After seeing Tang Yuehua off, Tang Yu firmly shut the door. Leaning against it, he massaged his temples and let out a deep sigh after a long pause.
"That woman is too good at brainwashing. Any other disciple would've been swayed by her. Still, it seems she hasn't discovered my true identity. She mentioned that the five elders are considering me as the next clan leader? Ridiculous… or is it? Maybe I should test the waters first." Tang Yu rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"With Tang San severely injured and his bones shattered, he won't be able to move for at least a month. Out of sight, out of mind—I can finally enjoy some peace and quiet."
That night, after Tang Yuehua left, Tang Yu resumed his cultivation, striving to reach the eight-ringed Soul Douluo level as soon as possible.
Though Tang Yu's battle with Tang San seemed unremarkable on the surface, it sent shockwaves through the Clear Sky Clan.
Ripples of discussion surged like waves...
Over the next month, Tang Yuehua never sought Tang Yu out again, instead focusing entirely on caring for Tang San—just as she had two months prior.
"Xiao San, your injuries are almost healed. Once you've fully recovered, we'll leave the mountain together. The Clear Sky Clan… truly isn't the place for you." Tang Yuehua's eyes dimmed. Over the past month, she had gathered much information within the clan.
The disciples held deep grievances against Tang San. Whenever they saw him outside, their gazes were filled with undisguised contempt.
Their eyes were practically devouring him alive. Tang San could do nothing—with his bones broken, he was as helpless as fish on a chopping block.
For this entire month, Tang San had suffered immensely, enduring endless scorn. Countless people stabbed at his back with their words, sending chills down his spine.
He even fantasized about slaughtering every member of the Clear Sky Clan to wash away his humiliation. Of course, these were just thoughts—he took no action.
"Auntie… do the Second Elder's three conditions still stand?" Tang San asked urgently. With joining the Clear Sky Clan now impossible, those three conditions had become his last hope.
His father's dying wish was to return to the clan. This was a legacy Tang San had to fulfill.
"I've asked the Second Elder. He confirmed the conditions remain valid, but the time limit is ten years. If you fail by then, the offer will be void." Tang Yuehua sighed softly. Tang San's behavior during his stay had chilled her heart.
"Ten years…" Tang San fell silent briefly before declaring firmly, "I can do it!"
"Don't push yourself too hard. Just do your best." Tang Yuehua forced a gentle smile.
She was only doing this for her late brother's sake. Otherwise, she would never have tolerated Tang San this far.
Tell me—what clan would accept someone who tried to murder their own disciple?
The only reason the Clear Sky Clan hadn't expelled Tang San yet was out of respect for the deceased Tang Hao. Disciples were even assigned to monitor Tang San, ensuring he caused no further trouble.
After all, with past precedents, the clan couldn't afford to lose face over an outsider.
"Breaking through to the seventieth rank is tougher than I thought. A whole month, and no progress." Ye Hao shook his head, rising to step outside.
Clear Sky Clan disciples along the way greeted Tang Yu with deep respect. This continent revered strength, and the Clear Sky Clan was no exception.
Now, Tang Yu was recognized as the top disciple of his generation. Rumors even claimed he'd be the next clan leader—so persistent that Tang Yu almost believed them himself.
"Me? The next leader of the Clear Sky Clan? Seriously?" Tang Yu scratched his head. The gossip had grown so rampant that even he was starting to wonder.
The power of hearsay truly was formidable.
That same day, deep within the Clear Sky Clan's secret chamber…
A dimly lit room, its only light a single beam from a high window, illuminated a stone table at the center. Six figures sat around it—Clan Leader Tang Xiao and the five elders.
"Everyone, the continent stands on the brink of upheaval. With the Spirit Hall's growing dominance—having destroyed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family—we are next. At this critical juncture, I've gathered you to discuss two matters." The Second Elder cut straight to the point.
"First, the selection of the next clan leader."
"Second, our course of action if the Spirit Hall attacks."
The Seventh Elder spoke first. "Regarding succession, apart from Tang Yu, no one else is qualified."
The other three elders nodded in agreement.
"My thoughts exactly." The Second Elder looked at Tang Xiao. "Clan Leader, your opinion?"
All eyes turned to him.
"My view is… while Tang Yu is an excellent candidate, let's not forget about Xiao San." Tang Xiao ventured carefully.
Instantly, the Seventh Elder's temper flared.
"That little bastard Tang San!" He slammed the table. "A would-be murderer has no place in our clan! Forget those three conditions—just being Tang Hao's son disqualifies him forever!"
This was the Seventh Elder's unfiltered truth.
"I agree with Seventh Brother." The Second Elder backed him immediately—a rare alignment.
The remaining three elders exchanged glances before unanimously nodding.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"This…" Tang Xiao was cornered. As clan leader, his authority was limited—especially on matters like succession, where he had no real say.
"Fine. Tang Yu is outstanding. Making him the next leader ensures the clan's future. I consent." Tang Xiao conceded reluctantly.
His probing had backfired spectacularly. The elders' vehemence made it clear—Tang San would never reclaim his heritage.
"Then it's settled. Tang Yu is officially designated the next clan leader." The Second Elder nodded calmly before addressing Tang Xiao again.
"Clan Leader, arrange to teach him the Great Sumeru Hammer. This secret technique is reserved exclusively for successors."
"So soon?" Tang Xiao was stunned. The succession had just been decided, and now they were passing down the clan's ultimate skill?
The Great Sumeru Hammer was the Clear Sky Clan's most guarded secret, taught only to confirmed heirs. This move unequivocally cemented Tang Yu's position.
The Second Elder's decisiveness shocked him.
"Necessity dictates this." The Second Elder sighed. "With Spirit Hall's young master Ye Hao's ambitions—first striking the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, then the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—we're clearly next. We must prepare for the worst, ensuring our legacy survives even if the clan falls."
The Second Elder's words were sincere and heartfelt.
Seeing this, Tang Xiao nodded solemnly. "Very well, I understand what must be done."
"Good." The Second Elder smiled in satisfaction. "Now, let's discuss our next steps..."
The secret meeting continued...
Night fell, darkness blanketing the land as the entire clan settled into silence.
The Clear Sky Clan, shrouded in heavy snowfall, seemed almost illusory tonight.
"What? The clan leader wants to see me alone?" Tang Yu was genuinely startled, staring at Tang Yuehua in disbelief.
"Correct. Prepare yourself—you're coming with me to see him now." Tang Yuehua's expression was deadly serious. She wasn't joking.
Hearing this, Tang Yu's mind raced. Tang Xiao summoning me alone at night... Have they discovered my true identity as the Spirit Hall's young master?
That shouldn't be possible. Between the Death God's Heart's protection and the Shura God's power, even Tang San with his Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud couldn't see through me. How would they know?
Unless... there's a Clear Sky Clan spy in Spirit Hall?
Following Tang Yuehua out, Tang Yu remained distracted the entire walk to the main hall, simultaneously preparing for potential combat. Just in case!
"Auntie, for the clan leader to summon me so late, even sending you personally... Has something major happened?" Tang Yu asked cautiously.
"You're right. This matter shocked even me when Big Brother informed me." Tang Yuehua remained expressionless.
"Could you give me a hint?"
"We're almost there."
"Auntie, just a little clue?"
"We've arrived."
Tang Yu: "..."
Standing before the grand doors of the Clear Sky Clan's main hall, they swung open as Tang Yuehua and Tang Yu approached.
Inside, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified.
From the moment Tang Yu stepped in, his nerves were taut. With the Asura Demon Sword in hand, even if all five elders and Tang Xiao attacked together, annihilating them might be impossible—but escaping unscathed was feasible.
Yet here, Tang Yu sensed no murderous intent—only sacred gravity.
Before him stood Tang Xiao, hands clasped behind his back, studying Tang Yu with intense focus. Beside him rested a tattered ancient manual on a ceremonial stand.
Tang Yu was utterly baffled. What kind of show is this?
They haven't seen through me. Instead, they seem to be preparing to bestow something... And that manual's title starts with 'Great...' Ye Hao mused silently.
"Tang Yu, kneel."
Tang Xiao's commanding voice snapped Tang Yu back to attention.
The clan leader's presence was overwhelming, his Titled Douluo aura fully unleashed as he stood imposingly.
Kneel? What's happening? Ye Hao wondered internally.
For the mission's sake... I'll endure.
Tang Yu knelt obediently, awaiting further instructions.
Beside him, Tang Yuehua also knelt with solemn reverence.
"By the authority of Tang Xiao, Clan Leader of the Clear Sky Clan..."
Blah blah blah...
Tang Xiao's lengthy proclamation made Tang Yu's head spin. The gist was something about clan heritage and... the next clan leader position?
"What?" Tang Yu jolted awake internally. The Clear Sky Clan leadership? Me?
They want me as the next clan leader? Is this some kind of joke? He barely suppressed his shock, quickly schooling his features into solemn acceptance.
I came here to infiltrate, but never imagined they'd make me their successor. Honestly, this is my first time understanding what 'overwhelmed by favor' truly means. Ye Hao secretly rejoiced. He'd only wanted to complete his mission—this development was utterly unexpected.
When you all learn my true identity, I wonder if you'll still be smiling then.
As Tang Xiao continued speaking, Tang Yu followed along, swearing various oaths—to devote his life to the Clear Sky Clan, to honor the ancestors, etc.
Of course, these were just empty words. When the time came, he'd still be the Spirit Hall's young master. Today was merely acting.
After all, it was "Tang Yu" making these vows—not Ye Hao.
"Rise." Tang Xiao commanded.
Tang Yuehua and Tang Yu stood. Then, with great ceremony, Tang Xiao lifted the ancient manual and presented it to Tang Yu.
"Tang Yu, from this moment onward, you are the Clear Sky Clan's designated successor. This Great Sumeru Hammer manual is now entrusted to you. May you honor our ancestors' legacy and lead our clan to greater glory."
As Tang Yu accepted the manual, his hands trembled slightly with suppressed excitement.
This was the Clear Sky Clan's most guarded inheritance—a unique cultivation method so demanding that only once-in-a-generation geniuses could master it without fatal consequences. Hence, it was passed to only one successor each generation.
By bestowing this, Tang Xiao had unequivocally confirmed Tang Yu's status.
Am I dreaming? Ye Hao wondered. This is like catching a falling pie from the sky—the odds are astronomically low.
"Tang Yu swears to uphold the clan leader's trust and bring glory to our sect!" He declared loudly with perfect reverence.
"Mm." Tang Xiao patted his shoulder.
"Tonight, you'll remain here. Yuehua and I will stay as well. This Great Sumeru Hammer manual contains our clan's greatest secret. You must memorize every word by dawn. If anything is unclear, ask me immediately."
Without delay, Tang Yu took a seat and began studying the manual with rapt attention, ensuring not a single character escaped his scrutiny.