Chapter 102: The Three Heroes versus the Twin Hammers, Part I
Tang Hao, the next in line to lead the Haotian Sect and its current young master, was already a Soul Douluo by the age of thirty, despite being fifteen years younger than Tang Xiao. Among the younger generation of the Haotian Sect, he possessed unparalleled talent and was expected to inherit the title of Haotian Douluo from his predecessor, Tang Chen.
At present, Tang Hao was not only equipped with the strongest self created soul skills passed down by the Haotian Sect but also bore two of the sect's ancestral soul bones, placing him far above any peer. Staring at the grand, imposing gate of the White Tiger Institute before him, Tang Hao's gaze was filled with disdain.
"A fancy gate for a worthless institution," he sneered.
Tang Hao's words were not without merit. With his cultivation and the powerful backing of his sect, he was poised to reach Title Douluo status within the next decade and ascend to the upper echelons of power on the Douluo Continent.
Each of the three main gates of Tianxing Academy had a gatekeeper, though none were soul masters. After all, those who became soul masters would hardly choose such menial jobs, unless the pay was extraordinary.
The gatekeeper of the White Tiger Institute was a retired soldier from the Star Luo Empire. Though not a soul master, he had a keen sense for killing intent an instinct honed from his years on the battlefield, which had enabled him to survive.
Tang Hao, having been baptized in the Slaughter City and obtained the Killing God Domain, exuded a palpable aura of bloodlust. While his mind had stabilized somewhat under the Noble Halo Domain of Tang Yuehua, his impulse for violence remained somewhat unrestrained.
"Honored soul masters, this is Tianxing Academy. No one aside from students is allowed entry during school hours. If you're here as friends of the faculty, I can pass along a message," the gatekeeper said, cautiously maintaining his distance.
But Tang Hao ignored him, letting out a thunderous shout. "Ye Wen! Come out and face me!"
The immense force of Tang Hao's voice sent the gatekeeper tumbling backward across the ground, where he lay with blood trickling from his forehead, looking utterly disheveled. As a scion of a top tier power, Tang Hao held little regard for a commoner who wasn't even a soul master.
Tang Xiao, meanwhile, made no move to stop him. Soul masters naturally stood apart from ordinary people, and it was difficult for them to relate to those at the bottom.
With a sigh, Tang Xiao muttered to himself, "If my younger brother insists on this foolishness, I suppose I have to stand by him. It's my duty as his elder brother." Though a member of the Haotian Sect, Tang Xiao did not share the same sense of disdain for the world as Tang Hao. Long ago, he had learned that in the world of soul masters, matters were not resolved solely by force.
Making enemies was best avoided when possible; the consequences could be endless. If conflict was inevitable, then one should eliminate all traces, root and stem. Tianxing Academy may not have been the strongest force, but it was respected among the top factions on the continent and was well regarded by soul masters from common backgrounds. A direct assault was out of the question, yet it seemed the feud was now unavoidable.
Inside the academy, the faculty members who were working or training heard the loud commotion at the gate. The power behind the voice was far beyond that of an ordinary soul master.
The first to arrive at the White Tiger Institute gate was the head instructor, Lu Feng. After a year of intense training in the Blue Silver Forest, his body, which had begun to show signs of aging, retained an impressive vigor. Within just one year, he had neared the threshold of Soul Douluo, needing only one more soul ring to break through.
"Who are you, and why are you causing such a ruckus at the gates of Tianxing Academy?" Lu Feng asked.
Sensing Lu Feng's soul power, Tang Hao sneered. To him, a recently promoted Soul Douluo was hardly worth his notice; his pride in wielding the world's premier weapon martial soul was his confidence.
"Tang Hao of the Haotian Sect. I've come to see your academy head, Ye Wen. Surely he isn't too intimidated by my strength to face me?" Tang Hao's mocking tone made Lu Feng's brows knit in irritation. At his age, Lu Feng could clearly sense the animosity behind Tang Hao's words.
However, the reputation of the Haotian Sect made him cautious. After all, the older generation still spoke of Haotian Douluo's invincibility across the land.
"Our head is away on business. If there's anything you wish to discuss, you may speak with me. I am authorized to handle academy matters," Lu Feng replied.
"Not here?" Tang Hao scoffed inwardly. A mere Soul Ancestor and "theory master" like Ye Wen wouldn't be off campus pursuing anything of importance. "He's probably hiding because he doesn't dare face me! Teaching my sister faulty training methods, failing to help her advance today, he's going to give me an explanation and write an apology letter to my sister, or I'll tear down this academy!"
"It seems you're here to cause trouble," Lu Feng retorted angrily. "Our head's expertise is respected throughout the continent. Your Haotian Sect can't resolve your own members' martial soul cultivation issues, and you dare come here to blame others!"
Lu Feng's yellow soul power flared around him, signaling that he was ready to strike at any moment. Inside the academy, teachers were moving students to safety; after all, they were facing two Soul Douluo with the world's most powerful weapon martial soul, known as the Haotian Twin Stars.
The students who had received Ye Wen's guidance were indignant. They were well aware of Ye Wen's abilities and could not believe he was as incompetent as these invaders claimed. It was obvious these two had come to pick a fight, and the students, especially those from commoner backgrounds, resented them. It seemed these elite born soul masters couldn't stand to see ordinary soul masters climbing the ranks, threatening their own positions.
"So, it seems today's conflict is unavoidable," Lu Feng said coldly, issuing a final warning to the Haotian Twin Stars.
At that moment, a green light flickered from within the academy, and a middle aged man with green hair and brows appeared by Lu Feng's side, bringing with him a pungent odor.
"Old Lu, looks like the easy life has made you soft. These two have come to our doorstep. Let's give them a proper fight." Dugu Bo said icily. Ye Wen was not only his son's mentor but also a close friend who had provided him with invaluable guidance in his poison cultivation. Hearing Ye Wen belittled so disrespectfully had sparked his fury. So what if it came to a fight? He had never backed down from a soul master duel.
"Enough of your nonsense! Martial Soul Possession: Titan Python!"
Seventh Soul Skill: Titan Python True Body!
Third Soul Skill: Berserk Python Charge!
In an instant, Head Instructor Lu Feng transitioned from Martial Soul Possession to True Body mode, manifesting as an eighty meter long, yellow brown python that lunged toward Tang Hao.
Dugu Bo was not to be outdone, immediately assuming the form of the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor. Slightly shorter than the Titan Python, his form still exuded a terrifying, chilling aura as he charged directly at Tang Xiao.
(End of Chapter)
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