Douluo Dalu: Volume 25: Single Category Clans

by Tang Jia San Shao

  When the two old men saw each other, they spread their arms practically simultaneously, their solid chests firmly knocking together, issuing a loud thump. That noise was so loud it made Tang San jump, showing just how much effort they put into it.

  Tai Long standing next to Tang San said in a low voice:

  “It’s custom. Among the four single attribute clans, us and the Defense Clan have the best relationship. Grandpa and grandpa Niu are best friends, they grew up together. They’re like this every time they meet.”

  Sure enough, after their violent collision, the two men tightly embraced each other, laughing loudly simultaneously. Judging by the veins on the terrifying muscles of Tai Tan’s arms, they didn’t seem to just be hugging.

  “You old orangutan, you’ve grown a bit stronger again! Only, even if I’m not stronger than you, don’t even think about snapping these old bones.”

  Tai Tan snapped:

  “Who doesn’t know how thick your skin is? Tai Long, come here. Greet your grandpa Niu Gao[2].”

  Tai Long hurriedly strode forward, deferentially saluting the Defense Clan chief,

  “Hello, grandpa Niu.”

  Niu Gao grabbed Tai Long’s arm,

  “What greetings, we’re all one family, why so many customs? En, Tai Long, you’re quite robust, you have the bearing of your grandpa back then. Last time it was your dad and grandpa who came. I think that your future accomplishments will surpass your father’s. Tai Tan that kid is still a bit petite.”

  Hearing this, Tang San couldn’t help inwardly wiping his sweat. Someone built like Tai Nuo was still considered petite? Then there was no justice!

  Tai Tan didn’t introduce Tang San to Niu Gao, this was by Tang San’s own request. His identity as a child of the Clear Sky Clan could very easily cause trouble, he had to first observe the circumstances, then choose how to confront the other three single category clans.

  Tai Tan said:

  “Let’s go. We still haven’t gone inside. Don’t tell me we have to drink the wind here!”

  Niu Gao grinned,

  “Think I’ve forgotten in the excitement of seeing you? Let’s go, come inside. I’ve prepared you the liquor you like best, tonight us brothers won’t return without getting drunk, if you don’t dare, you’re a soft egg.”

  “Dog farts, when wasn’t it you who got so drunk you crawled back. Come, I’m afraid you won’t succeed. Eh, right, old rhino, those two fellows aren’t here?”

  Niu Gao said:

  “Not yet, you’re the first. You’re so energetic every time. There’s still another two days till the gathering.”

  Tai Tan laughed out loud, saying:

  “Doesn’t matter, we’ll drink heartily first. Best is if all the wine is finished when they arrive, let them drink water.”

  Tang San always observed coolly as he followed the two clan chiefs with Tai Long and Ma Hongjun. The four Strength Clan disciples as well as the two disciples acting as coachmen followed behind them.

  Through observation, Tang San discovered that this Defense Clan chief Niu Gao really had a very good relationship with Tai Tan. If he was approached through this relationship, it should be a bit easier. He just didn’t know how to move this old man.

  Just as Tai Tan said, the Defense Clan’s architecture was almost exactly the same as the Strength Clan, giving a familiar feeling on entering.

  The old brothers Tai Tan and Niu Gao walked arm in arm, their cheerful laughter almost never stopping. Only when they reached a wide hall did they separate as host and guest. Of course, both Tai Tan and Niu Gao sat in the seat of honor.

  Tai Long didn’t sit in the place of the first guest, but rather left this seat for Tang San, he and Ma Hongjun sitting below. This action immediately drew Niu Gao’s attention. People capable of becoming clan chief didn’t just possess great strength. Niu Gao’s character was somewhat similar to Tai Tan. Seeing Tai Long’s actions, he couldn’t help asking Tai Tan:

  “Old orangutan, you didn’t introduce us, who is this young man who’s as pretty as a lady? Eh, and that fatty. This doesn’t seem like the style of your Strength Clan!”

  Hearing Niu Gao’s interrogation, Tai Tan couldn’t help looking at Tang San, inwardly pondering deeply a moment, then saying:

  “These two are my grandson’s friends from school. I brought them to have a look this time.”

  “En?”

  Hearing this, Niu Gao’s gaze instead grew even more questioning. In fact, the gathering of the four single attribute clans was an extremely secret affair, how could outsiders be allowed to casually participate? Judging by the expression with which Tai Long looked at Tang San, he clearly saw a respectful mood. How would that happen with youngsters of the same age?

  Niu Gao wasn’t a person to mince words, snapping:

  “Old orangutan, don’t tell me you still have to hide things from a brother? Just who is this kid? Why would you bring him to the gathering?”

  Hearing Niu Gao ask this, Tang San knew that if he didn’t stand up now, even if his identity was revealed in the future, he would inevitably receive Niu Gao’s contempt. Confronting such an outspoken senior Spirit Master, it would be better to get it done with at once.

  Immediately, Tang San stood up, saluting slightly to Niu Gao,

  “Senior Niu Gao, hello. Myself am Tang San.”

  Niu Gao stared blankly,

  “Your surname is Tang?”

  Tang San didn’t hide it,

  “My father is Tang Hao.”

  “What?”

  Hearing this, Niu Gao couldn’t stay seated, fiercely shooting up to his feet, his original smile immediately turning gloomy. Turning his head he looked at Tai Tan to the side,

  “Old orangutan, what’s the meaning of this? Don’t tell me the Clear Sky School hasn’t caused us enough harm? If not for that Tang Hao, how would we have fallen to this state?”

  Tai Tan’s brows creased slightly,

  “Old rhino, calm down a bit. Don’t tell me that Spirit Hall would have let the Clear Sky School off without my master’s matters back then? I hate the Clear Sky School just as much as you do for treating us subsidiary clans as disposable. But how is this related to Tang San? With your age, can’t you settle down a bit?”

  * * *

  [1] Phoenix Meteor Shower - (凤凰流星雨)

  [2] Niu Gao - (牛皋) “Bovine Marsh”.

  Chapter 172: Poised For Battle, Comparing Defense With The Armor Plated Giant Rhinoceros

  Niu Gao’s expression was still very unsightly, glaring at Tai Tan:

  “Old orangutan, if someone else had brought him, I would’ve kicked him out long ago. Have him hurry up and leave, I don’t want to see anyone related to the Clear Sky School. Otherwise, don’t blame me for not sparing your feelings.”

  Tai Tan was also somewhat angry, he regarded Tang San extremely highly, even to the extent that he had entrusted the Strength Clan’s future to him. Shooting to his feet, he said angrily:

  “Then fine, we’ll go together. Our Strength Clan doesn’t need to take part in the gathering this time. Young master, we’re leaving.”

  Finished speaking, he headed towards the exit in big strides.

  Niu Gao hadn’t thought Tai Tan’s reaction would actually be so fierce, and his face immediately changed. He and Tai Tan had been brothers for many years, so he naturally knew this old fellow wasn’t one to make decisions lightly. However, his words were already spoken, and as a clan chief, if he were to take it back now he wouldn’t be left with any face.

  “Senior Tai Tan, wait a moment.”

  Tang San pulled Tai Tan’s arm. If they truly left, perhaps there wouldn’t be any leeway to change the situation. He of course wouldn’t call Tai Tan ‘elder’ in front of outsiders.

  Tai Tan looked at Tang San, and Tang San nodded at him, afterwards turned to face Niu Gao, giving him a deep bow,

  “Senior Niu Gao, I apologize to you for the Clear Sky School and my father causing the four single category clans
trouble back then. I know that such an apology can’t mean anything. Following senior Tai Tan this time was in the hopes of finding a way to make it up to the four clans.”

  Niu Gao glared at Tang San,

  “Your Clear Sky School has lifted the seal?”

  Tang San shook his head,

  “I only represent myself and my father. Not the Clear Sky School. The sect is still sealed.”

  Niu Gao snorted coldly,

  “No matter whether the Clear Sky School has lifted the seal or not, there’s not a copper spirit coin of responsibility towards our Defense Clan. We’ve done very well, we have no use for any of your compensation. Nor is it something a kid still smelling of his mother’s milk can repay.”

  Hearing Niu Gao’s words, Tang San instead of getting angry, smiled. He had already heard some margins for redemption in the meaning behind the counterparts words. Of course, this margin wasn’t something Niu Gao had set aside for him, but rather for Tai Tan’s sake.

  Right now, Tai Tan had also turned around, standing next to Tang San.

  Confronted with Niu Gao’s angry glare, Tang San seemed very leisurely. Embracing Xiao Wu, his graceful character not the slightest flustered. In fact, Niu Gao was also a Spirit Douluo level power, and even if he didn’t purposefully release his strength to pressure Tang San, his own aura as well as the aggression saved up over decades as clan chief wasn’t something an ordinary person could endure.

  “Senior Niu Gao, of course I can’t swear that I can do anything for the four clans. You won’t believe empty promises, and even I feel that’s unconvincing. However, I hope you can give me one chance. Let me stay here to participate in the gathering. I don’t want the Defense Clan to regard me as an enemy.”

  Niu Gao suddenly smiled, but his smile was even more frightening than his chill just now. A tyrannical pressure suddenly burst from him, oppressing Tang San just like a raging wave.

  “Give you a chance? Back when the Clear Sky School declared themselves sealed, did they give us four clans any chances? Back when your father fought Spirit Hall, did he think of our interests? Why would I give you a chance? Fuck off, get out of here, otherwise don’t blame an old man for being blunt.”

  An angry light flashed in Tai Tan’s eyes, about to erupt, but was forcefully stopped by Tang San,

  “Senior Tai Tan, let me deal with it on my own.”

  Tang San’s goal was to establish the Tang Sect in another world, to let the Tang Sect grow and develop on this Douluo Continent. If he couldn’t even deal with this, how could he run a sect?

  Confronting the immense pressure released by Niu Gao, Tang San advanced rather than retreat, taking a step forward. A faint white light appeared from his body, but the white light wasn’t extroverted, but rather gathered close around him. When the formidable pressure Niu Gao released fell on him, a bizarre scene appeared. That immense pressure was unexpectedly cut in two by Tang San’s body, slipping past on either side of him, unable to affect him in any way.

  Who was Tang San? As early as when his strength was still low and confronted the three board members of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, he had forcefully overcome their pressure, let alone the current him. That white light was undoubtedly the Deathgod Domain inscribed on his Clear Sky Hammer, and the effect that appeared now was the evolved effect of the Deathgod Domain —— Deathgod Assault.

  Just like the group binding after the Blue Silver Domain evolved, Deathgod Assault was also the result of the domain evolving along with Tang San’s strength. The evolved Blue Silver Domain’s ability Blue Silver Ranged Binding was a large scale control ability, superior in large areas. And the Deathgod Domain’s evolved ability Deathgod Assault was completely used on a single target. Right now Tang San had focused the Deathgod Domain within himself, and that Deathgod Assault turned his body into a sharp blade, immediately causing a tyrannical cutting effect on that incorporeal pressure.

  In the Spirit Master world, strength could always be said to solve a great many things. When Niu Gao felt the pressure he released unexpectedly cut apart like that, he also couldn’t help being shocked, his gaze at Tang San immediately changing.

  Somewhat stunned looking at Tang San, Niu Gao said:

  “Worthy of being Tang Hao’s son, you can actually block my pressure. How old are you?”

  Tang San smiled calmly,

  “Almost twenty one.”

  Niu Gao’s expression changed again, clearly amazed by Tang San’s age. His gaze turned towards Tai Long to the side, and discovered that Tai Long was just now looking at him, the expression in his eyes still with something of looking at a good show. Somewhat in a rage from humiliation he said:

  “Fine, if you want to stay it’s possible. Right here, as long as nothing is damaged, if you can persevere against me for the time of one stick of incense, I’ll let you stay to participate in the gathering. I’ll explain it to the two other sides.”

  “Are you serious?”

  The one to speak up wasn’t Tang San, but rather Tai Tan. Right now, his face was already covered with a smile.

  When Niu Gao saw Tai Tan’s smile, he suddenly had a feeling of the hairs all over his body standing up, somewhat resentfully saying to him:

  “I, old Niu, am still a clan chief, don’t tell me I’d speak without thinking?”

  Tai Tan grinned, saying:

  “Good, very good. It seems there’s no need to leave today. We can still finish off this old fellow’s wine tonight.”

  Niu Gao snorted angrily,

  “Old orangutan, are you so confident in this little fellow? My spirit power has advanced in these two years, even if I still can’t compare to you, I’m still at the eighty fourth rank. How old is he? I say it’s one stick of incense.”

  Tai Tan smiled mysteriously, saying:

  “You try it and you’ll know. I guarantee you won’t know if you don’t try. One try will frighten you out of your skin. Old rhino, don’t blame your big brother for not warning you. There’s none in the young generation of the Clear Sky School that can stand next to Tang San, his talent isn’t inferior in any way to his father. He’s a leading figure of the present Clear Sky School third generation. A strong contender for the next Clear Sky School master.”

  Hearing Tai Tan’s words, Niu Gao’s expression immediately grew serious. Other things didn’t matter, but Tai Tan saying he was more talented than Tang Hao, that made his spirit droop. He and Tai Tan were close as brothers, and Tai Tan himself wouldn’t lie to him. Moreover, within Tai Tan’s words, there was unexpectedly still a faintly warning feeling. It seemed to warn him not to keel over.

  Just at this moment, Tang San spoke,

  “Senior Niu Gao, you are the close brother of senior Tai Tan, naturally you’re also my senior. How about this. We’ll make our competition a bit simpler. Neither of us will use spirit abilities, but we can gather spirit force. We’ll each strike the opponent three times. The other side can’t dodge, only block. If, after three strikes, junior can still keep standing here, the senior please let junior stay here to participate in the gathering, how about it?”

  Hearing Tang San say this, let alone Niu Gao being stunned, even Tai Tan widened his eyes in shock. Naturally not because Tang San gave himself an easy way to win, but rather because the conditions he raised were too favorable to Defense Clan chief Niu Gao.

  The Defense Clan, like the Strength Clan, as a single attribute clan, they wholeheartedly spent all their efforts on defense. Their defensive power was tyrannical, something no Spirit Masters on the same level could compare to. Even the famed Elephant Clan School didn’t dare say they surpassed the Defense Clan in defense.

  Without using spirit abilities, not allowed to dodge, enduring three of the opponent’s attacks. This was clearly a method that allowed the Defense Clan’s defensive power to be displayed to its greatest degree. Not to mention level ground, it already let Niu Gao hold an invincible position. And as a Spirit Douluo level power, even if Niu Gao didn’t use spirit abilities,
his pure spirit power bombardment was already quite powerful.

  Tai Tan somewhat anxiously gave Tang San a meaningful look, but Tang San didn’t seem to see it. Still attentively watching Niu Gao with a graceful expression, waiting for his reply.

  Niu Gao glared at Tang San, not recovering for a long time as he couldn’t think why Tang San would propose terms so favorable to him. Clearly, this youth in front of him wasn’t planning on leaving, then that could only prove that he had complete confidence in himself.

  “Kid, you’re very brassy?”

  Niu Gao said coldly.

  Tang San shook his head with a smile, saying:

  “I wouldn’t dare. How could junior dare be arrogant in front of two seniors? I just don’t want to harm the friendliness. Senior, please begin.”

  Finished speaking, he returned Xiao Wu from his arms to the Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse.

  Niu Gao walked in front of Tang San with large strides, halting,

  “The method you’ve proposed already leaves me at a very large advantage, how could I go first. Kid, you begin.”

  Tang San wasn’t polite about it,

  “Then fine, senior be careful.”

  As he spoke, he took a very simple step forward, one fist striking at Niu Gao’s chest. His movements were extremely direct, but astonishing Niu Gao was that he unexpectedly didn’t feel a trace of spirit power from Tang San’s punch.

  After a thump sound, Tang San’s fist withdrew. Niu Gao stared blankly since he basically didn’t feel any attack power, and couldn’t help getting angry,

  “Kid, are you playing with me?”

  Tang San shook his head with a smile,

  “I wouldn’t dare. It’s just that honorable senior’s defensive power is number one on the Continent. What need is there for me to make a fool of myself? Junior’s attack won’t affect senior anyway, so it would be better if I put all my effort into defending against senior’s attack. Like this there’s an even greater chance I will stay behind.”