Volume One, Chapter 20: Fang Yuan Has a Heart to Guard Against Others, and Many Harbor Intentions to Harm Him

Only he possessed the overwhelming power to effortlessly slay any titled Douluo. Thus, they all cast a collective glance at Fang Yuan, surprised that such a young man would stoop to such dishonorable deeds.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was on the brink of surrender, yet shamelessly, he had killed one of their strongest titled Douluo. Unfortunately, since they were allied with Fang Yuan, even though they knew the truth, they had to keep it to themselves. The Spirit Hall would never betray its allies; after all, the Spirit Hall still had some dignity.

As for the death of the Bone Douluo, Fang Yuan was fully aware—he was the culprit. But having worked as a diligent office drone for many years, his acting skills had long reached the highest mastery. As long as the Spirit Hall didn’t slip up, no one would ever suspect that Bone Douluo was killed by him.

Hence, Fang Yuan appeared completely innocent, saying nothing, his eyes full of shock and confusion, as if the death of Bone Douluo had nothing to do with him.

She Long almost fell for Fang Yuan’s performance. He poked Fang Yuan’s elbow skeptically and asked, “Brother Fang Yuan, did you slay Bone Douluo?”

Fang Yuan shrugged lightly, his gaze filled with genuine bewilderment. He spread his hands and said earnestly, “Brother She Long, do I look like someone without shame? I am an ally of the Spirit Hall. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will soon become an ally of the Spirit Hall. The ally of an ally is still an ally. How could someone as loyal as me attack an ally? Moreover, I didn’t even summon my spirit, nor was there the slightest ripple of soul power on me. Why would the blame for Bone Douluo’s death fall on me?”

As he spoke, he deliberately stepped back two paces, keeping distance from She Long, wearing an expression of utmost innocence. Moonlight bathed his face, highlighting an almost unreal purity, as if he were just a naive youth new to the world, oblivious to the cruelty of human hearts.

Seeing Fang Yuan’s pretentious act, She Long was certain beyond doubt that Bone Douluo had been slain by Fang Yuan. Why Fang Yuan had done so was a mystery to all the titled Douluo of the Spirit Hall. All they knew was that the cooperation between the Spirit Hall and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was doomed to fail. The Spirit Hall was now in deep trouble—no matter how you looked at it, it was a mess.

Even if they did nothing, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would still blame the Spirit Hall for Bone Douluo’s death. Why else would they lose one of their top generals right after the Spirit Hall’s arrival? Word of this would spread, and everyone would be convinced the Spirit Hall had used foul means.

“Bone Douluo has fallen!”

Half a minute later, the members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan finally realized what had happened. The clan erupted in chaos, a torrent of sorrow and anger mixing into a complex flood of emotions.

Clan leader Ning Fengzhi’s face was as pale as paper, his eyes bloodshot. His tightly clenched fists trembled slightly, as if struggling to suppress the turmoil within. He could not believe the Spirit Hall could kill a Super Douluo out of thin air. No wonder they dared launch the Soul Hunt operation—they had their reliance.

Beside him, Sword Douluo Chen Xin’s gaze was sharp as a blade, fixed fiercely on the Spirit Hall’s direction. Sword intent radiated from him, as if ready to strike at any moment to avenge his fallen comrade.

The clan’s disciples wept uncontrollably, mourning Bone Douluo’s death and grieving for the impending destruction of their clan. Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo had always been the clan’s pillars, its sacred guardians. To lose one so suddenly was beyond belief.

“Grandpa Gu! It must have been the Spirit Hall who killed you! Rong Rong will avenge you!” Ning Rongrong knelt on the ground, her tears falling like beads onto her pristine skirt, staining it with dark patches. Her hands clenched into fists, fingernails digging deep into her palms, yet she felt no pain. Her usually lively eyes now brimmed with sorrow and rage. She looked up towards the Spirit Hall’s contingent, her fury burning fiercely.

“Spirit Hall! What do you have to say now? To blatantly kill one of our clan’s guardians while pretending to come with sincere intentions to recruit us? After tonight, the Spirit Hall will become a laughingstock across the world!” Ning Fengzhi roared, unable to contain his anger. Some things were more important than life itself—dignity!

The Spirit Hall’s lackeys had gone too far, insulting the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan not only by bringing a powerless mortal but by outright killing one of their strongest titled Douluo. It was as if they were defecating on the clan itself. Such outrage was intolerable!

“Spirit Hall! Even if I must die today, I will drag you dogs of the Spirit Hall down with me!”

Ning Fengzhi’s form shivered. A cold wind seemed to rise around him. He slowly raised his right hand, palm up, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in his palm radiated an intimidating, dazzling light. With a move of his will, a brilliant beam shot from the tower’s tip, merging instantly with Sword Douluo Chen Xin.

In the next moment, Sword Douluo’s sword intent surged violently, as if thousands of blades boiled within him. His eyes shone brightly, like two swords poised to unsheath. He had never felt so strong. After a brief joy, he suddenly realized something and, shocked, looked at Ning Fengzhi. His lips parted to speak, but Ning Fengzhi waved him off, weary.

“Chen Xin, you and I have been old friends for years. This time, I entrust you with the primordial power passed down through generations of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan’s clan leaders. I hope you can avenge Elder Gu!”

“All right!”

Sword Douluo wasted no words. In this situation, any hesitation would mean the clan’s utter destruction by the Spirit Hall.

---

In an instant, Sword Douluo flashed into the air. The Seven Kills Sword swept with fierce killing intent, tearing the air apart and leaving slender spatial rifts in its wake.

“Spirit Hall! The time for blood debt repayment has come!” Chen Xin roared, pointing his sword at the Spirit Hall’s ranks with an imposing aura, as if ready to take on ten titled Douluo at once.

“Fang Yuan! You’ve caused this mess. Fix it quickly! If we can’t settle the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan today, not only will we die here, but the Spirit Hall’s reputation will be ruined!” Titled Douluo Qian Jun shouted anxiously. He could clearly sense Chen Xin’s power had reached semi-god level, on par with the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus clan leader Yu Yuanzhen after absorbing the Nine Dragon Crowns. But the Spirit Hall had no strength left to deal with a second semi-god.

In contrast, Fang Yuan remained completely calm, leisurely resting his head. “No problem. Tonight, you and Jiang Mo have done your part. She Long and Stabfish have been slacking off all along. Let the two of them hold the line for a while. When they’re worn down, I’ll step in.”

Hearing this, She Long and Stabfish thought they were deaf. Facing Chen Xin in his current state, it was like asking them to block a god.

“Are you serious, Lord Fang Yuan? Me and She Long blocking Sword Douluo?” Stabfish Douluo found it unbelievable, double-checking, unwilling to open his eyes, hoping it was just a hallucination.

“That’s right. It’s a good chance for you two titled Douluo to train yourselves, isn’t it?” Fang Yuan smirked playfully, giving them reassurance: “If you can’t hold on, just shout my name. I’ll kill Chen Xin for you.”

She Long and Stabfish blinked their clear eyes in unison and asked, “Really?”

“Cross my heart, little brothers. Don’t you trust me?” Fang Yuan patted his chest, acting like the big brother.

They could only exchange glances. Believing him was impossible, but at this critical moment, they had no choice but to brace themselves for Chen Xin’s wrath.

Seeing She Long and Stabfish step forward, Chen Xin squinted disdainfully. “Only two titled Douluo? Looks like the Spirit Hall has underestimated me.”

Chen Xin laughed in anger. The Seven Kills Sword’s light grew even fiercer, as if ready to split heaven and earth. She Long and Stabfish trembled in terror.

Swish! A sword aura grazed Stabfish Douluo’s right arm, the residual force causing it to bleed profusely.

“Are you kidding me? That was aimed at me?” Stabfish gasped, forced to enter his peak state. His bulky body became surprisingly agile. He shifted aside like a nimble mountain dog, narrowly avoiding another deadly slash. The sword blast exploded behind him, igniting the air with a deafening roar.

“Damn it, She Long! Don’t just stand there—I’m about to be cut down by this madman!”

Stabfish complained while activating his soul skill. His soul rings shimmered and a thick green poisonous mist spread instantly, trying to obscure Chen Xin’s vision and attacks.

“Hmph! Such trivial poison mist won’t deter me!” Chen Xin’s eyes sharpened. As he swung the Seven Kills Sword, sword light like a dragon pierced through the fog, each strike precise and deadly, forcing Stabfish to concentrate fully, beads of sweat dotting his forehead.

“She Long! You kick me into a ditch, and I’m kicking you right back! You’re something else!” Stabfish struggled alone. After just ten seconds, most of his soul power was drained. If this went on, he would surely die.

“Brother, I’m coming to help!” Seeing Stabfish in danger, She Long finally acted, his aura surging. His snake spear gleamed coldly, instantly growing massive like a giant python, lunging fiercely at Chen Xin.

This was She Long’s strongest soul technique and his proudest offensive move, with overwhelming force aimed straight at Chen Xin’s heart.

---

“Original soul skill? Interesting.”

Chen Xin’s eyes narrowed. The Seven Kills Sword suddenly blocked across his chest. A loud clash rang out as metal met metal, sparks flying. The two forces battled mid-air. Though She Long’s strength was fierce, he faced Chen Xin, who had reached semi-god level. Chen Xin merely tapped his sword tip, deflecting She Long’s attack with ease, then countered with a lightning-fast thrust aimed at She Long’s throat.

She Long barely dodged using all his soul power, but the sword tip grazed his shoulder, blood staining his clothes.

“Damn! That’s ruthless. If Stabfish and I hold out ten more seconds, we’ll have to call Fang Yuan for help.” She Long had already made his calculations; he didn’t want to gamble with his life.

“Hmph! Fighting you two isn’t very satisfying. After I behead you with one strike, I’ll deal with Qian Jun and Jiang Mo.” Chen Xin said coldly. His patience was at its limit. He had no interest in prolonging the fight with She Long and Stabfish. Better to end it swiftly.

No sooner had he spoken than the Seven Kills Sword’s glow intensified to its peak, like a miniature sun—blazing and brilliant. Under the watchful eyes of countless disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Chen Xin surged forward like an arrow released from a bow, sword tip aimed at the vital points of She Long and Stabfish. He had already planned the battle’s record: one sword, two titled Douluo!

“Not good! Fang Yuan, come save me!” She Long and Stabfish called for help almost simultaneously. Yet in this critical moment, Fang Yuan still had not moved.

They were met only by Chen Xin’s sword light, dragon-like and world-destroying, slashing toward them. Where the sword light passed, space was torn asunder, leaving terrifying black rifts.

Their faces changed drastically. They gave their all to evade the strike but felt as if locked in place, unable to move. At this moment, curses flew. They had planned for everything except betrayal from within.

“Fang Yuan! Damn you!” She Long cursed desperately, knowing this was his last chance.

“Fang Yuan, you bastard!” Stabfish, facing death, no longer feared Fang Yuan’s power. At worst, he thought, he’d be a hero in the next life.

Just as Chen Xin’s sword light was about to engulf them, the sky suddenly darkened, stars dimmed, and an unprecedented oppressive aura enveloped the scene. Instantly, Chen Xin’s sword light was nullified, vanishing into thin air. Abruptly, Fang Yuan’s figure appeared, standing between She Long, Stabfish, and Chen Xin. Cloaked in black, his eyes dark and cold as arctic ice.

“Thank you for your hard work, elders. Leave the rest to me. And as for the nonsense you just spoke, I’ve taken note of that as well,” Fang Yuan said coldly.

Seeing Fang Yuan arrive was like surviving a disaster for She Long and Stabfish. Yet they quickly felt uneasy about what they had just said. Compared to Fang Yuan, Chen Xin was far more terrifying—he truly wanted to kill them.

“Hm? A mortal without soul power can block my strike?” Chen Xin frowned, narrowing his phoenix-like eyes on Fang Yuan, searching for any soul power fluctuations. Finding none, he concluded Fang Yuan was indeed a mortal. As for how he blocked the attack, it was probably due to some treasured artifact.

“So you have a treasure protecting you. No wonder you dared to challenge me without soul power. Let me see how many of my attacks your treasure can withstand!”

Chen Xin snorted coldly. The Seven Kills Sword’s light gathered again. He flashed forward, splitting into several sword shadows, each carrying power capable of cleaving mountains and splitting seas, stabbing toward Fang Yuan with unwavering determination.

“This aura is impressive, but it’s a bit weaker than before. Otherwise, I definitely wouldn’t be your match,” Fang Yuan replied calmly, his tone brimming with confidence. His passive ability to resist attacks from titled Douluo even allowed him to leisurely bathe in Chen Xin’s sword shadows.