Bibi Dong makes her move, Zhennan Pass is about to fall, Tang San's last resortTang San's order was undoubtedly a desperate act.
All the regular guards of Zhennan Pass, ten thousand Soul Masters, the Imperial Guards, Tang Sect disciples, and over a thousand Haotian Sect disciples—this was all the trump cards Tang San could muster.
Even with the geographical advantage of Zhennan Pass, the Heaven Dou Empire was locked in a stalemate from the very beginning. However, the balance of the war was slowly tilting towards the Spirit Empire. What was even more terrifying was that he had already given it his all, yet he didn't know whether the Spirit Empire had already played all its trump cards.
The sounds of fighting were incessant, and the stench of blood gradually permeated the entire fortress. Tang San remained on edge.
Suddenly, an indescribable, terrifying aura rose from the direction of the Martial Soul Empire. In his spiritual world, it was as dazzling and intense as the sun, making it impossible to look directly at.
"Everyone, let's activate our Martial Souls!"
Bibi Dong stood atop the towering chariot, coldly observing the battle situation at the strategic pass, and slowly spoke.
Apart from Lingyuan Douluo, who had already entered the fray, the remaining eleven Title Douluos were all taken aback. Were they already going to fight at the very beginning of the battle?
Before they could react, a terrifying array of two yellow, two purple, four black, and one red scepters slowly rose from beneath Bibi Dong's feet. The scepter of exchange that she held in her hand for years vanished, replaced by a massive scythe radiating a deep purple light.
When you gaze at it, you can not only feel the biting cold, but also hear lingering whispers in your ear, like ghosts from the underworld.
What's even more shocking is that Bibi Dong's aura has undergone a tremendous change.
More powerful, colder, even more evil...
In the past, these Title Douluos could have a clear understanding of Bibi Dong's strength, like seeing a towering mountain peak; no matter how high and treacherous the peak, they could still see its end. But now, the summit is hidden in the clouds, and it's unimaginable how astonishing the height Bibi Dong has reached is.
"Even the Grand Master is only on par with His Majesty..."
Several titled Douluo who had met Qian Daoliu had the same thought simultaneously surface in their minds, as if thunder had exploded in their chests.
In their knowledge, only the strongest Qian Daoliu could rival Bibi Dong in her current state. But how old is Bibi Dong? Could it be that Bibi Dong can truly reach that legendary realm?
Without hesitation, all of them took to the air, instantly unleashing their spirit rings. A total of eleven rings, nine in total, almost filling the entire sky. When the twelve Title Douluos, including Bibi Dong, released their spirit rings, the entire battlefield paused for a moment, falling silent.
"Including Spirit Douluo, there are a total of thirteen Title Douluos. And this is without even including the Hall of Offerings. Is this the strength of the Spirit Hall?"
Gazing at the breathtaking scene in the sky, Tang Xiao was somewhat lost in thought. The elders of the Haotian Sect beside him also fell into deep silence.
They fought with all their might, making the Clear Sky Sect stronger than ever before, thinking they could rival the Spirit Hall, but now it seems they are still far behind. They might all perish in this war. They cultivated diligently to avenge the blood feud with the Spirit Hall, only to find it all so laughable in the end.
The once number one sect in the world was merely a stepping stone for the Martial Soul Empire to achieve its fame.
"They've played all their cards from the start, will the Spirit Empire even go to war?!"
Marshal Goron was shocked and then said angrily.
In all his years of fighting, he had never encountered such an unpredictable opponent. From the very beginning of the war, they poured all their Soul Master forces into the battlefield, showing no regard for their sacrifices, and all thirteen Title Douluos attacked simultaneously.
How can we fight this war?!
"This girl has become so strong, but I remember her back then..."
Leaning on his cane, Tang Hao stared intently at Bibi Dong's figure, his eyes filled with hatred and frustration.
If he were healthy and at his peak, he would definitely break out of the city and annihilate the Spirit Hall's arrogance! But now that he has lost his arms and legs and most of his strength, he might not even be able to withstand a single spirit skill from others, so how could he stop the Spirit Hall?
The youthful vigor and unparalleled dominance of yesteryear have all transformed into the twilight of a hero...
"wrong!"
Looking at the nine spirit rings that circled twelve times in the sky, Tang San suddenly realized something strange.
"With the beast tide about to erupt, why did Bibi Dong dare to come to Zhennan Pass in person? And why did she go all out from the beginning, determined to take us down? Isn't she afraid that the beast tide will erupt and destroy the Martial Soul Empire? According to the teacher, the current Hall of Worship is focused on making Qian Renxue inherit the godhood, and has no power to spare."
"To slow down the beast tide, unless..."
At this thought, a flash of inspiration struck Tang San.
"That's it! Hanhai City! It must have been Hanhai City that made the move!"
"Di Tian sought me out and allied with me for Dai Yao's sake! And Dai Yao must know this too. If he wants to break the deadlock, he must get the Spirit Empire to break through Zhennan Pass as soon as possible! Right now, Dai Yao might be deliberately stalling for time in the Star Dou Great Forest. No wonder Bibi Dong is personally overseeing Zhennan Pass!"
"But why would Bibi Dong trust Dai Yao so much? Didn't Dai Yao leave the Spirit Hall in a huff before?"
"Even if there are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests, Bibi Dong, that madwoman, cannot be judged by common sense. Why does Bibi Dong trust Dai Yao so much?! If something goes wrong, the entire Spirit Empire will be destroyed!"
He had figured some things out, but even greater doubts arose in Tang San's mind. But now was not the time to ponder these questions. Tang San abruptly turned around and solemnly said:
"Uncle, elders, I'm entrusting this to you. Although my request is unreasonable, you must hold off their offensive. If we can delay them for a few days, victory will surely be ours!"
Tang Xiao laughed loudly and said:
"Mistress, you've done enough. Don't blame yourself. How can you say it's excessive?"
"Look at these soldiers at Zhennan Pass. They just suffered the defeat at Jialing Pass not long ago, and now they are determined to resist the attack of the Martial Soul Empire to the death. They are risking their lives without complaint. Are we old guys not as good as these young men?"
Tang San was taken aback.
Tang Hao leaned on his cane and walked forward, tears streaming down his face, his expression filled with apology and regret.
"Big brother, I'm sorry, I..."
If he were still healthy, he could certainly lend a helping hand to the Clear Sky Sect. These elders of the Clear Sky Sect went up to meet the enemy, who were thirteen Title Douluos. Even if they could delay the Spirit Empire's attack, how many would actually return?
Before he could finish speaking, Tang Xiao interrupted him, saying:
"Brother Hao, what are you doing?"
"Back then, the sect stood by and watched Ah Yin die, and it was indeed responsible. Now that you have lost your hands and feet and returned your soul bone to save the sect, it is the sect that has wronged you, not you. Today, in order to survive, the sect has embarked on the path of fighting against the Spirit Hall. This is the will of Heaven."
"Moreover, you've given birth to such a wonderful son as Xiao San. You've already proven yourself worthy of the sect. If you still have to put on this act, are you still the same arrogant and unparalleled Brother Hao I knew back then?"
Tang Hao's body suddenly stiffened, staring blankly at his elder brother, his eyes no longer cloudy, but clearer than ever before.
Seeing that Tang Hao had regained some of his former glory, Tang Xiao laughed loudly and looked at the twelve Title Douluos in the sky, feeling a surge of heroic spirit!
"Even if the enemy is strong and we are weak, has my Haotian Sect ever feared them? We are merely willing to die! Back then, my Haotian Sect was weak and forced into seclusion. Now, we are stronger than ever before. How can we tolerate this any longer? Even if we die, we will make them pay the price! Elders, follow me into battle!"
The elders, who had been feeling conflicted about the strength of the Martial Soul Empire, were completely dispelled by these words and instead filled with an indomitable spirit.
"good!"
The second elder stepped forward first and burst into laughter.
Immediately afterwards, the elders all reacted and released their martial spirits.
In an instant, five rings of nine spirit rings were released from Zhennan Pass, and five Clear Sky Hammers stretched across the sky, blocking the oppressive aura brought by the twelve Title Douluos from the direction of the Spirit Empire.
"Bibi Dong, come and fight!"
In the sky, Tang Xiao's voice boomed like rolling thunder. He pointed his Haotian Hammer at Bibi Dong and roared.
Even in the midst of a life-or-death struggle, many soldiers at Zhennan Pass still turned their attention to the sky.
"Tang Xiao, you alone are not qualified to challenge me! But if you add those four old geezers next to you, I might allow you to!"
Bibi Dong said coldly.
Her cool, clear voice sent shockwaves through the entire battlefield. Was Bibi Dong going to take on five Title Douluos from the Clear Sky Sect all by herself?!
"Your Majesty, you mustn't!"
Before the Haotian Sect members could speak, Yue Guan exclaimed in alarm.
The five Title Douluos of the Clear Sky Sect also recovered from their shock. Tang Xiao gave Bibi Dong a deep look and sneered:
"Bibi Dong, your teacher died from our Clear Sky Hammer back then. Years ago, Brother Hao alone stopped seven Title Douluos from your Spirit Hall. Even if you have improved, I alone am enough to deal with you."
Qian Xunji died at Tang Hao's hands, which later led to the sealing of the Clear Sky Sect and indirectly led to Bibi Dong's rise to power. Later, Tang Hao broke into Wuhun City, blocked seven Title Douluo, and rescued Tang San.
That was because Bibi Dong had a portion of her cultivation sealed at that time, which is why she didn't leave Tang Hao behind.
But Bibi Dong was too lazy to argue. She smiled coldly, and the demonic scythe in her hand danced. Her vast soul power of level ninety-nine instantly swallowed the entire sky. Even the five titled Douluo of the Clear Sky Sect felt as if a boulder was pressing on their hearts, making it hard for them to breathe.
If it were just Tang Xiao alone, he would definitely die at Bibi Dong's hands!
"Go down and assist the army in taking Zhennan Pass. If you still haven't taken Zhennan Pass by the time I've dealt with these few people, then you don't need to go back."
Bibi Dong's icy voice reached the ears of all the Title Douluos, causing everyone to tense up instantly, a chill running through their hearts.
Ghost Douluo appeared directly and said in a hoarse voice:
"Your Majesty, you are too kind. You have stopped the most powerful opponent. If we still cannot take Zhennan Pass, we will have no face to live in this world anymore."
Although Ghost Douluo's words were harsh, they were the truth. Bibi Dong single-handedly held off five Title Douluos from the Clear Sky Sect, a total of twelve Title Douluos. If they still couldn't take Zhennan Pass, then they would be utterly incompetent!
The others nodded in agreement.
Immediately, the twelve titled Douluo turned around and rushed towards Zhennan Pass.
"You dare!"
The Second Elder was furious! If these twelve Title Douluos were allowed to enter Zhennan Pass, it would undoubtedly be a disaster! The collapse of Zhennan Pass would be imminent! Therefore, no matter what, they could not allow these twelve guys to enter the battlefield below.
Before they could even move, they felt a chilling killing intent sweep over them, and a purplish-black light filled the sky.
"I told you, your opponent is me!"
Bibi Dong's voice was majestic and cold, like a divine pronouncement.
It is the realm of Rakshasa!
Under the shadow of the Rakshasa Domain, Tang Xiao and the four elders were on high alert. If they dared to retreat, Bibi Dong would surely pursue them, and the terrifying demonic scythe in her hand would mercilessly take their lives.
Since we can't leave even if we want to, then we have no choice but to fight!
The Second Elder decisively said:
"Haotian Sect, form the formation!"
The three elders responded in unison and took their places. Tang Xiao hesitated for a moment, then went to the Second Elder's side to take the place of the injured Seventh Elder.
This formation was painstakingly developed by the five elders after the Clear Sky Sect went into seclusion. It combines the power of five Title Douluo, and even a Peerless Douluo would have a fighting chance against it! Coupled with the power of the Clear Sky Hammer and the Clear Sky Sect's secret manual, they must take down Bibi Dong as soon as possible!
Faced with the resistance of five titled Douluo, Bibi Dong merely smiled contemptuously.
The war reached its climax at this moment.
······
At Zhennan Pass.
"Report! Shen Du Peak on the left has fallen. After occupying Shen Du Peak, the enemy left more than a thousand men to hold it, while the remaining Soul Masters are heading straight for Zhen Nan Pass!"
A communications soldier, covered in blood, rushed anxiously to Tang San's side and breathlessly reported the news.
"Report! Tian Du Peak on the right flank has fallen..."
The next second, another soldier arrived, and before he could finish his report, yet another soldier arrived. Then, battle reports poured in like a tidal wave!
"Report! Several enemy Soul Douluos have already leaped onto the city wall, and the Imperial Guards have already taken their place."
"Report! The Imperial Palace Guards have been completely wiped out. Soul Masters from the Haotian Sect and the Tang Sect have taken over from the Imperial Palace Guards and are holding the city walls, suffering heavy casualties."
"Report! The Soul Master Legion has suffered heavy losses. Many Soul Masters have deserted without authorization and have fled to the rear of Zhennan Pass! The Grand Preceptor asked me to tell Your Highness that the Soul Master Legion is on the verge of collapse, and he feels ashamed before Your Highness!"
"Report! Cracks have appeared in the city gate..."
······
Battle reports kept bombarding Tang San's mind like snowflakes.
Tang San stood atop the city gate, looking around at the battlefield.
On the city wall, eleven titled Douluo were slaughtering indiscriminately, attracting the attention of most soldiers. They were massacred, and even though the royal family, Haotian Sect, Tang Sect and the Golden Iron Triangle all stepped up, it was to no avail.
Meanwhile, one after another, Soul Douluos from the Spirit Empire surged onto the city wall, and the already precarious defense line collapsed instantly. The Imperial Guards took the lead, but with the continuous reinforcements from the Spirit Hall, they were almost completely wiped out.
The nearly 10,000 Soul Masters had already suffered heavy casualties due to the suppression from the sky. Seeing the terrifying appearance of the eleven Title Douluos dressed like demon gods, they were even more terrified. As more and more Spirit Hall soldiers leaped onto the city wall, they began to flee. In the end, even the Soul Douluos fled to the rear.
The high points on both sides of Zhennan Pass were successively captured by the Spirit Empire. After all, Spirit Douluo was a Title Douluo-level powerhouse, and it was only a matter of time before he captured the high points on both sides under the leadership of the Title Douluo.
Outside Zhennan Pass, countless soldiers of the Martial Soul Empire surged toward Zhennan Pass under Hu Liena's orders.
With the city gates about to fall and the city walls already lost, and the high points on both sides also captured by the Spirit Empire, the fall of Zhennan Pass was inevitable, regardless of the outcome of the battle between Bibi Dong and the five Title Douluos of the Clear Sky Sect in the sky.
The shouts of battle around them gradually faded away, and the calls of Tang Hao and Yu Xiaogang gradually disappeared. Tang San seemed to be unable to hear any sound at all.
Xiao Wu is dead, his mother is missing, his father is disabled, and all his hard work has been for nothing. Years of effort have gone down the drain, and Tang San felt a suffocating sense of helplessness that instantly overwhelmed him.
"Establishing the Tang Clan, uncovering the palace coup, thwarting conspiracies, ruling the Heavenly Battle as regent, and striving for good governance—I believed I had done my utmost, but in the end, I still lost to you, Dai Yao..."
Tang San stared in the direction of the Star Dou Great Forest and said in a low voice, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his flesh and blood flowed freely, but he did not realize it.
In his heart, his only rival was Dai Yao!
Standing beside Dai Yao was Bibi Dong; standing beside him was Di Tian. He was facing off against Bibi Dong, and Dai Yao was facing off against Di Tian. In a sense, this was his duel with Dai Yao!
But it is clear that he was defeated by Bibi Dong. Once Zhennan Pass was breached, he had no power to fight back. Even if the beast tide broke out, he could not organize the forces to counterattack the Spirit Empire.
Today's defeat has completely eroded his prestige within the Heaven Dou Empire. Even if he can exert some influence temporarily with the help of the Clear Sky Sect, it's uncertain whether the sect will still exist after today. With this loss, he has lost everything.
"You mistress! Are you alright, you mistress?!"
Tang Hao, his face covered in blood, stared blankly at Tang San and roared loudly.
As the surrounding sounds gradually returned, Tang San's unfocused pupils focused again. Leaning against the railing, he forced a smile at Tang Hao and said:
"Dad, I'm okay."
"Little San, hurry up and leave! As long as you're alive, you can always fight again! You have twin martial souls, so as long as you live, there's always hope for a comeback! Once you're back in Heaven Dou City, you can make one last desperate attempt!"
Tang Hao gritted his teeth and said heavily.
Tang San shook his head slightly, interrupting Tang Hao who was about to interject. He held out his hand, a dragon scale appearing in his palm, and handed it to Tang Hao, calmly saying:
"Dad, I still have hope of turning things around. Go to the Star Dou Great Forest immediately. When you get there, take out the dragon scale you have, and someone will guide you. Our hope of turning things around rests on your shoulders..."
Tang Hao stared blankly at the black dragon scale in his hand, even if he were stupid, he would understand Tang San's trump card:
"Third Sister, could that Senior Di Tian be...?!"
Tang San nodded slightly.
Tang Hao was shocked, as if struck by a heavy hammer. The difference between humans and beasts—if this were to become known, the world would surely ridicule them!
But isn't his wife a beast?
Without hesitation, Tang Hao turned and left, bypassing Zhennan Pass and heading towards the Star Dou Great Forest.
"Hopefully, it's not too late. As long as we cling to life, perhaps a change in circumstances will come..."
Tang San said quietly. (End of Chapter)