Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

Replacing human bloodlines with those of soul beasts?

As soon as Han Li said this, the entire venue erupted into an uproar. His words were heavy, and their implications terrifying. Until today, Tang San and his companions had been legitimate participants in the Soul Master Tournament, fighting their way to the finals. Though luck had played a part, their talents were undeniable. If not for today's sudden revelations, they would have undoubtedly reached at least the rank of Soul Sage. And what about their families and descendants—would they follow the same path?

At this thought, many people began to look at those on stage with altered expressions.

"There's no such thing!"

Tang Xiao protested.

"I've said before, I know nothing about the Secret Technique, and the Clear Sky Sect has never been involved in it."

He was desperate to sever all ties with Tang Hao and his son, unwilling to let the sect be endangered simply because Tang Hao was his brother.

"Oh, really, Sect Master Tang?"

Han Li replied, unimpressed.

"Then can you explain what your Clear Sky Sect members have been doing in the Soul Beast Forest over the past month?"

"If you'd only been sneaking around, the Spirit Hall might have overlooked it. We're not unreasonable. But given the current situation, it's more than you make it out to be."

With a flick of his wrist, Han Li produced a report and map, throwing them toward Tang Xiao.

Tang Xiao's hands trembled as he opened the map, his pupils contracting at the sight. The locations marked were precisely the soul beast gathering areas he and the sect elders had chosen.

"The outskirts of the Soul Beast Forest have always been under the Spirit Hall's surveillance, so uncovering this was not difficult," Han Li continued. "Sect Master Tang, can you explain why your Clear Sky Sect has been hunting large numbers of power-type soul beasts? What are you preparing for?"

"If I remember correctly, without the intention of acquiring soul rings, such actions are forbidden, are they not? Or is this part of the Clear Sky Secret Technique? Are you somehow extracting soul beast bloodlines and power?"

"And if this secret technique truly makes soul masters stronger, it doesn't seem impressive to me."

Han Li's soft, eerie words struck Tang Xiao like a death sentence.

The crowd compared Tang San's group with Shui Bing'er's team, nodding slightly. It did appear that the effects were unimpressive. Tang San's team hadn't defeated the Spirit Hall team, and aside from Tang San, none could claim a definite victory over Yu Tianheng.

Tang Xiao was about to respond when Tang Hao, struggling to stand, interrupted.

"Hahaha! Brother, what's the point of explaining?"

Tang Hao's voice was cold.

"Don't you see he's already targeted the Clear Sky Sect? He knows all our movements, and this so-called secret technique is just an excuse."

"The Spirit Hall remains as hypocritical as ever."

Tang Hao's mind had cleared since his injuries, though his gaze toward Han Li still burned with hatred.

"A broken dog bark wildly in front of me?"

Han Li scoffed.

"Tang Hao, the Clear Sky Sect's downfall is entirely your doing, isn't it? You consorted with soul beasts, drove your father to his death, raised wolf thieves, harbored a soul beast in human form, and even dragged the Star Luo Empire's prince down with you. Calling you a traitor to humanity is a compliment."

"Our Spirit Hall has always been dedicated to maintaining peace on the continent. Given your precedent, how can you expect us not to keep a close watch on the Clear Sky Sect now that they've reemerged?"

Han Li's words ignited the Spirit Hall members, who unconsciously puffed out their chests with pride.

"Yes, this is exactly what the Spirit Hall stands for!"

"Tang Xiao, are you going to act or not? Or are you refusing?"

Han Li's voice cut through the silence, and Tang Xiao replied with a bitter smile. He glanced at his silent brother, knowing the Clear Sky Sect was finished. Once again, Tang Hao had dragged them into a deep pit—this time, one they couldn't escape.

The label of soul beast traitor would forever stain the Clear Sky Sect, dooming it to shame. Tang Xiao knew that acting now no longer mattered. The initial experiments with bone replacement involved the sect's elite soul masters. He had planned to share the bone replacement publicly in hopes of securing their survival. But with Han Li's accusation about replacing human bloodlines, that path was blocked.

Denials of the Clear Sky Secret Technique were now futile; Han Li had exposed the sect's movements, and Tang Hao's words had placed them firmly on the opposite side of the Spirit Hall. The Clear Sky Sect was already a shadow of its former self.

"Does it even matter whether I act? Would you let the Clear Sky Sect go?"

Tang Xiao asked, smiling with resignation and bitterness.

"Of course, it matters. This is the difference between being the main culprit and an accomplice," Han Li responded with a patient tone, even nodding solemnly.

"Fine."

Tang Xiao took a deep breath, and the dark Clear Sky Hammer appeared in his right hand, with nine perfectly formed soul rings surrounding him. At that moment, his aura exploded, and the crowd suddenly realized that this Sect Master Tang Xiao, who had been so passive, was, in fact, a genuine Super Douluo.

"I did my best."

A grim smile appeared on Tang Xiao's face as he looked at Tang Hao and his son, sorrow flashing in his eyes—Clear Sky Sect was about to fall.

"Hm."

For once, Tang Hao's usual indifference was gone, and he met his brother's gaze silently.

"Clear Sky Nine Absolutes—Bind!"

In Tang Xiao's hand, the Clear Sky Hammer emitted a dark glow, sweeping toward Tang Hao and Tang San. Tang San wanted to resist, but the immense soul power left him struggling to breathe. Beside him, Xiao Wu was in the same state, her soul power was also sealed. Tang Hao, however, widened his eyes in shock—he recognized the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes well.

"Live well, and don't come back. This is the last thing I can do for you."

The Clear Sky Hammer swung past Tang Hao and Tang San, its force lifting them and throwing them toward the edge of the arena. Tang Xiao seized the moment, spinning around to grab Xiao Wu with his left hand, and leaping into the air. As he faced the audience, a trace of hesitation flashed in his eyes but disappeared quickly—he had already made his choice, hadn't he?

"Clear Sky Nine Absolutes—Shock!"

Just as Tang Hao had done before him, Tang Xiao's Clear Sky Hammer expanded to the size of a mountain as he activated his martial soul's avatar, drawing on every amplification from his soul rings. Though he didn't know the Great Sumeru Hammer technique, nor could he detonate his rings, he was stronger than Tang Hao in both level and condition. His understanding of the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes was also more refined.

But instead of attacking Han Li, knowing Han Li could block it, he aimed his strike at the audience and the distant, imposing Pope's Palace. This move, he was sure, would draw everyone's attention and give Tang Hao and Tang San precious time to escape. Tang San had great potential and might someday revive the Clear Sky Sect.

As for Xiao Wu, she had no chance of escape. Bringing her along would only hinder Tang Hao and Tang San. Besides, he needed her to extend his resistance.

"Help me."

This was the only message Tang Xiao conveyed to Xiao Wu through his spiritual power.

Xiao Wu watched as Tang Hao and Tang San flew toward the arena's edge, a radiant smile appearing on her face.

"Brother, goodbye. Live well."

"No, Xiao Wu!"

Tang San's cry of despair pierced the air as he watched his uncle and Xiao Wu soar into the sky. The wind's howl made him understand everything. Midair, Tang Hao clenched his teeth as he bit down on Tang San's clothing, tears filling his eyes. When Tang Xiao swung the Clear Sky Hammer and shouted "Bind," Tang Hao had already understood his brother's decision.

Don't look back. Run. That was Tang Xiao's choice. He had given Tang Hao and his son their last chance for survival, placing all hope in them to preserve the Clear Sky Sect's legacy.

Below, the crowd was panicking, with countless people scrambling to flee. Though the Clear Sky Hammer's strike hadn't yet landed, the pressure alone engulfed them, and many faces were contorted with despair.

"Why panic?"

"And Tang Xiao, I gave you a chance. This is the path you chose."

Han Li's voice echoed through the arena.

At that moment, Tang Xiao, in mid-attack; the Spirit Hall members raising their defenses; and the high-ranking spectators preparing to strike back—all turned their eyes skyward to Han Li, who still wore a calm smile.

"Ice-Fire Domain, activate."

Crimson and pure white lights burst forth from above, centering on Han Li. Instantly, a vast circular domain enveloped the entire arena. Silence fell across the world. All sounds—whether panicked cries, rushing wind, or the hum of soul power—stilled entirely.

Frozen, too, were the Clear Sky Hammer's massive descent and Tang Hao and Tang San, who had almost reached the arena's edge. Their mouths were half-open, eyes wide in shock, yet their bodies, even their eyes, remained immobilized—only their thoughts raced.

The Two Elements Domain rotated slowly, wearing down the full force of the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes' Shock technique. Unseen by all, Han Li discreetly took something from his wristband, placing it in his mouth, and a fine plant powder from his sleeve dispersed gradually within the domain.

Calm and still—if a phrase could capture the arena's state now, it would be just that.