"That's exactly right," Chen Xin nodded, "If I were that god since I've chosen you as my successor, I'd certainly find ways to guide your growth, so you can inherit my position with even greater strength."
"However, since you said the god you inherit is the Asura God, whose domain is judgment and slaughter, his guidance for you won't be gentle."
Tian Lin pondered for a moment, "But, let's not even mention that I'm no match for the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear as I am now. Even if I could plot against it like I did with the Behemoth, there's no way I could withstand a 460,000-year-old soul ring. I do have a million-year soul bone, but it's already fully used to carry Brother Skydream's million-year soul ring. The rest of my soul bones combined can't compare with the terrifying cultivation of the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear."
"That's for you to judge. Back then, you managed to endure the million-year soul ring, didn't you? Like I said before, the Asura God won't give you an impossible trial." Chen Xin walked out with his hands behind his back. Just as he reached the doorway, he suddenly turned and said, "Xiao Tian, a god of judgment must have more than power; wisdom is just as essential. That's what Fengzhi has always reminded you of, right?"
"Power and wisdom?" Tian Lin sat cross-legged, emptying his mind. "Since the Asura God chose me as his successor, he must know me thoroughly, and be certain that among all my assets, I do have a way to defeat and even absorb the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear's soul ring. Now it's up to me to string together all my resources into a chain."
The first thing Tian Lin needed to do was clarify what resources he had: Shu Mountain Sword Techniques, resources from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, twin martial souls, million-year soul bones, hundred-thousand-year external soul bones, and two hundred-thousand-year limb bones—all of these were at his disposal.
He opened his eyes and glanced around. Chen Xin had already left, probably not wanting to disturb his thoughts.
Just then, a calendar caught his eye. Ning Fengzhi had someone hang it there so Tian Lin would know when his Future Sight skill cooled down and could use it again in his room.
When the time came, he could use the calendar to pinpoint the exact timing for the soul hunt operation.
The cooldown for his Future Sight skill had already passed, and he could use it anytime. The only reason he hadn't was because he'd already set a trap for Hu Liena; he preferred to save this skill for emergencies.
"That's it! That's why the Asura God gave me a year!" A flash of clarity appeared in Tian Lin's eyes. He'd found the thread—the method to hunt the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear and survive its soul ring.
With that enlightenment, his soul power surged. The insight not only untangled his inner knots, but also boosted his soul power, pushing him in one go to level 68.
He had lost this level when he saved Hu Liena. Breaking through again was smooth and easy.
Chen Xin hadn't gone far. Sensing the huge soul power fluctuations from his disciple's room, he realized Tian Lin must have had a breakthrough.
Tian Lin later sought out Ning Fengzhi, who was also a link in his chain. Although the god's trial required him to hunt the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear alone, there was no rule against making preparations in advance. The Asura God, as a god of judgment, would also value flexibility. As Chen Xin had said, the trial was not just about power, but also about wisdom.
Tian Lin told Ning Fengzhi his entire plan. Fengzhi smiled with satisfaction—according to Tian Lin's analysis, he had a great chance of slaying the Bear. At last, the sect's future was looking brighter.
Not just in strength, but in all aspects. Allowing Tian Lin to go to Slaughter City alone had been a wise decision.
Now, all Tian Lin needed to do was gain just one more level in the shortest time. With Illusory Water Thunderstorm skill, he could forcibly break through to level 70.
As for the slightly unstable soul power at that level, it was no matter. Once he absorbed the unsealed 460,000-year beast ring, who knew how many levels he might gain? Even the most unstable soul power would solidify.
"Brother Skydream, we'll be working together again soon."
"Haha, about time! Those two brothers should have joined their Behemoth ancestor long ago," Skydream Ice Silkworm laughed. Killing only one Earth Behemoth hadn't satisfied him; he hated the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear even more for sealing him.
…
In the following days, per Ning Fengzhi's instructions, Tian Lin went nowhere. Day and night, he cultivated his soul power.
With the resentment energy from Slaughter City aiding his cultivation, the effects of the sword's extreme attribute were now negligible. Without the help of Heavenly Snow Power or the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, he was confident he'd reach sixty-nine in three or four months.
Yin Yang had already returned, and as a Title Douluo personally delivering messages, Marshal Ge Long didn't dare slack off. Armies were immediately dispatched to several villages on the empire's borders. Those under imperial or powerful military control were fine, but those belonging to small principalities had several villages wiped out.
Ge Long was furious; though these principalities didn't answer directly to Heaven Dou, they were its vassals and under its protection. That anyone dared commit such atrocities was intolerable. He immediately called for a thorough investigation.
Ning Fengzhi wisely handed the seven corpses to Xue Qinghe. As both the crown prince and a member of the Angel Clan of the Spirit Hall, she would never let the murderer go unchecked. She was even more effective than Tian Lin in this regard.
Seeing everything properly arranged, Tian Lin felt completely at ease.
A few days later, Oslo returned, rushing up Seven Treasure Mountain. On the way, he ran into Yu Feng and Huanyin, and went up together.
"I'm looking for Xiao Tian, have him come out quick!" Oslo was panting, looking extremely anxious.
"Have some water first, I already sent Fatty to call him," Ning Rongrong handed Oslo a cup, which he downed in one gulp.
Yu Feng and Huanyin seemed much calmer, sipping tea. But from Yu Feng's constantly shaking right leg, he also had urgent news.
Soon, Tian Lin came to the living room. The moment he appeared, Oslo rushed over excitedly, "Xiao Tian, you won't believe what I found—the Clear Sky Sect! I found the Clear Sky Sect!"
No wonder Oslo was so shocked. Tian Lin had only asked him to secretly follow someone and warned him not to get too close—both to avoid alerting the enemy and to ensure Oslo's safety. The Clear Sky Sect would never let an outsider who discovered them live.
Tian Lin, having read the original story, knew the Clear Sky Sect was hidden in the mountains, accessible via a small village. At most, Oslo should have found the village—how did he know it was the Clear Sky Sect?
"I understand your concern but relax, Xiao Tian. I sent a leopard shadow clone into the village, not my real body. The clone was dispersed by someone guarding the village with a Clear Sky Hammer. That's when I knew it was the Clear Sky Sect's hidden retreat," Oslo grinned.
"You're bold—risking your life just for curiosity. I knew I shouldn't have sent you. You never follow all my advice," Tian Lin shook his head helplessly. This was as good as alerting the enemy. The Clear Sky Sect would surely realize the intruder was a clone.
They probably already knew their hiding place was exposed.
"Forget it, as long as you're safe," Tian Lin didn't blame Oslo. He was a friend, not a subordinate, and Tian Lin was already grateful for his help.
But Oslo, as always, took pride in his mischief. He slung an arm over Tian Lin's shoulder, "Hey, since I found the Clear Sky Sect, are you planning something? Count me in! It's only fair I get a reward since it was me who found them!"
"Forget it, don't mess with them. And to be honest, they have more Title Douluo than we do at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School," Tian Lin warned.
"Really?" Oslo was incredulous. "They've been in seclusion all these years and are still stronger than us?"
Ning Fengzhi's Title Douluo status was not yet public, so the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was still known as the sect with the most Title Douluo, aside from Spirit Hall and the overseas Sea God Island.
"They might not be stronger, except for their sect master, Howling Sky Douluo. The rest of their elders—my master could take on the lot," Tian Lin said confidently.
"No wonder he's called the continent's number one attack Douluo," Oslo gave a thumbs-up. "But even so, with so many Title Douluo, I'd better stay away from their affairs."
Oslo was bold, but not reckless.
Not just him, but Tian Lin also didn't want to mess with the Clear Sky Sect for now. He'd had Oslo follow the messenger right in front of Qian Renxue, using secret voice transmission to hide it.
He didn't believe Qian Renxue would sit still. If he sent Oslo to follow someone, she'd probably send someone even stronger to follow Oslo.
She probably already knew where the Clear Sky Sect was. At this point, she didn't know her father's situation. If anyone hated the Clear Sky Sect most, it'd be her.
But because of Qian Daoliu's promise to Tang Chen, she couldn't ask her grandfather to act. Still, she wouldn't let the Clear Sky Sect off easy. Tian Lin hoped the Clear Sky Sect would draw Spirit Hall's attention, giving his sect more time to grow.
As for sincere cooperation, he and Ning Fengzhi both preferred to keep their distance. The four single-attribute clans had been fiercely loyal, and yet they were abandoned in the end. Tian Lin would not repeat those mistakes.
"Hmph, the Clear Sky Sect is nothing but a treacherous clan," Yu Feng suddenly said coldly.
He was one of the group, so they didn't hide their conversation from him.
"Yu Feng, you always seem so reserved, but now you're talking harshly. Did the Clear Sky Sect offend you?" Oslo asked, puzzled.
Tian Lin also found it odd. Back when the Clear Sky Sect was the top sect in the world, few dared offend them. After their seclusion, their main enemies were Spirit Hall and the four single-attribute clans.
Tian Lin remembered in the manhua, Yu Feng was disguised as Bai Chenxiang, but Yu Feng was not her. They'd known each other for years—he'd know if Yu Feng was male or female. Yu Feng and Huanyin had been married for two years; he was a man.
Still, even if Yu Feng wasn't Bai Chenxiang, his martial soul was similar to the Sharp-tailed Rain Swallow, especially in speed. The Wind Chime Bird was one of the very few that could rival the Rain Swallow.
"Yu Feng, are you related to the Speed Clan?" Tian Lin guessed.
At his words, Yu Feng and Huanyin both froze. Huanyin said admiringly, "Xiao Tian, you are worthy of being Sect Leader Ning's son-in-law. Just from Yu Feng's attitude, you guessed his identity. Remarkable!"
"Senior, you flatter me," Tian Lin replied modestly.
"My mother was a collateral member of the Speed Clan. My martial soul is a mutant combination of hers and my father's," Yu Feng admitted. He was here to ask for help.
"Wow, so you're from a big family too. I thought we were equals, but I'm the only ordinary one among us," Oslo joked.
"I'm no young master," Yu Feng self-deprecatingly smiled. "For years, my mother's clan lived in hardship. Many collateral women had no choice but to marry into small nobility for support. My mother was the same."
"But my father was just a minor noble in Heaven Dou, and though he wanted to help the Speed Clan, he was too far from their home in Star Luo. The true nobles looked down on Speed Clan women."
Tian Lin understood. Small nobles had to curry favor with big ones—an expensive endeavor. How could Yu Feng's father support a whole clan?
Besides, the Speed Clan was fast but weak in battle. Not worth the heavy investment.