[DD]: 168

The absorption of the soul bone went smoothly.

The pleasant sensation radiating from his left arm made Yu Xiaogang, who hailed from a prestigious family but had never imagined he'd have such an opportunity due to his martial soul, feel deeply grateful.

"Your Eminence, I..."

Yu Xiaogang, not even bothering to put on his shoes, jumped off the bed, eager to share with Tang Hao the new spirit ability he had gained.

However, Tang Hao's next words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head.

"Enough. I don't care what spirit ability you gained, and you don't need to tell me. Even though you absorbed a soul bone and your level increased, you're still just as weak."

Yu Xiaogang's smile froze on his face.

During the absorption of the soul bone, he had come to understand Tang Hao's intentions. But to say something like that to his face—wasn't that a bit too much?

Does being a titled Douluo mean one can do whatever one wants?

Yet, faced with this overwhelming power, Yu Xiaogang had no choice but to swallow his pride and accept it. However, his tightly clenched fists had already caused his nails to pierce his palms, drawing small spots of blood.

It was the same as before. He had had enough of this.

But after a brief moment of intense anger, his emotions slowly stabilized.

Tang Hao glanced at Yu Xiaogang's lowered head and clenched fists without showing any expression, a flash of disdain briefly appearing in his eyes.

If it weren't for the fact that Yu Xiaogang was the son of Yu Yuanzhen, he wouldn't even be worth a second glance.

"Tomorrow morning, go find Xiao San and discuss the bone replacement with him. You don't need to worry about finding a healing soul master. If Xiao San agrees, it would be best to carry it out here. Do you understand?"

Tang Hao spoke in a tone as if he were ordering a servant. After having recently interacted with the Strength Clan again, he had regained some of the authority and demeanor he used to have.

Yu Xiaogang suppressed his discomfort and nodded, then cautiously asked, "Yes, Your Eminence. But may I ask what soul beast you have prepared for Xiao San?"

He didn't doubt Tang Hao's strength, but he believed that, even if someone were stronger than him, no one on the continent knew more about soul beasts than he did.

Tang Hao, knowing Yu Xiaogang's thoughts, didn't mind and proudly said, "A nearly ten-thousand-year-old Vajra Baboon."

The Wind Baboon tribe from the Sunset Forest was one of the subordinate tribes of the Vajra Baboon clan—something Tang Hao had only discovered when he was attacked while slaughtering the Wind Baboons.

"A Vajra Baboon?"

Yu Xiaogang exclaimed in surprise. Though he had never seen one, he had read about this soul beast and was quite familiar with it.

It was said to be the natural enemy of the Titan Giant Ape, and the two races had once engaged in a war that lasted for hundreds of years.

Although the Vajra Baboon clan was ultimately defeated, their loss was attributed to inferior intelligence. In terms of raw power and physical strength, they were considered top-tier among soul beasts.

Using such a beast for the bone replacement of Tang San, who hadn't even reached the Soul Ancestor level yet, was incredibly extravagant.

Seeing the look on Yu Xiaogang's face, Tang Hao seemed to notice how small-minded he was and spoke disdainfully:

"What do you know? Xiao San's Blue Silver Grass is currently restricted, so he needs to lean more toward developing his Clear Sky Hammer. With a stronger foundation, his future achievements will be even greater."

"A ten-thousand-year-old soul beast—that's all it is. For it to become part of Xiao San's foundation and fuel his progress is its good fortune."

"Moreover, with the boost from the Vajra Baboon's bone, Xiao San's strength will improve significantly. Even without relying on his martial soul, just with his self-created spirit abilities, his peers may not be able to defeat him in the Soul Master Tournament."

"Think about the changes in your own body. Once Xiao San wields the Clear Sky Hammer, the enhancement will be unmatched."

Tang Hao pointed at Yu Xiaogang's nose, then at his hair, which was gradually turning green.

"Indeed."

Yu Xiaogang unconsciously twitched his nose, showing an excited expression.

After the bone replacement, his sense of smell had been enhanced, and although he wasn't particularly happy about the change in his hair color, he could accept it in exchange for increased combat strength.

And to think, he had only replaced his bones with those of a mere hundred-year-old Wild Dog, while his beloved disciple was about to receive the bones of a ten-thousand-year-old Vajra Baboon. The difference couldn't be more significant.

Yu Xiaogang had no expectations from Tang Hao, but as for Tang San, if he performed well this time, shouldn't he look out for his teacher?

After all, he was still hoping to upgrade to even better soul beast bones, like those from a dragon-type soul beast.

"No problem, Your Eminence. I'll go find Xiao San first thing tomorrow and explain everything to him. I'm sure he'll agree."

Yu Xiaogang patted his chest and answered confidently.

"Yes, of course. But you must not force Xiao San to choose. If he doesn't want to, then leave it."

Tang Hao looked at the excited Yu Xiaogang and coldly reminded him.

Unlike Yu Xiaogang, Tang Hao was in no rush. In his view, Tang San's current cultivation speed wasn't slow. It didn't matter if he didn't make a name for himself in the Soul Master Tournament.

If, after the tournament, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass martial soul still couldn't progress quickly, Tang Hao didn't mind giving it up. Switching entirely to the Clear Sky Hammer would be acceptable.

As for the plan Yu Xiaogang had to delay adding soul rings to the Clear Sky Hammer until Tang San reached the Titled Douluo level, Tang Hao found it completely unrealistic.

Aside from Bibi Dong, all those in history who had attempted to cultivate twin martial souls had ended up exploding and dying.

Given his status as a direct disciple of the Clear Sky Clan, it was obvious, even using basic logic, that Bibi Dong would never reveal the secret to her success.

Rather than aiming too high, it was better to stay grounded.

In his original plan, Tang San was supposed to switch to training the Clear Sky Hammer after he could handle ten thousand-year soul rings. The Blue Silver Grass was just a temporary cover and a transitional tool.

"Yes, Your Eminence, I understand," Yu Xiaogang replied bitterly, nodding his head, not daring to feel even the slightest hint of anger.

This was different from earlier. He knew that if he harbored any ulterior motives, Tang Hao would show him what true cruelty meant.

Still, he quickly tried to motivate himself.

The Soul Master Tournament was something Xiao San longed to excel in. He would surely agree, right?

"Alright, I'm going to rest. Tomorrow, I'll wait for your news," Tang Hao said, then walked out of the room and into the one across the hall.

Yu Xiaogang stood there for a long time, finally feeling the coldness under his feet, before closing the door and returning to his bed.

Lying down, he turned his head to look blankly at his left arm. The excitement of obtaining a soul bone had completely vanished, and now he wasn't even sure if he could fall asleep tonight.

Across the hall, Tang Hao sat in a chair, his figure hidden in the darkness, but his eyes gleamed brighter.

There was another reason he had given Yu Xiaogang the soult bone, besides confirming the bone replacement method.

Bone replacement could indeed enhance one's strength. To say Tang Hao wasn't tempted by the prospect would be a lie.

Even though he was already a Titled Douluo, many soul beasts still possessed physical strength that surpassed his.

However, unlike Yu Xiaogang, Tang Hao's body was already full of soul bones. He wasn't sure if replacing his bones would disrupt the effectiveness of the ones he had already absorbed.

If bone replacement would affect his existing soul bones, no matter how tempting the idea, he wouldn't proceed. After all, the soul bones he possessed were the Clear Sky Clan's legacy. But if it wouldn't affect anything...

Tang Hao grew excited, his heart beating so fast he could hardly control it.

If it worked, Tang Hao would gladly proclaim the bone replacement method as the strongest technique. With this method in his hands, he wouldn't just be holding a secret technique—he would be holding the future.

This would reshape the landscape of the Soul Master world. The Clear Sky Clan could re-emerge and dominate the continent once again.

When that time came, he would launch the most lethal attack against the Spirit Hall, avenging his father's death and the loss of his wife.

Yes, from Tang Hao's perspective, it was all the Spirit Hall's fault. He was purely a victim.

As for Yu Xiaogang, the discoverer of the bone replacement method, he was nothing more than an ant that could be crushed at any moment.

What opinion could he possibly have?

What right did he have to an opinion?

Being the first test subject and receiving the soul bone bestowed by Tang Hao was already the greatest honor he could hope for.

If Yu Xiaogang behaved and followed orders, he might still enjoy some praise as Tang San's teacher.

Of course, the title of discoverer of the method was out of his reach. That belonged to Tang Hao and his son.

But if Yu Xiaogang didn't behave, Tang Hao would simply reclaim the soul bone.

There were countless ways Tang Hao could make Yu Xiaogang disappear without a trace, in a manner that even Yu Yuanzhen would never find any evidence of.

Besides, when had the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the weakest of the top three clans, ever dared to question the Clear Sky Clan, the strongest? Did they want to experience the weight of the Clear Sky Clan's power?

For now, though, it seemed that Yu Xiaogang was behaving. He hadn't made any moves or contacted the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.

Previously, Yu Xiaogang didn't have the chance. But after Tang Hao reconnected with the Strength Clan, he had even fewer opportunities.

At this very moment, Tai Tan had stationed his clan members around the residence to provide 24-hour surveillance. With Yu Xiaogang's strength, there was no way for him to escape.

Everything was under control. Tang Hao closed his eyes and thought triumphantly to himself.

It's all coming back—everything is coming back!

Though he was still lurking in the shadows for now, he had regained the feeling of being at the peak of his power, dominating the continent as in the old days.

The only regret was that Ah Yin could no longer be by his side.

Also, of the four single-attribute clans, only the Strength Clan had returned to his side.

After Tai Tan sent his message, the other three clans had yet to respond.

He would give them more time. If the three clans still didn't respond after the Soul Master Tournament, he would have to visit them personally to remind them of their place.

It seemed they had forgotten the Clear Sky Clan's reputation. By then, they would no longer be worthy of following him.

A group of disloyal fools who couldn't see the bigger picture—Tang Hao didn't need them!

However, what Tang Hao didn't know was that, within the Star Luo Empire, the leaders of the three clans had already held two secret meetings and reached a unified decision.

The first meeting took place after Yang Wudi and Bai He returned.

The second meeting had occurred not long ago, right when they received Tai Tan's message, which only further solidified their decision.