area51novel Chapter 204, The Promise
Chapter 204, The Promise
Chapter 204 A Promise Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold
As soon as the words were spoken, a burly man of average height but extremely strong build walked in through the open door. His steps were steady, each one seemingly leaving an indelible mark on the ground.
This man had a face as red as a jujube, and his short white hair stood up like steel needles, making him particularly striking. His complexion was ruddy, and his eyes, like those of someone his age, were bright and piercing, as if they could see into people's hearts. His shoulders were very broad, and his exposed shoulders and arms were full of explosive muscle lines, as if containing boundless power. His chest was broad, like an unshakable mountain, and with each breath, one could feel the surging power within him.
Seeing the white crane standing next to Huo Yuhao, Niu Gao's expression was clearly complicated. His heart was in turmoil. He hadn't expected that in just three days, the entire Strength Clan would be wiped out, and the Agility Clan would also surrender to the Spirit Hall.
However, Niu Gao didn't say anything. Over the years, Niu Gao had grown old, and the years had etched deep marks on his face. His hair had turned gray, like a mountain covered in frost and snow.
He could choose death, but he couldn't lead the Yu clan to destruction. Niu Gao knew his responsibility was immense; he had to consider the safety of his people.
Looking at Bai Chenxiang nestled beside Huo Yuhao, Niu Gao understood why the Min clan had surrendered so easily.
To be honest, Niu Gao had watched Bai Chenxiang grow up, and seeing his little niece find such a powerful lover filled him with immense pride. Huo Yuhao was not only exceptionally strong, but also the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall.
Niu Gao knew that Bai Chenxiang would find happiness and protection by Huo Yuhao's side. Huo Yuhao's background and strength reassured Niu Gao, and he believed that Huo Yuhao could give Bai Chenxiang a bright future.
Perhaps sensing Niu Gao's gaze, Bai He couldn't help but step forward and gently support him.
"Old Rhino, things have come to this point, stop resisting. The Spirit Hall's strength has far exceeded our imagination, and it is several times stronger than it was twelve years ago. Take my advice and join the Spirit Hall."
Bai He looked at Niu Gao with earnest eyes, even a hint of pleading. He knew the relationship between Niu Gao and Titan; they had grown up together, as close as brothers. Niu Gao's steadiness and Titan's stubbornness complemented each other. They had weathered countless storms together, and Bai He knew that Niu Gao's decision not only concerned his own life and death, but also the future of the entire Yu Clan. He was genuinely afraid that Niu Gao would act impulsively and do something irreversible, plunging the entire clan into utter ruin.
Besides Baihe, the other members of the Yu clan also turned their attention to Niu Gao, eagerly awaiting his choice.
Facing the gazes of the crowd, Niu Gao slowly turned his eyes to his cousin, Niu Gang. Niu Gang was his right-hand man and the person he trusted most.
Then, Niu Gao's lips trembled slightly, and he said in a low voice, "Niu Gang, kneel down." Upon hearing Niu Gao's words, Niu Gang's eyes widened slightly. He seemed to have thought of something, and his heart ached.
Niu Gang knew that Niu Gao's order meant he would have to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the entire tribe, and Niu Gao himself:
Niu Gang opened his mouth, as if to say something, but ultimately knelt on the ground. He knew this was Niu Gao's trust in him, and also Niu Gao's expectation of him. Niu Gang's heart was filled with complex emotions, including uncertainty about the future and deep respect for Niu Gao.
Bai He's heart skipped a beat, but upon seeing Niu Gao's gaze, he fell silent. He knew Niu Gao's nature; once he made up his mind, he wouldn't be swayed by others. He knew that Niu Gao's decision was well-considered. Every decision Niu Gao made was for the long-term development of the Yu clan and the safety of its people.
The members of the Spirit Hall were not in a hurry and simply watched quietly.
"Yu Clan, heed my command! This is my final order as clan leader. After my death, Niu Gang will succeed me as clan leader, and the entire Yu Clan will pledge allegiance to the Spirit Hall!"
After uttering his last words, Niu Gao's aura began to rise steadily, and his soul power surged like boiling water. His eyes were resolute, as if at this moment, he had entrusted all responsibility and burden to Niu Gang, and was preparing to face his final fate.
His voice echoed in the air, filled with tragedy and determination, giving everyone present an unprecedented shock. His eyes were firm, his voice was loud, and his aura was magnificent.
At that moment, almost everyone present understood what Niu Gao wanted to do.
Watching Niu Gao's resolute figure disappear, Niu Gang knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times, his voice trembling with respect: "Niu Gang respectfully bids farewell to the clan leader!"
The remaining members of the Yu clan also knelt on the ground, their eyes filled with tears, their voices choked with emotion: "Respectfully bidding farewell to our clan leader!"
Listening to the voices of the Yu clan members, Niu Gao silently approached Huo Yuhao step by step. His steps were firm and heavy, each step seeming to tread on the hearts of everyone present.
Upon seeing the scene before them, all the Spirit Masters of the Spirit Hall immediately aimed their cannons at Niu Gao, each one glaring at him with murderous intent. Their eyes were filled with vigilance and hostility, as if they were about to tear Niu Gao to shreds at any moment.
Although the scene just now had somewhat moved the members of the Spirit Hall, they kept things separate. If Niu Gao dared to attack the Holy Son, they would immediately open fire simultaneously. Their loyalty and determination were beyond question; their eyes were filled with unwavering resolve.
Sensing the atmosphere around her, Bai Chenxiang immediately clung tightly to Huo Yuhao's waist, her eyes already brimming with tears. Her gaze was filled with fear and helplessness; she didn't know how to stop this impending tragedy.
Her figure looked at Niu Gao and Huo Yuhao with a pleading expression: "Grandpa Niu Gao, Yuhao, can you please stop this? Since the Yu Clan has already decided to join the Spirit Hall, Grandpa Niu Gao, why are you doing this? Wouldn't it be better if everyone just got along peacefully?"
Among the four great families, her grandfather and Grandpa Niu Gao were the kindest to her. The Min family was poor, and she was greedy and playful when she was young, so Grandpa Niu Gao would always secretly slip money into her pocket and often take her out to play. He was always smiling and his love for her was meticulous.
Besides his grandfather, Grandpa Niu Gao was the best elder to him. He would always tell him interesting stories, take him on adventures, and teach him how to use his martial spirit. With his companionship, his childhood was filled with joy and laughter.
Now, seeing her beloved elders turn against her most cherished loved ones, Bai Chenxiang felt a sharp pain in her heart. She couldn't accept this reality; she didn't want to see either side hurt.
Seeing Bai Chenxiang's tear-streaked face, Niu Gao paused for a moment, but only for a moment. His figure trembled slightly as he said, "Xiangxiang, don't blame Grandpa. This is Grandpa's own choice. If Grandpa hurts Yuhao later, I hope you can forgive Grandpa. Listen to me, go to your grandpa's place first."
As Niu Gao's words echoed in the air, Bai Chenxiang continued to cling tightly to Huo Yuhao's waist, refusing to let go.
Although the young girl was not old, she was quite clever. She keenly sensed a hint of hesitation in Niu Gao's tone, as if he were struggling internally. She firmly believed that as long as she insisted on not letting go of Huo Yuhao, the two of them would not actually fight.
However, Bai Chenxiang was unaware that Niu Gao's heart was already filled with determination.
Niu Gao looked at Bai Chenxiang with a pleading look in his eyes. He cast a complicated glance at Bai He and secretly transmitted his voice to his old friend: "Old friend, please, let me leave with some dignity."
Seeing Niu Gao's pleading eyes, Bai He felt a pang of sorrow in his heart. He acted swiftly, appearing beside Huo Yuhao in a flash. With a light touch of his finger, Bai He accurately struck Bai Chenxiang's pressure point. Bai Chenxiang immediately felt weak all over; her arms, which had been tightly embracing Huo Yuhao, involuntarily loosened, and she collapsed limply into Bai He's arms.
Bai He immediately picked up Bai Chenxiang and quickly left the place that was about to become a battlefield, taking her away from the tense atmosphere of Huo Yuhao and Niu Gao's confrontation.
At the same time, Huo Yuhao issued orders to the Spirit Hall members around him. He waved his hand, his voice steady and powerful: "Everyone, retreat fifty steps, put away your weapons. Golden Crocodile Offering, Azure Phoenix Offering, establish a cordon around the area!"
As soon as Huo Yuhao gave the order, the Spirit Hall's army immediately sprang into action, retreating swiftly and in an orderly fashion, leaving a large open space.
Meanwhile, the members of the Spirit Hall stood ready in the surrounding area, ensuring that any possible interference would not affect the upcoming battle.
Huo Yuhao stood there, gazing intently at Niu Gao, a complex mix of emotions surging within him. He couldn't help but ask, "Was it worth it?" This question seemed to be directed not only at Niu Gao, but also at himself, and at all of them.
Upon hearing Huo Yuhao's question, a flicker of reminiscence crossed Niu Gao's eyes. He seemed to return to his passionate and fiery youth, a time when he and Titan fought side-by-side, growing together. They toiled together in training, faced life-or-death trials on the battlefield. In those days, they trusted each other implicitly, swearing an oath to live and die together. Even as time flowed and the world changed, Niu Gao's heart remained unchanged.
A young man of chivalry befriended five heroes from the capital. Their hearts were moved, their hair stood on end, and in conversation they were bound together by life and death, their promises worth a thousand pieces of gold.
Niu Gao smiled slightly, a smile tinged with bitterness and determination: "It's worth it. Although Titan has changed, to the point where I almost don't recognize him, and his actions contradict our vows, I, Niu Gao, haven't changed. I still remember our vows. A man's word is his bond. For that vow, for our brotherhood, I feel it's all worth it! Seventh Soul Skill, Martial Soul True Body!"
As Niu Gao finished speaking, the spirit rings on his body began to light up one by one: yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black...
Black, the eight spirit rings shimmered with different colors of light in turn. The last spirit ring, as black as ink, exuded an awe-inspiring pressure.
Immediately afterwards, a layer of armor resembling that of a rhinoceros appeared on Niu Gao's body. This armor was not only incredibly sturdy, but also seemed to contain some ancient power. His body began to expand rapidly, his muscles bulging as if inflated. In no time, he reached a height of over two meters, making him look as majestic as a small mountain.
Behind Niu Gao, a gigantic rhinoceros phantom gradually appeared. This phantom was at least twenty or thirty meters long. "Huo Yuhao, I know you're powerful. Let me see if the unparalleled Holy Son of the Spirit Hall is as powerful as the rumors say!"
At this moment, Niu Gao's fighting spirit has reached an unprecedented peak!
Huo Yuhao's gaze turned serious. He knew that at this moment, the only way to show respect to Niu Gao was to give it his all.
In an instant, a terrifying chill descended, sweeping across the open space like an icy storm. However, this chill seemed to possess its own will, cleverly avoiding everyone outside the battlefield, as if targeting only the impending duel. Wherever the chill passed, layers of frost condensed on the ground, and even the air seemed to freeze.
Then, behind Huo Yuhao, a stunningly beautiful scorpion phantom slowly emerged.
The scorpion's phantom was enormous, almost filling half the sky. Its carapace gleamed with a metallic sheen in the sunlight, and its stinger was curved and sharp, seemingly capable of easily piercing any defense. The scorpion's eyes were like two dazzling rubies, radiating a chilling light.
Orange-gold, orange-gold, gold, orange-gold, orange-gold. Five incredibly colored spirit rings appeared behind Huo Yuhao, encircling his body, each containing boundless power. The appearance of these spirit rings instilled an unprecedented sense of oppression in everyone present.
As each spirit ring emerged, a terrifying pressure descended, as if even the air itself was compressed and became heavy. This terrifying pressure instantly made everyone around feel a chill; they involuntarily took several steps back, and some even found it difficult to breathe. This pressure was almost tangible, seemingly capable of crushing everything.
This was only because Huo Yuhao deliberately suppressed the pressure. If Huo Yuhao hadn't controlled the pressure of these spirit rings, everyone present except for Qingluan Douluo and Jin'e Douluo would have been unable to move, or even crushed by this power.
Everyone was stunned when they saw the spirit rings behind Huo Yuhao. Their eyes were filled with shock and disbelief, as if they had witnessed something beyond their wildest imagination.
The same thought involuntarily arose in everyone's mind: What kind of spirit ring is this?! It's terrifyingly powerful!