Douluo Dalu: The Legend of The Spider Emperor

"Xiao Wu!"

At this moment, everyone stopped their attacks.

Because Xiao Wu was already in Ye Hao's grasp.

"Ye Hao! Let Xiao Wu go! If you have any courage, face me one-on-one!" Tang San said coldly.

Ye Hao threw Xiao Wu to the ground. His spider spear, formed from his arm, pointed directly at her throat.

"One-on-one?"

Ye Hao sneered disdainfully. "By that useless master of your Shrek Academy's teachings, you're supposed to be a team. I doubt it'd just be one-on-one. It'd likely be one after another, ending with you declaring that Shrek Academy fights as one. How shameless are you?"

"You…" Dai Mubai ground his teeth in anger, silently cursing Xiao Wu for being more of a liability than an asset.

The enemy was just one person, while they had five. They had the advantage.

But now, Shrek was completely on the back foot. With Xiao Wu captured, their initial strategy was ruined.

"I'm genuinely curious why you chose to attack me. Was it because of what happened in Soto City? Or was it back at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy…?"

Ye Hao smirked, looking at the helpless Shrek team.

"Shut up!" Tang San gritted his teeth, pointing angrily at Ye Hao. "Shrek Academy's disgrace will be washed away by us. But this time, it's personal!"

"Personal?" Ye Hao looked bewildered. He didn't remember interacting with the Shrek gang recently, let alone having a personal grudge.

This past month, Ye Hao had been with Qian Renxue, nurturing their relationship.

As for the Shrek group? Ye Hao had already pushed them out of his mind.

"Behave yourself." Ye Hao flicked Xiao Wu's forehead.

This only made Tang San more furious. His eyes turned blood red, and blood dripped from his clenched fists. He was consumed by the desire to kill Ye Hao on the spot.

"I've been secluded this whole month. How could I possibly have had a conflict with you? If it's about Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, then sorry, that was your academy's own incompetence. Blame no one but yourselves. Now, explain everything clearly, or else…"

As he spoke, Ye Hao's spider spear pressed closer to Xiao Wu's throat. The cold, sharp tip glinted in the dark.

Xiao Wu trembled uncontrollably. Her dull eyes looked helplessly at Tang San and the others. She was terrified Ye Hao would suddenly strike, ending her life with a sickening crack.

"Oh, look, a golden legend! A hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone dropped!"

"Tang San, what should we do? Do we… really have to tell him?" Oscar whispered, finding it impossible to admit what had happened a month ago. It was a stain on both Shrek Academy and their personal dignity.

Nearby, Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai were equally conflicted. On one hand, Xiao Wu was a companion. On the other, it was their reputation on the line.

"What's more important: Xiao Wu or our dignity?!" Tang San roared.

At this, everyone fell silent, standing still, their expressions unwilling but indecisive.

Tang San furrowed his brow and finally revealed what had happened a month ago, their humiliating transformation into "Sh*t Warriors."

"…And that's how it was…"

As Tang San finished, Dai Mubai and the others wanted nothing more than to dig a hole and bury themselves in it.

Even Xiao Wu, lying at Ye Hao's feet, clenched her teeth and vowed silently to take revenge on the one responsible.

"Hahaha!"

Ye Hao laughed uproariously. He hadn't expected his prank on Xiao Hong to escalate like this.

Not only had Xiao Hong not fallen for it, but Tang San had taken the bait instead. And wasn't Tang San supposed to be a master of poisons? How had he failed to notice a simple laxative?

"Admit it—it was you!" Tang San's eyes lit up with realization. He pulled out his Zhuge Divine Crossbow, loaded it with arrows, and prepared to fire.

"Yes, it was me," Ye Hao admitted nonchalantly, wiping away tears of laughter.

"You…!" Ma Hongjun roared, but Ye Hao ignored him, which only made Ma Hongjun angrier.

"This medicine was indeed my doing. But my target wasn't you," Ye Hao said, a playful smile on his face.

"Not us?" Dai Mubai frowned. If it wasn't them, then who was Ye Hao targeting?

Ye Hao chuckled and said, "Even if I told you, your intelligence wouldn't be able to comprehend it."

Turning to Tang San, he added, "You're supposed to be a master of poisons, right? How could you fail to detect such a simple laxative?"

Tang San felt another wave of humiliation. His pride as a poison master was shattered.

"You even dragged your teacher into this. How kind of you. Was he constipated?" Ye Hao taunted, smirking.

"Shut up!" Tang San roared, aiming the Zhuge Divine Crossbow at Ye Hao.

But Ye Hao remained calm and sneered. "Losing your temper already? And you call yourself Shrek's pride? No wonder your entire team became 'Sh*t Warriors.' By the way, thanks for improving Heaven Dou City's air quality."

Tang San trembled with anger, his frustration evident to all.

"Let's make a deal," Tang San suddenly said, suppressing his rage.

"Oh? A deal? I'm intrigued," Ye Hao said, raising an eyebrow.

Tang San took a deep breath. "Release Xiao Wu, and we'll forget this ever happened. What do you say?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Hao smiled faintly, his demeanor calm yet brimming with a sharp undertone.

"She's my prey now. Do you think I'll hand him over so easily?"

Then he turned to Dai Mubai, his expression playful yet mocking.

"Oh, Dai Mubai, those so-called precious herbs you all consumed—weren't they a bit chewed up, like someone had already taken a bite out of them?"

These words made Dai Mubai and the others uneasy, their expressions shifting quickly. Could it be that those precious herbs…?

"You… how do you know that?" Oscar asked, his voice trembling, his heart filled with an ominous premonition.

Ye Hao grinned mischievously. "Because I was the one who ate them first. Honestly, you guys are really something—eating my leftovers like that. Tell me, how did it taste?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Oscar's stomach churned violently. He rushed to a nearby corner, retching uncontrollably. Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun weren't spared either, their faces pale as they struggled with nausea.

Looking at their miserable states, Xiao Wu and Tang San exchanged glances of relief. At least the herbs they had consumed weren't leftovers—otherwise, they'd be retching too.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot…"

Ye Hao added with a smirk, "Tang San, the two herbs you and Xiao Wu consumed were ones I intentionally left behind. And…"

Before he could finish, Xiao Wu and Tang San's expressions turned even darker.

Xiao Wu clutched her mouth, her face pale, fighting the urge to vomit. Ye Hao, noticing her state, suddenly released her.

Taking advantage of the moment, Xiao Wu's eyes glimmered with a pink light. Her expression turned alluring as she locked eyes with Ye Hao.

Her second soul ring lit up—a sign of her charm ability being activated.

Assuming Ye Hao couldn't resist her charm, Xiao Wu prepared to unleash her signature move: the devastating Eight-Stage Drop.

But before she could act, Ye Hao slapped her across the face, leaving her dazed, and followed up with a kick that sent her flying.

Standing tall with his hands clasped behind his back, Ye Hao coldly watched Xiao Wu.

"With your pitiful charm? No one wants you. Only Tang San, blinded by his ignorance, would choose you. Compared to Sister Qian, you're not even worth one ten-thousandth of her beauty."

Seeing Xiao Wu unharmed, Tang San let out a breath of relief. He ignored the pain in his abdomen as his first soul ring glowed, summoning countless Blue Silver Grass vines that surrounded Ye Hao from all directions.

"Ye Hao! Return those herbs to us!"

Meanwhile, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar finally regained their composure.

"Fourth Soul Skill: White Tiger Meteor Shower!"

"First Soul Skill: Phoenix Fireline!"

Dai Mubai activated his fourth soul ring, summoning countless white meteors that rained down like a storm. The meteors, combined with Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Fireline, formed a devastating assault aimed directly at Ye Hao.

At this moment, the trio's rage reached its peak. It wasn't just the humiliation of being tricked—it was the fact that the herbs they consumed were Ye Hao's leftovers. The thought alone was revolting.

Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Ma Hongjun launched their soul skills relentlessly, their attacks pouring down on Ye Hao like a tidal wave. Meanwhile, Oscar busily crafted and distributed sausages in the background, ensuring they had enough stamina to continue.

After a prolonged barrage, the three finally stopped, panting heavily.

As the smoke and dust from their attacks slowly cleared, they were certain Ye Hao couldn't have survived such a devastating assault.

But to their shock, Ye Hao emerged from the haze completely unscathed, clad in a purple carapace covered with venomous barbs.

"No… impossible! Absolutely impossible!" Dai Mubai muttered, his disbelief palpable. Even a Soul King couldn't have withstood such an onslaught!

"What… what is that?" Tang San furrowed his brows, his heart sinking.

Ye Hao chuckled as the purple carapace faded from his body.

"This is my fourth soul skill: Thorn Spider Armor. All your attacks are meaningless against it. I've accepted your little gift—now it's my turn."

A sense of dread swept over the Shrek team. They could feel an impending storm.

They were right.

In the blink of an eye, Ye Hao appeared in front of Dai Mubai. Before the latter could react, Ye Hao drove his fist into Dai Mubai's abdomen, leaving his face contorted in pain. The sheer force of the blow far exceeded Dai Mubai's tolerance.

Next, Ye Hao turned to Ma Hongjun. With a swift left hook, he struck Ma Hongjun's face, visibly caving it in. Blood and teeth flew as Ma Hongjun collapsed, spitting out a mixture of blood and broken teeth.

Then, Ye Hao shifted his gaze to Oscar but ultimately spared him, muttering, "I'll let you off this time. Consider yourself lucky."

Finally, Ye Hao's eyes locked onto Tang San.

"Tang San, now it's just you and me. I think our grudge needs no further explanation, does it?"

As Ye Hao spoke, four soul rings—two yellow, one purple, and one black—rose beneath his feet.

"A… a ten-thousand-year soul ring!" Ma Hongjun stammered, his swollen face a mask of shock.

His fourth soul ring was ten-thousand years old—an impossible feat far beyond the absorption limit. How could Ye Hao survive such a thing?

"How… how did you do it?" Tang San asked, both incredulous and envious.

Ye Hao glanced at Tang San with disdain. "Why would I bother explaining it to you? Instead, let's settle this. And as for what Fatty said earlier…"

"Claiming those herbs were yours? What evidence do you have?"

Tang San fell silent, his mind racing. His eyes darted between Ye Hao and his injured companions, unsure how to respond.

At that moment, Ma Hongjun, refusing to back down, shouted, "Third Brother told us those herbs were prepared for us! You're the one who broke the rules, taking them for yourself! If not for that, we wouldn't have ended up like this!"

Hearing this, Ye Hao's expression turned cold as he looked at Tang San, his gaze filled with disgust.

"Humans need dignity, just as trees need bark. And you, Tang San? You have neither."

Then, Ye Hao's voice rang out across the battlefield:

"Old Poison! You're here anyway, so why not come out and set the record straight?"

His sudden words made Tang San tremble.

Moments later, a green light pierced the sky, and Dugu Bo appeared at the center of the scene.

Dugu Bo's sudden arrival was akin to Tang San's "death sentence" being declared in front of everyone.

"Old Poison, I'm curious—what are you doing with these people?" Ye Hao had guessed Dugu Bo's presence thanks to Xiao Hong's earlier hint.

Dugu Bo shook his head helplessly. "I made a promise to someone. Otherwise, do you think I'd willingly follow them around?"

After speaking, Dugu Bo glanced at the silent Tang San, a look of disdain flashing in his eyes.

If he had known earlier, he would've killed this kid half a year ago and left the Sunset Forest far behind. That way, even if Tang Hao tried to find him, it wouldn't have been so easy.

Now, Dugu Bo could finally see Tang San's true nature—a schemer through and through. Such a person wasn't worth associating with.

With Dugu Bo's temperament, he would have dealt with Tang San directly. But the problem was Tang San's backing: Tang Hao, with even more formidable forces behind him.

Dugu Bo was just a lone figure. He couldn't afford to provoke them.

That said, if someone truly pushed him to the edge, Dugu Bo wouldn't hesitate to retaliate, consequences be damned.

"You were coerced, weren't you?" Ye Hao asked, using spirit power to transmit his voice.

Dugu Bo nodded subtly and replied via the same method, "A while back, I was ambushed by two unknown Title Douluos. I barely escaped with my life. Right after that, Tang Hao showed up. He forced me to act as a bodyguard for Tang San, his precious son, until the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Elite Tournament is over. Tell me—after all these years of roaming the continent, when have I ever suffered such humiliation?"

As Dugu Bo spoke, his voice grew agitated, and his poison aura began to stir uncontrollably.

Ma Hongjun, seeing Dugu Bo's arrival, was ecstatic. Wasn't this Dugu Bo someone Tang San knew well? Weren't those precious herbs supposedly from him? Now that Dugu Bo was here, didn't that mean the herbs that were rightfully theirs would soon return?

In his excitement, Ma Hongjun ran to Dugu Bo's side and shouted indignantly at Ye Hao, "Ye Hao, you vile…"

Before he could finish, Dugu Bo slapped Ma Hongjun, sending him flying dozens of miles until he became the brightest and largest "star" in the sky.

The crowd was dumbfounded. They shrank their necks, afraid to draw any attention to themselves, and watched the exchange in silence.

Xiao Wu, familiar with Dugu Bo's ruthlessness, hid behind Tang San, trembling. She was terrified that one wrong move might get her captured.

Dugu Bo suddenly spoke, his voice cold and commanding: "Those herbs were a gift from me to Ye Hao. They were never what Tang San claimed them to be. Let me make this clear—if any of you dare to spread lies about me again, I'll personally rip out your tongues. Don't think I won't do it."

"Because… I have ten thousand ways to make you taste death."

He cast a cold glance at Tang San. The boy had dared to spread falsehoods about him. If not for Tang Hao protecting his "precious son," Dugu Bo would've taken his head long ago.

Tang San clenched his fists, inwardly furious. Why did Dugu Bo show up now? His appearance ruined everything Tang San had planned.

And Ma Hongjun—why did that fool have to act so recklessly?

At that moment, a figure emerged from the shadows of the night—a man holding a snake spear. Calmly, he walked toward Ye Hao.

Seeing this, Tang San and the others couldn't help but tense up. Dugu Bo also frowned deeply. He recognized this man. He was one of the individuals who had ambushed him previously.

Dugu Bo instinctively wanted to warn Ye Hao, but before he could act, the snake spear-wielding man knelt slightly before Ye Hao, placing his weapon across his chest, and spoke respectfully: "Young Master, please."

"!!" Dugu Bo was utterly stunned.

"You… who are you?"

It felt like a thunderbolt had struck Dugu Bo's mind. He turned his gaze toward the snake spear wielder, recognizing him as one of the two Title Douluos who had ambushed him.

And this man had just addressed Ye Hao as "Young Master."

Dugu Bo inhaled sharply. Everything clicked. Ye Hao wasn't just a strong individual—he was the one pulling strings all along.

Previously, Dugu Bo had suspected Ye Hao's identity, noting his striking resemblance to a certain someone.

Now, the appearance of this snake spear Douluo confirmed Dugu Bo's worst fears.

Ye Hao… he was truly Bibi Dong's son. Otherwise, why would this man call him "Young Master"?

Not to mention Ye Hao's Death Spider Emperor martial soul. All the pieces fit together.

At this moment, Dugu Bo's heart pounded. Could it be that everyone present today would fall victim to this monstrous lineage?

Ye Hao, unfazed, glanced at the Snake Spear Douluo and then nodded casually.

Before leaving, Ye Hao dashed up to Tang San. Under Tang San's astonished gaze, Ye Hao punched him squarely in the jaw, followed by an elbow to his stomach, sending him sprawling to the ground.

"You… you'll…" Tang San's words faltered as he bit down his anger and humiliation. The situation was entirely against him now, and he could do nothing but swallow his pride.

Throughout the exchange, Dugu Bo stood motionless, as if none of it concerned him.

"Old Poison, until next time," Ye Hao said, turning to leave.

Before departing, Ye Hao cast a glance at Xiao Wu.

"You should count yourself lucky I'm not at my soul power bottleneck yet. Otherwise…"

Leaving the words unfinished, Ye Hao turned and walked away with Snake Spear Douluo, disappearing into the night.

He left the rest unsaid, the words hanging in the air ominously.

Meanwhile, Dugu Bo couldn't help but glance at Xiao Wu. Subconsciously, he was struck by a realization—this little girl was… a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in human form.

He cursed his blindness from back when he was at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. How had he missed this? Hundred-thousand-year soul beasts were already rare, let alone one that had taken human form. It was like finding a needle in a haystack.

But now, Dugu Bo had no such thoughts of pursuing her. After all, with Tang Hao behind Tang San, it was clear Tang Hao already knew Xiao Wu's true identity. Dugu Bo had no desire to invite disaster by making a move.

As Ye Hao disappeared into the distance, Dugu Bo let out a long, weary sigh. His mood was incredibly sour—he'd misjudged everything.

At that moment, Tang San, supported by Xiao Wu, struggled to his feet after spitting out blood. His gaze toward Dugu Bo was filled with complexity.

"Old Poison, why didn't you step in earlier? Why did you just watch Ye Hao strike me so ruthlessly?" Tang San demanded.

Dugu Bo shot him a disdainful look and sneered. "Strike you ruthlessly? Let me ask you—did you die?"

"I…" Tang San was momentarily speechless.

Dugu Bo chuckled. "Since you're not dead, why should I have stepped in?"

That logic… was hard to refute.

Dugu Bo had indeed agreed to protect Tang San in moments of true danger, but he'd observed Ye Hao's actions and could tell that Ye Hao wasn't trying to kill Tang San—only to teach him a lesson. Since it wasn't life-threatening, why should Dugu Bo involve himself?

Besides, Dugu Bo hated being forced into protecting someone. If not for Tang Hao's coercion, he wouldn't have bothered at all.

To him, Ye Hao teaching Tang San a lesson was akin to the Spirit Hall slapping Tang Hao in the face—a situation Dugu Bo couldn't help but find amusing.

"I happened to be passing by today. I'm leaving now."

With that, Dugu Bo's figure flashed, and he vanished into the night.

Tang San watched Dugu Bo's retreating figure, his eyes filled with resentment. The pain wracking his body fueled his hatred and frustration.

Why wasn't he stronger? He had twin martial souls, yet he focused entirely on his weaker Blue Silver Grass, leaving his formidable second martial soul untouched.

At that moment, a thought took root in Tang San's mind: to abandon the Blue Silver Grass and fully devote himself to cultivating his second martial soul.

On a quiet street, Ye Hao and Snake Spear Douluo walked side by side. The road was empty, save for their two lonely figures.

"Snake Spear Douluo, what did you mean by that?" Ye Hao asked, looking curiously at the man.

First, although Ye Hao had joined Spirit Hall, the title "Young Master" wasn't one anyone could casually use. Only someone like Qian Renxue, the daughter of the Supreme Pontiff, truly deserved it.

Second, Ye Hao found it strange. Being called "Young Master" for the first time felt… odd.

Snake Spear Douluo smiled knowingly, as if expecting the question.

"You've joined Spirit Hall, haven't you? Moreover, the Young Master mentioned previously that once this tournament's finals begin, he will take you to Spirit Hall herself. At that time, you'll meet Her Majesty the Supreme Pontiff."

Hearing this, Ye Hao chuckled.

"So, that's the reason you're calling me 'Young Master'?"

Snake Spear Douluo shook his head. "Not entirely…"

"Oh?" Ye Hao frowned, intrigued.

Snake Spear Douluo continued, "With Dugu Bo present, I sensed another strong aura nearby. If I'm not mistaken, it must belong to Tang Hao. The person you just struck was his son. In the future, you'd best be cautious—anyone from the Tang family is fiercely protective. If Tang Hao comes after you one day, you'll need to be prepared."

Ye Hao suddenly understood.

Snake Spear Douluo had deliberately called him "Young Master" to create a deterrent for Tang Hao, who might be observing from the shadows.

But Tang Hao was, after all, a madman capable of anything.

"By the way, what does Sister Qian want with me?" Ye Hao asked.

Snake Spear Douluo smiled mysteriously. "You'll know when you meet her."

Thus, the matter came to an end. The Shrek Five, battered and bruised, left in silence. The crushing defeat had left them shaken and somber.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Tang Hao confronted Dugu Bo.

"Dugu Bo, have you forgotten the promise you made to me?" Tang Hao demanded, his tone cold.

Watching his son get beaten so severely had angered him deeply. Tang Hao's unique status prevented him from stepping in directly, but Dugu Bo's failure to act had infuriated him further.

After Dugu Bo's departure, Tang Hao had immediately sought him out.

Dugu Bo smirked coldly. "I did intervene."

Tang Hao's gaze sharpened as his aura surged.

"You think I'm blind? Where exactly did you intervene?"

Dugu Bo shrugged nonchalantly. "I showed up, didn't I? Otherwise, your son might already be dead."

Tang Hao: "…"

"If Ye Hao hadn't realized you were nearby, would you have shown up?"

Dugu Bo snorted disdainfully, glaring at Tang Hao. He was utterly fed up with the man.

"Tang Hao, I'm not someone you can easily push around. As for your son's character, I'm sure you're well aware."

Tang Hao refused to back down. He stepped forward, and with a flash of black light, his Clear Sky Hammer appeared in his hand. Nine soul rings rose one by one beneath him.

But Dugu Bo wasn't to be underestimated. Poisonous green light began emanating from his body as his nine soul rings also materialized.

The greatest difference between the two Title Douluos was their soul rings and soul power levels—areas where Dugu Bo clearly lagged behind.

Even so, Dugu Bo's expression remained firm.

"Tang Hao, you'd better think carefully. If I'm injured today, I won't hesitate to release my Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor Poison on Shrek Academy. Your son would perish along with it. And you know what? I think Spirit Hall would be delighted by such an outcome."

"Tang Hao, would you dare?"

Tang Hao roared, his grip on the hammer loosening slightly.

"Why wouldn't I dare?" Dugu Bo retorted coldly. "You've pushed me to the brink. Do you think I'd hold back? Besides, you must've seen it yourself—Ye Hao has Title Douluos from Spirit Hall protecting him at all times. Don't tell me you're unaware of his true identity. No matter how strong you are, can you avenge your son?"

Tang Hao remained silent, rage simmering beneath the surface.

After a long moment, Tang Hao dispelled his Clear Sky Hammer and turned to leave. Confirming that Tang Hao wouldn't act, Dugu Bo finally relaxed. Truthfully, facing a lunatic like Tang Hao alone left him with little confidence of victory.

As Tang Hao's solitary figure disappeared into the moonlit night, his steps seemed heavy and full of loneliness.

Watching him leave, Dugu Bo sighed deeply. In his heart, he cursed both Tang Hao's arrogance and Tang San's cunning.

How had he ended up entangled with such a bizarre father-son duo?

I'll be posting one chapter a day, the chapter is too long now.