The next day, with his hair tousled like a bird's nest, Tang Hao went to find Tang Xiao.
"Brother, I've decided to give up. I'm heading back to the Clear Sky Sect to inherit the family legacy," he said.
Tang Xiao gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "It's good that you've come to this decision. Someday, I'll introduce you to a great match."
"Mm, thank you, Brother." Tang Hao didn't say anything more.
After breakfast, Tang Xiao and Ah Yin decided to set off on another journey, while Tang Hao prepared to return to the Clear Sky Sect. Before parting ways, Tang Xiao insisted on seeing him off.
They walked together until they reached a fork in the road, deep in a deserted wilderness where not a soul could be seen for miles.
Hand in hand, Tang Xiao and Ah Yin strolled together. Ah Yin, visibly overjoyed upon hearing that Tang Hao would be leaving, happily chatted with Tang Xiao about where they should go next to explore and enjoy themselves.
Trailing behind, Tang Hao's stiff expression darkened with each step.
Ah Yin, I haven't even left yet, and you're already this excited? You're so eager to be rid of me? This isn't how you were in your past life. It must be Tang Xiao—he must have poisoned your mind.
"How about we go to Hanhai City?" Tang Xiao mused. "I heard the seafood there is amazing. What do you think, Ah Yin?"
"Sounds great! When we get there, I'll cook one of my best dishes for you," Ah Yin replied cheerfully.
"You're not planning to make me eat fish for days, are you?" Tang Xiao teased.
Ah Yin laughed. "Of course not! That's not the only dish I can make. I've got plenty more—just for you. Other people won't even get a taste."
"Haha, then I must be truly blessed," Tang Xiao said with a smile.
Silently, a Clear Sky Hammer materialized in Tang Hao's hand.
With every step forward, a soul ring descended beneath his feet.
"And then, we can go to Gengxin City—the City of Blacksmiths," Tang Xiao continued. "Once we're there, I'll show you my craftsmanship and forge you a personal set of soft armor."
"Thank you so much, Brother Xiao."
As Tang Xiao was still happily planning their next destination, a violent surge of soul power suddenly erupted from behind them.
"Great Sumeru Hammer!!" A furious roar, long suppressed, exploded from behind.
Tang Xiao turned his head—only to see an enormous hammer, filled with unstoppable force, crashing toward him.
Before he could react, the Clear Sky Hammer slammed into his back.
"Ah—!"
Crack! With a bone-shattering sound, Tang Xiao's spine was crushed under the ferocious soul power. His body flew like a broken sack of blood, crashing hard to the ground.
Ah Yin stood frozen, staring at Tang Hao. His eyes were bloodshot, his breathing ragged like an enraged beast. He still held the hammer in a striking pose.
"Brother Hao… why?" Tang Xiao coughed up blood, writhing on the ground. He tried to stand, but to his shock, found his spine shattered—his body paralyzed.
He was dazed. Me, Tang Xiao… already a Soul Douluo. Just one more soul ring and I would've become a Titled Douluo, maybe even qualified to step into Grandfather's realm… and now I'm crippled?
Tang Hao thought of Ah Yin, of his son Tang San, the future God King, and of the divine throne of the multiverse that awaited him. Rage twisted his face into a grin.
"Hahaha! My good brother… You wanted to steal my woman, take everything that was mine—and you still dare ask me why?"
"Shut up! I am not your woman!" Ah Yin snapped out of her shock and rushed to Tang Xiao's side. She quickly checked his injuries, and when her hand touched the shattered spine, her expression turned ashen. Without hesitation, she channeled her Blue Silver Emperor soul power into Tang Xiao, carefully treating his wounds.
The sight only drove Tang Hao deeper into madness. His eyes glowed blood-red, nostrils flaring with steam. He tossed the hammer aside, stretched out his arms—bronze muscles bulging—and pounded his chest like a wild beast. A wail of pain and fury erupted from his throat.
"Aaaahhh! Why?! Ah Yin, why do you only ever see him? Only Tang Xiao? Even now, when he's nothing but a cripple—you still won't spare me a glance. We were meant to be together! Why?!"
"There's no 'why,'" Ah Yin said coldly. "I've never liked you. From the first moment I saw you, it was already decided. And now I know I was right. You're nothing but a monster—to strike your own brother like that."
She then turned to Tang Xiao, her voice soft with affection. "From the first moment I saw you, I fell in love. Even now—after you've been gravely injured by this beast—I'll still take care of you for the rest of my life."
"Ah Yin…" Tang Xiao, hearing her words, suddenly felt as though all the pain was worth it. He gazed at her with deep emotion.
This declaration was like another blade to Tang Hao's heart. He took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.
"I don't know what spell my brother cast on you. But Ah Yin—you are mine. You'll never escape me in this lifetime. If I can't have your heart, then I'll take your body first—and your heart will follow in time."
With that, Tang Hao stepped toward Ah Yin.
"You—what are you trying to do?" Alarmed, Ah Yin took a step back.
In a flash, Tang Hao closed the distance, sealed her soul power, and grabbed her tightly.
"Let her go!" Tang Xiao roared, dragging his paralyzed body forward and grabbing hold of Tang Hao's foot.
"Let me go!" Ah Yin struggled in Tang Hao's grasp.
Tang Hao kicked Tang Xiao's hand away and vanished into the distance, carrying Ah Yin with him.
All that remained was Tang Xiao, dragging himself across the dirt with bloodied hands.
"Tang Hao! Stop! Give Ah Yin back!"
In the Eternal Temple
Huo Yuhao closed the Eternal Chronicle and glanced toward the Douluo Continent. The entire dramatic scene had played out before him.
He sneered, "What a story. In the face of boundless gain, even the purest love must give way, mustn't it?"
Meanwhile, in the Asura God Temple
The God of Asura had just returned from handling official matters. As he opened his divine sight, he was dumbfounded.
"What the hell just happened?" His face was full of disbelief.
According to the original plan, ever since Tang Hao left the Slaughter Capital, Tang Xiao was supposed to fade from the story. Ah Yin would fall for Tang Hao, they'd bear a child, and his beloved "precious one" would take over that child's body. Tang Hao would become the guardian, and the soul beast, now obsolete, would be sacrificed at the key moment—all to pave the way for the precious one's rise.
But the script had gone completely off the rails.
Ah Yin hadn't fallen for Tang Hao, but Tang Xiao instead. Still, that was manageable. Tang Xiao's talent was enough to be the father. Tang Hao could stand guard at the gate, and when the child was born, he'd serve as the protector. Later, he'd sacrifice himself to open the path to the Asura inheritance.
It was a solid plan.
But Tang Hao had exploded out of nowhere, crippled his own brother, and abducted Ah Yin.
The A
sura God was utterly confused, completely shaken.
If you love her… shouldn't you let her go?
(End of Chapter)
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