Tang San., Xiao Wu., Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun., Ning Rongrong.
And a strange unfamiliar figure—Fren, Zhu Zhuqing was nowhere to be seen.
While several martial souls had changed and he was able to pin point them. He knew Douluo Dalu's original story like the back of his hand. However his thinking direction went to a different direction as if it was logical.
'Martial soul evolution…It must be the immortal herbs from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.'
And the culprit behind it all—Anger surged violently.
'Dugu Bo…" Yu Ming sneered inwardly. 'You old snake.'
'You chose to become Tang San's dog. Providing him immortal herbs without hesitation.'
'Yet you drove me away back then— When I sincerely offered to cure you and even asked for Dugu Yan's hand.'
Jealousy, resentment, and humiliation churned together, thiking that Dugu Bo had surrendered to Tang san like in the original story.
In his rage, Yu Ming had completely overlooked crucial inconsistencies.
Ning Rongrong's pagoda had reached eight floors, Ma Hongjun's Evil Fire Phoenix burned with eerie purple flames.
All of it was dismissed subconsciously.
Now that the clan had grown stronger, the humiliation of that year would be repaid—tenfold.
But first— He would settle Yu Tianheng's grudge.
After all, blood was blood.
Yu Ming turned back, smiling warmly.
"Let's go," he said lightly. "We'll teach that scoundrel a lesson."
Yu Tianheng hesitated. Something about his brother felt different… heavier.
Yu Ming's smile faded. His voice deepened, carrying unquestionable authority.
"Don't you believe in my strength, Tianheng?"
Boom—
An invisible pressure burst forth,a powerful aura of a Soul Sage surged.
Yu Tianheng's eyes widened in shock.
"Brother… you…!"
Yu Ming raised a finger and gently pressed it against his lips.
"Shh."
His eyes gleamed with cold amusement.
"Let's keep it a secret for now."
He glanced at the walls.
"After all… they say even walls have ears."
-----
The Next day
Heaven Dou City
Qin Ming stepped out of the medicine shop, both arms laden with cloth sacks filled with medicinal herbs. His brow was furrowed.
'I don't know how long Tang San plans to continue concocting antidotes for his father… It's already been months.'
While Tang Hao's condition had improved. The poison embedded in his body was insidious—intertwined with soul power itself. With Tang San's knowledge of poisons Tang Hao was recovering..
Qin Ming let out a quiet sigh. Just as he stepped onto the street—
Whoosh!
A shadow flashed past him. The weight in his arms vanished.
His pupils contracted.
Before he could react, one bag of medicinal herbs had already been snatched, the thief darting away with practiced speed.
Qin Ming's gaze locked onto the retreating figure.
He recognized the back profile as it was someone he was familiar with
'…Tianheng?'
Without hesitation, Qin Ming's soul power erupted.
As a Soul Sage, his speed surpassed ordinary perception. He shot forward like a streak of light, rapidly closing the distance. The fleeing figure weaved through streets with familiarity, clearly leading him somewhere.
The pursuit ended in a narrow, secluded alley, hemmed in by tall stone walls. The sounds of the bustling city faded, replaced by an oppressive silence.
The figure stopped.
Qin Ming halted several steps away, his eyes sharp.
He spoke in a strict, restrained tone—one befitting a former teacher.
"Tianheng. What is the meaning of this?"
The figure reached up and removed the mask.
As expected— Yu Tianheng.
There was no guilt on his face, only restrained resentment.
"The mask has lost its purpose," Yu Tianheng said calmly. "After all, you already recognized me."
His eyes hardened.
"But isn't that my question to ask you, Teacher Qin Ming?"
Qin Ming's brows knitted together.
Yu Tianheng continued, voice rising.
"You deliberately made us lose. Sacrificed our dignity. Just to show loyalty to your alma mater."
Qin Ming's expression darkened instantly.
"That's nonsense," he snapped. "You lost because you were not strong enough."
"The Shrek team was stronger. That is the truth."
Yu Tianheng stared at him for a moment—
Then suddenly burst into laughter.
"Hahaha…!"
His laughter echoed harshly against the stone walls.
"Teacher Qin Ming," Yu Tianheng said between chuckles, "are you truly that forgetful?"
He took a step forward.
"You were the one who told us— To hold back, go easy and not to use our ultimate moves."
Qin Ming's face flushed slightly with anger.
"That's quibbling!" he retorted sharply. "Excuses made by the weak."
Before Yu Tianheng could reply—
Clap. Clap. Clap.Clap.
Slow, deliberate applause echoed through the alley. The sound was clear, rhythmic, and mocking.
Qin Ming's pupils shrank.
A tall young man stepped out from the shadows at the end of the alley.
He had black hair, sharp facial lines, and an imposing build. His features bore an some resemblance to Yu Tianheng.
His lips curved into a lazy smile.
"Well said," the man remarked lightly. "Very educational."
He looked at Qin Ming as though examining a specimen and said as if a taunt
"Qin Ming, I presume you are the famous youngest Soul King"
Yu Tianheng turned slightly, his posture straightening instinctively.
"Brother."
The young man nodded faintly, eyes never leaving Qin Ming. "I was just listening."
His smile deepened.
"And I must say—"
"You truly are… impressive at justifying betrayal."
"So," Yu Ming said lightly, rolling his shoulders,
"now that the two of you have finished airing your grievances…"
His gaze sharpened.
"Why don't I move on to the next act."
Yu Ming took a single step forward.
"Martial Soul Possession—Azure Dragon."
Boom—
Azure light erupted violently.
Scales the color of deep sky covered parts of his arms, shoulders, and chest, each one etched with faint, ancient patterns. A powerful dragon tail burst forth from his back, smashing into the stone ground with a heavy thud.
The pressure that followed was not just merely soul power, but blood pressure.