave Tang San a year to improve his strength, but I didn't intend for him to awaken his martial soul a second time. If he wants to advance to Soul King, he has to follow the method I gave him."

A year of pursuit has been enough time for them to think things through. They can't remove the tracking marks left on Tang San, so Tang Hao will naturally find a way to send him to a place beyond our reach.

"The City of Slaughter".

Bibi Dong picked up where Yan left off. She had previously thought that Yan's plan had some flaws, but now, after hearing these explanations, she felt much more confident.

Yan nodded. "That's right, it's the City of Slaughter. Tang San is still too weak right now. If the Soul Sect enters, it's suicide. So I gave him a year to let him face reality. He can't escape the pursuit."

"I understand."

Bibi Dong nodded, and the two remained silent as the Elite Tournament in Wuhun City continued. The world never revolves around any one person forever; even without Tang San, the tournament had to go on. However, with Lan Ba ​​missing a key player, the result was naturally less than ideal.

……

A year later, in the northwest of the Heaven Dou Empire, deep in a somewhat desolate mountain range, amidst a dense primeval forest, intense fluctuations of soul power continuously emanated.

Deep in the forest, a figure resembling a dragon could be vaguely seen moving about, its body spinning constantly, while a small black hammer flew up and down in its hand.

Opposite this figure was a rather strange 'giant tree'. It looked no more than the size of two people with thick waists, but its height and length were astonishing, reaching hundreds or even thousands of meters. Its forked branches constantly whipped at the figure, like long snakes dancing.

With each swing of his hammer, a long serpentine whip was sent flying and snapped in two. With each strike, the terrifying black light could be vaguely seen condensing into a pitch-black dragon.

The battle continued, the figure steadily approaching the large tree. Suddenly, the figure froze, all movement converging into a single, abrupt stop, as all the black light erupted in that concentrated moment.

"Boom!"

A black dragon soared into the sky, and countless vines cascaded down, scattering in all directions. The enormous black dragon let out a loud hum, as if it were roaring, or perhaps displaying its terrifying power.

Tang Hao stood quietly to the side, watching this scene. His eyes showed relief, but also a trace of heartache.

The black dragon transformed into a streak of dark light and destroyed the giant tree. Countless vines eventually exploded into fragments that filled the sky before falling. Amidst this chaotic ruin, Tang San's figure reappeared.

His left-hand Clear Sky Hammer struck the root of the large tree, and with a wisp of black soul light condensing, a pitch-black ten-thousand-year soul ring appeared in front of the father and son.

"Little San, your Nine Returns to One has already reached the level of Haotian's true teachings. Your Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique has been perfected."

Tang Hao walked to Tang San's side, looking at his son with a hint of heartache in his eyes. Tang San was completely different from before; his aura was filled with indifference and coldness, his hair was gray, and his slightly bloodshot eyes were filled with hatred.

"This Bloodthirsty Demon Vine is suitable for my fifth spirit ring. I would appreciate it if you could protect me, Father."

Tang San nodded to Tang Hao, the hatred in his eyes slightly diminishing. He didn't hate Tang Hao, but rather the experiences he had during the year of escape had brought about this change in him.

"Ah."

Tang Hao didn't say much. After encouraging Tang San for a while, he leaped to a high place to protect Tang San. Tang San also quickly sat cross-legged to adjust his soul power and refine his soul ring.

Throughout the year, because of the tracking mark on Tang San's body, they were relentlessly pursued by the powerful figures of the Spirit Hall.

Led by a Title Douluo, the team members were at least Soul Saints. For a period of time, they didn't even have much time to rest, let alone cultivate.

Tang San was able to advance to this level in just one year entirely by relying on a secret technique notebook he obtained. This allowed him to rapidly advance by sacrificing his own potential and lifespan, enabling him to advance nearly ten levels in a short period of time.

"Dad, you said last time that once I break through to the Soul King level, you would send me to a place where I can quickly improve my strength and temporarily escape the Spirit Hall's pursuit. Where is that?"

About an hour later, Tang San opened his eyes. His Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul had changed once again, becoming even more ferocious, and his aura was like that of a vicious beast.

Tang Hao looked at Tang San with a hint of worry in his eyes, but still said, "Let's set off soon! Your grandfather discovered that place first, and then I obtained my domain there. It's a paradise of evil, and also a prison of the Spirit Hall."

"The Spirit Hall's prison?"

Tang San looked at his father in surprise. Since it was a place belonging to the Spirit Hall, wouldn't the two of them be walking into a trap if they went in?

In the past year or so, they have witnessed firsthand how many powerful figures the Spirit Hall has sent. No fewer than fifteen Title Douluos have pursued them. If they were to fall into the Spirit Hall's encirclement, given Tang Hao's current condition, could he still protect the two of them and help them escape alive again?

Tang Hao continued, "Well, that place isn't entirely under the control of the Spirit Hall. You'd say its controller has a semi-cooperative relationship with the Spirit Hall; they've reached some kind of agreement..."

The father and son continued on their way while talking. Shortly after they left, a figure suddenly appeared. Looking in the direction they had left, he silently brought the device in his hand to his mouth and reported the latest situation of the target.

About two weeks later, Tang Hao and his son Tang San arrived at a small town. The town didn't look very big, but as soon as Tang San stepped in, he sensed that the atmosphere around him was a bit strange.

Tang Hao led Tang San to a tavern in the town and they went inside. The air inside the tavern was very stuffy. Tang San noticed that all the decorations here were black. Although it was daytime outside, there was a cold and dark feeling as soon as he entered.

About 30% of the seats in the tavern were occupied, and it was very quiet as few people spoke.

The arrival of Tang Hao and his son Tang San attracted a lot of attention, but most people only glanced at them briefly before moving on.

Tang Hao found a spot in the corner and sat down with his son. A waiter dressed in black with an indifferent expression came over.

Tang Hao didn't order anything for his son. The year-long pursuit had already given Tang San enough of a baptism, and he didn't need any more bloody Mary. He glanced at the waiter and then looked at his son, "Little San, go ahead."

"I'm leaving, Dad."

Tang San nodded, and then, to the waiter's astonishment, he made a sudden move, with sharp blue silver grass emerging from behind the waiter.

The waiter in black never expected Tang San to attack him. His pupils dilated, and the blood-red Blue Silver Grass swayed gently. His body had already been flung away, and blood splattered throughout the tavern.

"This is a test, a test given to us by the City of Slaughter. Kill him, and we can enter the City of Slaughter."

Someone shouted, and everyone's eyes turned bloodshot. They rushed towards Tang San like madmen. Tang San showed no mercy. With his fifth spirit ring flashing, blood-red vines pierced through everyone's chests, turning them all into dried corpses.

Tang Hao said calmly, "You adapted quickly, which puts my mind at ease. Remember, once you enter the City of Slaughter, you can only rely on yourself. I won't be by your side, nor will I protect you."

Kill everyone who poses a threat to you. Win the annual championship of Hell's Killing Arena, and I'll come for you.

At this moment, Tang San suddenly waved his hand and pulled a box from a corpse. A look of shock appeared in his eyes. "How could this be? There is such a thing."

He dragged the corpse to his side and searched the body thoroughly, but found nothing of value. He couldn't understand how someone who didn't even have a soul tool could possess such a peerless poison.

"What's wrong, mistress?"

Tang Hao found it strange to see Tang San like this. In his memory, Tang San was always calm in the face of trouble, but rarely acted like this.

"It's alright, Dad."

Tang San looked puzzled, but still put the box into his soul tool, then looked up at Tang Hao and said goodbye, "Then I'm off."

After saying this, he moved his left hand, and the Haotian Hammer appeared in his hand. He smashed open the real entrance with one blow and entered the dark cave alone, stepping into the City of Slaughter.

Chapter 391 Valley Waterfall

"A-Yin, I'm back."

Hundreds of miles outside Tiandou City, amidst a range of rolling mountains, a figure dressed in black robes stopped after a long journey. He carried an air of weariness, and although his eyes showed fatigue, they also revealed a hint of joy.

This continuous mountain range is extremely majestic. It is impossible to see the entire range from a distance, and even the outermost peaks are towering into the clouds.

The man in black robes was none other than Tang Hao, who had escorted Tang San into the City of Slaughter. With Tang San no longer carrying the tracking mark, Tang Hao alone was not so easily tracked down by the Spirit Hall. Therefore, after leaving the City of Slaughter, he easily shook off his pursuers and returned here.

After resting for a moment at the foot of the mountain, Tang Hao leaped up and headed straight for the mountain wall in front of him. The mountain wall in front of him was extremely steep, almost ninety degrees, but it was as if Tang Hao was walking on flat ground. Every time his toes touched the mountain wall, his body would rise more than ten meters, and he would quickly head towards the top of the mountain.

As Tang Hao moved forward, the rumbling sounds became clearer, the air became much more humid, and the temperature was several degrees lower than outside.

Finally, Tang Hao stopped again. This was a valley, or more precisely, a pool of water. The water was crystal clear, tranquil and deep, like a giant sapphire.

On one side of the valley, there is a waterfall about twenty meters wide, which stretches across the nearly two-hundred-meter-high mountain wall like a jade belt. The thunderous roar is produced by its impact on the pool.

The waterfall cascades down, crashing into the pool below and splashing countless droplets. Under the sunlight, a rainbow of seven colors stretches across the pool, creating an indescribably dazzling spectacle.

As soon as Tang Hao arrived, a refreshing mist hit him, the moist air invigorating and exceptionally comfortable.

Tang Hao stood there quietly, his gaze fixed on the waterfall that cascaded down like a silver river. For some reason, his usually cold and hard expression changed, and an undisguised tenderness appeared on his aged face.

"I am back."

Tang Hao murmured a sentence, then moved his feet again, his body crashing directly into the waterfall, plunging into the curtain of water.

The moment Tang Hao crashed into the waterfall, he waved his hand, and the torrent falling from the sky was swept back up by the immense soul power. He lightly touched a rock with his foot and continued upward.

The waterfall was swept back to more than half its height. When Tang Hao reached this distance, he reached out and gently pressed his hand on a rock wall behind the waterfall. A rock that looked perfectly sealed was actually dented in, revealing a doorway in the rock wall.

Tang Hao flashed inside. A short while later, he suddenly stopped and stared blankly ahead.

Behind the waterfall lies a secluded cave, quite damp, about three meters high and two meters wide, extending inwards. The entrance is rather dark, likely because the waterfall blocks the light.

However, at the very end of this narrow stone cave passage is a stone chamber of less than ten square meters, which is very bright. If you look closely, you will find that it is because there is a stone hole at the top of the cave wall, which provides light to the stone chamber at the deepest part of the passage.

The stone chamber was completely empty, devoid of any furnishings. Only directly below the stone opening above was a small mound of earth, upon which a slender blue silver grass swayed in the wind.

This blue silver grass looks a bit longer than ordinary grass leaves, and what's most peculiar is the fine golden veins on its leaves.

The moment Tang Hao entered the passageway, his gaze was fixed on the Blue Silver Grass. However, to his utter surprise, there was a person sitting in this stone chamber known only to him, and this person was even touching the Blue Silver Grass with his dirty hands.

"Tang San, you've already sent him to the City of Slaughter, haven't you!"

Beside the Blue Silver Grass, a figure that Tang Hao both recognized and feared slowly withdrew his hand, stood up as he spoke, and stared at the Haotian Douluo.

"You, how could..."

Tang Hao stared intently at the young man before him. The young man's face did not look terrifying, yet this Haotian Douluo, who had traversed the continent, showed a rare expression of fear at this moment.

"Are you wondering how I found this place? I just put in a little more effort and spent a bit more time and resources than others."

As Yan was speaking, he suddenly slapped the stone wall, and with a ding, a dark object fell from the sky and landed in Yan's hand.

It was a black box, long and narrow, about 1.5 meters long and 1 foot wide. This long, black box was actually made of lead, capable of isolating the aura of soul energy.

The box was unlocked. Yan held it with one hand and slowly opened it. Tang Hao's fist clenched for a moment, but he glanced at the Blue Silver Grass that was so close to Yan and silently held back.

Even from the slightest crack in the lead box, an unparalleled surge of energy erupted, instantly freezing the surrounding space.

This aura was not domineering; on the contrary, it was full of gentleness.

Inside the box was only a soul bone, a right leg bone, which was crystal clear blue-gold in color. It seemed as if there were twinkling starlight inside. Most peculiarly, it had a sense of life, as if this right leg bone actually possessed life.

"Who would have thought that Tang Hao, the Haotian Douluo, would not refine this 100,000-year soul bone after obtaining the 100,000-year soul ring?"

Yan looked at the extremely complete and life-filled soul bone inside the lead box, and a look of infatuation flashed across his eyes. No soul master could resist the temptation of a soul bone, let alone a 100,000-year-old soul bone.

"Do you know, Tang Hao? I actually knew about you and Tang San in Holy Soul Village a long time ago, even before I led my troops to attack the Clear Sky Sect."

Yan suddenly spoke up again at this moment, "I actually thought about secretly informing the High Priest and the Pope, so that the Spirit Hall could send elites to completely eliminate you, but then I thought better of it, because at that time I couldn't explain the source of the information."

Later on, as I rose higher and higher, becoming the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, second only to the leader, your threat to me became very small. As long as you don't jump out to obstruct me, I can actually let you go.