Orange-red flames drew a fire ring with a diameter of 10 meters on the central platform. Niu Gao looked at Tang San, who was leisurely stepping onto the stage from the opposite stairs, with confusion: "What does this mean?"
Tang San's ankles surged with wisps of blue spirit power. He stepped through the flames without changing his expression and said with a smile to Niu Gao, "Senior, let's use this ring as a line. Without using our martial soul and spirit skills, we will only use spirit power for offense and defense. If, after one stick of incense, I can still remain within the ring, you will let us stay, how about it?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Tai Long was dumbfounded. "Ah?! Young Master, Grandpa Niu's defense is among the best on the continent, and his spirit power is also much higher than yours. This is really disadvantageous for you!"
It must be known that the competition rules proposed by Tang San were too reasonable for the clan leader of the Yu clan. This was because the Jade Armored Rhinoceros martial soul of the Yu clan possessed incredibly strong defense, unmatched by any spirit master of the same level. Even if the sect master of the Elephant Armored Sect, Hu Yan Zhen, were here, he would not dare to claim to be the first.
Some disciples of other sects of the Yu clan heard this and looked over, discussing among themselves.
Even Tai Tan was startled, his relaxed expression vanishing. He anxiously signaled to Tang San, but Tang San seemed to hear nothing, his gaze still fixed on Niu Gao, waiting for his reply.
Ma Hongjun also tugged at Tang Sui's sleeve. Tang Sui glanced sideways and subtly shook her head at him.
Niu Gao, who also couldn't understand why Tang San would propose such competition rules that were entirely disadvantageous to him, glared at Tang San as if waiting for him to change his mind. However, the other party still showed no signs of backing down.
Tai Long had already said that this kid's spirit power level was much lower than his, yet he still dared to propose such rules. Either he was a fearless young calf, or... this kid was very confident in himself!
Thinking of this, Niu Gao, feeling he was being underestimated, felt his fists clench.
"Young man, you are very arrogant!"
Tang San smiled slightly, "In front of two seniors, how could a junior dare to be arrogant? I merely wish to avoid any unpleasantness."
Since he had said so, what else could they say?
Niu Gao pulled at the corner of his mouth and rumbled, "Fine, we'll do it your way."
Tang San made a gesture, "Then, Senior, please proceed."
Niu Gao stomped heavily on the ground and leaped up. When he landed on the central platform, the ground trembled thrice.
Tai Tan took out a stick of incense, looked at the two contenders in position, and gave the order, "The match begins!"
A collision of power, from soft to hard, unfolded before them.
The air waves generated by the powerful collision uprooted the flowers and plants in the courtyard. Several disciples with lower spirit power were directly sent flying by the waves, which surged like the tide, becoming more intense with each passing moment.
Tang Sui's long hair was blown by the wind, and strands of hair brushed against Ma Hongjun and Tai Long's arms and faces as they hid behind her, tickling them.
Within the small fire circle, Tang San's hands transformed the solidified killing intent into the Clear Sky Hammer. With each hammer blow, he unleashed the formidable Chaotic Wind Hammer Technique. Even Niu Gao, a Spirit Douluo with 84 levels of spirit power, was forced to retreat step by step under the whistling hammer technique that moved like a coiled dragon, pushed to the edge of the fire line.
But he knew even clearer that this was secondary.
The most important thing was that Tang San had already unleashed the final blow of the Chaotic Wind Hammer Technique, the Nine-Nine Return to One.
If that immense power were to land on him, who could only rely on pure spirit power for defense, he might not be able to withstand it!
Seeing this, Tai Tan secretly rejoiced. With a look of concern, he shouted, "Old Rhino, use your martial soul quickly!"
Niu Gao's face darkened. Faced with such formidable power, he could no longer rely solely on spirit power for defense.
"Hmph!"
He slammed his fists onto the ground. A golden Jade Armored Rhinoceros martial soul appeared, causing his already broad body to swell rapidly. His skin instantly turned black, forming a thick layer of keratin covering his body's surface.
But Niu Gao's eight spirit rings had barely materialized when Tang San's final hammer blow arrived!
"Boom boom—!"
Before he could even use his defensive spirit skill, his pupils were filled with the enlarged Clear Sky Hammer. He was blasted away from his spot like a cannonball, not only flying out of the fire circle but also crashing violently into the wall of the imposing gate of the Yu clan, embedding himself deeply into the wall, creating a human-shaped indentation!
On the central platform, Tang San's rapid rotation had stopped. The solidified killing intent dissipated, and his breathing was slightly labored. His face had turned pale due to the rapid consumption of a large amount of spirit power.
"Brother." Tang Sui walked forward, about to restore Tang San's spirit power. She was held by the wrist and subtly shaken her head. With her other hand, she touched her chest, signaling Tang Sui not to reveal her martial soul and spirit rings at that moment.
Tang Sui paused. Then, Tai Tan, who had come forward, saw the brief interaction between the siblings. He immediately understood. He stood behind Tang San, placing a hand on his back as if supporting him, and channeled spirit power into his body, helping to regulate the chaotic blood circulation caused by the shock.
Over there, Niu Gao gritted his teeth and pulled himself out of the wall, shaking off the rubble and debris. He looked at Tang San with some displeasure and said, "Kid, you won. I broke the rules just now by using my martial soul, so there's no need to wait for the incense. My word is my bond. From this day forward, our Yu clan, Tang Hao, and you siblings will have no more enmity."
Of course, the matter with the Clear Sky Sect was a separate issue.
Tang San lowered his hand and humbly said, "Actually, it was also because Senior was careless that I took advantage of the opportunity to build up my power. In a normal battle, I might not have had this chance."
Niu Gao grunted, "Alright, alright. If you lose, you lose. I'm not one to go back on my word. You can stay this time."
Tai Tan stopped channeling spirit power and stood with his hands on his hips, looking at his old friend with great understanding. "I don't think you're willing to admit defeat. You lost to a young man in terms of your strongest defense, so shouldn't you offer something in return?"
Niu Gao suddenly glared at him and said irritably, "Offer what! You old ape, do you expect me to lead the Yu clan to surrender to him?"
Tai Tan laughed heartily and extended an olive branch, "There's no need for that. However, the Young Master, the Eldest Miss, and I are planning to establish a sect called 'Tang Sect' recently. Are you interested in joining?"
Niu Gao pondered for a second and, understanding the old ape's intentions, turned away with a displeased snort and walked towards the main hall of the manor.
The few people behind him exchanged glances and also ambled along.
Upon entering the relatively enclosed hall, Niu Gao said, "Stop playing these games with me, old ape. Haven't you suffered enough from the Clear Sky Sect? Do you plan to make us go through another catastrophe?"
Niu Gao, standing at the forefront, had his hands behind his back. He turned his head, his peripheral vision sweeping towards Tai Tan, hinting at something.
Tai Tan sighed, "Old Rhino, I understand your concerns."
It was undoubtedly because the Young Master and Eldest Miss were, in the end, of Clear Sky Sect bloodline.
However, he was not blindly loyal. Instead, he had already seen the "thing" he desired.
—Author's Note—
A small bonus chapter today~
See you tomorrow~