Chapter 224: Developments of the Three Factions
After Prince Xue Qinghe and his entourage left Skywalk Academy, they stayed in Monet City, exchanging pleasantries briefly before each party returned to their quarters.
In the group from Clear Sky Sect, Tang Xiao held out the Earth-Origin Fruit, asking Tang San, "Little San, can this Earth-Origin Fruit really heal your father's injuries?"
Tang San, filled with hope, nodded eagerly. "The Earth-Origin Fruit is said to be condensed from the power of the earth itself, with potent healing properties. No matter the injury, it can fully heal it. While it's not a true celestial herb, it's still a precious medicinal item. This fruit should be able to completely restore my father's strength."
Tang Xiao sighed in relief. "That's good. Then Hao's life can be saved."
Tang San added gravely, "Uncle, since Skywalk Academy had an Earth-Origin Fruit, they likely have other treasures. Although this fruit isn't celestial-grade, it's still an invaluable herb. They might even have true celestial herbs among their stores. Why didn't we press them to hand over something even better?"
Tang Xiao shook his head. "We've already exhausted any remaining goodwill with the Breaking Clan today. Asking for more would've crossed the line. If we push any further, they'll refuse to deal with us altogether, and if things escalate, we might even end up at odds with them."
"But Uncle, you're a rank-97 Titled Douluo, and so is Sword Douluo. Skywalk Academy's Douluos only recently advanced. You two should be able to overpower them."
"Little San, you're mistaken. I observed them closely earlier. Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and Dugu Bo are likely all around rank-94. And though Yang Potian only revealed his killing intent once, he, too, appears to be a Titled Douluo. On top of that, Yang Wudi's son, Yang Zhentian, reacted when Yang Potian released his aura. He, too, has likely reached Titled Douluo rank."
"That means Skywalk Academy now has five Titled Douluo. If we truly clashed, aside from myself and Sword Douluo, the rest would likely not make it out alive."
He continued, "Moreover, our alliance with the Breaking and Defending Clans has ended. They've even given us a healing remedy. For Clear Sky Sect to try to take by force now would destroy our reputation."
"And if any one of them were to escape, both Clear Sky Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—and perhaps even Heaven Dou Empire—would find their lower ranks all but wiped out."
Tang San listened, disbelief crossing his face. "That can't be. Does Skywalk Academy really wield that level of power?"
Tang Xiao sighed. "Skywalk Academy has Dugu Bo, a rare poison-attribute Titled Douluo. Against him, any soul master under Titled Douluo rank has limited defenses. The Breaking Clan, too, excels in poison refinement, with their concoctions difficult to counter. This may be why Spirit Hall has allowed them to remain unchallenged."
"Though Skywalk Academy's Titled Douluo may not rival our own or Spirit Hall's top fighters, they're capable of leaving any other faction with only their Titled Douluo left standing. Who would dare strike first?"
Tang San fell silent, realizing the gravity of the situation. As a Spirit Emperor, he was still far from a Titled Douluo's level, and if he were poisoned, escape would be nearly impossible.
Tang Xiao said sternly, "Little San, I know you respect your teacher, but basic respect is a must. If not for Sword Douluo and me being there, things might not have ended so peacefully."
Tang San clenched his fists. "Uncle, are we just going to let this go? The Breaking and Defending Clans were once only subsidiary clans under Clear Sky Sect. Are we really going to let them do as they please?"
Tang Xiao's face darkened. "Little San, I don't know why you think that way, but it's never wise to make more enemies than necessary. Our initial plan was to form an alliance with Skywalk Academy against Spirit Hall, but that's no longer an option."
"In the world of soul masters, power dictates respect. With Skywalk Academy's current strength, they'll never bow to any faction, nor would anyone dare coerce them. That's why they've managed to remain independent despite all this."
Tang San's face twisted with resentment. "But in the past, their disciples were slaughtered by Spirit Hall, and yet they've forgotten that hatred?"
Tang Xiao shook his head. "During the Clear Sky Sect battle, the Breaking Clan lost over three hundred members, and the Defending Clan lost four hundred. Although Spirit Hall was the executioner, we abandoned them, leaving them to Spirit Hall's slaughter. If they bear any grudges, it's likely against us, Clear Sky Sect, rather than Spirit Hall."
Tang San asked quickly, "Then why have seniors like Titan and Bai He let go of their resentment and rejoined Clear Sky Sect?"
Tang Xiao's face showed discomfort. "As I've told you, everything in the soul master world is governed by strength. If the Strength and Speed Clans had multiple Titled Douluo and were thriving, they'd never have rejoined Clear Sky Sect as subsidiaries."
At this point, Tang Hao spoke up. "Remember, Little San, the soul master world is driven by strength. Clear Sky Sect suffered because it lacked power. Likewise, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was exterminated due to its weakness."
Tang San gritted his teeth but nodded reluctantly. Finally, he asked, "Father, Uncle, Yang Potian isn't even twenty-five, yet he's already a Titled Douluo. How is he so strong?"
Tang Hao pondered for a moment. "I don't know why his strength has advanced so rapidly. When I was in the Slaughter City, the Slaughter King mentioned that Yang Potian had survived Hell Road and earned the Killing God Domain. Little San, avoid provoking him unless necessary. Every soul master with the Killing God Domain is extremely ruthless."
Tang Xiao reminded him, "Hao, quickly consume the Earth-Origin Fruit."
Tang Hao's expression darkened. "Big Brother, this fruit represents the last vestige of our relationship with those two clans. I don't deserve it."
"Hao, Clear Sky Sect needs you to recover your strength and serve the sect."
Tang San urged, "Please take it, Father. We can handle other matters later."
Reluctantly, Tang Hao consumed the Earth-Origin Fruit. Immediately, he sensed his injuries rapidly mending, even his old internal injuries. "Big Brother, Little San, this fruit is indeed remarkable. I estimate I'll be fully healed within a month or two. Then, no other faction will be able to threaten us."
At the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's residence, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Ning Rongrong gathered. Ning Rongrong seemed more mature, shedding her former innocence after the tragedy at the sect.
Ning Fengzhi mused, "Uncle Sword, what do you think of today's events? Did anything strike you as off?"
Sword Douluo, looking serious, shook his head. "There's something strange going on. I'd estimate Yang Potian has indeed reached Titled Douluo rank, and by Yang Zhentian's reaction, he likely has as well. It seems they've stumbled upon a trove of unimaginable treasures."
Ning Fengzhi wore a serious expression. "In just twenty years, the Breaking Clan has produced three Titled Douluo, and along with the Ox Clan's Niu Gao, they've clearly come upon tremendous fortune."
"Sect Leader Ning, what should we do now? Yang Potian has always kept a low profile, but I suspect he's already as strong as I am—possibly stronger. If a fight had broken out today, few of us would've made it out alive," Sword Douluo noted, his tone grave.
After a moment's thought, Ning Fengzhi responded, "According to the information we've gathered over the past few years, Yang Potian and his group went to Hanhai City around four and a half years ago and then set off to Sea God Island. I suspect they found a significant opportunity there."
"With Skywalk Academy's strength now surpassing even ours in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, we should be cautious. Let's pay a private visit tomorrow to see what we can learn. Even Spirit Hall hasn't taken action against them yet, so we should avoid creating unnecessary hostility."
At that moment, Ning Rongrong spoke up, "Father, Grandfather Sword, I'd like to visit Sister Lingling and Sister Yan tomorrow."
Ning Fengzhi nodded. "That's fine. Keep it friendly and avoid any discussions related to sect matters."
Seeing her puzzled look, he elaborated, "In their group, everything is led by Yang Potian. No one else could influence the group's stance. If you bring up sect conflicts, it might only alienate them."
True to his reputation, Ning Fengzhi was insightful and well-connected. It was this wisdom that allowed him to uphold the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect as an auxiliary Soul Saint amidst major sects, demonstrating both foresight and emotional intelligence.
Meanwhile, in another room, Prince Xue Qinghe waited, but his face darkened slightly as Ghost Douluo finally appeared, accompanied by Titled Douluo Snake Spear and Porcupinefish.
Xue Qinghe's displeasure was evident. "Ghost Douluo, what took you so long?"
Ghost Douluo bowed respectfully. "Young Master, I was detected."
Xue Qinghe's expression grew more severe. "Impossible. Even Sword Douluo and Tang Xiao didn't sense you. Who could've found you?"
"Yang Potian," Ghost Douluo replied, recounting the encounter in detail, including Yang Potian's warning.
Xue Qinghe's face fell. "So Skywalk Academy now has five Titled Douluo. And Yang Potian, only twenty-four years old, is already a Titled Douluo?"
Ghost Douluo nodded, though he seemed shaken. "Yes. Yang Potian is, at the very least, a Titled Douluo, and he is incredibly fast—so much so that I believe he could've prevented my escape."
Xue Qinghe could only laugh bitterly. "To think that in just over a decade, Yang Potian has reached this level. And they've managed to conceal Yang Zhentian all this time. I've squandered too much time."
"Ghost Douluo, inform that woman and my grandfather that I intend to finish this mission quickly. I can't delay any longer. Also, how are the six worshipers' recoveries progressing?"
"They've fully recovered and are ready to assist you at any time," Ghost Douluo confirmed.
"Have them discreetly relocate to Heaven Dou City. I may need my grandfather himself to help. Tang Hao will soon recover, which makes him a prime threat to Spirit Hall," Xue Qinghe mused.
"As for the minor dealings between Yang Potian and Spirit Hall, proceed as usual. No one is to harm Old Master Ye Renxin."
He paused. "Have you been able to gauge Yang Potian's soul power level?"
Ghost Douluo shook his head. "He's very cautious and rarely reveals his strength, but I estimate he's at least rank-95. Otherwise, he couldn't have detected me or matched my speed."
Xue Qinghe sank into thoughtful silence, his face conflicted. Ever since Clear Sky Sect moved near Heaven Dou City, Xue Qinghe felt increasing pressure. Snake Spear and Porcupinefish Douluo dared not act openly, and his plan to poison Emperor Xue Ye had been delayed.
Learning that Yang Potian had reached Titled Douluo status while he remained a whole rank behind left him feeling pressed. Time was no longer on his side, and the gap between them would only grow.
Xue Qinghe's supposed innate rank-20 soul power now felt almost like a joke. Even after gaining the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower from Yang Potian, which enhanced both his soul power and flame abilities, he was barely at Soul Douluo level. Ironically, he found himself further behind than he'd been at the previous Soul Master Tournament.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 15 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1