Yang Fan's blood boiled at the sight of the Tang family.
If Tang Hao had been a real man—if he'd stood up and taken responsibility for his actions—the Spirit Hall would've had no excuse to target the entire Hao Tian Sect.
But that once-in-a-generation genius? He'd tucked tail and played coward.
And now, his son Tang San dared to absorb a second soul ring carefree in Sunset Forest's outskirts?
Did Yang Fan look like a pushover?
"Master—are there any experts nearby? Title Douluo-level?"
Yang Fan was ready to strike.
But first, he needed to confirm Tang Hao's whereabouts.
He hated Tang Hao with every fiber—but even he acknowledged the Hao Tian Douluo's might.
"There shouldn't be any," Yao Lao replied.
Perfect.
Yang Fan doubted Tang Hao would be here anyway.
His wife was missing—who wouldn't be frantic? That simp bastard was probably scouring the world for her.
"Master, I'll handle this myself."
Yang Fan dragged the Heavy Xuan Ruler down the slope.
His arrival instantly put Yu Xiaogang and Tang San on high alert—shattering Tang San's focus on absorbing the soul ring.
Soul ring absorption had strict rules:
1) The soul master must have ample stamina to wrestle the soul ring's energy.
2) The environment must be absolutely secure—no interruptions allowed.
That's why soul masters teamed up in forests—and why guardians were essential during absorption.
Every year, countless died mid-absorption in Soul Land.
Yu Xiaogang stepped forward, bowing slightly. "We're from Nuoding Academy. Who are you, sir?"
The cloaked figure clearly targeted them.
Friend or foe? In the soul beast forest, there were no eternal allies.
The trio tensed. Tang San's sleeve-arrow mechanism clicked open.
"This soul beast is mine. Leave. Now."
The youthful voice from under the hood stunned Yu Xiaogang.
Despite the disguise, it clearly belonged to a child under fifteen.
Yu Xiaogang scanned the area.
Could a lone child really survive here? Or… is there an unseen expert behind him?
He quickly regained composure, pride flickering in his eyes. "Young friend, soul masters must personally kill the soul beast to absorb its soul ring. Even if we gave it to you, it'd be useless—"
Theory Master activated!
"When did I say I wanted the soul ring?" Yang Fan cut in.
Before Yu Xiaogang could lecture him on the Ten Core Martial Soul Theories, the Nuoding Headmaster whispered in his ear.
"Then…" Yu Xiaogang declared, "we'll settle this by the forest's rules."
He saw Yang Fan's resolve—this brat was dead set on claiming their Ghost Vine.
"Teacher, what rules?" Tang San asked.
Yu Xiaogang swelled with pride at his student's curiosity. "Duel for ownership!" he announced, ensuring Yang Fan heard.
He assumed anyone ignorant of the "kill-to-absorb" rule wouldn't know forest customs.
Though unwritten, dueling for soul beasts was common—and binding. Win or lose, you accepted the outcome.
"Xiao San, this soul master's strength matches yours. Don't worry—I'll guide you," Yu Xiaogang said confidently.
His analysis was simple:
- This was a 600-year beast → yellow hundred-year soul ring.
- The cloaked boy wanted it → likely also seeking a second soul ring.
- If he was a clueless newbie hunting his first soul ring? Even less threatening.
"Xiao San, the soul ring vanishes in half an hour," Yu Xiaogang warned.
Tang San understood:
Win within 30 minutes—or lose the hard-earned soul ring.
"Too much talk!"
Yang Fan lunged, the Heavy Xuan Ruler cleaving downward.
The lightning-fast strike shocked Tang San!
He thrust his palms forward—their jade-white glow meeting the ruler.
CLANG—!
A bizarre metallic ring echoed. Tang San stumbled backward, only stabilizing with an eerie footwork technique.
So strong!
Tang San thought.
But his eyes locked onto the Heavy Xuan Ruler.
When his palms touched it, his Mysterious Heaven Skill felt suppressed.
What is that thing? Clearly no ordinary weapon.
Still as the water, swift as a hare—
Yang Fan's next attack was already upon him.
The ruler swept toward Tang San's throat. As Tang San dodged with Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps, Yang Fan pivoted his waist, thrusting upward.
Now Tang San felt not just power—but killing intent radiating from Yang Fan.
Yes…
Yang Fan wanted him dead. With Tang Hao absent, this was his chance to eliminate the runt.
"Blue Silver Grass—Bind!"
Tang San had been setting a trap.
Using Ghost Shadow Steps to feign retreat, he'd lured Yang Fan into Blue Silver Grass territory.
Now!
Wrist-thick vines erupted, coiling around Yang Fan like pythons.
In Tang San's mind, a voice echoed:
[Mysterious Heaven Record, Rule 3:]
"If your enemy shows a death wish, show no mercy—lest you invite trouble."
Yang Fan had just revealed his way to death.
In a flash, Tang San drew a silver weapon from his back—a one-foot-long crossbow with eight-inch bolts, each tip carved with twelve blood grooves.
Zhuge Divine Crossbow!
His strongest attack yet.
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