"Xiao San, when training with the wooden hammer, focus on your technique. Lifting something heavy as if it's light is easy, but making something light feel heavy is a whole different level," Tang Hao instructed by the waterfall.
"Yes, Father!"
Hammer training wasn't just for Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer, but also to use the waterfall's pressure to toughen his body so he could absorb more soul rings without suffering from his twin martial souls.
Unfortunately, Tang Hao faced two problems. First: his son's martial soul, Blue Silver Grass, was still too weak. He needed to awaken it to Blue Silver Emperor and, upon obtaining the fifth ring, absorb a Blue Silver Emperor soul bone.
That soul ring would be generated by the Blue Silver Emperor itself and would share a source with Ah Yin's soul bone—meaning the soul ring and bone would be absorbed by the same person, maximizing their effect and granting Tang San the Blue Silver Emperor's formidable regeneration, aiding him in overcoming the twin martial souls hurdle.
But Tang San's level wasn't rising fast enough. Although he surpassed most, it wasn't enough to deal with Spirit Hall.
The second problem was the true secret of the Clear Sky Hammer, the Nine Absolutes. Tang Hao didn't have the right to teach it to Tang San without the sect master and elders' permission. Even though the sect expelled him, Tang Hao still considered himself a disciple and wouldn't break the rules.
Thus, all Tang San could practice now was the somewhat lackluster Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer.
"Sigh, Xiao San's progress is too slow. I wanted him to reach level 50 in five years, train in Slaughter City, then return to the sect… but now, there's not enough time," Tang Hao sighed.
At that moment, three sharp sounds broke the air. Tang Hao became alert, thinking a strong enemy was approaching.
But as the figures neared and slowed, it was clear they were coming for him.
"Could it be Spirit Hall? Did they find me so quickly?" Tang Hao said gravely.
Three figures approached, revealing themselves to be four—three flying on swords, one with huge thunderous wings.
Such a combination could only come from one faction on the continent.
"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!" Tang Hao relaxed a bit. At least it wasn't Spirit Hall. He had no recent grudge with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—they were supposed to be allies.
He'd forgotten his past threat to Yin Yang. After all, Yin Yang had sworn a martial soul oath—surely, he wouldn't dare reveal it.
Tang San also noticed Tian Lin's group, put on his cloak, and walked out of the waterfall to join his father.
The four landed, facing the father and son.
"Long time no see, Clear Sky Douluo," Chen Xin said calmly, his sword intent locking onto Tang Hao with undisguised hostility.
Tang Hao, confused, demanded, "Chen Xin, what's the meaning of this?"
Ning Fengzhi stepped forward, still smiling, but with an icy tone, "Clear Sky Douluo, have you forgotten what you did to my Uncle Ying outside Suoto City—threatening his life and forcing him to swear a poisonous oath? We're here today to settle that score."
Tang Hao had long forgotten this minor matter, having never taken Yin Yang seriously. But now reminded, he barked, "Yin Yang, you broke your martial soul oath by telling them! Aren't you afraid of inner demons destroying your martial soul?"
"Don't misunderstand, Tang Hao. I never break my oaths," Yin Yang said proudly, looking at Tian Lin. "My clever grandson figured it out himself. I don't fear any consequences."
"What?" Tang Hao was shocked. He was sure no one else was present that day—how did Tian Lin figure it out?
But Tian Lin didn't bother explaining, only saying, "How I figured it out doesn't matter. What matters is, how will you settle the debt of forcing my Grandpa Ying to swear a poisonous oath?"
"And how do you want to settle it?" Tang Hao was still as domineering and unafraid.
Tian Lin smiled, "You said you would repay the debt handsomely. Today, we're here to claim it. Since it started with a 100,000-year soul beast, it must end with a 100,000-year treasure. You have a 100,000-year soul bone, right? Why not hand it over as compensation to my Grandpa Ying?"
"You want Ah Yin's soul bone? Impossible! It's for Xiao San and no one else!" Tang Hao was furious—Spirit Hall once coveted Ah Yin's soul ring, and now the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect wanted her soul bone. The scene of her sacrifice replayed in his mind, and his eyes filled with bloodlust.
His killing intent surged.
"Brother Jun, from what I heard, this is all a misunderstanding. My father only threatened your grandpa for Xiao Wu's sake, and your grandpa is fine. Let's resolve this peacefully—we're both core sects, after all," Tang San tried to mediate.
Nice words, coming from someone who'd kill over a mere argument.
"Tang San, if Tang Hao had killed my Grandpa Ying, do you think you'd see us negotiating with you now?" Tian Lin said coldly. "Luckily, he knew his limits, so today we only need compensation. Otherwise, you'd both die here."