Chapter 81: The Strike
In the blink of an eye, the third day arrived.
In the southern district of Heaven Dou City stood a massive mansion, encircled by walls more than four meters high and thick as fortress stone.
Two stone gorillas flanked the great gate, above which hung a bold plaque bearing a single large character—"Strength."
This was the estate of the Strength Clan, those bearing the Great Strength Gorilla martial soul.
At this very moment, the gates were wide open.
An old man with a lean frame and dark, brooding expression entered alongside several younger spirit masters, welcomed by the host himself.
This gloomy old man was Yang Wudi, famed as "Old Mountain Goat," patriarch of the Breaking Clan.
Yang Wudi walked into the main hall accompanied by Titan, Bai He, and Niu Gao.
Along the way came constant hearty laughter.
"Old Goat! We've been waiting for you. Old Rhino and Old Crane have already arrived. Since you're now in my territory, you'd better drink and eat plenty—none of that miserly behavior today!" Titan boomed, throwing an arm around Yang Wudi's shoulder.
"You sure live comfortably here in Heaven Dou City! Don't worry, I won't let you save a single coin," muttered the white-haired Bai He, his tone thick with envy.
Among the four single-attribute clans, the Agility Clan fared the worst.
So Bai He, head of the clan, naturally envied Titan's prosperity here in the Empire.
Yang Wudi patted his shoulder. "I told you long ago to come to the Star Luo Empire with me. We could have built something far greater together."
Of the four, Yang Wudi and Bai He were closest. Their clans often traded in secret.
The Breaking Clan's elixirs were popular across many factions, making them as wealthy as the Strength Clan—often even sponsoring Bai He's people.
"Go all the way to Star Luo? Forget it! I'd rather be here in Heaven Dou. Tai Nuo! Tai Long! Bring out the wine and dishes!" Titan shouted.
The Clear Sky Sect had originally been within the Heaven Dou Empire. Back then, all four single-attribute clans lived nearby.
After the Sect sealed itself away, the four clans became prime targets of the Spirit Hall and were forced to flee in different directions.
The Breaking and Defense Clans fled to the Star Luo Empire, while the Agility and Strength Clans remained in Heaven Dou.
The Agility Clan, being weaker and tied closely to the Clear Sky Sect, suffered the Spirit Hall's wrath and had to relocate further.
The Strength Clan, skilled in forging and well-connected with nobles, secured its position within the city.
As Titan welcomed his three guests and prepared to sit, Yang Wudi suddenly asked, "Old Gorilla, did you invite anyone else?"
Titan paused, confused. "Just us four clans—no one else."
Yang Wudi's expression darkened instantly.
He turned and strode into the courtyard.
At almost the same time, Bai He shot upward like lightning—his arms transforming into wings, his body flickering into the air.
He flew a full circuit around the mansion and landed, his face grim.
"Old Gorilla, the whole area's surrounded! Rows of Heaven Dou heavy infantry outside, and the streets are lined with siege crossbows!" he reported sharply.
"What? Impossible! I haven't offended the Empire!
I visit Prince Xue Xing every year!" Titan shouted incredulously—those "visits" being little more than paying protection money.
His massive bronze eyes blazed. "Come on, let's see what's going on!"
He marched toward the gates, with Yang Wudi close behind him, a long, black-glinting spear appearing in his hand.
It shimmered with eight spirit rings spinning along its length—bright and lethal.
Yang Wudi had a feeling—this wasn't random. They were here for him.
He had only just entered Heaven Dou City, and now the entire Strength Clan mansion was surrounded.
But the Empire had no reason to target him!
Confusion filled his heart as he followed Titan and the others out the gate.
Outside, across from the entrance, three rows of giant crossbows had been set up, with heavily armored soldiers standing behind them—thousands, arrayed in grim formation.
Tension filled the air at once.
Titan lifted his gaze and immediately recognized a familiar figure—Prince Xue Xing.
At his side stood the army's marshal, Ge Long, along with Wind Bailong, patriarch of the Wind Sword Sect, and Dream Shenji, the control-type master from Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Titan's massive body trembled. "Your Highness, what's the meaning of this? My Strength Clan has always been loyal and law-abiding. We've never offended you!"
Prince Xue Xing regarded him coolly. "Years ago, your Strength Clan faced extinction. The royal family of Heaven Dou took pity and offered you refuge here in the capital.
And now? The four single-attribute clans gather once more. Tell me—are you plotting to destroy the royal family?"
A heavy accusation—an instant noose.
Titan paled. "Your Highness, you misunderstand! Our four clans gather every two years, simply to strengthen ties and offer mutual aid.
There's nothing more to it. Surely this is all a mistake?"
"Whether it's a mistake or not—ask Yang Wudi beside you. His brother has been hiding here in Heaven Dou City for years, and he's the one who poisoned the Second and Third Princes.
So, Clan Chief Yang, will you surrender peacefully—or must we take you by force?"
Prince Xue Xing's eyes were cold as a winter blade.
Understanding dawned on Yang Wudi. So this was all because of Yang Wushuang.
He had always known that his brother had joined the Spirit Hall.
It had been his brother's choice, one he hadn't opposed, thinking it was just another way to secure their family's survival after the Clear Sky Sect's fall.
He had never imagined things would spiral so disastrously.
Titan, Bai He, and Niu Gao looked at one another, stunned. Poisoned the royal princes?
Titan himself had heard of their mysterious deaths—but to think the culprit was Yang Wushuang!
"Your Highness, Yang Wushuang severed ties with our Breaking Clan years ago. This matter has nothing to do with us!" Titan said anxiously.
"Hmph. That's for us to determine after questioning.
All soldiers—prepare!
I'll count to three. If Yang Wudi does not surrender, release the ballistae and have the heavy infantry storm the compound. Kill without mercy!"
The harsh voice came from Ge Long.
When his relative Ge Ying had been poisoned, it was confirmed to be Yang Wushuang's doing—so he bore no goodwill toward the Breaking Clan.
Even though the four clans before him held four Spirit Douluo, he was unafraid. On his side were three Spirit Douluo, a control-type master, and ranks of armored soldiers surrounding the estate in layers.
He did not see them as a threat.
His shout made both Titan and Bai He's faces darken with fury.
They now hated Yang Wushuang with all their hearts.
It was clear—Prince Xue Xing and Ge Long had planned this long in advance, waiting for Yang Wudi to enter the capital so that they could annihilate the Breaking Clan in one decisive move.
"One!"
"Two!"
Ge Long's voice rang through the courtyard.
Yang Wudi gripped his Soul-Breaking Spear tighter, torn by conflict blazing in his eyes.
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Bankai10