Tang Hao quietly withdrew his Martial Spirit, his expression calm.
After binding Tang Xiao securely, Tang Hao and Dugu Bo escorted him—one in front, one behind—toward the Zerg Hive.
"Tang Xiao, Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect," Lin Fan said with a faint smile as he looked at the restrained man. "I truly admire your strength. Why not submit to me?"
In truth, Tang Xiao's power was among the strongest on the continent. More importantly, if Lin Fan could control Tang Xiao, he would essentially gain control over the entire Clear Sky Sect.
"Who exactly are you?" Tang Xiao demanded, his eyes narrowing in scrutiny. Anyone capable of subduing both Dugu Bo and Tang Hao—along with their disciples—was no ordinary person.
"Take off your mask," Lin Fan said lightly, not answering his question.
When Tang Hao removed his mask, Tang Xiao's expression shifted—first surprise, then relief, and finally, fury.
"What did you do to Hao?" Tang Xiao roared, glaring at the silent Tang Hao beside Lin Fan.
If not for his sealed spirit power, Tang Xiao would've crushed Lin Fan's skull with a single swing of his hammer.
"What? You plan to end up like the Third Elder, torn apart beneath Tang Hao's hammer? His body was too broken to recover, but yours... if preserved properly, could be useful."
Lin Fan was utterly indifferent to Tang Xiao's anger. He merely gave a subtle nod, signaling for Tang Hao and Dugu Bo to bring Tang Xiao forward.
"You wanted to know what I did to Tang Hao, didn't you? I'll show you now."
With a sinister grin, Lin Fan led them into the Hive.
"When you come out," Lin Fan said softly, watching as Tang Xiao struggled against the encroaching corruption, "you'll be just like Tang Hao. I'm looking forward to seeing the Twin Stars of Clear Sky united once more."
His smile deepened as Tang Xiao's resistance grew desperate inside the Hive's pulsating chambers.
"Little San, ahead lies the Clear Sky Sect."
Under Ning Fengzhi's guidance, Bone Douluo swiftly brought the two of them to the foot of the sect's mountain.
Out of respect, Bone Douluo refrained from directly teleporting into the sect using his Martial Spirit ability.
"Who goes there?!"
The moment the three appeared at the base of the mountain, they were surrounded by several Clear Sky disciples.
"I am Ning Fengzhi, Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. We come without hostility," Ning Fengzhi said calmly, producing his sect's token.
After confirming its authenticity, the disciples allowed them to pass.
Though the Clear Sky Sect had been in seclusion for years, they still maintained some contact with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. The latter's influence spanned the entire continent—buying even common food in any city might mean purchasing from one of their markets.
"Sect Master Ning, it has been a long time," greeted the Great Elder warmly when he heard of Ning Fengzhi's arrival. He personally led the guests to the sect's main hall.
"Why don't I see Haotian Douluo?" Ning Fengzhi asked, noticing Tang Xiao's absence.
"Tang Xiao and several elders went out to handle some affairs. They should return soon," the Great Elder replied with a polite smile, masking his unease. The sect had kept the Third Elder's disappearance a secret; naturally, he wouldn't mention it to outsiders.
Before Ning Fengzhi could respond—
"Something terrible has happened!"
A disciple of the Clear Sky Sect came running in panic.
"What kind of behavior is this?! Sect Master Ning is here! Compose yourself!" the Great Elder scolded. Though the sect lived in seclusion, they were still one of the Three Upper Sects—such loss of composure was shameful.
"G-Great Elder... the elders have returned. You'd better come and see for yourself…" the disciple stammered, his face pale with fear.
"My apologies, Sect Master Ning," said the Great Elder gravely. "Please excuse me."
Frowning, he hurried down the mountain. If not for the disciple's genuine panic, he would've thought it a mistake.
After all, six Titled Douluo moving together should've been an unstoppable force—short of running into Qian Daoliu himself, there should've been no danger.
But when he arrived, the Great Elder froze.
The five returning Elders were covered in blood and dust, their robes torn, their faces pale and exhausted—signs of a brutal battle.
"What happened? Where's Tang Xiao?"
The Second Elder sighed heavily. "Big Brother... Tang Xiao... is likely dead."
If Tang Xiao had escaped, he would've reached the sect by now. His absence could only mean one thing.
"What? Where were you?" the Great Elder demanded.
"Sunset Forest," one of the elders replied bitterly.
The Great Elder was stunned. "Sunset Forest? Why would our sect's disciples be there? Don't tell me... one of our own has been living outside all these years?"
When he heard the full story, his expression darkened even further.
A disciple bearing the Clear Sky Hammer had appeared in the Sunset Forest—strong enough to fight six Titled Douluo at once, wielding two hundred-thousand-year spirit rings.
If the elders hadn't all told the same story, the Great Elder would've thought them delusional.
"…There is indeed one Clear Sky disciple who left the sect years ago," the Second Elder said quietly. "Tang Xiao's younger brother—Tang Hao."
"I know of Tang Hao," the Great Elder muttered, his tone heavy. "If I had been more decisive back then, none of this would've happened. But... two hundred-thousand-year rings? That doesn't match anything I know."
He shook his head, unable to make sense of it. Still, his eyes hardened with resolve.
"Regardless, a grudge has been forged. Prepare the sect. The Clear Sky Sect shall step out of seclusion."
Even if the mystery remained unsolved, Tang Xiao's disappearance demanded answers.
"Elder," Ning Fengzhi's voice came from behind. "Has something happened within the Clear Sky Sect? Perhaps the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect can be of assistance."
The Great Elder turned, offering a faint smile. "It's an internal matter. But thank you for your concern, Sect Master Ning."
"There's no need for such formality," Ning Fengzhi said with a mild chuckle. "After all, this young man is my son-in-law."
He gently pushed Tang San forward.
The elders blinked in confusion. "Your son-in-law? What does that have to do with our sect?"
"Little San, release your Martial Spirit," Ning Fengzhi said softly.
Tang San stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Honored elders, greetings."
With that, a small black hammer materialized in his hand, floating in midair.
The elders' eyes widened. They recognized it instantly—the Clear Sky Hammer.
"My father is Tang Hao. I greet the elders."
"What? You're Tang Hao's son? And you dare show your face here?!"
The Fifth Elder's expression twisted in disgust. He and the late Sixth Elder had been close; the Sixth Elder's death during the Spirit Hall conflict had left him with nothing but hatred for Tang Hao.
"Enough, Old Five!" the Great Elder thundered. "The grudges of the previous generation are not to be borne by the children. You've gone too far."
The Fifth Elder lowered his head in silence, the hall heavy with tension.
****
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