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The expression on Niu Ben's face shifted several times. He never expected that the mysterious figure behind Tai Shan would be the famous Spirit Hall Son, Ye Lan. Even more shocking was the revelation that Tai Nuo had died at the hands of Spirit Hall—and the culprit had the audacity to appear here, in front of everyone, at the gathering of the Four Single-Attribute Clans.
"Since Tai Nuo deserved his death, I ask you: where exactly did Spirit Hall go wrong?" Ye Lan asked indifferently.
"Ye Lan, though you are the Son of Spirit Hall, Tai Nuo was our friend! Since Spirit Hall killed him, you shouldn't be here. You are not welcome!" Niu Ben shouted, his blood boiling as he tried to stand up for the deceased.
"Enough!! You have no say here!!" Niu Gao barked.
Hearing his father, who had pampered him since childhood, suddenly berate him so harshly, the color drained from Niu Ben's face as he looked at his father in disbelief.
Niu Gao didn't look at his son. Instead, his gaze was fixed on Ye Lan's orange-red dragon pupils.
Niu Gao sighed inwardly. Though Tai Nuo had been in the wrong—causing suffering to tens of thousands—the Four Single-Attribute Clans shared a bond like flesh and blood. It was impossible not to harbor some resentment toward Spirit Hall. After all, under the leadership of the Clear Sky School, the four clans had frequently clashed with Spirit Hall in the past, accumulating significant friction.
However, the world had changed. The young man before him had created the revolutionary "Artificial Soul Rings," single-handedly reversing Spirit Hall's precarious situation. Now, whether it was the Heaven Dou Empire or the Star Luo Empire, who didn't crave a rare 10,000-year soul ring? In the future, everyone would have to rely on Spirit Hall's favor.
Everything started with this young man—Ye Lan, one of the two greatest geniuses in the history of the Douluo Continent. As a clan head, Niu Gao could not afford to be as impulsive and short-sighted as his son.
Noticing Tai Shan's subtle gestures and expressions toward Ye Lan, Niu Gao guessed the purpose of the visit. The fact that the gathering had been moved forward could only be because of this blonde youth.
"Your Highness, I ask for your forgiveness regarding my son's recklessness. He has been a blockhead since he was a child. May I ask what brings Your Highness here today?" Niu Gao asked, cupping his fists and bowing.
"I..." Niu Ben felt like crying as he watched his towering father act so humble. He had been praised his whole life, only to be called a "blockhead" today.
Ye Lan waved his hand, signaling that it was no issue. He had no intention of escalating the conflict. As the saying goes, one does not hit a smiling face; moreover, he wasn't here to cause trouble. His questioning of Niu Gao wasn't meant to provoke, but rather to give the Defense Clan a "way out" regarding Tai Nuo's death. Even with Spirit Hall's power, the Defense Clan could not simply surrender without saving face. By clarifying that the fault lay with Tai Nuo, the path for recruitment was cleared.
At this point, Tai Shan stepped forward:
"Brother Niu Gao, the entire Strength Clan has already joined His Highness. We are now the 'Manufacturing Department' of the Holy Sanctuary. The Lord is here at this gathering to bring everyone together."
"Ever since we left the Clear Sky School, our four clans have been looking out only for ourselves. If we merged, our collective strength—excluding high-end Titled Douluo combat power—would be no less than the Three Upper Sects! We would certainly reign supreme among the Four Lower Sects!"
"You likely know of His Highness's achievements."
"In terms of spirit cultivation, he is one of the two most monstrous geniuses in history."
"In terms of spirit theory, besides publishing the world-shaking 'New Spirit Competitiveness,' he pioneered the Artificial Soul Ring system, providing an absolute guarantee for the future of all spirit masters!!"
"In every aspect, His Highness is far superior to Tang Hao. Even the Clear Sky School's greatest genius, Tang Chen, is like a firefly compared to His Highness's bright moon!"
"If our four clans follow His Highness, we will undoubtedly reach new heights of glory, perhaps even surpassing the Clear Sky School!"
The pale-faced Niu Ben finally began to realize why his father was so respectful. He had let his emotions over Tai Nuo's death cloud his judgment; if he had driven Ye Lan away, he truly would have become the "sinner of the Defense Clan."
A look of yearning flashed in Niu Gao's eyes. However, as the clan head, he knew he couldn't "sell" his clan too cheaply. Even if they intended to follow Ye Lan, they couldn't just prostrate themselves immediately.
Niu Gao feigned hesitation and said with a difficult expression:
"Brother Tai Shan, you know the Defense Clan is large and has many mouths to feed. Currently, the whole clan is in the Star Luo Empire working in the construction industry. We handle many imperial projects and Wanshou Sect projects. I know how exceptional His Highness is, but it is truly difficult for us to pull away from Star Luo."
Tai Shan noticed a hint of a smile in his eyes. You old fox, still playing hard to get, he thought, before shouting:
"Brother Niu Gao, what are those Star Luo projects compared to the Holy Sanctuary's future plans?! If you knew what His Highness has planned for the Sanctuary, you wouldn't be making excuses—you'd be kneeling to beg him for a spot!"
"Oh? Brother Tai Shan, what are these plans?" Niu Gao asked curiously. He knew the Holy Sanctuary was a new organization within Spirit Hall meant to oversee all subordinate branches.
Ye Lan took the initiative to speak: "Allow me. Besides the Radiance Hall for oversight and the King Hall for military force, the Holy Sanctuary has an industrial sector."
"According to my blueprint, the Sanctuary will have several major industries in the future. Beyond natural treasures to improve spirit masters' constitutions, there is the Manufacturing Department and the Construction Department. Tai Shan is the Minister of Manufacturing!"
Although Niu Gao was curious about the treasures for physical improvement, he maintained his composure. Since he wasn't yet part of the Sanctuary, he suppressed his curiosity and asked: "What does the Manufacturing Department produce? Is it still the various iron tools the Strength Clan used to make?"
Ye Lan shook his head. "That is not the primary mission. The Manufacturing Department will produce 'Spirit Awakening Weapons'."
"Spirit Awakening Weapons!?" Tai Shan exclaimed. He had previously thought the Strength Clan would just continue making standard weapons or taking commissions for profit, much like they did for the Clear Sky School.
But weapons that could awaken spirits? This was a revelation. Did his Lord have more unpublished theories?
"Correct. These weapons can gradually guide the evolution of 'Tool Spirit' clans and allow commoners to gradually obtain powerful tool spirits," Ye Lan explained.
Tai Shan, Niu Gao, his son, and the silent Silver Wolf were all inwardly shaken. They hadn't expected that in addition to Artificial Soul Rings, the Son of Spirit Hall had conducted research on tool spirits as well!
Niu Gao looked at the excited Tai Shan and suppressed the urge to ask for details, as that would involve core principles.
He asked expectantly: "Your Highness, since the mission of the Manufacturing Department is so grand, what is your plan for the Construction Department?"
Ye Lan said: "Many cities in the Douluo Continent are currently like stagnant ponds. The reason is simple: poor roads. Aside from Titled Douluos, it is incredibly difficult for commoners and low-level spirit masters to travel long distances. This hinders commercial development and the flow of resources."
"I'm sure you've heard of famines in the western regions where crops failed and people resorted to cannibalism. Even though other parts of the continent had plenty of food, the poor quality and lack of roads made it impossible to transport enough grain to save them."
"Therefore, the Construction Department will not only build the Sanctuary's structures but, more importantly, construct smooth, level roads between every city, town, and village."
"When that happens, the development of the Douluo Continent will exceed your imagination. Famines will no longer result in mass death due to transport issues!!"
There was another reason Ye Lan didn't mention: Once Spirit Hall unified the continent, these roads would allow for absolute control. Any rebellion would be reported to Spirit City within a day, and reinforcements would arrive the next.
Listening to this vision, Niu Gao's admiration for Ye Lan reached its peak. He realized then that they weren't just "spirit masters playing with mud"—they were builders contributing to the welfare of billions across the continent!
Seeing Niu Gao's excitement, Tai Shan seized the moment:
"His Highness is here to recruit all four clans. Not just the Defense Clan, but the Speed Clan and the Breaking Clan will also be able to display their talents in the Sanctuary and reach unprecedented heights."
"Furthermore, the Sanctuary will not lack rare Artificial Soul Rings! Our families can share in the glory. If a genius appears in our clans, they can receive precious 100,000-year Artificial Soul Rings!!"
"According to the rules of our Four Single-Attribute Clans, His Highness has decided to challenge the strongest defense of the Defense Clan. If he succeeds, the Defense Clan will pledge eternal loyalty to him. Clan Head Niu Gao, what do you say!?"
"This... how about this," Niu Gao hesitated. "My Defense Clan will send Niu Ben to represent the strongest defense of the younger generation. If His Highness's defense is stronger than Niu Ben's, the clan will follow him."
Niu Ben spoke up, dissatisfied: "Father, I am a Soul Emperor! My defense is at least comparable to a top-tier Soul Saint. Are you underestimating me?"
Niu Gao glared at his son. While Ye Lan was strong, he was famous for his Blue Silver Grass, speed, and self-created skills. Niu Gao didn't believe Ye Lan could be stronger than him in terms of defense. Niu Gao could withstand the attacks of a Rank 91 Titled Douluo; only a Rank 92 would give him pressure.
If Ye Lan lost, Niu Gao feared the young man would lose face, making it impossible for the Defense Clan to board the "ships" of the Son of Spirit Hall and the Sanctuary.
Tai Shan saw Niu Gao's hesitation and knew the "Old Ox" was making the same mistake he had. He thought he was stronger than the Lord. Tai Shan laughed: "Brother Niu Gao, since His Highness intends to recruit you, he is absolutely certain of victory!! Do not underestimate him; he is far more terrifying than you imagine. Even I lost to him in terms of strength!"
"What!? He beat you in strength!?" Niu Gao was incredulous.
"Of course. Otherwise, the Strength Clan wouldn't have surrendered," Tai Shan said.
"Let it be as Tai Shan said. Since it is the rule of your Four Clans, there is no need to make an exception for me. Today, I challenge the strongest defense of his rank, the 'Armored Giant Rhino King', Clan Head Niu Gao!" Ye Lan stepped forward.
Niu Gao looked at the confident Ye Lan, his heart still racing. Even if Ye Lan was stronger than Tai Shan in power, it didn't mean he was better in defense. The Four Clans had pushed their respective attributes—Spirit, Soul Rings, and genetics—to the absolute extreme.
The "Armored Giant Rhino" was widely considered the strongest defensive spirit in the continent, even a notch above the Diamond Mammoth. In terms of pure defense, it was unrivaled among those of the same rank.
Niu Gao estimated that no matter how fast Ye Lan cultivated, he was likely only a Soul Ancestor. How could a Soul Ancestor compare to a Soul Douluo in defense?
Niu Gao had a sudden realization. He looked at the loyal Tai Shan and thought: Tai Shan, you flatterer! How could a Soul Ancestor's strength match a Titled Douluo? You must have gone easy on him and surrendered on purpose!
Fine, I'll have to play along. If things go wrong, I'll just reverse my soul power to give myself a slight internal injury and surrender. I cannot defeat His Highness and ruin his mood.
After a few seconds of internal debate, Niu Gao said: "Your Highness, in that case, I shall summon the entire clan to witness this moment."
Niu Ben immediately took out a horn and blew a long, low note. Soon, the members of the Defense Clan gathered at the central plaza.
Once nearly a hundred burly men and women arrived, Niu Gao announced:
"Today, the Son of Spirit Hall has graced the Hidden Crane Villa with his presence. He challenges the strongest defense of our clan. If he succeeds, the entire Defense Clan will submit to him!!"
The plaza erupted in cheers. "Defense Clan is invincible!! Defense is number one!!"
A few smarter members whispered: "Following the Son of Spirit Hall is a good thing for us. It's much better than the old Clear Sky School. But can he really beat the Clan Head at his age?"
Niu Gao turned to the calm Ye Lan: "Your Highness, how about this? We each take three hits. Whoever can't hold out loses."
Niu Gao proposed this because if he was the one attacking, he could control his strength to ensure Ye Lan stood his ground. If Tai Shan said Ye Lan was strong, his power was probably at the Soul Saint level. Niu Gao just had to act well enough to "lose" and join the Sanctuary according to the rules.
Ye Lan shook his head. "No. That format has too many loopholes. The power of each person's strike is different; how can that determine the ultimate defense?"
"Then what do you suggest?" Niu Gao asked.
"Since we are testing defense, let's test pure defense!! As we know, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. We will simply collide with each other—no weapons, pure physical contact!! This way, the damage taken by both sides is identical. Whoever collapses first is not the Ultimate Defense!" Ye Lan said.
Niu Gao didn't quite understand "action and reaction," but the rules were clear. It was a very fair method. However, it made it harder for him to "fake" a loss.
But the die was cast. Niu Gao said: "Fine! Your Highness, please be careful. Although I focus on defense, my attack power is not much weaker than a Battle Spirit Master of my level."
Looking at the massive Niu Gao, Ye Lan said calmly: "Use your full strength. Otherwise, I will not recognize this duel."
Ye Lan's body glowed with soul light as he channeled all his soul power to summon his Battle Blue Silver Grass.
As fifty-four gold-threaded Blue Silver Grass stalks, each dozens of meters thick, appeared, the members of the Defense Clan were stunned.
"Is... is that really Blue Silver Grass? It's bigger than my house!!"
"I've seen the 'Azure Vine' of Senior Zhi Lin, the strongest plant spirit. Even all his vines together aren't as big as one of the Son's stalks!!"
Niu Gao was shocked. He had underestimated Ye Lan. Could a Soul Ancestor really summon something like this?
Ye Lan activated his "Nature Domain" to boost the vitality of all Blue Silver Grass by 50%. Eight pitch-black tentacles appeared, temporarily boosting his soul power by 50% to the Soul Emperor level.
Consequently, the base vitality of all his Blue Silver Grass increased by 30%. Since the strength of the spirit stems from soul power, the improvement in soul power quality naturally boosted their vitality.
The "I Want to Grow Up" passive activated, increasing Blue Silver Grass vitality by another 800%.
After converting his soul power into "Ultimate Water" to supply the Battle Blue Silver Grass, the total vitality bonus from Ultimate Water took effect!
He then activated "Blue God Prophet," transforming the fifty-four units into eighteen Blue God Prophets.
Ye Lan then triggered "Blue God Ascension" and "Grow Fast," designating all nearby living beings as allies so the area-of-effect damage from Ascension wouldn't harm them.
At this point, the vitality of all summons increased by another 100%. The Blue Silver Grass system saw a 200% increase in size and a 100% increase in vitality.
Calculation of Vitality Bonuses:
Base Vitality: +30%
Vitality Additive: +900%
Domain Bonus: +50%
Total Vitality Bonus: +100%
Summon Bonus: +100%
When multiplied together, the vitality of the Blue Silver Grass was now 4,212 times that of base Blue Silver Grass!!!
After sharing the vitality of the eighteen "Ascended Form" stalks with Ye Lan...
Ye Lan's total vitality was now roughly equal to the sum of twenty-four Soul Douluos!!
However, Ye Lan's pure defense was only at the Soul King level, not Titled Douluo level. Therefore, adjusting for the defense factor, his damage-absorption capacity was roughly equal to two Rank 91 Titled Douluos!!
The most terrifying part? All the Blue Silver Grass were in Ascended Form, and he hadn't even activated "Titan God Body" yet. This meant the "Shared Vitality Bar" was regenerating at a rate of 2% total vitality per second. If Niu Gao couldn't kill Ye Lan (who had the capacity of two Titled Douluos) within fifty seconds, Ye Lan would return to full health instantly!!!
The Defense Clan members and Niu Gao stared wide-eyed at the eight 100-meter-tall gold-patterned vines behind Ye Lan. Some brave members even reached out to touch them. Finding them solid and real, their gazes toward Ye Lan shifted to awe and expectation!!
This was the Lord they would follow!!!
Some clan members even began to pray that their Clan Head would lose. If the Son was this terrifying before becoming a Titled Douluo, what would happen after?
Tai Shan looked at the mysterious runes glowing on the vines, his heart calm. If the Defense Clan knew the Lord could make these vines hundreds of meters tall, what would they think? They would probably surrender immediately, just like the Strength Clan.
Niu Gao looked at Tai Shan with a hint of resentment. He now believed that Ye Lan had surpassed Tai Shan through sheer strength. Looking at the massive vines, Niu Gao accepted reality.
Could the Wanshou Sect and its young master, Gu Yuena, really handle a monster like Ye Lan once he matured?
"Your Highness, may I ask your level? Are you already a Soul Emperor!?" Niu Gao exclaimed. While jumping from Soul Ancestor to Soul Emperor in two years was nearly impossible, Ye Lan's displayed power was even more impossible!
"I am currently only a Soul King. Niu Gao, are you ready?" Ye Lan asked.
Only a Soul King? At least twelve ranks in two years? Is he even human?
Niu Gao suppressed his shock and summoned his martial soul. Several soul rings glowed as a massive Armored Giant Rhino appeared.
Grumble...
While the Blue Silver Grass was impressive, Niu Gao still doubted Ye Lan's personal defense. Ye Lan himself wasn't a 100-meter-tall vine. Niu Gao didn't understand why the vines were there yet, as the duel was a physical collision between the two of them.
Niu Gao decided to start with the strength of a "Soul Emperor" to test the waters. The massive Armored Giant Rhino roared, crushing the marble floor as it charged at Ye Lan. Despite the noise, he held back quite a bit.
Ye Lan didn't flinch. He met the charge with his bare body. To make it fair, Ye Lan didn't transfer the "Shared Vitality Bar" to the vines; he kept it on himself so his injuries would be visible. He channeled soul power into his legs and slammed into the rhino.
It looked like a human charging into a giant armored tank.
BOOM!
The shockwave knocked over several low-level spirit masters. Niu Gao was shocked to see Ye Lan's expression unchanged.
Ye Lan frowned. He realized Niu Gao was holding back.
"Take this seriously!! Niu Gao, use your full strength! Don't worry about me!! Even if an accident happens, Elder Chen Xing will intervene."
Niu Gao looked at the last man in the group—the one wearing a black fanged mask, who was watching leisurely. Though he looked unreliable, he was a Titled Douluo; he would surely protect the Son.
Niu Gao let go of his reservations. He leaped back several dozen meters and charged again. This time, all his rings glowed white, and he even used a 1,000-year soul skill he hadn't used in years.
The Armored Giant Rhino was enveloped in a grey light. Its steel-hard plates thickened and darkened. Within seconds, it finished its build-up. The rhino became a black-grey torrent, its speed breaking the sound barrier.
Crack-boom! The sonic booms sounded like thunder. The damage from this full-speed charge was easily equal to a high-level Battle Spirit Master's strongest skill.
Seeing Ye Lan not only refusing to back down but charging even faster, Niu Gao's blood, cold for years, began to boil!! This was the opponent he wanted!!
A golden bolt of lightning and a dark-grey meteor collided!!
Bone against horn, skin against armor, muscle against muscle!!
They collided again and again!! After each hit, they would circle back, build up speed, and slam into each other once more!! Every hit was pure physical impact. Every hit sent a shockwave through the air. As they built momentum, the power shifted from Soul Douluo level to High-Level Soul Douluo!!
Only then did Niu Gao realize the meaning of "monstrous"!! Ye Lan was only a Soul King, but his defense was already nullifying the damage of a Soul Douluo!! In his own youth, Niu Gao being able to withstand a few hits from a Soul Saint as a Soul King was something he boasted about for a lifetime!!
Was Ye Lan the reincarnation of the God of Defense?!
As Niu Gao marveled, a golden soul light began to emanate from his own body. He felt his steps become light, as if he had turned into a rabbit. The Defense Clan members were stunned; their Clan Head was moving with a speed completely uncharacteristic of a bulky rhino.
Niu Gao saw the same golden light on Ye Lan and realized Ye Lan was buffing his speed to increase the impact of the collision!!
Feeling his speed increase by 150%, the Armored Giant Rhino King roared and slammed into the golden lightning again. This time, his eighth black soul ring glowed brilliantly. His defense, attack, and vitality all saw a massive boost. Combined with the 150% speed from Ye Lan's "Flash" and the massive weight of his martial soul, Niu Gao's impact briefly hit the Titled Douluo level!!
The two slammed into each other, the damage compounding.
Upon impact, the Rhino King felt like he had hit a steel spike. His head throbbed with agony!! On the other side, Ye Lan's health bar dropped by 5%. Blood leaked from the corner of his mouth.
But Ye Lan smiled. By giving Niu Gao "Flash" to fix the rhino's lack of speed, the buff was massive. Finally, they could actually hurt each other.
The battle had only just begun!!!
The Rhino King shook his head and looked at Ye Lan. He saw the blood on the youth's mouth and the split skin on his knuckles. But before he could even process the hit, Ye Lan's knuckles healed at a visible, insane speed. Within two seconds, they were perfectly fine.
He can take a Titled Douluo-level hit... and heal that fast!?
Before Niu Gao could finish the thought, Ye Lan charged again. Looking at the golden-haired youth's burning fighting spirit, the Rhino King bellowed and charged back.
Thud!! Thud!! Thud!!
With every hit, droplets of blood flew, splashing onto the nearby clan members. Seeing his father's injuries pile up, Niu Ben muttered in shock: "Father... is actually injured!? By a Soul King!?"
The implication was clear: From today on, the "Armored Giant Rhino" was no longer the strongest defensive spirit of its rank.
CRASH!!!
The Armored Giant Rhino King could no longer sustain the injuries. He reverted to a burly old man.
"Cough!! Your Highness... I lose!! Your Blue Silver Grass is the number one defensive martial soul in the Douluo Continent!!"
"From this day forward, the Defense Clan pledges eternal loyalty to Your Highness!!"
The remaining clan members suppressed their shock and followed their leader, kneeling before the golden-haired youth who stood there like a god.
(End of Chapter)