DD Spiritual Sword [435-437] (Patreon)

Chapter 435: Yang Wudi Wreaks Havoc at the Wedding Banquet

Inside the imperial palace, if the blessings of the commoners outside were false and insincere, then those here were truly heartfelt.

Everyone present was an imperial noble. Xue Beng's policies were much better for them than Xue Qinghe's had ever been, greatly enhancing their power and status. So now, they genuinely supported this crown prince from the bottom of their hearts.

Today was the day the crown prince would take his official wife. What did the crown prince's official wife represent? The future empress of the empire, of course. Everyone wanted to curry favor.

"Congratulations, Your Highness! Wishing you and the crown princess eternal happiness!"

"Congratulations, Your Highness!"

Hearing the continuous felicitations from the nobles, Xue Beng was smug. No matter how reserved Shui Bing'er tried to act, she was now his.

He knew Shui Bing'er's personality well. As long as he married her, she would never betray him. In the future, she would become one of his strongest subordinates. It was a pity, though, that another powerful subordinate he had his eye on still hadn't appeared.

Xue Beng found Tai Tan, who was already seated, and asked, "Senior Tai Tan, still no news from Brother Tang or Uncle Tang Hao?"

Tai Tan shook his head heavily, "No. Both the empire and the Clear Sky Sect have people searching everywhere, but there's no trace of them. I'm worried, could something have happened to Young Master and the master?"

"No, Senior Tai Tan. Brother Tang is blessed by fate, and Uncle Tang Hao is the invincible Clear Sky Douluo. Who could harm them? I'm sure they're just busy with something important." Xue Beng comforted him, and also comforted himself. It wasn't that he had deep feelings for Tang San; it was just that the Tang father and son were far too important in his plans for the future.

"Fifth Elder of the Clear Sky Sect, His Majesty Zhen Tian, Seventh Elder, His Majesty Lie Yang, and the master of Yue Xuan, Tang Yuehua, have arrived!"

At this moment, several important guests arrived: two Titled Douluo elders from the Clear Sky Sect, and Tang Hao's younger sister, Tang Yuehua. This was a big show of respect for Xue Beng.

Xue Beng immediately went forward to welcome them. "Xue Beng greets Your Majesties Zhen Tian and Lie Yang. Your presence brings great honor to my family."

It had to be said—Xue Beng's approach to the nobility was flawless. He looked down on commoners, but was always humble and respectful to nobles and Soul masters.

This was how high-ranking people in Douluo Continent should act. It was also the main reason Emperor Xue Ye favored Xue Beng.

What was the use of Xue Qinghe caring about the commoners? Soul masters and nobles were the real ruling class.

"Greetings, Your Highness. Are we the only ones from the Three Great Sects? Did anyone come from Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect or Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?" Lie Yang Douluo asked.

"A Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan elder did come, but not a single person from Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. I guess they look down on me." Xue Beng feigned self-deprecation.

"Hmph!" Zhen Tian Douluo snorted coldly. "Your Highness needn't care. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect always has their noses in the air. They disrespect the royal family and cower before Spirit Hall. They claim to be the new number one sect, but with that attitude, they'll soon be isolated."

After Spirit Hall re-ranked the nine great sects, Clear Sky Sect had been replaced by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect as number one. These two Titled Douluo clearly resented their school losing the top spot.

"Fifth Elder, Seventh Elder, don't fall for Spirit Hall's tricks. Their new rankings are meant to provoke us to fight the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect." Tang Yuehua saw through Spirit Hall's scheme.

But this was an open plot. If the Clear Sky Sect ignored it, people would say they were afraid of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Even if Tang Xiao could calm the hot-tempered elders for a time, not forever. Eventually, there would be an explosion.

"Let's talk about this later. The wedding is about to begin. Please, take your seats." Xue Beng didn't want to discuss this on such a happy day. He planned to deal with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect sooner or later anyway.

Even though Tang San had healed his arm, the hatred for losing it remained. He would eventually take revenge on Chen Xin and Tianlin.

Soon all the guests arrived. The auspicious hour came. Supported by Shui Yue'er, Shui Bing'er, wearing light makeup and a red wedding dress, slowly entered the hall.

Her breathtaking beauty and graceful figure made Xue Beng's heart burn with desire. Tonight, this unrivaled beauty would be his.

Shui Bing'er bit her lip. For the honor of the Heaven Dou royal family, she couldn't cry. She had to force a smile.

Emperor Xue Ye sat on the throne, looking at his son and daughter-in-law with satisfaction. Although he had lost three sons, at least the Heaven Dou royal family still had an heir.

Below, Huo Wu, Xue Wu, and others clenched their fists. Their sister was being forced to marry someone she didn't love, and they could do nothing.

"From Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Yang Wudi arrives!"

Just then, the eunuch announced another unexpected arrival. Most thought the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect wouldn't send anyone, but here was their envoy, fashionably late.

Yang Wudi, though brash, was smart. He was here to ruin the wedding, but instead of barging in, he entered with congratulatory words, saving himself much trouble.

Seeing Yang Wudi, Tai Tan was delighted. "Haha, old goat, so Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect sent you to offer congratulations? Why so late? You'll have to drink three cups as punishment. We haven't had a good drink in ages!"

Yang Wudi glanced at Tai Tan. "Old ape, I'm not here to drink with you today. I wasn't sent by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to celebrate. I'm here to kill him!"

"Fifth soul skill: Break!"

Yang Wudi instantly summoned the Breaking Soul Spear and attacked Xue Beng. His attack power was no less than a Titled Douluo, and his sudden strike caught everyone off guard.

After all, who would expect anyone to attempt an assassination at the crown prince's wedding?

Xue Beng watched the spear approach, less than ten centimeters away, plunged into utter despair. With his strength, he couldn't possibly survive the Breaking Soul Spear.

Just then, an iron hammer appeared out of nowhere and knocked the spear aside. It was Lie Yang Douluo.

At that critical moment, even a Spirit Douluo wouldn't have reacted in time, but a Titled Douluo was on another level entirely.

Xue Beng broke out in a cold sweat, nearly collapsing from Yang Wudi's murderous aura.

Emperor Xue Ye was furious. "Yang Wudi, you dare attack the crown prince?! Royal Knights, seize this criminal and execute him immediately!"

Countless Royal Knights, as well as the three deans of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and Marshal Ge Long, surrounded Yang Wudi.

Yang Wudi stood tall, unafraid. He had once fought Spirit Hall itself—why would he fear the Heaven Dou Empire? Even if several Spirit Douluo attacked together, they couldn't take him down quickly. The real problem was the two Titled Douluo from the Clear Sky Sect.

They had just saved Xue Beng, so they would surely intervene. Yang Wudi knew he couldn't beat them; all he could do now was fight for his life.

…

Meanwhile, in the secret chamber within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Tianlin slowly opened his eyes, a smile on his lips.

He had spent a whole month absorbing this soul ring, and at last, he had succeeded.

Yellow, purple, purple, black, black, red, red, red, dark gold!

Nine soul rings circled the blade of the Demon Sword.

At this moment, Titled Douluo Jun Tianlin officially descended upon the world!

Chapter 436: Titled Douluo Jun Tianlin

Boom!

In the darkness, a thunderous explosion drew the entire city's attention. Tianlin burst from the rooftop, hovering in midair.

"It's Young Master Tianlin!" Many recognized him at a glance. Even after two and a half years away, no one could forget the vice sect master who had led their sect to become number one.

"Xiao Tian, you're finally out!" Ning Fengzhi was overjoyed. His son-in-law's timing was perfect; the wedding was probably at its climax. Causing a scene now would be ideal.

Tianlin smiled as he looked down at the crowd. His soul power erupted—one yellow, two purple, two black, three red, and one dark gold ring appeared, their power threatening to engulf the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

"Nine...nine soul rings! Young Master Tianlin, the vice sect master has reached Titled Douluo!" The disciples below were both thrilled and ecstatic. Tianlin had been able to fight Titled Douluo as a Soul Saint; now that he was one himself, wasn't he invincible?

"That little monster even has a ninth ring?" Dugu Bo exclaimed in shock.

"That must be a God-bestowed ring. No wonder he didn't come out after breaking through—he was refining his soul ring. And that ring is the same grade as his Saint Spirit Bead's first ring—dark gold, so gorgeous and profound," Ning Fengzhi said with a smile.

Dugu Bo and Yin Yang exchanged glances. The same level as the Iceworm's soul ring—that meant a million-year level. A Titled Douluo with just a hundred-thousand-year ring was already much stronger than most, so with two million-year rings, even those like Dugu Bo, Yin Yang, or Spirit Hall elders wouldn't stand a chance.

Jun Tianhai and Mo Lan, Tianlin's parents, were also drawn outside by the commotion. Seeing their son in the sky, surrounded by nine soul rings and exuding overwhelming power, they covered their mouths in disbelief.

They knew their son was exceptionally gifted and might one day become a Titled Douluo, but they hadn't thought it would be this soon. After all, Tianlin was only twenty!

Pride filled their hearts.

Tianlin opened the Asura Judgment Eye and immediately saw everyone's names in the sect. Most glowed white, with a few in yellow and cyan.

The colors of judgment ranged across nine: red, black, purple, yellow, white, cyan, green, blue, gold.

White was the neutral color, representing someone who had done neither great good nor ill—just an ordinary person living a simple life. Most people were this color.

Below white were the colors of evil: Yellow for minor faults like petty theft—these just needed a little correction. Purple meant the person had killed, not for self-defense or out of desperation, but for personal gain at the cost of innocents. Black was for truly evil people, who had harmed many and deserved death. Red was for world-destroying demons, the most terrifying evil.

Above white were the colors of good: Cyan for small acts of kindness—helpful, good-hearted, but limited by ability. Green was for righteous heroes who punished evil. Blue was for those who benefited many and saved countless lives. The highest, gold, matched red—while red was for world-destroyers, gold was for world-saviors.

Tianlin smiled with satisfaction. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's atmosphere was decent—at worst, some yellow. As for purple, that was Dugu Bo, who before joining the sect had been headstrong and certainly killed people. But now, his color had faded to yellowish purple, likely thanks to years of self-restraint and brewing life-saving medicines.

Ning Fengzhi was cyan. Given the number of people he'd saved, he could have been green, but no force in the world is without a dark side. Undoubtedly, Ning Fengzhi had done some ruthless things that offset his good deeds. Still, he was a net positive—a hero.

Before coming out, Tianlin looked in the mirror and saw he was green. That made sense given his years roaming with Chen Xin. But it still annoyed him—why green? He decided he'd either lower it or upgrade to gold, but he refused to stay "green".

At this point, Ning Fengzhi called up to him, "Enough showing off, Xiao Tian. Come down, your father-in-law has something to tell you."

"Heh, didn't you say I should make my exit as grand as possible when I came out?" Tianlin landed and smiled.

"A little show is enough. Now everyone in the city knows you've become a Titled Douluo. That's plenty."

Tianlin nodded, "Alright, father-in-law. What did you want to tell me? I just came out—has anything major happened on the continent?"

"Plenty has happened, but I'll tell you slowly later. Right now, you need to head to the Heaven Dou imperial palace..." Ning Fengzhi spent several minutes explaining the situation with Xue Beng and Shui Bing'er, as well as how Yang Wudi and Shui Bing'er had become close friends, and that Yang Wudi was likely causing trouble at the palace right now.

After hearing the story, Tianlin understood the situation. Xue Beng reminded him of himself—they both recruited prodigies to strengthen their factions.

Xue Beng wanted to use marriage to gain Shui Bing'er's aid, and through her, completely win over the Elemental Academy—just as Tianlin had allied with Tang San and the Clear Sky Sect.

However, the Elemental Academy was nowhere near as powerful, so Xue Beng acted more aggressively and ruthlessly.

"Heh, looks like Xue Beng and I are quite similar. He's busy consolidating power; I'm busy planning coups. We're quite the pair. I wonder how he's doing after all these years—does he miss me? I'll go see him now!" Tianlin laughed.

"Vice sect master, let me take you. Old Goat is probably already fighting them." Bai He was anxious. Although Gu Rong was secretly protecting Yang Wudi, he still worried about his old friend.

With his speed, he could reach the palace fastest.

"No need, Senior Bai He. Don't worry, I guarantee nothing will happen to Senior Yang." Tianlin replied confidently.

He swung his Demon Sword and shot off into the sky, vanishing from sight.

"How fast! Faster even than when I use my spirit's true form. This is the power of a Titled Douluo?" Bai He exclaimed.

"Haha, that's not just Titled Douluo power—that's Xiao Tian's power!" Ning Fengzhi laughed. Just this speed showed how terrifying Tianlin's strength was.

"Sigh, he left so quickly I didn't even get to ask what title he'd choose as a Titled Douluo. Guess we'll have to wait for him to come back."

"Let's guess for him—how about Demon Sword Douluo or Spirit Pearl Douluo?" Dugu Bo suggested.

Yin Yang shook his head. "No, he has twin spirits, so both should be included. Maybe Pearl-Sword Douluo, Spirit-Sword Douluo, or Holy Demon Douluo would be better."

They continued their debate on the way back to the main hall. In the end, of course, the decision would be Tianlin's alone.

Chapter 437: Yang Wudi and Shui Qingwu's Resolve

Inside the Heaven Dou imperial palace, Yang Wudi was still confronting the royal family.

"Yang Wudi, what are you trying to do? You dared attack the crown prince! If you don't explain yourself, you'll die without burial!" Meng Shenji demanded.

The three deans had once looked down on Xue Beng, but now he was Heaven Dou's only heir. Meng Shenji was loyal to the royal family and had no choice but to serve him wholeheartedly.

"No explanation needed. I'm here to kill him. Anyone who tries to stop me dies too." Yang Wudi was supremely confident in his attack power. Killing someone like Xue Beng—even if all three deans attacked, they might not stop him, though he'd die as well.

"Your Majesty, Crown Prince, Dean Meng, please calm down." Shui Bing'er anxiously stood before them, shielding Yang Wudi. "Senior Yang is my friend. There must be a misunderstanding. I'll persuade him to leave."

"Hmph, since it's my wedding day, and for Ning Fengzhi and your sake, Bing'er, I'll spare him this once. But he must leave immediately, or he'll die here today," Xue Beng said coldly. Protected by the Royal Knights and the three deans, his fear was gone.

He really wanted to kill Yang Wudi for this insult, but since today was his wedding, it was best not to see blood. He also had to consider the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. As long as Yang Wudi stopped causing trouble, he could let it go for now.

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Shui Bing'er bowed, then turned to Yang Wudi. "Senior Yang, I know why you came today. Please, go back. I am marrying the crown prince of my own will."

She said it, but the pain on her face was obvious. In truth, Yang Wudi fighting his way to the palace for her moved her deeply—it felt like the fatherly love she hadn't known for years.

So she couldn't let this friend, like both elder and father, die here today.

"Miss Shui, look in the mirror at your face—holding back tears must be painful, right? Don't worry. Once I kill Xue Beng, you'll be free." Yang Wudi was not one to back down for a few empty words. Once he decided something, nothing could change his mind.

He'd been like this with Spirit Hall before, and he was the same now with the Heaven Dou Empire.

"Hmph, such arrogance! You think you can kill the crown prince before us? Don't forget, you were just our dog in the past. Now you have a new master, and you dare bark at your old one?" Lie Yang Douluo stepped in front of Xue Beng, looking down on Yang Wudi.

Though Yang Wudi claimed his attack surpassed Titled Douluo, it depended on the spirit. Against the Clear Sky Hammer, his Breaking Soul Spear was nothing. He'd easily knocked Yang Wudi's spear aside earlier, after all.

"Seventh Elder, I know I'm not your match. But you should know my character—I'm not like you, bullying the weak and fearing the strong. Even if a thousand enemies block my way, I'll keep moving forward!" Yang Wudi declared.

"You say I bully the weak? I lost a son fighting Spirit Hall, and you say I'm a coward?" The Seventh Elder was furious at this insult.

"Heh, you lost a son? Do you know how many died when you Clear Sky Sect abandoned the four great clans? How many of my clan, the Breaking Clan, died?"

"Over three hundred lives! From a clan of four hundred, only a hundred elderly, women, and children survived." Yang Wudi's eyes filled with tears. A man rarely cries, except when truly heartbroken.

"Even so, we never retreated. I tell you, Lie Yang Douluo—no one has more right than me to call your Clear Sky Sect cowards!"

Yang Wudi's furious speech made the Fifth Elder and Tang Yuehua lower their heads. At least they had some shame, and admitted Clear Sky Sect had wronged the Breaking Clan.

"Well said, Old Yang!" Bone Douluo nodded. What he admired most about Yang Wudi was not his immense attack power, but his courage against strong foes, loyalty to friends, and indomitable spirit.

No matter what, he would not let Yang Wudi be harmed today.

There were shameless people everywhere. The Seventh Elder, who in the original story bullied a Soul King as a Titled Douluo, was a prime example. Instead of feeling guilty, Yang Wudi's words made him even angrier. "Nonsense! Yang Wudi, you dare insult Clear Sky Sect? I'll execute this traitor right now!"

The Seventh Elder charged at Yang Wudi, Clear Sky Hammer in hand. Even if his soul rings weren't strong, and he wasn't as skilled as Tang Hao or Tang Xiao, the hammer weighed at least five thousand pounds, and with his strength, each strike was over ten thousand pounds.

Yang Wudi quickly raised his spear to block, but his strength was far inferior to a Titled Douluo.

With a loud bang, the spear shaft bent, and Yang Wudi was forced to one knee, his palm splitting and bleeding.

"Please, Lie Yang Douluo, show mercy. Your Highness, I beg you, I promise to keep my word and marry you, and I will persuade Senior Yang to leave," Shui Bing'er pleaded with Xue Beng.

Yang Wudi shouted, "Miss Shui, don't beg them! I came here today for my own will. If I must let you sacrifice yourself for me to live, then I am not Yang Wudi!"

Suddenly, icy air enveloped the Clear Sky Hammer. An ice phoenix soared through the palace, and everyone found their wine frozen in their cups. The ice phoenix flew at Lie Yang Douluo, forcing him to attack it instead of Yang Wudi.

The ice phoenix turned back into a woman, coughing blood—it was Shui Bing'er's mother, Shui Qingwu.

"Mother!" Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er hurried to help her. "Are you alright?"

Shui Qingwu shook her head. "Mother's fine. Bing'er, I must apologize to you. As your mother, I watched you enter a pit of fire and realized I'm not as good as Yang Wudi, who's only known you two years. I'm not worthy of being your mother."

"Mother, it's not your fault—I don't blame you at all." Shui Bing'er's forced strength broke down, and she burst into tears.

Shui Qingwu stroked her daughter's hair with a smile, then stood beside Yang Wudi and looked at Xue Beng. "Xue Beng, my daughter will not marry you today. Give up."

Xue Beng, Xue Xing, and Xue Ye all turned grim. Yang Wudi's troublemaking was annoying, but Shui Qingwu's words were a public humiliation.

Xue Xing Prince said coldly, "Shui Qingwu, you're courting death. Do you know what will happen to you now?"

"Alas, Qingwu, why did you do this?" The deans of Blazing and God Wind Academies shook their heads. Shui Qingwu's decision was too impulsive.

Shui Qingwu knew the consequences, but she had no regrets.

"What will happen to Dean Shui, I don't know. But, Prince Xue Xing, do you know what will happen to you if you harm someone from my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"

A voice, both majestic and a bit playful, echoed through the palace, shaking everyone to their core. The weak wavered, and Xue Xing nearly had his soul shattered.