NOVEL NEXT Chapter 38: final clash
The young patriarch of the Red Thunder Dragon Clan, Han Jisoo, strode towards the three imposing figures of the Spirit Hall with measured steps. His crimson robes, the color of a freshly spilled sunset, billowed behind him like a defiant challenge. The tranquil gardens that had moments ago been a place of tense negotiations now stood as a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within him. His youthful face, usually brimming with the confidence that came from generations of Red Thunder Dragon leadership, was etched with a mixture of authority and disappointment.
"Crocodile Douluo," he began, his voice a low rumble that resonated with power that spoke of not just his own strength, but the collective might of the Red Thunder Dragon Clan behind him. "We have displayed the formidable power that courses through the veins of every Red Thunder Dragon. Surely, even the esteemed Spirit Hall, a beacon of power and reason in the soul master world, recognizes the futility of further conflict. Our families have coexisted peacefully for generations, our children playing together under the same sun, our warriors training side-by-side against common threats. Let us not stain this rich history with needless bloodshed, a crimson stain that would forever mar the bond between our clans."
A heavy silence descended upon the garden. The air crackled with unspoken tension, thick enough to choke on. The vibrant flowers, once a testament to the harmony between the two clans, now seemed to wilt under the weight of the growing animosity. Han Jisoo closed his eyes for a moment, a wave of frustration washing over him. He knew the Spirit Hall's true motives were far from noble. This was a power play, a blatant display of force designed to intimidate the Red Thunder Dragon Clan into submission. But Han Jisoo was not some naive fledgling leader. He was the embodiment of generations of Red Thunder Dragon pride, and he would not bend the knee so easily.
He reopened his eyes, a steely resolve shining within them. "So be it," he declared, his voice firm and unwavering. "Then let us settle this matter the old-fashioned way. But remember this, Crocodile Douluo: victory will come at a cost for both our houses. You may boast the sheer might of nine Title Douluo, but underestimating the Red Thunder Dragon's fury is a mistake you will come to deeply regret."
As Han Jisoo turned to leave, his voice echoed through the garden, carrying a chilling finality. "Nine Title Douluo against three – an overwhelming force, no doubt. However, show them mercy. Do not aim for their lives, but for a lesson they will never forget. Take their soul bones, except for Crocodile Douluo's. Let this be a symbol of our power, a crippling reminder that the Red Thunder Dragon Clan will not be bullied, and a warning against future aggression. This is not a mere victory you seek, but the humiliation of our clan. But be warned, the humiliation you inflict today will come back to haunt you tenfold in the years to come."
The pronouncement hung heavy in the air, a cruel and calculated order that sent a shiver down Crocodile Douluo's spine. He understood the full implications of Han Jisoo's words. Soul bones were not mere trophies; they were extensions of a Soul Master's being, imbued with their life force and a significant source of their power. To sever a soul bone was akin to crippling a skilled warrior, a permanent reminder of their defeat and a crippling blow to their ability to progress further in their cultivation. It was a fate worse than death for many Soul Masters, a living testament to their humiliation.
This wasn't just a battle anymore; it was a calculated humiliation. The consequences of this clash would reverberate far beyond the tranquil gardens of the Red Thunder Dragon Clan. It would stain the reputations of both families, forever altering the delicate balance of power between them. The Spirit Hall, once revered for its neutrality and focus on cultivating Soul Masters, would now be seen as a bully, wielding its immense power to crush those who dared to oppose them. The Red Thunder Dragon Clan, on the other hand, would be painted as defiant warriors who stood up to a tyrannical force, even if it meant facing overwhelming odds.
With a heavy heart, Crocodile Douluo turned to face his comrades. Azure Luan Douluo, his feathers shimmering with an ethereal light, and Mighty Lion Douluo, a mountain of muscle radiating raw power, stood resolute by his side. They were vastly outnumbered, but their eyes burned with defiance. This was a fight for their honor, for their family, and for the future of their clan. They would not yield without a fight, and they would make the Spirit Hall pay dearly for their arrogance.