Chapter 36: Enemies Cross Paths — Encounter with Tang Hao and Tang San
Dugu Bo had just finished helping Gui Mei and Yue Guan extract the soul bones from the Sky Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape.
As he felt the vast energy surging within those hundred-thousand-year soul bones, envy flickered in his eyes—but only briefly.
After all, he was a man who knew gratitude.
Gui Mei and Yue Guan had not only cured the poison afflicting him and his granddaughter Dugu Yan but had also helped them grow stronger. With such kindness and trust between them, he would never covet their soul bones.
Besides, Dugu Bo understood very well—
With Gui Mei's current power, even if Bibi Dong or Qian Daoliu personally made a move, Gui Mei would not be afraid.
Compared to those two supreme beings, however, Yue Guan's strength was still lacking. That was why a hundred-thousand-year soul bone would greatly help him fill that gap.
"Old Ghost," Dugu Bo said, breaking the silence, "the Soul Master Tournament is less than three months away. Isn't it time to take you to the academy?"
Gui Mei nodded slightly.
"Almost time."
"Then once we return, both of you can stay at my mansion," Dugu Bo continued with a smile. "It's quiet and convenient. Besides, Yanyan's been pestering me—she's dying to meet her two mysterious benefactors."
Gui Mei exchanged a glance with Yue Guan.
Everyone in Spirit Hall knew of the past grudge between Dugu Bo and Yue Guan, so staying at Dugu Bo's estate would be unexpected—and therefore safe from unwanted attention.
"Old Poison, let's do as you say," Ghost Douluo replied with a faint smile.
Then he turned to Yue Guan.
"Old Chrysanthemum, it's still early. Hurry and fuse that right arm bone. It won't take long—we'll wait here until you're done."
"Alright."
Yue Guan looked down at the hundred-thousand-year-old right arm bone in his hand, his heartbeat quickening.
He could clearly sense the immense power sealed within it. The strength of the Titan Giant Ape would make his attacks far more devastating.
Without hesitation, he sat cross-legged, regulated his breathing, and gently pressed the soul bone against his right arm—beginning the fusion process.
Gui Mei stood guard quietly beside him.
Meanwhile, deep within another part of the forest—
Tang San slowly opened his eyes from meditation. A rush of excitement shone within them as he felt the immense changes in his body.
He and Tang Hao had ventured into the Star Dou Great Forest together, where they hunted down a 12,000-year-old Nether Demon Spider.
After enduring intense pain, he had successfully absorbed its soul ring.
Now, he possessed his first ten-thousand-year ring, officially stepping into the realm of a five-ring Soul King.
The energy within this ring was far more overwhelming than any thousand-year ring he had absorbed before—like comparing a raging storm to a gentle breeze.
Tang Hao walked over, his eyes softening slightly.
"Xiao San, congratulations. You've obtained your first ten-thousand-year soul ring. You're only fourteen years old and already a Soul King with five rings—an achievement unmatched across the entire Douluo Continent. You've done well. I'm proud of you. With your talent and growth rate, you'll surpass me one day."
Tang San smiled, determination burning in his eyes.
"Father, I'll continue to work hard. I won't disappoint you."
But deep inside, he carried the heavy burden of vengeance—for his mother, and for Xiao Wu.
Though his cultivation speed was already extraordinary, in his heart, it was still far from enough.
Because his greatest enemies—Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo—were both peak-level powerhouses above rank ninety-five.
To face them one day, he had to grow even faster.
"Father," Tang San said, "my soul power has reached rank fifty-two. I gained a new skill—Blue Silver Assault. When activated, my Blue Silver Grass becomes as hard as iron and can strike the enemy like a spear."
Tang Hao nodded approvingly.
"A solid ten-thousand-year skill. Not bad."
"Father," Tang San hesitated, then asked softly, "After we visit Auntie, can we return to the Clear Sky Sect?"
He knew this question weighed on his father's heart for many years.
Tang Hao had always wanted to return—but guilt had chained him.
The Clear Sky Sect valued strength above all else.
Now, at just fourteen, Tang San had already reached the level of a five-ring Soul King—a talent unmatched among his generation. He wanted to return to the sect, not only to redeem his father's honor but also to show that the son of Tang Hao was no shame to the Clear Sky name.
He believed—his uncle, the Sect Master, would not turn them away.
The Clear Sky Sect was not only a place of power—it was also one of the few places where Tang Hao could safely rest and heal his injuries.
But Tang Hao slowly shook his head.
"Xiao San, with your current strength, you're already invincible among your peers. But that's still not enough. You've yet to achieve any real accomplishments. The upcoming Soul Master Tournament is a chance to prove your strength—and a perfect opportunity to gain combat experience. Most importantly, the champion's prize includes three soul bones."
Tang San blinked in surprise.
"Soul Master Tournament? And the reward is three soul bones?!"
Tang Hao chuckled. "Let's go. I'll explain on the way."
Father and son began walking toward the forest's edge, talking as they moved.
Tang San had only recently emerged from the Slaughter City, and the murderous aura clinging to his body was still too intense.
Originally, Tang Hao had planned to bring him to Moon Pavilion for a while, so he could learn refinement and restraint, helping him suppress the killing intent.
But with the tournament fast approaching, there was no longer time for that.
To Tang Hao's relief, Tang San's mental strength was far greater than he had imagined. With a few words of guidance, Tang San had already learned to control his murderous aura far better than expected.
Much of this progress came from the evolution of his Dark Blue Silver Grass.
Even while enveloped by that endless darkness, Tang San hadn't lost himself—he had held firm.
Satisfied, Tang Hao made up his mind.
He would have Tang San head to Shrek Academy, find Yu Xiaogang, and join the others to participate in the upcoming Soul Master Tournament.
For Yu Xiaogang, this was also an opportunity—a chance to prove himself once and for all.
Less than an hour later, Yue Guan completed the fusion of the hundred-thousand-year right arm bone.
Just as Gui Mei had expected, the fusion granted Yue Guan two powerful new skills.
The first was Titan Firmament Breaker — a devastating strike that compressed air into energy through mastery of gravity, unleashing explosive force upon impact.
The second was Gravity Control — a wide-area ability allowing him to manipulate gravitational strength at will, increasing or decreasing it as he desired.
Both skills dramatically enhanced Yue Guan's offensive power, elevating his strength to an entirely new level.
Afterward, the trio—Gui Mei, Yue Guan, and Dugu Bo—hurried toward the outer perimeter of the Star Dou Great Forest, preparing to make their way to Heaven Dou City.
Before long, they exited the forest's dense heart and approached its outer edge.
Suddenly, Gui Mei—who was moving swiftly ahead—came to an abrupt stop.
After fusing with the nearly two-hundred-thousand-year spiritual head soul bone, his perception had become astonishingly sharp. He instantly sensed a strange fluctuation of soul power—faint yet oddly familiar.
Yue Guan and Dugu Bo halted as well.
"Old Ghost, what's wrong?" Yue Guan asked, frowning slightly.
Gui Mei's eyes narrowed.
"I sensed an unusual aura… it feels like Tang San."
"Tang San?!" Yue Guan's expression darkened in surprise. "So he's here too? Then Tang Hao must be nearby as well. Hah—what a small world! Seems fate wants us to meet again. This time, we can't let them escape!"
Excitement glimmered in his tone.
After all, with his newfound power, he finally had the confidence to face Tang Hao head-on.
Gui Mei turned toward Dugu Bo, his voice calm but serious.
"Old Poison, Tang Hao and his son are both cunning. They shouldn't see you with us. Otherwise, he might turn on you—and that could put your granddaughter at risk. Head to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well first. We'll meet you there once this is over, then go to Heaven Dou City together."
Dugu Bo nodded.
"Understood. I'll wait for you there."
He knew Gui Mei was right. With his current strength, provoking Tang Hao was far too dangerous—and he still had his granddaughter Dugu Yan to protect.
After Dugu Bo departed, Gui Mei and Yue Guan accelerated once more, following the faint, familiar pulse of soul power through the forest—straight toward the father and son who had once tried to kill them.
—
End of Chapter