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

Chapter 137 Papal Decree

The morning light in the Battle Arena was tinged with blood. The torrential rain of last night washed over the bluestone slabs of Falling Star Alley, but could not wash away the bloody smell that permeated the air.

As Shrek Academy's carriage entered the arena, the audience in the eight thousand seats suddenly fell into an eerie silence. Countless gazes felt like thorns in his back, making Ma Hongjun involuntarily reach for the phoenix feather at his waist.

"What are you looking at?" he roared, but was met with even more intense whispers in return.

Tang San lifted a corner of the curtain and saw the nobles in the VIP section whispering to each other and pointing at their carriages; the audience in the commoners' section looked terrified, as if they were riding not in a carriage, but in a Pandora's box from hell.

"Are all the people from Canghui Academy really dead?" Ning Rongrong's voice trembled, the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda faintly visible in her palm. Oscar swallowed, the aftertaste of the Mirror Intestine still lingering on his tongue: "The whole city is saying that they were torn to pieces, not even their bones were left."

The carriage stopped at the entrance to the contestants' passage. When the Shrek team alighted, they were greeted not with applause, but with a chorus of retreats. The staff member in charge of guiding them was pale-faced, his fingers trembling as he pointed to the rest area, yet he dared not approach.

Dai Mubai deliberately bumped into a Soul Master who was pointing and gesturing, causing the latter to scream and fall to the ground, resulting in a commotion.

"Don't panic, they're just feeling guilty." The master's voice came from behind. His gray robe had several wrinkles, indicating that he too hadn't slept all night.
"Remember, you did nothing wrong."

However, when they entered the lounge, they found that all the academy teams were looking at them with strange eyes. The members of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy sneered repeatedly, and the captain of the Star Luo White Tiger Academy even placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. Only the Spirit Hall Academy team remained silent, the girl at the head of the team had spider silk wrapped around her fingertips, and her eyes flashed with a complex light.

"I heard that Ao Hong from Canghui Academy was crushed into mincemeat by the Haotian Hammer?" someone whispered, and the lounge fell silent.

Tang San's hand unconsciously went to his chest, where the warmth of his father's pats from the previous night still lingered. He recalled Tang Hao's departing figure, the Clear Sky Sect emblem on his cloak particularly conspicuous in the moonlight—it was both a deterrent and a form of protection.

The referee's whistle broke the deadlock, and the first match began on time. But the audience was clearly distracted today; every time the camera panned across Shrek Academy's rest area, a commotion erupted in the stands. The commentator's voice was deliberately calm: "Next up is the second round of the preliminaries, Shrek Academy vs."

Before he could finish speaking, a unified voice suddenly rang out from the entire hall:

"Murder Academy! Murder Academy!"

Ma Hongjun slammed his fist on the chair, shattering the wooden armrest: "These bastards!"

Xiao Wu gently pressed down on his shoulder, but the rabbit ears were nervously pressed against his hair.

Tang San looked towards the VIP seats. Emperor Xue Ye's face was as gloomy as the sky before a storm, while Bibi Dong had a smile on her lips, and the phantom of the Rakshasa Demon Scythe on her fingertips was faintly visible.

"Shrek Academy, withdraw from the competition!" Suddenly, a supporter of Canghui Academy rushed onto the field, waving a blood-stained wolf head flag. "You are the murderers! You are the disgrace of the Soul Master world!" Before he could finish speaking, he was dragged away by the field security, but his words spread like a plague among the audience.

"Withdraw! Withdraw!" The chants grew louder, and even some neutral spectators began to waver. Dai Mubai stood up, a dangerous glint in his wicked eyes: "How about we..."

"Sit down." The master's voice was deep yet powerful. "It is precisely at times like these that you must remain calm."

Just then, the golden curtain of the VIP section was suddenly drawn back. Platinum Bishop Salas walked out slowly, his gaze sweeping over the Shrek Academy members, his voice as cold as ice: "Regarding the attack on Canghui Academy, the Spirit Hall has intervened in the investigation. Before the results are in, Shrek Academy will not be disqualified from the competition." He paused deliberately, "But I advise certain people not to think that just because they have the Clear Sky Sect backing them, they can trample on the rules of the Spirit Master world at will."

These words struck everyone like a heavy hammer blow.

Tang San felt the weight of the Twenty-Four Bridges Under the Moon at his waist; it still contained fragments of the Clear Sky Hammer his father had left behind the previous night. He suddenly understood that behind this storm of public opinion lay a power struggle between the Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect, and Shrek Academy was merely a pawn on the chessboard.

"The match begins!" The referee's whistle blew, and the Shrek Academy's opponents—the Flame Radiance Academy team—stepped onto the field. Their eyes held obvious fear; they didn't even dare meet the Shrek team's gaze. Ma Hongjun revealed a ferocious smile, phoenix flames dancing in his palm: "Come on, keep hurling insults!" His voice was filled with suppressed rage, "Today I'll show you what a true Soul Master is!"

As the phoenix streak streaked across the sky, the jeers from the stands suddenly turned into gasps of astonishment. Every move of the Shrek Academy members was accompanied by a deafening chorus of discussion, but this time, there was a hint of awe in their voices. The instant Tang San's Blue Silver Grass entangled his opponent, he heard the commentator's slightly trembling voice: "The soul power fluctuations of Shrek Academy... seem to be even stronger than yesterday?"

The match ended faster than expected. As the Flamebringer Academy players left the field in a disheveled state, the atmosphere in the stands had subtly changed.

People started clapping, and although it was sporadic, it gradually gathered into a wave.

Tang San looked towards the audience and noticed that those who had previously pointed and whispered now had a complex expression in their eyes—fear, or perhaps admiration.

Not far away, Emperor Xueye slammed the report onto his desk in frustration, splattering vermilion from the jade brush washer onto his dragon robe like specks of blood. "Twenty-three lives lost in one night! This is blatant slaughter!" He raised a hand to rub his temples, turning his gaze to the Platinum Bishop Salas below him. "How is your esteemed court's investigation into this matter progressing?"

Salas, dressed in a black cardinal's robe, the six-winged angel emblem on his chest gleaming coldly in the candlelight: "Your Majesty, do not worry, the Spirit Hall has dispatched three Soul Douluo-level deacons to Falling Star Alley to collect evidence." His voice was like a blade tempered with ice, "However, according to eyewitnesses, the residual soul power fluctuations at the scene do indeed have the characteristics of the Clear Sky Hammer."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the room suddenly froze, and Ning Fengzhi paused in his gentle waving of his folding fan.

Emperor Xueye's face instantly darkened, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the armrest of the throne—the claw marks left by Tang Hao when he stormed the palace alone years ago.

“The Haotian Sect has never interfered in worldly affairs,” Ning Fengzhi broke the silence. “This sudden move is probably related to that student from Shrek Academy.”

His gaze was meaningful. "I heard that the child's surname is Tang, and his martial soul is Blue Silver Grass. Yet, he can get Yu Xiaogang to personally teach him."

Salas's pupils contracted slightly, clearly indicating he had heard of this information beforehand. Emperor Xueye suddenly sneered, "Sect Master Ning, are you implying that the Clear Sky Sect is behind Shrek Academy? If that's true, then the death of Canghui Academy seems like a warning to others."

“Your Majesty is wise,” Salas stepped forward, “regardless of the forces behind it, a public massacre has crossed the line for the Soul Master world. If it is not severely punished, the world may think that violence can supersede the rules.” He deliberately emphasized the word “rules,” his gaze sweeping over Ning Fengzhi, “Moreover, if this matter is related to the Clear Sky Sect, it must be handled with even greater care—we cannot anger that fiend, yet we must also give the world an explanation.”

Ning Fengzhi was astute as he was, and immediately discerned the hidden meaning in his words: "Does His Excellency the Bishop mean to focus the investigation on Shrek Academy? After all, they are the direct participants."

Emperor Xueye frowned: "But Shrek Academy is just a group of students. Even with Yu Xiaogang's guidance, it's impossible for them to have any connection with the Haotian Sect."

"Your Majesty, don't forget," Salas's voice suddenly softened, "why did Tang Hao go into seclusion back then? Wasn't it all for that woman and their child?" He paused deliberately, observing the emperor's expression, "If that child truly is Tang Hao's son, tell me, which father in the world would tolerate his own flesh and blood being bullied in the academy?"

The candlelight in the imperial study suddenly shattered, and Emperor Xueye abruptly stood up, his dragon robe sweeping away the memorials on his desk. He certainly remembered the bloody battle twenty years ago—Tang Hao, for the sake of a Blue Silver Grass Soul Master, severely injured three elders of the Spirit Hall, ultimately disappearing into the Star Dou Great Forest with his infant child. If Tang San of Shrek Academy was truly that child…
"A thorough investigation is imperative!" Emperor Xueye slammed his hand on the table. "But the method must be carefully considered. Issue an imperial decree ordering the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy to dispatch a Soul Master team to assist in the investigation. The truth must be revealed within three days." His gaze shifted to Ning Fengzhi.

"Sect Master Ning, this matter still needs the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to mediate, so as not to alarm the Haotian School."

Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly, his folding fan waving gently again: "Your Majesty, rest assured, the Glazed Tile School will cooperate. However, Canghui Academy and the Spirit Hall have always been on friendly terms. Will this tragedy affect your institution's plans in the Heaven Dou?"

Salas smirked coldly: "Canghui Academy is nothing but a discarded pawn. But if Shrek Academy is truly connected to the Haotian Sect, it could become a new bargaining chip to tip the scales."

A few minutes later.

Platinum Bishop Salas, clad in a black cardinal's robe, was followed by twelve members of the enforcement team, each wielding a long spear engraved with the emblem of a six-winged angel. The clatter of their armor was particularly jarring in the quiet campus.

"Yu Xiaogang, hand over all the Shrek Academy students." Salas's voice was as cold as ice. His gaze swept over the tattered school uniforms drying in the courtyard, and a mocking smile appeared on his lips. "The Spirit Hall suspects that you are involved in the massacre of the Canghui Academy and is now investigating you in accordance with the law."

The master, who was instructing his students in cultivation, slowly turned around, his fingers trembling slightly beneath his gray robe. He adjusted his glasses, his gaze behind the lenses piercing Salas like a sharp blade: "Investigate? What qualifications do you have? The Heaven Dou Empire hasn't even given the order, yet the Spirit Hall dares to overstep its bounds?"

"Insolence!" Salas's spirit phantom suddenly appeared, its oppressive aura causing the rubble on the ground to cave in. "The Spirit Hall's law enforcement authority surpasses that of all nations. Don't think that you can evade responsibility just because you have a third-rate academy as a front!"

He raised his hand and waved it, and the law enforcement team members immediately dispersed to surround him.

Oscar secretly pulled out a sausage mold, but Tang San grabbed his wrist. Dai Mubai's tiger-like eyes flashed with a fierce light, and he whispered, "Teacher, let us do it!"

Grandmaster remained unmoved, staring directly at Salas: "You keep talking about the law, but which article in the Spirit Hall's code states that you can arbitrarily break into a private academy to arrest people? You're just trying to use this opportunity to suppress Shrek Academy and give the Clear Sky Sect a hard time!"

These words were like a sharp sword, piercing Salas's vitals. His face instantly darkened, and a golden chain suddenly shot out from his sleeve: "Stubborn fool! Since you won't listen to reason, you'll have to drink the penalty cup—" The chain, carrying the force of thunder, aimed straight for the master's throat.

In the nick of time, the master abruptly ripped open his robes, and a black token engraved with the papal crown slipped from his bosom. The dark gold patterns flowing across the token's surface outlined the character "令" (command) in the setting sun. Salas's pupils contracted sharply, and all his movements froze in an instant.

"This...this is impossible!" His voice trembled like never before, and the golden chains clattered to the ground. All twelve members of the enforcement team knelt on one knee, foreheads pressed to the ground.

Salas's legs went weak uncontrollably, and he knelt on the moss-covered stone slab with a thud, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

"Elder, please forgive me! I was unaware that you were living in seclusion here. I deserve to die!"

The master coldly looked at the kneeling crowd before him, bent down to pick up the token, and gently wiped the dust off it with his fingertips: "I never thought I'd need it one day."

His voice was deep and authoritative. "His Holiness the Pope himself granted me the Elder's Decree, allowing me to see the decree as if I were seeing the Pope himself. Salas, tell me... what is the punishment?"

Salas's face was ashen, and his body trembled uncontrollably: "Elder, please calm down! I was blind and offended your dignity. I am willing to accept the punishment!" He secretly raised his head and looked at the Grandmaster's calm face. His heart was filled with shock and turmoil. Yu Xiaogang, this useless person who was expelled by the Spirit Hall, actually had the Pope's Decree, which only elders could hold.

"Get out of Shrek Academy immediately." The master put the token into his pocket, his voice devoid of any emotion. "The Heaven Dou Empire will investigate the matter of Canghui Academy."

If any members of the Spirit Hall dare to trespass again, don't blame me for disregarding our fraternal bond!

"Yes! Yes!" Salas, feeling as if he had been granted a pardon, scrambled to his feet and led the enforcement team in a hasty retreat. Even after their figures disappeared into the twilight, the Shrek students stood frozen in place, staring at the Master in disbelief.

"Teacher, what exactly is going on?" Tang San finally couldn't help but ask.

The master sighed softly, gazing at the sunset on the horizon, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes:
“People like Salas only know how to curry favor with the powerful, but they forget that the Elder's Token of the Spirit Hall has never been just an ornament.”

Dai Mubai clenched his fist, his eyes filled with admiration: "No wonder the teacher dared to confront them, it turns out he had something to rely on all along!"

The master shook his head: "This token should never be used unless absolutely necessary." He looked at his students, his gaze softening. "Shrek's foundation lies not in the token, but in your own strength. Remember, do not spread what happened today."

As night fell, Shrek Academy returned to peace.

However, this sudden storm was like a stone thrown into a deep pool, creating ripples on the surface of the Douluo Continent.

No one knows what kind of past exists between Yu Xiaogang and the Pope; and no one can predict what kind of storms this token, sealed for twenty years, will unleash in the future.

(End of this chapter)