In a secluded courtyard belonging to Marco within the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy.
The evening breeze swept through, carrying faint, distant clamor that only accentuated the tranquility of the small yard. Fragrant tea wafted from the stone table where Marco sat opposite his father, Li Zhaoyan.
Marco picked up his teacup, took a gentle sip, and looked calmly at his father as he spoke. "Father, earlier at the competition grounds... you seemed to have noticed something?"
He asked directly, without unnecessary pleasantries. Based on his understanding of his father and his own powerful Observation Haki perception, he had also vaguely caught a fleeting trace of an extremely subtle yet overwhelmingly domineering and unfamiliar aura on the arena. Combined with his father's momentary pause and subsequent change in attitude, it wasn't difficult to deduce there must be a reason behind it.
Li Zhaoyan set down his teacup, his fingers lightly tracing the smooth rim, a sharp glint flashing in his deep eyes. Instead of answering directly, he asked in return, "You sensed it?"
"Yes," Marco nodded. "Very faint, gone in an instant, but... domineering."
"Correct," Li Zhaoyan affirmed, a hint of admiration appearing in his eyes. His son's keen perception was even stronger than he had anticipated. "Although that aura was deliberately restrained, its inherently domineering and profound nature was difficult to completely conceal. More importantly... I have felt that aura before."
He paused, his gaze drifting toward the dark night sky outside the courtyard as if lost in memory. "It was many years ago, when I was still young and hadn't yet broken through to Soul Douluo. While traveling the continent, I once passed near the Clear Sky Sect from afar, unintentionally. At that time, Tang Hao—now the Clear Sky Douluo—was practicing his hammer techniques in the mountains near the sect, his aura erupting. Though I was quite a distance away, I perceived a trace of his unique aura—domineering and profound. And even after all these years, because Tang Hao broke through to Titled Douluo and famously fought one against three from the Spirit Hall, leaving two severely injured and one dead—a feat too shocking to forget—that aura has remained firmly etched in my memory."
"Clear Sky Douluo, Tang Hao," Marco slowly uttered the name, not particularly surprised. Tang San had been pushed to the brink on the arena, even exposing his External Spirit Bone and Clear Sky Hammer. Given Tang Hao's level of concern for his son, how could he not be secretly guarding him? He just hadn't expected Tang Hao to have been nearby all along, and to have only revealed a trace of his aura when Tang San was nearly killed, Liu Erlong erupted in fury, and his father was about to act decisively.
A warning? A deterrent? Marco pondered.
"I originally intended to completely cripple that Liu Erlong and then settle accounts with Shrek," Li Zhaoyan continued, his voice tinged with coldness. "But when Tang Hao's aura appeared, I knew it was no longer feasible. Though I do not fear him—even at his peak, I am confident I could fight him—if he were to dedicate himself to hiding and strike at you from the shadows, it would be impossible to guard against completely. A Titled Douluo-level Clear Sky Hammer Soul Master, if he stoops to assassination, poses too great a threat. I cannot gamble with your safety."
Marco understood clearly. His father was not afraid of Tang Hao, but rather was cautious, worried that the other party would disregard his status and seek revenge. This consideration was indeed reasonable. A Titled Douluo-level Soul Master wielding the Clear Sky Hammer possessed attack power unparalleled on the continent. If such a person truly hid in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to ambush, it would indeed be a tremendous threat. His father had chosen temporary restraint, not pushing matters to the extreme, all to protect him.
Thinking this, Marco felt not the slightest resentment but instead a surge of warmth. Yet, at the same time, a fine layer of cold sweat broke out on his back.
Damn! Good thing Father came today! he cursed inwardly.
He had previously only thought about teaching Tang San a lesson, forcing him to reveal his trump cards, and incidentally observing Tang Hao's reaction. He had subconsciously overlooked a crucial issue—he had beaten Tang San half to death, nearly crippling his kidney, and finally, in front of everyone, pummeled him into a bloody, unconscious mess. This was equivalent to stomping Tang Hao's son to death, and stomping several times at that!
Given Tang Hao's protective, extreme, and domineering nature, seeing his son beaten to such a state, could he be without rage? Could he not want revenge? If not for his father's presence today, using the prestige of a Titled Douluo to deter him, coupled with the competition rules and the watchful eyes of the crowd, Tang Hao might have still held some reservations. But once the competition ended and he was alone, with Tang Hao's strength and stealth methods, finding an opportunity to secretly give him a hammer blow... the consequences... Marco felt a thrill just thinking about it.
Though confident, he was not arrogant enough to believe he could currently withstand a Titled Douluo going all out, especially one famed for attack power like a Clear Sky Hammer Douluo! If his father hadn't appeared in time today to deter Tang Hao and also restrain the frenzied Liu Erlong, the consequences would have been unthinkable.
"It was my oversight," Marco took a deep breath and admitted frankly. He had indeed been somewhat overconfident before, underestimating the potential consequences of thoroughly enraging a Titled Douluo father.
"It's fine," Li Zhaoyan waved his hand, a flicker of relief in his eyes. It was good that his son could recognize this. "Being young and vigorous, showing your Edge, is not a bad thing. But you must know that there are countless powerful individuals in this world. You should leave room when acting, especially when your wings are not yet fully grown. Today's events serve as a reminder for you."
"Father's lesson is correct," Marco nodded, accepting the teaching. He really should reflect. Since coming to this world, his strength had increased too rapidly, and his mindset had inevitably become somewhat impetuous. Today's events had sounded a warning bell for him.
"However," Li Zhaoyan's tone shifted, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, "although we temporarily let them off today out of consideration for Tang Hao's face and not wanting to place you in danger, this matter is not simply over. Shrek Academy failed in its teaching, a fault of the instructor; the disciple was vicious, the elder acted recklessly. This matter absolutely cannot be easily settled!"
Marco looked up at his father.
"Tomorrow, I will personally go to see the Platinum Bishop Salas of the Grand Competition Committee, as well as the imperial representatives," Li Zhaoyan's tone turned cold. "Shrek Academy violated the rules by using poisoned Hidden Weapons with intent to murder a competitor first; their elder Liu Erlong openly violated the competition rules, bullying the weak, attempting to cruelly kill a participating student afterward! The evidence is conclusive, witnessed by all! Such conduct—if no explanation is given, where is the dignity of the Grand Competition? Where is the face of the Heaven Dou Empire?"
"Father means..." Marco's heart stirred.
"The death penalty may be spared, but living punishment is unavoidable." Li Zhaoyan snorted coldly. "Shrek Academy must be severely punished!"
"I leave it all to your discretion, Father." Marco had no objections. Shrek Academy, especially Liu Erlong and Tang San's actions today, had truly crossed a line. If not for his Elementalization Spirit Skill, he would have been killed or at least severely injured today. It was perfectly reasonable for his father to seize this opportunity to take action.
"Hmm." Li Zhaoyan nodded, his tone softening. "You did well today. That Tang San is indeed exceptionally gifted—Twin Spirits, an External Spirit Bone—yet at such a young age, his mind is so ruthless. After this incident, you two are mortal enemies. In the future, as you travel the continent, you must be extra cautious, especially regarding the Clear Sky Sect and Tang Hao. Be extremely vigilant."
"I understand, Father." Marco solemnly agreed. Between him and Tang San, if they could not be friends, they could only be enemies. Today merely tore off the last pretense. In the future, a battle was inevitable.
"Alright, you must be tired today. Rest early." Li Zhaoyan waved his hand. "The Promotion Tournament is over. We just await the results now. The Grand Finals are in Spirit City, where the waters run deeper. You need to conserve your strength and must not let your guard down."
"Yes, Father." Marco stood up, bowed, and left the room.
The night breeze was slightly cool, brushing against the stray hairs on his forehead. Marco stood in the courtyard, gazing up at the starry sky, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
Shrek, Tang Hao, the Clear Sky Sect...
"Meet soldiers with soldiers, meet water with earth," he murmured to himself, then turned and entered his own room.
Tomorrow was bound to be very "lively."