Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

Wuhun City was still adorned with festive decorations. First, the champion title still belonged to Spirit Hall. Although it was under the name of Skywater Academy, everyone knew the reality of the situation. Second, news of the Mysterious Heaven Skill had spread. While distributing copies to everyone quickly would be difficult, with the restrictions lifted, Spirit Hall personnel no longer needed to keep silent about it, further confirming the news's authenticity.

Not everyone within Spirit Hall was a soul master; many were family members of soul masters. At this moment, they were celebrating.

In Han Li's residence, a few people were also celebrating, though compared to the city outside, the mood was more subdued. Winning the Soul Master Tournament championship wasn't a big deal; anyone with a bit of skill could win. Even the girls didn't feel much excitement. It's worth mentioning that Ye Lingling had officially moved in.

Perhaps in the future, she'd be regarded as a tribute from the Heaven Dou Empire. Han Li did not doubt that, given Qian Renxue's current approach, she would certainly pull off something like that.

After a bit of celebrating, the girls took Ye Lingling to help her get familiar with the surroundings, while Han Li stayed in the courtyard, chatting with Guang Ling and a few others.

"What are you planning to do with Tang Hao and the others?"

Guang Ling asked casually, glancing at his disciple, who was lazily leaning back in his chair.

"Kill them right away."

Without hesitation, Han Li replied. He had already consulted Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue, and neither had any interest in the three. As for him, he certainly wouldn't keep them alive.

Only a thoroughly dead enemy is a good enemy; this had always been his belief.

The Divine Realm's attention had shifted away even faster than he'd initially imagined. When he announced the Mysterious Heaven Skill, he once again felt the sensation of being watched by multiple gazes, even more intensely than before. But soon enough, those gazes vanished. In fact, within his Deathgod Domain, a few addresses had even been left behind.

Even without these messages, Han Li had already sensed and clearly understood that several locations on the continent now contained inheritances related to the gods.

Hmm, a bit stingy.

That was Han Li's thought after investigating.

The inheritances included those of the God of Emotions, the God of Destruction, the God of Darkness, as well as the God of War, the God of Phoenix, the God of Speed, the God of Food, and the Nine-Colored Goddess. The location of the Sea God's inheritance was also revealed as a bonus.

Of course, the Asura God's inheritance was already semi-public, and as for the Sea God, Han Li and company hadn't bothered to make contact.

At first glance, the Divine Realm seemed quite generous, even offering a few extra slots. They even seemed to let Han Li and his group choose freely. But the problem was that, up to this point, the most influential entity—Asura—had shown no intention of initiating any divine trials.

Moreover, while others might not know, Han Li was well aware that among the slots offered by the Divine Realm, only the top three, plus the Sea God's position, could be considered first-level gods. In his mind, Rong Nianbing hadn't yet broken through to become a God-King. Although a god's position didn't strictly represent combat power, it did indicate the upper limit of potential and speed of advancement.

Most importantly, divine trials had restrictions. Simply put, divine trials generally didn't favor those who were too old—though exceptional talents were an exception. Han Li wasn't too sure if his master and martial uncle could even undergo the trials if they tried. Tang Chen was an exception and couldn't be used as a reference.

Hmm, let's give it a try. After all, even if it didn't work out, as long as they didn't turn into Grand Priests, he could accept it. Even gathering a few rewards would be fine.

In any case, the plan was to push everyone to the level of Ultimate Douluo first. This was just a contingency plan. If a bloodless conflict could be achieved, that would naturally be the best outcome.

"What are you thinking about?"

Guang Ling nudged his disciple, noticing he had zoned out in the middle of their conversation.

"Nothing much, I just suddenly remembered the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower. Is it still in your hands, Master?"

Han Li snapped out of his thoughts and looked at his baby-faced teacher, teasing him.

"Luan, I just remembered I have something to tell you. Let's go talk at your place. Xiao Li, get back to work; see you tomorrow."

Guang Ling didn't answer his question. Instead, he casually grabbed Azure Luan and quickly left.

Watching his master's somewhat awkward retreating figure, Han Li couldn't help but laugh.

After sitting a while longer, Han Li got up and walked toward the empty courtyard next door. It was time to send a few people on their way. The longer he delayed, the more uneasy he felt. Only after successfully dealing with these people could he feel at ease.

...

The door creaked open.

The three members of the Tang family struggled to lift their heads, looking at Han Li as he walked in.

Han Li glanced at the shattered soul bone fragments on the ground, positioned just as before. He looked at the three, who were unable to stand due to the gravity pressing down on them, and pulled over a chair to sit.

The three had already been crippled, with no trace of soul power left. Their only remaining strength was their physical resilience, but in their severely injured state, they were even less capable than ordinary people.

"What is Spirit Hall's conspiracy?"

"You bastard, you'll never die a good death!"

"How do you know the Mysterious Heaven Skill! And what did you do to Xiao Wu?!"

Three people, three questions—or rather, Tang Hao didn't ask a question, just muttered a curse, though his words lacked any real force. Han Li wasn't interested in arguing with dead men.

Apart from Tang Xiao, who remained relatively calm, Tang Hao and his son's emotions were agitated.

"Don't rush. I've got all the time in the world, and so do you. We'll take it slow."

Han Li waved his hand, appearing a little bored.

He had no intention of torturing them, but looking at the three in front of him, he couldn't help but feel that everything had been far too easy. He first turned to Tang Xiao.

"Conspiracy? It's not a conspiracy. It's just the law of the jungle, survival of the fittest. Your Clear Sky Sect was in the way. I also needed a temporary villain as a foil, so I chose you."

"Of course, it also has something to do with the two of them. But if you hadn't overthought things, I might have had to put in a bit more effort."

Han Li gestured toward Tang Hao and Tang San beside him. Though he was only mildly interested, his twisted sense of humor hadn't diminished much.

Tang Xiao glanced at him, then at his brother and nephew beside him. He forced a slight smile, no longer resisting the gravity pressing down on him, as his face dropped to the ground, tears beginning to pool beneath him.

"Our father, Tang Chen, will avenge us. Spirit Hall will be destroyed!"

Perhaps influenced by Han Li's words, when Han Li turned his gaze to him, Tang Hao could only struggle to utter a curse-like statement.

"Tang Chen isn't dead, but he's currently suffering a fate worse than death. Don't worry, though—I'll kill him for you. Yes, when the time comes, I'll say it was at your request."

Han Li gave a particularly malicious grin, pausing deliberately in the middle of his speech to let a brief glimmer of hope rise in the Tang brothers' hearts—only to snuff it out just as quickly. Watching the two men glare at him, Han Li's mood brightened considerably.

He had always been a shadowy figure behind the scenes, working tirelessly to improve himself, changing many things, yet keeping most of his thoughts buried inside, with no one to share them with. Perhaps these three could help him relieve some of that pressure. Han Li's smile widened a bit more.

"Oh, right. I almost forgot to tell you: Ah Yin isn't dead. I took her away. She even watched part of the Soul Master Tournament."

Han Li extended his right hand, making a small gap between his thumb and forefinger.

"Of course, I only let her see a little bit. Just the part where Tang San said you approached Ah Yin to study the secret techniques of Bone Replacement. How touching, right?"

This wasn't a lie. Han Li had indeed projected a brief scene above the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, though it wasn't related to Ah Yin. He had shown it to the Blue Silver King. As for Ah Yin herself, she was merely a soul ring for Ye Lingling. Han Li didn't care about her feelings, but that didn't stop him from using her to mess with Tang Hao.

"Do you want to say something? Too bad, I won't let you."

As Han Li spoke, he used his soul power to seal Tang Hao's mouth. Tang Hao could only make muffled sounds, glaring at Han Li with murderous intent, though he couldn't even move.

"Now it's your turn, Xiao San."

Han Li turned to Tang San, who had been glaring at him with resentment since the moment he entered. To avoid interruptions, Han Li had sealed Tang San's mouth at the same time as Tang Hao's.

"Don't look at me like that. Did you forget? We're friends—we even shook hands."

Han Li thought for a moment, then looked at him seriously.

"Xiao Wu is doing quite well, at least compared to you. She's still in a deep sleep, and she'll remain that way until she becomes Zhuqing's soul ring."

"Don't give me that angry look. There's nothing more to say between her and me. She won't even feel any pain. Let her die peacefully, still holding onto the belief that she sacrificed herself for you. That's already the best treatment."

Ignoring Tang San's glare, Han Li flipped his left hand, dropping a few items onto the ground. With just one glance, Tang San's expression turned to horror. His struggles intensified as if he wanted to back away. His movements also caught the attention of Tang Hao and Tang Xiao.

"The Torrential Pear Blossom Needle, Peacock Plume, and Buddha Fury Tang Lotus—don't they look familiar?"

"The Tang Sect's third rule: If your opponent is an enemy and seeks death, show no mercy. Otherwise, you will only bring trouble upon yourself."

Han Li scratched his head and looked at Tang San, asking somewhat uncertainly, "Xiao San, I haven't recited it in years. Did I get it right?"

Tang San stopped struggling, his gaze toward Han Li now filled with fear. His body trembled uncontrollably, though no sound escaped his sealed mouth.

"Oh, by the way, do you still remember me? I think I had a name... Tang Yin, right?"

"It's been a long time since we parted at Hell's Peak. Good to see you again."

"The Tang Sect's seventh rule: Stealing the sect's secret techniques—you have chosen the path of death."

Han Li whispered the last sentence directly into Tang San's ear.