Both sides descended, facing each other from afar.
Tang Hao's hand—gripping the hammer—trembled slightly. But what shook far more violently were the waves churning in his heart.
He had used seventy percent of his strength in that strike.
Yet he hadn't even injured his opponent.
Even if Bone Douluo was famed as the strongest defensive Spirit Master on the continent, he shouldn't be able to withstand that blow so effortlessly.
Across from him, Gu Rong slowly retracted his Bone Dragon Spirit.
He looked at his palm—unharmed.
Not only unharmed, he even stretched his fingers lightly, feeling the solid, indestructible power surging through his bones.
A joy he had never experienced before rose uncontrollably in his chest.
So this… was the power bestowed by the Senior.
Gu Rong lifted his head, looking at Tang Hao with eyes devoid of caution—only naked mockery remained.
"Is that all?"
He curled his lips, the corner of his mouth slightly raised, his gaze falling on the Clear Sky Hammer as though he were inspecting a rusted scrap of metal.
"I thought the Clear Sky Douluo who swept the continent a decade ago would be something remarkable."
"Your hammer—now I see—it isn't even strong enough to scratch an itch for this old man."
These words struck Tang Hao harder than the counterforce he'd just suffered.
Humiliation.
Tang Hao had wandered the world for half his life.
When had he ever been mocked to this extent?
Under Gu Rong's stare, Tang Hao's eyes turned blood-red, his breath surging violently.
But before he could erupt, Ning Fengzhi stepped forward.
"Tang Hao—what impressive prestige you have."
His usual gentle smile was gone. There wasn't even anger.
Only a cold, bone-deep chill.
"When we meet again after so long, this is how you greet us?"
"Who gave you such courage?"
Tang Hao's fury erupted like an exploding furnace at those words.
"Excessive?"
His hoarse voice carried a chilling edge.
"Ning Fengzhi, do you even have the face to say those words to me?"
"If you hadn't interfered back then, how would the hundred-thousand-year spirit beast I prepared have escaped?"
Hundred-thousand-year spirit beast.
Ning Fengzhi and the two Douluo exchanged looks, instantly understanding.
Soft Bones Rabbit.
Ning Fengzhi sneered inwardly.
So overbearing.
"Pre-arranged spirit beast?"
What a joke.
Are all spirit beasts in the world the private property of the Clear Sky Sect?
Ridiculous.
If this had been the past, he might have stepped back and tried to reason with Tang Hao.
But now… his perspective had fundamentally changed.
He glanced behind him.
Sword Douluo was shielding Zhu Zhuyun within the turbulent spirit power. Her complexion was pale from the shock, but her eyes remained calm.
A Divine Envoy.
A Divine Envoy from the Senior's restaurant.
A future Divine Consort.
If she were frightened—much less harmed—
and if the Senior chose to blame them…
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School might vanish from the continent overnight.
Compared to the Senior's displeasure, Tang Hao was nothing.
Ning Fengzhi made his decision instantly.
"Uncle Gu."
His voice was steady and respectful.
"Please escort Divine Envoy Zhu Zhuyun back to Feng Ran Pavilion."
"Her status is immeasurably noble. She must not be frightened here, nor suffer the slightest injury."
"Otherwise, neither you nor I—nor even the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School—could withstand the wrath of that Lord."
Divine Envoy?
Feng Ran Pavilion?
Tang Hao frowned deeply.
Following Ning Fengzhi's gaze, he finally noticed the black-clothed girl being protected in the center.
He snorted inwardly.
An evolved spirit, treated like a god?
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had truly fallen.
But then—
a thought flashed across his mind.
He had come here to locate the mysterious figure behind Spirit Hall's sudden surge in power.
Spirit Hall's strength must not rise further.
Whoever could mass-produce powerhouses—
must die,
or be controlled by the Clear Sky Sect.
Capturing this so-called "Divine Envoy" might be a direct path to that objective.
But this idea lasted less than half a second.
Tang Hao glanced at his tiger's mouth—still numb from the earlier clash.
No.
Bone Douluo wasn't normal anymore.
That defense was monstrous.
Capturing the Envoy might be ideal in theory—
but with Gu Rong present, it was impossible right now.
Letting him leave was the smarter choice.
Tang Hao's killing intent subsided slightly.
Bone Douluo took Zhu Zhuyun and transformed into a white streak, disappearing into the night sky.
Tang Hao simply watched, coldly.
One less Bone Douluo was absolutely to his advantage.
Now only Tang Hao remained—
and opposite him, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo.
The atmosphere grew suffocatingly tense.
Ning Fengzhi inhaled sharply, his expression severe.
"Uncle Jian!"
His right hand glowed with dazzling eight-colored light.
The treasure light was already gathering—about to form the pagoda.
Facing Tang Hao, he dared not be careless for even a heartbeat.
But—
A steady hand pressed his shoulder.
"Fengzhi."
Sword Douluo's voice was calm—so calm it was almost unnerving.
"Put it away."
Ning Fengzhi froze, then turned sharply.
"Uncle Jian—this is Tang Hao!"
"I know."
Sword Douluo finally shifted his gaze toward Tang Hao.
His eyes—once dim from carving chamber pots—were now clear and bright like autumn water.
He wasn't looking at a formidable enemy.
He was looking at a… sword needing appraisal.
Or a piece of jade requiring refinement.
"Good."
A hint of anticipation curved the corner of his lips.
"I haven't tested the Sword Dao granted by the Senior."
"I'll use him to sharpen it."
Ning Fengzhi felt his mind buzz.
Only then did he remember—
Uncle Jian was no longer the "Uncle Jian" of old.
Tang Hao's frown deepened.
Sharpen it?
Use me to test your sword?
What arrogance.
Sword Douluo stepped forward.
His aura did not surge—still level 96.
Yet the "intent" around him changed entirely.
He stood there, quietly, yet he seemed to merge with heaven and earth—
transforming into a sword that existed everywhere and nowhere.
His gaze fell on the Clear Sky Hammer.
He lightly shook his head, his voice calm, almost guiding.
"Your hammer is too heavy. Too rigid."
"Your opening move is a flaw."
"Your buildup of power is a flaw."
"Even your grip…"
Sword Douluo paused.
His eyes met Tang Hao's blazing gaze—utterly calm.
"…is also a flaw."
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