Chapter 115: Night Visit
Clear Sky Sect's residence.
Clear Sky Sect Master Tang Tian called Tang Xiao and Tang Hao, the two brothers, to his room alone. He recounted what had happened during the Sect Competition's preliminary arena earlier in the day.
"Twin Spirits... and a 100,000-year seventh ring." Tang Xiao exclaimed in shock upon hearing this, his usual calm completely shattered.
Not only him, but even Tang Hao was the same. His arrogance faltered for a moment, replaced by sheer disbelief. Even if Tang Hao was arrogant and confident in his Spirit and talent, he was still greatly astonished.
The matter was simply too shocking.
Even among them, no one had expected that the new Second Offering of Spirit Hall, Jingni, was a Twin Spirits wielder, and had even successfully cultivated it.
Her second Spirit's Spirit Ring configuration had reached a terrifying six black and three red.
And Qin Xuan, the Holy Son, was also not weak. Although far from the former, he had achieved something that the former, and even the entire Spirit Master's world, had never accomplished: a 100,000-year seventh ring.
The most terrifying aspect was the age of this couple.
One was less than 25 years old, with Spirit Power reaching at least Level 97. There were even rumors that she had defeated the former Second Offering of Spirit Hall, Golden Crocodile Douluo, in a formal challenge.
The other was less than 21 years old, with Level 76 Spirit Power.
Both of them had already broken the records for Spirit Master cultivation on the Douluo Continent.
Their so-called Haotian Twin Stars, at the same age, couldn't even compare.
"...That's how things are, Hao'er, Xiao'er, remember, if you encounter Qin Xuan in the Spirit Master's world in the future, you must not conflict with him. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is a lesson to be learned," Clear Sky Sect Master Tang Tian instructed, his face grim.
"Father, your child understands." Tang Xiao nodded, his mind already calculating the political fallout of this new power balance.
Tang Hao, however, was dismissive, snorting, "What's so great? He's just a rich second generation who relies on a woman."
His pride, which had been momentarily stunned, now returned as defensive anger. "So he has a 100,000-year ring? It's a waste on a Spirit Saint. And his wife is strong? That's her power, not his."
"My Clear Sky Sect is not comparable to a mere Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Thinking back to my grandfather..."
"But the problem is your grandfather isn't here now!" Tang Tian sharply interrupted Tang Hao, saying earnestly, "Hao'er, you should know that ever since your grandfather left the Sect, my Clear Sky Sect has been far from what it once was."
"And as the next Sect Master, you should learn to be patient in all matters and not be as reckless as before."
"What if that Qin Xuan guy comes looking for trouble with our Clear Sky Sect?" From the moment he heard Qin Xuan's name, or rather, from the moment Qin Xuan was branded with the Spirit Hall label, Tang Hao had disliked him.
"Even then, you must endure," Tang Tian said, his voice heavy. "You must not harm him, and it's even less possible to kill him. Unless absolutely necessary, do not engage him in direct conflict."
"Otherwise, that Jingni will hunt you down to the ends of the earth."
Tang Tian recalled Jingni's sternness and heroic demeanor when she appeared. He had to admit that she was someone who protected her own even more than their Clear Sky Sect.
Even a Titled Douluo was discarded, crippled without the slightest mercy, simply for thinking about harming her husband.
"Then are we just going to be controlled by Spirit Hall like this forever?" Tang Hao said, somewhat unconvinced.
"Brother Tang Hao is right. We cannot continue to be controlled by Spirit Hall like this."
A new, approving voice echoed in the ears of Tang Tian and his two sons.
A gentle breeze swept through the room. The Hao brothers were startled, and both immediately shielded Tang Tian, their Spirits flaring.
Looking back, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo had appeared in another empty corner of the room at some unknown time.
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi had changed into a formal white robe and wore a Seven Treasure Purple Gold Crown, a symbol of his status, which he only wore for important occasions.
As for Sword Douluo, after two hours of recuperation, his complexion had returned to normal, though he still looked pale.
However, his strength had not yet returned to its peak state.
"Sect Master Ning, to intrude without prior announcement, isn't that a bit too disrespectful to my Clear Sky Sect?" Tang Xiao said with a displeased expression, his hand already on the hilt of his sword.
"Fengzhi's visit this time was truly forced by circumstances. I hope Brother Tang Xiao will forgive me," Ning Fengzhi lowered his posture significantly, bowing.
"Forced by circumstances, does that mean you can trespass into my father's room and eavesdrop on our father-son conversation?" Tang Hao frowned, fuming with anger.
Although he was impulsive, it didn't mean he was foolish. Ning Fengzhi's unannounced, sudden visit late at night surely meant no good.
"When honored guests arrive, how can there be any reason not to welcome them? Xiao'er, Hao'er, step back."
Tang Tian sat calmly behind the central table in the room, his Titled Douluo aura settling his sons' agitation. He poured two cups of tea and gestured for Ning Fengzhi to sit down.
The Hao brothers exchanged glances, nodded simultaneously, and stood to Tang Tian's left and right, their eyes never leaving the intruders.
"Thank you, Senior Tang Tian, for your hospitality." Ning Fengzhi stepped forward, sat down gracefully and composedly. He picked up the teacup, and took a light sip, praising, "Like an orchid on the tongue, refreshing, fragrant and sweet, a delightful aroma. Good tea."
"These were all grown by my youngest daughter in her spare time. If Sect Master Ning likes them, I'll send you some later," Tang Tian said, his voice calm.
"But before that, Sect Master Ning should tell me your purpose. Also, as we are both Sect Masters of the Upper Three Sects, I think you should call me Sect Master Tang."
Now that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had just nearly fallen out with Spirit Hall, Tang Tian didn't want to get involved with them.
In the Clear Sky Sect, if Tang Hao belonged to the hawkish faction that resented Spirit Hall, then Tang Tian was the dovish faction, hoping that the Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall would continue to coexist peacefully as usual.
As for Tang Xiao, he was purely a good child. Such a person was good at maintaining the status quo but lacked initiative and had no strong opinions.
"Sect Master Tang, indeed, you speak frankly." Ning Fengzhi laughed heartily, not at all offended by the dismissal.
He then pointed to Sword Douluo beside him: "Sect Master Tang, what do you think of my Uncle Sword's strength?"
"Sword Douluo Chen Xin, truly lives up to his name. He has much of the demeanor of his father, Senior Chen Jianjun, and his grandfather, old Senior Chen Xun. Against him, this old man is not confident of victory."
Tang Tian looked deeply at Sword Douluo, his words filled with undisguised admiration.
Ning Fengzhi chuckled, "Haha, Sect Master Tang, there's no need to belittle yourself. As Fengzhi knows, besides the most renowned Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Method and Clear Sky Nine Absolutes, the Clear Sky Sect also has a supreme profound technique."
His voice dropped. "It is called the Great Sumeru Hammer, also known as Ring Detonation. It allows the user to instantly unleash strength far beyond their current rank."
The temperature in the room plummeted.
"However, correspondingly, it also carries a huge risk. It will cause a great burden on the user, and without powerful talent and profound foundation, it is highly likely to cause irreversible damage."
"Sect Master Ning, you seem to know quite a lot about my Clear Sky Sect's ultimate techniques," Tang Tian narrowed his eyes, and Tang Xiao and Tang Hao also showed unfriendly, murderous gazes.
As if worried about a misunderstanding from Tang Tian and his sons, Sword Douluo Chen Xin stepped forward.
"Sect Master Tang, this is not a threat," he said, his voice respectful. "My grandfather, Chen Xun, once fought with your esteemed Sect's Senior Tang Chen. This was personally stated by Senior Tang Chen."
"My grandfather told my father, and my father relayed it to me. It was a story of respect between two masters."
Hearing that it was from Tang Chen, Tang Tian and his sons' expressions softened slightly.
Tang Tian said, "Back then, old Senior Chen Xun, as a master of the sword, was even more powerful than the current Second Offering of Spirit Hall. He once challenged my father with Level 98 strength. Although he lost, my father called that battle a duel no less significant than his one with the High Priest Qian Daoliu of Spirit Hall."
[Inorin Note:
Your Support Keeps This Story Alive!
If you're enjoying this novel, your support means the world to me. Simple actions like leaving a review, power stone, comment, or sharing the story let me know you're out there. It's the greatest motivation for me to keep translating until the very end and ensures this project continues.
For those who wish to support me more directly, you can join my Patreon at [patreon.com/InorinTL]. As a thank-you, you'll receive access to 50 advanced chapters.
This translation is my full-time passion, and your support is what makes it possible for me to dedicate myself completely to bringing you this story. Thank you for reading!
As a special offer, I've opened a few limited-time tiers at a discounted price! You will get all the benefits of "The Plot Uncoverer" (normally $25), but at a much cheaper rate.
These slots are extremely limited:
"The Dedicated Fan": $9.99 (Save 60% / $15.01) - Only 3 slots
"The Lore Diver": $14.99 (Save 40% / $10.01) - Only 7 slots
"The Founding Pillars": $19.99 (Save 20% / $5.01) - Only 15 slots
Grab your slot before they run out! Besides membership, you can also donate via Ko-Fi [https://ko-fi.com/inorintl].
I hope I am still worthy of your support. My life truly depends on this... haha, I know I'm so shameless.]