Chapter 298: Sword Douluo's Defeat
The surrounding spectators grew increasingly serious; battles of this caliber were extremely rare. Both combatants were exceptional in their own right, even among soul masters of similar levels. Particularly impressive was Qian Renxue, who, despite her ninety-fifth level, was slowly gaining the upper hand over the ninety-seventh-level Sword Douluo.
As the fight progressed, it became clear that both sides had moved beyond testing each other's abilities and were now fighting with full force. The intensity escalated as they unleashed one powerful soul skill after another, including their ninth soul skills.
However, it was clear that Sword Douluo's situation was becoming more difficult. Qian Renxue not only wielded two one-hundred-thousand-year soul skills, but also possessed a complete set of premium soul bones. In the end, Qian Renxue narrowly claimed victory, though she was left exhausted, while Sword Douluo, drained of spirit power, could barely keep himself upright by leaning on his Seven Kill Sword.
After the battle, Qian Renxue returned to her quarters to rest, while Sword Douluo, with great effort, left the platform and made his way to his room. But as soon as he arrived, he coughed up blood, his face visibly pale and worn.
After some time spent in meditation, Sword Douluo finally spoke, his tone filled with bitter admiration. "I never expected Qian Renxue to be so powerful. Even with two levels less in spirit power, she was able to defeat me. Her future is boundless."
Bone Douluo quickly offered encouragement. "Old Sword, you only lost because you didn't fully understand her spirit. If not for the suppression of your spirit, you could've won."
Sword Douluo shook his head, his expression resigned. "No, I don't think I can defeat her again. She's not even thirty yet, and her spirit power will continue to grow quickly. Meanwhile, I've reached my limit and will probably never break through to level ninety-eight."
Ning Fengzhi sighed, recognizing her potential. "Qian Renxue is indeed extraordinary. Her talent is exceptional. Given time, she may even surpass Qian Daoliu. I suspect this is one of the reasons why Yang Potian is reluctant to openly oppose the Spirit Empire; he likely doesn't want to antagonize such a prodigious talent."
Reflecting on his own choices, Ning Fengzhi's voice filled with regret. "I was too arrogant. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has never had the strength or potential to stand against the Spirit Empire, and it seems it never will."
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo both tried to comfort Ning Fengzhi. "Fengzhi, even though Qian Renxue is a formidable opponent with great potential, she still can't match Yang Potian's talents. Now that we're part of Tianxing Academy, we're no longer alone."
But Ning Fengzhi just shook his head with a bitter smile. "Yes, others will bear that burden now. I realize more and more how wise the Potian Clan was to leave Tian Dou City when they did. Because they distanced themselves from conflict, they avoided the Spirit Empire's hunting operations and gained precious time to grow."
He sighed deeply. "But I was too proud. If only I'd made my decision earlier and taken my clan out of the fray, as Yang Potian did. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would never have fallen to this point."
Bone Douluo chimed in, "Fengzhi, you did everything you could. Under your leadership, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan reached its peak. And now, with Tianxing Academy, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda will continue. At least we haven't suffered the same fate as the Clear Sky Clan and Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
After another sigh, Ning Fengzhi added, "I hope that this time, I made the right choice."
The three men fell silent, each lost in thought, until Ning Fengzhi broke it. "Uncle Sword, do you think Yang Zhentian has truly reached level ninety-eight?"
Sword Douluo nodded. "I haven't fought him directly, but I can tell his strength and aura are both greater than mine. And his Breaking Soul Spear is equipped with all attack-type spirit rings. I'd say his true combat power is even higher."
"Do you think he has the potential to reach level ninety-nine?"
"That's hard to say. He's younger than I am, so he may have more potential. But his spirit and natural limitations are obstacles. He doesn't have a one-hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, and from what I know, reaching level ninety-nine requires one-hundred-thousand-year rings and spirit bones. The fact that he's reached ninety-eight is already a miracle."
Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but chuckle wryly. "It seems the Potian Clan is indeed blessed with some extraordinary secret or fortune. But such things are beyond us."
…
Meanwhile, in a small city on the western border of the former Tian Dou Empire, a group of injured and weary spirit masters had gathered. Among them was Titan and the remnants of his clan. Ever since the Spirit Empire's second hunt began, with its focus on eradicating the royal families of Tian Dou and Xing Luo as well as the Clear Sky and Seven Treasure Clans, the Spirit Empire had also dispatched Spirit Douluo to target clans allied with Clear Sky, including the Strength and Speed Clans.
Now, both clans had suffered devastating losses. Combined, they had just over a hundred spirit masters left—survivors of brutal battles and the self-sacrifice of many clansmen who stayed behind to help others escape.
Titan, once so full of strength and pride, now looked worn and defeated, lacking the spirit he had shown when he first joined the Clear Sky Clan. Alongside him were a few familiar faces—Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong, and Flender, along with other former members of Shrek Academy like Zhao Wuji. Fortunately for them, they had been stationed at Tian Dou Royal Academy, a location the Spirit Empire had overlooked in its initial attacks.
Yet the whole group now resembled refugees more than a gathering of spirit masters. Having barely escaped Tian Dou City, they were constantly on the move, trying to evade the Spirit Empire's relentless pursuit.
Titan, reflecting on the fate of the Four Single-Attribute Clans, realized how quickly their fortunes had shifted. Close friends had become distant, and allies were scattered.
After some discussion, the group finally decided to head to Hanhai City, one of the few places the Spirit Empire found difficult to reach. If things got worse, they would simply leave for the open seas.
One of their motives for heading to Hanhai City was the hope of eventually assisting Tang San in his escape from Sea God Island, should it come to that. They had also heard of the Clear Sky Clan's destruction and the few survivors from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan joining Tianxing Academy, further strengthening the academy.
With both royal families wiped out, any last hopes for the Clear Sky Clan seemed extinguished.
Titan was especially troubled, reflecting bitterly on his choice to break away from the Potian Clan in his loyalty to Clear Sky, only to meet such a tragic end.
Breaking the somber silence, Flender voiced his concerns. "With the Spirit Empire as powerful as it is now, it's only a matter of time before they conquer Hanhai City. So what hope are we really clinging to by going there?"
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