"Sister Xiao Wu, what did you just say?"
The Azure Bull Python stared at Xiao Wu, its giant eyes wide with disbelief. Putting aside whether this human's claims were true, even if they were, how could it be certain that the boy would also obtain a divine inheritance? Such a thing wasn't some common item found on the side of the road.
However, Xiao Wu firmly believed in Tang San's potential to achieve godhood. She continued her persuasion, "Da Ming, if you are unwilling to sacrifice yourself to my brother, then in another ten years or so, you will be left here all alone."
The Azure Bull Python fell silent. If Xiao Wu and Er Ming both ascended to the God Realm, the loneliness of being left behind would be unbearable. After a long pause, it lowered its massive bull head toward Lin Mu and spoke gruffly, "Human, how can you prove that you have truly obtained a divine inheritance?"
"Why should I prove anything to you?"
Lin Mu's gaze sharpened, and he suddenly released an overwhelming aura. Nine soul rings swirled up around him, six black and three red, radiating boundless power. Feeling this terrifying pressure, the Azure Bull Python completely abandoned its contempt. While the seventh ring came from its brother, the Titan Giant Ape, the final two rings were clearly on a different level, making even a creature of its caliber feel a sense of dread.
"I believe you," the Azure Bull Python finally conceded. "But if you want me to sacrifice myself for him, I must first see that he has the potential to gain the approval of the gods."
"Of course, no problem," Lin Mu agreed. There was plenty of time, and with Tang San's talent, divine approval was only a matter of when, not if.
Tang San's eyes flashed with excitement. He had expected a life-or-death struggle, but Xiao Wu had actually managed to persuade Da Ming. She truly was his best support. With the matter settled for now, Lin Mu led his disciple away from the Star Dou Great Forest. Even after they disappeared over the horizon, Xiao Wu continued to gaze longingly into the distance.
Meanwhile in the Sunset Forest.
"Sect Master, half a day has already passed. If Lin Mu doesn't appear, are we going to wait here forever?" the Seventh Elder asked anxiously.
The Clear Sky Sect had mobilized its top combat power for this operation. If the sect were attacked while they were away, the consequences would be catastrophic. The longer they stayed, the more uneasy they became. At this point, Tang Xiao had already subdued Dugu Bo, but the Blue Silver Emperor's main body had suffered significant damage during the skirmish.
"Since Lin Mu isn't here, we'll take Dugu Bo back as a hostage," Tang Xiao decided. "We'll leave a letter demanding that Lin Mu brings the sect's soul bones to the Clear Sky Sect in exchange for his life."
The elders' eyes lit up. The Second Elder nodded. "The Sect Master is wise. If Lin Mu dares to come to our territory alone, we can use the terrain to our advantage and take him down."
Tang Xiao turned his gaze toward Ah Yin, his brow furrowing. This location was rich in spiritual energy, perfect for her recovery. Given the injuries Tang Hao had just inflicted on her, forcibly moving her now might make her resurrection impossible. But if they left her, would Lin Mu use her as a counter-threat?
As Tang Xiao hesitated, the Seventh Elder pointed at the Blue Silver King and asked, "Sect Master, what about this beast? Should we eliminate it? It might drop a soul bone."
The Blue Silver King's cultivation was currently over 95,000 years, tantalizingly close to the 100,000-year mark.
Tang Xiao sighed. "This place is perfect for plant-type Soul Beasts. It's nearly a 100,000-year creature. In a year or two, it will provide a 100,000-year Soul Ring and a guaranteed soul bone. It's a waste to kill it now."
"Sect Master, if we don't kill it now, it might not belong to us when it matures," the Second Elder countered, his eyes gleaming with cunning. "Lin Mu likely kept it here as for his ninth soul ring. Why leave it to benefit our enemy?"
"The Second Elder is right," the other elders echoed.
Tang Xiao hesitated. Lin Mu, as a mere Soul Douluo, was already a threat to Tang Hao. If he absorbed a 100,000-year ring, his power would be unimaginable. Resolving the threat, Tang Xiao ignored Ah Yin's silent pleas and swung the Clear Sky Hammer at the Blue Silver King.
The Blue Silver King, already weakened, stood no chance. But just as the hammer was about to land, a figure flashed into view. The hammer was blocked by an even more terrifying force that knocked Tang Xiao back several meters.
"Lin Mu! Die!"
Seeing the red-armored figure appear, the dejected Tang Hao suddenly regained his fury. He raised his Clear Sky Hammer and lunged. Lin Mu didn't even look at him; he casually swung his blade. With a massive "boom", Tang Hao was sent flying like a cannonball, crashing through trees dozens of meters away.
Tang Xiao was speechless. Even at his peak, Tang Hao had been no match for Lin Mu. Now, with his cultivation diminished, his brother was just charging toward his own death.
Tang San arrived at the side of the Blue Silver Emperor's true form. Seeing his mother severely injured, his eyes turned bloodshot. He let out a primal roar: "Tang Hao, die!"
At this moment, all ties of blood were severed. Tang San disregarded Tang Hao's status as his father and unleashed a barrage of hidden weapons. Using his specialized techniques, the weapons scattered like a rain of deadly blossoms, leaving no room for escape.
Tang Hao was stunned. He hadn't expected Lin Mu's influence to be so deep that Tang San would actually try to kill his own father. In that moment of shock, several hidden weapons pierced his flesh. The pain snapped him into a frenzy.
"You wretch! I knew you weren't my son! You are nothing like me! Today, I'll clear the family name and end you!" Tang Hao roared, smashing his Clear Sky Hammer down toward Tang San.
"A beast like you dares to call himself a father!" Tang San roared back, swinging his own Clear Sky Hammer to meet the blow.
BOOM!!
The impact sent Tang San skidding back several meters, blood trickling from his lips, while Tang Hao only stumbled back twice. The gap in raw power was still evident, but the intent to kill was mutual.