Douluo: Yu Hao is reborn, this Tang San is different

Chapter 116 Tang Hao vs. Tang San
The piercing shriek of the Clear Sky Hammer tearing through the air was like an apocalyptic alarm. Dugu Bo's pupils constricted sharply, and the Azure Phosphorus Poison condensed into a shield around his body. Tang Hao's figure, enveloped in dark red soul power, fell like a meteor. The dark gold patterns erupting from the 100,000-year soul ring on the hammer dyed half the sky the color of purgatory.

"boom!"

The earth trembled violently. The moment the hammer collided with the ground, a terrifying shockwave swept away all debris within a radius of a kilometer, and space distorted like a shattered mirror.

Dugu Bo retreated hastily at the speed of a Title Douluo, leaving a hundred-meter-long afterimage in the poisonous mist behind him. As the smoke and dust slowly dissipated like a thick curtain, the scene before him caused his pupils to contract sharply—the Shrek Academy members who had been lying in pools of blood had vanished, leaving only sizzling, charred poison on the ground.

When Oscar was the first to slowly wake up, his nostrils were no longer filled with the nauseating smell of phosphorus poison, but instead with the natural fragrance of soil mixed with grass.

He struggled to sit up. Before him lay an unfamiliar wilderness, and the distant, winding outline of the city wall told him that he was already outside Tiandou City.

"Everyone... is still alive," Oscar's voice trembled, filled with the relief of surviving a disaster. Immediately afterward, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and the others also woke up, supporting each other, their eyes filled with bewilderment and lingering fear.

"Xiao Wu! Where is Xiao Wu?" Ning Rongrong suddenly cried out in terror.

Only then did everyone realize that Xiao Wu, who should have been beside them, was nowhere to be seen. Zhao Wuji frowned, his eyes searching the surroundings, muttering to himself, "It must be Tang Hao who took Xiao Wu away. I hope, I hope Xiao Wu is alright."

Flanders forced himself to his feet, wincing in pain from his wound. He limped towards the city wall, trying to pinpoint its location. On the weathered wall, a brand-new job advertisement swayed gently in the wind, catching his eye.

Flanders leaned closer to look and saw that it read:

"We are seeking instructors for our Soul Master Academy. Excellent compensation and benefits. Requirements: Possess unique teaching philosophies and rich practical experience, capable of guiding students to rapidly improve their strength."

At the end of the advertisement, there was an unfamiliar stamp with strong, bold handwriting.

Flander stared at the advertisement, lost in thought.

At this moment, the other members of Shrek Academy also gathered around, looking at the sudden recruitment advertisement, their hearts filled with mixed feelings.

"Blue Tyrant Advanced Soul Master Academy is recruiting Soul Masters of level 40 and above, with generous benefits."

Flander read the contents of the advertisement aloud, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

He subconsciously touched his purse, a shrewd look typical of a businessman appearing on his face:
"To be able to advertise on the city gate bulletin board, how many gold soul coins must that cost? It seems that Blue Tyrant Academy is quite wealthy."

Qin Ming, who had been standing to the side, adjusted his glasses, leaned closer to Flander, and said seriously, "Dean, this Blue Tyrant Academy is no ordinary institution. In the preliminary rounds of the last All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament, they eliminated one of the two participating teams from the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Although the academy is only one-third the size of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, it is located in the heart of Heaven Dou City, and its daily expenses are enormous. Moreover, this academy has a very special rule: it only admits commoner students and rejects all nobles. Just based on that, without a powerful background, it would be impossible for them to gain a foothold in Heaven Dou City."

Flander stroked his chin, a cold smile slowly creeping onto his lips. He recalled the humiliation he had suffered at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, a glint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes:
"Does the Royal Academy think they have victory in this competition? Not necessarily! If Blue Tyrant Academy had our help, the situation might have been very different."

He paused, his gaze resolute as he looked at the crowd around him. "I am no longer young, and I don't want you all to follow me in pursuing those unrealistic ideals, or to suffer with me. But the humiliation I suffered at the Royal Academy today must be settled! What do you all think?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuji laughed heartily, his laughter filled with fearlessness and trust: "Old buddy, after all these years, how could we not trust you? Wherever you point, we'll fight! It's just another adventure, what's there to be afraid of!"

The Shrek Seven Devils echoed in unison, "We will follow the Dean's arrangements!"

Their voices, though still somewhat immature, were incredibly firm. In their hearts, no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, as long as they united, there was no hurdle they couldn't overcome.

Seeing everyone's reaction, Flander smiled slyly: "Then let's go to Blue Tyrant Academy first. If it doesn't work out, we can come back and figure out how to rebuild the academy."

The group headed towards Tiandou City.

Stepping into the city, the bustling scene before them left everyone speechless. The wide, blue-brick streets were teeming with traffic and people, and shops lined both sides of the streets, displaying a dazzling array of goods.

Shouts, laughter, and hawking filled the air, weaving together a lively urban symphony. The sheer scale of the city was breathtaking.

Before long, the tall white marble gatehouse of Blue Tyrant Academy appeared before everyone's eyes.

The gate tower was almost as tall as the city gate of Heaven Dou City. Although it was not as imposing and grand as the city gate, it had its own unique majesty. The eight gilded characters "Blue Tyrant Advanced Soul Master Academy" on the gate tower shone brightly in the setting sun, exuding solemnity and grandeur.

Upon arriving at the college gate, Qin Ming quickly found the reception area next to the gatekeeper, which clearly stated "Recruitment Registration Room".

Upon entering the reception room, a middle-aged Soul Master in his forties was sitting at the table. He saw the Shrek Academy group, his gaze lingering on Dai Mubai and the others for a moment, his eyes filled with doubt:

"Are you all here to apply for faculty positions at the college?"

In his view, these children were too young and far removed from the image of a Soul Master teacher in his mind.

Flander stepped forward, a gentle smile on his face, and explained, “No, it’s us adults who are applying; these children are my disciples. If we are successful in our applications here, I hope my disciples can also come to the academy to study.”

The teacher nodded in realization, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the wood grain on the corner of the table: "I see. However, the academy has rules that students must pass an examination to enroll. If a few of you were hired as teachers, perhaps you could get some leeway for the children."

He rose, his robes rustling softly. "Follow me, the testing grounds are deep within the academy." They walked through a long corridor covered in wisteria, the stone path winding its way into a dense forest. Flander looked up at the towering canopy of trees, dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting flickering shadows on his face. As a pointed building pierced the greenery and came into view, Zhao Wuji suddenly leaned closer and lowered his voice:

"Old Da, do you really think this place, where even the crooked trees are trimmed neatly, can accommodate a bunch of amateurs like us?"

"If there's no room for it, then we'll just barge in."

Flander repeatedly rubbed his cufflinks, old items from his early days as a merchant. "Back in the day, Shrek Academy could even use a run-down inn as a school building, so why would they be afraid of the academy's entrance?"

The moment I stepped into the lobby, a chill mixed with the smell of disinfectant hit me.

The three examiners stood side by side, the middle one with a school badge on his chest inlaid with half a broken blue crystal, reflecting a cold light.

At the same time, torrential rain poured down, with large raindrops pounding on the ancient trees at the edge of the Starry Sky Forest, splashing up layers of water mist.

Carrying the unconscious Xiao Wu and Tang San, Tang Hao trudged through the mud and found an abandoned wooden hut. The rotten door creaked in the wind, the hut reeked of dampness and mildew, cobwebs spread rampantly in the corners, and a few faint rays of moonlight shone through the hole in the roof, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the gloomy space.

Tang Hao gently placed Tang San and Xiao Wu on the dusty wooden bed, looking at the two children with a complicated expression.

Xiao Wu's face was as pale as paper, with scars from the battle still visible on her forehead, and her breathing was weak and rapid; Tang San's eyes were tightly closed, his brows furrowed, as if he had not yet woken up from his coma.

Tang Hao stood by the bed, gazing at Xiao Wu. After a long while, he spoke, his voice low and hoarse: "Xiao San, when you wake up, kill Xiao Wu and absorb her soul bone."

After an unknown amount of time, Tang San slowly opened his eyes, his consciousness gradually returning. He vaguely heard Tang Hao's words, thinking he had misheard. He rubbed his eyes, then looked closely and saw his father standing by the bed, his expression serious.

"Dad, what did you say?" Tang San's voice was filled with confusion and shock.

Tang Hao repeated his words without the slightest hesitation: "I said, kill Xiao Wu and absorb her soul bone. Your mother's revenge cannot go unavenged. Those people in the Spirit Hall, especially Bibi Dong, owe our Tang family a blood debt that must be repaid with blood. Xiao Wu is a 100,000-year-old soul beast in human form, and her soul bone can greatly increase your strength. This is the key to your revenge."

Tang San's face turned deathly pale instantly. He sat up abruptly, staring at Tang Hao in disbelief: "Dad, what nonsense are you talking about! Xiao Wu is my sister, one of the most important people in my life. How could I possibly kill her!"

Tang Hao frowned, a flash of anger crossing his eyes:

"You're too naive! In this dog-eat-dog world, emotions will only be a burden. Have you forgotten how your mother died? She was driven to desperation by the Spirit Hall and ultimately chose to sacrifice herself, giving me her spirit ring and spirit bone so that I could escape. Bibi Dong, she's the culprit behind all of this! Only by becoming strong enough can you avenge your mother. Xiao Wu's spirit bone is the key to your growth!"

Tang San's eyes reddened, and his voice trembled as he said, "Of course I haven't forgotten my mother's death, and I swore to avenge her. But I won't do it this way! Xiao Wu and I went through so much together; we cultivated together, fought together, and faced difficulties together. She was even willing to give her life for me. How could I repay kindness with enmity and kill her?"

Tang Hao was furious. He slammed his fist on the wooden table beside him, sending splinters flying. "You're being too soft-hearted! Do you think you can contend with the Spirit Hall with your current strength? The Spirit Hall is full of experts, with countless Title Douluos, while you're just a lowly Soul Master. Xiao Wu's 100,000-year-old soul bone can give your strength a qualitative leap, at least enough to give you the ability to fight a Title Douluo. If you miss this opportunity, what will you use to take revenge?"

Tang San knelt by the bed, holding Xiao Wu's hand tightly, tears dripping onto her hand:
“Dad, I know revenge is difficult, and I know my current strength is far from enough. But I believe that as long as I work hard to cultivate and constantly improve myself, I will definitely find a way to avenge Mom. I cannot lose my true self and hurt the people I care about most just for revenge. If I kill Xiaowu, even if I get revenge, what is the point? I will live the rest of my life in pain and regret.”

Tang Hao was both angry and anxious looking at Tang San's stubborn expression.
"You child, how can you be so ignorant! Do you think cultivation is so easy? Talent, opportunity, and resources are all indispensable. Countless soul masters spend their entire lives without being able to break through the bottleneck. Xiao Wu's soul bone is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity, something that countless people dream of but cannot obtain. And you, you just wasted this opportunity, it's utterly foolish!"

Tang San raised his head, looking at Tang Hao with a determined gaze:

Dad, I know you mean well and want me to get revenge as soon as possible. But I have my own principles and bottom line. I won't use any means to achieve my goals. I believe that true strength doesn't come from external things, but from inner strength and a steadfast commitment to justice. I will walk this path step by step, in my own way, even if it's full of hardships, even if I ultimately fail, I will not regret it.

Tang Hao trembled with rage. He pointed at Tang San and said in a shaking voice, "Fine, fine! Since you won't listen to me, then don't acknowledge me as your father anymore! You can take your naivety and kindness and face the Spirit Hall's pursuit! Let's see how long you can last!"

After saying that, Tang Hao turned around and strode towards the door.

Tang San watched Tang Hao's departing figure, his heart filled with pain and helplessness.

He knew his father loved him, but his father's methods were too extreme.
He held Xiao Wu tightly, silently vowing in his heart: "Xiao Wu, no matter what happens, I will protect you. Even if it means going against the whole world, I will do it."

The torrential rain lashed the dilapidated wooden house, and the sound of Tang Hao's departing footsteps gradually faded into the rain. Just as Tang San breathed a sigh of relief, a dark figure appeared like a ghost—it was Tang Hao, who had returned.

His eyes burned with obsessive rage, and dark red soul power surged around him. "Since you can't do it, I will!" Before he finished speaking, the pitch-black Haotian Hammer, carrying a world-destroying aura, smashed down on the unconscious Xiao Wu on the bed.

"Dad! Stop!" Tang San's pupils shrank, and his body surged with blue light. Blue Silver Grass shot out like a python and wrapped around Tang Hao's arm.

At the same time, he clenched his right hand, and the phantom of the Haotian Hammer condensed in his palm, colliding with Tang Hao's attack with a loud "boom".

Two immense forces exploded inside the house, instantly blowing off the roof and sending tiles raining down.

Tang Hao roared, unleashing the full power of his Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique, the afterimages of the Clear Sky Hammer blotting out the sky. Tang San, while protecting Xiao Wu with his Blue Silver Grass, struggled to parry with his Clear Sky Hammer. Each impact of the hammers caused the ground to crack open in a spiderweb pattern.

(End of this chapter)