"Tang Chen is already dead. Why should I fear you?"
Currently, Tang Chen was being parasitized by that old bat. It wouldn't be long before the creature fully took over his body.
Tang Chen, as he was, would cease to exist.
Even if Tang Chen were to return to the Clear Sky Clan now, it would likely be too late.
"What do you mean by that?" The Second Elder wiped blood from his lips, his voice trembling with anger. "Our former Clan Master Tang Chen was a level 99 Limit Douluo. How could he possibly die?"
"If I say he's dead, then he's dead. Why would I lie to you?"
Ye Hao lowered the Shura Demon Sword, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Clear Sky Clan—all three great clans are gathered here today. Perfect. I've come for one purpose only: to deliver your death sentence."
"Death sentence?" Ning Fengzhi's frown deepened. The inevitable had finally arrived.
"Ye Hao, aren't you getting too arrogant? Our three great clans stand united. Even if the Spirit Hall is powerful, do you really think you can swallow us all at once?" Yu Luomian roared, his frustration reaching its peak.
"United?" Ye Hao burst into laughter. "How shameless of you to say that! When the Spirit Hall besieged the Clear Sky Clan back then, where were the rest of you? Now that we're coming for you, suddenly you remember your so-called unity? Where was this unity before?"
"..." The crowd fell silent, only able to glare in response.
"You've chosen this path yourselves. Now walk it to the end—don't look back, and don't even think about switching sides."
"We have no need for spineless fence-sitters."
With that, Ye Hao vanished without a trace, as if he had never been there at all.
"Not a single ripple of energy?" The Bone Douluo was stunned.
How had Ye Hao left without making any disturbance?
"He's too arrogant!" The Second Elder seethed, humiliated by today's events. The once-great Clear Sky Clan had fallen to this state.
Not only that, but a talented disciple had been killed right before his eyes—as if the Clear Sky Clan meant nothing.
"He has the right to be arrogant." Ning Fengzhi sighed deeply. "That blood-red greatsword must be Ye Hao's greatest weapon. Uncle Sword, do you recognize that sword?"
The Sword Douluo shook his head helplessly. He had never seen the blade before, but its aura alone had been terrifying enough to make his Seven Kill Sword tremble.
Meanwhile, Ye Hao hadn't actually left. Concealed by the Death God's Heart, he observed the group with a self-deprecating smile.
"Which of the three great clans should I destroy first?"
"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Clear Sky Clan... The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is the easiest. Despite their title as the number one beast-type martial soul, they only have one Title Douluo. Next is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—the Sword Douluo boasts the strongest offense, the Bone Douluo the strongest defense, but that's about it."
"Finally, the Clear Sky Clan. After Tang Hao's death, they still have six Title Douluos left. That's the real challenge. Combined with their complex terrain, which is easy to defend but hard to attack, it'll take more effort to deal with them."
Shaking his head, Ye Hao decided to leave the hall and seek out an old acquaintance.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's grounds were vast. After walking for some time, passing pavilions and exquisite palaces, he finally arrived at the rear of the estate.
The area was filled with blooming flowers and picturesque scenery—clearly a private garden.
In the distance, Ye Hao's eyes narrowed as he spotted a familiar figure approaching.
"Ning Rongrong? It's been a long time. The little girl from back then has grown into a fine young lady."
Over two years had passed since their last meeting. The once-playful and lively girl had matured into an elegant noblewoman.
As expected of someone from a great clan, her grace far surpassed that of ordinary women.
However, today's Ning Rongrong seemed different. A trace of worry lingered between her brows.
She walked alone to a pavilion in the garden and sat down, sighing. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is facing disaster. Why? Why must the Spirit Hall destroy us?"
The young woman scratched her head, utterly perplexed.
At this moment, she was lost, uncertain of what the future held.
Rumors said the Spirit Hall was coming with overwhelming force, prompting the three great clans to gather in preparation.
The entire clan had tightened security—something that hadn't happened in years.
"Because you stand in our way."
The voice came suddenly as Ye Hao materialized before her.
Ning Rongrong jumped like a startled bird.
"Ye Hao! You! How did you get here?"
Ye Hao smiled. "Why can't I be here? Ning Rongrong, it's been a while. You've grown quite a bit in these two years."
"You... You too." Ning Rongrong clenched her fists, then suddenly demanded, "Why? Why do you want to destroy us? What has the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan ever done to you?"
Facing her accusation, Ye Hao answered bluntly. "Remember years ago? The Spirit Hall sent two Title Douluos to kill Tang San. Just as we were about to succeed, your Sword Grandpa from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan intervened."
"Is that all?" Ning Rongrong frowned, staring straight at him.
"Not just that." Ye Hao found a rock to sit on.
"Just moments ago, the three great clans declared their unity. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and the Clear Sky Clan have joined forces once more."
"Aren't you afraid my father and Sword Grandpa will find you? You're the Spirit Hall's young master now. How dare you waltz in here so brazenly?" Ning Rongrong smirked confidently.
Ye Hao had walked right into the lion's den—alone and unarmed.
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I already met your father and greeted the representatives of the three great clans. I wounded your so-called 'invincible' Bone Grandpa and killed a Clear Sky Clan disciple. Right now, they're probably still discussing how to deal with us." Ye Hao grinned at her.
"W-What did you say?" Ning Rongrong covered her mouth in shock, stepping back in disbelief.
"You... You hurt Bone Grandpa? Are you really the Ye Hao I knew? You're just..."
As she spoke, her eyes inadvertently welled up with tears.
"Relax, the Bone Douluo won't die. I just taught him a lesson. The moment I appeared, he tried to kill me. I had no choice but to defend myself."
Ye Hao studied Ning Rongrong. His purpose today went beyond this.
"Ning Rongrong, enjoy being the young mistress while you still can." Ye Hao glanced around at the luxurious estate, its opulence rivaling even the Spirit Hall and Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.
Gazing at the magnificent castle, he sighed softly. "Soon, all of this will turn to ashes."
"The three great clans are united now. We're not afraid of your Spirit Hall. Come at us if you dare!" Ning Rongrong declared defiantly, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Your father has allied with the other two clans, preparing for all-out war against us."
"To be honest, I never planned to destroy you initially. After all, we both came from Heaven Dou Royal Academy. But your father's actions have disappointed me deeply. And your Grandpa Bone—the moment I appeared, he tried to kill me without even giving me a chance to speak."
Ye Hao paused, watching Ning Rongrong's tear-streaked face, then spoke solemnly: "So, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the Clear Sky Clan, and now the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—none of the three great clans will escape."
"Give me a reason." Ning Rongrong's expression darkened.
"What reason?" Ye Hao asked.
"Why does the Spirit Hall want to destroy us?" Ning Rongrong laughed coldly. "I suspect it's not just us. The two great empires are probably in your sights as well, aren't they?"
"You're very clever."
Ye Hao met her gaze without hesitation.
"One reason I've already made clear. The second, as you guessed, is that both empires are indeed our targets. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's close ties with the Heaven Dou Empire make you an obstacle to our unification of the continent. That alone justifies eliminating you."
"The world only needs one empire. More than that is redundant—where there is competition, there will be war. As the saying goes, 'One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers.' Whether it's the Heaven Dou Empire or the Star Luo Empire, they've waged wars for their own selfish gains. If not for the Spirit Hall maintaining balance all these years, do you think the continent would have enjoyed so much peace?"
"..." Ning Rongrong fell silent.
"Talking to you about this is pointless." Ye Hao waved his hand. "My visit today isn't just for this. Besides seeing an old classmate, there's one crucial matter..."
Before he could finish, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan disciples swarmed in, surrounding Ye Hao completely within moments.
"Quite efficient. Does this count as walking into a trap?" Ye Hao chuckled self-deprecatingly.
"Ning Rongrong, it's time to return what you owe me." Ye Hao's gaze fixed on her.
Ning Rongrong shook her head blankly, not understanding his meaning.
But then, Ye Hao summoned the Shura Demon Sword again. The atmosphere instantly grew oppressive, as if the air itself had turned heavy. The sword's emergence darkened the sky.
Clutching the sword, Ye Hao radiated a crimson glow like a demon from hell, the red mark between his brows accentuating his aura.
"Protect the young mistress!" The disciples released their martial souls, including several battle soul masters.
For a moment, Seven Treasure Glazed Pagodas shone brilliantly, with Ning Rongrong's Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda outshining them all like a beacon in the night.
"Time to return it."
With that simple statement, Ye Hao pointed the Shura Demon Sword at Ning Rongrong's pagoda.
A red beam shot from the blade. Frontline disciples activated defensive martial soul abilities—spirit rings lit up as indestructible barriers materialized.
But this was the Shura Demon Sword!
The crimson slash tore through their defenses effortlessly. Blood blossomed like flowers as the front ranks fell one by one, their bodies staining the ground red.
The attack continued unimpeded toward Ning Rongrong's pagoda.
Clang!
A sound like shattering glass echoed. Blood trickled from Ning Rongrong's lips as her Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda lost two levels, its radiance dimming drastically.
At that moment, Ning Fengzhi and the others arrived, their eyes widening at the scene.
"Rongrong!" Ning Fengzhi shouted, his fury igniting. "Ye Hao! Attacking a young girl—have you no humanity?"
Ning Rongrong was his only daughter and the clan's future. The Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda could not be lost.
Unfazed, Ye Hao strode openly to Ning Rongrong. A red light shot from his forehead.
Under her terrified gaze, the shattered pagoda began repairing itself. She could feel her injuries healing—what had seemed destroyed was now restored through miraculous means.
However, her martial soul was no longer the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda, but an ordinary Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda.
"It's done." Ye Hao stood and faced Ning Fengzhi solemnly.
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's debt is repaid. The Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda exists no more—nor will it ever appear again."
Ning Fengzhi felt as if the sky had collapsed. His legs weakened, nearly making him crumple.
The Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda had represented the clan's hope—proof that Ning Rongrong could become a Title Douluo. Now, Ye Hao had destroyed it, extinguishing any chance of revival.
Ning Fengzhi's last resort—that even if the clan fell, Ning Rongrong could rebuild it—had vanished like a fleeting dream.
"Ye Hao! From this day forth, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and you are mortal enemies!" Ning Fengzhi trembled, his eyes bloodshot.
Ye Hao sheathed the Shura Demon Sword, his expression firm.
"So be it. Years ago, I gifted you the Beautiful Silk Tulip, allowing the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda to emerge."
"Now, it is gone, and I've reclaimed what was mine. Pity about that herb—who knows how many years before another grows." He shook his head.
"All accounts are settled. Until we meet again."
As Ye Hao turned to leave, the Sword and Bone Douluos blocked his path.
Their auras surged, murderous intent blazing in their eyes. To them, Ning Rongrong was more precious than their own lives. By harming her, Ye Hao had—in Tang San's words—"invited death upon himself."
"Trying to kill me?" Ye Hao smiled faintly. The Shura Demon Sword and his forehead mark glowed simultaneously.
"You're not ready yet!"
Swinging the sword with both hands, Ye Hao unleashed a devastating slash.
Faced with this, the two Title Douluos didn't dare hold back. Nine soul rings appeared at their feet as the Seven Kill Sword and Bone Dragon materialized...