SoulLand:Ascending to Godhood through Science

Following the idea that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," Tang Hao silently trailed behind You Chen. 

'It seems You Chen left some sort of tracking mechanism on that Soul Emperor from the Wuhun Hall. How? During the battle, perhaps? Even I didn't notice anything, which is impressive in its own way. Hmm, the more capable he is, the better, as it means more trouble for Bibi Dong!' 

With this mindset, Tang Hao even found himself worried, like a dog meddling in affairs beyond its concern, that You Chen might act too hastily in his vendetta against Bibi Dong, only to end up getting himself into trouble with that Soul Emperor. 

After all, You Chen was just a Soul King, while the other was a Soul Emperor! 

However, indeed... 

'This Soul King's strength seems a bit over the top, doesn't it? Is this what the new era of soul masters is like?' 

Reflecting on how You Chen had so easily managed to overpower someone of a higher rank, Tang Hao couldn't help but feel a bit like he was being left behind by the times. 

He belonged to the generation that witnessed You Chen's rise, seeing firsthand how this man's emergence had reshaped the soul master world. 

It's no exaggeration to say that the history of the soul master world was split into two distinct periods: before and after You Chen's debut as a theoretical master. 

Even if Tang Hao couldn't fully grasp the nuances of this shift, as someone who lived through that era, he could sense the marked differences between soul masters from the two times. 

The most direct change was in their spirit rings. 

As someone who had matured as a soul master before You Chen's theories took hold, Tang Hao didn't receive any of the associated benefits. 

Moreover, with his mindset of "My Clear Sky Hammer is the strongest," he had never really acknowledged these changes. 

But seeing You Chen, as a Soul King, defeat a fellow agility-focused Soul Emperor despite suppressing his own power, Tang Hao couldn't deny You Chen's strength. 

Not just his combat prowess, but more importantly, the ability to significantly narrow the gap between soul masters of different ranks... 

It was like a long-absent player returning to a gacha game, only to find their once-powerful characters now outclassed by new generation units. 

Especially in the soul master world, which had long been stagnant and resistant to change, making this shift all the more shocking. 

'Even I, Tang Hao, must acknowledge this era-changing presence, yet the current rulers of the Wuhun Hall reject him... Serves them right if they decline!' 

With this thought, Tang Hao couldn't help but feel a certain satisfaction. 

While Tang Hao was indulging in these thoughts, after over an hour, he finally saw You Chen closing the distance to Hu Liena and Bai Hu. 

... 

It was a deep-hidden cave, perfectly concealed by the gorge's structure. 

From a distance, You Chen remarked, "Hiding in a place like this?" 

Without the mental imprint as a guide, he might not have found it. 

However, Bai Hu's choice of this terrain actually simplified You Chen's task of cutting off his escape, like a turtle willingly entering a jar. 

As You Chen approached the cave, Bai Hu emerged with a grim face. 

With Tang Hao behind him, You Chen had no intention of fully showcasing his Breath Concealment Technique. 

"You Chen, do you really intend to go through with this?" Bai Hu asked deeply. 

Hearing such a ridiculous question, You Chen couldn't help but laugh, both amused and confused: "Didn't I already give you a choice?" 

Bai Hu sighed deeply, stepping aside from the cave entrance, lowering his head: "In that case... I can pretend I didn't see anything. But I hope you don't go too far; otherwise, if the Pope's reputation is tarnished, I'll suffer, but neither will you have it easy!" 

"?" 

You Chen looked at Bai Hu, who seemed to be speaking nonsense, and for a moment, he was genuinely at a loss. 

Then... 

Whoosh! 

You Chen's spirit rings flared, his wings surged, speed increasing as he closed the distance, unleashing a spiraling storm towards Bai Hu while energy gathered at his mouth. 

Deciding not to waste words. 

Caught off guard by You Chen's sudden assault, Bai Hu's eyes widened: "You—" 

Whoo—. 

The wind roared. 

In the blink of an eye, Bai Hu managed only to complete his martial spirit embodiment and a sidestep, as his right arm and shoulder were obliterated by "Dragon's Roar of the Wind." 

"Ahhh!" 

Bai Hu cried out in agony. 

The pain was so intense he should have lost consciousness, but even with his dull, aging mind, Bai Hu knew what awaited him if he passed out now! 

'He's going to kill me!? This lunatic!' 

A fierce will to survive kept a thread of his consciousness intact. 

"Spare me!" 

He chose to plead for his life, activating his fifth spirit ring in the process. 

Begging was merely a tactic to buy a moment's delay from You Chen; he planned to abandon Bibi Dong's mission, leaving Hu Liena behind and fleeing. 

Though he couldn't fathom why You Chen wanted him dead, his survival instincts drove him to make the swiftest decision. 

'He can't match my speed; as long as I escape this time, I'll surely succeed!' 

Yet some things, some disparities, cannot be altered by sheer will or bursts of adrenaline. 

What can't be done, simply can't be done. 

Bai Hu didn't notice that along with his right arm, one of his wings had been broken and shattered by You Chen's attack. 

Attempting to accelerate, his unbalanced body immediately crashed to the ground. 

Plop. 

You Chen's foot pinned Bai Hu's left hand. 

Bai Hu looked up with a pleading expression: "Please don't..." 

Stardust shimmered... 

Without hesitation, You Chen's dragon wing tensed, slicing through Bai Hu's neck like a blade. 

As his head tumbled, Bai Hu's eyes bulged like a dead fish, the setting sun reflected in them. 

In his daze, he seemed to see a beautiful white bird soaring, only to dissolve into the sunset, vanishing into nothingness. 

Even in death, Bai Hu wondered: 'Why?' 

Why did he die in such a place? On such a nonsensical mission? 

Most importantly... what grudge did You Chen hold to kill him? 

'Doesn't he fear repercussions from the Pope?' 

He thought he'd care deeply about these unanswered questions, unable to die in peace without understanding. 

But in his final moments, he was forced to review his mediocre life, and a sense of discontent overshadowed his curiosity. 

Though he had some talent, he wasn't a truly outstanding genius. Limited by his commoner status and his lack of ambition, he fell behind in resources, ultimately stalling at the Soul Emperor level. 

He longed to break through his limits, to advance further, and even in old age, that wish persisted, albeit in a different form. 

He desperately wanted to become a Soul Saint, to become a significant figure, no longer subject to others' whims... 

For this, he was willing to serve the Pope, to protect an eleven or twelve-year-old, willful girl, with no complaints. 

'Speaking of which, compared to me, being chosen as the Pope's disciple must mean Hu Liena is a true genius, right?' 

This became Bai Hu's final thought.

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