At the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, inside a quiet chamber—
"Ning Rongrong's soul power has already reached rank 47, nearly 48." Sword Douluo was slightly startled after reading the letter sent by the instructors of Yunhai Academy, then sighed in amazement.
"It seems our choice to support Yang Yunhai back then was absolutely the right decision."
If Ning Rongrong had gone to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy instead of Shrek Academy, perhaps her achievements could have been even higher.
Look at Zhu Zhuqing—already a Soul Emperor, with even a 100,000-year soul ring. Dugu Yan was even more terrifying, a Soul Saint chosen by the gods. With Dugu Yan's talent and strength back then, how could she have been chosen by a god without Yang Yunhai's push?
As the saying went: a man fears entering the wrong trade, a woman fears marrying the wrong husband. Choosing the right person to follow was crucial.
Follow Tang San, and you get nothing but trouble, even exploitation. Follow Yang Yunhai, and the returns far outweighed the cost.
A pity their marriage alliance hadn't succeeded, otherwise the ties could have gone deeper.
"Ah, if only Rongrong hadn't gone to Shrek back then," Bone Douluo muttered, voicing Sword Douluo's own regret.
"Dugu Yan has already broken through to Soul Saint, and Yang Yunhai has displayed flight. He should also already possess Soul Saint strength."
Back during the Soul Master Tournament finals, when Yang Yunhai unleashed his Martial Soul Avatar, he had displayed flight. So, breaking through to Soul Saint meant one could fly.
"No matter what, we owe him this time," Ning Fengzhi said calmly. "From now on, the clan should assist Qian Renxue wholeheartedly. Since Yang Yunhai could push Dugu Yan toward inheriting godhood, there's no way he hasn't planned his own path. With Rongrong part of his team, even if she never receives divine favor, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will remain safe."
Sword Douluo nodded. "Yang Yunhai treats his own people well—completely different from Tang San in the past."
"I still don't know where Tang San is," Bone Douluo frowned. "So long as he lives, it feels like a thorn in my heart."
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was now allied with the Heaven Dou Empire and Spirit Hall in searching for Tang San, but they had never been able to find him.
"He's just a clown," Sword Douluo said coldly. "With Tang Hao dead, Tang San will be desperate to cultivate faster to seek revenge. That means devouring soul beasts, maybe even soul masters. Relying on shortcuts—how far could he go?"
"Could he ever match Yang Yunhai? Impossible. And besides, we old fellows are still here."
Let alone Yang Yunhai—Dugu Yan had already embarked on the path of godhood, her strength advancing at terrifying speed. Even if Tang San trained day and night devouring power, catching up wasn't guaranteed. And even if he did, could he bypass them elders?
Would they ever allow Tang San to stroll up and duel Yang Yunhai, or sneak attack him without interference?
"If Tang San shows himself, his first target for revenge will be Yang Yunhai. What we must do is maintain strict searches and be ready. The moment he appears, we move at once to eliminate him. Yang Yunhai is in Heaven Dou City, guarded by Dugu Bo, Chrysanthemum Douluo, and Ghost Douluo. If a battle erupts, we'll certainly arrive in time," Sword Douluo continued.
"My only concern is that Tang San might act in secret—striking at our clan's industries out of spite."
"That does need precautions," Bone Douluo agreed.
"Strengthen the defenses. Set up hidden weapons as well," Ning Fengzhi nodded. "And Uncle Bone, continue gathering herbs."
"Have someone send word to Dugu Bo—next time he returns to Sea God Island, deliver them together."
His daughter's cultivation was soaring; the medicinal baths couldn't be interrupted.
"Alright, I'll arrange it immediately," Bone Douluo said.
The three discussed their plans deep into the night.
That same night, Tang San slipped over the walls of the Moon Pavilion, then over the walls of Heaven Dou City itself, vanishing into the distance toward Sunset Forest.
Days later, the New Year arrived. Yang Yunhai entered the palace at night with the three old Titled Douluo to celebrate with his wife and children.
Qian Daoliu also came.
While Qian Renxue played with the children, Yang Yunhai took him aside.
"Grandfather, my teacher said Tang Hao once trained in Slaughter City. The killing aura he showed in the Pope's Hall could only have been gained there. I suspect Tang San also knows of it and may go there for training. With countless fallen soul masters and wanton killing allowed, Slaughter City is his perfect playground."
"If we let him hunt and devour there unchecked, it will only lead to disaster."
He also wanted to prevent Hu Liena from entering like in the original story and foolishly falling for Tang San. If not for the risk of being branded by the Asura God and monitored constantly, Yang Yunhai would have gone in himself to kill him.
After all, Tang Hao was dead, and Tang San had no protection inside.
"So, I hope you can persuade the Pope to make a trip," Yang Yunhai continued.
Tang San might wear a human-skin mask, but a Martial Soul couldn't be faked. If they saw Blue Silver Grass or the Clear Sky Hammer, killing him would be certain.
Qian Daoliu thought it through and nodded. "Very well. I'll tell her when I return."
A fallen soul master with twin Martial Souls—no effort should be spared in eliminating him.
Yang Yunhai nodded and returned with Qian Daoliu to rejoin the children.
Days later, within the Clear Sky Sect—
"Transfer the sect's elites," Tang Xiao sighed after Tang Yuehua explained the situation. "Now is the best opportunity."
"Xue Qinghe wants to control the soul master forces in the empire. The easiest way is to demand name lists, send people to verify, and if a sect refuses—fabricate charges and wipe them out," the Second Elder frowned. "That's my worry. Allowing them to verify is one thing, but what if they falsify evidence and use it to launch a massacre?"
"For safety, some of us should stay hidden to watch."
The Titled Douluo elders could not expose themselves. Even aside from the number of them, there was the question of where their ninth rings had come from.
All found here in the snowy mountains? Spirit Hall would never believe it. They'd only assume the Clear Sky Sect had violated the agreement by venturing out.
That would give them reason to attack.
Tang Xiao doubted Qian Daoliu would keep to the old pact after learning the sect now had five newly advanced Titled Douluo.
It was the fate of the entire clan—they couldn't risk complacency.
"This is too passive. Why can't we all just leave?" Seventh Elder Lieyang Douluo burst out angrily.
"Leave to where?" the Third Elder shook his head. "If the sect is empty, or too many are gone, Spirit Hall will seize on it as a violation of the pact. Then Heaven Dou will label us traitors colluding with fallen soul masters."
"Where could we run? Would Star Luo even dare take us in?"
"If the continent is impossible, then overseas!" the Seventh Elder clenched his fists. "I don't believe there's nowhere in this world for the Clear Sky Sect to survive."
He raised his head to Tang Xiao. "Sect Master, you've been to Sea God Island. You know the seas".
"If we just occupy some hidden island, why not?"
The elders hesitated. The Sixth Elder stroked his chin. "That could work."
The Seventh Elder pressed on. "If we stay, what then? Dugu Bo could arrive with imperial officials to search. They toss a forged letter into some room, and how do we refute it? Once the charges stick, we're meat on the chopping block."
"With what Tang Hao did, do you think Dugu Bo would spare us? Or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—would they still protect us? Sword Douluo crippled Tang San's teacher in public as a clear statement."
"Stay here, and even if we win a fight, we'll still bear the crime of treason. After that? Armies will march, and Spirit Hall will strike while we're down to finish us."
"Instead of waiting for death, why not take this chance over the New Year to slip away overseas and bide our time?"
"If we want news of the continent, we can always send out disguised merchant caravans later."
The Second Elder considered, then nodded slowly. "Sect Master, perhaps Old Seven's idea is safer."
Tang Xiao tapped his finger on the chair, then finally nodded. "Very well. Arrange it immediately. The sooner, the better."
"What about the branch clans at the mountain's foot?" Tang Yuehua asked.
"Yuehua, at this point you still worry about them?" the Seventh Elder scowled. "Those branch families are under constant Spirit Hall surveillance. Any movement would expose us. If they stir, even fools will realize we're migrating."
"You too—you mustn't return to the Moon Pavilion. You'll come with us this time."
"How can I?" Tang Yuehua's face changed.
"Hmph! Yuehua, I knew it—you've been sheltering Tang San," the Seventh Elder glared. "Don't you know he's been branded a fallen soul master, hunted by all? Any tie to him will doom us all."
"Which matters more—one person, or the entire sect? Think carefully!"
"Old Seven!" the Second Elder barked, then turned to Tang Yuehua. "Don't worry too much. Tang San wears a disguise. He won't be recognized right away. If danger comes, he'll find a way out."
"And once we leave, outsiders will assume we took him with us. Attention will shift from the Moon Pavilion. That will give him his chance. So long as he keeps hidden, he won't be hunted down."
Tang Yuehua's expression wavered. She had promised to return. If she left now, would Tang San think his aunt had abandoned him, and grow resentful?
The Second Elder's gaze flicked to the Sixth Elder, who moved in a flash and struck the back of her neck.
Tang Yuehua collapsed unconscious.
"Hurry and pack. We leave tonight." Tang Xiao rose, stepping forward to catch her.
"Yes, Sect Master!" the elders chorused, striding out.
That night, a long procession wound its way into the snowy ravines.
"Damn Tang San! Curse that Tang Hao!" Bitter wind cut their faces as the sect's clansmen cursed aloud, resentment spilling.
"If not for Tang Hao and his son offending the world, would we be reduced to this?"
They cursed as they marched.
(End of Chapter)
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