Chapter 236: Tang Hao
For a time, peace reigned across the Douluo Continent. The sole disruption was the publicized manhunt for Haotian Douluo though now dubbed the "Greatest Criminal in History" rather than by his old title, since Tang Hao was no longer a Titled Douluo.
The continent buzzed with news of Tang Hao's bounty, drawing out the continent's reclusive Contra level veterans in an unprecedented frenzy. Driven by both the rewards offered by the Spirit Hall and the lure of five spirit bones on the fugitive Tang Hao, these long hidden warriors scoured every corner of Douluo.
Especially desperate were those at level 89, elders just shy of Titled Douluo rank. To them, the appeal was irresistible; the difference between an ordinary spirit master and a Titled Douluo was stark. Crossing that threshold meant an extended lifespan, 300 years or more, with an additional century gained with each rank. For the elders nearing the end of their lifespans, Tang Hao's spirit bones were a lifeline, offering the potential for further advancement.
These hopefuls didn't understand the true breakthrough requirements of becoming a Titled Douluo and falsely believed spirit bones could grant them longevity. Ye Wen wasn't about to reveal this secret yet, letting them chase after false hopes as they hunted Tang Hao.
Deep within the Sunset Forest
Tang Hao hid in a dark cave, nursing his wounds. "Those bastards," he muttered, furious. "Why the hell are all these relics attacking me out of nowhere?"
He was already irritated; he'd been enjoying a drink in a city tavern when, suddenly, an unknown rank 89 spirit master ambushed him. He managed to counterattack thanks to his skills from Haotian's legacy, but his cover was blown. More attackers followed, and though he had fought them off with the Last Ring Explosion technique, he barely escaped with his life.
After sending his son, Tang San, to the Slaughter City, Tang Hao had grown careless, wandering aimlessly and waiting for his son's return. He occasionally checked Tang San's progress, wary of the dangers within the Slaughter City. If Tang San was ever in peril, Tang Hao had vowed to intervene, rules be damned.
In his mind, the Slaughter City and its rules were insignificant compared to the future heir of Haotian. If necessary, he'd kill everyone except his son to ensure his victory or annul the match entirely. Despite his decline in power, Tang Hao remained confident in his ability to dominate in the Slaughter City. Besides, the only opponent there he feared was the Slaughter King, who, bound by rules, wouldn't be able to make a move unless provoked.
Tang San hadn't let him down, completing ten consecutive battles, meaning he'd likely face the Hell Road trial in a few years, claiming the title of "God of Slaughter."
Tang Hao had ignored city notices, assuming they didn't concern him, so he hadn't realized he was a wanted man. But he didn't remain unnoticed, and now he was forced to hide in the Sunset Forest to evade pursuit. He resolved to figure out who had orchestrated this chaos, certain that such relentless attacks couldn't have arisen without reason.
Meanwhile, at Haotian Sect, the news of Tang Hao's predicament reached Tang Yuehua, who relayed it to the sect. The elders were unmoved; in their eyes, Tang Hao was a disgraced traitor. However, Tang Hao's possession of five spirit bones, including one of the sect's own legacy bones, made them hesitant. Although they held little interest in saving him, they couldn't bear the thought of the bones being lost forever.
In recent years, Haotian Sect had experienced a revival, expanding from two to eight Titled Douluo, establishing a hidden power base. Tang Xiao, remembering the past he shared with his younger brother, Tang Hao, took a deep breath and addressed the elders:
"Matters concerning Tang Hao involve the sect's legacy. Since you refuse to act, I will retrieve him personally."
Ignoring the elders' objections, Tang Xiao departed. While he didn't covet Tang Hao's spirit bones, he understood that Haotian Sect's true strength wasn't derived from material items but from their unparalleled techniques the Last Ring Explosion and the Grand Sumeru Hammer. If Tang Hao died, these techniques would die with him, leaving the sect unable to match Spirit Hall's dominance.
Tang Xiao, unaware of Tang San's existence, assumed Tang Hao's family line had perished after the incident with Qian Xunji. At level 97, Tang Xiao had reached Super Douluo status, a powerhouse of the same rank as the clan's ancestors. Had he been granted full access to the Haotian Sect's secrets, the clan's revival might have been within reach even without Tang Chen's return.
The true power of Haotian Sect lay in their secret techniques, especially the Last Ring Explosion, which enabled its users to overcome the limitations of their rank. Once Tang Xiao reached level 98, he would be virtually invincible, capable of standing against any other Super Douluo. After all, Qian Daoliu was, at best, a demigod in this era, barely a quasi deity. Otherwise, he wouldn't have struggled against Bo Saixi, whose strength rivaled that of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King.
In the end, Haotian Sect's insular mindset had crippled its own growth.
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