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Scarlet patterns, like living things, writhed across the surface of the massive Clear Sky Hammer. The hundred-thousand-year spirit ring on Tang Hao's body suddenly flared with a crimson light, dyeing the originally jet-black hammer a complete blood-red. The dazzling red light seemed to devour the entire world, even dimming the sunlight at that moment.
"Supreme Pontiff Palace, what a Supreme Pontiff Palace. Hahahahahahaha…"
Tang Hao laughed maniacally, his laughter filled with monstrous hatred and arrogance, shaking the entire Spirit City. Under everyone's horrified gazes, the muscles in his right arm bulged, veins popping out, as the blood-red giant hammer slowly lifted with his movement—
"Boom!"
With just a starting posture, terrifying airwaves ripped up all the stone slabs within several hundred meters. Wherever the giant hammer passed, space shattered inch by inch, revealing dark, empty cracks. The power of this single hammer strike was actually enough to level the entire Supreme Pontiff Palace!
Not just Tang San, but even Feng Xiao looked up at the sky at the colossal, blood-red hammer that blotted out the sun. The hammer's face resembled a falling crimson meteor, slowly pressing down with world-destroying momentum, completely obscuring even the sunlight.
"Is this what a true Spirit Avatar looks like?"
Feng Xiao's pupils contracted slightly, his heart surging with immense waves. His fingertips unconsciously brushed the zither strings, and a fervent glint flashed in his eyes. Tang Hao's hammer strike not only displayed absolute power but also interpreted his understanding of Tool Spirit—that is, extremity and vastness. Tang Hao's attack range basically encompassed the entire Supreme Pontiff Palace.
Though both wielded the Clear Sky Hammer, Tang Xiao and Tang Hao displayed vastly different understandings of Tool Spirit. Tang Xiao's hammer techniques were based on the exquisite Clear Sky Nine Absolutes, each move flowing like water, fully demonstrating the Clear Sky Hammer's myriad transformations, focusing more on subtle changes in moves and tactical application.
However, the current Tang Hao brought the dominance of "one force conquering ten techniques" to its extreme. That blood-red giant hammer had no flashy techniques; it was only the purest power suppression—shattering space with absolute power, suppressing all things with the most direct might.
Feng Xiao gazed at the blood-red giant hammer in the sky and suddenly understood: skill and power. These two vastly different paths ultimately pointed to the supreme realm of Tool Spirit.
The hundred-meter-long blood-red giant hammer in the air crashed down, not at the three Titled Douluo who were within reach, but with a destructive force directly at the majestic Supreme Pontiff Palace behind them!
"Boom—!"
Before the giant hammer even arrived, the terrifying air pressure caused the space around the Supreme Pontiff Palace to violently distort. All Spirit Masters below Spirit Saint instantly felt like they were stuck in quicksand, unable to move even a finger. The ground cracked inch by inch, and the angel statue standing in front of the palace shattered under the immense pressure.
"Tang Hao, how dare you!"
Bibi Dong roared, terrifying killing intent bursting from her beautiful eyes. She, along with Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, simultaneously shot into the sky, seven spirit rings blooming with dazzling light behind them. At the same time, four figures shot out from within the Supreme Pontiff Palace like lightning—seven Titled Douluo actually joined forces to meet the blood-red giant hammer at the same moment!
"Boom—!!!"
Amidst the earth-shattering roar, Spirit Masters below seventy-seven, like cut wheat, instantly fainted in swathes, their minds blank. The entire Spirit City shook violently, as if the end of the world had arrived. The violent shockwave shattered all the window glass in buildings within a thousand-meter radius.
Seven figures fell from mid-air like meteors, and the towering giant hammer dissipated with them. Tang Hao spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, yet he continued to laugh madly: "Bibi Dong, just wait. The debt Spirit Hall owes me, one day I will collect it all. That day is not far off!"
Before his words finished, Tang Hao's figure had already transformed into a streak of light. By the time everyone recovered, the unconscious Tang San and Xiao Wu were already gone. A deep voice echoed for a long time above Spirit City: "Grandmaster, Flender, you have taught my son for many years. Your great kindness needs no words of thanks; Tang owes you."
Tang Hao's deep voice, like rolling thunder, gradually faded into the sky, its echoes reverberating throughout Spirit City.
Only the Huang Dou Battle Team, meticulously protected by Dugu Bo's Jade Phosphor Serpent, remained safe and sound. Yu Feng stared blankly at the scarred plaza in front of the Supreme Pontiff Palace, unconsciously swallowing: "Good heavens… Is that even human?"
Feng Xiao gently stroked the zither strings, a faint smile playing on his lips: "To be able to retreat unscathed under the siege of seven Titled Douluo…" He gazed profoundly in the direction Tang Hao had left, "After all… that was once the youngest Titled Douluo."
Dugu Bo stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze deep as he looked at the scarred battlefield, slowly saying: "You brat are right, the Clear Sky Hammer is known as the number one Tool Spirit in the world. Tang Hao's cultivation path is somewhat similar to yours; he crushes all techniques with absolute power, but it seems your techniques are not bad either."
Dugu Bo turned to look at Yu Feng, a hint of playfulness flashing in his serpentine eyes: "Just like when he fought Shrek, one force conquers ten techniques. Tang Hao's hammer strike, even Titled Douluo had to avoid its edge."
"More importantly," Dugu Bo pointed at the damaged Supreme Pontiff Palace, "Tang Hao attacked where the enemy had to defend. For Spirit Hall, the destruction of the Supreme Pontiff Palace is far more serious than letting a few people escape. They weren't unable to withstand this hammer strike, but rather had to withstand it while preserving the Supreme Pontiff Palace."
Listening to Dugu Bo's explanation, the Huang Dou Battle Team also showed expressions of sudden understanding.
Dugu Bo sneered: "Furthermore, do you really think those two old fellows from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School wouldn't make a move? If Tang Hao had really been caught by Spirit Hall, heh… If seven Titled Douluo were truly unleashed, let alone this Supreme Pontiff Palace, the entire Pope Mountain would be leveled!"
"Even so, it's already terrifying enough; how could an ordinary Titled Douluo…" Yu Feng's words were cut short as he suddenly felt a chill down his spine.
Dugu Bo's sinister gaze locked onto him like a venomous snake, his green serpentine pupils slightly contracting: "You little brat, are you questioning this old man's strength?"
Yu Feng immediately became silent, quickly waving his hands: "No, no, no, Senior, you are certainly different!" He looked to Feng Xiao for help, but found the other was playfully plucking the zither strings with a half-smile, showing no intention of helping.
Dugu Yan rolled her eyes at Yu Feng exasperatedly: "Serves you right for talking too much." Her purple eyes turned to the still smoking Supreme Pontiff Palace in the distance, and she whispered: "However… to force seven Titled Douluo of Spirit Hall to act simultaneously, this level of strength is indeed…"
Dugu Bo snorted, but a hint of solemnity flashed in his eyes. As someone experienced, he knew better than anyone what the strength Tang Hao displayed today meant.
When Bibi Dong floated down, a blush of unnatural color appeared on her face. She took several deep breaths, forcing down the surging qi and blood, and only then did the flush gradually recede. Behind her, besides Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, there were four more old men dressed in scarlet robes.
Though the seven of them combined forces to save the Supreme Pontiff Palace, they only caused Tang Hao some minor injuries. This result infuriated all the powerful Spirit Hall members present.
"Your Holiness…" Everyone looked indignantly at Bibi Dong.
"No need to pursue." Bibi Dong's voice carried a rare weariness. For many years, she had cultivated day and night, finally joining the ranks of Titled Douluo. Her imagined formidable opponent had always been Tang Hao. But in today's battle, with the same spirit ring configuration, the ultimate potential of a Tool Spirit and the profound heritage of the Clear Sky Sect still made her feel an insurmountable gap.
Tang Hao was Tang Hao after all, Clear Sky Douluo, what a Clear Sky Douluo.
"Your Holiness! Tang Hao is so arrogant, it concerns the face of Spirit Hall!" Gui Mei couldn't help but interject.
"Silence!" Bibi Dong's eyes were crimson, and her scepter heavily struck the ground. "Do you think Tang Hao is that easy to deal with? If he could be easily captured, how could he have lived until today?!" She suppressed her anger, her voice chilling, "Now… is not the time."
Yue Guan's slender eyes swept over the people in the field and he softly asked, "Your Holiness, how should these people be dealt with?"
The Golden Triangle, supported by their Spirit Fusion Skill, still stood firm, but the other Shrek academy students were all unconscious. Dugu Bo, seeing this from a distance, visibly relaxed his tense expression.
Bibi Dong's gaze swept past Feng Xiao, finally settling on the disheveled Shrek group, and she said indifferently: "This matter has nothing to do with them. Treat them with courtesy. After they have rested, they may leave Spirit City on their own."
"Understood." Gui Mei bowed in acknowledgment, his black robe fluttering without wind.
The four mysterious red-robed Elders remained silent, following Bibi Dong like shadows. They turned with the Supreme Pontiff and slowly walked towards the damaged Supreme Pontiff Palace. Their figures cast long shadows in the setting sun, exuding an indescribable aura of grimness.
Dugu Bo watched the departing figure of the Supreme Pontiff, a flicker of deep thought in his serpentine eyes. This turmoil seemed to have subsided today, but he knew that the grievances between Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect had probably just begun…
"Heh heh, brat, today we all benefited from you, this 'honorary Elder of Spirit Hall'." Dugu Bo sneered sarcastically, his withered fingers stroking his beard, his eyes twinkling with a playful light.
Feng Xiao shook his head helplessly: "Senior is joking. His Holiness the Supreme Pontiff merely…"
"Merely feared pushing you, this treasure, over to their side." Dugu Bo interrupted him, a sharp glint flashing in his serpentine eyes.
Dugu Yan chuckled, covering her mouth: "Grandpa, what you're saying… it sounds like we picked up a huge bargain."
"Yan Yan, don't say that." Dugu Bo patiently explained, "If this kid wasn't associated with Spirit Hall, that woman isn't easy to deal with."
Feng Xiao smiled without speaking. He knew that although Dugu Bo's words were harsh, they spoke the truth—if he and Qian Renxue had no connection today, and he hadn't accepted the title of honorary Elder, then Dugu Bo would probably have had to step in and fight.
Thinking of this, Feng Xiao took out the Mind Condensing Wisdom Skull from his spirit tool and gently handed it to Dugu Yan.
"Sister Yan," his voice was gentle and sincere, "Senior has given me countless treasures over the years. This skull is of limited help to me, so it would be better to give it to you. Consider it a small token of my regard."
Feng Xiao had already made up his mind; the hundred-thousand-year spirit ring was far more valuable to him than this Spirit Bone. Moreover, spirit rings and Spirit Bones could only exert their maximum effect if they came from the same source. He still had a second Spirit that had yet to attach spirit rings, and there would be too many opportunities to obtain Spirit Bones in the future, so there was no need to rush now.
Upon hearing this, everyone in the Huang Dou Battle Team showed expressions of surprise. Even the well-traveled Dugu Bo could not hide his astonishment, a complex emotion flashing in his serpentine eyes.
Dugu Yan's delicate body trembled slightly, and she quickly waved her hands: "Xiao Feng, this… this is too precious, I cannot accept it."
Feng Xiao, however, insisted on pushing the Spirit Bone forward, saying gently: "The heavenly treasures Senior gave me are no less valuable than this item. Besides, my abilities largely rely on my own creations and do not depend on Spirit Bone skills." He looked sincerely at Dugu Yan, "This Spirit Bone can help you precisely control Bi Lin Snake Venom, it couldn't be more suitable."
Dugu Yan stared blankly at the shimmering skull in front of her, a hint of emotion flashing in her purple eyes. She subconsciously looked at her grandfather, only to see Dugu Bo's serpentine eyes slightly narrowed, a rare look of satisfaction on his face.
"Brat," Dugu Bo muttered softly, but he couldn't hide the admiration in his tone, and a warmth surged in his heart. He rarely put away his usual demeanor, gently patting his granddaughter's shoulder: "Yan Yan, accept it. This is his sincerity…"
Tears welled up in Dugu Yan's purple eyes, and she finally carefully took the Spirit Bone. The moment her fingertips touched the Spirit Bone, she felt the strong spiritual fluctuations contained within it.
At this moment, Yu Xiaogang, Ning Fengzhi, and others all looked at Feng Xiao in shock, their eyes filled with disbelief. One must know, that was a top-grade head Spirit Bone of over fifty thousand years, its preciousness second only to the legendary hundred-thousand-year Spirit Bone and external Spirit Bone!
The scepter in Ning Fengzhi's hand unconsciously stopped moving. Even this Sect Master of the Upper Three Sects, who had seen countless treasures, couldn't help but be moved—even with the profound heritage of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, a Spirit Bone of this quality was enough to be passed down as a sect-protecting treasure for generations.
"He just gave it away like that?" Yu Xiaogang's hoarse voice carried an undisguised shock. As a theoretical Grandmaster, he knew the value of this Spirit Bone better than anyone.
Chen Xin and Gu Rong exchanged glances, both seeing the same surprise in each other's eyes. This young man's demeanor was truly admirable.
Feng Xiao, however, merely smiled indifferently, as if he had given away nothing more than an ordinary object. This calm and unruffled demeanor, on the contrary, showcased his broad-mindedness even more.
"Old Poison, you certainly got a huge bargain." Yue Guan couldn't help but speak, his tone tinged with undisguised envy. His slender eyes gazed at Feng Xiao, a look of unreserved admiration flickering within them.
One must know that even the core disciples cultivated with all the might of the Upper Three Sects had all been defeated by Feng Xiao today. The talent and demeanor displayed by this young man made even Yue Guan, a Titled Douluo, sigh with emotion—as long as he didn't die prematurely, this child's future achievements would probably be immeasurable even for him.
"This kid…" Yue Guan sighed inwardly, "Given time, I'm afraid even us old fellows will have to look up to him."
Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo stroked his beard proudly, his serpentine eyes filled with satisfaction. To receive such praise from his archenemy was more comforting than any Spirit Bone.
Feng Xiao's generous act, like a wisp of clear breeze, seemed to dilute the grim atmosphere left by Tang Hao's rampage in Spirit Hall. Everyone present—whether Spirit Saint or Spirit Douluo—after today's battle, no one dared to underestimate this black-haired young man holding an ancient zither.
He stood quietly amidst the ruins, his black hair and plain robes gently swaying in the wind. His composed demeanor and the previous might with which he had dominated the crowd formed a strange contrast. Even facing the scrutinizing gazes of many powerful individuals, Feng Xiao remained perfectly at ease.
At this moment, everyone realized: after today, this young man's name would surely shake the entire Spirit Master's world. Not because he had defeated someone, but because of his transcendent demeanor and unfathomable potential, which made even the powerful individuals present feel awe.