I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
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At this moment, Yang Xiong couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. The trial was finally complete, and it had gone even more smoothly than he had imagined.
During the month in Slaughter City, Yang Xiong hadn't been idle. After capturing the Blood Red Nine-Headed Bat King with the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, the creature had become his prisoner, completely at his mercy.
Under the suppression of the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, the Blood Red Nine-Headed Bat King had no ability to resist and was entirely at Yang Xiong's disposal.
Though this mythical beast possessed human-like thoughts and ambitions, at its core, it was nothing more than a talking animal.
Under the threat of death, the Nine-Headed Bat King revealed everything, making the independent fragment of the Rakshasa God's consciousness no longer a concern.
With the destruction of the Rakshasa divine consciousness, the altar underwent rapid changes. The previous dark aura vanished without a trace, replaced by an endless crimson glow.
Yang Xiong felt a wave of dizziness as if he had left the altar and now stood within an incredibly grand hall.
In the center of the hall loomed a massive blood-red figure—it was none other than the Asura God.
Yang Xiong quickly bowed: "Greetings, Lord Asura."
A rare expression of approval appeared on the Asura God's face: "Yang Xiong, your trials have progressed faster and smoother than I anticipated. I never expected you to complete two trials in just a few short months. Tang Chen, for instance, became trapped at your second trial."
"Moreover, your performance in the trials has demonstrated both your wisdom and courage. Ordinary mortals, when facing a god—even if they possess the strength to fight—would collapse under the overwhelming pressure. Yet you managed to resist as a mere mortal, which is commendable."
Yang Xiong quickly responded: "All of this is thanks to your arrangements, Lord Asura. Without the Asura Demon Sword, I wouldn't have been able to slay this fragment of the Rakshasa God's consciousness."
The Asura God replied: "This is all due to your own opportunities. Tang Chen once wielded the Asura Demon Sword as well, but he hesitated when facing the Rakshasa God. His arrogance ultimately led to his downfall. Let that be a lesson to you."
"With your current strength, you've essentially mastered the Asura Demon Sword and even independently comprehended the technique known as Asura Judgment."
"What you need now isn't further power enhancement but rather to make choices. The Asura Demon Sword will guide you through the next phase of your trials."
"Remember, your decisions will affect the lives of millions and shape the fate of the entire world. This is the responsibility you must bear, and it is also your choice as a future enforcer of the divine realm."
The Asura God then lightly gestured toward Yang Xiong, and a blood-red light instantly infused into Yang Xiong's mind. In his blurred vision, Yang Xiong seemed to see a towering deity wielding a crimson sword.
The deity appeared to be using the sword with devastating precision. Each strike seemed capable of obliterating heaven and earth, yet devoid of any life force, utterly annihilating its enemies.
After unleashing several consecutive sword techniques, the deity faced a colossal dragon during the ninth strike. The dragon, spanning ten thousand zhang, radiated dazzling multicolored light, and a single swipe of its claw could destroy the world.
Yet, with just one swing of the crimson sword, the heavens shifted, and the dragon was cleaved in two.
Even with Yang Xiong's vast experience, he felt a chill run down his spine. He realized that this deity was overwhelmingly powerful, capable of defeating him with a single blow.
When Yang Xiong regained his senses, he found himself drenched in cold sweat. Each sword strike from the deity exuded killing intent so intense that he felt as though he would shatter upon contact.
To his surprise, Yang Xiong had returned to the altar, where the Asura Demon Sword lay quietly in his hands.
Yang Xiong couldn't help but shake his head. He eventually made his way back to Slaughter City, made some final arrangements, and departed.
From what he had seen in his mind, these were the techniques wielded by the Asura God himself. Unfortunately, with his current strength, Yang Xiong had only barely grasped the first technique. Mastery of the others seemed far off.
These techniques were immensely powerful, and Yang Xiong felt an innate connection to them after mastering the Asura Demon Sword. He quickly grasped their essence and believed they might elevate his strength even further in the future.
The Asura God had demonstrated seven techniques in total. Though not numerous, each strike was earth-shattering, showcasing both the might of a deity and the mastery of Asura's power.
…
When Tang Chen returned to the Hao Tian Sect alongside Tang Xiao and Tang Hao, the entire sect erupted in joy. Especially the five elder masters, who saw Tang Chen as the pillar of their clan.
However, Tang Chen's expression turned grim as he gazed at the elders.
"Second Elder, our Hao Tian Sect has been passed down for countless generations. Tell me, what is the core principle of our sect?"
The Second Elder, standing before Tang Chen, behaved like a junior.
"Reporting to the former sect leader, our Hao Tian Sect is the number one sect under heaven, and our Hao Tian Hammer is the ultimate weapon. Our martial souls must never allow anyone to oppress us."
Tang Chen nodded: "You all know we are the top sect. Then how do you explain what happened with Tang Hao? Even if our strength fell short against the Spirit Hall, we should not have surrendered without a fight or retreated into seclusion. Where is the dignity of our illustrious Hao Tian Sect?"
The Second Elder hastily replied: "Former sect leader, the situation back then was dire. If we hadn't gone into hiding, the sect would have been destroyed. Moreover, all of this stemmed from Tang Hao's actions."
Tang Chen's anger flared: "Second Elder, do you even understand what you're saying? The reputation of the Hao Tian Sect was built over countless generations. Have our ancestors never faced danger? Have they never confronted the Spirit Hall's pressure?"
"For thousands of years, has anyone in our sect ever backed down before the Spirit Hall? If we retreat every time to preserve our strength, what right do we have to call ourselves the number one sect?"
"The retreat not only cost us our prestige but also broke your spines. Do you think our Hao Tian Sect can ever return to its former glory?"
Facing Tang Chen, everyone present felt an overwhelming pressure, as if mountains were pressing down on them. Even the Title Douluo-level elders struggled to breathe.
Second Elder trembled: "Former sect leader, it was Tang Hao who provoked the Spirit Hall, who killed their Pope Qian Xunji. That's why we ended up in this life-or-death conflict."
Tang Chen's face darkened: "And you call yourself a veteran of the soul master world? The Spirit Hall's ambitions are well-known—they were merely looking for an excuse to attack us!"
"Besides, Tang Hao was only trying to protect his family. Was he wrong to do so? Should he have allowed the Spirit Hall to kill his wife and child? Such a man doesn't deserve to be part of our Hao Tian Sect."
…
After Tang Chen's scathing reprimand, the five elders' faces turned ashen. Despite being Title Douluo-level experts, they felt like quails under Tang Chen's wrath.
After much discussion, Tang Hao officially returned to the Hao Tian Sect, and everyone vowed to seek vengeance against the Spirit Hall for their past grievances.
Once everything was settled, Tang Chen, Tang Xiao, and Tang Hao entered a secret chamber of the Hao Tian Sect.
At this moment, Tang Chen no longer appeared as domineering as before. Instead, his face showed signs of weariness.
Tang Hao and Tang Xiao quickly asked: "Grandfather, what's wrong?"
Tang Chen shook his head: "My body can't hold out much longer. I won't be able to protect the Hao Tian Sect anymore. Tang Hao, how long until my great-grandson, Tang San, returns?"
Tang Hao replied: "Grandfather, there's still no word from Little San. However, based on what Yang Xiong said earlier, he should return to the continent within the next few months."
Tang Chen nodded: "I hope Tang San returns soon. My time is running out. I need to train him quickly. Otherwise, when we face Qian Daoliu and the Angel God's successor, it might truly spell the end for our Hao Tian Sect."
Tang Xiao quickly interjected: "Grandfather, don't overexert yourself. Leave external matters to me. You must focus on recovering your health."
Tang Chen sighed: "After so many years in Slaughter City, my foundation has been damaged. My strength may never return to its peak. I must plan ahead for the Hao Tian Sect."
Tang Xiao seemed to recall something: "Grandfather, do you think Yang Xiong might stand a chance against Qian Daoliu in the future? Perhaps he could bring a turning point for the three great sects."
Tang Chen's expression grew serious: "Xiao, Yang Xiong is no ordinary individual. Though he's only at Level 90, his martial soul and soul rings are extraordinary. Given another ten years, he might be able to rival Qian Daoliu."
"Unfortunately, he doesn't belong to our Hao Tian Sect, and ten years is too long. We likely won't last until the war ends. From the current situation, the Spirit Empire will crush the two empires effortlessly, plunging us into the greatest war the soul master world has ever seen."
"Moreover, after fifty years, I should probably meet my old friend again. Otherwise, others might think our Hao Tian Sect is a toothless tiger."
Upon hearing this, Tang Xiao grew deeply worried: "Grandfather, in your current state, if you meet Qian Daoliu, might he discover your injuries and decide to act against us prematurely?"
Tang Chen sneered: "I know Qian Daoliu well. He's always been too rigid, which is why he lost to me in a single move back then."
"He claims to serve the Angel God, imitating them his entire life, but he's done a poor job of it. He's overly concerned with appearances, which is why he remains the weakest among the three Limit Douluos."
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