newbobooks Chapter 396 Why Don't We Join the Spirit Hall?
Chapter 396 Why Don't We Join the Spirit Hall?
Thirty thousand Soul Masters, all dressed in black robes with the Spirit Hall emblem embroidered on their chests.
A golden scepter and a silver longsword are crossed, with the emblem of a six-winged angel floating above them—the military emblem designed by Bibi Dong during her lifetime.
After her death, she was preserved by the Hall of Worship as a symbol of the Spirit Empire.
At the very front of the army formation, six figures walked side by side.
The leader was a burly old man with white hair and beard, a resolute face, and nine soul rings surrounding him: two yellow, two purple, four black, and one red—all nine rings complete.
With each step he took, the ground trembled slightly, as if the earth itself was making way for him.
Golden Crocodile Douluo, the only remaining senior powerhouse in the Hall of Worship of the Spirit Empire, a level 98 Super Douluo, became the de facto supreme ruler of the Spirit Empire after Bibi Dong's death.
Beside him stood a tall, aloof woman who looked to be only in her early twenties, but her golden eyes held a world-weariness beyond her years. It was Hu Liena.
Bibi Dong's direct disciple, and the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall.
After Bibi Dong's death, she miraculously broke through the bottleneck of Soul Douluo and jumped to level 80 in one fell swoop. No one knows how she did it. All that is known is that she went into seclusion for three months and emerged as a Soul Douluo. Moreover, her personality had changed drastically. She no longer had the charming and alluring look of the past, and only had cold killing intent left.
She volunteered to be the vanguard this time.
The other four titled Douluo stood on either side, each a powerful figure between level ninety-two and ninety-four, their auras vast as the sea.
Behind them, 30,000 Soul Masters formed a square formation. At the front were 5,000 offensive Soul Masters, in the middle were 20,000 mixed Soul Masters of various types, and at the rear were 5,000 support and food-type Soul Masters, as well as dozens of huge Soul Guidance Cannons.
On the top of Xingluo City, Dai Yutian, dressed in platinum armor and holding a twelve-foot-long spear, stood at the highest point of the city tower. His martial spirit was the Evil-Eyed White Tiger.
However, his soul power was only level 86.
Beside him were the only four titled Douluo of the Star Luo Empire.
(P.S.: This is a fan-made creation. I feel that such a powerful empire shouldn't lack titled Douluo.)
Duke Dai Tianxing of the White Tiger Clan, level ninety-two, a member of a collateral branch of the Dai royal family, with white hair and beard, wielding a White Tiger Battle Blade, and a solemn expression.
Qin Pojun, commander of the Imperial Guard, is level 91. His martial spirit is the Pojun Spear. He has a cold and stern face and never says a word.
Two elderly worshippers.
One was a level 93 Martial Soul, the Sky-Breaking Wolf, and the other was a level 91 Martial Soul, the Mystic Ice Turtle. Both were over a hundred years old and their auras were waning, but they still stood upright on the city wall.
(P.S.: This is a fan-made creation. I feel that such a powerful empire shouldn't lack titled Douluo.)
"They're here," Dai Tianxing said in a low voice.
He gripped the spear tightly in his hand instantly, his knuckles turning white.
Below the city, Golden Crocodile Douluo stopped and looked up at the city walls.
His gaze swept over the densely packed guards and landed precisely on Dai Yutian.
"Star Luo Empire." Golden Crocodile Douluo's voice boomed like a bell, echoing throughout the city on the morning breeze. "The Martial Soul Empire has no intention of committing further bloodshed. Open the city gates, surrender, and seal the armory. I can guarantee that not a single civilian in the city will be harmed."
Dai Yutian took a deep breath and said loudly, "Senior Jin'e, the Star Luo Empire and the Martial Soul Empire have been keeping to themselves recently. Why have you sent troops to attack?"
"Keep to your own business?" Golden Crocodile Douluo sneered, "The people of the Heaven Dou Empire killed my Martial Soul Empire's Empress; this is an irreconcilable feud. Your Star Luo Empire secretly aided the Heaven Dou Empire; do you think I didn't know? Today, I'll only ask you one question—surrender, or not?"
Dai Yutian remained silent.
He knew that whether he surrendered or not, the fate of the Star Luo Empire was already sealed.
Surrender might allow them to prolong their lives for a while, but the Martial Soul Empire would never let any member of the royal family go. Not surrendering... at least, they could die with dignity.
"No reduction."
His voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.
Golden Crocodile Douluo narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly unsurprised. He nodded and said calmly:
"Then... as you wish."
He raised his right hand and slowly waved it forward.
"attack."
Those two simple words were like opening the gates of hell.
Thirty thousand Soul Masters simultaneously unleashed their Martial Souls! In an instant, the light of various Soul Rings intertwined, illuminating half the sky! Thousands of Soul Skills erupted at the same time, crashing towards Star Luo City like the collapse of heaven and earth!
"Defend!" Dai Tianxing roared, and the White Tiger Martial Soul instantly possessed him. Immediately afterwards, a white light screen rose from the city wall, barely blocking the first wave of attacks!
But the second and third waves followed closely behind!
"Boom! Boom! Boom—!!"
The explosions continued, the city walls trembled violently, bricks and stones shattered, and smoke and dust filled the air!
"Fight back!" Dai Yutian shouted, and the soul-guided cannons on the city wall opened fire simultaneously!
Hundreds of beams of light shot into the Martial Soul Empire's army formation, exploding into clouds of blood mist!
However, the Soul Masters of the Spirit Empire were well-trained. The offensive Soul Masters in the front row supported the defense, while the support Soul Masters in the back row continuously provided reinforcements. As a result, their casualties were far less than those of the Star Luo garrison.
The night was as dark as ink at Shrek Academy.
This once joyful academy is now desolate.
Although the iron hooves of the Spirit Empire had not yet set foot on the borders of the Heaven Dou Empire, the shadow of war loomed over every inch of the land. Most of the students in the academy had already been taken away by their families, leaving only a handful of them, along with a few teachers, to guard this soon-to-be-abandoned courtyard.
Flander stood at the academy gate, hands behind his back, gazing at the scattered lights of Tiandou City in the distance, lost in thought.
He is old.
The once shrewd and worldly-wise, yet loyal and righteous, dean of Shrek Academy now has graying temples and wrinkles around his eyes.
After Bibi Dong's death, the Spirit Hall did not stop its expansion; on the contrary, it intensified its efforts.
When news of the Star Luo Empire's destruction reached Tian Dou City, he didn't sleep a wink all night.
Xingluo is gone, who will be next?
"Flander, go back and rest." A gentle voice came from behind.
Master Yu Xiaogang walked to his side, dressed in gray, his face even thinner than before. His eyes held a deep weariness, yet he still maintained his refined elegance and composure.
Liu Erlong followed behind, dressed in a smart outfit. Although she was middle-aged, the heroic spirit between her brows was as strong as ever. She glanced at Flander, said nothing, and simply draped an outer robe over his shoulders.
"I can't sleep," Flander shook his head and said.
"Xiao Gang, do you think Xiao San can really rescue Mu Bai?"
The master was silent for a moment, then said, "That's hard to say."
The three remained silent.
The night wind blew by, carrying the chill of early winter.
Just then, a dark figure descended from the sky and landed on the open ground in front of the academy.
All three became alert at the same time, their soul power surged, and their soul rings appeared!
But after landing, the dark figure did not attack. Instead, it staggered forward two steps and knelt down with a thud. "Teacher... Dean Flander... Teacher Erlong..."
A hoarse voice, tinged with tears.
All three people's pupils contracted simultaneously!
Under the moonlight, the figure slowly raised his head; it was Tang San!
But Tang San at this moment was completely different from before. His face was as pale as paper, his body was thin, his clothes were tattered, and his body was covered with wounds. The most shocking thing was his eyes—those once clear and firm eyes were now shrouded in a layer of purplish-black evil aura, looking both unfamiliar and eerie.
"A mistress?!" Flander exclaimed, instinctively taking a step forward.
Liu Erlong reached out to stop him, her eyes warily fixed on the purplish-black aura emanating from Tang San: "Wait, something's wrong with him."
Tang San ignored Liu Erlong's wariness, simply kneeling on the ground, tears streaming down his face: "Teacher, I...I'm back...but I'm sorry to you all."
His voice trembled, filled with regret and pain. Anyone who didn't know the truth would think he was a wayward child repenting.
The master took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and said, "Xiao San, get up first. Tell me, what happened? Where's Mu Bai? Where's Fatty?"
Tang San was startled.
He slowly raised his head, his eyes brimming with even more tears. His lips trembled, as if he wanted to say something, but he couldn't utter a word.
"They...they..."
Tang San's voice was so choked that it was almost inaudible.
Flander's heart sank, and he said urgently, "What happened to them? Tell me!"
"They're dead!"
Tang San suddenly collapsed to the ground, pounding his fists on the floor and wailing, "Mu Bai... Fatty... they're all dead! Killed by Tang Chuan! Killed by that Tang Chuan!"
"What?!"
Flander's expression changed drastically, and he swayed, almost losing his balance.
Liu Erlong quickly helped him up, but her own face turned pale.
The master stared intently at Tang San and said in a deep voice, "Explain yourself clearly! What exactly happened?"
Tang San knelt on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably, and began to recount his story in broken sentences.
He said that the three of them encountered Tang Chuan while searching for Poseidon Island at sea.
Tang Chuan's strength was terrifying; he intended to kill them with a single move. Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun fought desperately to protect him, letting him escape first. He didn't want to leave, but the two pushed him away together. When he turned back, he only saw Tang Chuan's Blue Silver Grass pierce through his heart, and Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun…
At this point, Tang San broke down in tears, collapsing to the ground, his whole body trembling.
"I...I deserve to die, I shouldn't have abandoned them...I'm the one who killed them..."
His voice was filled with self-blame and pain as he slammed his forehead against the cold ground, drawing blood.
Upon hearing this, Flander felt as if he had been struck by lightning!
His body trembled violently, his face turning from deathly pale to ashen, then flushed. A violent surge of soul power erupted from his body, causing the surrounding air to tremble!
"Tang...Chuan..."
Flanders gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing with deep-seated hatred!
"Tang Chuan——!!!"
The sound was filled with anger and grief, and it lingered in the night sky for a long time!
"puff--!"
Flander coughed up a mouthful of blood and fell straight backward!
"Flander!" Liu Erlong exclaimed, grabbing him in her arms, only to find his face ashen and his breathing disordered. He had been overcome by anger and grief, which had damaged his heart meridian!
The master quickly stepped forward, placing a finger on Flander's chest and channeling his soul power to stabilize his heart. He looked up at Tang San, his gaze complex: "Hong Jun... is he really dead?"
Tang San raised his head, his face streaked with tears, his eyes filled with pain:
"Teacher, I saw it with my own eyes... Tang Chuan's Blue Silver Grass transformed into the Haotian Hammer... and smashed into Fatty... He... he didn't even leave behind a complete corpse..."
His voice choked up again, and he couldn't continue.
The master fell silent.
Although his feelings for Ma Hongjun weren't as deep as Flanders', the boy was still someone he'd watched grow up. That gluttonous, playful, always-smiling fat boy, the possessor of the Evil Fire Phoenix Martial Soul… just like that, dead?
Liu Erlong held the unconscious Flander, her eyes red-rimmed, and gritted her teeth as she spoke.
"Tang Chuan...good, very good!"
Tang San wiped away his tears, slowly stood up, walked to the master, and knelt down again with a thud.
"Teacher, there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it?"
Tang San took a deep breath, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Teacher, I know the Spirit Empire is about to attack the Heaven Dou Empire. With Heaven Dou's current strength, it simply cannot stop them."
The master frowned deeply: "What are you trying to say?"
Tang San raised his head and looked directly at Grandmaster: "Teacher, let's join the Spirit Hall."
The air seemed to freeze upon hearing this.
The master's pupils contracted sharply, and Liu Erlong suddenly looked up, staring at Tang San in disbelief!
"What did you say?!" Liu Erlong's voice was as cold as a knife.
Tang San, however, seemed oblivious to her killing intent and continued:
"Teacher Erlong, I know you hate the Spirit Hall. But think about it, how strong is the Spirit Empire right now? Dozens of Title Douluos, a legion of 30,000 Soul Masters—the Star Luo Empire was wiped out in a single day! How long can the Heaven Dou Empire hold out? Three days? Five days?"
"Teacher, you are a master of martial spirit theory; you should understand the outcome of this war better than I do. The Heavenly Fighter is doomed to defeat and destruction! Rather than die alongside them, it's better to..."
"Why not surrender?" the master interrupted him, his voice eerily calm.
Tang San paused, then shook his head: "It's not surrendering, it's joining. The Spirit Hall needs talent, and you, Teacher, Dean Flander, and Teacher Erlong, are all top-tier Spirit Masters and educators. By joining the Spirit Hall, we can obtain better resources and higher status—"
"Snapped!"
A crisp slap interrupted Tang San's words.
Liu Erlong stood in front of him, her hands still trembling slightly, her eyes filled with anger and disappointment!
"Tang San! Are you even speaking human language?! Your teachers, your dean, taught you the way of a Soul Master, taught you how to be a person, just so you could persuade them to surrender to their enemies?!"
"Moreover, the Heaven Dou Empire now has the Heavenly Path Academy backing it up, and it recently killed Empress Bibi Dong of the Spirit Empire. How could it possibly be unable to withstand them!"
Tang San covered his face, a barely perceptible glint of coldness flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by grievance and pain: "Teacher Erlong, I just wanted to avenge Fatty and the others!"
"Tang San, stop talking!" Liu Erlong said sternly.
Tang San's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and said, "Teacher Erlong, times have changed. Bibi Dong is dead, and the Spirit Hall is now ruled by the Hall of Worship. They are different—"
"What's the difference?" Grandmaster finally spoke, his voice icy cold. "The Spirit Hall is the Spirit Hall. Whoever sits in that position, they're all the same."
"If we don't join the Spirit Hall, how can we avenge Fatty and the others?" (End of Chapter)