Tang San and Tai Tan, covered in dust from their journey, finally returned to Tian Dou City.
At this moment, Tang San's heart raced with urgency, deeply concerned for Xiao Wu's safety.
However, as they approached the gates of Tian Dou City, the entire city was under martial law. Terrifying auras emanated from within, and the air was thick with the scent of blood, as if the city were in the midst of a great battle.
Tang San and Tai Tan exchanged glances. "This is bad. Something has happened in Tian Dou City."
Without hesitation, Tai Tan completely ignored the guards at the gate, grabbed Tang San's hand, and leapt with all his might. They soared over the city walls and landed directly inside Tian Dou City.
The sight that greeted them was shocking. The entire city resembled a battlefield, filled with the sounds of slaughter. Fires raged in multiple places, creating a scene of utter devastation.
Tang San was alarmed: "It seems something has happened at Shrek Academy. Perhaps the large-scale conflict in Tian Dou City is aimed at capturing Xiao Wu. We need to hurry and help!"
Without another word, Tai Tan and Tang San rushed toward Shrek Academy.
Unfortunately, by the time they arrived, Shrek Academy was in ruins. The academy had been completely overrun, and countless people were now surrounding Zhao Wuji.
Zhao Wuji's strength was extraordinary. As a top-tier Soul Douluo, his power and defense were unmatched. If it weren't for his determination to protect Shrek Academy, he could have broken through and escaped long ago.
Tang San shouted urgently: "Teacher Zhao, where are Xiao Wu and my teacher? What about them?"
Zhao Wuji replied: "A terrifying aura erupted from the rear courtyard earlier. Flender and Yu Xiaogang went there to assist."
With no reason left to defend Shrek Academy, Zhao Wuji followed Tang San and Tai Tan to the rear courtyard.
Unfortunately, aside from signs of a fierce battle, there was no trace of Xiao Wu or the three others.
However, they soon found someone nearby who appeared to have been knocked unconscious by the overwhelming presence of a Title Douluo's battle.
Through this person's account, Tang San and the others deduced that Xiao Wu had been captured by a Title Douluo, while Yu Xiaogang and the others had pursued them.
Zhao Wuji quickly spoke: "If a Title Douluo is involved, then Flender and the others are in grave danger. We must hurry to assist them."
Tang San carefully examined the surroundings and quickly assessed the situation: "Based on their tracks, they seem to have headed toward the palace. Moreover, it appears the attack on Shrek Academy was orchestrated by the Tian Dou Imperial Family. This matter must be connected to them."
The three did not waste time deliberating further and immediately set off for the Tian Dou Palace.
When they arrived at the outskirts of the palace, they saw Flender and Yu Xiaogang negotiating with the palace guards. All three appeared extremely anxious.
Tang San rushed to Yu Xiaogang: "Teacher, where is Xiao Wu? How is she?"
Yu Xiaogang's face revealed a bitter smile: "Xiao San, Xiao Wu has been captured. We pursued them here, but the person likely entered the palace."
Tang San's face twisted with rage: "What does the Tian Dou Imperial Family think they're doing? How dare they act so shamelessly and send people to capture Xiao Wu!"
One of the palace guards shouted angrily: "How dare you slander the Tian Dou Imperial Family! Who do you think you are?"
Tang San's expression contorted with fury: "I don't care about your Tian Dou Imperial Family or whoever stands behind you. Anyone who dares harm Xiao Wu will die by my hands."
Instantly, countless strands of Blue Silver Grass erupted from Tang San's body, swiftly wrapping around the nearby guards as if intending to tear them apart.
"If you value your life, tell me where Xiao Wu is!"
The immense tearing force of the Blue Silver Grass seemed ready to shred the guard. Worse still, the grass was laced with potent poison, instantly paralyzing him and causing excruciating pain.
The terrified guard stammered: "I—I don't know! I only saw a black shadow enter the palace."
Tang San roared in anger: "Since the Tian Dou Empire dares to harm Xiao Wu, you will pay the price!"
The Blue Silver Grass tore the guard to pieces, and Tang San charged toward the Tian Dou Palace without hesitation.
Even Yu Xiaogang and Tai Tan were startled by Tang San's actions. To recklessly attack the palace would make it nearly impossible for them to remain in the Tian Dou Empire in the future.
However, the situation was dire, and Tang San's current state was alarming. If Xiao Wu couldn't be saved, Tang San might descend into madness.
The group quickly summoned their martial souls, preparing to storm the palace.
Though the palace defenses were formidable, with thick walls and numerous guards, it wasn't an insurmountable challenge for Tai Tan and the others.
Flender transformed into a massive four-eyed cat-eagle and used his soul power to carry Tang San and the others over the palace walls. They soon reached the inner palace grounds.
Upon arriving at the palace square, their eyes widened in fury.
Xiao Wu was being restrained by multiple individuals, bound by special chains that completely suppressed her soul power. She was utterly helpless, at their mercy.
Xue Qinghe shouted furiously: "Tang San, how dare you trespass into the palace! You dare defy the Tian Dou Imperial Family—kill him without mercy!"
Tang San's eyes blazed with anger: "You're despicable! Even if you're the Crown Prince, how dare you treat Xiao Wu like this? You will all pay!"
As Tang San prepared to attack, two figures appeared beside Xue Qinghe—one emaciated and the other a tall, slender woman.
These were Gui Bao (Ghost Leopard) Douluo and Ling Yuan Douluo, powerful guardians of the Spirit Hall assigned to protect Xue Qinghe.
Gui Bao Douluo bellowed: "How dare these ants invade the palace and show such disrespect to His Highness the Crown Prince! Kill them!"
Tang San's face was filled with rage, but before he could act, Yu Xiaogang quickly restrained him.
Yu Xiaogang's expression turned serious as he addressed Gui Bao Douluo and Ling Yuan Douluo: "The Tian Dou Imperial Family doesn't have many Title Douluos. Though I don't recognize you, you clearly come from the Spirit Hall."
"Especially this woman—if I'm not mistaken, you led the attack on the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. I never imagined that Crown Prince Xue Qinghe would collude with the Spirit Hall. Do you not fear Emperor Xue Ye?"
Xue Qinghe sneered: "Your words are mere speculation. These two are my subordinates. By daring to invade the palace, you have committed treason against the Tian Dou Empire. Today, none of you will leave alive."
The soul power of Gui Bao Douluo and Ling Yuan Douluo surged as they transformed into a massive Ghost Panther and Flame Eagle, each displaying nine soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and five black.
Meanwhile, countless guards surrounded Tang San and his companions, their strength formidable.
Tai Tan and the others roared in defiance, summoning their martial souls and soul rings.
However, the enemy had two Title Douluos, while Tang San's group had none. The disparity in strength was immense.
Yu Xiaogang and the others quickly unleashed their martial soul fusion technique to counter Ling Yuan Douluo's attacks.
Tai Tan and Zhao Wuji exchanged glances and summoned their martial souls, transforming into a massive Vigorous Ape and Vigorous Vajra Bear, respectively, determined to fight Gui Bao Douluo at all costs.
The battle erupted into chaos, with ordinary soul masters unable to approach.
The enormous golden holy dragon clashed fiercely with the flame eagle. The dragon unleashed radiant golden light, matching the fiery assault of Ling Yuan Douluo.
Despite their best efforts, Zhao Wuji and Tai Tan were still overpowered by Gui Bao Douluo.
Meanwhile, Tang San moved like a ghostly shadow, charging directly toward Xiao Wu. Countless strands of Blue Silver Grass surrounded him, seemingly intent on devouring anyone in his path.
But at that moment, Xue Qinghe appeared beside Xiao Wu, his eyes filled with disdain.
Tang San summoned the Blue Silver Grass and unleashed a powerful strike. The grass formed a massive array with infinite devouring power.
Yet Xue Qinghe remained unfazed, calmly raising a palm. A surge of golden energy erupted from his strike, shattering the Blue Silver Grass and sending Tang San flying.
Tang San was stunned. He had never expected Xue Qinghe to be so powerful, capable of defeating him without even using his martial soul.
Gritting his teeth, Tang San summoned a black昊天锤 (Hao Tian Hammer) and struck at Xue Qinghe with all his might.
But Xue Qinghe remained calm, lightly tapping his finger against Tang San's hammer. Tang San, along with the hammer, was sent flying once more.
In that instant, Tang San realized that Xue Qinghe was far stronger than he had imagined. His hidden strength was beyond anything Tang San could handle.
Tang San roared: "Who are you? You're definitely not Xue Qinghe! He isn't this powerful!"
Xue Qinghe sneered: "Tang San, I've wanted to settle some old scores with you for a long time. Today, we'll settle them."
Confusion flickered in Tang San's eyes: "We've never met before. Why do you seek me out?"
Xue Qinghe replied: "It's not you I want—it's Tang Hao behind you. I have a blood debt to settle with him."
"But since Tang Hao hasn't shown up, I'll start by killing his son. Consider it partial repayment."
Xue Qinghe moved with incredible speed, launching a swift attack at Tang San. The strike appeared ordinary but carried immense power.
Tang San gripped the Hao Tian Hammer and resisted with all his might, but he was still sent flying. Even his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Step couldn't match Xue Qinghe's speed.
At this moment, Tang San's eyes burned with fury. Never had he been defeated so thoroughly by someone of his own age.
Clenching his teeth, Tang San unleashed the full potential of his Disorderly Wind Hammer, one of his strongest skills at this stage. Each strike seemed interconnected, as if building momentum.
But Xue Qinghe appeared indifferent, his expression calm and composed.
As Tang San's Disorderly Wind Hammer Technique grew stronger with each blow, the final strike transformed the Hao Tian Hammer into a massive black dragon, hurtling toward Xue Qinghe.
Xue Qinghe's eyes gleamed with disdain. His hand emitted a brilliant golden light imbued with purifying power, which collided with the black dragon of the hammer technique.
With a single strike, Tang San was sent flying again. This time, he had given it his all. Not only was the Hao Tian Hammer knocked away, but a ghastly wound also appeared on his abdomen, and he spat out a mouthful of blood—he was severely injured.
Xue Qinghe sneered: "The so-called number one weapon-type martial soul, the Hao Tian Hammer, is nothing but a joke. Your Hao Tian Sect is nothing but a bunch of cowards, just like your deadbeat father, Tang Hao."
Tang San's eyes burned with rage: "Xue Qinghe, you're courting death! I won't allow you to insult my father!"
Xue Qinghe smirked: "Am I wrong? For years, Tang Hao has been hiding, too afraid to show his face in the soul master world. As for you, you're nothing but Tang Hao's bastard child. If you die, I doubt Tang Hao will even bother to step forward."
Just then, a massive hammer descended from the sky, heading straight for Xue Qinghe. A domineering voice echoed from above:
"You spineless brat! How dare you insult my Hao Tian Hammer? Let me show you what a true Hao Tian Hammer looks like!"
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