Douluo : People are writing diaries in Douluo

Seeing Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo among the group, the two members of the Defense Clan didn't recognize them. They might have heard of their names but had never seen them in person and thus ignored their presence.

Yang Wudi smiled and waved them off. "No need for formalities. Is Old Rhino around? And has Tai Nuo or Old White Bird arrived yet?"

The two Defense Clan members exchanged knowing glances and chuckled inwardly, thinking, Only you would dare call our clan leader 'Old Rhino' right to his face.

One of the men replied respectfully, "Leader Yang, you're actually the first to arrive. We've already sent someone to inform him as soon as we saw you."

At that moment, a deep, booming voice echoed from inside the Defense Clan's compound, "Yang Wudi, I heard you calling me 'Old Rhino' even before I stepped out the door! But I am surprised you got here before Old White Bird. Did you run the whole way?"

Yang Wudi laughed heartily. It had been some time since he'd seen Niu Gao, and he couldn't resist poking fun. "Jealous, are we? How about a little sparring to see if your defense can withstand my attack? If you win, I'll drop the nickname!"

Inside, Niu Gao rolled his eyes, This Yang Wudi, always so shameless.

Although Niu Gao was a level higher than Yang Wudi and specialized in defense, he knew all too well that Yang Wudi's Breaking Spear was uniquely adept at breaching defenses, making any duel with him a painful experience. He finally emerged, a stocky, broad-shouldered man of similar height to Yang Wudi, with a ruddy face, gray hair like steel needles, and an imposing gaze that exuded strength and vitality.

"No way I'm fighting you. My skin may be tough, but I'm not about to suffer that Breaking Spear of yours," Niu Gao muttered, his words halting as he caught sight of Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. His expression darkened, a glint of anger flashing in his eyes as he glared at Yang Wudi.

"Yang Wudi, you'd better have an explanation for this! Why are you here with Titled Douluos from the Spirit Hall? Did you… betray us?"

Seeing Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo, Niu Gao's fury flared. "Today's supposed to be about forming an alliance, yet you brought Spirit Hall's people here! Have you forgotten that they're responsible for Old Titan's death?"

Yang Wudi raised his hand in a calming gesture. "Old Rhino, it's a long story, and you know me well enough to know that my grudge against the Spirit Hall isn't any less than yours."

Niu Gao's anger didn't subside, and he pointed accusingly at Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. "Then what's this supposed to mean? How do you explain standing here with Spirit Hall's people? Is this a trap to wipe us all out?"

Anticipating Niu Gao's reaction, Yang Wudi had half-expected a fight, but before he could defuse the situation, Su Ming stepped forward. "Elder Niu Gao, I'm Su Ming, the Spirit Hall's Holy Son. I'm here to invite the Defense Clan to join the Spirit Hall—or rather, to join my team."

Su Ming thought it best to handle this himself, with Yang Wudi offering backup if needed.

Su Ming? The name rang a bell for Niu Gao. He recalled Su Ming from the Soul Master Tournament as the captain of the Heaven Dou team who joined the Spirit Hall after the finals under Bibi Dong's invitation. News of this had spread across both empires, and the Defense Clan, situated near the border, had heard of it as well.

"Elder Niu Gao," Su Ming continued calmly, "please let me explain the entire situation."

A quarter of an hour later, Niu Gao stood silently, casting a complicated look at Su Ming and Yang Wudi. Their original aim in forming an alliance had been to someday avenge Old Titan by confronting Tang Hao and Tang San, though they knew, deep down, that their Contra-level strength could never take down Tang Hao. In truth, the alliance was as much for protection as it was for revenge.

An uneasy silence fell over the group as they gave Niu Gao time to process. His thoughts were in turmoil; the sight of Tang Hao's six spirit bones on the table was undeniable proof of his death. But Su Ming's role in the events left him skeptical. Yang Wudi had confirmed that he'd personally sparred with Su Ming and lost decisively, a revelation that weighed heavily on Niu Gao's mind.

Just days ago, Su Ming was said to be at level sixty-five during the tournament finals. How had he reached level seventy so quickly? Surely he hadn't used some forbidden technique to boost his power like Tang San?

A person chosen by a benevolent god of life must have good character, he mused.

After several minutes, Niu Gao's expression hardened. He looked squarely at Su Ming. "Su Ming, since Yang Wudi has chosen to join you, I trust his judgment, but I do have a few questions for you."

Su Ming nodded calmly. "Please go ahead."

Niu Gao asked, "If I remember correctly, you were level sixty-five at the Soul Master Tournament. But Yang says you're already at level seventy. How did you gain five levels so quickly?"

Su Ming smiled. "It wasn't that difficult—absorbing two hundred-thousand-year-old spirit bones will do that."

With that, his arms shimmered as the unmistakable aura of the spirit bones appeared.

Now supremely confident in his strength, Su Ming showed no hesitation in revealing his spirit bones, unafraid of any potential threats. Anyone foolish enough to challenge him would meet a swift end.

Beside him, Da Ming and Er Ming exchanged glances, silently acknowledging Su Ming's impressive showmanship.

Yang Wudi and Niu Gao, as well as the nearby clan members, stared in wide-eyed astonishment. Yang Wudi and Niu Gao could hardly believe what they were seeing.

"S-so, you're telling me you gained five levels just by absorbing two hundred-thousand-year-old spirit bones?" Niu Gao asked, his voice shaky.

He knew these spirit bones couldn't have come from the Spirit Hall; even though Bibi Dong had promised Su Ming a complete set of spirit bones, she didn't have any at the hundred-thousand-year level.

"Exactly. Elder Niu Gao, do you have any other questions?" Su Ming replied with an innocent smile.