Tie Li was, after all, a six-ring Soul Emperor. After a brief period of gathering power, he finally unleashed his strongest fifth and sixth soul skills simultaneously, tearing apart Tang Ya's Blue Silver Prison.
The fifth soul ring shone brightly, and a layer of iron-gray light appeared over his body. Then, under the amplification of his sixth soul skill, his already thick arms swelled to three times their original size once more.
In fury, Tie Li charged straight at Tang Ya, smashing down at her head with both iron-like arms.
"You dared to kill my son, then I'll make you accompany him in death!"
Faced with Tie Li's frenzied assault, Tang Ya remained completely unafraid.
The fifth soul ring, positioned fifth on her body, expanded outward with deep black light. Thick Blue Silver Grass vines burst from the ground. These Blue Silver Grass vines were thicker than an adult's body and clearly took the form of the Nightmare Beast's Man-Eating Flower vines.
Yet the vines themselves were the same translucent blue-gold color of the Blue Silver Emperor, like several blue-gold giant dragons coiling tightly around Tie Li's body, completely locking down his movements.
Dense black thorns grew on the vines. Calling them thorns was inaccurate—they resembled rows of eerie, sinister, sharp teeth, frantically grinding and writhing.
Tang Ya's eyes were ice-cold as she rebuked him.
"Tie Li, all of this is what you deserve! Back then, when you bribed the city defense army to raid the Tang Sect at night and murdered my parents, did you ever think this day would come?! I won't kill you right now. I want you to suffer endless torment and die in unending pain!"
This was precisely Tang Ya's fifth soul skill, Nightmare Teeth, and after her martial soul had evolved into the Blue Silver Emperor, the power of Nightmare Teeth was on an entirely different level.
In an instant, the sharp thorns on the thick Blue Silver Emperor vines easily pierced through the defense of Tie Li's protective soul skill and injected massive amounts of nightmare toxin.
Tie Li's eyes bulged wide, filled with terror and venomous hatred. But in the next moment, his pupils lost focus and became blank.
His face contorted into an extremely hideous expression, his body convulsing violently from time to time, as though enduring some immense agony.
Tie Li's consciousness had fallen into the illusion created by the nightmare toxin. In that place, he would suffer boundless torment.
The entire scene instantly fell deathly silent.
Watching the miserable state of their sect leader and the young sect leader, the disciples of the Iron Blood Sect all revealed deep fear and panic in their eyes, subconsciously retreating backward.
Even a Soul Emperor-level sect leader like Tie Li had ended up like this; how could they possibly be a match for Tang Ya?
The two Soul King elders of the Iron Blood Sect were still trapped inside the Blue Silver Prison. Their martial souls were a whip and a Swift Wolf, both very ordinary martial souls, neither of which specialized in defense. At this moment, both of them looked utterly drained, kneeling on the ground with pale faces, in an extremely sorry state.
There was fear toward Tang Ya, as well as the dazed feeling of having survived a calamity.
Of course, this was because Tang Ya had shown them mercy earlier.
The soul bone skill Tang Ya had used just now, Thorn Rain, came from the ten-thousand-year Scarlet Flame Thorn right arm soul bone that Bei Bei had helped her purchase from the Nine Treasure Pavilion. Such a powerful ten-thousand-year soul bone skill was, for those two Soul King elders of the Iron Blood Sect, nothing short of dimensional suppression.
This was the normal state for commoner soul masters. Even if they were lucky enough to awaken innate soul power and could cultivate, without strong backing or background, obtaining the optimal soul ring configuration was already a luxury.
If Tang Ya had not held back, the Whip Soul King and Swift Wolf Soul King would likewise have met their end here.
Bei Bei did not stop Tang Ya. He allowed her to act against Tie Li until, at last, the Blue Silver Emperor pierced through Tie Li's body.
Having avenged her great grudge, Tang Ya withdrew her martial soul. Her eyes reddened, and her delicate body trembled slightly.
"Father, Mother, Xiao Ya has avenged you! Rest assured, in the future, I will definitely make the Tang Sect flourish once again…"
"Xiao Ya, Uncle and Auntie in the heavens will surely be gratified by this."
Bei Bei sighed softly, stepping forward to comfort her and gently holding her jade hand.
Seeing Bei Bei's gentle gaze, the surging emotions in Tang Ya's heart gradually calmed. She then turned toward the group of Iron Blood Sect disciples in front of her and said calmly:
"This is a personal enmity between our Tang Sect and Tie Li's father and son. Now that Tie Li and his son have been brought to justice, as long as you leave the Iron Blood Sect from this moment on, you may depart freely. We will not do anything to you."
Upon hearing Tang Ya's words, the still-shaken Iron Blood Sect disciples all expressed heartfelt gratitude and hurriedly left in panic.
With Tie Li and his son dead, the Iron Blood Sect no longer held any binding power over them. They were far from loyal enough to seek revenge for Tie Li and his son.
Small sects like the Iron Blood Sect were virtually unknown. Many of their disciples were recruited from ordinary civilian soul masters outside. Only those with mediocre martial souls and cultivation talent, little potential, and no background would join such small sects out of necessity, seeking shelter and limited resources.
At the very least, joining a small soul master sect guaranteed them access to ten-year or hundred-year low-tier soul rings.
The Whip Soul King and Swift Wolf Soul King had also joined the Iron Blood Sect in recent years under the condition that Tie Li would help them obtain higher-quality soul rings. Before leaving, the two of them sincerely bowed to Tang Ya in respect.
In less than half a quarter of an hour, the entire Iron Blood Sect had completely fallen apart. The disturbance here also attracted a law-enforcement soul master squad from the Heavenly Dou City Guards.
This soul master squad flew over in a fan formation, slowly changing their array in midair until they surrounded the former Tang Sect residence in a semi-encircling posture.
The leader was a stunningly beautiful woman with a cold and aloof temperament. The flying soul guidance device behind her emitted a faint blue light. Her leather armor perfectly outlined her graceful figure, adding an air of valiant heroism.
"Who are you, people? How dare you cause trouble in our capital city?"
Her icy voice was pleasant to the ear, yet the questioning tone carried a hint of displeasure.
Inside the Tang Sect residence, Tang Ya and Bei Bei saw the newcomer, and a trace of astonishment immediately appeared in their eyes.
They were not unfamiliar with this woman. Back when they participated in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament in Mingdu, they had come into contact with her.
"You're Mu Xue?!"
"It's you?"
Mu Xue also froze for a moment when she recognized Bei Bei and Tang Ya.
Although she hadn't interacted much with Tang Ya and Bei Bei, she knew that both of them were inner court disciples of Shrek Academy.
Especially Bei Bei, he had displayed extremely formidable strength when facing the Holy Spirit Team. Apart from the unpredictable Yu Tianhuang, Bei Bei could be considered one of the leading figures among Shrek Academy's younger generation.
Even without these matters, anything involving Shrek Academy required careful handling.
Mu Xue frowned slightly and asked seriously:
"What exactly is going on here?"
Just as Mu Xue finished speaking, a voice suddenly rang out abruptly.
"Senior Sister Xiao Ya, just tell Mu Xue the truth."
Hearing this familiar voice, everyone present instinctively looked toward the sky.
They saw Xu Zihuang's figure appear out of thin air at some point, holding Ning Tian as he gracefully landed on the eaves.
"Senior Brother Bei, Senior Sister Xiao Ya, long time no see." Xu Zihuang greeted Tang Ya and Bei Bei. Ning Tian, beside him, also waved at the two.
"Yu Tianhuang? Ning Tian junior sister?!"
Compared to Tang Ya and Bei Bei, who already knew in advance, Mu Xue's reaction was far more intense.
"Yu Tianhuang?! When did you return?!"
"Mu Xue, hello. I didn't expect to meet you here." Out of courtesy, Xu Zihuang nodded toward Mu Xue.
"My situation is a bit complicated and cannot be explained in a short time. Let's resolve the current issue first."
As he spoke, Xu Zihuang's gaze fell on Tang Ya again.
"Senior Sister Xiao Ya, just explain the Tang Sect's situation to Mu Xue truthfully. I believe she can represent the official stance of the Heavenly Soul Empire and deliver a fair judgment."
"Mm."
Tang Ya's eyes reddened as she pursed her lips. She could naturally tell that Yu Tianhuang was helping her in a roundabout way. Yet the debt of gratitude she owed him was truly too great.
Right then, she recounted in full detail how, ten years ago, the Iron Blood Sect had bribed the Heavenly Dou City Guards to raid and massacre the Tang Sect at night. She also explained that this time she had only come for revenge against Tie Li and his son and had not implicated anyone else.
Hearing this, Mu Xue's expression softened considerably. Especially upon learning that Tie Li had colluded with the Heavenly Dou City Guards, she felt genuine shame from the bottom of her heart.
"I'm sorry. I was unaware of these matters beforehand. If that's the case, then Tie Li deserved what he got. As for the Heavenly Dou City Guards involved, we will investigate thoroughly."
Looking at Yu Tianhuang, she seemed to recall something and said softly:
"If you don't mind, I can take you to see Wei Na right now."
As soon as Mu Xue spoke these words, Ning Tian's pretty face showed a slightly unnatural expression. She glanced sideways at Xu Zihuang from the corner of her eye.
"There's no need to trouble Wei Na over something this minor." Xu Zihuang shook his head helplessly.
"We won't be going. You can handle it yourselves."
"Very well. We will handle this matter properly." Mu Xue's gaze became meaningful. Her eyes briefly met Ning Tian's, then she led her team away.
The courtyard of the residence returned to calm once more, though Tie Li's mangled, blood-soaked corpse was a major eyesore.
Xu Zihuang carried Ning Tian and landed in the courtyard.
Ning Tian stepped forward and took Tang Ya's hand, hesitating as if she wanted to say something.
"Senior Sister Xiao Ya…"
Having experienced such a tragedy as a child, Tang Ya's inner pain could easily be imagined. Yet she had always shown an optimistic facade at Shrek Academy.
Such a Tang Ya truly made one's heart ache.
But Tang Ya herself quickly returned to her usual demeanor, smiling brightly and changing the subject.
"Ning Tian junior sister, I told you before, Tianhuang would definitely return safely. He must have already met your family by now. You two have truly confirmed your relationship under the witness of your elders. Congratulations!"
"Senior Sister Xiao Ya, aren't you and Senior Brother Bei the same?"
Teased by Tang Ya, Ning Tian's cheeks flushed, but the thick happiness in her eyes could not be concealed.
On the other side, Xu Zihuang and Bei Bei were also conversing.
"Tianhuang, I heard from Xiao Ya that you returned to the academy seven days ago. Is it true, as Elder Xuan and the others said, that you were trapped in a spatial secret realm for more than five months?"
"Senior Brother Bei, those matters are a bit complicated to explain. Let's talk about them some other time." Xu Zihuang nodded slightly, then changed the topic.
"As for this residence, since it is Senior Sister Xiao Ya's family home, take it back this time. There shouldn't be any issues with Wei Na and Mu Xue."
"Thank you, Tianhuang." Bei Bei said emotionally, patting Xu Zihuang's shoulder heavily and sighing softly.
Later, as expected, Wei Na personally came over with Mu Xue. However, Wei Na mainly came for Xu Zihuang and, by the way, did him a favor by resolving the matter between the Tang Sect and the Iron Blood Sect.
In the end, the Tang Sect's residence was returned to Tang Ya. Those city guards who had colluded with Tie Li ten years ago were also swiftly identified, thanks to Wei Na's intervention, and would be severely punished.
Having reclaimed the Tang Sect's residence and foundation, Tang Ya and Bei Bei immediately became busy. The task of receiving Princess Wei Na naturally fell to Xu Zihuang.
At dusk, Xu Zihuang, Ning Tian, Wei Na, and Mu Xue sat together in a private room of a teahouse on a bustling street in Heavenly Dou City. They had been talking since noon.
Today, after learning about Yu Tianhuang from Mu Xue, Wei Na had not even had time to change out of her dignified goose-yellow palace dress before rushing anxiously out of the imperial palace.
Wei Na was as gentle as water, as always. She showed none of the airs of a princess and personally poured tea for Xu Zihuang.
"Tianhuang, thanks to the detailed production blueprint for the Thunder Rocket you gave me, the Heavenly Soul Empire has now equipped an elite archer legion. On behalf of my father, the emperor, and the entire Heavenly Soul Empire, I sincerely thank you for this gift."
At this point, both Wei Na and Mu Xue showed faint excitement in their eyes. They had conducted tests, and an archer legion equipped with Thunder Rockets possessed destructive power at long range that absolutely surpassed a soul engineer legion equipped with various soul tools.
"I am originally from the Heavenly Soul Empire. Being able to contribute even a little to my own country, there is no need to speak of thanks or gifts." Xu Zihuang smiled faintly and politely declined.
Wei Na's smile did not fade. A fresh dimple appeared on her lovely face, making her even more charming.
"Tianhuang, to be honest, my father has always wanted to meet you in person. If you and Ning Tian are free tonight, why not come to the palace for tonight's banquet?"
As a princess of a nation, Wei Na always had to behave appropriately.
She had decided to pursue Yu Tianhuang and had set aside all reserve, but her stature would not allow her to deliberately exclude Ning Tian and invite only him; that would be too low-class.
Moreover, Wei Na did not intend to destroy the relationship between Yu Tianhuang and Ning Tian. She simply wanted to join them. Coming from the imperial family, her views on relationships differed from those of ordinary people.
As long as Yu Tianhuang was willing to marry her as his principal wife, she could overlook everything else, including him having other women.
"I'm really sorry, Wei Na. Tonight, our Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect happens to be holding a family banquet." Ning Tian also smiled sweetly. This was actually true.
Xu Zihuang planned to take Ning Tian back to the Heavenly Dragon Gate tomorrow—a plan already decided earlier.
Tonight's family banquet at the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was to send them off.
Wei Na's smile stiffened for a moment, but she quickly recovered.
"Then let's wait for another opportunity."
Xu Zihuang stood up following Ning Tian's lead and smiled toward Wei Na and Mu Xue.
"Wei Na, Mu Xue, it's getting late. Ning Tian and I will head back first."
Ning Tian gave a sweet smile, affectionately linking her arm with Xu Zihuang's. The two left together. Only Wei Na remained, clutching the hem of her luxurious palace dress tightly, lips pursed, along with Mu Xue, who had been a spectator from start to finish.
Mu Xue rubbed her forehead and gently tapped Wei Na's forehead with a slender finger, saying helplessly:
"You've noticed too, right? Ning Tian is clearly guarding against you."
"Sister Xue, if only I had chosen to stay at Shrek Academy to study back then."
After repeated setbacks, even with Wei Na's temperament, a trace of self-doubt emerged.
"I don't think Ning Tian is that much more outstanding than me, but she has been by the Tianhuang's side for so many years after all."
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Here are the chapters for today (づ￣3￣)づ╭～
"Don't forget there are chapters available on Patreon."
"From Douluo to Godhood by Defy 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo: Far North Invincibledo 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Peerless: Living as an Evil Soul Master 40 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Dalu 2:Peerless Tang Sect Dawn of Sun and Moon 40 Advance chapters."
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