In the God Realm, within the Asura God's palace, both the Asura God and the Sea God were observing the situation on the Douluo Continent through a light screen.
In the God Realm, one day equates to an entire year on the Douluo Continent. The tumultuous events of this past year on the continent were but a fleeting moment for the Gods of the God Realm.
The Sea God appeared particularly astonished: "Asura, your inheritor is truly formidable. This Rakshasa God has already reached such strength, yet Yang Xiong defeated him so easily. Even though Yang Xiong hasn't yet broken through to the 100th level, he's already far from being at the bottom in terms of power when compared to the Gods of the God Realm."
The Asura God replied: "In terms of strength, after absorbing Bibi Dong's divine power and utilizing the so-called Godslayer Formation, this Rakshasa God has come extremely close to the level of a 2nd-Class God. He also far surpasses Qian Renxue, who had just broken through to Level 100. This was part of the Rakshasa God's hidden strategy. Unfortunately, Yang Xiong is even stronger."
"Though Yang Xiong hasn't become a God, his physical constitution has long since reached divine standards. Especially after undergoing the Thunder God inheritance, his body underwent another transformation, surpassing that of ordinary Gods."
"If we consider Bibi Dong as a true God without a God Position but at the hundredth level, then Yang Xiong is the opposite. He already possesses both a God Position and a divine body, but has not yet reached the hundredth level. Precisely because of this, Yang Xiong's physical prowess far exceeds that of soul masters at the same level."
The Sea God's face revealed a hint of confusion: "Asura God, according to what you're saying, could all of this have been orchestrated by the previous Rakshasa God?"
The usually stoic Asura God suddenly let out a faint smile: "I've fought against the Rakshasa God my entire life. Bound by the rules of the God Realm and to give Evil some face, I haven't directly confronted him. But the Rakshasa God clearly resents being far beneath me in both status and power. That's why he's schemed against my inheritors several times."
"Both Bibi Dong and Tang San were likely part of the Rakshasa God's plans. Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence that Bibi Dong mastered the Godslayer Formation? Not to mention, Tang San and Bibi Dong ascending to Godhood happened one after the other—clearly, the Rakshasa God intended for Bibi Dong's strength to serve as a stepping stone for Tang San."
"Moreover, the Rakshasa God must have already understood Tang San's personality. After Tang San became the new Rakshasa God, his heart became twisted with evil, and his negative thoughts expanded exponentially. This led him to ambush Yang Xiong and reveal his immense ambition. These are simply manifestations of Tang San's true nature."
The Sea God nodded: "It seems the Douluo world is becoming increasingly chaotic. However, with Yang Xiong's strength, he should be able to kill Tang San. Such an act—a mortal slaying a God—is something I wouldn't have even dared to imagine in my time."
The Asura God suddenly laughed: "It's not that simple. Evil has taken an interest in Tang San and won't let him die so easily. Besides, do you not find it strange that Tang San inherited the Rakshasa God's God Position?"
The Sea God replied: "What's strange about it? Didn't Tang San pass the nine trials?"
The Asura God shook his head: "Tang San's bloodline is unique. He possesses half the bloodline of a spirit beast, which relates to the fortune of the spirit beast race. He naturally has an affinity with spirit beasts."
"The Rakshasa God passing his God Position to Tang San was, from beginning to end, part of Evil's calculations. Otherwise, how could Bibi Dong, who had undergone so many trials, end up with such a tragic fate?"
The Sea God asked in confusion: "Asura, what exactly do you mean by this?"
The Asura God sighed: "According to the plan of the Five Great God kings, Tang San was destined to ascend to Godhood. If not the Rakshasa God's God Position, then it would have been either yours or mine. With Tang San's character and ambition, he would certainly plot against the spirit beast race and bring unprecedented aid to the God Realm—after all, the God Realm isn't as stable as you might think."
The Sea God: …
At Jialing Pass, after a fierce battle between Yang Xiong and Tang San, Tang San now looked utterly battered. Having detonated nine soul rings to unleash the ultimate Great Mustard Hammer technique, he suffered backlash, and the earlier blow from Yang Xiong had left him severely injured.
Yang Xiong's eyes revealed a hint of disdain: "Tang San, you've lost. You can now rest in peace."
As Yang Xiong spoke, a massive palm print descended from the sky, as if intending to crush Tang San into pieces.
Even with all his strength, Tang San found that neither the Rakshasa Demon Scythe nor the Hao Tian Hammer could block Yang Xiong's attack.
At this moment, several figures suddenly appeared beside Tang San—it was the crowd from the Hao Tian Sect, along with Xiao Wu and Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and others. They seemed intent on protecting Tang San at all costs. Even Yu Xiaogang, who now appeared frail like an ordinary old man, had been brought to Tang San's side under Flender's guidance.
"Seeking death!"
Yang Xiong merely sneered. A terrifying pressure bore down on everyone. Even Tang Xiao, the strongest among them, felt his soul power completely suppressed.
Tang Xiao gripped the Hao Tian Hammer and roared: "Yang Xiong, you've already gravely injured Xiao San and vented your anger. Surely there's nothing that can't be resolved through discussion?"
Yang Xiong chuckled: "This is somewhat interesting. Tang San tried to kill me. Since he wants to kill me, no one has the right to stop me from killing him. Moreover, the Hao Tian Sect means nothing to me. If you wish to die, I'll gladly send you to accompany him."
Tang Xiao said: "Yang Xiong, the Hao Tian Sect and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect have always been allies. The Hao Tian Sect has protected the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. How else could your auxiliary sect have survived for thousands of years?"
"Ning Fengzhi, are you really willing to disregard the bond between our two sects and push for total annihilation?"
Ning Fengzhi, standing in the distance, now appeared conflicted. As Tang Xiao had said, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was ultimately an auxiliary sect. It rarely came into direct conflict with enemies and maintained a friendly relationship with the Hao Tian Sect. Even after the Hao Tian Sect retreated from public view for so many years, they continued to provide covert support.
Not to mention, during the Hao Tian Sect's peak dominance, despite their overbearing nature, they never attacked the top three sects.
Before Ning Fengzhi could speak, Yang Xiong had already responded first.
"I don't care about the top three sects or anything else. Anyone who dares to oppose me will pay a heavy price. Tang Xiao, if you insist on making the Hao Tian Sect my enemy, the consequences will be more than your sect can bear. By then, the Hao Tian Sect will cease to exist."
Seeing Yang Xiong's demeanor, Tang Xiao realized today's situation would be difficult to resolve. After all, Tang San had ambushed Yang Xiong first, and given Yang Xiong's personality, he might very well annihilate the entire Hao Tian Sect.
However, Tang Xiao's gaze fell on Tang San, and his heart filled with inner turmoil. After all, Tang San was the only son of Tang Hao and Ah Yin, the most cherished junior in his eyes, and even represented the future of the Hao Tian Sect.
"Yang Xiong, the Hao Tian Sect is willing to pay any price, as long as you spare Xiao San."
Yang Xiong's lips twitched slightly: "Tang Xiao, ask yourself—if someone ambushed you, would you forgive them so easily? Do you think the Hao Tian Sect has anything worth sparing such a threat? Would you spare an enemy who could ambush you at any moment?"
Tang Xiao immediately felt an overwhelming pressure bearing down on him. Even the Hao Tian Hammer in his hands seemed completely suppressed.
Meanwhile, Tang San spat out blood, relying on Xiao Wu to support him.
"Xiao Wu, quickly leave. Don't worry about me. I'd rather die than grovel before Yang Xiong."
Xiao Wu's face was streaked with tears, her expression filled with fear: "Yang Xiong, we were classmates once, and we shared some camaraderie. Why must you go this far?"
"Don't forget, Da Ming and Er Ming once helped you. Are you really willing to harm my only remaining family?"
Yang Xiong sneered: "Xiao Wu, you've got it wrong. Back then, though you helped, you were dealing with your own enemies. That was something you should have done yourself. Instead, you made me owe you a favor. Isn't that putting the cart before the horse?"
"Besides, how many times have I helped you over the years? Without me, you'd probably be dead by now. Even the Titan Giant Ape and Sky Azure Bull Python would have perished. Do you still have the right to say such things?"
Xiao Wu gritted her teeth: "Regardless, Brother San has always only wanted to prove himself. Is it really so impossible for you to tolerate him?"
"Xiao Wu, is it me who can't tolerate Tang San, or Tang San who can't tolerate me? I advise you to leave quickly. Otherwise, don't blame me for disregarding our past relationship. Don't blame me for killing you too."
Yang Xiong's eyes brimmed with ferocity, completely devoid of his usual casual demeanor. It seemed as if nothing could stop him now.
Xiao Wu looked toward Ning Rongrong for help, but before Ning Rongrong could speak, Yang Xiong had already turned to glare at Ning Fengzhi.
Ning Fengzhi seemed to understand Yang Xiong's meaning and quickly pulled Ning Rongrong back as she attempted to step forward.
Relatively speaking, Ning Rongrong was kind-hearted and valued the bonds between classmates, especially her close relationship with Xiao Wu. She could be considered somewhat emotionally driven.
On the other hand, Ning Fengzhi understood the significance of today's events better. If Yang Xiong had truly been ambushed by Tang San, given Tang San's personality, he wouldn't hesitate to destroy Yang Xiong's Body Sect, and his methods would likely be even crueler.
Finally, Ning Rongrong spoke: "Little Bear, don't harm Xiao Wu."
Yang Xiong nodded slightly: "Xiao Wu, quickly leave. Otherwise, don't blame me for disregarding our past ties and killing you."
Xiao Wu's face filled with anger: "Da Ming and Er Ming are already dead. Only Brother San can revive them. Moreover, Brother San is my only remaining family. If you want to harm him, you'll have to step over my corpse first."
Yang Xiong burst into wild laughter: "Hahaha! Whether it's you or Tang San, why do you keep saying such things? In this world, strength is everything. Enemies won't care about your corpse—they'll crush you like an ant. If you're determined to die, don't blame me."
Yang Xiong then turned to Yu Xiaogang and Flender: "What about you two? Do you also want to meddle in this mess?"
Even though Yu Xiaogang had become a cripple, he still stood firmly by Tang San's side.
"Yang Xiong, I know you're angry, but Tang San is my only disciple. If you want to kill him, you'll have to kill me first. I only hope you'll spare Tang San."
Yang Xiong completely ignored Yu Xiaogang and instead turned to Flender: "Principal Flender, do you also intend to interfere in this matter?"
Compared to the others, Flender appeared calm: "Yang Xiong, both you and Tang San were students of Shrek Academy, and the most outstanding students in Shrek's history. Fights between students are normal, but I don't want to see you two truly fight to the death. Whoever dies will sadden me deeply, and I'll stand with the losing side."
Yang Xiong couldn't help but shake his head: "Principal Flender, you must understand the current situation clearly. Tang San and I are now locked in a fight to the death. If you insist on interfering, don't blame me for being merciless."
During his years at Shrek Academy, Yang Xiong had been closest to Zhao Wují, but the person he respected most was actually Flender.
Flender could be considered a merchant, even a cunning one, but relatively speaking, he was a good principal and teacher. At least in terms of teaching students, he was diligent and responsible, and in critical moments, he would truly risk his life to act.
Flender sighed: "Why must you two do this? Both you and Tang San have reached unprecedented heights among soul masters and can ascend to Godhood. Can't you coexist peacefully? Can't you journey to the God Realm together, where you might watch out for each other?"
"I truly don't want to see you two destroy each other. No matter who loses, I'll find it hard to deal with."
Yang Xiong paid no further attention. His soul power surged, and a colossal blood-red hand appeared in the sky, crackling with crimson lightning, as if intending to obliterate everyone in a single strike.
Everyone was shocked, and even Ning Fengzhi, standing in the distance, revealed a hint of reluctance. If Yang Xiong unleashed this attack, not only would the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Hao Tian Sect become mortal enemies, but given Yang Xiong's personality, none of the Hao Tian Sect members present would escape alive.
Yang Xiong's attack appeared earth-shattering, capable of locking onto enemies with overwhelming pressure. However, only Tang San was truly locked in place. While others felt immense pressure, they could still escape using their own strength.
Tang San's eyes brimmed with hatred but also showed a trace of concern: "Xiao Wu, Uncle, Teacher, quickly leave. Yang Xiong only wants to deal with me alone. You still have a chance."
Tang San then summoned the Hao Tian Hammer and the Rakshasa Demon Scythe, evidently preparing for a desperate final stand.
Yang Xiong felt that Tang San seemed somewhat crazed. Perhaps the Rakshasa God's God Position had amplified Tang San's innate evil tendencies. After all, the original Tang San, while exasperating, was at least upright and straightforward in front of others, unlike the treacherous figure he was now.
Yang Xiong struck with full force. Even with Tang San and Tang Xiao exerting all their strength, they couldn't block Yang Xiong's attack.
At this moment, a black aura suddenly appeared in the sky, charging directly at Yang Xiong's colossal hand. Despite Yang Xiong's immense strength, his attack was instantly dissipated.
Yang Xiong glanced at the sky, revealing a hint of puzzlement: "Evil God King, I didn't expect someone of your stature, a God king of the God Realm, to interfere in matters of the Douluo Star."
A massive black shadow suddenly appeared in the sky. The figure was towering yet ethereal, seemingly transcending all limits of power.
The shadow transformed into a giant face, devoid of any emotion, radiating an air of disdain for life itself.
"Yang Xiong, though you are the inheritor of the Asura God, you are not yet a God. Tang San has already ascended to Godhood and is now my subordinate, the Rakshasa God. I cannot allow you to kill him so easily."
Yang Xiong stared gravely at the Evil God King: "Evil God King, if I remember correctly, the God Realm is not supposed to interfere in the affairs of the Douluo world. Does the Evil God King intend to violate the God Realm's rules?"
The Evil God King replied: "This matter concerns the inheritance of my subordinate, the Rakshasa God, and relates to some of the God Realm's plans. Therefore, you cannot kill Tang San at this time."
Yang Xiong sneered: "How interesting. When Tang San ambushed me, or when the three Gods attacked me, why didn't anyone from the God Realm protect me? Now that I want to kill my enemy, am I to accept such preferential treatment?"
"Moreover, Evil God King, as the enforcer of the God Realm's laws, aren't you setting an example by violating these rules yourself? Where does this leave your role as an enforcer?"
A flicker of anger appeared in the Evil God King's previously calm eyes: "How dare you! Though your strength is impressive, you are merely the inheritor of the Asura God. Even the Asura God himself has no right to stop me from disciplining my subordinates."
Yang Xiong's expression grew serious, his demeanor incredibly defiant: "Evil God King, you are a supreme existence. Why bother meddling in such trivial matters of the Douluo world? Aren't you afraid of losing face?"
The Evil God King replied: "Yang Xiong, the rules of this world are set by the strong. Compared to me, you are still too weak. The weak have no right to speak."
Yang Xiong remained unyielding: "So what? The rules have already been established. Are you, Evil God King, planning to violate them? Are you trying to bypass the rules to pursue your own agenda?"
"Besides, I'm not yet a God—I'm still just a soul master of the Douluo world. There's no need for you, Evil God King, to concern yourself with these matters."
With that, Yang Xiong's hand shifted, and a blood-red hammer appeared, surrounded by crimson lightning—this was the Thunder God's Hammer.
The moment the Thunder God's Hammer appeared, the heavens and earth of the Douluo world seemed to change instantly. The world's rules trembled, as if disrupted.
The Evil God King's expression shifted. He hadn't expected Yang Xiong to outright defy his decision and brazenly attack. Such arrogance was truly beyond belief.
Now Yang Xiong dared to treat him this way. If he were to grow even stronger in the future, perhaps the entire God Realm would be thrown into chaos.
Just as the Evil God King prepared to strike again, a blood-red figure suddenly appeared in the sky. This figure bore a striking resemblance to Yang Xiong's martial soul—it was the Asura God.
"Evil, you've already violated the God Realm's rules. Do you really think the three great enforcers of the God Realm are mere decorations?"
The Evil God King replied: "Asura, do you dare interfere with my actions? Tang San was a decision made by the God Realm's council. He cannot be killed so easily, at least not here."
The Asura God said: "Evil, we've overthought things in the past. Perhaps sometimes simplicity and brute force are better. And don't forget, we uphold the God Realm's rules. Any God who violates them will face my punishment."
Seeing the Asura God appear, Yang Xiong completely ignored the Evil God King. Gripping the Thunder God's Hammer, he unleashed a full-force strike. In an instant, the heavens and earth shattered, the rules of the Douluo world seemed disrupted, and the entire space appeared to quake.
Tang San let out a long, mournful roar. This time, he summoned the Dark Blue Silver Grass, and all nine of its soul rings exploded simultaneously. The Dark Blue Silver Grass transformed into countless golden threads, forming a vast net that rushed toward Yang Xiong.
Moreover, Tang San poured all his remaining soul power into the Rakshasa Demon Scythe, which served as the core of the devouring golden threads. These threads possessed terrifying devouring abilities and extreme evil attributes. The surrounding environment seemed entirely affected, and all energy was devoured by the net formed by the golden threads. Even the energy in the air was completely consumed.
This was Tang San's final, desperate strike.
"Yang Xiong, even the Evil God King has appeared, yet you still dare to continue attacking. Even if I die, I'll drag you down with me."
But Yang Xiong paid no heed. The Thunder God's Hammer possessed ultimate destructive power, representing the rules and order of this world. It had absolute crushing power over both ordinary soul masters and Gods alike.
With a single strike of the blood-red hammer, Tang San's devouring golden threads instantly turned to ash, and the Rakshasa Demon Scythe was violently repelled.
Despite Tang San's unwillingness and reaching the limits of his exhaustion, he ultimately couldn't match Yang Xiong.
Under Yang Xiong's full-force strike, the Thunder God's Hammer landed heavily on Tang San. No matter how strong his body or how varied his techniques, he was now subjected to countless lightning strikes and seemed rejected by the rules of the entire world.
Tang San lost consciousness, reduced to dust by the Thunder God's Hammer and its rule-infused power. Even the Rakshasa Demon Scythe developed a crack.
When the skies finally returned to calm, only a heavily damaged black scythe remained. Even Xiao Wu and Yu Xiaogang, who had been by Tang San's side, were now frozen in shock.
Tang San, who had ascended to Godhood and become the new Rakshasa God, was now obliterated by Yang Xiong's single strike. The newly appointed Rakshasa God had fallen on the Douluo Continent.
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read an exclusive novel – 'Douluo: Rebuilding Hao Tian Sect'
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)