Douluo Continent: Long Live the Spirit Hall

The Haotian Sect Master stood atop the castle and issued his command again, word by word, "Haotian Sect disciples, heed my command and retreat to the sect's ancestral land."

The ancestral home of the Clear Sky Sect is located three hundred miles east of Heaven Dou City, in a range of towering peaks behind a small mountain village surrounded by mountains. Because Grand Elder Qian Daoliu once suffered a loss when he fought Tang Chen on this mountain, he swore an oath that no one below him from the Spirit Hall should ever set foot here again.

After Tang Chen defeated Qian Daoliu in a battle on this mountain by taking advantage of the terrain, he was revered as the strongest person in the world. He then founded the Haotian Sect here. After that, the Haotian Sect continued to develop and soon moved away from this ancestral land.

Even Tang Chen probably never imagined that one day this place would become the escape route for the Haotian Sect to survive.

As the order from the Haotian Sect Master was issued, countless direct and collateral disciples of the Haotian Sect began to move within the Haotian Sect Castle, packing their luggage and belongings. Led by the five elders who still possessed combat strength, they set off for the ancestral land two hundred miles away.

Yan watched the commotion within the Haotian Sect castle, a faint smile playing on his lips. Everyone else was in a panic during this operation, even Qian Daoliu in the shadows was somewhat flustered; only he remained the most confident and composed.

Because he knew better than anyone else the current situation of the Clear Sky Sect. Tang Chen had fallen into the City of Slaughter and was practically crippled. Given the current strength of the Clear Sky Sect and the major sects of the two great empires, if a major war really broke out, the Spirit Hall would basically win.

In the original story, when faced with the Spirit Hall, the Clear Sky Sect ultimately chose to retreat into seclusion. This time, they even deliberately left the east gate unguarded, making the implication so obvious that they didn't believe the Clear Sky Sect had any other options.

Although his actions today seem like villainous behavior, the Haotian Sect was doomed to fail sooner or later anyway. In the original story, they chose to go into seclusion and close their mountains, regardless of whether Yan was there or not. So, he had no qualms about doing this.

"Since the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, the Blue Lightning Tyrant School, and the Heavenly Dou Royal Family have also gotten involved in this mess, let's go and meet them."

With the Clear Sky Sect backing down, Yan's gaze shifted to the two thousand-plus Soul Masters outside the castle. With his command, over three thousand elite Soul Masters from the Spirit Hall moved out, eventually joining forces with the Spirit Hall's forces on the other side to surround the three groups.

Chapter 69 Tang Xiao's Words

"Sect Master Ning of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Sect Master Yu of the Blue Lightning Tyrant School. Our Spirit Hall has come to the Clear Sky Sect today to demand an explanation for our former Pope. May I ask why you have brought your people here?"

Yan led the Spirit Hall's elite troops forward, stopping a hundred meters in front of the three major forces. He then raised his voice and said, "Are you here to support the Spirit Hall and demand an explanation, or do you have other purposes?"

Before the west gate of the Clear Sky Sect, Yan led the Spirit Hall forces to surround more than two thousand soul masters from the three major forces, his words revealing a teasing and playful tone.

On the opposite side, the teams from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Blue Lightning Tyrant School were in turmoil. They had originally come to support the Clear Sky School and the Spirit Hall in their fight against them, but who knew that the Clear Sky School would back down so quickly and so thoroughly? They had been tricked.

Not only are they surrounded, but Yan has also brought people to question them. How are they supposed to answer? Are they supposed to tell the truth and say that they came to oppose the Spirit Hall? But with only two thousand people, do they have the right to oppose them?

"I have met the Holy Son. He is indeed a young man of great promise."

A voice came from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's ranks. Ning Fengzhi, dressed in military uniform, came to the front of the crowd under the protection of Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo. Beside him was Prince Xue Xing, whose face was gloomy and who was staring at Yan with displeasure.

Yan clearly glanced at the flag of the Heavenly Dou royal family when he spoke, but deliberately omitted him when calling for people. It's no wonder that Prince Xuexing would be unhappy to be ignored by a child like this.

"The Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, heh..."

A cold laugh with an ambiguous meaning came from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect's ranks, and then Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian appeared at the front of the crowd.

Yan's gaze swept over the group, his eyes remaining calm and his tone indifferent. "Sect Masters, may I ask what brings you here today?"

“Your Highness, we have come here today only because we are worried that the Clear Sky Sect and the Spirit Hall may clash due to a misunderstanding. We have no other intentions.”

Ning Fengzhi spoke first, representing everyone. Although Yu Yuanzhen was somewhat displeased, he knew that it would be pointless to provoke trouble at this time. He snorted coldly and remained silent. Prince Xuexing, who was beside Ning Fengzhi, was even less inclined to speak.

"Oh, that's good. I thought someone was trying to stir up trouble and then profit from it."

As Yan spoke, he glanced at Prince Xuexing, as if making a pointed remark. If anyone among the crowd most wanted a major battle to break out, it would definitely be the Heavenly Dou Royal Family, because this place was near Heavenly Dou City, the royal family's headquarters, and they could mobilize their strongest forces in the shortest amount of time.

Once the Clear Sky Sect and the Spirit Hall go to war, all three upper sects will definitely participate. In order to win, the three upper sects must seek the support of the royal family. The royal family can sit back and profit from the situation.

"You're overthinking it, Holy Son."

Ning Fengzhi smiled and replied, but subconsciously glanced at Prince Xuexing. The latter had just tried to win him over, and it seemed that he did have that intention. However, for the time being, the royal family was their ally, and it was impossible for them to become estranged because of a little suspicion.

"Both sect leaders had better be careful and keep a watchful eye on things. After all, there are some people who are the most professional in this area, playing politics and being ruthless."

Yan smiled and continued, "Since the two sect leaders have no other intentions and no conflict has broken out here, may we leave?"

Although I trust Sect Leader Tang's character, the Spirit Hall needs to keep an eye on the Clear Sky Sect to ensure they fulfill their agreement. It's not good for you to be getting too close; you should move aside a bit.

Yan waved to those around him, and the Spirit Hall's troops immediately parted to make way for an entrance to the west. "Please, everyone."

"Thank you, Holy Son."

Ning Fengzhi still had a smile on his face, and then directed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's team to leave the encirclement through that opening. The Blue Lightning Tyrant School and the royal family's teams also left, but they did not go far. Instead, they stopped 500 meters outside the Haotian School's castle.

"They're so sensible. Let's ignore them for now. We'll have plenty of time to deal with them once we're done with Haotian Sect."

Yan originally thought that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan's brutes would cause trouble, but who knew they would hold back? This made him a little disappointed. He had been leading the troops for so long, and he hadn't even had a chance to make a move. These guys were all old foxes.

“Holy Son, the people from the Haotian Sect have begun to retreat, but not everyone is willing to leave the castle. It seems that only the direct and collateral branches of the Haotian Sect have quickly withdrawn. Should we make some arrangements along the way?”

A flying Soul Master from the Angel Legion landed beside Yan and reported the latest situation inside the Haotian Sect castle.

"No need. What are those few hundred people from the direct and collateral branches of the Clear Sky Sect? The majority are the affiliated forces of the Clear Sky Sect. I remember that quite a few of them haven't registered with the Spirit Hall."

Yan Yao gazed at the chaotic Haotian Sect castle, a cold smile appearing on his lips. "Thousands of unregistered Soul Masters, including even Soul Saint level experts. If these people are not restricted and controlled, they may become evil Soul Masters, causing great harm to the world."

As the sacred ground of soul masters, the Spirit Hall must take responsibility for this matter and prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Pass on my order: after the direct and collateral branches of the Clear Sky Sect have withdrawn, the main force will enter the castle and must properly appease the outer sect soul masters of the Clear Sky Sect, ensuring their cooperation in registration.”

As Yan gave the order, the elites of the Spirit Hall began to move, continuously tightening the encirclement and advancing to the outside of the Clear Sky Sect's castle. Yan looked up at the plaque engraved with the three characters Clear Sky Sect, shook his head and sighed, "It's a pity. From now on, there will never be another number one sect in the world."

"call out!"

A figure landed suddenly below the west gate of the Clear Sky Sect with a powerful whistle. The Spirit Hall Soul Masters who were about to move forward immediately reined in their horses and became alert. Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo also carefully pressed forward to block Yan's way. At this moment, all eyes were focused on this person.

"Howling Sky Douluo, the Spirit Hall did not stop your Clear Sky Sect personnel from evacuating, but I don't know why you are blocking our way."

Yan stared at the imposing figure that resembled a mountain, which was none other than Tang Xiao, the eldest of the Haotian Twin Stars. At this moment, the latter suppressed some kind of emotion on his face, and his tiger-like eyes were fixed on Yan.

"The Haotian Sect will return, carrying the glory of being the number one sect in the world."

Tang Xiao looked at Yan and spoke firmly, word by word. Then, he suddenly raised his hand, and with a surge of soul power, the Haotian plaque above his head fell into his hand, which he carefully held.

"I'm really looking forward to it, don't let me down."

Yan simply chuckled lightly, then gently flicked his whip, and his tall horse began to move again, with the many Soul Masters of the Spirit Hall continuing forward.

Chapter 70 The Four Great Clans

Yan led the many Soul Masters of the Spirit Hall into the Clear Sky Sect's castle. Beyond the wide passageway beneath the city wall lay a spacious square, which was now crowded with people, most of whom wore expressions of fear and unease.

"Sect Leader Tang, you don't look well. You should take care of your health."

Yan immediately spotted Tang Xiao's father in the crowd. He was the current sect leader of the Clear Sky Sect. He and Tang Xiao were the most powerful cultivators in the Clear Sky Sect. He was left behind to prevent the Spirit Hall from going back on its word.

The Haotian Sect Master's expression was rather grim. "Holy Son, why did you order the obstruction of my Haotian Sect's members from leaving?"

Yan looked confused. "No, I already let the direct and collateral branches of your Clear Sky Sect choose to go into seclusion. As for the rest, they are all Soul Masters from the outer sect of the Clear Sky Sect. They shouldn't be going into seclusion with you, right?"

"What do you mean."

Tang Xiao, carrying the plaque of Haotian Sect, came to his father's side. After hearing Yan's words, he was immediately enraged and unleashed a terrifying aura.

"Tsk tsk tsk, How could you be so impulsive? Don't misunderstand, I haven't finished speaking yet."

Yan shook his head and glanced at the tens of thousands of people densely packed in the square. These were all Soul Master families that depended on the Clear Sky Sect for survival. Even in Soul Master families with a long history, most of the members were ordinary people. However, compared to ordinary people, the probability of Soul Masters emerging from among them was higher.

"Please don't panic, everyone. We'll keep you here a moment longer just to facilitate the registration of Soul Masters and the distribution of subsidies..."

Yan Yang spoke loudly, and the anxious crowd in the square finally quieted down a bit. After he finished speaking, he looked at Tang Xiao and the other person, smiled, and continued, "Please don't misunderstand, I didn't mean anything by it."

Most of these Soul Masters are not registered. If we leave them unchecked and let them act arbitrarily, the consequences are unimaginable.

Two years ago, the death of the previous pope caused a great deal of chaos, with a surge in the number of evil spirit masters across the land, leading to disorder, civilian casualties, and so on. This serves as a cautionary tale.

After hearing Yan's words, Tang Xiao and the other two did not know what to say. Apart from a portion of the Soul Masters under the Haotian Sect who had registered their Martial Souls, most of the others had never registered as Soul Masters for various reasons.

The Spirit Hall clearly wants to bring these Soul Masters who are affiliated with their Clear Sky Sect under their control, but they're doing it perfectly well. The registration is for distributing Soul Master subsidies; they can't find anything wrong with it.

Yan suddenly looked at Tang Xiao and the other person and spoke again: "Sect Master Tang, didn't you say you were going to lead your clansmen to seclusion in the mountains? Why aren't you on your way yet? Since you made a promise, you should fulfill it as soon as possible. With two Title Douluos hanging around in front of me, I really don't feel safe or at ease."

Yan's act of driving people away was truly overstepping his bounds. This place was, after all, the Haotian Sect's headquarters, which had been cultivated for a long time, and now it was being driven away. Tang Xiao almost couldn't hold back anymore.

"Xiao'er, let's go."

The Haotian Sect Master stopped his son's actions, and the two of them disappeared from the spot in a flash. With the speed of a Title Douluo-level expert, it wouldn't take long for them to catch up with their departed clansmen.

"Give the order to have the Spirit Temple of Heaven Dou City send someone over to prepare sufficient subsidies and ensure that these Spirit Masters are registered."

Yan tilted his head and gave a low order, which was quickly relayed. Soon, hundreds of Spirit Hall deacons who had previously registered as Soul Masters or had similar experience arrived at the square to register their Soul Masters, and bags of gold Soul Coins were distributed.

After the initial panic, the remaining people inside the Clear Sky Sect castle gradually calmed down, because the Spirit Hall did not actually attack them. The Spirit Masters, Great Spirit Masters, and Spirit Venerables also received subsidies after registration.

Aside from some of the elderly, weak, and young, these affiliated Soul Masters under the Clear Sky Sect number nearly three thousand in combat strength. Although there aren't many high-level Soul Masters, if this group is brought under the Spirit Hall's control and completely subdued, they will be the best weapon against the Clear Sky Sect in the future.

Most of these Soul Masters, who were originally affiliated with the Clear Sky Sect, had no special skills. Without the protection of the Clear Sky Sect, they had trouble making a living. Most of them did not resist the subsidies issued by the Spirit Hall.

Just when everything was going smoothly, a commotion broke out at the east gate of the Clear Sky Sect castle. Yan Yaoyao noticed that some Soul Masters seemed to be trying to break through the defenses set up by the Spirit Hall to leave.

A Soul Emperor came to Yan's side and reported the situation, "Holy Son, some Soul Masters are trying to leave the castle, including some high-level Soul Masters. They seem to be the four major single-attribute clans affiliated with the Clear Sky Sect."

"These people are the elite of this group from the four major single-attribute clans. But there's no need to rush. Let them leave first and drive them towards the ancestral land of the Haotian Sect. Tell them to be careful and not to cause any casualties."

Yan had already made up his mind, and now he gave the orders and made arrangements. This time, he led his army to threaten the Haotian Sect. His main purpose was to subdue the thousands of soul masters left behind after the Haotian Sect was sealed. The main target was the four major single-attribute clans.

Although the Haotian Sect, once the number one sect in the world, is no longer as powerful as it once was, it still has five thousand soul masters under its command. Apart from the hundreds of direct and collateral descendants who are impossible to subdue, the true elites among the remaining four thousand-plus people are only the four major clans with a single attribute.

The four major clans with single attributes are the most important components of the outer sect of the Haotian Sect. They are divided into four clans: Strength, Break, Defense, and Agility. They have reached the pinnacle in their respective fields, and their single attribute even surpasses some of the seven major sects.

These four major clans are all quite powerful. A single clan is equivalent to more than half the strength of one of the four lower clans. When two clans join forces, even the top-tier forces of the Douluo Continent, such as the four lower clans, cannot defeat them.

However, these four clans have always been loyal to the Clear Sky Sect and have had many conflicts with the Spirit Hall in the past. Subduing them will probably not be so easy.

At this moment, a massive group of nearly two thousand people broke through the barriers set up by the Spirit Hall at the east gate of the Clear Sky Sect castle. The leaders of the group were four elderly men who were probably in their sixties.

Three of them had gray hair, one had jet-black hair and a thin build with a rather gloomy face. One of the three gray-haired old men was also thin like him, while the other two were quite burly and strong, much like Tang Xiao, who was in his prime.

Without exception, all four possessed formidable auras, at least at the level of a seventh-ring Soul Saint, with the strongest even approaching the level of an eighty-level Soul Douluo.

The four of them were the patriarchs of the four strongest single-attribute clans under the Haotian Sect: Titan the Mighty Gorilla, Gao the Plate-Armored Giant Rhinoceros, Baihe the Sharp-Tailed Swift, and Yang Wudi the most powerful Soul-Breaking Spear.

Chapter 71 Beneath the Ancestral Land

“Old goat, old ox, old gorilla, something seems wrong. The Spirit Hall opened the East Gate so easily. It seems like they are driving us towards the ancestral land of the Clear Sky Sect.”

At the forefront of the nearly two thousand-strong group from the four major single-attribute clans, a thin, white-haired old man gazed around and noticed that only the east lacked dense fluctuations of soul master energy. Sensing something amiss, he repeatedly called out to his companions.

"What? Old Crane, are you sure?"

The taller of the two burly old men turned his head and shouted. His arms were extremely long, like those of a gorilla. He was Titan, the patriarch of the Mighty Ape clan, and his cultivation was the highest among them. His soul power fluctuations were close to those of a Soul Douluo.

“My sister married someone from there back then, so how could I not be familiar with that place?”

Bai He, the patriarch of the Min clan, one of the four major clans, spoke up. As he spoke, he soared into the sky and spread his wings to fly in all directions at an extremely fast speed. However, when he tried to fly in the north and south, flying-type Soul Saints would take off to block him. Only in the east was there no fluctuation of soul power.

Beside the gorilla-like Titan, Niu Gao, who resembled a wild bull, roared angrily: "These scumbags from the Spirit Hall, are they still planning to make a move? Then why did they let those people from the Clear Sky Sect go? Are they planning to recruit a group and then go back on their word?"