Hearing this, a happy smile appeared on Tang Yuehua's face. She gently leaned her head on Chu Chengzhou's shoulder and said, "All right. I haven't been back for quite some time. Let's go down."
Because communication was inconvenient, Tang Yuehua had not informed her elder brother Tang Xiao in advance that her brother-in-law Chu Chengzhou and her nephew Tang San were coming back. Even so, she was certain her big brother would be delighted.
With a slight nod, Chu Chengzhou had Xiao Guang descend toward the Haotian Sect's seat below.
The massive stone complex resembled a fortress. The main gate rose five meters high. Though it could not compare to the lavish splendor of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, this all-stone construction felt especially solid.
Above the gate, three stone-carved characters were bold and powerful, suffused with a grandeur that could contend with the surrounding mountains—Haotian Sect.
Two young men in gray stood before the main gate.
Seeing a mighty dragon gliding in from the distance without a sound, the two gatekeepers nearly lost their souls in fright.
They sensed no great pressure from the dragon, but heavens have mercy, the two of them were only five-ring Soul Kings. How could they possibly be a match for a dragon-type soul beast of that size?
They probably could not even hold out long enough for the sect master and elders to arrive.
Fortunately, in the next second they spotted three figures standing on the dragon's back, one of whom they recognized, and they relaxed.
"Greetings, Aunt Yuehua!"
When the three landed nearby and the dragon vanished, the two youths hurried forward to bow.
Clearly, from how they addressed Tang Yuehua, the two were third-generation disciples of the Haotian Sect, the same seniority as Tang San.
"No need for formality."
Tang Yuehua waved a hand.
"Aunt Yuehua, these two are…?"
One youth looked at Chu Chengzhou and Tang San.
"This is your uncle-in-law, and this is your clan cousin. As for the rest, don't ask right now. I'll take them to see my big brother first."
With a brief introduction, Tang Yuehua led Chu Chengzhou and Tang San through the gate.
It was not that Tang Yuehua did not want to say more about Chu Chengzhou, but she felt a bit embarrassed. In these juniors' eyes, she was an "old cow eating tender grass."
As for her nephew Tang San, there was no need to say more for now. They would speak after he acknowledged his lineage.
Gatekeepers: "…"
Uncle-in-law? He looks younger than the two of us. Good grief—Aunt Yuehua really did eat tender grass?
The two exchanged a glance and saw the astonishment in each other's eyes.
"Brother Bao, that cousin…"
Glancing at the three receding figures, Tang Ying hesitated and spoke to Tang Bao.
"What nonsense. He's a clan cousin, not an outside cousin. And the ages don't even line up."
Knowing what Tang Ying wanted to say, Tang Bao cut him off.
Tang Ying came to a sudden realization. "True enough. But… doesn't our Haotian Sect have a rule that non-direct disciples can't enter the fortress?"
Tang Bao curled his lip. "Then go say that to Aunt Yuehua. Why say it to me?"
Come on. Even if Aunt Yuehua was not a soul master, she was the Haotian Sect's eldest princess, Tang Chen's direct granddaughter, and Sect Master Tang Xiao's own younger sister. Who would dare stop her? Are you an idiot, Tang Ying?
Inside the Haotian Sect's gate lay a bright, open courtyard. Behind the courtyard stood the tall stone fortress.
There was no trace of luxury in the Haotian Sect's architecture, but it could not be called simple either. Its defining trait was one word: weighty.
Led by Tang Yuehua, the three entered the Haotian Fortress, crossed a wide hall, took the inner stairs up to the second floor, and stopped before an archway at the far end.
Tang Yuehua raised her hand and knocked twice, calling, "Big Brother, I'm back!"
The next moment, Chu Chengzhou sensed a sweep of spiritual power. Then a deep, resonant voice sounded from within: "Come in."
Tang Yuehua pushed the door open, and the three entered.
It was a stone room of over a hundred square meters. The furnishings were simple: a broad desk, bookcases covering two walls, and two long sofas.
No one else was inside. Only a burly figure stood by the window, facing them.
Tang Xiao stood well over two meters tall, broad-backed and barrel-chested, like a small giant. He wore plain gray clothes. His chiseled features were seven-tenths similar to Tang Hao's. Judging from the soul power he emitted, Tang Xiao's rank was not low. He had reached rank 96 Titled Douluo.
After the three entered, Tang Xiao glanced at Tang Yuehua and then fixed his gaze on Tang San in white clothes and blue hair. As for Chu Chengzhou? Mm, he was temporarily ignored.
"So alike. Far too alike. Third Sister…"
Tang Xiao murmured, as if lost in memories.
Chu Chengzhou: "…"
The feelings among these three siblings… seemed a bit tangled?
Second Brother Tang Hao's wife was a transformed soul beast, the Blue Silver Emperor. Thanks to his wife's sacrifice, his soul power was boundless, forging the famed Haotian Douluo of this age.
Eldest Brother Tang Xiao pined for his sister-in-law and never married. Third Sister Tang Yuehua had a "bone-setting" problem; if Chu Chengzhou had not corrected it, she would surely have grown old alone.
Suddenly, Tang Xiao's gaze changed. His eyes burned like torches as he stared at Tang San. A vast, unrestrained aura erupted without the slightest concealment. Immense pressure descended on Tang San as he barked a question he already knew the answer to: "Speak. Who are you?!"
"Big Brother, what are you doing?"
Tang Yuehua's face showed displeasure. A soft pink Ruyi Domain blossomed around her, offsetting that terrifying soul pressure for her nephew Tang San.
Tang Yuehua's strength was not equal to Tang Xiao's, but she was using domain power, while Tang Xiao had only released his own soul pressure, and not even at full strength.
"Hm?"
Tang Xiao's eyes widened in disbelief.
If he remembered correctly, his little sister had been a level 9 Soul Scholar, a small fry. Even with a domain, she should not be able to offset the pressure he released. And the domain's color seemed different as well.
"Aunt."
At that moment, Tang San called softly to Tang Yuehua and shook his head.
Understanding her nephew's meaning, Tang Yuehua shot her big brother a glare and withdrew the Ruyi Domain.
The great pressure rushed in again. The expression between Tang San's brows did not change much. His feet subtly formed a T-stance, and his back was straight.
"Tang San, pays respects to the Sect Master."
Then Tang San bent both knees. A faint blue-white glow rose over his skin. With a thud, he knelt to the ground and bowed to Tang Xiao.
T/N: For 40 chapters ahead on my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle