Far beyond the tranquil, frost-warded borders of Crimson Zenith City, where Zhang Tian had spent the last several weeks consolidating his profound strength and reveling in the intoxicating company of his devoted women, an entirely different kind of storm was brewing. The air hanging over a desolate, jagged reef situated a few dozen miles away from the sacred shores of Sea God Island was thick with the coppery scent of spilled blood and the residual, crackling energy of a recently concluded slaughter.
Tang Hao stood amidst the mangled, lifeless corpses of several incredibly powerful, deep-sea Spirit Beasts. His broad, heavily scarred chest heaved with slow, measured breaths. He leaned casually against the long, dark haft of his Clear Sky Hammer, the massive head of the weapon resting upon the shattered carapace of a seventy-thousand-year-old crustacean Spirit Beast. The dark, imposing aura of the Deathgod Domain swirled around his muscular frame, its white mist tainted with a deep, menacing crimson hue that reflected the endless bloodshed he had endured over the past months.
He had done it. He had pushed his physical and spiritual limits through a grueling, relentless gauntlet of divine challenges.
A sudden, blinding pillar of dark, blood-red light descended from the heavens, piercing through the heavy, salt-laden clouds to strike Tang Hao directly. The sheer, terrifying density of the killing intent contained within the light caused the surrounding ocean waves to flatten and retreat in absolute submission.
A deep, feral voice, echoing with the chaotic clamor of a thousand ancient battlefields, resonated within the depths of his spiritual sea.
[Sixth Trial Passed. Reward: God of Slaughter's Affinity increased by ten percent. Total Affinity: Sixty percent.]
The moment the divine pronouncement concluded, the dark red pillar shattered into countless specks of radiant energy that rushed directly into Tang Hao's meridians. The physical and spiritual transformation that followed was instantaneous and earth-shattering.
Tang Hao closed his dark eyes, throwing his head back as a guttural, triumphant roar escaped his lips. The stagnant, unyielding bottleneck of the ninety-eighth rank, a barrier that had held back the greatest geniuses of the Douluo Continent for centuries, violently shattered under the overwhelming influx of the God of Slaughter's divine favor.
He felt his spirit power expand exponentially, transforming from a vast, raging river into a boundless, unfathomable ocean. The quality of his vital essence underwent a miraculous refinement, becoming so incredibly dense and heavy that the very air around his body began to warp and groan under the pressure. He had officially, undeniably stepped into the realm of legends.
He was a Level 99 Limit Douluo.
As the divine light faded and his aura stabilized, Tang Hao slowly opened his eyes. A profound, terrifying clarity shone within his gaze. He clenched his large, calloused fist, feeling the raw, untamed power coursing through his veins.
'The difference is staggering,' Tang Hao mused internally, his mind reeling from the sheer magnitude of his newfound strength. 'When I was at the ninety-eighth level, I believed I possessed the power to shatter mountains and split the seas. I thought I had touched the very ceiling of mortal martial prowess. But standing here now, at the ninety-ninth level, I realize how laughably naive I was. The gap between a Hyper Douluo and a Limit Douluo is not a mere step; it is the boundless chasm between the earth and the high heavens. I feel as though a single, earnest swing of my hammer could easily eradicate ten of my former selves.'
He summoned his spirit rings, watching with immense pride as they materialized around his towering form. Due to the generous, accumulated rewards from his previous five trials, his ring configuration was a terrifying sight to behold. Eight deep, majestic black spirit rings pulsed rhythmically, followed by a single, blindingly brilliant blood-red hundred-thousand-year-old spirit ring.
"You did it, Hao'er!" a deep, booming voice called out from the sky above.
Tang Xiao, the mighty Sect Leader of the Clear Sky Sect, descended rapidly from the clouds, landing heavily upon the blood-stained reef. His face, usually a mask of stern, sectarian responsibility, was currently split into a wide, joyous grin. He walked forward and threw his massive arms around his younger brother, pulling him into a fierce, brotherly embrace.
"I could feel the shockwave of your breakthrough from miles away," Tang Xiao laughed loudly, slapping Tang Hao on the back with enough force to stagger a lesser man. "A Limit Douluo! The heavens truly favor our lineage. With your advancement, the martial foundation of our Clear Sky Sect has grown unimaginably stronger. We now possess two Limit Douluos in our family!"
"It was a difficult path, Elder Brother," Tang Hao replied, a rare, genuine smile touching his rough features as he returned the embrace. "But the power of the God of Slaughter is formidable. The divine energy flowing through my meridians feels restless. I am eager to test these new limits."
"Then we should not waste another moment standing on this barren rock," Tang Xiao suggested, gesturing toward the distant silhouette of Sea God Island. "We need to return and inform Grandfather and the others of your monumental success. They will be incredibly thrilled by this news."
"Let us go," Tang Hao agreed, his dark eyes gleaming with a newfound, unshakeable confidence.
The two brothers did not linger. They launched themselves into the sky, utilizing their immense spirit power to soar across the crashing ocean waves. They spent the next few days traveling back to the sacred island, their flight path unhindered by any foolish Sea Spirit Beasts who dared not approach the overwhelming, oppressive auras radiating from the two men.
Upon arriving at the pristine, white-sand beaches of Sea God Island, they were immediately greeted by the island's supreme protectors.
Tang Chen, the previous Clear Sky Douluo of the Clear Sky Sect, stood tall near the edge of the water, his dark robes fluttering in the sea breeze. Beside him stood Bo Saixi, the breathtakingly beautiful High Priestess of the Sea God, her ocean-blue hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. Gathered behind them were several of the Sea God Seven Pillars, along with the exhausted but attentive youths from the Star Luo Empire who had been resting after their own grueling training sessions.
"Grandfather! Senior Bo Saixi!" Tang Xiao called out cheerfully as they landed upon the beach. "I bring glorious news. Hao'er has successfully completed his sixth divine trial!"
Tang Chen's dark, piercing eyes immediately locked onto his younger grandson. The ancient warrior's spiritual perception swept over Tang Hao, instantly recognizing the profound, bottomless depth of the aura radiating from the man. A look of sheer, unadulterated pride and immense excitement broke across Tang Chen's scarred face.
"You have broken the final mortal boundary, Hao'er," Tang Chen stated, his voice a deep, resonant rumble of approval. "You stand at the ninety-ninth level. You are a Limit Douluo."
The youths gathered nearby—Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Yu Tianxin, and the others—gasped collectively, their eyes wide with profound awe and terror. To have two Limit Douluos standing on the same beach and the two being from the same family was a historical anomaly, a gathering of martial power that could easily topple entire empires.
"I have, Grandfather," Tang Hao replied, stepping forward, his posture radiating a cocky, undeniable arrogance born from his sudden surge in power. He hefted his massive Clear Sky Hammer, resting the long haft casually upon his broad shoulder. "The power of the God of Slaughter flows through my veins. In fact, Grandfather, I am feeling incredibly energetic right now. I feel an overwhelming itch in my muscles that needs to be scratched."
Tang Hao flashed a bold, challenging grin. "Since we are both standing at the exact same cultivation rank now, why do we not engage in a friendly spar? I wish to see if my newfound strength, backed by a divine legacy, is enough to overcome the legendary founder of our sect."
The audacious challenge hung heavily in the salty air. The surrounding Sea Spirit Masters and the youths exchanged shocked, nervous glances. Challenging Tang Chen, a man whose combat experience and raw talent were revered as the absolute pinnacle of the previous era, was a breathtakingly bold move.
Tang Chen merely chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that carried a hint of fond amusement. He did not seem insulted in the slightest; rather, he welcomed the fiery, warlike spirit of his grandson.
"You have grown bold, Hao'er," Tang Chen remarked, stepping forward onto the open, sandy expanse of the beach. He raised his right hand, and his own, incredibly dense and terrifyingly heavy Clear Sky Hammer materialized in his grasp. The dark metal seemed to absorb the sunlight. "Very well. I shall help you temper your new foundation. But do not expect me to hold back simply because we share the same blood."
"I would be deeply disappointed if you did," Tang Hao retorted, his dark eyes burning with competitive fire.
Bo Saixi smiled softly, raising a delicate hand to gesture toward the Sea God Seven Pillars and the youths. "Everyone, step back. Give them ample room. The clash of two Limit Douluos is not a sight to be observed from a close distance."
The spectators hurriedly retreated, putting several hundred meters between themselves and the two towering titans.
Tang Hao did not waste a single moment with pleasantries. He wanted to test the absolute limits of his new realm.
"Seventh Spirit Ring Ability: Clear Sky Avatar!" Tang Hao roared, his voice echoing like thunder across the island.
His deep, black seventh spirit ring pulsed with blinding radiance. His physical body merged entirely with his weapon, transforming into a colossal, terrifying phantom of the Clear Sky Hammer that towered over thirty meters high. The sheer gravitational pressure generated by the avatar caused the sandy beach beneath him to crater instantly.
"A solid manifestation," Tang Chen praised calmly, his own seventh spirit ring flashing. "Seventh Spirit Ring Ability: Clear Sky Avatar!"
Tang Chen's transformation was equally magnificent, though his hammer phantom radiated a deeper, more ancient, and far more refined aura of crushing weight. The two colossal hammers faced each other, the air between them warping and distorting under the conflicting gravitational fields.
"Let us see how you handle this, Grandfather!" Tang Hao bellowed from within his avatar. "Clear Sky Nine Absolutes: Absolute Shock!"
Tang Hao swung his massive hammer in a wide, sweeping horizontal trajectory. The 'Absolute Shock' technique rippled with pure, paralyzing kinetic waves. A dark, vibrating light rippled outward with the swing, carrying a bizarre, highly disruptive frequency that sought to violently scramble the opponent's ability to move or channel spirit power upon contact.
Tang Chen did not evade. He remained perfectly rooted to his spot.
"Your intent is fierce, Hao'er, but your execution lacks the necessary calm," Tang Chen lectured smoothly. "Clear Sky Nine Absolutes: Absolute Shield!"
Tang Chen rotated his colossal hammer with a fluid, mesmerizing rhythm. He created a torrential, defensive hurricane of pure kinetic force that perfectly shielded his avatar and his immediate surroundings. As Tang Hao's 'Absolute Shock' struck the defensive perimeter, Tang Chen executed the final move of the technique, swinging his hammer at a highly specific, counter-rhythmic angle.
CLANG!
The deafening collision sent a massive shockwave tearing across the ocean, whipping the waves into a chaotic frenzy. Tang Chen's precise counter-strike completely disrupted the rhythm of Tang Hao's attack, harmlessly dispersing the paralyzing black light into the sea breeze.
"Do not let your guard down!" Tang Hao grunted, using the recoil to launch himself upward. "Absolute Pierce!"
He brought the hammer down from the sky, concentrating the entirety of his oppressive aura directly onto the blunt face of the weapon, creating a hyper-focused point of aerodynamic pressure designed to cleanly bore through any defensive barrier.
"A predictable angle," Tang Chen murmured. "Absolute Break!"
Tang Chen swung his hammer upward in a sharp, incredibly fast, and precise uppercut. The 'Absolute Break' technique was designed specifically to intercept and shatter an opponent's concentrated attack by striking the exact, structural weak point of their momentum.
The two hammers collided mid-air.
BOOM!
Tang Hao felt a jarring, agonizing tremor travel up the spectral haft of his avatar. His downward momentum was violently, effortlessly halted, the concentrated pressure of his 'Absolute Pierce' completely shattered by his grandfather's flawless timing.
'His experience... it is impenetrable,' Tang Hao thought, gritting his teeth as he was forced backward in the air. 'I have the raw power, but he reads my movements before I even commit to the swing.'
Refusing to yield, Tang Hao initiated the legendary, foundational technique of their sect. He began to swing his hammer in a continuous, compounding circle.
"Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer!" Tang Hao roared, chaining the swings together rapidly. One, two, four, eight... the physical weight and the kinetic energy of his avatar multiplied exponentially with every single rotation, creating a howling tornado of dark energy around him.
Tang Chen watched his grandson build momentum, a proud smile hidden within his avatar. "Excellent form, Hao'er. But raw accumulation is useless if you cannot deliver the final blow."
Instead of allowing Tang Hao to complete the eighty-one swings, Tang Chen surged forward. He matched Tang Hao's technique, initiating his own Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer, but his swings were impossibly fast, completely devoid of wasted motion.
The two colossal hammers clashed repeatedly, a relentless, deafening percussion that sounded like the very sky was being hammered upon an anvil. Thirty swings. Forty swings. Fifty swings.
With every clash, Tang Hao felt himself being gradually, inexorably overpowered. Tang Chen's strikes were not just heavier; they carried a profound, ancient comprehension of the hammer's soul that Tang Hao had not yet achieved.
At the sixty-fourth swing, Tang Chen executed a subtle, masterful shift in his wrist. He utilized the 'Absolute Quake' technique, infusing his hammer with violent, destabilizing vibrations right at the moment of impact.
CRACK!
The violent vibrations traveled directly through Tang Hao's hammer, completely shattering his carefully accumulated momentum. Tang Hao's avatar was thrown violently backward, crashing heavily onto the pristine white sand, digging a massive trench across the beach.
The brief, spectacular spar was over.
Both men disengaged their avatars, reverting to their human forms. Tang Hao lay on the sand, panting heavily, his muscles aching from the intense exertion, a look of profound, humbled disbelief on his scarred face.
Tang Chen walked over, his breathing entirely steady, not a single bead of sweat upon his brow. He looked down at his grandson, a warm, approving light in his dark eyes.
"You fought well, Hao'er," Tang Chen praised sincerely, extending a calloused hand to help him up. "For a newly ascended Limit Douluo who has not yet spent adequate time familiarizing himself with this profound realm, your raw combat strength and your tactical intelligence are quite exceptional. Your foundation is solid, though your execution remains a bit rash."
Tang Hao took the offered hand, pulling himself up from the sand. He brushed the dirt from his dark trousers, a sheepish, yet fiercely determined grin on his face.
"I concede the victory to you, Grandfather," Tang Hao admitted, shaking his head slowly. "Your experience and your talent are mountains I have yet to climb. The gap between us in pure martial comprehension is still quite vast."
However, despite the easy defeat, Tang Hao did not feel a single ounce of despair or frustration. His dark eyes burned with a bright, unshakeable confidence.
'I may have lost today,' Tang Hao thought, gripping his hammer tightly. 'But I know that it is only because I have just stepped into this realm. I have the entire legacy of the God of Slaughter flowing through my veins. Unlike Grandfather, who reached this peak through mortal struggle alone, I am the chosen inheritor of a true God. Sooner or later, as my affinity grows and I complete my trials, I will undoubtedly be able to surpass him.'
Tang Hao looked toward the distant northern horizon, the cocky grin fading into a look of cold, murderous resolve.
"Grandfather," Tang Hao spoke, his voice dropping to a low, serious rumble that carried to Tang Xiao and Bo Saixi standing nearby. "Now that I have officially become a Limit Douluo, and I possess the backing of a divine legacy, I believe our time for waiting has come to an end. We cannot afford to sit idle on this island any longer."
He turned to look at the gathered youths, his gaze lingering on the spot where his son, Tang San, was currently meditating higher up the mountain.
"We must go and kill Zhang Tian now," Tang Hao proposed bluntly. "If we continue to wait any longer and allow that monster to consolidate his power or become any stronger, that guy will inevitably become a highly dangerous, insurmountable threat to our entire Clear Sky Sect, and especially to my son, Tang San. We must strike while we possess the overwhelming advantage of numbers and divine favor."
Tang Chen fell silent, his ancient eyes narrowing as he deeply pondered his grandson's aggressive proposition. He stroked his beard, his brilliant tactical mind weighing the variables.
'Hao'er is not wrong,' Tang Chen reasoned internally. 'We cannot grant the enemy the luxury of time. And our current hand is extraordinarily strong.'
He looked at Tang Hao, acknowledging the terrifying potential of his new cultivation. "You make a valid point, Hao'er. You are now a Limit Douluo and a God's inheritor. I am a Limit Douluo. We have Tang Xiao, a Super Douluo."
Tang Chen then turned his gaze toward Bo Saixi. The High Priestess offered a firm, supportive nod.
"Furthermore," Tang Chen continued, his voice rising with newfound, commanding authority, "we possess the absolute support of Saixi and the Sea God's Seven Pillars, all of whom are formidable Titled Douluos. The Sea God himself has issued the divine mandate to support our cause and destroy the remnants of the Angel God's legacy within the Spirit Hall, which naturally aligns with our war against the Heaven Dou Empire and Zhang Tian."
Tang Chen's dark eyes gleamed with a ruthless, pragmatic light as he revealed his final, hidden trump card.
"And let's not forget my own, personal domain," Tang Chen added, a dark smirk touching his lips. "I am currently the recognized Slaughter King. The Slaughter City is under my command. There are many brutal, combat-hardened Titled Douluo Fallen Spirit Masters trapped within those lightless walls. I can easily travel there and form a deal with those wretched souls. I will offer to let them free from their eternal prison, as long as they swear a blood oath to act as our vicious vanguard and help us in this total war against Zhang Tian and the Heaven Dou Empire. We will drown the north in a sea of blood and righteous fury."
The declaration sent a thrill of eager anticipation through Tang Hao and Tang Xiao. The prospect of finally exacting their long-awaited vengeance was intoxicating.
"Then it is decided," Bo Saixi stated, stepping forward, her melodic voice carrying the weight of a divine commander. "We should mobilize the forces of Sea God Island. However, I must leave behind a sufficient guard to ensure the sanctity of the Sea God Temple remains unviolated during our absence."
She looked toward the seven protectors standing respectfully nearby. "Sea Dragon Douluo, Sea Spear Douluo, you two possess the strongest defensive and frontal combat capabilities among the pillars. You will remain behind to govern the island and protect the sacred grounds."
The two named Titled Douluos bowed deeply, accepting their crucial, defensive mandate without complaint.
"The rest of you—Seahorse Douluo, Sea Fantasy Douluo, Sea Star Douluo, Sea Ghost Douluo, and Sea Woman Douluo—will accompany us to the mainland," Bo Saixi commanded, her deep blue eyes flashing with martial intent. "Prepare yourself. We depart for the Douluo Continent soon."
While the elders coordinated the massive, logistical movement of their forces, a separate, highly private conversation was occurring higher up the majestic slopes of Sea God Mountain.
Tang San stood upon the seven hundredth step, his chest heaving with exhaustion, his clothes soaked in sweat. He had just accomplished a monumental, nearly impossible feat. For his seventh trial, he had been tasked with lifting the legendary, divine artifact itself: the Sea God Trident.
It had been an agonizing endeavor. He had been forced to utilize absolutely all of his physical strength, burn his spirit power to the dregs, and actively channel the profound, stabilizing energies of all his integrated Spirit Bones and his evolved Deathly Sea Emperor Vine just to lift the weapon that weighed a hundred and eight thousand catties from its resting place.
As he stood panting, leaning heavily against the golden haft of the trident, the majestic, genderless voice of the Sea God echoed within his spiritual sea once more.
[Seventh Trial Passed. Reward: Sea God's Affinity increased by fifteen percent. Total Affinity: Eighty-five percent. The right to temporarily wield the Sea God Trident is granted.]
Tang San smiled weakly, feeling the immense, holy power radiating from the artifact in his grasp. However, before he could celebrate, the divine voice continued, delivering the strict parameters of his next challenge.
[Eighth Trial Commenced. To ensure the mortal vessel is capable of housing the true, unadulterated power of the oceans, the foundation must be rendered absolutely flawless. Your current foundation harbors unacceptable impurities and inadequate artifacts.
Requirement One: Complete all Spirit Bone slots. You must acquire a suitable Head Spirit Bone.
Requirement Two: Replace all Spirit Bones currently residing below the hundred-thousand-year rank.
Requirement Three: Replace all low-quality Spirit Rings of the Deathly Sea Emperor Vine with rings of at least ten-thousand-year rank, and secure hundred-thousand-year Spirit Rings for all remaining empty slots on both Martial Spirits.
Reward: Sea God's Affinity increased by fifteen percent. Completion of the Eighth Trial is mandatory before attempting the final ascension.]
Tang San's purple eyes widened in profound realization. The Sea God was explicitly ordering him to systematically purge and replace the weaker elements of his hard-won foundation.
He knew exactly what the deity meant. His Torso Spirit Bone, acquired from the Venomous Earthquake Bear, was only around sixty thousand years old. His Left Leg Spirit Bone from the Ironback Poison Beetle was merely fifty-two thousand years old. Even his External Spirit Bone, the Dual Poison Fangs, despite its utility, was born from a paltry sixteen-hundred-year-old viper and had caused severe impurities in his spirit power that the Sea God's Light had painstakingly burned away. They were too weak to support a true God Position.
'Replace them?' Tang San thought, a flicker of apprehension crossing his mind. 'But forcefully removing a Spirit Bone causes catastrophic, permanent damage to the meridians and significant loss of cultivation. It is deemed impossible in the mortal realm.'
As if sensing his hesitation, a gentle, highly instructional stream of pure, azure knowledge flowed directly from the Sea God Trident into Tang San's mind. The Sea God's Divine Consciousness was personally teaching him a profound, divine method. It was a secret, heaven-defying technique that utilized his extremely high Sea God affinity and the purifying power of the ocean to safely, flawlessly detach and replace his lower-quality Spirit Rings and Spirit Bones without suffering any foundational damage or loss of spirit power.
Tang San's apprehension vanished instantly, replaced by a burning, zealous determination. Armed with this divine method, he could completely reforge himself into an entity of absolute, flawless perfection.
A heavy hand suddenly rested on his shoulder, drawing him out of his divine communion.
Tang San turned to see his great-grandfather, Tang Chen, standing on the steps, looking at him with immense pride and a touch of solemn urgency.
"You have done exceptionally well, Little San," Tang Chen praised warmly. "Lifting the Trident is a feat that secures your path. But I have come to tell you that the rest of us are departing. We are returning to the Douluo Continent to launch a total, uncompromising war against the Spirit Hall, the Heaven Dou Empire, and that monster, Zhang Tian."
Tang San's grip tightened on the golden haft, his purple eyes burning with a sudden, eager hatred. "I want to come with you, Great-grandfather. I have mastered the Trident. I want to personally crush Zhang Tian for what he did to my spirit."
"No, Little San," Tang Chen refused gently but firmly, shaking his head. "You must not participate in this war. Not yet."
Tang San frowned, a protest forming on his lips, but Tang Chen raised a hand to silence him.
"Your task here is infinitely more important than any single battle on the mainland," Tang Chen lectured, his tone filled with the pragmatic wisdom of a seasoned commander. "You must focus entirely on clearing your Eighth Trial. You must perfectly complete your Spirit Bone slots, safely replace those inadequate ten-thousand-year bones, and secure the necessary hundred-thousand-year rings to finalize your foundation. You are our ultimate weapon, Little San. We will go and tear down the enemy's walls, weaken their forces, and prepare the continent for your return. You will remain here, safe within the ocean's embrace, until you are fully ready to ascend as a God."
Tang San looked at the earnest, protective expression on his great-grandfather's scarred face. He understood the tactical logic. Engaging in a chaotic, unpredictable war before his foundation was absolutely flawless was a needless risk.
"I understand, Great-grandfather," Tang San agreed, bowing his head respectfully. "I will remain. I will reforge my body and complete the trials. Give my regards to Father, and tell him I will not disappoint him."
"We know you won't, my boy," Tang Chen smiled, giving Tang San's shoulder one last, affectionate squeeze before turning and rapidly descending the mountain.
The departure was swift and highly organized.
The five chosen Sea God Pillars, along with Bo Saixi, Tang Chen, Tang Hao, and Tang Xiao, boarded a massive, heavily warded seafaring vessel. Accompanying them were the youths who had successfully finished all their designated Sea God Trials: Dai Mubai, Dai Weisi, Yu Tianheng, Yu Tianxin, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and the various other noble descendants.
As the ship cut through the crashing waves, heading steadily back toward the Douluo Continent, the atmosphere on the deck was a potent mixture of eager anticipation and simmering, venomous hatred.
The youths stood near the bow, looking out at the horizon, their newly enhanced, high-tier spirit rings pulsing with power beneath their skin.
"It feels like we have been gone for a lifetime," Dai Mubai murmured, clenching his fists, his dual-pupiled eyes narrowed against the sea spray. "I can feel the power of my rewards from the trials coursing through me. I cannot wait to get back to the capital and show that arrogant bastard Zhang Tian exactly how much stronger I have become."
"We will crush his little northern empire to dust," Ma Hongjun laughed boisterously, summoning a flicker of his pristine, golden-orange Pure Fire Phoenix flame in his palm. "My flames are completely pure now. I'll roast his little grass vines before he can even blink."
"Do not grow overly arrogant, Fatty," Yu Tianxin cautioned, though a proud, confident smirk played on his own lips as white lightning crackled harmlessly across his knuckles. "Zhang Tian is a cunning monster. But with the combined might of our evolved spirits, the elders, and the Sea Spirit Masters, his defeat is an absolute certainty."
Oscar nodded enthusiastically, visualizing his grand return. "I'll keep everyone fully supplied with my best sausages. We won't lose a single step of stamina during the siege."
The voyage concluded several days later, the massive ship docking silently within a secluded, heavily guarded cove on the southern coast of the Star Luo Empire.
The army of elites disembarked, their boots touching the mainland soil for the first time in over a year.
Tang Chen immediately took charge of the logistical deployment.
"Listen closely," Tang Chen commanded, addressing the gathered youths. "You are to return to your respective factions immediately to prepare them for the impending war."
He pointed to the royal brothers. "Dai Mubai, Dai Weisi. You will return to the Imperial Palace in Star Luo City. Inform your parents of our arrival and begin mobilizing the royal legions."
He turned to the lightning wielders. "Yu Tianheng, Yu Tianxin. Return to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Inform Clan Leader Yu Yuanzhen that the time for hiding is over. Have the elders prepare the vanguard."
Finally, he looked at the remaining Shrek alumni. "Ma Hongjun, Oscar. Head to the new Shrek Academy in the capital. Gather Dean Flender, Yu Xiaogang, and the student body. Tell them to prepare for a continental march."
The youths offered crisp, respectful bows before scattering, utilizing their vastly improved speed to race toward their designated objectives.
Once the youths had departed, Tang Chen turned to his immediate entourage—Tang Hao, Tang Xiao, Bo Saixi, and the five Sea God Pillars.
"Let us go and formally greet the Emperor," Tang Chen stated, pulling his dark cloak around his broad shoulders. "It is time we established the terms of our crusade."
The group traveled swiftly to Star Luo City, easily bypassing the standard bureaucratic delays and entering the opulent, heavily guarded throne room of the Imperial Palace.
Emperor Dai Tianxiong and Empress Zhu Leihua were seated upon their gilded thrones. Over the past year, fueled by the massive influx of resources and the intense pressure of the shifting political landscape, both monarchs had successfully broken through their respective bottlenecks, proudly achieving the rank of Titled Douluos.
However, despite their newly acquired, formidable personal strength, the Emperor and Empress did not dare to slight or act remotely arrogant toward the men walking into their hall. They immediately stood up from their thrones, offering deep, highly respectful bows to the legendary figures. They intimately knew the terrifying history and the peerless strength of Tang Chen, recognizing him as a true Limit Douluo whose power could easily shatter their entire palace.
"Senior Tang Chen, High Priestess Bo Saixi," Emperor Dai Tianxiong greeted them enthusiastically, his golden eyes wide with profound respect. "It is a monumental honor to welcome you to our empire. We see the remarkable progress our children have made. Your guidance on the island has forged them into exceptional Spirit Masters."
"They endured the trials well, Your Majesty," Tang Chen replied, offering a polite, acknowledging nod.
Tang Chen did not waste time with idle court pleasantries. He maintained strict operational security, choosing not to tell the Emperor a single word about Tang Hao being an inheritor of the God of Slaughter, nor did he mention his own dark plans to travel to the Slaughter City to unleash an army of Fallen Spirit Masters. He kept his divine and subterranean trump cards closely guarded.
Instead, Tang Chen focused entirely on the immediate, military reality.
"Emperor Dai," Tang Chen spoke, his deep voice echoing with the undeniable, commanding authority of a supreme warlord. "The time for defensive posturing and quiet preparation has ended. I am here to instruct you to prepare the entirety of your national forces to launch a total, uncompromising war against the Spirit Hall and the Heaven Dou Empire."
Emperor Dai Tianxiong's breath caught in his throat. He had dreamed of this day, but the sheer, staggering magnitude of a continental war was daunting. "Senior Tang Chen, the Heaven Dou Empire has recently consolidated its power significantly. And the Spirit Hall possesses the terrifying Enshrinement Hall, boasting seven experts who are all Super Douluos, led by the Limit Douluo Qian Daoliu himself. Are we truly prepared to face such overwhelming odds?"
Tang Chen offered a cold, supremely confident smile.
"We are more than prepared, Your Majesty," Tang Chen declared, gesturing to the formidable warriors standing behind him. "Let me enumerate the martial assets we currently bring to this war. My Clear Sky Sect has fully recovered, possessing dozens of highly experienced, Titled Douluo-level elders who are ready to march. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan brings five of their own seasoned Titled Douluo elders."
He gestured respectfully toward the beautiful woman standing by his side. "Furthermore, we have the absolute, unwavering support of Sea God Island's greatest experts. We bring the High Priestess, Bo Saixi, who is a Limit Douluo of my own rank, and virtually invincible upon the waters. Accompanying her are five elite Titled Douluos of the Sea God Island: Seahorse Douluo, Sea Fantasy Douluo, Sea Star Douluo, Sea Ghost Douluo, and Sea Woman Douluo."
Tang Chen locked his dark, piercing eyes onto the Emperor. "With this combined, unprecedented gathering of legendary power, we easily make up for the strong, Titled Douluo-level experts the enemy possesses. In a direct confrontation, we even surpass the combined might of the Heaven Dou Empire and the Spirit Hall's Enshrinement Hall. They will not be able to withstand our united front."
Emperor Dai Tianxiong listened to the staggering roster of power. His initial apprehension vanished instantly, replaced by a surge of overwhelming, opportunistic excitement. He saw the path to absolute continental domination laid out clearly before him.
"It is a glorious strategy, Senior Tang Chen," Emperor Dai Tianxiong agreed wholeheartedly, bowing his head in complete submission to the Limit Douluo's tactical command. "I agree to all your requests. The Star Luo Empire is at your disposal."
He turned to his royal scribes, his voice ringing with newfound, aggressive authority.
"Issue the edicts immediately!" the Emperor bellowed, his golden eyes burning with the anticipation of war. "Mobilize the royal legions! Recall all border commanders for strategic briefings! The entire Star Luo Empire is now officially preparing for war!"
As the frantic, highly organized chaos of military mobilization erupted within the throne room, Tang Chen looked toward the northern horizon.
~~
A/N: Check out my other novels [Villain: Manipulating The Heroines Into Hating The Protagonist] and [Harem Master: Seduction System].
Also, check out 20 Chapters Ahead for this fanfic on my P.atreon. [Check Out Art Of Characters On My Patreon. It's Free To View btw.]
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