In the past few days since returning, he had learned of the upheavals across the continent. The fall of sects, the rise of Spirit Hall, and most of all… the death of Bo Saixi.
That news had struck him like a blade to the heart.
Originally, he had intended to settle old accounts with Qian Daoliu—to reclaim dignity for the Clear Sky Clan and repay the grievances of forced seclusion. But now, facing Bibi Dong's overwhelming presence, that thought had quietly shifted.
At the same time, his senses spread outward, subtly probing the surroundings. He was searching for any other possible reinforcements from Spirit Hall lurking nearby.
'If Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo are here as well…'
Even for him, the situation would become extremely troublesome. Before he could think further, Bibi Dong's response cut through the air like a blade.
"I don't care about your friendship with that old fogey Qian Daoliu."
Her voice was cold, devoid of even the slightest courtesy.
"Bring me that brat—Tang San."
As she spoke, a vast purple divine aura erupted from her body once more.
Tang Chen frowned slightly, the red blade in his hand humming with restrained power as he stepped half a pace forward, placing himself squarely between her and the clan behind him.
"You came alone to attack my clan over a conflict that took place in the Star Dou Forest just days ago," he said, his tone deepening. "Tang San is my great-grandson. What happened there was a mutual clash. Your Spirit Hall was the aggressor. Any injuries your people suffered cannot simply be blamed on him."
As his voice settled, the oppressive aura that had pinned the clan members to the ground loosened slightly under his protection.
One by one, the disciples of the Clear Sky Clan struggled to their feet, their expressions a mixture of fear and awe as they looked toward the sky.
At that moment, Tang San stepped forward, with Tang Hao appearing just behind him. Despite the overwhelming pressure radiating from the woman above, Tang San's posture remained straight, his gaze unwavering.
"Your Excellency, Pope," he said calmly, though a sharp edge hid beneath his tone, "if you think Spirit Hall can dominate everything on this continent, then you are mistaken."
Behind him, Xiao Wu stood half-hidden, her fingers clutching the edge of his sleeve. Though her body showed hesitation, her eyes burned with undisguised hatred as they locked onto Bibi Dong.
Similar to the original story Bibi Dong had hunted Xiao Wu's mother in this timeline but the circumstances this time were different.
Xiao Wu's mother was one of the commanders of the beast tide many years ago.
Sensing Xiao Wu's trembling, Tang San's gaze grew colder. Beneath his composed exterior, killing intent surged like a silent storm.
'Last time, I was merciful enough to leave you a corpse,' he thought darkly. 'This time… when Spirit Hall falls, even your name will be erased from history.'
Yet outwardly, he proposed.
"How about a bet—"
Whish—!
A massive purple slash tore through the air, distorting space itself as it descended toward him with overwhelming force.
"Impudent, self-important brat," Bibi Dong's voice rang out, cold and absolute. "What makes you think I would entertain a bet with you?"
Tang Chen moved like a streak of crimson lightning. The instant the purple slash descended toward Tang San, his figure blurred and reappeared in front of it, the massive red sword in his hand erupting with killing intent.
Clang—!
The collision of energies tore through the air. The violent shockwave spread outward, ripping apart the ground beneath their feet and sending cracks spidering across the mountainside. The purple and crimson forces wrestled for dominance for a brief moment before dispersing into fragments of light.
Tang Chen lowered his blade slightly, but his expression had already darkened. Bibi Dong's disregard was blatant.
She had attacked again—this time not only ignoring him, but striking directly at his clan while he stood before her.
A faint killing intent seeped into his gaze.
"You are too arrogant, Pope Bibi Dong," he said, his voice steady but heavy with restrained fury. "If you believe that possessing a divine inheritance allows you to dominate everything under heaven, then you are gravely mistaken."
" It seems I have to show you why I am the number1 of the Douluo continent."
The brief exchange before he had already known enough. The energy contained within that slash was not something an ordinary Ultimate Douluo could produce.
Bibi Dong tilted her head slightly, a chilling smile slowly spreading across her lips. The rage that had previously consumed her seemed to condense inward, transforming into something far more dangerous.
"Don't… regret it later" she said softly.
The smile sent an inexplicable chill down Tang Chen's spine.
Below them, the members of the Clear Sky Clan held their breath. The air itself seemed to tremble.
Far away, beyond the endless horizon, an invisible gaze descended from Sea God Island, quietly observing the unfolding confrontation.
But even that distant will failed to notice—Above the very fabric of the Douluo Continent's collective subconscious, someone had already turned its attention here.
Two vast, immeasurable eyes—like swirling purple nebulae—had been watching long before the first strike was made.