Tang Hao's group returned to Shrek Academy.
Or rather, the name "Shrek Academy" no longer seemed appropriate.
Apart from the still-standing entrance sign, nearly all buildings had collapsed - it could barely be called ruins.
Seeing Tang Hao's group approach, Shrek's teachers and students showed curious expressions.
What?
Tang Hao and Yu Yuanzhen had made peace?
After his grandson's death, Yu Yuanzhen just let it go?
Yu Yuanzhen did want revenge, but his strength fell short.
Additionally, the pressure from the Spirit Hall was overwhelming.
As clan leader first and grandfather second, he couldn't let personal feelings destroy the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
His battle with Tang Hao had severely weakened him - recovery would take considerable time.
Now only possessing Soul Douluo-level strength, he had no choice but to accept Tang Hao's terms.
After all, Tang Hao could have killed him earlier, only holding back out of prudence.
Continuing to argue would be ungrateful under these circumstances.
"Tianheng's death was an accident - killed by a 100,000-year spirit beast. I will join Tang Hao to hunt that beast for revenge."
During their return, Xiao Wu had awakened. After discussions, she agreed to help Yu Yuanzhen find another 100,000-year spirit beast as replacement.
Yu Yuanzhen's declaration plunged Shrek Academy into heavy silence.
Finally, Yu Xiaogang broke the tension:
"Exactly! That beast who killed Tianheng deserves no mercy!"
Tang San: "..."
Why did Grandmaster's words feel like indirect criticism?
Whatever - as long as this matter passed. Too many shocking events today left him speechless.
Shrek's teachers and students exchanged odd looks, but with two Title Douluos and leaders speaking thus, fiction became fact.
Speaking carelessly might get someone buried tonight.
Just as everyone thought the matter concluded
"Tang Hao, your time has come."
Terrifying pressure descended from the skies.
Teachers immediately released spirit power to shield students.
All eyes turned upward.
"That...that's!"
Tang Hao and Yu Yuanzhen's pupils constricted sharply at the burly old man.
Yu Yuanzhen's mind reeled: "Another Title Douluo with a 100,000-year ring?"
The floating figure wore gold robes with silver embroidery, his two yellow, two purple, four black and one red spirit rings radiating awe.
His beard and hair fluttered majestically with spirit energy, exuding an immortal's demeanor.
"I am the Spirit Hall's Second Elder, Golden Crocodile - 98th-rank peak Title Douluo."
98th-rank Title Douluo!
Everyone present paled, especially Shrek's provincial teachers.
Even Yu Yuanzhen was shaken.
The Spirit Hall's strength was this terrifying?
99th-rank Qian Daoliu, 98th-rank Golden Crocodile and Bibi Dong, plus Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluos, and the two Title Douluos beside that girl Qian Renxue...
That made six known Title Douluos - how many more were hidden?
And 98th-rank...
Yu Yuanzhen's scalp prickled. The Spirit Hall could likely crush the Top Three Clans now.
"You old fossil still lives?" Tang Hao frowned gravely.
This Golden Crocodile wasn't like the unstable-footed Bibi Dong.
His Golden Crocodile spirit marked him as a fearsome power-type beast spirit master - a top-tier beast spirit rivaling the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
"Naturally. Until vermin like you are exterminated, as the Spirit Hall's First Guardian, how could I idly await death?"
"You're called Tang Hao, correct? I've heard the arrogant saying - 'Generation after generation, the Clear Sky Hammer smites angels'!"
"Even Tang Chen never dared such boasts! What gives you the right? Your measly 95th-rank strength?"
"Tang Hao, face me! Today, one of us dies." Golden Crocodile's voice turned icy. "Originally I paid little heed to juniors like you. But you crossed the line attacking the young mistress."
"So you're here for revenge!" Understanding dawned on Tang Hao as he summoned his single-ringed Clear Sky Hammer, rising to confront Golden Crocodile.
"Correct." Golden Crocodile admitted freely. "Unlike the High Elder, I'm not bound by his agreement with Tang Chen. Eliminating threats preemptively is my duty."
"For the angel clan's sake, Tang Hao - die obediently!"
"Hahahaha~" Tang Hao laughed wildly. "What a loyal Six-Winged Angel hound! Want my life? Then pay with yours!"
Tang Hao struck first. His small hammer enlarged instantly as he gripped the massive handle, swinging forcefully.
"Clear Sky Nine Forbidden Techniques - Heaven-Shaking Earth-Quaking!"
The hammer's afterimages created violent whirlwinds across the sky.
"Hmph!" Golden Crocodile snorted coldly at the approaching hammer.
"Golden Crocodile Avatar!"
Metallic scales covered his body as overwhelming pressure erupted.
"Sixth Spirit Ability - Frenzied Golden Crocodile!"
A gigantic crocodile apparition materialized, its gaping maw releasing shockwaves attacking body and mind simultaneously.
"BOOM!"
The tremendous impact sent Tang Hao flying hundreds of meters, blood spraying from his mouth.
"Father!"
Tang San cried out anxiously. As a Tang Sect disciple, he recognized his father had reached his limits after consecutive battles.
And now facing a terrifying 98th-rank Title Douluo...
"Stay below." Tang Hao's fierce gaze softened slightly seeing Tang San, filling him with boundless fighting spirit that seemingly dulled his pain.
"Possible...maybe victory is possible!"
Tang Hao felt unprecedented power surging through every pore.
Decision made, he shouted down: "Xiao San, witness now why the Clear Sky Clan is called the strongest!"
"Watch closely! A Clear Sky Hammer master bows to none! I, Tang Hao, bow to none!"
An overwhelming battle intent erupted, startling even Golden Crocodile with its intensity.
"Hmph, the Clear Sky Clan's Ring Explosion. You think you're Tang Chen?"
As a 98th-rank Title Douluo, Golden Crocodile had his pride. Dodging would disgrace him before all spirit masters.
He unleashed full power to face the attack head-on.
"Great Sumeru Hammer Ultimate Technique - Ring Explosion!"
Instantly, Golden Crocodile saw the red ring shatter, its energy merging into the hammer as terrifying pressure engulfed the area.
Space itself seemed to freeze as Tang Hao executed this move.
Golden Crocodile felt instinctive dread.
"No...impossible!"
His pupils shrank, sensing something akin to Qian Daoliu's aura from Tang Hao.
Wait could he also have...divine connections?
No time for thought. The hammer approached with devastating force.
Evasion was impossible and beneath his dignity regardless.
"Brat, don't get cocky!"
"I am a 98th-rank Title Douluo!"
Golden Crocodile roared as his ninth red ring flashed crimson.
His avatar took on a sinister bloody hue.
"CRASH!"
The collision's shockwaves rippled outward, space itself trembling.
Golden Crocodile was blasted hundreds of meters back, vomiting dark blood mid-air.
Tang Hao too coughed up two mouthfuls of blood, enduring excruciating pain as he descended.