Douluo Continent: Long Live the Spirit Hall

This semi-circular building has a wide gate facing the street, above which is a strange emblem composed of a sword and shield.

The organization represented by this badge is not a long-established organization; it has only been established for about ten years. However, its influence on the mainland is by no means small.

The Mercenary Guild was originally just an outpost of the Spirit Hall, but after years of development, it has become the second largest association on the continent after the Spirit Hall, influencing more than half of the Spirit Masters.

The Mercenary Guild in Longxing City is one of the earliest mercenary branches. The Yu Clan and Min Clan, two of the four major single-attribute families of the Haotian Sect, are responsible for stationing there.

The Royal Family is skilled in construction, having produced many master builders. They are also adept at business, using the channels established by the Mercenary Guild to make their family an authority in the construction field.

The Min clan is not good at fighting, but they are the most perfect scouts. Through the mercenary guild, members of the Min clan can choose temporary teams and earn commissions by using their own abilities. They have developed very well in recent years.

When news of the sect conference arrived, the organizations under the Martial Soul Hall in Longxing City, including the Mercenary Guild, inevitably became very busy.

With the arrival of various Soul Master forces, the entire Dragon Rising City became increasingly prosperous, but also more dangerous.

Outside a large mansion on the central street of Longxing City, strict guards stood watch over the inner and outer streets. On the gate tower of the stone fortress, two plaques hung, one with the character "敏" (Min) and the other with the character "御" (Yu).

This is the main residence of the two major families of the Longxing City Mercenary Guild. The two families had an excellent relationship within the Haotian Sect, and they worked together for many years when they entered Longxing City to develop the Mercenary Guild. Over the years, their relationship has become even closer.

This seemingly rugged stone fortress is actually quite complex, containing many hidden defensive mechanisms. Due to the recent security issues in Longxing City, the fortress is kept brightly lit, with its interior constantly in operation.

Deep within the stone fortress, in a hall, two old men were drinking tea and talking. One was tall and robust, while the other was rather thin. Both were quite old, and their cultivation levels were among the highest in the Soul Master world.

These two are among the strongest in Longxing City: Niu Gao, the patriarch of the Yu clan, and Bai He, the patriarch of the Min clan.

"Sigh! These guys, they finally made their choice. Why were they so impulsive?" The slender, white-haired crane looked at the note in front of him, sighed, and put it down. His expression was extremely complicated.

"Old White Bird, are you still siding with those bastards from the Haotian Sect? Have you forgotten how they treated us back then?" The burly Niu Gao picked up the note, glanced at it a few times, and casually tossed it aside. His tone was quite displeased and angry, clearly thinking about the past.

“Niu Gao, as you know, I’m not on their side. They had their own difficulties back then, and we’ve severed all ties with them.” Bai He shook his head, took the note, and put it aside. He sighed again, “But we still have some old feelings for each other. To be honest, I don’t want to see them go down the wrong path.”

“Old White Bird, just because you’re sentimental doesn’t mean they are.” Niu Gao gulped down his tea and put it down, saying irritably, “We’re willing to advise them, but do you think they’ll listen? You’re the old sect leader’s brother-in-law, but those old guys, aren’t they all arrogant and domineering? They won’t listen to any advice. We all know that the Spirit Hall is untouchable right now, yet they don’t know that patience brings peace. They insist on coming out of seclusion at this time to gamble, which is no different from courting death. Do they really think that by just bringing along those scattered soldiers from the Star Luo Empire, they can really fight against the Spirit Hall? Impossible. Old White Bird, now that Chenxiang is by the Holy Son’s side, she has a bright future ahead of her. She might even surpass you and me to become a Title Douluo. You can’t make a fool of yourself and cause her trouble.”

“Old Rhinoceros, I’m not that senile.” Bai He rolled his eyes at Niu Gao, picked up the teacup beside him, took a sip, savored it carefully, and then continued, “When those people left the Haotian Ancestral Land, news would have already arrived. They had no chance at all.” Niu Gao frowned upon hearing this, pondered for a moment, and then asked, “So, Old White Bird, what are you planning to do?” Bai He looked at the neatly folded paper invitation beside him and sighed, “Since they gave us an invitation, we should at least meet them. I hope they will listen to our advice.”

“Alright, I’ll go with you then, so we can look out for each other.” Niu Gao nodded as well. The two old men, who were over a hundred years old combined, were efficient and decisive. After making their decision, they immediately got into the carriage.

The carriage left the residences of the Yu and Min clans and arrived at a restaurant near the city lord's mansion in the south of the city. After the two old men got out of the carriage and entered the restaurant, they subconsciously glanced around, their expressions becoming slightly serious.

"The Haotian Sect has really accumulated some resources over the years, and they have quite a few strong fighters." Niu Gao glanced at the figures at several tables in the restaurant's main hall without revealing his expression. Among these seemingly ordinary patrons, there were quite a few formidable opponents who they instinctively felt would be difficult to deal with.

However, these two old men were no ordinary people. After more than ten years of hard training, they had already broken through to the Soul Douluo level and even had a soul power cultivation level close to that of a Title Douluo. They were skilled and bold, and did not regard these people as a threat. They asked the waiter to lead the way and went to the private room upstairs.

"Knock knock knock..." The waiter led Bai He and Niu Gao to the private room upstairs and gently knocked on the door.

A moment later, the door opened slightly, and the person inside saw Bai He and Niu Gao through the crack in the door. After giving them some quiet instructions, the waiter greeted the two of them and left. The door to the private room opened, and a woman with an elegant demeanor welcomed the two of them in before closing the door again.

Bai He and Niu Gao entered the private room and saw seven familiar figures in front of them. Their eyes flickered slightly.

Besides the two old men who had just arrived, there were six men and one woman in the private room, including a middle-aged brother and sister. Bai He looked at them with a complicated expression. In addition to the brother and sister, there were five other old men who were even older than them.

These five white-haired old men, who looked to be at least eighty years old, were all in good spirits and had ruddy complexions.

When they entered, the five old men looked them over with scrutinizing eyes, showing little respect.

When Bai He and Niu Gao saw them, their expressions changed. They sensed a faint pressure emanating from the people present, indicating that their cultivation levels had likely already broken through to that realm. This was not good news.

Chapter 444 Parting on Unhappily

"Uncle, it's been a long time. How are you doing?"

The elegant Tang Yuehua took the initiative to greet Bai He and Niu Gao and helped them sit down, serving them tea and water, and showing great respect to Bai He.

Strictly speaking, Bai He was indeed her elder. Bai He's older sister was the mother of Tang Xiao, Tang Hao, and Tang Yuehua, and he was their maternal uncle. However, it was precisely because of this close relationship that the betrayal of the Haotian Sect back then chilled the hearts of the four single-attribute clans.

"Yuehua, it's been so many years, you're still so beautiful. Your uncle, on the other hand, has aged."

Bai He looked at Tang Yuehua in front of him, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes. Tang Yuehua's beauty was inherited from her mother, who was Bai He's older sister.

Tang Yuehua smiled and poured tea for the two of them, then said gently, "Uncle, you're joking. How could you be old? With your current energy, you'll definitely live to be a hundred."

"Live to a hundred years? Tang Xiao, if you had any filial piety and really wanted the old white bird to live to a hundred years, you shouldn't have brought the Haotian Sect into this mess."

Bai He remained silent, but Niu Gao couldn't hold back any longer. However, he wasn't addressing Tang Yuehua, but rather directly facing Tang Xiao, the current sect master of the Clear Sky Sect, saying, "You should know very well that the Spirit Hall has its eyes on the Clear Sky Sect and is just waiting for you to make a mistake."

If the Clear Sky Sect doesn't leave its ancestral land, the Spirit Hall has no reason to take action. Even if they're looking for an excuse, they'll still consider the consequences. But why did you leave your ancestral land and come to Dragon Rising City to cause trouble?

"Because of what you've done, Old White Bird hasn't slept well these past few days, and his hair has turned quite a bit whiter."

Niu Gao's words made Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua somewhat embarrassed. Bai He did not stop his old friend because he did not want Haotian Sect to get involved in this mess, as it would put the Min clan in a very passive position.

Just look at the current state of the Power Clan. They were originally the most developed of the four major single-attribute clans, but due to Titan's impulsive actions, the Power Clan has been making up for it, and it has only recovered somewhat in recent years.

The fact that Haotian Sect came out of seclusion has nothing to do with the Min clan, but since Baihe is the maternal uncle of the Haotian Sect Master, the trouble Haotian Sect caused in Longxing City will inevitably involve him, and he can't escape it.

"Hmph! I say, you two were once considered brave generals, but now that your cultivation has improved, you've lost all your courage."

Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua remained silent, but the old men present could not hold back any longer. One of them snorted coldly and looked at Bai He and Niu Gao in front of him, saying in a cold voice: "You want to act according to the Spirit Hall's wishes? Why should my Haotian Sect care about them?"

"My Clear Sky Sect's actions need no explanation. The Spirit Hall's desire to re-establish the Seven Great Sects is unthinkable without the Clear Sky Sect's permission."

"Seventh Elder, anyone can make grand pronouncements, but why didn't you sacrifice yourself for the sect back then and fight to the death against the Spirit Hall?"

Niu Gao stared coldly at the tall, thin old man in front of him and said in a low voice, "You'd better understand, my four major single-attribute clans have never wronged your Haotian Sect."

"Back when the Clear Sky Sect disbanded, we fought to the very end, and what about you? If it weren't for the Holy Son's leniency, all four of our single-attribute clans and countless Soul Masters affiliated with the Clear Sky Sect would have been wiped out by you."

"Snapped!"

The atmosphere froze instantly upon hearing Niu Gao's words. The Seventh Elder, who had been angrily rebuked, couldn't help but smash his teacup, clearly extremely furious.

Niu Gao's words were all true, but the current Haotian Sect couldn't stand hearing the truth. It was completely impossible to get these proud guys to admit that they were wrong back then.

“Uncle Niu, Uncle, Father was also helpless about what happened back then, but now everyone can sit down and everything is still fine. Let bygones be bygones.”

Tang Xiao finally spoke. Faced with Niu Gao's cold words, he could only choose to let it go and not say anything more.

"Sect Master Tang, we really didn't intend to pursue the past; there's no need for it. The four major single-attribute clans of yesteryear developed thanks to the Haotian Sect. It's undeniable that we received a great favor from the Haotian Sect, which is why we were left until the end."

Niu Gao glanced at the white crane, then continued, "However, so many years have passed now, it's pointless to bring up old grievances or discuss past relationships. Our four clans and the Haotian Sect have long since gone their separate ways."

I was actually against Old White Bird coming this time, because we need to distance ourselves from you now to avoid being affected.

Don't think what I said was harsh; I've already been very polite.

Over the years, you have accumulated strength, and you are now stronger than the Haotian Sect was twenty years ago. You want to recreate your glory in this Dragon Rising City.

This idea is understandable, but we don't think it's a good idea. So, the reason we're here is simply to say, let's part ways amicably.

Niu Gao's words caused Tang Yuehua and the five elders of Haotian Sect to frown. They never expected Niu Gao to speak so bluntly and to be so pessimistic about the current state of Haotian Sect.

Tang Xiao did not respond immediately, but looked at Bai He and asked for his opinion, "Uncle, is that what you think too?"

"Tang Xiao, if you still acknowledge me as your uncle, then take the Haotian Sect back to its ancestral land now. After a few decades, everything will be over, and I can help the Haotian Sect return to the mainland. At that time, the Haotian Sect can even compete with the Seven Great Sects again."

After Baihe entered, he spoke solemnly for the first time, saying earnestly to his eldest nephew, "But this time it won't work, it really won't work now."

The Spirit Hall's plan to unify the Heavenly Dou Star Luo is now nearing its end. No one can disrupt the unification of the continent. The Spirit Hall has even grander plans involving the gods, and what I know is only the tip of the iceberg.

The Spirit Hall is so powerful that it has no rivals on the continent. Any force that tries to oppose them will only be destroyed.

The Heavenly Dou royal family has already compromised, and the Star Luo Empire won't last much longer.

I don't know what makes you so confident, or what promises you've received. But if you still consider me your uncle, then take your people and leave Longxing City now, and return to your ancestral homeland.

“Uncle, the Haotian Sect can’t retreat. We’ve been in seclusion for almost twenty years. An entire generation has been holed up in that mountain village, and everyone is thinking about returning to the mainland and restoring the glory of the Haotian Sect.”

Tang Xiao's eyes narrowed slightly. The things Bai He said made him uneasy, but the current situation of the Clear Sky Sect had already made him make a decision. "Back then, we chose to take a step back in order to preserve our strength and not completely bow down to the Spirit Hall."

But if we back down now, it would be a complete surrender, rendering all our years of lying low meaningless.

As Tang Xiao spoke, he looked at the five elders beside him. These five elders of the Haotian Sect were able to break through to the Title Douluo level because they were able to realize the potential they had accumulated during their peak years. The Haotian Sect no longer had that kind of foundation.

At this moment, the Clear Sky Sect, with its six Title Douluos, was undoubtedly at its strongest in decades. Therefore, the Clear Sky Sect had no other choice but to come out of seclusion while these five elders still had the strength to fight, hoping to regain their former glory.

Otherwise, once the older generation dies, there will really be no hope left.

"After nearly twenty years of dormancy, and with five more Title Douluos, the Clear Sky Sect is indeed powerful now, but you have no idea how terrifying the Spirit Hall is."

Niu Gao looked at these people, his eyes turning cold. "Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. Old White Bird and I have said all the right things, but if you don't listen, there's nothing we can do."

Let's all save face for each other. We will not betray the Spirit Hall, so let's not say anything persuasive to avoid hurting our old friendships.

There's been a lot going on in Longxing City lately. Old White Bird and I have to attend a meeting at the Martial Soul Main Hall, so we can't talk much longer. Goodbye.

Niu Gao stood up as he spoke, and Bai He nodded to Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua before also getting up. Without saying a word, the two turned and left the private room, heading straight for the Martial Soul Main Hall after leaving the restaurant.

Inside the private room, Tang Xiao and the others from the Haotian Sect watched the two leave. Only after their figures had completely disappeared did Tang Xiao retract his hand from under the table. Beside him, the Seventh Elder and another elder looked extremely angry.

The Seventh Elder angrily said, "Sect Master, Niu Gao has gone too far with his words. Why don't you teach him a lesson?"

"Seventh brother, watch your tone."

The Seventh Elder's words were somewhat of a challenge to Tang Xiao's authority as sect leader. Before Tang Xiao could speak, another elder with long eyebrows spoke first.

"Seventh Elder, just as Uncle Niu Gao said, it's best to maintain a semblance of decorum in some matters."

Tang Xiao glanced at the Seventh Elder, picked up his teacup and took a sip, his tone somewhat solemn, "Although Uncle Niu Gao and my uncle do not support our Haotian Sect's decision to leave the mountain this time, they at least still cherish our old friendship."

My uncle's words, intended to discourage me, showed he didn't have high hopes for us. This suggests the Spirit Hall's strength is likely far greater than we imagined.

The Seventh Elder was not satisfied with Tang Xiao's words and said in a muffled voice, "So what if the Spirit Hall is stronger? Our Clear Sky Sect has been lying low for so many years, and our strength has increased many times over compared to twenty years ago. Are we afraid of them?"

We also have the full support of the Star Luo Empire. The Spirit Hall's control of the Heaven Dou Army and its deployment of troops in Star Luo reveal its ambitions, and the Star Luo Empire will not compromise.

"Our Clear Sky Sect, together with many other Soul Master forces in the Star Luo Empire, can wipe out all of the Spirit Hall's forces in Star Luo. At the very least, we can rival them, and perhaps even launch a counterattack to settle scores with Spirit City."

The Seventh Elder of the Clear Sky Sect was full of confidence. Over the years, the Clear Sky Sect had been suppressed by the Spirit Hall, and these old guys had long wanted to cause trouble.

Now that the Spirit Hall has foolishly chosen to participate in the struggle between continental empires, isn't this the perfect opportunity for their Clear Sky Sect?

While the Clear Sky Sect's individual strength may not match that of the Spirit Hall, they possess numerous powerful and more cohesive members. The combined emergence of six Title Douluos is bound to shock the Douluo Continent. If they can establish a foothold in the Star Luo Empire, restoring the glory of the Clear Sky Sect is certainly achievable.

Chapter 445 Sect Conference

As the morning sun bathed Longxing City, the central square was already filled with Soul Masters who had gathered from all over the continent.

Today is a big day for Longxing City and even the entire Douluo Continent, because in the Spirit Hall Square in the center of the city, the new seven major sects will be selected.

Around the Martial Soul Plaza, countless Soul Master families and sects were eager to fight, and even some reclusive sects and families had all come out into the world.

"The Elephant Armor Sect has arrived. Those guys are really impressive. I heard they're here for a spot among the top three sects."

"Brother, where did you hear this rumor? Don't be ridiculous. The Elephant Armor Sect isn't even the best among the four lower sects, so what makes them think they can compete for the top three sects?"