Tang Hao had no thought of sheltering the Tang Sect members in the hidden Blue Silver Forest. That place was too important for him. Bringing so many people there would only invite disaster.
Thus, under Ma Hongjun's leadership, the remaining elite members of the Tang Sect began a life on the run.
They never stayed in one place for long.
Xue Qinghe understood the danger they posed. To ensure their elimination, he seeked help from Spirit Hall and made full use of the vast network of Spirit Hall, whose branches extended across the entire continent.
The hunt began. Wherever the Tang Sect members moved, traces would soon follow. Scouts, informants, and Spirit Hall enforcers closed in repeatedly and the Tang Sect members evolved into notorious terrorists who attacked Spirit Hall branches in remote locations.
When Tang Hao learned of this relentless pursuit, his anger erupted. He did not remain passive himself
In retaliation, he also struck at Spirit Hall's branches scattered across towns and villages. His destroying multiple branches before disappearing once again.
----
Year XXX7
The turbulence of the previous year intensified.
Under Ma Hongjun's leadership, the remnants of the Tang Sect struggled to survive, but they fought back and defeated many pursuers and even destroyed many Spirit Hall branches.
While constantly on the run, despite the overwhelming pressure, they managed to endure.
To outsiders, it seemed like sheer luck. Every time they were cornered after Spirit Hall send a couple Soul Douluo to annihilate them, a gap would appear. Every time danger closed in, they would slip away at the last moment.
Behind the scenes, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan played a crucial role. Through their extensive information network, they secretly passed along intelligence, allowing the Tang Sect to avoid fatal traps and ambushes.
It was this unseen support that kept them alive.
Meanwhile, Tang Hao's repeated destruction of Spirit Hall branches did not go unanswered.
The Elders' Hall finally made its move. Three powerful figures: Golden Crocodile Douluo, Azure Luan Douluo, Glowing Feather Douluo were dispatched
Their objective was clear—hunt down Tang Hao and eliminate the remaining forces of the Tang Sect.
However, what followed was not a decisive battle but a prolonged game of pursuit.
One side hid in the shadows, constantly moving, refusing to be pinned down. The other searched relentlessly, tightening the net with each passing day.
A deadly game of cat and mouse unfolded across the continent and neither side showed any intention of stopping.
----
Crania Town
Lu Ping, disguised as a high-ranking executive of Spirit Hall, moved swiftly along the outskirts of a remote town. Behind him followed a small group of Soul Masters, their pace disciplined.
One of his subordinates glanced around and spoke with a hint of confusion.
"The Spirit Hall branch here is built so far out on the outskirts. Why would they even choose such a location?"
Lu Ping did not answer immediately. Instead, he raised his hand and gestured ahead.
"Look there."
Across a narrow mountain pass, the town revealed itself. It was peaceful—almost deceptively so. Rows of modest houses stood neatly arranged, smoke curled lazily into the sky, and the faint sounds of daily life drifted through the air.
Then Lu Ping turned slightly and pointed in the opposite direction.
"Now look there."
Beyond the other side stretched a dense jungle, dark and alive. The occasional roar of a hundred-year soul beast echoed faintly, sending subtle tremors through the atmosphere. Though it was not one of the great forests like the Star Dou Forest or the Sunset Forest, it was still a thriving ecosystem filled with danger.
Lu Ping spoke calmly.
"The first deacon who established this branch understood something important. Balance."
His gaze lingered between the two landscapes.
"A place like this stands between order and chaos. It watches both."
The subordinate's expression grew more serious as understanding dawned on him.
However, the heaviness did not last long. He soon shifted the topic, his tone becoming lighter.
"I heard we might meet Order Douluo here. They say she is a great beauty."
Lu Ping's expression hardened instantly.
"Enough idle talk," he said sternly. "We are here for a mission."
The group fell silent as they approached the branch hall.
Stone steps led upward to a modest yet sturdy structure. Without hesitation, the Soul Masters climbed the steps and entered the hall one after another.
None of them noticed that Lu Ping had stopped.
He remained at the base of the steps. His body felt strangely heavy, as if an invisible force had rooted him in place.
Ahead of him, something impossible was happening.
His subordinates… had walked around a woman, like they did not even acknowledge her existence.
Golden hair cascaded down her shoulders, catching the faint light. In her hand, she held a sword, carefully wiping its blade with a piece of cloth. Her movements were slow, almost absent-minded, as though the world around her did not matter.
Her voice broke the silence.
"These forged swords by Lou Gao… they might truly surpass my martial soul—the Radiant Sword."
She paused for a moment.Then, without lifting her head, she spoke again.
"What do you think, Lu Ping?"
At that moment, she looked up. Her face… was indistinct. Blurry, shifting—like something half-remembered in a dream. Only her Purple eyes were clear. Deep, luminous, and filled with an eerie, incomprehensible light.
Lu Ping's breath caught in his throat.
"This is already the seventh day…" she murmured softly. "Time moves so quickly… Ah, Lu Ping, you probably wouldn't understand."
Her voice carried no hostility, no warmth—only a quiet detachment that made it even more terrifying.
Lu Ping's body trembled.Without realizing it, tears began to stream down his face. His legs gave out, and he fell to his knees.
All the composure he had built over the years collapsed in an instant.
"I… I have prayed for so long…"
His voice shook, filled with overwhelming emotion.
"After all these years… I can finally see you…"
He lowered his head deeply, his entire being filled with reverence.
"The Almighty Angel…"