Yu Xiaogang trembled uncontrollably. He swallowed hard, his voice quivering as he spoke, "I didn't plot to kill you—it was Tang Xiao and Tang Hao who wanted you dead!"
"Still lying even at death's door? You're like a rock in a latrine—hard and stinking." Ye Hao sneered, looking at him with disdain.
"I'm telling the truth! It was all Tang Xiao and Tang Hao's doing! None of it was my idea! Please, just let me go!" Yu Xiaogang begged desperately, tears the size of beans rolling down his dust-covered face.
After two and a half years in prison, Yu Xiaogang had thought of nothing but escaping.
In this pitch-black dungeon, he had lost all direction in life and even contemplated suicide multiple times.
But in the end, he chose to cling to life—no matter how miserable.
Besides, this prison was far too secure. It was where the Spirit Hall imprisoned evil spirit masters.
And given Yu Xiaogang's special status, he had been given "special care"—a private cell, something that even made the other evil spirit masters envious.
"Oh really?" Ye Hao studied him with amusement. "Then tell me this—who was it that spoke those words in the Pope's Hall two and a half years ago? Who conspired with Tang Xiao and Tang Hao to ambush and kill me on the road?"
"Tell me! Who was it?" Ye Hao narrowed his eyes.
Yu Xiaogang shuddered, cold sweat drenching his back. His gaze darted around, unable to meet Ye Hao's eyes.
"It was the dogs who said it! Definitely not me!" Yu Xiaogang shamelessly insisted.
Ye Hao was already used to this.
"Yu Xiaogang, your time is up."
Ye Hao's voice was icy, like a demon's whisper piercing straight into Yu Xiaogang's soul.
The moment the words reached his ears, they exploded like thunder.
Yu Xiaogang jolted as if struck by lightning, his head buzzing. He collapsed to the ground, clutching his head and screaming.
Ye Hao had perfectly mastered the Slaughter Domain. Against someone as shameless as Yu Xiaogang, only ruthless methods would work.
"Drag him out," Ye Hao ordered.
The prison door creaked open.
Yu Xiaogang, curled up on the ground, was hauled out by the guards.
"Y-Ye Hao… where… are you taking me?" Yu Xiaogang gritted his teeth, terrified that Ye Hao would kill him.
"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan," Ye Hao replied indifferently.
"The Blue…?" Yu Xiaogang's mind went blank.
He had left the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan over twenty years ago. The outside world believed he was dead—even his own clan thought so.
Now, Ye Hao was taking him back there. A terrible premonition gripped Yu Xiaogang's heart.
"No! I won't go! I refuse!" He struggled violently.
Slap! Slap!
Two sharp slaps silenced him.
"You're being taken home, and you still complain? Tired of prison? Should I lock you up until you rot, or throw you into the Slaughter City instead?" Ye Hao shook his head.
"No! No! No no no!"
Yu Xiaogang shook his head like a rattle-drum, muttering, "Going home is good… going home is good…"
As Yu Xiaogang was taken away, Ye Hao paused and summoned a Spirit Hall disciple.
"Young Master, your orders?" The disciple bowed respectfully.
"Find someone who can perfectly imitate Yu Xiaogang's handwriting. It must be flawless—no mistakes. The letter should say: 'Yu Xiaogang is not dead and has escaped from the Spirit Hall, returning to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.' Make two copies—one for Tang San at the Moon Pavilion, the other for Liu Erlong at Shrek Academy. The sooner, the better." Ye Hao emphasized.
"As you command."
The disciple bowed and left to carry out the task.
"The game begins."
Ye Hao's lips curled into a faint smile as he gazed into the distance.
To dominate the Douluo Continent, he would start by destroying the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
---
*The Next Morning*
Inside the Moon Pavilion in Heaven Dou City…
After three months of study, Tang San had mastered the art of music. He had promised Tang Yuehua to train here for a full year before returning to the Clear Sky Clan, ensuring a smooth recognition into the clan.
But from Tang Yuehua's hints, the Seventh Elder remained a major obstacle—he held the deepest grudge against Tang Hao and his son.
"Xiao San, there's a letter for you." Tang Yuehua handed him an unmarked envelope with no sender's name.
The only notable words were in the center:
*"For My Disciple, Tang San."*
The handwriting was strikingly familiar.
Tang San was puzzled—who would send him a letter?
But the moment he held it, his entire body froze.
"This…" His hands trembled violently. "This is my teacher's handwriting!"
Teacher is still alive!
He tore open the letter eagerly.
The contents matched what Ye Hao had dictated—Yu Xiaogang had escaped the Spirit Hall and returned to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. He was summoning Tang San there to discuss urgent matters regarding the Spirit Hall.
"Teacher isn't dead!" Tang San was ecstatic.
"Damn Spirit Hall! You dared to imprison him! But now he's alive! And he's safely returned to the clan! With Teacher's help, our chances of destroying the Spirit Hall have skyrocketed!"
Just as he turned to leave, Tang Yuehua stopped him.
"Xiao San, calm down. Doesn't this letter seem suspicious?"
A chill ran down Tang San's spine. He forced himself to think.
The handwriting was undoubtedly Yu Xiaogang's.
But something felt off—as if someone had orchestrated this.
"Aunt, this letter is strange. I've checked—it's definitely Teacher's writing."
Tang San pondered. "How about this—I'll go to Shrek Academy. Dean Flender and Vice Dean Liu Erlong know Teacher's handwriting well. They can verify it."
"Wait!"
"Aunt, what now?" Tang San frowned.
"Have you forgotten? Liu Erlong has remarried Flender. If you bring her this letter now, wouldn't you disrupt their lives?" Tang Yuehua crossed her arms, sighing.
"Ah…" Tang San hesitated.
She had a point.
If Liu Erlong learned Yu Xiaogang was alive, who knew what she might do?
After all, ever since her remarriage, rumors said Flender hadn't even shared her bed once. (Tlnote: Broo I thought you had it)
---
It was clear—Liu Erlong still couldn't let go of Yu Xiaogang.
Meanwhile, at Shrek Academy.
In a small wooden cabin nestled in the mountains, Liu Erlong and Flender had been living together since their marriage.
All academy affairs had been dumped on the unfortunate Zhao Wuji, who was now drowning in complaints. While the dean enjoyed his leisurely life, the vice-dean was left to handle the chaos alone.
Inside the cabin, Liu Erlong remained as beautiful as ever. Dressed in a light green robe with her hair tied in a married woman's style, she absentmindedly watered the flowers while humming a soft tune.
Nearby, Flender lounged comfortably in a chair, legs crossed, savoring this peaceful life.
Though they had been married for two and a half years, Flender was content. Even if he had never shared Liu Erlong's bed, this life was already more than he had ever dreamed of.
Sigh—
Flender exhaled deeply, gazing up at the blue sky.
"Xiaogang… I'll take care of your wife for you. Rest in peace," he muttered under his breath.
Suddenly, Liu Erlong set down the watering can and walked over to him.
"Erlong? What's wrong?" Flender asked, noticing the deepening worry between her brows.
She still can't forget him, can she?
"I… I was thinking…" Liu Erlong stammered, her hands clenching tightly.
Flender frowned and quickly stood up, concerned.
"Tonight… you can come to my room."
After saying this, she immediately turned and retreated into the cabin.
The air froze.
Flender stood rooted to the spot, as if a pie had fallen from the sky and smacked him right in the face.
Sniff…
He removed his crystal glasses, tears streaming down his weathered face.
"Two and a half years… Two and a half damn years! Do you know how I've suffered all this time?"
"But finally… FINALLY! Hahaha—!"
He suppressed his laughter, trembling with excitement. His heart pounded, his face flushed, and he wished night would fall immediately.
"Dean Flender!"
Zhao Wuji came running, panting heavily as he stared at Flender's idiotic grin in confusion.
"Boss… have you lost your mind?" He waved a hand in front of Flender's eyes.
Flender coughed and immediately regained his composure.
"Wuji, don't be disrespectful. What is it?"
"Tang San is here."
Zhao Wuji stepped aside, revealing the black-robed Tang San standing not far away.
Tang San's identity was now sensitive, forcing him to keep a low profile.
Shrek Academy had also fallen into decline due to the scandals surrounding Tang San and Yu Xiaogang. Enrollment had plummeted, and the academy was barely surviving on its dwindling resources.
"Xiao San, you're here."
Flender was in a good mood today.
Meanwhile, inside the cabin, Liu Erlong's face burned with embarrassment after mustering the courage to say those words. Her heart raced, and her head spun.
Life must go on, right?
Some things had to be let go. Flender's care over the past two and a half years had deeply moved her.
Perhaps this was the only way to repay him.
Just as she prepared for the evening, a letter on the table caught her eye.
"For Flender?"
Almost unconsciously, she approached and glanced at it.
Then—
Clang!
The watering can slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor.
The noise immediately drew the attention of the others outside. Liu Erlong was usually meticulous—had something happened?
Flender burst through the door to find Liu Erlong slumped on the sofa, sobbing uncontrollably, clutching a letter in her hands.
"Erlong! What's wrong?" He rushed to her side.
Sob… sob…
She didn't answer, her tears flowing freely.
Her cries twisted Flender's heart.
Meanwhile, Tang San's eyes locked onto the letter in her grip. A terrible suspicion formed in his mind. He glanced at Flender sympathetically and sighed.
"Flender! Xiaogang… Xiaogang is alive!" Liu Erlong cried out in joy.
"..."
Flender: (⊙_⊙)
He was speechless.
Then, he snatched the letter from her hands and scanned it frantically.
Tang San leaned in to look—
Exactly the same as the one I received.
The handwriting matched perfectly. There was no doubt—it was real.
"Damn it…"
Flender cursed inwardly.
Of all times to come back to life, it had to be today?! Are you fucking kidding me?!
He had waited so long for this moment! Was it too much to ask for just one night?
If this letter had arrived just one day later, he would've already—
"..."
Without a word, Flender dropped the letter and walked out alone.
In a foul mood, he decided to clean himself up.
After all, he had to greet his "long-lost brother" properly.
"Xiaogang isn't dead… He's alive!" Liu Erlong wept with joy.
"I'm going back to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan! I need to see him!"
At the same time, Tang San pulled out an identical letter and handed it to her.
"Vice Dean Liu, take a look. Is this really Teacher's handwriting?"
Liu Erlong barely glanced at it before exclaiming, "It's him! It has to be!"
"But… isn't it strange how suddenly this letter appeared? Almost like… someone planned it," Tang San said cautiously.
"What do you mean 'planned'?!" Liu Erlong snapped.
Her love-stricken mind refused to consider any ulterior motives. Now that Yu Xiaogang was back, all she could think about was reuniting with him.
Her earlier promise to Flender was instantly forgotten.
This was the epitome of a love fool—blindly chasing a fantasy while ignoring the dangers lurking beneath.
And so, Liu Erlong, Flender, and Tang San set off for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Liu Erlong was ecstatic.
Flender was miserable.
Tang San was suspicious.
Three people, three completely different emotions.
Two days later, they neared their destination.
At the same time, outside the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's mountain gates—
Ye Hao stood alone.
Following the arrangements made three months prior, the Royal Knights and a thousand soul masters had already infiltrated the clan.
They were the true sleeper agents.
And now, upon Ye Hao's command…
They began to move.