On the northeastern coast of the Heaven Dou Empire, in a small fishing village—
"We've traced it. Just a few days ago, strangers bought boats at a high price from fishermen at a harbor twenty kilometers away," Dugu Bo reported upon returning.
"This shows their migration plan wasn't prepared long in advance. It must have been a sudden decision, spurred by the news Tang Yuehua brought back to the sect."
"If I'm not mistaken, they likely guessed that Xue'er's next move would be targeting the soul master forces within the empire, and feared I would take the opportunity to frame them and order their annihilation. After all, when I dealt with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, I didn't leave any leeway."
"The Clear Sky Sect is clearly afraid now."
"The Emperor's decisiveness lately has indeed shaken many forces," Sword Douluo added. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan also received such news. Within the empire, some soul master forces have already begun migrating toward the Star Luo Empire, though most are still waiting to see."
Yang Yunhai nodded. "Grandfather, did you find out which direction their ships sailed?"
"No." Dugu Bo shook his head. "Once the boats were delivered, they left under cover of night."
"Then let's head back, gather our things, and set out immediately," Yang Yunhai said.
"Good." The group took off, flying toward Heaven Dou City.
Meanwhile, at the Clear Sky Sect's outer village, the ground trembled as masses of soldiers poured in, sealing the place completely.
"Seize them all!" At the commander's order, troops swarmed inside.
Elsewhere, Moon Pavilion faced the same fate.
"What? The Clear Sky Sect ran away?!" The news spread rapidly.
"No surprise. Ten years ago they abandoned the four single-attribute clans. Now they've abandoned their affiliates again and fled silently—truly an old tradition."
"Pity those loyal to them. What rotten luck."
"They never learn. Who can they blame but themselves?"
"Hmph, no doubt the Clear Sky Sect fled with that fallen soul master Tang San. Birds of a feather!"
…
"By imperial decree: The Clear Sky Sect colluded with a fallen soul master and fled in fear of punishment. Their act is treason. As for the Moon Pavilion staff and collateral branches at the sect's foot, since they were unaware, they will be spared death but punished. Their martial souls will be crippled, they will be reduced to commoners, and all adult men of their households conscripted for ten years."
"Clear Sky Sect, damn you!" The judgment provoked curses from those captured.
To be abandoned without warning and to drag their families down as well—who wouldn't rage? Families wept bitterly, some cursing the sect's heartlessness, others blaming their own blind loyalty.
They could only watch as their men were marched away.
"The Emperor has already shown mercy. Anyone else would have slaughtered them outright." Word spread of Xue Qinghe's benevolence.
By choosing not to kill, the throne eased the infamy of the earlier purge of the duchy nobles.
The news quickly reached the Star Luo Empire. Its emperor immediately declared that Star Luo had not and would never shelter the Clear Sky Sect, and issued a nationwide warrant for them. Local forces were ordered to cooperate in searches, including nearby islands.
Any soul master found wielding the Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul was to be reported at once. The empire would join Spirit Hall in extermination, and bounties would be awarded for severed heads.
Domestic soul master forces responded in unison, denouncing fallen soul masters as deserving death.
Among them, the Breaking Clan's Yang Wudi shouted the loudest, mocking the Clear Sky Sect for finally getting what it deserved.
"Old White Crane, now you see?" Inside their home, Yang Wudi sneered. "Those collateral families at the sect's foot—what happened to them is just like what happened to us years ago. Loyal and devoted, and in the end abandoned without a word."
"Ah." Bai He sighed and shook his head. "We can only blame ourselves for not seeing it sooner."
"Idiocy can't be saved. The old orangutan got burned once and still stuck close to them—who else could he blame?" Yang Wudi went on. "We should be glad we severed ties with the Clear Sky Sect early, and rarely associated with the old orangutan. Otherwise our clan would have been dragged down too. Mixing with fools without self-awareness always brings ruin. I told you this long ago."
"Whatever the case, it's no longer our concern." Niu Gao nodded. "From now on, let's live our own good lives."
The three raised their cups and drank on.
At the same time, Yang Yunhai, Dugu Bo, Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, and Sword Douluo crossed the Demon Whale's waters and arrived in the seas near Sea God Island. Following their chosen route, they soon landed on an island with several docked ships.
"Miss Zi Zhenzhu, we meet again." Yang Yunhai smiled as he landed on the deck.
During his time on Sea God Island, he had already learned from the merchant convoys about the nearby seas, including the Purple Pearl Pirate Group's base.
"Young Master Yang, what would you like me to do this time?" Zi Zhenzhu asked respectfully.
"I'd like you to patrol the surrounding islands near Sea God Island and check if any unfamiliar fleets have arrived recently," Yang Yunhai said directly. "If you find anything, I'll pay you handsomely. Even if you find nothing, I'll still compensate you."
"No problem," Zi Zhenzhu agreed immediately.
"Also, be careful. These newcomers are dangerous for you. If they settle down, they might raid nearby islands. I think you understand what I mean."
"I do." Zi Zhenzhu nodded firmly. She had no intention of letting some newcomers snatch her territory.
"If you discover anything, send us word near Sea God Island." Yang Yunhai handed her a signal flare.
"Understood." She accepted it.
Soon, the Zi Zhenzhu set sail, while Yang Yunhai and the others flew toward Sea God Island.
Meanwhile, far west of Sea God Island, on another island, inside a wooden hut—
"Sect Master, this island is too small, and its resources are limited. As a temporary foothold, it suffices, but for long-term survival, it won't last," the Third Elder reported. "I recommend expanding outward. Find another island as a base, and recruit the locals as vassals to provide daily necessities, freeing our clansmen to focus on cultivation."
Tang Xiao nodded slightly. They had stopped here only because it was the first land they encountered after a long voyage. Their clansmen were exhausted, but indeed the island's resources could not sustain them.
He turned to Tang Yuehua. "Yuehua, how are the clansmen and the locals settling?"
Tang Yuehua's face showed faint dejection, but she replied, "Though there were complaints, they've calmed down."
Tang Xiao nodded, then looked at the other Elders. "Warn our clansmen. They must not bully the locals or commit excesses. If we want stability here, we need these natives' help."
"As for another base, we'll question the locals about nearby islands and search for a better one."
Though he had been to Sea God Island before, it was only to deliver a letter, not to explore. He didn't know much about the surrounding seas.
"Alright," the Elders agreed.
"When our clansmen are settled, I will personally visit Sea God Island to pay respects to Senior Bo Saixi. If we find promising youths, perhaps we can send them to attempt the Sea God's inheritance."
Tang Yuehua's eyes lit up.
But the Seventh Elder scowled. "Sect Master, if you want to send people back to look for Tang San, just say it. No need for roundabout words."
"Cough." The Second Elder spoke up. "Now that the sect is safe, when we're stable, sending people back to scout the continent—and to look for Tang San—wouldn't hurt. His talent is undeniable. With twin martial souls, already a Soul Ancestor at such a young age, he's stronger than any of our peers. If he reaches Sea God Island, the chance of inheriting the Sea God's mantle is high. If he becomes a god, our Clear Sky Sect will rise again."
The others fell silent, then slowly nodded. "We will follow the Sect Master's lead."
"Then it's decided. Meeting adjourned," Tang Xiao said.
After they left, Tang Yuehua turned. "Big brother."
Tang Xiao sighed. "This is the only way forward I can see. And only now, after reaching safety, could I bring it up."
"I understand." Tang Yuehua nodded, moved.
Before they had reached land, everyone's nerves had been taut, resentment against Tang San growing daily. But now, with solid ground beneath their feet, safety eased their tension. At this moment, raising hope of godhood was timely.
Among Tang Clan's bloodline, who had more hope than Tang San, with twin martial souls, to inherit the Sea God's mantle?
The answer was obvious—none.
"Yuehua, you've worked hard these past days. Rest now," Tang Xiao said.
"Mm. You too, big brother." She nodded softly and returned to her room.
(End of Chapter)
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