Chapter 1137: Fetching the Bride from the White Tiger Palace |
At the summit of White Tiger Sacred Mountain, the grand White Tiger Palace stood tall. Its gates were open, and the White Tiger Demon Emperor stood outside, smiling directly at Tang San.
Once Tang San stepped onto the mountain, he strode forward until he stopped ten meters from the White Tiger Demon Emperor, then bowed respectfully.
The White Tiger Demon Emperor's smile widened. "Boy, if you want to take away my granddaughter, you'll have to get past me first. Take three of my strikes, and if you're still standing, you pass."
"I'll have to thank you for your guidance then," Tang San replied with a courteous nod.
On the Daemon Continent, strength was the ultimate credential. Nothing earned respect like proper combat power. Thus, in noble weddings, it was customary for a powerful elder from the bride's side to test the groom's ability. Only by passing could the groom take the bride home.
Most of the time, this was a mere formality; no one wished to truly trouble the groom on such a joyous day. But a Crown Prince courting an Emperor's direct descendant? That was a once-in-a-millennium event. Across the Ancestral Court, in every crowded public square, crystal screens were broadcasting the scene live.
The White Tiger Demon Emperor drew a deep breath. No killing intent emanated from him, yet his tiger eyes gleamed, and a powerful aura exploded outward. The entire Sacred Mountain seemed to merge with him, making Tang San appear small beneath the vast pressure.
Oh shit, they're going at it for real!
The audience watching on the crystal screens were startled… and thrilled! The more serious the better! Who didn't want a good show?
He dared not be careless. Blue-golden light flared over him, and rich life energy burst forth. No weapons were allowed in such a test, as bringing one would sour the mood, but he still released his aura. At the same time, a faint Crystal Dragon silhouette shimmered behind him. Only with the Crystal Dragon as a cover could he use other abilities without drawing suspicion.
The White Tiger Demon Emperor let out a resonant roar as his right hand lashed forward.
In the sky, a thousand-meter spectral tiger materialized and pounced over, its enormous claws descending upon Tang San. Though it was devoid of killing intent, its very presence shook the heavens as the tiger's roar echoed across the Ancestral Court.
Tang San responded without hesitation. With a clear dragon cry, the Crystal Dragon's shimmering scales shifted into gold. Holy light burst forth as Tang San's palm met the attack. Behind him, the cloud bridge stirred, streaming concentrated life energy into his body.
Xu An'yu's Radiant Dragon manifestation! It was truly a proverbial showdown between a dragon and a tiger!
The massive dragon's claws met the tiger's claws. Gold and white auras erupted skyward, and the very heavens trembled from the sheer force of the clash.
"Grandfather, you're serious about this?" Tang San asked with a wry smile.
The White Tiger Demon Emperor's vertical pupils expanded slightly—Tang San hadn't retreated even a step. "What, you thought you could just grab my precious granddaughter and run away with her? Take this!"
He raised both his hands and swept them downward in a wide arc, sending two sets of energy blades raking through the air in a cross pattern. The claw blades tore through the sky, generating sparks as they met, and from above, a massive bolt of lightning crashed down alongside them.
Even in their previous sparring, Tang San had never faced this kind of force. For an instant, he was surprised, but this was no time to falter.
Rather than backing down, he actually stepped forward. The Crystal Dragon's aura shifted again into dark gold, then brightened into orange-gold.
His right foot struck the ground, and a strange array diagram bloomed underfoot. A massive orange-gold pillar of light shot skyward.
The White Tiger Sacred Mountain rumbled.
Facing this holy radiance, the lightning was swallowed and the claws deflected. Tang San stood unharmed, while the White Tiger Demon Emperor chuckled and let his hands drop.
Tang San had not relied solely on the holy energy; the moment his right foot touched the ground, he'd also used War Stomp. Naturally, the Crystal Dragon's duplication ability conveniently explained it, just as it had when he'd fought Xu An'yu.
"Does that mean I've passed, Grandfather?" Tang San asked.
The White Tiger Demon Emperor nodded. "You've passed… by me. Go on inside, there are more trials waiting."
"More?" Tang San blinked.
The Emperor shrugged and stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter the palace.
The crystal screens only broadcast what happened before the entrance; what lay within the palace, of course, would not be shown to others.
Once they were inside, the White Tiger Demon Emperor chuckled. "Boy, your strength really has grown. I'm getting old, so don't challenge me in the future. I won't accept."
Though the match had been only a test, the Emperor had used some genuine force, and struck with the intent to cause damage, much unlike during their previous spars. Yet Tang San had blocked him easily, without using a weapon and without revealing much of his true ability. The Emperor now knew: Although Tang San had yet to face his tribulation, he already had an Emperor's power. If they were to truly fight one-on-one, he was not certain he could come out on top.
Tang San grinned. "So that was just an excuse to refuse me, huh? If you're afraid, that's fine."
The White Tiger Demon Emperor's eyes widened. "Afraid? Fine, after the wedding, I'll let you see the true power of an old Emperor."
"Gladly!" Tang San agreed cheerfully.
"Hmph, just don't drag my granddaughter into it," the White Tiger Demon Emperor said. "With her there I'd have to hold back. Alone, I can go all out on you."
Tang San laughed helplessly. "So you're fine going all out on me, but not her?"
"Of course! You're tough enough to take it. Also, I don't feel good hitting her, but beating you up? I am very much looking forward to it," the White Tiger Demon Emperor said with a booming laugh.
Inside, the White Tiger Palace no longer felt cold. It shone with gold and silver decorations, treasures from all over. These were all Mei Gongzi's dowry.
For the White Tiger Demon Emperor, the ill-fated tie between Su Qin and Lin Ximo had left terrible wounds. His daughter had not been cared for as she should have; naturally, he was now showering her with all the love he had been unable to show her before, and he did the same with his granddaughter.
Guiding Tang San into the grand hall, the White Tiger Demon Emperor brought him face-to-face with another familiar figure.
Even as he stood there, the air around him seemed to grow hotter.