Chapter 244: Tang Hao Appears!
The gazes of five people locked intently on Xiao Wu, eyes shining with astonishment.
"Is... is that... a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast?" Elder Chrysanthemum muttered, his voice brimming with barely contained excitement. The matters of Tang San or Dai Yao were momentarily forgotten—only Xiao Wu existed in his eyes.
Bibi Dong's expression, though silent, betrayed a flash of delight. She sneered, So this is the one who slipped through the net back then! What a delightful surprise to have her walk right to me!
Glancing at the flower Dai Yao had taken from Xiao Wu, Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed in realization. Had Tang San not attacked Dai Yao so recklessly, Dai Yao might not have revealed Xiao Wu's identity, she thought. Dai Yao, you likely meant this spirit beast for yourself, but by exposing her, you've let me handle the dirty work. Since you've offered such a valuable gift, how could I refuse?
Yet, suspicion lingered in her mind as she looked at Dai Yao. Recognizing a spirit beast that has taken human form requires the strength of a Spirit Douluo or higher. But Dai Yao is only at the Spirit Ancestor level. How did he know?
This boy, he hides many secrets.
Nearby, Sword Douluo approached Ning Fengzhi, whispering urgently. Upon hearing him, Ning's gaze settled on Xiao Wu, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Outside the Hall of the Pope, a cloaked figure let out a long, sorrowful sigh, his tone filled with despair. "So, it's been revealed after all. Xiao San, no matter the cost, I'll protect you both. But... will your fate be the same as mine and Ah Yin's?"
He sighed again, shifting his gaze toward the one who'd instigated it all. A chill of pure fury flashed in his eyes as he muttered darkly, "Boy, this world may be beautiful, but you've chosen a path to your own death."
On the tournament stage, Xiao Wu felt the weight of those five piercing gazes and paled visibly. She understood that exposure before so many Title Douluo meant a dead end.
With her head down, she glanced sideways at Dai Yao, her eyes smoldering with resentment.
Seeing the hatred in Xiao Wu's eyes, Dai Yao merely sneered. His goal was achieved—Xiao Wu's exposure would keep Tang San forever living in fear for her safety. Dai Yao shifted his gaze to Tang San, eager to see his reaction.
Tang San's expression was frozen in shock. Though hard to believe, he now understood Xiao Wu's peculiarities with sudden clarity.
Due to Dai Yao's presence, Tang San had not obtained the celestial herbs that revealed Xiao Wu's true form. Later, he consumed the Eye-Opening Dew that Dai Yao had traded with him, but by then, Xiao Wu had already concealed herself with the Yearning Heartbroken Red. Now, with that flower in Dai Yao's possession, her true form lay bare before Tang San. He could only stare at her, his hands trembling.
"Xiao... Xiao Wu, you..." Tang San's hand quivered as he pointed at her, his eyes reflecting both disbelief and comprehension.
Hearing his voice, Xiao Wu flinched. Her pink eyes were filled with both fear and sadness, unwilling to look at him. Her fear wasn't just about the exposure of her true identity but also her anxiety that Tang San might view her as a treasure to be claimed. In the spirit beast's world, a hundred-thousand-year-old spirit beast's spirit ring and bones were priceless to humans.
But Tang San's next words filled her despairing heart with warmth.
"Xiao Wu, whether you're human or beast, I know only this: you are my sister and the one I love."
Xiao Wu felt something explode within her mind as her vision blurred with tears, streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks. All the worries, the doubts—they were swept away in the flood of relief. Tang San hadn't rejected her; instead, he had opened his heart even more.
At that moment, the greedy stares around her or what others thought no longer mattered. She wanted only to lose herself in Tang San's embrace, feeling the warmth of his love.
The crowd watched this odd exchange with confusion, while even Shrek's other four members exchanged puzzled glances. They could not fully grasp what was happening.
Dai Mubai, however, leaned closer. "Xiao San, what are you talking about? We're not following."
Tang San sighed, casting a tender glance at Xiao Wu before turning to explain, "Mubai, don't ask anymore. Xiao Wu... she's not human. She's a spirit beast who's taken human form."
The crowd around the Pope's Hall erupted into a clamor! The members of Spirit Hall, especially, knew that only a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast could assume human form. Xiao Wu was just that—meaning a hundred-thousand-year-old spirit ring and spirit bone were up for grabs. The fervor and greed in the surrounding gazes intensified as they fixed upon her. If not for the deterrence of the Pope and the assembled Title Douluo, they would have already surged forward to seize her.
Even Shrek's members reacted with quiet gasps, casting Xiao Wu looks tinged with a new understanding.
Dai Mubai wasted no time stepping beside Tang San, his voice resolute, "The Seven Devils, no, the Six Devils stand united! As your brother, I won't let anyone take her!"
Beside him, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar all stood firm, despite the gravity of the situation. They were well aware of the perilous nature of their stand.
But Ning Rongrong, having just been treated by her father, lay recovering at a distance. Her heart shattered as she heard Mubai's harsh exclusion of her. Pale and fragile, she shed silent tears.
Tang San drew Xiao Wu close, whispering gently, "Xiao Wu, you see? We'll all stand by you. Remember our vow under the moonlight—anyone who wants to take you will have to get through me first."
His words, though soft, struck a chord in the hushed crowd. Amidst a world of turmoil, Tang San's devotion to Xiao Wu—a love willing to sacrifice everything—moved even the bystanders.
Watching their embrace, Bibi Dong was momentarily lost in her own thoughts. How she had once yearned for a love so pure, only for fate to twist it to ashes.
Even the members of Team Auckland were moved by Tang San's and Xiao Wu's love. Though Tang San had shown himself to be flawed in character, his feelings for Xiao Wu had a purity that stirred admiration.
Dugu Yan, standing close to Dai Yao, glanced between him and Tang San. A question flickered through her mind—would Dai Yao ever be willing to protect her so recklessly?
But Dai Yao's gaze remained cold as he looked at Tang San holding Xiao Wu. The original novel's iconic moment, he thought, playing out in front of my eyes. He was amused and touched, feeling nostalgic for a story he'd loved in his youth.
Still, Dai Yao's smile twisted with malice. Tang San, he thought, though I can't kill you yet, may you be tormented by despair! This is only the beginning.
As he prepared his spirit energy, now restored to nearly half, he retracted his White Tiger wings and faced Spirit Hall.
"Your Holiness," he said respectfully to Bibi Dong, "though Tang San is the main culprit, the others are not innocent. I seek justice."
Bibi Dong regarded him with detached curiosity. "Very well," she replied. "Spirit Hall is impartial. If you wish to settle it yourself, we won't interfere. What do you propose?"
"With strength," Dai Yao replied simply.
"Granted."
With that, Dai Yao summoned his spirit, his fourth spirit ring glowing as storm clouds gathered ominously. Lightning cracked, and thunder echoed as he became a terrifying force of energy.
Dai Yao's eyes flashed with chilling intent as he charged toward Tang San, his palm gathering the energy of a deadly lightning strike. "Tang San, prepare yourself!"
A terrible feeling engulfed Tang San, his body frozen in place as Dai Yao drew closer. His spirit energy was completely drained, leaving him defenseless.
Then, just as Dai Yao neared, Xiao Wu's figure shimmered before him. She faced him, golden light surrounding her, her voice defiant. "You'll have to get through me!"
But Dai Yao's smirk told her everything. His target had always been Xiao Wu.
Dai Yao had already begun plotting how to torment Tang San further after today. If you're the chosen one, untouchable in life, then I'll strip away your resources and alter your destiny, ensuring your fate becomes even worse than the original story.
He eyed the greedy stares directed at Xiao Wu and chuckled to himself, thinking, Tang San is in serious danger now; Tang Hao could show up any moment. Best I slip away before I get caught in the crossfire.
As his teammates stared in shock at Xiao Wu's identity, Dai Yao quietly led them down from the stage, finding a secluded corner where they would draw as little attention as possible.
The tension in the arena had solidified into a nearly tangible weight as everyone's focus remained fixed on Xiao Wu. At the front of the Pope's Hall, the Titled Douluo stood, their auras brimming with power, waiting for Bibi Dong's signal.
"Today's match is over," Bibi Dong announced coolly, her gaze sweeping over Shrek's group with disdain. "Due to Shrek Academy's attempt at murder and use of unauthorized weapons, they are disqualified. Oakland Academy advances to the finals."
Her voice echoed through the hall, though no one seemed concerned with who had actually advanced. Raising her amethyst scepter, Bibi Dong pointed at Xiao Wu. "Elder Chrysanthemum, Elder Ghost—seize that girl."
"Yes!" Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo responded instantly, their colored auras streaking from the Pope's Hall straight toward Xiao Wu at the center of the arena.
Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others immediately stepped in front of Xiao Wu, but before even a second had passed, the overwhelming auras of the two Titled Douluo forced them to their knees.
Gritting his teeth, Tang San thought of the promises he'd made to Xiao Wu. He tried to rise and fight back, but it was a hopeless struggle.
"Sun-Moon Glory, Golden Transformation!"
In a desperate move, three beams of golden light shot skyward, followed by a dragon's roar. A golden Holy Dragon spiraled out, blocking the two Douluo's path.
However, the strength of the Golden Iron Triangle's spirit fusion technique still paled in comparison to a true Titled Douluo. With a single attack, Chrysanthemum Douluo's orange petals sliced into the Holy Dragon's scales, spilling blood and forcing a pained howl.
Though Grandmaster's team's efforts didn't delay the two elders for long, it stirred the crowd of spirit masters. Not all were affiliated with Spirit Hall, and many were tempted by the prospect of capturing a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast. Even some within Spirit Hall couldn't resist their own greed.
"Elder Chrysanthemum, Elder Ghost, we'll help you!" several people called out, rushing forward, only for a massive pressure to suddenly fill the hall, freezing everyone in place.
Stunned, they turned toward the Pope's Hall. Bibi Dong stood before them, radiating an aura of supremacy that shattered any trace of resistance. And as they glimpsed the nine rings encircling her, their breaths caught in their throats, eyes filled with terror.
Even Titled Douluo like Dugu Bo and Sword Douluo were stiff with dread as they looked at her with apprehension.
Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red!
The blood-red glow seemed to strangle the very breath from the crowd. A red ring, representing a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, was almost mythic. Dugu Bo and Chen Xin knew well how difficult it was to obtain one.
Bibi Dong's gaze swept coldly over the spectators, and not a single one dared meet her eyes. Satisfied, she locked her gaze on Xiao Wu, her scepter raised as she declared icily, "Anyone who moves shall be killed without mercy!"
The hall fell silent once more.
Seeing the two elders hesitate, she snapped, "Elder Chrysanthemum, Elder Ghost, what are you waiting for? Capture the beast immediately!"
Her voice echoed like a thunderclap in their minds, and they broke into a cold sweat as they responded, "Yes!" In a blur, they darted toward Xiao Wu.
Dugu Bo and Sword Douluo exchanged a helpless glance. They couldn't possibly hope to wrest the hundred-thousand-year spirit beast from Spirit Hall, especially not under Bibi Dong's watchful eye. Should they intervene, they would face her terrifying wrath.
Watching the Titled Douluo approach, Tang San felt his heart sink in despair, the agony of helplessness tearing at him. Meanwhile, Dai Yao had become as inconspicuous as possible. He knew that Tang Hao was about to make his move.
"A Chrysanthemum and a Ghost—how dare you touch my son? Get lost!"
A booming voice echoed like thunder above the hall, shocking everyone into looking skyward.
Tang San's head snapped up, his eyes lighting with joy.
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