Outside Heaven Dou City, inside a simple tea stall.
Several customers sat around a wooden table, conversing in low voices.
"Have you heard? The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan... were wiped out!" A middle-aged man with a mustache said in a low voice, disbelief in his eyes.
Perhaps because he was too excited, the teacup in his hand trembled slightly.
"What? How is that possible!"
A tall, thin man next to him suddenly raised his head, his voice unconsciously raising a few pitches. "Those are the Upper Three Sects; how could they be... overnight..."
"Shh—keep your voice down!"
The mustached man hurriedly interrupted him, looking around vigilantly. After confirming no one noticed their conversation, he continued, "The news is absolutely true. It is said that Spirit Hall has already united with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, ordering a thorough investigation into this matter."
"Thorough investigation? Heh, I think Spirit Hall did it!"
A chubby customer sneered, his tone carrying mockery. "Besides them, who else has this strength?"
"Watch your words! Watch your words!" The mustached man waved his hand hurriedly, a few drops of cold sweat seeping from his forehead. "You can't say this randomly; be careful not to invite trouble!"
The fatty curled his lips disapprovingly but didn't say anything more, just picking up his teacup and taking a big gulp.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were top sects that had stood on the continent for many years. Now destroyed overnight, anyone knowing this would probably shudder.
This news was currently only circulating in Heaven Dou City, but presumably, it wouldn't take long for a major earthquake to be triggered across the entire continent!
Meanwhile, in the Shrek Academy teacher's dormitory.
Yu Xiaogang sat alone on a wooden chair, his face pale as paper, hands deeply inserted into his messy hair. His eyes were empty, as if he had lost all vitality, looking incredibly haggard.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was destroyed.
His father, that once incomparably majestic Sect Master, a level ninety-five Super Douluo, also fell in that catastrophe.
After Yu Xiaogang received this news, he almost completely collapsed.
Although there had been conflicts between him and the family, and even contact was cut off at one point, the kinship connected by blood made it impossible for him to let go.
"Thump thump thump."
A gentle knock broke the silence in the room.
"Teacher, are you there?" Tang San's voice came from outside, tone carrying concern.
Yu Xiaogang didn't respond, just buried his head lower, staring listlessly at the floor.
"Teacher, I brought you some food; please eat a little." Tang San's voice sounded again, carrying a trace of pleading.
Yu Xiaogang remained silent. After a long time, he said in a hoarse voice, "Little San, I want to be alone for a while."
Outside the door, Tang San sighed and placed the food gently at the door.
He turned to look at Xue Beng beside him. "Fourth Prince, Teacher is not in a good mood now and feels unwell. You'd better come another day."
Xue Beng looked anxious, brows tightly furrowed. "But I have urgent business concerning the safety of the Heaven Dou Empire; I must see Grandmaster immediately!"
Tang San shook his head, tone carrying helplessness. "The matters of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan hit Teacher too hard. He is mentally and physically exhausted now; I'm afraid he can't help you."
Xue Beng opened his mouth, wanting to say something more.
Seeing Tang San's determined look, he finally could only sigh and said, "Then I'll wait here for a while. Anyway, I'm almost a stray dog now."
"Emperor Xue Ye's body can no longer hold on. Once Xue Qinghe succeeds to the throne, perhaps it will be time for my head to fall," Xue Beng smiled bitterly.
Tang San stood at the door, feeling mixed emotions.
The destruction of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was also a huge shock to him.
Those were the Upper Three Sects!
Existences once standing at the peak of the continent now vanished overnight.
"Become stronger... I must become stronger!" Tang San clenched his fists, a trace of determination flashing in his eyes.
He had never craved power as much as now.
Only by becoming stronger could he establish himself in these chaotic times.
However, at the same time, Tang San also felt faintly uneasy.
Since his father left last time, there had been no news.
"With the continent's situation so turbulent now, where exactly did Father go? Is he safe?" Tang San sighed heavily.
Just as Tang San fell into contemplation, the door behind him was suddenly pushed open.
Yu Xiaogang walked out slowly. His face was still pale, hair messy, looking so thin as if a gust of wind could blow him down.
"Teacher, are you okay?" Tang San hurried forward to support him, eyes full of worry.
Yu Xiaogang forced a smile and waved his hand. "I'm fine, made you worry."
His gaze fell on Xue Beng, voice hoarse but carrying a trace of firmness. "Fourth Prince, what did you just say about Emperor Xue Ye's body?"
Seeing Yu Xiaogang finally willing to talk to him, Xue Beng hurried forward a step, tone urgent. "Grandmaster, Imperial Father's health is deteriorating day by day. I suspect... someone is poisoning him in secret!"
Hearing this, a trace of solemnity flashed in Yu Xiaogang's eyes.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to cheer up. "Come in and talk; tell me the situation in detail."
Tang San and Xue Beng looked at each other and followed Yu Xiaogang into the room.
"These years, Imperial Father's health has always been poor. With two of the Upper Three Sects destroyed at once, Imperial Father might have become mentally and physically exhausted and fell ill suddenly," Xue Beng's voice was low, carrying deep worry.
His fingers clenched the corner of his clothes tightly, knuckles turning white from force.
Tang San nodded, tone heavy. "Two sects destroyed on the same day; the only one with this strength is probably Spirit Hall."
Xue Beng smiled bitterly, eyes full of helplessness. "Even if we know Spirit Hall did it, what can we do? Their power is huge; we are powerless to contend."
Yu Xiaogang was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly, "Fourth Prince, you just mentioned suspecting there's a Spirit Hall insider within the Heaven Dou Empire. Who exactly are you referring to?"
Xue Beng raised his head, a trace of coldness flashing in his eyes. "I suspect Crown Prince Xue Qinghe is colluding with Spirit Hall."
"What?" Hearing this, Tang San couldn't help being startled.
Although he didn't have much good impression of the Crown Prince, he never thought the other party would collude with Spirit Hall.
After all, the Crown Prince was the heir apparent of the Heaven Dou Empire; how could he do such a thing betraying the empire?
Yu Xiaogang frowned, tone serious. "Fourth Prince, this cannot be said carelessly. Do you have any evidence?"
Xue Beng shook his head, expression carrying a trace of unwillingness. "I have no conclusive evidence, but after the incident, the Crown Prince's reaction was too abnormal."
"With the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan destroyed, Ning Fengzhi being his teacher, he actually showed no grief at all, as if it had nothing to do with him. Isn't this strange?" Xue Beng said coldly.
Tang San said, "Could it be because our cooperation with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was exposed?"
"Should be impossible; we did this very secretly. Moreover, on the surface, Ning Fengzhi still maintains a relationship with the Crown Prince," Xue Beng said in a deep voice.
Changing the subject, his tone became somewhat urgent. "Also, not long ago, the Crown Prince carried out a large-scale rotation of the palace guards. All my people were transferred away from core positions."
"Now, even if Uncle and I want to enter the palace, we need to report in advance."
Hearing this, Yu Xiaogang's face became increasingly solemn.
He slowly stood up, walked to the window, and looked into the distance, as if pondering something.
A moment later, he turned to look at Xue Beng. "Fourth Prince, your suspicion is not unreasonable. But we lack evidence now; acting rashly will only alert the enemy."
Xue Beng gritted his teeth, a trace of determination flashing in his eyes. "Grandmaster, I have reached a dead end. If the Crown Prince succeeds to the throne, I'm afraid I won't escape death. Please save me, Grandmaster!"
Yu Xiaogang sighed, expression carrying deep fatigue.
How could he not want to help Xue Beng?
But the current situation was complex, and the destruction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan made him mentally and physically exhausted.
He originally had secretly contacted his father, preparing to mobilize family disciples to support Xue Beng, but didn't expect the sect to vanish overnight.
"Bibi Dong, I am irreconcilable with you!" Yu Xiaogang clenched his fists tightly, a trace of grief and indignation flashing in his eyes, as if wanting to pour out all the anger in his heart.
A moment later, he took a deep breath, barely suppressing the emotions in his heart.
Yu Xiaogang looked at Xue Beng and said, "Fourth Prince, no need to be like this. As things stand, I still have a way."
"What way?" Xue Beng raised his head instantly, a ray of hope flashing in his eyes.
Yu Xiaogang's gaze turned to Tang San, tone carrying a trace of deep meaning. "Little San, the key to breaking the situation lies with you."
"Me?"
Tang San was stunned for a moment, pointing at himself somewhat blankly. "Teacher, what do you mean?"
Yu Xiaogang nodded, expression serious. "Correct. You are Tang Hao's son, the successor of the Clear Sky Douluo, and the most outstanding disciple of Shrek Academy. Your talent and potential are our only hope."
Tang San frowned and asked doubtfully, "Teacher, what exactly do you want me to do?"
Yu Xiaogang slowly stood up, gaze profound and firm.
A bold plan was slowly generating in his mind.
He looked at Tang San and said solemnly, "Little San, your second Martial Soul is the Clear Sky Hammer; this is your biggest advantage. Now, our only hope is to seek help from the Clear Sky School."
"Clear Sky School?" Tang San's eyes sank slightly, thoughts churning in his mind.
He remembered his father mentioning the Clear Sky School many times; every time he spoke of the sect, his father always looked very excited.
However, the Clear Sky School had long sealed the mountain and secluded itself, cutting off contact with the outside world.
Tang San and his father originally planned to go to the Clear Sky School but were delayed due to some matters. Moreover, his father had no news now.
Hearing this, Xue Beng frowned slightly, tone carrying a trace of doubt. "Grandmaster, will the Clear Sky School really help? Haven't they sealed the mountain for many years?"
Yu Xiaogang nodded, expression serious. "Although the Clear Sky School sealed the mountain, their foundation and strength still cannot be underestimated."
"The current Sect Master Tang Xiao, known alongside Tang Hao as the 'Clear Sky Twin Stars', has outstanding talent. If I guessed correctly, he must be a Titled Douluo-level powerhouse now."
"Moreover, as the number one sect in the world, the Clear Sky School has a deep foundation. I estimate there are at least three more Titled Douluo overseeing the sect. If we can get their support, our odds against the Crown Prince will increase greatly."
Hearing this, Tang San felt some worry in his heart. "Teacher, the Clear Sky School has sealed the mountain for many years and ignored worldly affairs. How can we persuade them to act?"
There was another sentence Tang San didn't say.
Back then, seeing Qian Daoliu's strength just once, a shadow grew in Tang San's heart.
Would those seniors of the Clear Sky School really be willing to offend Spirit Hall for Xue Beng?
A trace of heaviness flashed in Yu Xiaogang's eyes as he slowly said, "Therefore, we need the power of the Imperial Family. If the Fourth Prince can ascend the throne and announce to the world in the name of the Heaven Dou Empire, inviting the Titled Douluo of the Clear Sky School to come out, Spirit Hall won't dare to act rashly."
"After all, if the Clear Sky School joins hands with the Heaven Dou Empire, Spirit Hall will have to be apprehensive."
Hearing this, a light flashed in Xue Beng's eyes.
He took a step forward and said firmly, "Grandmaster is right! As long as I ascend the throne, I will immediately establish the Clear Sky School as the Protector Sect, giving them the highest honor and status. I believe the Clear Sky School will definitely be willing to help!"
Tang San was still somewhat hesitant. "But Father told me there is some resentment towards him in the sect, and they may not necessarily accept me. He always wanted to return to the sect to apologize but never had the chance. If we go rashly like this, I'm afraid..."
Yu Xiaogang patted Tang San's shoulder, tone carrying a trace of encouragement. "Little San, your talent and potential are unquestionable. You are Tang Hao's son and the direct descendant of the Clear Sky School. As long as you show enough strength and sincerity, the Clear Sky School will definitely accept you again."
"What we need to do is not only make up for past rifts but also give them hope, a hope to revive the Clear Sky School's prestige!"
Tang San was silent for a moment, a trace of determination gradually igniting in his eyes.
One day as a teacher, a father for life.
Since Teacher wanted to do this, then it was his unshirkable responsibility as a disciple.
Seeing this, Xue Beng hurriedly stepped forward to hold Tang San's hand, saying sincerely, "Brother Tang San, as long as this matter succeeds, I, Xue Beng, swear here that after success, I will title you a Prince of a different surname, sharing the glory of the Heaven Dou Empire with you!"
Looking at Xue Beng's sincere eyes, the last trace of hesitation in Tang San's heart dissipated.
He nodded, tone firm. "Okay, leave this matter to me. I will definitely do my best to persuade the Clear Sky School to help."
Hearing this, a smile finally appeared on Xue Beng's face.
He turned to look at Yu Xiaogang, suddenly knelt on one knee, and said solemnly, "Grandmaster, meeting you is truly the accumulated fate of my previous life. From now on, I am willing to serve you with filial piety as an elder! If Sir does not abandon me, Xue Beng is willing to take you as a foster father!"
Seeing this, Yu Xiaogang hurriedly helped Xue Beng up, a trace of being moved flashing in his eyes. "Fourth Prince, no need for this. I will definitely do my best to help you ascend the throne."
At this moment, Yu Xiaogang's mood was also surging.
He never thought that one day he would be involved in such a huge storm.
But for the future of the Heaven Dou Empire, for those innocent civilians, he must stand up and fight Spirit Hall to the end.
"Teacher, Fourth Prince, when do we set off?" Tang San asked.
Yu Xiaogang pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Time waits for no one; we must act as soon as possible. Little San, prepare immediately for the trip to the Clear Sky School."
"Fourth Prince, continue to plan secretly in the palace and strive for more support. I will contact some old friends to see if they can provide us with more help."
Xue Beng nodded, a trace of determination flashing in his eyes. "Okay, I'll go back and arrange it now. Grandmaster, Brother Tang San, I entrust everything to you!"