"Grandfather, we must be cautious."
The soul power fluctuations emanating from the 89th-ranked Tang Hao made even Title Douluos take notice. However, he was currently filled with anxiety.
"Di Tian... the Beast God of the Great Star Dou Forest," Tang Chen murmured to himself.
With Tang Chen, the servant of the Asura God, leading the way, their journey was naturally unimpeded.
When Tang Hao mentioned the Beast God, a rare trace of gravity appeared on Tang Chen's face.
He knew his own situation all too well.
Not long ago, in the Slaughter City, he had separated the Crimson Blood Nine-Headed Bat King, detoxified Tang Hao, and used the Asura God's divine power to re-engrave his soul ring slots.
Tang Chen, who was already suffering from deficiencies in both Yin and Yang and insufficient Qi and blood, was now even weaker. It wouldn't be apparent in a short fight.
But if he were to fight an enemy of equal strength, a Limit Douluo with Quasi-God power, while also protecting such a large group of people, it would be extremely dangerous.
On someone else's turf, he might be able to run if he couldn't win, but could the Title Douluos he brought escape?
"Hao'er is right," Tang Chen nodded, his tone serious. "Everyone, pay attention. When we find the Three-Headed Crimson Demon Hound, don't make too much noise. Avoid alerting other soul beasts."
"Understood, Ancestor (Grandfather)."
The four Title Elders of the Clear Sky Sect, along with Tang Hao, nodded in acknowledgment.
Looking at the multiple Title Douluos of the Clear Sky Sect, Tang Chen felt deeply comforted.
Tang Xiao was more suited for the role of Sect Leader than Tang Hao; at least he wasn't just a reckless brute. He had even elevated the Clear Sky Sect's strength to a new level.
To be honest, saying he wasn't worried at all about Tang San and Tang Xiao at the competition venue would be a lie!
Being at the Spirit Hall's headquarters, coupled with the Spirit Hall's strength, was truly nerve-wracking.
However, Qian Daoliu was a pedantic man. Exploiting this might achieve unexpected results.
The Spirit Hall, as a sacred place for soul masters, could not, and would not, openly tarnish its own reputation without reason.
For example, attacking participants without any justification.
After all, this was the Spirit Hall.
We came to compete by invitation; wouldn't you be disrespecting us by causing trouble?
The hatred between the Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect was a private feud, while the Soul Master Grand Competition was an official matter.
The Spirit Hall was very clear about separating these matters, which was why Tang Chen dared to bring Tang Hao to hunt for a soul ring after confirming the Three-Headed Crimson Demon Hound's location.
Faced with the Spirit Hall's dominance and the sudden rise of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Tang Chen wasn't as rigid as in the original story.
He had taught the secrets of the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes and the Great Sumeru Hammer to the Sect Leader and all the Elders.
However, aside from Tang Xiao, no one else could master them.
Meaning, currently, only four people could use Ring Explosion.
Himself, Tang Hao, Tang Xiao, and Tang San.
Tang San's physique, further awakened by soaking in the Spirit Hall's aura of slaughter and blood, was sufficient to execute the Ring Explosion secret technique.
Although the techniques of the four were slightly different. His and Tang Xiao's techniques were skill-based.
While Tang San and Tang Hao's use of the Great Sumeru Hammer's secret technique was pure power-based Ring Explosion.
Slightly more powerful, but relatively slower to activate.
However, regardless.
The Clear Sky Sect members who learned Ring Explosion elevated the sect's strength to a new level.
Even Tang Xiao, a 97th-ranked Title Douluo, could rival a peak 98th rank after using Ring Explosion.
This was also one reason Tang Chen felt assured leaving Tang Xiao there.
He knew when to advance and when to retreat. Even in the worst-case scenario, there was a high probability he could evacuate with Tang San.
Although it sounded somewhat unpleasant, Tang San was the future of the Clear Sky Sect.
Even if all the other disciples of the Clear Sky Sect died, preserving Tang San could allow the Clear Sky Sect to rejuvenate and become great again.
Thinking of this, Tang Chen collected his thoughts, took a deep breath, and said:
"Be careful to stay hidden later. Ensure a one-hit kill."
"The Three-Headed Crimson Demon Hound is about five or six meters tall. After killing it, work together to carry it to the outskirts as quickly as possible for absorption. I will keep watch."
From the information learned from Xiao Wu, the Red King's personality seemed somewhat reclusive.
No, it should be said that hundred-thousand-year soul beasts all have their own territories. Other soul beasts, even other hundred-thousand-year ones, usually do not enter another's living area. This provided them with a lot of room to maneuver.
Whether it was Di Tian or other soul beasts, as long as they were fast enough, they couldn't catch up.
Finally, Tang Chen and the others stepped into a certain part of the core area.
This place was covered with red maple leaves, quite different from other areas. The temperature was also noticeably higher than the surrounding forest, like a scorching summer day.
The Three-Headed Crimson Demon Hound, also known as the Red King.
A ferocious beast that had survived two heavenly tribulations, possessing terrifying cultivation exceeding two hundred thousand years, capable of using hellfire second only to Extreme Fire.
Its strength was equivalent to a peak 96th-ranked human Soul Master.
Considering the特殊性 (special characteristics) of soul beasts and its hellfire ability.
Even an ordinary 97th-ranked human Soul Master might not be its match.
Finally, the group crept to the center of the red maple forest.
A creature about five or six meters long, covered in soft fur, with three heads, came into the view of Tang Chen and the others.
This soul beast was lying on the ground, looking quite content.
Around its body, accompanied by its fur gently swaying in the breeze, the air transmitted a slightly scorching sensation.
"Good, it hasn't noticed us."
Tang Chen carefully took out his Clear Sky Hammer, preparing to give this soundly sleeping soul beast a deep sleep.
The kind from which one never wakes up.
What? You mention the Asura God's Sword?
That thing, Tang Chen had already given it to Tang San.
After all, Qian Daoliu's character was one thing, but having a divine weapon in hand provided more options if something happened. Actually, after completely separating from the Crimson Blood Nine-Headed Bat King.
That Asura God's Sword, which was like a twin spirit, separated from Tang Chen's body and became a pure soul tool, no longer combined with him.
Tang Chen and the others circled around the back of the maple forest, preparing to give the Red King a heavy hammer blow to the head.
However, at that moment.
The Red King suddenly disappeared.
Tang Chen's pupils constricted sharply, and he exclaimed: "Not good, everyone be alert!"
As soon as Tang Chen finished speaking, the Clear Sky Hammer in his hand, originally only the size of a palm, transformed into a huge siege hammer and smashed fiercely towards a position to the side.
"Humans, if you want to plunder my soul ring, then pay the price in blood."
"Chi—"
The right arm of the Clear Sky Sect's Seventh Elder, Tang Lie, instantly shattered, blood spurting out.
"Beast, how dare you!"
Tang Chen's eyes bulged with fury as he heavily hammered the Red King, sending it flying.
The Red King, after landing, retreated rapidly towards a certain position behind it.
Tang Lie, saved by Tang Chen at the critical moment, his eyes bloodshot from pain, gritted his teeth and said:
"Ancestor, don't mind me. Go kill that soul beast. If it contacts the others, we're finished."
"Old Fourth, you stay here and bandage Elder Lie's wound. Be careful."
"The others and I will be back soon."
Tang Chen was not a hesitant man. After giving the order, he chased in the direction the Red King had escaped.
The other elders glanced at Tang Lie, his veins bulging and eyes bloodshot with pain, and felt indignant.
"You inherently evil Three-Headed Crimson Demon Hound, how dare you injure someone from the Clear Sky Sect."
"You have already courted death!"