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After chatting happily for a while, Yang Xiong left alone to find the Sky Azure Bull Python.
The Sky Azure Bull Python's body was indeed enormous. Even with its body submerged in water, its head alone was intimidating, and its entire presence exuded a terrifying aura—it truly deserved its reputation as one of the strongest spirit beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest.
Yang Xiong approached the Sky Azure Bull Python: "Senior Da Ming, may I ask you something?"
The Sky Azure Bull Python let out a strange cry, clearly disdainful of Yang Xiong and his group: "Human, although you helped Little Sister Xiao Wu, you hunt our hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts. I don't want anything to do with you."
Yang Xiong couldn't help but smile: "You can't blame me for that. Humans and spirit beasts have been at odds for generations. Soul masters need soul rings to cultivate, and the stronger the soul master, the higher their demand for top-tier soul rings. This is the rule of the world—it's not something one soul master can change."
"Besides, I've helped you this time. Otherwise, your Little Sister Xiao Wu might have been captured. From any perspective, you owe me a favor."
The Sky Azure Bull Python's eyes emitted a faint blue glow, mesmerizing and awe-inspiring—it truly was one of the most powerful spirit beasts in existence.
"Human, what do you want from me?"
Yang Xiong quickly replied: "I just want to ask you for some information about the secrets of the Star Dou Great Forest."
The Sky Azure Bull Python instantly grew angry, and the surrounding space seemed filled with thunder: "Human, though you helped us, I won't assist you in finding hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts, nor will I betray my kind."
Yang Xiong shook his head: "I'm only asking a small question. You just need to confirm whether something exists or not."
The Sky Azure Bull Python hesitated before replying: "What do you want to ask? But I'm not sure I'll answer you."
Yang Xiong's expression turned serious: "Senior Da Ming, have you ever heard of a hidden place near the Lake of Life?"
The Sky Azure Bull Python shook its head: "I've lived in the Lake of Life since I was young and have never heard of such a hidden place."
Yang Xiong found this strange. The Sky Azure Bull Python had lived in the Lake of Life for tens of thousands of years and was essentially its overlord. How could it be unaware of its own home?
Yang Xiong quickly followed up: "Then have you ever heard of Di Tian and Xiong Jun? They should also be hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest."
Upon hearing this, the Sky Azure Bull Python froze, remaining silent for a long time before finally speaking: "I've never seen those two spirit beasts, but I vaguely remember hearing about them once when I was young. Unfortunately, it was too long ago, and I haven't heard anything about them since."
Seeing the Sky Azure Bull Python's reaction, Yang Xiong guessed that it had indeed encountered Di Tian and Xiong Jun, but these ferocious beasts had always remained hidden in the shadows of the Lake of Life, rarely revealing themselves.
When Yang Xiong returned to Ning Rongrong's side, Tang San's face was contorted with anger, and Xiao Wu was carefully consoling him.
Yang Xiong quietly asked Ning Rongrong: "Rongrong, what's wrong with Tang San?"
Ning Rongrong quickly explained: "Tang San has just learned about the destruction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Master Yu's current situation, so he's extremely enraged."
Tang San suddenly turned to Yang Xiong: "Yang Xiong, what exactly is the situation with my teacher?"
Yang Xiong shook his head: "I don't know the specifics. I only confirmed that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has been completely annihilated—all 1,800 members were killed."
"But Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan survived because they attended the alumni gathering. Master Yu's condition doesn't seem good either."
Tang San's expression became almost murderous: "Why? Why did the Spirit Hall do this? These are thousands of lives! Are they not afraid of provoking public outrage?"
Yang Xiong revealed a wry smile: "What public outrage? The Spirit Hall's power is overwhelming now. They have over ten Title Douluos, accounting for more than sixty percent of the soul master world's strength."
"If we at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect hadn't prepared in advance, if I hadn't been preparing for this war for years, the sect would have been destroyed as well."
Tang San's eyes widened in astonishment: "How is this possible? How could you have known in advance that the Spirit Hall would attack the top three sects? Why didn't you warn the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?"
Yang Xiong shook his head: "It's not that I didn't warn them. Both our sect leader, Ning Fengzhi, and the clan head of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Yu Yuanzhen, knew long ago that a storm was coming to the soul master world."
"After the battle at the Hao Tian Sect years ago, the Spirit Hall has been biding its time. The soul master world has been eerily quiet for years, unlike the constant conflicts of the previous generation."
"Anyone with vision knows that the Spirit Hall has been accumulating strength all these years—recruiting talented young individuals, gathering treasures from the soul master world, and winning over the lower four sects."
"For years, the lower four sects have secretly aligned with the Spirit Hall. After the Hao Tian Sect withdrew, the top three sects no longer had the power to oppose the Spirit Hall. As a result, the Spirit Hall has grown rapidly, far beyond anyone's imagination."
Tang San clenched his teeth: "Is the Spirit Hall really that powerful? Is Bibi Dong really that strong?"
Yang Xiong sighed helplessly: "The Spirit Hall isn't just about Bibi Dong or the six elders who appeared in the Spirit City back then."
"The true terror of the Spirit Hall lies in Qian Daoliu—a ninety-nine-level Limit Douluo. In the soul master world, he's like a god. Throughout the history of the Douluo Continent, the only person who could rival Qian Daoliu was your great-grandfather, Tang Chen."
"Unfortunately, after Tang Chen disappeared, the Spirit Hall gained an overwhelming dominance. During the battle at the Hao Tian Sect, I suspect they were trying to force Tang Chen to reveal himself—but your great-grandfather never appeared."
"Besides Qian Daoliu, the Spirit Hall has seven Worships and nine elders, all Title Douluo-level experts. The seven Worships are all above level ninety-six, each on par with Yu Yuanzhen."
Hearing this, Tang San was astonished. Clearly, this was the first time he'd heard of the Spirit Hall's true strength.
Tang San's expression shifted unpredictably. After a long silence, he finally spoke: "So, is the Spirit Hall slaughtering major sects simply because they're powerful? Is their ambition really that great?"
Yang Xiong revealed a cold smile: "It's not just the Spirit Hall. Anyone with enough power will develop immense ambition. If your great-grandfather hadn't disappeared, perhaps the ones uniting the world would have been the Hao Tian Sect."
"Even the top three sects have their dark sides, though not as blatant as the Spirit Hall's."
"Back then, the Hao Tian Sect dominated the world—not just through sheer strength but also with their overbearing behavior."
Tang San quickly interjected: "That's impossible! The Hao Tian Sect would never do such things!"
Yang Xiong stared intently at Tang San: "Tang San, have you ever returned to the Hao Tian Sect since you were born?"
Tang San shook his head: "I planned to return to the Hao Tian Sect recently, but now I'll have to wait until after I obtain my sixth soul ring."
Yang Xiong's tone carried a deeper meaning: "If you return to the Hao Tian Sect and communicate with the older or even the elder generations, you'll understand the sect's way of doing things."
"In the soul master world, it's survival of the fittest. My purpose in coming to the Star Dou Great Forest this time was to take the opportunity to eliminate Ju Douluo and Gui Douluo, thereby suppressing the Spirit Hall's arrogance. Perhaps they won't dare act so brazenly in the short term."
"Of course, Sect Leader Ning expressed his gratitude to you. Your hidden weapons played a role in this battle for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Without them, our sect would have faced even greater difficulties."
Hearing this, Tang San's expression changed. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had indeed spent a fortune purchasing a large number of hidden weapons, but the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan hadn't bought any from him. His teacher knew about his dealings with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect regarding hidden weapons.
If the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had purchased hidden weapons, perhaps they wouldn't have suffered such a devastating loss.
But who could he blame? His teacher for not informing the clan, or the clan for ignoring his teacher?
…
After spending a day at the Lake of Life, the group prepared to leave.
Before departing, Yang Xiong addressed Xiao Wu: "Little Rabbit, the Spirit Hall suffered heavy losses in the Star Dou Great Forest this time. They won't let this go unpunished."
"And you should know that Bibi Dong also has twin martial spirits. She still lacks many soul rings. If they come to the Star Dou Great Forest again, Bibi Dong might personally intervene. At that point, it won't just be you—neither the Titan Ape nor the Sky Azure Bull Python will be safe. The three of you should keep a low profile."
Xiao Wu revealed a hint of disdain: "If that woman dares to come to the Star Dou Great Forest, I'll make sure Da Ming and Er Ming kill her. I must avenge my mother."
Yang Xiong shook his head helplessly: "I've already said this—the Spirit Hall's strength is formidable. They have over ten Title Douluos, and Bibi Dong's strength is unfathomable. This time, they only sent two Title Douluos to capture you. If they send a larger force next time, you'll be their primary target."
"At that point, I might not be around to save you again."
"Also, one more thing—you mustn't leak the fact that we killed Ju Douluo and Gui Douluo. I helped you this time, but if you put us in trouble, there won't be any friendship left."
Xiao Wu, the Titan Ape, and the Sky Azure Bull Python all fell into deep thought. Though the two hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts were powerful, this time Xiao Wu had nearly been captured. If Bibi Dong personally came, no one present would survive.
After saying this, Yang Xiong followed Xiao Wu's directions to search for the three Qian Jun Ant Emperors.
After Yang Xiong left, Tang San grew tense: "Xiao Wu, leave the Star Dou Great Forest with me. I feel like you're not safe here—you're always under threat from the Spirit Hall."
Xiao Wu revealed a hint of helplessness: "Brother San, I have Da Ming and Er Ming to protect me here. If I leave the Star Dou Great Forest, where else can I go?"
Tang San thought for a moment before speaking: "Xiao Wu, I'll definitely protect you. By the way, I'm already at level sixty. Since you're familiar with the Constellation Great Forest, please help me find a suitable soul ring."
At this moment, Tang San seemed to recall something: "Da Ming, who exactly are Di Tian and Xiong Jun that Yang Xiong mentioned?"
The Sky Azure Bull Python shook its head: "I don't know. I only vaguely heard their names when I was young. Back then, there was an incredibly terrifying battle—far more devastating than this one. They were two monstrous spirit beasts: a black dragon and a fearsome golden-clawed bear. The entire Lake of Life nearly collapsed. It was a cataclysmic battle."
"I was stunned at the time and only remembered their names—one was Di Tian, and the other was Xiong Jun. But I haven't seen them since."
Tang San pondered for a long time before speaking: "Xiao Wu, I need to obtain a soul ring as soon as possible. I must return to my teacher's side—he must be in great difficulty right now."
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