Ch.28: Haotian Grand Battle Academy VS Star Luo Imperial Academy Part 1

Dugu Xin observed the intense battle unfolding on the stage, contemplating the strength of the two major teams. He muttered to himself, "The Nether White Tiger of the Star Luo Empire is formidable, and as I expected, the Haotian Grand Battle Academy boasts the combined might of the four single-attribute clans of the Clear Sky Sect, enhanced by the Clear Sky Hammer. However, the addition of the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect to their lineup was unexpected. The title of the 'Three Upper Sects' isn't just for show. This battle will be interesting, nevertheless, the likely winner will likely be the Haotian Grand Battle Academy."

Dugu Xin continued, "Regardless of who emerges victorious, they will undoubtedly become a formidable adversary for our Hollow Beast Academy if I want to keep at least some of my cards hidden."

His gaze shifted to Tang Hao, and his voice turned cold as he remarked, "I'm eager to see how different Tang Hao, the future Haotian Douluo, is from the Haotian Double Star."

The third Spirit Ring beneath Dai Minghao's feet ignited with a dazzling light, and he roared in fury, "Third Spirit Skill: White Tiger Vajra Transformation!" His muscles swelled, and his hands transformed into sharp tiger claws. Dai Minghao's strength, speed, and attack power all surged as he unleashed a ferocious tiger roar towards Tang Hao. Tai Tan and Niu Gao, determined to shield Dai Minghao, faced the oncoming danger. However, this time, the first spirit ring beneath Dai Minghao's feet lit up, causing his tiger claws to elongate and grow even sharper. A glimmer of golden light flickered on them as Dai Minghao bellowed, "First Spirit Skill: White Tiger Shattering Golden Claw! Get out of my way!" With a swift swipe of his claws, he sent Tai Tan and Niu Gao flying, clearing a path for himself.

Tai Tan and Niu Gao managed to regain their footing, enduring their injuries. The first and third Spirit Rings beneath their feet glowed, and the horn on the head of Tai Tan's Armor-Plated Giant Rhinoceros sharpened as he thundered, "Who dares to harm our young master? First Spirit Skill: Rhinoceros Charge!" He charged towards Dai Minghao with relentless determination.

Simultaneously, Tai Tan roared, pounding his chest twice, causing his muscles to bulge even larger. He declared, "Third Spirit Skill: Mighty Vajra Fist!" His fists came crashing down towards Dai Minghao.

But in the midst of this heated battle, a soft snort cut through the air, and a figure resembling a ghost materialized. The third Spirit Ring beneath her feet lit up as she sneered, "Is anyone daring enough to obstruct our highness? Third Spirit Skill: Nether Hundred Claws!" She launched an assault towards Tai Tan, who had no time to react. Zhu Yuqi's attack was lightning-fast, leaving dozens of claw marks on his body in the blink of an eye. She then kicked Tai Tan away. As for Niu Gao, he was charging in, and with an eagle's cry, Dong Xing spread his wings and rushed towards Niu Gao. The second Spirit Ring beneath his feet ignited, and he roared, "Who dares to block our highness's path? Second Spirit Skill: Star Moon Wind Claw!" With a swift swipe, he pushed Niu Gao aside and followed it up with a kick, barely halting Niu Gao's advance.

Yet, even though Niu Gao had remarkable defense, against a 31st-level Spirit Elder like himself, the attack merely left shallow claw marks when unguarded. Against a 26th-level Spirit Grandmaster like Dong Xing, the damage was insignificant. Dong Xing couldn't help but shake his head and sneer, "Your skin is thick, old man."

Niu Gao also chuckled and taunted, "Your little bird's attacks won't harm Grandpa Niu."

Dong Xing's expression turned cold as he sneered, "Little bird, let's see if I can't knock out your big teeth." The first and second Spirit Rings beneath his feet lit up as he roared, "First Spirit Skill: Moon Shadow Eagle Wing!" His wings shimmered, and with a powerful wingbeat, Dong Xing's speed increased dramatically as he charged towards Niu Gao. He then employed his second Spirit Skill, "Star Moon Wind Claw," launching a relentless assault. Although Niu Gao's defense was formidable, his speed and attack power were lacking, rendering him unable to effectively retaliate against Dong Xing's rapid strikes.

Tai Tan, too, found himself at a slight disadvantage under Zhu Yuqi's relentless attack. The Tai Clan, originally one of the four single-attribute clans, excelled in various areas like power, speed, defense, and attack, but Zhu Yuqi's Ghost Spirit Cat, also a high-level beast martial soul, boasted incredible speed and razor-sharp attacks. This advantage prevented Tai Tan from fully utilizing his strength, as Zhu Yuqi deftly dodged most of his blows. Observing the battle below, Dugu Xin sighed, "While the four single-attribute clans excel in their respective fields, their weaknesses are glaring."

Meanwhile, Dai Minghao continued his onslaught against Tang Hao. With a furious roar, he attacked Tang Hao's head, but Tang Hao merely smiled and expertly blocked the blow at an astonishing angle. Tang Hao grinned, "So, Dai Minghao, you're finally here."

Dai Minghao retorted angrily, "Don't underestimate me!" The two engaged in a fierce clash.

Suddenly, Dai Minghao's soul power surged, allowing him to withstand Tang Hao's Clear Sky Hammer. The second Spirit Ring beneath his feet ignited, and he unleashed "White Tiger Intense Light Wave." White light burst from his mouth and struck towards Tang Hao.

Tang Hao remained unperturbed. The first Spirit Ring beneath his feet ignited as he took a deep breath and shouted, "First Spirit Skill: Heaven-Shaking Heavy Hammer!" He swung his Clear Sky Hammer to directly counter the White Tiger Intense Light Wave, successfully neutralizing it. Tang Hao's soul power erupted, dense and pure. With a resounding roar, he launched a relentless assault on Dai Minghao. Simultaneously, the third Spirit Ring beneath Tang Hao's feet lit up as he proclaimed, "Clear Sky Mountain Shatter!" He leaped high into the air, swinging his heavy hammer towards Dai Minghao with tremendous force. Dai Minghao struggled to block it with his tiger claws, but the impact sent him flying back by a full meter, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

Tang Hao did not seize the opportunity to press his advantage. Instead, he paused for a moment, wearing a faint smile as he challenged, "Come at me again, Dai Minghao."

Dai Minghao roared in response, unleashing his soul power with full intensity. The two Spirit rings beneath his feet shone brightly as he brandished his claws. Dai Minghao gradually gained the upper hand, pressing Tang Hao. However, Tang Hao's eyes burned with determination. Zhu Yuqi and her team continued to maintain their dominance, and just as the tide of battle seemed to turn in favor of Dai Minghao's team, a triumphant voice rang out, "Don't forget we have an auxiliary soul master."

Ning Fengzhi appeared, clutching the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda in one hand. The two Spirit rings beneath his feet lit up as he calmly announced, "The Seven Treasures are renowned. One is Agility Amplification, and the other is Strength Amplification." The Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda emitted a radiant, colorful light. As the world's foremost auxiliary martial soul, it swiftly enhanced the abilities of Tang Hao and his team.

Dai Minghao found himself once again suppressed by Tang Hao's relentless assault. Tai Tan and the others held their own against Zhu Yuqi and her team. Observing the battle on stage, Dugu Xin mused, "Auxiliary soul masters typically possess healing abilities, but the Star Luo Imperial Academy Team's Lin Jing seems to prefer all-out attacks and power enhancements. I wonder if the Star Luo Empire's Martial Soul Fusion Technique, the Nether White Tiger, can turn the tide," he added, watching with anticipation as the battle unfolded.

Dai Minghao found himself consistently outmatched by Tang Hao's relentless assault. Each strike from Tang Hao's Clear Sky Hammer seemed like a tidal wave crashing down upon him. Sweat poured from Dai Minghao's brow as he realized that if things continued this way, their fate was sealed. Their only hope lay in their Martial Soul Fusion technique. With a swift, calculated motion, Dai Minghao parried Tang Hao's thunderous attack with his tiger-clawed hammer and then gracefully leaped backward, his voice echoing through the battlefield, "Zhu Yuqi!"

Zhu Yuqi, who had temporarily disengaged from her fierce battle with the formidable Tai Tan, hesitated for a moment. She wasn't about to comply with Dai Minghao's wishes so easily. The second and third Spirit Rings beneath Tai Tan's feet ignited as he slapped his chest, summoning his inner strength. He roared ferociously, "Don't think you can simply waltz away! Second Spirit Skill: Angry King Kong, Third Spirit Skill: Mighty Vajra Fist!"

Under the influence of the second Spirit Skill, Tai Tan's movements became a blur of speed, and his attacks gained a ferocious intensity. He swung his colossal fist towards Zhu Yuqi with unwavering determination, but Zhu Yuqi, with the agility of a ghost, managed to deftly evade the colossal strike. Her first and second Spirit Rings simultaneously lit up as she unleashed her First Spirit Skill: Nether Ghost. Purple shadows enshrouded her, further enhancing her already astonishing speed, enabling her to sidestep Tai Tan's devastating strikes with graceful ease. Following the Nether Ghost, Zhu Yuqi's ten fingernails extended and merged into a razor-sharp purple blade, slashing through the air with lethal precision. Her blade descended upon Tai Tan like a fierce tempest, and although Tai Tan made a valiant effort to block the attack, he was still forcibly pushed back. Seizing the opportunity, Zhu Yuqi lithely turned on her heels and darted towards Dai Minghao.

However, at that critical juncture, Tai Tan's soul power surged like a roaring tempest, and he charged forward with unwavering resolve. With a resounding boom, he delivered a crushing Mighty Vajra Fist squarely to Zhu Yuqi's unprotected back. Caught entirely off guard, Zhu Yuqi absorbed the blow with gritted teeth, her slender form sent hurtling through the air like a kite with a broken string. Yet, in the nick of time, Dai Minghao leaped into action, catching her mid-air in a display of unwavering camaraderie. Dai Minghao, his anger simmering beneath the surface, saw the trace of blood at the corner of Zhu Yuqi's mouth, and his eyes blazed with determination. He was ready to confront Tai Tan with unbridled fury. However, Zhu Yuqi restrained him, her voice a quiet whisper in the midst of the chaos, "Your Highness, I'm fine. Don't let this distract us from the bigger picture."

Reluctantly, Dai Minghao suppressed his smoldering anger. Zhu Yuqi, her strength returning, managed to stand on her own once more. With a simple nod between them, they clasped hands, their combined soul power surging like a tempest, their Spirit Rings resonating in unison. A brilliant, blinding white light enveloped them as they invoked the revered royal technique of the Star Luo Empire—the Nether White Tiger.

A colossal white tiger, a mythical beast, manifested before them, its golden stripes now pulsating with a deep, purple hue. Its eyes gleamed with an ominous, dark-blue radiance, and its very presence resonated at the level of a Soul King. Tang Hao, his gaze unwavering, observed the colossal Nether White Tiger before him and chuckled, a hint of excitement in his voice, "Now, this is getting interesting. Let's see if your Star Luo Royal Family's famous Nether White Tiger has what it takes."

Tang Hao, with the ferocity of a raging storm, charged forward, his Clear Sky Hammer gleaming with a menacing aura, while the Nether White Tiger, lunged towards him. Dugu Xin, watching closely, analyzed with a raised brow, 'It seems our Serpent Dragon Joint Assault Fusion Technique holds the upper hand. Their fusion has only reached the level of a middle-level Spirit King, while ours has achieved the pinnacle of a low-level Spirit Emperor. It appears I worried about the Nether White Tiger for no reason.'

Wang Wudi, bellowed orders, "Formation! Protect the Young Lord!" In a swift and coordinated move, Bai He and the others, who had been locked in combat, immediately disengaged and fell back to form a defensive formation. However, even their well-honed formation struggled to withstand the overwhelming power of the Nether White Tiger. The Nether White Tiger, unleashed a fearsome claw swipe, sending Tai Tan tumbling through the air like a ragdoll. It roared defiantly, "You're asking for it, big ape!" With unparalleled grace, it used a single claw to slam Tai Tan to the ground before launching him into the air once more.

Just as it was about to deliver another devastating strike, Tang Hao's soul power surged once more. The fourth Spirit Ring beneath his feet ignited, setting ablaze the "Man and Hammer Union." With unwavering determination, he hurled his Clear Sky Hammer towards the colossal Nether White Tiger. The impact of their clash resonated like a thunderclap, and for a moment, the battlefield was enveloped in blinding light. However, this time, unlike their previous encounter, Tang Hao was pushed back by a meter. Undeterred and with a fire in his eyes, Tang Hao laughed heartily, "Let's keep this dance going, my friend."

He activated his second Spirit Skill and charged towards the colossal beast. In response, the Nether White Tiger growled ominously, its voice filled with a chilling promise, "Tang Hao, prepare to meet your end."

The two mighty forces clashed again, and this time, Tang Hao found himself at a distinct disadvantage. Despite the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda, he struggled to turn the tide of the battle. Meanwhile, Wang Wudi and the others had placed their unwavering trust in Tang Hao and focused their efforts on defeating Tuoba Qi and his formidable team. Tang Hao was sent flying once more, but this time, he harnessed the power of the Clear Sky Hammer's gravity manipulation. In a daring mid-air spin, he managed to regain his footing with remarkable agility. Utilizing the gravitational advantage, Tang Hao leaped high into the air. His entire being seemed to erupt with boundless soul power, the third Spirit Ring beneath his feet igniting with a radiant burst. He bellowed with unbridled determination, "Clear Sky Mountain Shatter!" With the Haotian hammer in hand, he brought it down with an earth-shattering force upon the Nether White Tiger's head.

The colossal beast was knocked down, its massive form crashing into the ground. However, it swiftly regained its footing, determined to protect its summoners. With an unparalleled display of strength, it retaliated by pushing Tang Hao away, then lunged with a ferocious claw strike aimed squarely at Tang Hao's chest, sending him hurtling through the air. Tang Hao tumbled across the battlefield, and with a final, controlled slam of his hammer to dampen the impact, he came to a stop. Despite the three gruesome claw marks etched upon his chest and the blood that flowed from his wounds, Tang Hao remained undeterred. He laughed heartily, his voice resonating with an indomitable spirit, "Impressive, the Nether White Tiger of the Star Luo Empire lives up to its legendary reputation."