Chapter 79: Hostages and Desperation – Tang Hao's Ruthless Gamble

"Quick, after him!!" shouted Bibi Dong, her eyes narrowing sharply. Sensing what Tang Hao might be up to, she immediately increased her flying speed. Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, Qianjun Douluo, and Dragon Subduing Douluo, all flying alongside her, heard the command and pushed themselves to pursue Tang Hao with all their might.

But despite their efforts, they just couldn't match his speed. With the power of the 100,000-year Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone, Tang Hao moved even faster than before.

After soaring over vast forests, Tang Hao descended from the sky like a meteor, crashing into a bustling street in the heart of Nuoding City. The force of his landing shattered the ground, sending dust and debris flying in all directions.

"Cough, cough... What just happened? Where's all this dust coming from?"

"Did something fall from the sky?"

"I think it was... a person!"

The streets of Nuoding City were alive with people. Vendors called out their wares, and the chatter of the crowd filled the air. But that all changed when Tang Hao crashed down, scattering people in all directions as dust billowed around them. Those nearby raised their arms to shield themselves, while confused whispers spread through the crowd.

Suddenly, from within the cloud of dust, Tang Hao exploded into action.

"Haotian Nine Strokes, First Stroke – Shock!"

Moving at an astonishing speed, Tang Hao charged down the street, gripping his Clear Sky Hammer tightly in his left hand. With each hammer strike on the ground, waves of soul force rippled outwards, sending civilians flying into the air like ragdolls. Screams of panic echoed across the streets as these innocent bystanders hurtled straight toward Bibi Dong and her group.

"Your Majesty, be careful!!" shouted Chrysanthemum Douluo as he saw the civilians being flung through the air like missiles.

"Save them!" Bibi Dong commanded, her expression hardening with anger. She couldn't believe Tang Hao was using innocent civilians as shields. There was no way they could continue the chase without saving these people.

Bibi Dong, despite her ruthless reputation, wasn't completely without compassion. Perhaps it was the rediscovered affection she felt for her daughter Qian Renxue, or maybe she feared the backlash if the public found out she had ignored the civilians to pursue Tang Hao. Regardless, this time, Bibi Dong chose to act.

She quickly summoned her Death Spider Emperor Martial Spirit, launching web after web of silk to catch the civilians before they could crash into the ground. Each one she saved was carefully lowered to safety. Under her orders, Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, Qianjun Douluo, and Dragon Subduing Douluo all joined in, catching and rescuing the civilians as they fell.

Meanwhile, watching from a distance, Lin Yu's clone sneered at Tang Hao's tactics.

"How shameless can you get?"

In the original story, Tang Hao is portrayed as a tragic hero—flawed but largely noble, aside from his early irresponsibility toward Tang San and his blind loyalty to the Clear Sky Clan. Tang Hao's fighting style was bold, reminiscent of the heroic figures from ancient tales, much like Xiao Feng from the legendary Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. Both had tragic backstories, and both fought with raw, overwhelming power.

But unlike Xiao Feng, who was raised by common folk and remained connected to the people, Tang Hao was the privileged heir of the Clear Sky Clan. His noble background influenced his decisions. Resorting to use civilians as pawns in his escape was not something a hero would do—it was the act of a man willing to stoop to any level to survive.

However, Lin Yu understood why Tang Hao would do this. After all, even a Titled Douluo is just a person, and when pushed to the edge, survival often becomes the only thing that matters.

...

Back in Nuoding City, after rescuing all the civilians Tang Hao had thrown into the air, Bibi Dong and her group were left standing in the street, frustrated and furious.

"Damn it! That Tang Hao is slippery!" Chrysanthemum Douluo clenched his fists, seething with rage. The audacity of Tang Hao to use such a cowardly tactic left him fuming.

"They won't escape," Bibi Dong said coldly, gripping her scepter tightly. "When we return, spread the word. Declare Tang Hao, Tang San, and Yu Xiaogang as the most wanted criminals of our Spirit Hall. Make sure the entire continent knows they are enemies of the Hall."

She paused for a moment, her eyes gleaming with determination.

"Monitor anyone who has ties to them. The moment they resurface, send our people to finish them off."

Turning to Qianjun Douluo and Dragon Subduing Douluo, Bibi Dong continued, "When you return, inform the Grand Priest. Tang Hao's power is not to be underestimated. Next time we find him, the Grand Priest must send more elders. We cannot afford to underestimate the threat he and his son pose to our Hall."

...

From a distance, Lin Yu observed everything, his clone safely hidden from view. A trace of disappointment flickered across his mind as he watched Bibi Dong fail to capture Tang Hao, Tang San, and Yu Xiaogang. But he shrugged it off.

"It doesn't matter."

Lin Yu knew all too well the steps Tang San would need to take to become the Sea God—steps that, with a little intervention, could easily be blocked. The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and its treasures were critical, and so were the Eight Spider Lances. But with the plot already in disarray, Tang San would likely miss many of these key opportunities. Without them, how could he ever become the legendary Sea God?

As long as Lin Yu continued to seize these critical resources, Tang San would be nothing more than another talented soul master—hardly the hero of prophecy.

Elsewhere, after running with Yu Xiaogang on Luo Sanpao's back for miles, Tang San finally slowed down. With no sign of their pursuers, they allowed themselves to catch their breath.

It wasn't long before Tang Hao found them.

Without wasting time, Tang Hao insisted they leave immediately. He had no doubt the Spirit Hall would now be watching his every move, and returning to their old life was no longer an option.

Under Tang Hao's guidance, the trio made their way toward a remote part of the Star Dou Forest, far from Spirit Hall's reach. Seeking refuge from their enemies, they avoided any thought of reaching out to friends or family, knowing full well that the Spirit Hall would be keeping a close eye on anyone connected to them.

For now, their only option was to hide—and hope.