Haotian Sect.
At the summit of the snow-capped mountain, inside Haotian Fortress.
As the heavy stone gate swung open, Tang San slowly approached the Haotian Fortress, which was forged from black rock. The moment he took his first step into the fortress, the gazes of more than two hundred disciples of the Haotian Sect locked onto him like sharp swords.
"Tang San, son of Tang Hao, pays respects to the sect leader."
He withstood the immense pressure, slowly kneeling on one knee, and declared firmly, "I am Tang Hao's son. Even if I am injured, I must not show weakness in front of the sect."
After a long silence, the air seemed to freeze.
The disciples looked at Tang San, and murmurs of discussion arose. Several elders nodded approvingly, and the Second Elder said with satisfaction:
"Tang San, get up. We all knew about your loyalty to the sect during that battle."
The Second Elder had promised that if he defeated Dai Yao, not only could he be recognized as a member of the clan, but Tang Hao could as well. Thinking of this, Tang San said somewhat sadly:
"Second Elder, but I still lost..."
The Second Elder and Tang Xiao exchanged a glance, their gazes softening. Tang Xiao looked at Tang San and smiled:
"Mistress, get up. Since I called you here, there must be something important to announce."
Tang San, still not getting up after hearing this, eagerly pressed for an answer:
"Sect Master, is it that the sect has forgiven Father and is allowing us to acknowledge our ancestors and pay homage to Grandfather?"
These words immediately soured the atmosphere within Haotian Fortress. The Seventh Elder's face darkened, and he let out a cold snort. Clearly, although everyone had witnessed Tang San's talent in the recent battle, they still harbored resentment towards Tang Hao's past actions, which had forced the Haotian Sect into seclusion.
The Second Elder noticed the change in atmosphere, glanced at the Second Elder again, and smiled helplessly:
"No."
What is that?
Tang San asked in confusion.
"I said that if you defeated Dai Yao, we would agree to let you and your father recognize your ancestors and worship the old clan leader, but you did not do so."
Seeing Tang San's gloomy expression, the Second Elder stroked his beard and smiled with satisfaction:
"But we have seen your sincere devotion to the sect, so we are willing to give you a chance to return to the sect. As long as you complete three things, not only you, but even your father can return to the sect."
Tang San was taken aback and his expression became excited.
The rollercoaster-like feeling of being trapped in a desperate situation and then coming back to life left him deeply troubled. Although his father had asked him to acknowledge his ancestors and hadn't mentioned him, he knew that leaving the sect would always be a source of pain for Tang Hao.
Therefore, no matter the conditions, he will do his best to complete the task.
"Second Elder, I will agree to whatever the conditions are."
Tang San took a deep breath, composed himself, and said in a deep voice.
Seeing Tang San's resolute agreement, the Second Elder smiled with satisfaction and said:
"Don't rush to agree. It's not too late to agree after you've heard these three things."
"For ordinary people, completing even one of these three tasks would be harder than climbing to heaven. But for you, it is not impossible. The first task is for you to reach level eighty in soul power within ten years."
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked. Tang San's soul power was currently only level 59, and to increase his soul power level by 20 levels in just ten years was practically impossible.
It's important to understand that for every Soul Master, the higher their Soul Power level, the more difficult it becomes to advance even one level. Some may even waste decades without ever advancing a single level.
Tang San was jolted awake.
He suddenly felt a strange sensation, like a taut string that had been plucked but was now back on track. This strange feeling made him extremely uncomfortable. He wanted to grasp it and explore its cause, but it was as if a thousand threads were swirling in his mind.
There was simply no way to begin.
Although Dai Yao's appearance changed the plot, it eventually returned to normal.
He gritted his teeth and said, slowly and deliberately, "I agree."
Seeing that Tang San had agreed, the Second Elder smiled calmly and continued:
"The second thing is that I want you to obtain a 100,000-year soul ring when you get your eighth soul ring."
Tang San suddenly raised his head, staring at the Second Elder in disbelief. A 100,000-year spirit ring was the pinnacle of spirit rings. Leaving aside how to kill it, even finding it was incredibly difficult.
Currently, there are only two known Soul Masters who possess a 100,000-year Soul Ring: Pope Bibi Dong and her father, Tang Hao. Moreover, Tang Hao's 100,000-year Soul Ring came from his mother.
The only 100,000-year-old soul beasts he knows of are Xiao Wu, and the legendary Titan Giant Ape and Azure Bull Python. At the time he was at the eighth soul ring level, it would have been impossible for him to kill the Titan Giant Ape and Azure Bull Python.
The only possibility for obtaining the eighth spirit ring is through Xiao Wu's spirit ring...
But he couldn't possibly lay a hand on Xiao Wu!
Cold sweat beaded on Tang San's forehead. He lowered his head, staring blankly at the ground, his mouth feeling as heavy as a thousand pounds, unable to open it at all.
"What, do you dare to agree?"
The Second Elder chuckled. The other elders looked at him scrutinizingly. Tang Xiao sighed softly. The elders had already given Tang San a chance, and he couldn't change their decision.
"I...agree."
Left with no other choice, Tang San gritted his teeth and agreed. As soon as he finished speaking, he felt as if he were carrying an immense burden.
Inside Haotian Fortress, the disciples immediately began whispering among themselves, their gazes towards Tang San tinged with pity.
The elders exchanged glances and smiled helplessly. This was a bit harsh on Tang San, but wasn't their Clear Sky Sect in the same boat? Surviving in the cracks between the Spirit Hall and the sect, the Clear Sky Sect had endured countless hardships to get to where it was today.
At the same time, the harsher they are on Tang San, the higher their expectations of him are.
Thinking of the third matter, the Second Elder couldn't help but take a deep breath, his gaze becoming solemn. The discussions within Haotian Fort gradually subsided, and everyone seemed to sense something, looking coldly at the Second Elder.
Under everyone's gaze, the Second Elder stared intently at Tang San and solemnly spoke:
"The last thing I want you to do is kill Dai Yao before you die! If you do this, you will not only be able to bring Tang Hao back to the ancestral clan, but you will also become the sect leader of the Haotian Sect!"
"Do you dare to agree?"
In an instant, you could hear a pin drop inside Haotian Fortress.
The name Dai Yao was a nightmare that no one wanted to mention. He alone defeated them all, shattering their pride as disciples of the Haotian Sect.
If Tang San wants to return to his sect, he has to kill Dai Yao. Is that even possible?
Upon hearing Dai Yao's name, Tang San's gaze froze, and the blood in his body began to boil.
If it were the two conditions just now, he would have found them difficult and would have carefully considered agreeing to them, but when he heard Dai Yao's name, only two simple words came to his mind—revenge!
His own grudge, Xiao Wu's grudge, and now, the sect's humiliation is also Dai Yao's doing.
Old and new grudges mingled together. He raised his head, his eyes blazing with a crimson light, staring at the Second Elder. His anger, like flames from purgatory, slowly seeped from his throat:
"I agree!"
Seeing the piercing anger in Tang San's eyes, the elders were all shocked. They had been worried that Tang San might be hesitant to accept the condition of killing Dai Yao because of his failure, but they hadn't expected him to accept it so firmly.
The Second Elder was greatly pleased and said "good" three times. Even many disciples of the Clear Sky Sect couldn't help but show their admiration. If Tang San could really kill Dai Yao, they would be willing to recognize Tang San as their sect leader!
······
The next day, early morning, by the iron chain bridge.
Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua arrived at the iron chain bridge together. Looking at Tang San, whose face was somewhat pale, Tang Yuehua frowned and said worriedly:
"Xiao San, your injuries haven't healed yet, why are you in such a hurry to leave? Your body is weak right now, and if you catch a chill on the road, you might develop a chronic illness. It's not too late to leave after you've recovered."
Tang San coughed twice, a blush rising to his face, and smiled:
"Aunt, my injuries haven't fully healed, but with my mother's soul bone, these injuries are nothing. This is Dai Yao's arrogance. Although they are all fatal wounds, they are not a big deal under the effect of the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone."
"I will definitely repay him for these injuries."
Tang San's heroic spirit of paying for blood debts made Tang Xiao laugh heartily. He patted Tang San's shoulder, causing Tang San to wince in pain. Tang Xiao was taken aback for a moment, then laughed:
"Good, that's ambitious. You truly are a descendant of our Haotian Sect! Just like your father back then."
However, he paused for a moment, as if he had thought of something, and said with a wry smile:
"Your love, like your father's, stems from falling for someone you shouldn't. I only hope you don't follow the same path as your father..."
Mentioning Xiao Wu, Tang San's expression turned serious. Tang Xiao, who had also deeply loved his mother, nodded, expressing regret and sorrow for her death.
"Uncle, don't worry, I will take good care of her. I rushed down the mountain this time partly to see my companions, and partly to see her."
Tang Yuehua laughed and scolded, "No wonder you were in such a hurry to go down the mountain, it turns out it was to see your little girlfriend!"
Tang Xiao smiled with relief, then said seriously:
"Alright, I'm relieved to hear that. But you must remember, you absolutely must not lay a hand on your girlfriend in order to complete the elders' tasks."
Tang San was displeased and felt his dignity had been insulted, but since it was his uncle, he couldn't afford to lose face. He said in a deep voice:
"Don't worry, Uncle, I won't."
Tang Yuehua frowned and said, "Big brother, is Xiao San that kind of person? Why are you saying that?"
Scolded by his younger sister, Tang Xiao awkwardly said he had spoken out of turn. Then, he looked solemnly at Tang San and said seriously:
"Little San, do you know what these conditions from the elders mean?"
Tang San's heart stirred, and he asked:
"What?"
Tang Xiao stood with his hands behind his back, gazing down at the vast, snow-covered mountains. A glint of light seemed to flicker in his powerful eyes.
"Mistress, these are three conditions, and also three tests. When you complete the first two tests, it means you have extraordinary potential and will surely become an unparalleled powerhouse."
"And when you complete the third test, it means you have enough prestige to become the next sect master of the Haotian Sect!"
"Dai Yao defeated all the disciples of Haotian Sect, but he also united everyone in hatred against him. As long as you kill Dai Yao, all the disciples will submit to you."
"These three tasks are difficult, but they also mean that the elders have higher expectations of you."
These words, like the sun breaking through the clouds, brought clarity to Tang San's heart. For the first time, he felt the warmth of the Clear Sky Sect, like a family. He said excitedly:
"I understand, Uncle. I will definitely accomplish these three things."
At the same time, he vowed in his heart that he would treat the Haotian Sect well, just as he had treated Tang Hao, and be filial to his uncle and the elders.
Of course, the Seventh Elder is an exception.
Tang Xiao smiled with satisfaction upon hearing Tang San's answer, then looked down at the vast mountains and said with a complex expression:
"Soon, the Haotian Sect will emerge from seclusion and return to the mainland. The once number one sect in the world will once again be seen by everyone."
Turning the Haotian Sect around and bringing it out of seclusion was the most difficult decision he, as the sect leader, had ever made. Even he felt a sense of unease, like being adrift on a vast ocean, about to capsize.
The safety of the Haotian Sect rests entirely on his decision.
Upon hearing this, Tang San was taken aback, then excitedly exclaimed, "Uncle, is the Clear Sky Sect going to make an appearance?"
The emergence of the world's number one sect signifies something everyone understands: it represents a reshuffling of the continent's power structure.
Tang Xiao looked at Tang San and said helplessly:
"Yes, now the Spirit Hall is pressing us step by step, and has even sent six Title Douluos to our Clear Sky Sect. We have nowhere to retreat, and we must come out of the mountains."
"Time waits for no one!"
"If only we could have a few more decades to grow up completely, how wonderful that would be. I'm old now, and I've been on this desolate snow mountain for far too long, which has dulled my sharpness."
"But you are different. You are young, full of vigor and ambition. If you were to lead the Haotian Sect, you would surely be able to bring it to new heights."
"Unfortunately, the Spirit Hall doesn't want to give us that kind of time."
At this point, Tang San felt a strong sense of unease. He felt that something had changed, just like when the Second Elder made his demands. He wanted to find out why, but he could never figure it out.
Seeing Tang San's gloomy expression, Tang Xiao smiled and said:
"No need to regret it, Xiao San. Since things have come to this point, let's move forward boldly and not dwell on the past. Let's go, let's leave the Haotian Sect!"
Tang San nodded solemnly, stepped onto the iron chain bridge, and slowly disappeared beneath the snow-capped mountains...
······
Sky City, Auckland College.
Dai Yao, dressed in a black robe and wearing a black hood, slowly walked into the former campus.
Since the Auckland team won the last continent-wide Soul Master Tournament, Auckland Academy's reputation has spread throughout the continent. Although Dai Yao, Zhu Zhuqing, and the other two ultimately chose to join the Spirit Hall, it didn't have much of an impact.
Today, Auckland Academy has received funding from the Heaven Dou Royal Family and has undergone several expansions, making it the second-best advanced Soul Master academy in Heaven Dou City after the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
The place was so magnificent and bustling that even Dai Yao barely recognized it.
Countless students flocked to Auckland College, resulting in an unprecedented improvement in both the quality of its faculty and students. This subtly hinted at a move to suppress Tiandou Royal Academy.
Although the students around him were somewhat puzzled by Dai Yao's attire, they didn't say much. After all, there were simply too many people who had come to Auckland specifically to see him.
It's not surprising that there are a few people with unusual attire.
As Dai Yao walked, he observed his surroundings, recalling the stories that had unfolded here. Scenes from the past vividly appeared before his eyes.
His time at Auckland College was the most carefree of his life.
Nowadays, such days are a rare treat.
With a slight sigh, looking at the large number of students, Dai Yao couldn't help but marvel at how much Auckland College had changed. Passing by several students and listening to their discussion, Dai Yao stopped and let out a soft exclamation.
"Hurry! The academy team selection is about to begin. Let's go check it out quickly, or there won't be any spots left!"
"It's said that the team leader for this year's competition is the captain of the team that won the final championship five years ago! Feng Qianli!"
One of the boys said excitedly, as if the team from five years ago was the one he admired most.
Another woman said with some regret:
"It's just a pity that Dai Yao, the most powerful offensive-type Soul Master back then, joined the Spirit Hall and can't come back to see us. According to the senior students, he was extremely handsome."
The woman was very beautiful, and several boys surrounded her like stars around the moon. One of the boys comforted her:
"That's true, but as long as our team advances, we'll be able to see him in Wuhun City! And Zhu Zhuqing, Feng Wutong, and the others too!"
······
Listening to the students' enthusiastic discussion, Dai Yao couldn't help but smile. Time always reminds us of its passage in various details.
Five years have passed in the blink of an eye, and the All-Continent Soul Master Tournament is about to begin again.
Dai Yao pulled his hood down low and headed towards the Oakland Arena they had mentioned. Five years had passed; he wondered how his former teammates were doing. (End of Chapter)