As an important frontline in the Star Luo Empire's resistance against Heavenly Dou, Gengxin City's morale was pitifully low.
Everywhere, rumors circulated about the Clear Sky Sect abandoning Antonio City and fleeing.
Listening to the discussions on both sides of the road, Tang San's forehead gradually furrowed into a deep frown.
As someone who took pride in his sect, this situation made him deeply uncomfortable, but there was little he could do given how widespread the talk had become.
"Could it be true that an elder fell in battle?" Tang San's mood grew heavy.
Although the Star Luo Empire lagged behind in military equipment compared to the two great empires, their high-end combat power had reached a delicate balance.
If an elder had truly died in battle, the blow to both Star Luo and the Clear Sky Sect would be massive, potentially triggering a complete collapse.
Suddenly, Tang San overheard a familiar name and immediately pricked up his ears to listen.
Moments later, his face showed shock and disbelief.
"Impossible..."
Compared to street rumors, the sect's information was always the most accurate. Losing all desire to linger, Tang San hurried toward the city lord's manor.
While the city appeared bleak and depressed, the atmosphere around the Clear Sky Sect's headquarters in the manor was somewhat better. Though morale wasn't particularly high, at least a few smiling faces could be seen.
Ignoring both greetings and cold stares from those around him,
Tang San went straight to the council hall without stopping. Before even entering, he heard the Seventh Elder's sarcastic remarks directed at Tang Hao.
Uncharacteristically, Tang Hao was trading barbs with him.
Standing at the doorway without rushing in, Tang San listened to the exchange, his anger gradually rising.
He never imagined that while he was outside swallowing his pride to seek aid, the sect elders would view his father this way.
Clenching his fists tightly, he forced himself to calm down as his gaze turned cold.
If not for his current lack of strength, he would have loved to teach these elders a harsh lesson.
To make these old fools apologize to his father for their disrespect.
But it wouldn't be long now! He had already reached level 79. If he could complete this God Trial, he would soon break through to level 80.
Taking a deep breath, Tang San knocked politely on the door. Hearing the response from inside, he slowly entered.
"Xiao San, you're finally back." Both Tang Xiao and Tang Hao sighed in relief upon seeing Tang San return safely.
Tang San was now the hope of the Clear Sky Sect's younger generation—they couldn't afford to lose him.
"Father, Uncle."
Tang San nodded to them, then turned his gaze to the four elders, lingering particularly long on the Seventh Elder.
"Heh, wonderful. You return with this attitude—one might think someone owes you something!"
As a Titled Expert, the Seventh Elder's perception was extraordinary. He instantly detected the dissatisfaction on Tang San's face. "Well? Where are the reinforcements you were supposed to bring?"
Craning his neck, he made a show of looking behind Tang San. "It seems you returned alone after all. Just as expected—neither you nor your father can be relied upon."
"Enough!"
Tang Hao's eyes flashed with fury as he slammed the table with his palm. "Even if I made mistakes, they're mine alone and have nothing to do with Xiao San. If you continue with your disrespect, it will be a fight to the death between us!"
Tang Hao's sudden outburst froze the atmosphere in the hall.
Even Tang Xiao's gaze toward the Seventh Elder shifted noticeably.
The Seventh Elder never expected Tang Hao to utter words like "fight to the death," instantly choking him into speechlessness.
After a moment's thought, just as he was about to say something in retaliation,
he saw Tang San sneer coldly: "Who said I didn't find external help? It's just not convenient for it to enter the city."
Ignoring the Seventh Elder, Tang San immediately recounted the events in the Star Dou Great Forest:
"Although it differs somewhat from what I expected, with the Sky Blue Bull Python, we can still make up for the Clear Sky Sect's lost combat strength."
Even though Bi Ji forbade the Sky Blue Bull Python from coming out, how could she understand the driving force of hatred?
Moreover, what he told the Sky Blue Bull Python was the truth.
If Star Luo and the Clear Sky Sect were defeated, who knew when Xiao Wu and Er Ming's vengeance would be avenged?
"What?
Your so-called external help is actually a 100,000-year Soul Beast!" The Clear Sky Sect members all stared at Tang San in shock.
A moment later, as if realizing something, even Tang Hao looked at Tang San with a complicated expression.
Silence.
Although the shock of this revelation was immense, the addition of a powerhouse comparable to a level 96 or 97 Title Douluo would not only compensate for the loss of the Fifth Elder but also significantly boost their combat strength.
It could even serve as a backup Spirit Ring...
In that instant, this thought sprouted in many minds.
After a long silence, Tang Xiao suddenly burst into laughter: "Excellent! With such assistance, we should revise our next plan."
Tang Xiao went on at length, but in the end, Tang San only registered the words "Li Xun killed the Fifth Elder."
His mind went blank with a buzz.
He never imagined that his former rival had already grown strong enough to kill a Title Douluo.
The joy from his recent power boost vanished completely, replaced only by intense hatred and jealousy.
Tang San felt as if he had always lived in Li Xun's shadow—inescapable and unavoidable.
Listening as Tang Xiao analyzed the pros and cons of Li Xun's abilities, Tang San committed every detail to memory.
In a secret chamber beneath the Pope's Hall in Spirit City, a massive white cocoon quietly cracked open, and Bibidong stepped out, completely unclothed.
Slowly stretching her graceful body, she retrieved clothing from her Soul Guiding Device and dressed.
After a long period of seclusion, she had finally safely passed the Rakshasa God's fifth trial.
Bibidong's red lips parted slightly as a faint smile graced her face.
After nearly twenty years of gradual exploration, her God Trial was finally on track—mainly because she could now comprehend some of it.
"The sixth trial is to absorb death and negative emotions? That aligns perfectly with my expectations."
Bibidong opened the chamber door and gracefully made her way to the Pope's Hall.
Although she had delegated authority to some during her seclusion, there were matters even trusted aides like Chrysanthemum Ghost Douluo dared not handle arbitrarily.
As Bibidong reviewed the recent major and minor events on the desk, her willow-like eyebrows furrowed tighter and tighter.
Especially when she saw the recent developments in the war between Heaven Dou and Star Luo, fury ignited within her.
She never expected Qian Renxue and Ning Fengzhi to dare make moves behind her back while she was in seclusion.
"Bastards."
Bibidong tossed the documents onto the table, her mind racing through calculations.
She had always been wary of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, primarily because Ning Fengzhi was too clever.
If he hadn't already submitted, Bibidong wouldn't have hesitated to eradicate the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
"I can't let them continue like this."
Given the current situation, the Heaven Dou Empire had a high chance of winning, but that did not align with her own interests.
Because both the God Trial and her ultimate plan depend on war.
If Heavenly Dou were allowed to annex Star Luo just like that, the continent would likely experience a brief period of peace.
At that point, it would evolve into internal conflicts within Spirit Hall.
"And given Xiaoxue's temperament, she would absolutely never hand over the authority of Heavenly Dou to me."
It seems it's time to take a walk outside.
Bibi Dong slowly walked toward the hall's exit and, upon seeing Chrysanthemum Douluo, casually asked, "Has Nana returned?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo was suddenly taken aback by the question, his heart skipping a beat, but he still replied truthfully, "Your Excellency, since Huliena entered Slaughter City, there has been no news of her at all."
"Counting the time, it's been over two years already, and she still hasn't returned?"
(End of Chapter)