The Tian Dou Army was instantly stunned; in a moment, the Martial Soul Empire's forces were completely annihilated...
On the side of the Martial Soul Empire, only Bibi Dong, Qian Jun, and Demon Subduing Douluo remained standing; even the Soul Douluos were shaken to death.
Immediately, the ground on the Martial Soul Empire's side flowed with rivers of blood.
Xue Beng and Gelong, along with other generals, exchanged glances, utterly shocked.
"We... discussed this in vain..."
"It's over just like that..."
"Wars are supposed to be protracted, requiring study of tactics, deployment of troops, predicting all sorts of possible sudden changes, but now, all discussions are useless..."
"This is absolute power..."
...
Bibi Dong looked extremely grim; wasn't it said that Ye Yu would not make a move?
Bibi Dong did not strike, and instead retreated swiftly with the two Titled Douluos. Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Ning Fengzhi took action immediately.
Qian Jun and Demon Subduing Douluo stayed to cover the retreat; aside from Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu, only these two Titled Douluos remained in the Martial Soul Hall.
Bibi Dong saw not only Tang San but also Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, Ning Fengzhi, and Sect Leader Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus making a move together. Qian Jun and Demon Subduing Douluo were certainly no match.
Bibi Dong wanted to act but found Ye Yu's gaze fixed firmly on her, forcing her to retreat.
Bibi Dong felt heavy-hearted and resentful but still hopeful; even if she was the last one left of the Martial Soul Empire, as long as she attained godhood, everything would be over.
Ye Yu did not make a move; under the joint forces of Sword Douluo and others, the two Level 96 Titled Douluos were at a disadvantage. When Tang Hao arrived and teamed up with Tang San, father and son battled the two Titled Douluos, and Tang Hao's strength was restored; even at Level 95, he easily crushed Demon Subduing Douluo.
The battle ended easily, all thanks to Ye Yu.
With Bibi Dong retreating, although the Martial Soul Empire still had considerable manpower, they chose not to attack again but rather to defend, stalling for time. Once she reached godhood, she would begin to rule the continent.
At Jialing Pass.
Strong figures from Vast Heaven Sect also arrived; since the Martial Soul Empire was in retreat, Tian Dou would definitely push forward with full force.
Tang San said, "Bibi Dong dares not attack again; she is likely striving to break through into the divine level. Before Bibi Dong emerges again, there will be no issues in the war; I plan to leave first and also aim for the divine level."
Master worriedly asked, "Xiao San, have you really decided to inherit the Sea God's Divine Position?"
Tang San nodded, "Apart from Brother Yu not needing to inherit a divine position, being a god himself, I must reach godhood by inheriting. If Bibi Dong attains godhood, then so might Qian Daoliu. Although Brother Yu is very strong, I must continue to improve."
Tang Hao frowned, "Reaching godhood at the hundredth level is exceedingly difficult. Even with the talents of your great-grandfather, he did not succeed and ended up in that state. Xiao San, I hope you won't rush into this; you need a stronger foundation and shouldn't be hastily aiming for godhood."
Tang San resolutely said, "What must be faced needs to be faced. While attaining godhood is difficult and dangerous, I must not shrink back; I need to have the momentum of breaking the cauldrons and sinking the boats. My situation differs from my ancestor's; I've completed the seven trials and have the support of the Trident of the Sea God and my companions—succeeding won't be hard. Furthermore, I have twin martial souls; I'll first enhance the Vast Heaven Hammer with soul rings, making success more likely."
Tang Hao nodded, "In that case, make sure to succeed. The Tian Dou Empire has nothing to do with us, nor do old enmities with the Martial Soul Hall need addressing. Remember, crucially, your mother and I only have you as our son."
Tang San felt a warm surge and nodded heavily, "Mm, I won't risk my life recklessly."
Master said, "Xiao San, you saw it earlier—the example of your father's Vast Heaven Hammer. Even if his soul power level is inferior to those two priests, he could break through their attacks with the power of the Vast Heaven Hammer. Do you know why?"
Tang San was astonished, "Dad, you didn't use any soul techniques earlier but just used the True Martial Soul's attack power, which is so strong. Fighting alongside you, I could feel the terrifying force of the Vast Heaven Hammer—not just its weight but explosive power. Every strike feels irresistible; I don't think even I could block it."
Tang Hao glanced at Tang Xiao, eyes showing a query.
Tang Xiao nodded, "Pass it on to Xiao San; he has the right to inherit Vast Heaven Sect's secret technique. Grandfather has already passed the Vast Heaven Order to Xiao San; this can naturally be passed too, providing Xiao San with an extra ability to protect himself."
Tang San was curious; his father had taught him the Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique. Could there be an even stronger secret technique?
Tang Hao said, "Then I'll pass it to you. This secret technique can only be passed to one person each generation. In the previous generation, it was passed to me. It's not a treasure kept jealously but because this technique demands extremely high requirements from cultivators, requiring extraordinary talent and a terrifying constitution—otherwise, there is a risk of life-threatening danger. This secret technique is known as the Great Sumeru Hammer."
Tang Hao showed concern, "Initially, I thought your trump cards like the Trident of the Sea God were sufficient. Though your constitution is very strong, I'm still worried. But learning it could increase your chances of achieving godhood. When I just broke through Level 90, even before obtaining the Ninth Soul Ring, I managed to severely injure the previous pope of the Martial Soul Hall because of the Great Sumeru Hammer."
"This secret technique consolidates all soul rings into one, injecting them entirely into the Vast Heaven Hammer, transforming them into the purest strength and attack power, magnifying one's combat power far beyond their own soul power, breaking all methods with force. However, while I managed to severely injure Qian Xunji, it greatly damaged myself too. It's best not to use it unless in a crisis, and certainly not to use it recklessly with full power."
"Even with your incredibly strong constitution, it would endanger your life—only when you attain godhood, will it have no adverse effects. Your great-grandfather said that the Vast Heaven Sect's Great Sumeru Hammer is akin to a divine skill, only fully realized upon reaching godhood, failing to do so would only harm oneself."
"I'll teach you the cultivation method."
In the following days, Tang San started practicing but didn't practice much; after swinging four times, he felt pain in his body.
Tang Hao said, "You've felt the impact of using the Great Sumeru Hammer on yourself, right? Even I can only swing the hammer three times—more would harm myself."
Tang San's whole body was aching: "I felt it indeed; divine-level usage is the only unfettered use—otherwise, even I'd die."
Tang Hao nodded, "Not just you; even Xiao Yu would sustain injuries. I'm very clear on Xiao Yu's constitution—very terrifying, but the consumption from the Great Sumeru Hammer Technique is even more terrifying."
At this moment, Ye Yu stepped forward and said, "I've watched enough times; I've already learned it. Xiao San, give me your hammer, I want to try."
"Sure."
Tang San handed the Vast Heaven Hammer to Ye Yu, and Tang Hao cautioned, "Remember, don't use full power."
Whoosh whoosh whoosh...
In the next second, Ye Yu swung with full power, with terrifying might; every strike shattered the surrounding space.
Tang Hao frowned, "I told you not to use full power; you used it regardless—fine, as long as the duration isn't long. I'm leaving now."
As Tang Hao left, he reminded, "Xiao Yu, even with your constitution, only swing for an hour before stopping."
Tang San said, "Dad, I'm leaving tomorrow morning."
"Okay, I'll come to see you off then."
Twilight came, night descended, and a night passed.
When Tang Hao returned, the whistling and space-shattering sounds were still ongoing. Tang Hao quickly approached but upon seeing Ye Yu unscathed, Tang Hao was dumbfounded.
Ye Yu was puzzled and said, "Uncle Tang Hao, isn't it supposed to be fully unleashed only after achieving godhood? But I've swung the Great Sumeru Hammer Technique all night and don't feel anything yet."
Tang Hao: "..."