Douluo Dalu: The Legend of The Spider Emperor

"Hold onto this leverage—it'll be more useful in the future."

Ning Rongrong relayed Ye Hao's exact words from that day to Zhu Zhuqing without any alteration.

"That night in Soto City, the only witnesses to the event were you, me, Ye Ritian, and that little schemer Tang San. That's why I'm certain that Ye Hao is Ye Ritian!" Ning Rongrong declared confidently.

"Hmm…"

"Do you have any proof?" Zhu Zhuqing asked. After all, every matter has its rights and wrongs—evidence is essential.

"Of course!"

Ning Rongrong patted her chest, full of confidence.

"Ye Ritian—'Ri' (日) and 'Tian' (天) together form the character 'Hao' (昊). Ye Hao and Ye Ritian—they're obviously the same person!"

Zhu Zhuqing listened with a perplexed expression. This reasoning seemed… quite a stretch.

"This is your so-called evidence? Isn't it a bit too…"

Ning Rongrong scratched her head with a grin.

"Don't overthink it. Once we get back, we'll ask Ye Hao directly. If he really is Ye Ritian, that'll be a huge discovery!"

"But…"

Zhu Zhuqing frowned with concern.

"Ye Hao has been missing for a month. How are we supposed to find him? You know as well as I do—he frequently disappears for months at a time, and even the academy's elders have no idea where he goes."

Ning Rongrong smiled slightly.

"Who am I? I'm the eldest daughter of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. I already had my sect investigate. Ye Hao is currently living in Heaven Dou City and even bought a large mansion there, which explains why he hasn't returned to the academy. Once we return from Spirit Hall, we'll pay him a visit. I refuse to believe he won't admit he's Ye Ritian!"

With that, Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong returned to their dining room.

Meanwhile, next door, Hu Liena was on her way back, deep in thought. This was valuable intelligence.

So, Ye Ritian is in Heaven Dou City under the name Ye Hao. No wonder Spirit Hall couldn't track him down all this time—he had been using an alias.

Without hesitation, Hu Liena bid farewell to her brother, Xie Yue. She didn't even stop to eat before heading straight to the Pope's Palace.

Inside the Pope's Palace, Bibi Dong was discussing the next steps for handling the Titan Giant Ape with the elders.

At that moment, the palace doors opened.

Hu Liena entered, paid her respects to Bibi Dong, and then calmly walked up to her.

"Teacher."

Bibi Dong nodded with a smile.

"Nana, aren't you preparing for the competition? How do you have time to come see me?"

Hu Liena glanced around, indicating the presence of others.

Noting this, Bibi Dong chuckled before addressing the elders.

"Elders, you may leave. I have something to discuss with the Holy Maiden."

A moment later, the vast Pope's Palace was empty except for Bibi Dong and Hu Liena.

"Nana, what's so urgent that I had to dismiss the elders?" Bibi Dong asked with interest. She knew her disciple well.

"Teacher, do you remember Ye Ritian from Spirit Hall half a year ago?"

Bibi Dong was slightly taken aback before nodding.

"Of course. Didn't you say he looked a lot like me? You worked tirelessly trying to find him back then, but he simply vanished. Why bring him up now?"

Hu Liena smiled.

"Teacher, I've found Ye Ritian!"

"What?!"

Bibi Dong's eyes locked onto Hu Liena in shock.

"You found Ye Ritian? How?!"

The Pope was filled with urgency as she questioned her beloved disciple.

"Teacher, here's what happened…"

Hu Liena recounted the conversation between Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong in full detail.

After listening, Bibi Dong's expression shifted to one of realization.

"So that's it… Ye Hao is actually Ye Ritian. He was originally a student at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and is now residing in Heaven Dou City. Nana, how reliable is this information?"

Hu Liena hesitated for a moment.

"At first, I wasn't sure. But after hearing that girl Ning Rongrong reveal her identity, I became convinced."

Bibi Dong narrowed her eyes.

"You mean that Ning Rongrong, the so-called eldest daughter of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"

"Yes," Hu Liena confirmed.

Bibi Dong chuckled.

"Interesting. Ning Fengzhi's daughter dares to venture into Spirit Hall… I suppose she was lured here by the Titan Giant Ape."

After a brief moment of contemplation, Bibi Dong turned to Hu Liena.

"Nana, there's still some time before the competition begins. I have a task for you."

Hu Liena immediately clasped her hands.

"Teacher, please instruct me."

"I want you to infiltrate Heaven Dou City and investigate Ye Hao thoroughly. Find out his background, his connections, and—most importantly…"

Bibi Dong's voice softened.

"Observe carefully whether Ye Hao truly looks identical to me. And confirm his martial soul—is it really the Death Spider Emperor?"

Hu Liena was momentarily stunned.

"Teacher, if his appearance and martial soul are exactly as you suspect… what should we do?"

Bibi Dong smiled mysteriously.

"The world is full of wonders. But I refuse to believe that someone out there looks exactly like me. And even if his martial soul is the Death Spider Emperor, he only has one. Do you think he could possibly have the Soul Devouring Spider Emperor as well?"

Hu Liena forced a smile.

"Teacher… what if, hypothetically, he does?"

"If Ye Hao truly has it, then I must recruit him into Spirit Hall. And while I'm at it… I don't mind taking in a son. After all, Ye Hao looks exactly like me. If the two of us appear together, misunderstandings will arise, and I won't be able to explain myself. Rather than letting rumors spread, it's easier to handle the matter myself."

Qian Daoliu and the others: No need, we've already misunderstood.

Hu Liena forced a smile.

"Teacher, isn't this a bit too rash? What has Ye Hao done to deserve being your…"

"Rash? How is this rash?" Bibi Dong chuckled.

"If Ye Hao truly looks identical to me, down to his martial soul, appearance, and even demeanor… Nana, do you realize? This is something absolutely unprecedented. I've been alone all these years. The position of Pope in Spirit Hall may seem glamorous, but it's far lonelier than you can imagine."

"Finding someone who truly understands you is not easy. Nana, I'm very fortunate to have you as my treasured disciple. In my heart, you are like my own daughter."

Hearing this, Hu Liena's eyes welled up with tears.

"Teacher, I…"

Bibi Dong smiled gently.

"Alright, you are the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall now. You mustn't cry all the time—it wouldn't be good if others saw."

"Now that I already have a daughter, taking in a son isn't too much, is it?"

Upon hearing this, Hu Liena felt an immense pressure. It seemed her teacher was serious this time—she wouldn't have spoken so decisively otherwise.

"Teacher, I'll take my leave now. Await my good news."

Hu Liena bid farewell to Bibi Dong.

"Nana, be careful on your journey."

Bibi Dong nodded solemnly as she watched her disciple leave.

Hu Liena then set off toward Heaven Dou City.

Meanwhile, in Heaven Dou City…

Unaware of the impending visitor, Ye Hao went about his daily life.

That afternoon, after viewing the Titan Giant Ape, the members of the Emperor Battle Team left by carriage.

With each passing day, the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Elite Tournament drew closer. Everyone was sharpening their skills, aiming for the championship.

Nightfall – The Back Mountain of Shrek Academy

Under the cover of darkness, Xiao Wu quietly left her dormitory. She moved swiftly and cautiously through the forest, unaware that someone was tailing her.

"Strange… Why is Xiao Wu sneaking off to the back mountain at night instead of sleeping?"

Tang San followed closely, suppressing his footsteps.

He had noticed Xiao Wu acting strangely over the past few days and had been observing her carefully. Now, he finally had a chance to uncover the truth.

They had grown up together with no secrets between them, but this incident had piqued his curiosity.

Xiao Wu arrived at a secluded clearing surrounded by towering trees, an area rarely visited.

Holding his breath, Tang San trailed behind, using Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to remain undetected.

As Xiao Wu stopped, Tang San hid behind a large tree, carefully watching.

Suddenly, a black figure flashed past, appearing before Xiao Wu.

Tang San's heart pounded.

Not good! Xiao Wu is in danger!

He instinctively reached for the Zhuge Divine Crossbow hidden in his Twenty-Four Moonlit Bridges, ready to strike.

However, the moment the black-clad figure lifted his hood, Tang San froze.

It was Tang Hao.

"Dad… Dad?!"

Tang San's eyes widened in disbelief. His heart was in turmoil.

His father had returned. He had always been nearby.

But why? Why had his father stayed away for so many years without seeing him?

And more importantly…

Why does Xiao Wu know my father?

Could it be… that Xiao Wu was arranged by my father to stay by my side?

Or… could Xiao Wu actually be my biological sister?!

Countless thoughts flooded Tang San's mind, but no answers came.

Xiao Wu hesitated.

"Uncle Tang, I…"

She seemed troubled.

Tang Hao smiled faintly and sat on a tree trunk beside her.

"I already know what you're going to say."

"Little girl, I… I can't help you."

His words shattered Xiao Wu's last hope.

"No… There has to be a way!" Xiao Wu pleaded, her voice choked with emotion.

Tang Hao let out a deep sigh.

"Xiao Wu, do you have any idea how terrifying Spirit Hall is?"

"The place where the Titan Giant Ape is imprisoned is the Elder Hall. Only elders of the highest rank can enter, and most of them are Titled Douluo. Last time, when I impulsively stormed into Spirit Hall, I encountered Qian Daoliu, the Grand Worshipper."

"Even though I've been a Titled Douluo for years, in front of Qian Daoliu, I felt utterly insignificant. I barely escaped with my life."

Hiding behind the tree, Tang San was utterly shocked.

Dad is a Titled Douluo?!

And he almost died in Spirit Hall?

Qian Daoliu…

You dared to nearly kill my father?

You're already marked for death!

Xiao Wu's teary eyes locked onto Tang Hao in disbelief.

"So… There's really no way?"

Tang Hao slowly shook his head.

"Xiao Wu, Qian Daoliu is far too powerful. If my grandfather were still alive, maybe… just maybe, we'd have a chance."

"Listen to me, Xiao Wu. Let it go. The Titan Giant Ape's fate is sealed. Spirit Hall won't let it go. Their real intention is to use this as an opportunity to recruit rogue soul masters and consolidate their power."

Xiao Wu's heart sank into despair.

If even Tang Hao had said so, then was there truly no hope for Er Ming?

Crack—

A twig snapped.

Tang Hao abruptly stood up, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings.

"Who's there?!"

His voice carried an imposing force.

"Come out!"