Not only Tang Xiao, but the five elders of the Haotian Sect also cast doubtful gazes toward Chen Feng. Yet behind their doubt, there was also a faint trace of hope.
If this young man truly was the one chosen by Tang Chen, then what did it matter if he wasn't a disciple of the Haotian Sect?
So long as he could lead the Haotian Sect back into the Soul Master world, defeat the Spirit Hall, and wash away their past humiliation, then he was qualified to serve as Chief Elder.
From what they had just seen, this young man's strength was undoubtedly formidable—nine spirit rings, with eight of them being one-hundred-thousand-year level.
Even in terms of soul power, Tang Xiao was suppressed by him without question. This was exactly the kind of Chief Elder candidate the Haotian Sect had been waiting for.
Why had the Haotian Sect chosen seclusion?
It was because of Qian Daoliu.
Without that ninety-ninth-rank Peerless Douluo, why would the other Title Douluo be worthy of fear?
For so many years, the Haotian Sect had longed for someone who could resist Qian Daoliu's might.
Yet despite the brilliance of the Haotian Twin Stars, Tang Xiao and Tang Hao, both had ultimately fallen short.
Perhaps Tang Hao had the potential to reach that height, but disaster followed him, and he himself had been expelled from the sect by the previous Sect Master.
But now, at last, another such figure had appeared—an unparalleled talent never seen before, personally chosen by the former Sect Master and Chief Elder, Tang Chen himself. How could the Haotian Sect not be moved?
Facing all those burning gazes, Chen Feng's expression remained solemn.
"Rest assured. I have not come to seize power. The Haotian Sect will always belong to you. I am merely here to fulfill the will of Senior Tang Chen."
"What guidance did Grandfather leave for us?" Tang Xiao asked.
Chen Feng's voice grew heavy.
"Senior Tang Chen is deeply dissatisfied with the Haotian Sect."
"The sect's punishment of Tang Hao angered him greatly."
"Senior Tang Chen said, the Haotian Sect is the Haotian Sect that towers above the world. Even in death, it must stand tall and unyielding. In this matter, he was utterly displeased with the decision of the former Sect Master."
Tang Xiao and the five elders all trembled at once.
Especially Tang Xiao—he was visibly stirred at the mention of Tang Hao's name. Yet when he heard his grandfather's criticism of his father, his face grew conflicted.
But if Grandfather himself had spoken… then perhaps there was still a chance for Hao to return?
Tang Xiao's eyes lit up.
The five elders, too, fell silent. To be truthful, their feelings toward Tang Hao were complicated.
As elders, they knew well how important Tang Hao was to the sect. They wanted him to return.
But as a family, they also could not forget that Tang Hao's actions had led to the deaths of many close kin. Even if he had not swung the killing blow, he could not be separated from the cause.
Yet now, with Tang Chen's words relayed, not one of them dared object. For the disciples of the Haotian Sect, Tang Chen was the supreme authority.
Chen Feng continued:
"Senior Tang Chen entrusted me with one mission—to lead the Haotian Sect out of seclusion and back into the Soul Master world."
"—!"
As his words fell, the gates of the Haotian Sect erupted into noise.
A burning fighting spirit surged in every disciple's heart.
Even those elders who had lived for more than a century trembled with excitement.
Had the day finally come?
Yes, the day had finally come!
In their eyes, Chen Feng had already become the one who could contend against Qian Daoliu. Perhaps his current strength was still slightly inferior, but his potential was unquestionable!
With Chen Feng leading them, their confidence swelled.
Their only regret was that Tang Chen's time was nearly spent, and he could no longer personally lead them to stand above the Soul Master world once more.
"Chief Elder, may I ask—when will we march out of seclusion?" Tang Xiao asked eagerly. Though his hair was streaked with white, he could not suppress his excitement. For this day, the Haotian Sect had waited countless years!
"No rush," Chen Feng said calmly. "There is one matter that must be dealt with first. Only then will it be time to emerge."
"Please instruct us, Chief Elder!" Tang Xiao and the five elders said in unison.
Chen Feng said:
"That matter is to bring Tang Hao back to the sect."
"Tang Hao is a rank ninety-five Super Douluo. He alone has caused endless headaches for the Spirit Hall. If the Haotian Sect is to re-enter the world, we cannot afford to lose such power."
He turned to the five elders.
"I have heard that you bear old grudges against Tang Hao. But the true culprit was the Spirit Hall, not Tang Hao. Will you set aside your grievances and accept him back, to strengthen the Haotian Sect together?"
The five elders exchanged glances. After a brief hesitation, they answered as one:
"All shall be as the Chief Elder commands."
Chen Feng nodded. This was the benefit of his overwhelming display earlier. Without his clash against the Seventh Elder, even with the Haotian Order in hand, they might not have obeyed so willingly.
In the Soul Master world, the strong ruled. This was true in every sect.
"Send word immediately—summon Tang Hao back to the Haotian Sect to reclaim his lineage."
"I will wait for him here. The day Tang Hao returns will be the day the Haotian Sect reemerges."
Thus Chen Feng declared.
From that moment, the long-slumbering Haotian Sect began to stir once more.
Though they had lived in seclusion for many years, once they chose to act, this colossal sect's influence was still beyond what any ordinary sect could match.
The elusive Tang Hao was found in less than a month. Of course, that was also because Tang Hao had never stopped watching the Haotian Sect from afar.
Snow and wind howled, the cold piercing to the bone.
On the winding mountain path before the Haotian Sect, a towering figure trudged forward. His upper body was bare, a bundle of thorned branches lashed to his back. Every three steps, he dropped to his knees and bowed toward the mountain peak, inching ever closer to the sect.
In the depth of winter, the iron chains across the cliffs were frozen stiff. Yet Tang Hao wore only a thin, ragged robe.
He used no soul power for protection. With only his indomitable body and unyielding will, he pressed forward.
For five days and nights, he struggled upward from the village at the base of the mountain until he finally reached the cliff before the sect's gates.
"Tang Hao, why do you put yourself through this?" the Second Elder said, his gaze complicated.
Tang Hao's voice was low and steady:
"Criminal of the clan, Tang Hao, comes to reclaim his lineage."
His heart was both excited and heavy with guilt. In the past, the disaster he brought had cost the sect dearly. Many direct disciples had died because of it. Without some form of penance, he had no face to return.
By enduring this ordeal, he silenced those within the sect who still resented him.
But most of all, Tang Hao knew that his return was only possible thanks to the new Chief Elder—Chen Feng.
He had heard this man was chosen by his grandfather himself.