Wang Yan's arms were wrapped around Tang Yuehua, her body resting comfortably against his chest beneath the quiet tree. The night had already settled in, dim starlight filtering through the leaves above them. For a rare moment, there was no pressure, no schemes, no danger—only warmth and closeness. Yuehua tilted her head slightly, her breath brushing against his neck, and Wang Yan lowered his head instinctively.
Their lips met.
It was not hurried, nor restrained. They kissed slowly, completely immersed in their own world, as if everything beyond that small space had ceased to exist.
Then—
A crushing force descended without warning.
The air itself seemed to collapse as an overwhelming pressure slammed down from above, violently tearing them out of that moment. The ground trembled, cracks spreading outward from beneath their feet, and the surrounding spirit energy went completely berserk.
A thunderous voice rolled across the night, filled with authority and fury.
"Yuehua!"
Tang Yuehua's body stiffened instantly, her face draining of color.
Before she could even react, Wang Yan pulled her forcefully into his arms, turning his body so that she was completely shielded behind him. His soul power surged outward in an instant, forming a dense protective barrier around her as he planted his feet firmly into the ground.
"Stay close to me," he said in a low, steady voice. "No matter what happens, don't move."
The pressure did not weaken—instead, it intensified. Each second felt like a mountain pressing down on his shoulders, trying to force him to kneel.
From the darkness ahead, a figure slowly emerged.
His steps were unhurried, yet every movement carried terrifying authority. As he advanced, nine soul rings rose soundlessly into the air behind him, revolving like stars around a sun—two yellow, two purple, and five black. The mere sight of them caused the surrounding spirit beasts to flee in panic.
Wang Yan's pupils contracted sharply.
This was the first time in his life he had faced such an existence.
A Titled Douluo.
The pressure was no longer simple suppression; it was absolute domination.
Tang Yuehua stared at the approaching figure, her lips trembling. After a moment of silence, she spoke in a shaken voice.
"F… Father?"
The man stopped several steps away. His gaze swept past Wang Yan and landed directly on her, sharp and cold, filled with disappointment that cut deeper than anger.
"So this is where you've been disappearing to every evening," he said slowly, his voice heavy. "Sent to the academy, given protection, given freedom… and this is how you choose to live?"
Tang Yuehua lowered her head instinctively, her fingers clutching tightly at Wang Yan's clothes.
"You lack the talent to walk the path of a soul master," the man continued, his tone growing colder by the second. "Yet instead of cultivating dignity, discipline, and restraint, you abandon everything for a man. Is this the noble conduct you were taught?"
The pressure surged again.
Wang Yan's knees bent violently, the ground beneath him cracking further as blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. Yet even then, he did not retreat. He stepped forward instead, placing Tang Yuehua completely behind him.
"Senior," Wang Yan said, his voice hoarse but firm, "this has nothing to do with her dignity. We love each other."
The pressure exploded.
Wang Yan was driven to one knee, his entire body trembling under the crushing force, yet his head remained raised. His arm stayed extended behind him, shielding Yuehua without hesitation.
"If punishment is necessary," he continued through clenched teeth, "then let it fall on me."
That sentence finally caused a pause.
The man's eyes narrowed slightly, studying Wang Yan more carefully now.
"…Interesting."
At the next moment, Wang Yan's soul power erupted violently.
Seven soul rings rose beneath his feet—two yellow, two purple, and three black. A sword manifested in his hand, its presence sharp and absolute. The instant it appeared, a chilling sword intent spread through the area, powerful enough to tear through the oppressive pressure head-on.
The man's expression finally changed.
"A sword-type martial soul…" he muttered. "And one that can rival my hammer."
Wang Yan straightened his back, forcing himself fully upright. A vast domain spread outward, sword intent filling every inch of space. Immediately after, a second aura surged—cold, heavy, and filled with slaughter.
The two domains overlapped and merged.
The Slaughter Sword Domain descended.
The oppressive pressure around Wang Yan shattered, pushed back forcefully. Tang Yuehua gasped softly as the suffocating weight around her finally eased.
The man stared in silence.
"Two domains… and you can merge them," he said slowly. "At your age."
Without activating a single soul ring, he raised his hand. A massive hammer materialized—simple, ancient, and terrifying. The moment it appeared, the surrounding spirit energy trembled violently.
The pressure doubled.
Wang Yan roared softly, sword ringing as he resisted head-on. His domain trembled—but did not collapse.
Then, suddenly, his aura burst outward.
The bottleneck shattered.
Soul power surged like a flood.
Level seventy-five.
The hammer halted mid-air.
Silence fell.
After a long moment, the pressure withdrew completely. The sword domain faded, and the night wind returned to its gentle rhythm.
Man's gaze softened slightly as he looked at Wang Yan. "Hm," he said at last, his voice calm but heavy. "You are quite talented, boy. Far more than I expected."
He lingered a moment longer, his gaze sweeping over the pair. "I am Tang Zhan, chief of the Clear Sky Clan, and her father. Remember my words, and you will find no obstacles between us."
Then his eyes shifted to Tang Yuehua. "And you… you have found me a good son-in-law. This man is worthy to stand beside you."
Tang Yuehua lowered her head slightly, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.
Tang Zhan's eyes returned to Wang Yan, sharp yet measured, assessing the young man fully. "I came to Tian Dou City because the royal family had invited me to a function. At the same time, I intended to see you. But you were nowhere to be found. We searched the academy thoroughly, and only later did I track you both to this place."
He glanced at his daughter again, a hint of softness in his voice now. "You are fortunate, Yuehua. You have chosen someone capable, someone who will protect you."
Wang Yan nodded slightly, voice steady and firm. "I will never fail her."
Tang Zhan allowed a small nod of approval. "From now on, you need not sneak in and out of the academy. You are free to come and go… but remember boy , treat her well."
Tang Zhan looked at Wang Yan. "What is your name, boy?"
"I am Wang Yan," he replied steadily.
Tang Zhan nodded. "Hm… Wang Yan. Remember my words. Protect my daughter."
With that, Tang Zhan left, leaving the two of them alone beneath the tree.
Wang Yan held Tang Yuehua closer, both of them exhaling together. Relief and warmth spread through them—their bond now recognized.
End of chapter.