The Clear Sky Sect—once the number one sect on the continent ten thousand years ago.
Now, ten thousand years later, the Clear Sky Sect has faded into obscurity, becoming a reclusive and hidden force. Many young Soul Masters of the current generation have never even heard of the Clear Sky Sect's name.
But that doesn't mean the Clear Sky Sect has declined. It simply no longer reveals itself easily. In truth, in this era, the Clear Sky Sect remains a hidden powerhouse!
Moreover, in a certain sense, the sect hasn't entirely gone into seclusion—it's just that many of its dealings are no longer done under the Clear Sky Sect's name.
Their network of external connections and interests spans the three kingdoms of Douluo.
Their foundation lies in two mighty beings who now reside in the sect—Da Ming and Er Ming—revived by Tang Wutong's father, Tang San. Today, they are more commonly known as Niu Tian and Tai Tan.
Though they appear to be merely Limit Douluos, they are, in fact, god-level powerhouses. Each of them carries methods left behind by the God King Tang San.
If one were to say that Mu En, Long Xiaoyao, and Ye Xishui are the peak of humanity in this era, then in terms of pure combat power, the true ceilings are Di Tian, Da Ming, and Er Ming.
Of course, this ranking does not include the Silver Dragon King.
When news came that the Clear Sky Sect had personally sought him out—by name—Huo Yuhao was naturally surprised. He quickly thought of several possible reasons.
Had something happened at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well? Or was Tang San preparing another move?
He asked Wang Dong'er why the Clear Sky Sect was seeking him, but she didn't know either. Still, Huo Yuhao followed her to meet the emissary from the Clear Sky Sect.
On Sea God Island, in the Sea God Pavilion's meeting room, Huo Yuhao met the envoy from the Clear Sky Sect.
Surprisingly, the visitor was not Niu Tian or Tai Tan, but a Titled Douluo of the Clear Sky Sect. Thanks to their high status and abundant resources, many powerful individuals had emerged within the sect, beyond just Niu Tian and Tai Tan.
The visitor was a brawny man in a black robe, with bronze-colored skin gleaming as though baked by fire, a solid muscular build, and large hands. He was even more robust than Qian Duoduo. With firm features and thick eyebrows, he looked like someone who didn't speak lightly.
"Greetings, Young Mistress!" the man said respectfully, bowing to Wang Dong'er.
"Uncle Ming, no need to be so formal," Wang Dong'er replied with a sincere smile.
"Courtesy must not be neglected," the man replied seriously.
He then stood straight and turned to Huo Yuhao, introducing himself, "My name is Tang Ming, Third Elder of the Clear Sky Sect, Titled Douluo of the Strength-type, Martial Soul: Clear Sky Hammer, Title: Qingtian (Sky-Supporting)."
Though his tone was calm, it wasn't arrogant; he addressed Huo Yuhao as an equal, and his introduction was formal and respectful.
This attitude naturally came from Tang Ming's understanding of Huo Yuhao's strength.
People of the Clear Sky Sect do not judge based on status. Without sufficient power, even an emperor wouldn't earn their respect.
But Huo Yuhao had already earned Tang Ming's recognition.
Huo Yuhao responded with matching solemnity, "I am Huo Yuhao, a disciple of the inner court of Shrek Academy, Vice Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion, Control-type Soul Douluo, Martial Soul: Frost Centipede. Greetings, senior."
Tang Ming nodded slightly, clearly pleased with Huo Yuhao's demeanor. He commented, "Calm and humble—no wonder you're the first ever Vice Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion. Truly, a hero among youth."
"Senior's fiery aura and mighty strength are equally admirable. You are indeed a master of the Clear Sky Sect—someone worth emulating," Huo Yuhao replied.
The two exchanged a glance and laughed together.
Watching from the side, Wang Dong'er rolled her eyes. "So boring!" she muttered.
How had she never noticed before that all these muscleheads in the sect loved flattery so much?
Tang Ming turned to Xuan Zi (Elder Xuan) and said with a smile, "Senior Taotie, the Sea God Pavilion has truly found a worthy successor."
Elder Xuan laughed heartily, "Yuhao was chosen by Elder Mu, of course he wouldn't disappoint. Now that Yuhao's here, let's sit and get to the main point."
The group sat down accordingly.
Elder Xuan took the main seat, while Elder Zhuang, Elder Song, Yan Shaozhe, and Huo Yuhao sat on the left. Tang Ming and Wang Dong'er sat on the right.
Because of Tang Ming's presence, Wang Dong'er had the right to join the meeting.
Tang Ming didn't beat around the bush. He looked at Huo Yuhao and said directly, "I've come on behalf of the Clear Sky Sect to invite Brother Yuhao to visit our sect. The two Sect Masters would like to meet you."
"What?!" Wang Dong'er cried out in surprise.
Though everyone was curious about why the two Sect Masters wanted to meet Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong'er was the most shocked.
She didn't care about the others' stares and quickly asked, "Uncle Ming, why do my two fathers want to see Huo Yuhao?"
Tang Ming offered a wry smile. "Young Mistress, I'm merely the messenger."
Even the elders of the Clear Sky Sect rarely knew what the two Sect Masters were thinking. They usually remained uninvolved, but whenever they stepped forward, it was never for something trivial.
Realizing she wouldn't get any answers, Wang Dong'er sighed helplessly.
Tang Ming turned to Huo Yuhao, who then looked to Elder Xuan.
After a moment's pause, Elder Xuan said, "Shrek Academy and the Clear Sky Sect have shared a bond for ten thousand years. Since the two Sect Masters have extended a personal invitation, Yuhao, you should visit. Don't be rude."
"I understand, Elder Xuan." Huo Yuhao nodded, then responded to Tang Ming, "Then I'll trouble your esteemed sect with my visit."
Tang Ming nodded with a smile. He had never expected to be refused.
Finally, he said, "There's no time to waste. Let's depart as soon as possible. The Sect Masters also requested I bring the Young Mistress along. They miss her dearly."
"I know, I know," Wang Dong'er grumbled, but her eyes looked a little evasive.
Was this... meeting the parents?
Wait—nothing's confirmed yet! It's too early to think like that!
Tang Ming arrived in the morning. They met at noon, and by afternoon, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong'er had already set out with him.
The Clear Sky Sect was located within the Heavenly Soul Empire—not far from Heaven Dou City.
It had to be said: the Heavenly Soul Empire was quite something. Shrek Academy, the Body Sect, and the Clear Sky Sect were all within its borders.
Even the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had once been near Heaven Dou City.
When the Heaven Dou Empire split long ago, it was only because these sects chose not to intervene. Otherwise, the Dou Ling Empire would not exist today.
As they neared the Clear Sky Sect, Wang Dong'er suddenly asked with a mysterious smile, "Huo Yuhao, do you know where the Clear Sky Sect is located?"
"Hm? Is there some secret to it?" Huo Yuhao asked, feigning confusion.
Wang Dong'er beamed with pride. "Then let me tell you: the Clear Sky Sect is located in Clouds Unknown Depths—not a place ordinary people can reach."
"'Clouds Unknown Depths'? Sounds intriguing. Young Mistress Wang Dong'er, care to share more?" Huo Yuhao teased.
"Hmph, I'm not telling you. You'll find out when we get there~" Wang Dong'er abruptly clammed up.
"You—how can you leave a sentence unfinished like that?" Huo Yuhao said, pretending to be annoyed.
Watching their banter, Tang Ming suddenly fell silent. As an observer, he clearly saw that Huo Yuhao was teasing Wang Dong'er—and Wang Dong'er was clearly enjoying it.
Anyone could see that Wang Dong'er's attitude toward Huo Yuhao was... unusual. Their relationship was far from normal.
At that moment, Tang Ming felt like he understood why the two Sect Masters had personally asked to see Huo Yuhao.
The problem was… this young master of the Sea God Pavilion had a reputation for being rather charming.
Thinking about the temperaments of the two Sect Masters...
"Well, looks like Brother Yuhao's about to suffer quite a bit~" Tang Ming thought to himself with a bit of schadenfreude.
As Huo Yuhao approached the secluded territory of the Clear Sky Sect, a towering mountain emerged into view.
The peak was majestic and dangerously steep.
At a glance, three sides of the mountain had sheer rock walls, as if carved by a blade—rising straight up. Only one side was relatively gentler, and that only in comparison. That gentler side was also the only one with some vegetation growing on it.
A mountain like this was a natural fortress—ordinary people wouldn't be able to climb it.
As Huo Yuhao shifted his gaze away from the peak, he realized that this mountain stood amid a vast range of mountains. Yet even the tallest of those surrounding peaks only reached the midsection of this central mountain.
It stood out, as if forcibly raised from the earth—or perhaps a colossal stone pillar that had descended from the heavens.
Looking up, the summit of the tallest peak pierced the sea of clouds, making it impossible to see where it ended. It made one wonder: was it still part of the mortal world?
"The Clear Sky Sect must be at the summit. What a place hidden deep within the clouds!" Huo Yuhao couldn't help but praise aloud.
The cloud cover also blocked his spiritual vision technique. He could sense the powerful concentration of fate energy here, but couldn't discern what lay beyond the clouds.
Hearing Huo Yuhao's admiration, Wang Dong'er smiled proudly and teased, "What, scared by the view of our Clear Sky Sect?"
"Who knows~" Huo Yuhao replied with a slight smile.
Wang Dong'er rolled her eyes in mock annoyance, but then her eyes lit up mischievously. "How about this, Huo Yuhao—let's race to the top! But no flying allowed!"
Huo Yuhao raised an eyebrow and looked at her in surprise. "Oh? You want to race me up the mountain?"
"Exactly! Or are you too scared to try?" Wang Dong'er said suspiciously.
Due to their difference in power, Wang Dong'er knew she couldn't match Huo Yuhao in flight. But she didn't believe she would lose in a climbing contest. While Huo Yuhao's body was stronger, she was far more familiar with this mountain. In terms of climbing experience, she had a clear advantage.
After all, outsiders didn't know—this mountain wasn't easy to climb.
"A crude attempt at provocation," Huo Yuhao commented. But he still accepted the challenge. "Fine, I accept. I'll show you the gap between us. When you lose, I'll take my time thinking of a good request~"
"Hey! Who said you could make a request if you win?" Wang Dong'er protested.
But Huo Yuhao had already informed Tang Ming and was preparing to climb.
Tang Ming watched them both with an amused smile, making no move to stop them. The Clear Sky Sect's mountain was troublesome, but not dangerous enough to threaten a Soul Douluo and a Soul Sage.
"You two go on. I won't join you—I'm heading back to check on things at home."
Although the Clear Sky Sect's headquarters was on the mountaintop, not all disciples lived there. Since the sect was no longer in hiding, there was no need for everyone to live at the summit like cave-dwellers.
Besides, you couldn't grow many vegetables on the mountaintop.
Most ordinary disciples of the Clear Sky Sect lived in Clear Sky City below, nestled among the surrounding peaks, or in other scattered locations.
As the most powerful hidden sect, building a city in the mountains was no problem.
After ten thousand years, the sect had many descendants who needed a city to accommodate them—much better than the reclusive life of the original sect.
Only a few geniuses, or those who had reached the Titled Douluo level, were qualified to ascend the mountain and receive instruction from the First and Second Sect Masters.
Climbing to the summit had become a badge of honor in the Clear Sky Sect, and only a rare few disciples could achieve it.
Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong'er arrived at the base of the mountain, chose the same side to climb, and began ascending.
A smooth, vertical cliff face with a ninety-degree incline posed no real problem for them.
Even flying to the summit of the Clear Sky Sect's mountain took a while—let alone climbing.
Yet their climbing speed was no slower than that of a Soul Emperor using a level-six flying soul tool—perhaps even faster.
This showed their impressive physical strength.
Shrek Academy always placed great emphasis on physical training, which shocked and impressed even the Sun Moon Empire's soul engineers.
The engineers there were envious of Shrek's methods for enhancing physical strength.
Even after Meng Hongchen received training from Xu Tianchen, her physique still couldn't match that of peers like Wang Dong'er or Xiao Xiao.
Of course, the core of Shrek's training wasn't simple jogging or weightlifting, but a comprehensive system involving physical drills, medicinal baths, and specialized diets.
The outer court had simpler methods—just physical drills. Only inner court disciples received full-spectrum training. These methods were as good as some sect's secret techniques.
Zhou Yi's training methods back then were one-of-a-kind in Shrek, modeled after her idol, the "Grandmaster."
But the problem was, she didn't tailor them properly.
Back when the Grandmaster devised those methods, Shrek was poor—there weren't even environments for simulated cultivation. But even then, the Grandmaster included medicinal baths.
Outer court students, though, didn't receive baths or special meals.
Even within Shrek, many disliked Zhou Yi. If not for Fan Yu's protection—and if Fan Yu's influence in the Soul Tool Department had waned—she likely would've been removed, perhaps even expelled.
Now, Zhou Yi had become the Bloodlust Soul residing in the Bloodlust Orb and was learning from Grand Eunuch Gao, finally on the right path.
As for Fan Yu, he had been confined within the Ghost Sun Realm controlled by He Caitou, serving as one of his assistants in soul tool research.
He Caitou, under Electrolux's guidance, had begun learning necromancy. As his intelligence increased, his necromantic studies progressed.
Perhaps due to the Sun Moon royal family's mental legacy, even after losing his memories,
He Caitou never gave up on soul tool research and displayed surprising talent.
Huo Yuhao also taught him some crafting techniques.
Now, He Caitou had developed his own necromantic soul tools.
Returning to the story—
During the climb, Huo Yuhao pulled ahead from the start and rapidly ascended. But Wang Dong'er wasn't discouraged or flustered. Instead, she looked at his back with a playful smile.
When Huo Yuhao reached halfway up—
A sudden gust of demonic wind slammed into him, trying to blow him off the mountain.
He had to halt and stabilize himself to avoid falling—losing here would mean losing the challenge.
Seeing his struggle, Wang Dong'er's eyes lit up. She accelerated, leapt into the air, spread her arms like a butterfly, and used the wind to her advantage, overtaking Huo Yuhao.
She knew the mountain's dangers perfectly well—and how to use them.
"Hahaha! Huo Yuhao, the final winner is me!" Wang Dong'er's bell-like laughter echoed from above his head. Huo Yuhao sneered at Wang Dong'er's scheming.
"Have you not heard the saying, 'Heaven never bars one's way'? As long as I want to walk it, the path lies beneath my feet!"
The power of Ultimate Ice erupted within Huo Yuhao's body, forming around him and freezing the wall to create a passage of ice. This icy tunnel was sealed on all sides except above and below.
As Huo Yuhao climbed upward, the icy passage continued to grow with him.
Not only was the demonic wind blocked by the ice walls, unable to reach him, but the pressure difference between top and bottom also created an upward airflow within the tunnel.
Though the wind wasn't strong enough to lift Huo Yuhao entirely, it gave him a helpful push, allowing him to ascend faster and with less effort.
Meanwhile, Wang Dong'er continued to wait for the next wave of wind to lift her upward, relying on experience.
In the time she waited, Huo Yuhao had already climbed far above, leaving Wang Dong'er stunned, her confident expression frozen in disbelief.
"You're cheating!" Wang Dong'er shouted, visibly annoyed.
Huo Yuhao paused mid-climb, poked his head out of the ice passage, and looked down at her with a mocking grin. "No one said soul power was off-limits. If you're not happy, come catch me, dummy~"
"You! You! You!" Wang Dong'er flushed red with anger, shaking with frustration.
Sure enough, Huo Yuhao was the person she found most infuriating!
Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao remained focused on his ascent.
Eventually, with a strong lead, he burst into the sea of clouds, leaving Wang Dong'er far behind.
With a frustrated roar, Wang Dong'er activated her Martial Soul, flapped her butterfly wings, and dove headfirst into the clouds.
Looking down from the mountain peak, the scene perfectly echoed the saying: "One will stand atop the highest peak and see all the mountains below."
Once in the sea of clouds, the demonic winds ceased—but visibility was lost.
As Huo Yuhao prepared to continue upward, a golden light flashed below. Wang Dong'er, in her Martial Soul form, shot into the clouds, flying swiftly upward without looking back.
Watching this, Huo Yuhao snorted, "You want to race me? Do you really think you have the strength? Feeling defeated already?"
He stopped climbing and summoned his cicada-winged spirit wings, taking off after Wang Dong'er.
This partial Martial Soul summoning was a special technique Huo Yuhao had learned from the inner court's library. It required excellent control over soul power and the Martial Soul itself.
This technique was particularly suited for Beast Martial Soul users, allowing partial transformations—trading full power for faster reaction times.
In the world of Douluo, there weren't many esoteric methods, but there were plenty of ingenious techniques—some of which hinted at deeper principles that few bothered to explore.
Rising above the sea of clouds, with them now beneath his feet, Huo Yuhao finally approached the summit.
About 300 meters above lay a towering fortress—the true heart of the Clear Sky Sect: Clear Sky Fortress.
But before Huo Yuhao could reach it, someone stood in his way.
It wasn't just Wang Dong'er—there was also a group of gray-robed men.
Over thirty of them, all appearing in their mid-twenties to mid-thirties, with sharp eyes and calm demeanors. Their strength was at least that of Soul Kings.
More importantly, more gray-robed figures were quickly arriving. Their numbers continued to grow.
Wang Dong'er stood in the center, arms crossed. She said smugly, "Huo Yuhao, these are the elites of our Clear Sky Sect. If you want me to accept your terms, you'll have to get through them first!"
"But if you lose, you'll have to agree to one of my conditions!"
Her logic was so warped that it almost made Huo Yuhao laugh.
But this was exactly the kind of thing Wang Dong'er would do.
As the Clear Sky Sect's little princess, back on her own turf, and with Titans like Niu Tian and Tai Tan backing her, she had every reason to act willfully.
And just like Huo Yuhao didn't wait for her consent before challenging her, Wang Dong'er didn't wait for his response before ordering the gray-robed men to attack.
Most of their Martial Souls were the Clear Sky Hammer, with only a few exceptions.
It was clear they were all direct descendants of the sect.
These men were top disciples selected from Clear Sky City. Compared to the city's massive population, thirty or forty elites were a mere drop in the bucket.
But in the outside world, their talents were already exceptional—some even had the potential to become Title Douluo.
After all, even Shrek Academy's inner court students were at this level—and they were chosen from all over the continent.
This showcased the profound heritage of the Clear Sky Sect.
As the gray-robed men attacked, Wang Dong'er retreated behind them for protection.
Facing a swarm of burly men wielding hammers, Huo Yuhao gave a helpless smile, summoned his Dragon Spear, and charged into the group.
Though he didn't go for the kill, he didn't hold back either—his blows were painful enough to make sure they'd remember him.
Inside Clear Sky Fortress, two burly men were watching the situation unfold.
They had no intention of intervening.
"That's the guy we were told to find? Let's see what makes him so special," said one.
The other laughed, "Looks like he and Dong'er had a bit of a disagreement. Let's hope they don't go too far."
Inside the fray, Huo Yuhao was like a tiger among sheep.
Gray-robed Soul Kings below Soul Sage level couldn't withstand even one spear strike from him—some were knocked away in groups.
Those above Soul Sage level needed to join forces just to parry a single strike, only to be swept away by the second.
A few Soul Douluo-level gray-robed men didn't join the fray immediately. Instead, they began to swing their Clear Sky Hammers in a special rhythm.
It was none other than the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique.
Its core was to use force against force—accumulate strength, then unleash it in a burst.
This technique was a Clear Sky Sect legacy, though not strictly secret. Some disciples were allowed to learn it, and it was known to some outsiders.
In the future, when the Clear Sky Sect declines, this technique would be publicly taught, winning them great respect.
Before the Soul Douluo-level elites could finish charging their strength, Huo Yuhao had already knocked out the rest like chopping vegetables.
Wang Dong'er swallowed nervously. "Is he going to hit me next? Is it too late to apologize?"
The Soul Douluo elites realized they had no time to charge up and launched themselves at Huo Yuhao, hoping to build momentum in combat.
Huo Yuhao was curious to see the technique's limits, but he could tell they lacked the strength to unleash all eighty-one strikes. True power required a truly strong soul master.
So, he struck decisively. The Dragon Spear lashed out with lightning speed.
For the first time, he unleashed a spear combat technique—
"Frost Centipede Spear Technique!"
Based on Xian Lin'er's Flame Dragon Spear Technique, Huo Yuhao had created his own—less brutal, but far more refined.
A phantom frost centipede appeared before the gray-robed men, each limb striking with deadly accuracy.
With a flurry of strikes, he sent them flying in an instant.
Then Huo Yuhao turned to Wang Dong'er with a meaningful smile.
"You're next."
Wang Dong'er: "Uhh, truce? Please?"
Huo Yuhao: "You're still talking about that... now?"
Just as Huo Yuhao was about to give Wang Dong'er a strike with his spear to teach her a lesson, five figures suddenly flew out from within the Clear Sky Fortress.
These five were all dressed in the same black garb as Tang Ming, each of them over fifty years old, imposing in presence, with sturdy builds broad enough to ride horses on their shoulders. They flew through the air unaided, using no external tools.
There was no doubt—these five black-clad figures were all Titled Douluo-level powerhouses!
Within the Clear Sky Sect, aside from disciples with outstanding talent, only those of Titled Douluo level could reach the summit and reside long-term in the Clear Sky Fortress.
Now with these five elders appearing, Huo Yuhao had more or less seen everyone who lived on the mountaintop.
Huo Yuhao temporarily lowered his Dragon Spear, curious to see what these new arrivals were going to do.
He had been invited by Niu Tian and Tai Tan to visit, yet they hadn't shown themselves. Instead, they allowed disciples to challenge him wave after wave.
If it weren't for that faint sea-blue glow hovering above, he'd have turned and left already.
Glancing upward, Huo Yuhao saw that floating above the Clear Sky Fortress was a shimmer of sea-blue, vaguely taking the shape of an eye.
It was hard not to suspect that Tang Dog was watching everything unfold from above.
So, Huo Yuhao decided to toy with them a bit.
And if they didn't offer benefits that satisfied Brother Hao, then Clear Sky City below would suffer dearly~
After the five Titled Douluo arrived, they first stepped in front of Wang Dong'er and clasped their fists respectfully.
"Greetings, Young Mistress!" ×5
Such an act—elders initiating a respectful greeting—was unheard of in any other sect, but here it happened naturally.
It showed clearly how high Wang Dong'er's status was within the Clear Sky Sect.
"No need for formalities. Dong'er greets the five elders," she replied with a bow of her own.
Seeing five Titled Elders come to back her up, Wang Dong'er immediately regained her confidence.
"Huo Yuhao! What's so great about bullying my sect's ordinary disciples? If you have what it takes, fight Clear Sky's real powerhouses!" she shouted.
The five Titled Elders winced awkwardly.
Ordinary disciples?
These gray-robed figures were elite disciples of the Clear Sky Sect!
Some were even elder-candidates.
But they couldn't explain that—it would only make things more embarrassing.
Their appearance was, of course, to back up Wang Dong'er.
But also, it was about saving face.
The sect's so-called geniuses had all been beaten down by Huo Yuhao alone. If they didn't show up now, wouldn't that make it seem like Clear Sky Sect had no one capable?
They had all heard of Huo Yuhao's unique talent—someone not easily handled by anyone below Titled Douluo level. So only elders like them could step in.
The five elders looked around at the gray-clad figures lying on the ground. The eldest of them snorted coldly:
"Hmph! What a disgrace. Your training quota for this month is doubled!"
Hearing this, those injured disciples who were struggling to get up simply gave up and collapsed again.
At this point, they might as well rest while they could.
The pain was intense—not life-threatening, but deeply uncomfortable. Despite trying repeatedly, none could rise to their feet.
It was obvious Huo Yuhao had done this on purpose!
Seeing the gray-robed disciples unable to stand, the elders frowned. The leading elder waved his hand, and his soul power swept them aside like trash, prompting another round of pained groans.
Only Wang Dong'er showed a trace of pity.
"Elders, it's not their fault they couldn't beat Huo Yuhao. He's just too much of a monster," she said.
"Rest assured, Young Mistress. I know where the line is. But they've clearly grown complacent from staying on the mountaintop too long," the lead elder replied.
The way those Soul Douluo had stood there charging up before attacking gave him a headache.
Who fights like that in real combat?
If they'd known Huo Yuhao's true power, they should've gone all out from the start—using Martial Soul True Bodies and overwhelming him with full force. That would've given them at least a chance.
While the mountaintop training was tough, the isolation from the rest of the world had dulled their fighting instincts. They had lost their edge and misjudged the strength of external talents.
Even the elders admitted: someone like Huo Yuhao was unheard of.
When the elder released his soul power just now to sweep aside the disciples, he had also swept it toward Huo Yuhao. But all it did was ruffle Huo Yuhao's robes slightly—he didn't even flinch.
Huo Yuhao merely stood there, calmly watching.
Once the square was cleared, the five elders turned their attention to him, their gazes not exactly friendly.
The lead elder finally spoke, "So you're the Sea God's Pavilion's Young Master? Not bad!"
"Heh, and Clear Sky Sect's hospitality isn't bad either," Huo Yuhao replied with a smile.
Wang Dong'er flushed. She had only been venting her frustration, but hadn't expected to escalate things to involve the elders.
The five elders' eyes twitched.
"What a silver-tongued brat," the lead elder said. "Clear Sky Sect respects only strength. If you're weak, even as the Young Mistress's friend, you'll receive no special treatment. But your strength… passes."
"I am Tang Cheng, Grand Elder of the Clear Sky Sect. Title: Clear Sky."
The other four elders also introduced themselves.
"Tang Yang, Fifth Elder of the Clear Sky Sect. Title: Flaming Sun."
"Tang Hao, Eighth Elder. Title: Sky Shaker."
"Tang Kun, Ninth Elder. Title: Earthbreaker."
"Tang Bin, Thirteenth Elder. Title: Beast Calamity."
Only five had shown up, but that didn't mean there were only five elders in the Clear Sky Sect. These were simply the five currently stationed at the peak.
Tang Ming, who had brought Huo Yuhao here, was the Third Elder.
From the numbering, it was clear that the Clear Sky Sect now had more than a dozen elders.
Huo Yuhao's eyes gleamed slightly. Apart from Grand Elder Tang Cheng, the rest were ordinary Titled Douluo. Only Tang Cheng had reached Rank 95, making him a Super Douluo and the rightful bearer of the Clear Sky title.
Thirteenth Elder Tang Bin stepped forward and said in a deep voice:
"Huo Yuhao, as an Ultimate Attribute Soul Master, you're able to fight Titled Douluo while only at Soul Sage level. Bullying our disciples like this is truly pointless. Why not spar with me?"
"I'm still under twenty. Maybe you should let Clear Sky disciples my age have a go first?" Huo Yuhao replied with a smile.
Tang Bin twitched, then snorted coldly, "Clear Sky Sect always speaks with strength. Do you dare to fight me?"
"If the elder insists on bullying the young, I guess I'll have to play along~" Huo Yuhao shrugged, looking utterly nonchalant.
His arrogance was enough to make anyone snap.
"Infuriating! I've never seen anyone so arrogant!" Tang Bin roared, summoning his Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul and charging at Huo Yuhao.
One yellow, three purple, four black, and one red—nine soul rings sparkled on his body.
The soul rings all lit up, showing that Tang Bin was going all out. He now saw Huo Yuhao as a real opponent.
But the question was—was he even worthy?
Huo Yuhao smiled faintly. He didn't even activate his soul rings. He simply raised his Dragon Spear and struck at the incoming Clear Sky Hammer.
Icy Centipede Spear Technique!
Clang!
Spear met hammer with a crisp, jade-like ring.
Tang Bin was sent flying backward, while Huo Yuhao stood firmly in place, not moving an inch.
Huo Yuhao smiled, "I won't use my soul rings. If you can make me take a single step back, I'll consider it your win."
Tang Bin landed, staggering back three steps to steady himself.
Before he could marvel at Huo Yuhao's strength, Huo Yuhao's mocking words ignited his fury.
"Courting death! You dare look down on Tang ?" Tang Bin roared, eyes bulging, breathing heavily, charging at Huo Yuhao even faster.
Few Clear Sky Sect soul masters had mild tempers.
The other Titled Elders glared, itching to intervene, but Tang Cheng raised a hand to stop them.
"Old Thirteen's strength isn't his forte; he won't lose."
Unnoticed by the elders, Wang Dong'er wasn't concerned for her sect's elder but watched Huo Yuhao worriedly.
"Clear Sky Sect soul masters are stronger than outsiders. Huo Yuhao should be fine, right? The elders should know restraint, shouldn't they?"
"But he was too cocky. Getting a beating is his bad luck, hmph!"
Tang Bin finally unleashed his true power against Huo Yuhao.
His Clear Sky Hammer martial soul's sixth soul ring flickered. A golden tiger's phantom enveloped the hammer's head, its roar echoing from within.
The Clear Sky Hammer transformed, growing heavier and imbued with metallic attribute power.
Huo Yuhao recognized the Golden Tiger soul beast—rare, powerful, and capable of wielding metal attributes.
He also noticed the tiger's phantom wasn't just soul power; it pulsed with a soul's fluctuations.
"I see!" Huo Yuhao understood instantly.
"Absorbing a soul ring also imprisons the beast's soul, allowing its power to enhance the Clear Sky Hammer. Similar to martial souls that seal beast souls, but stronger, able to harness multiple beast souls freely. No wonder his title is Beast Calamity."
This martial soul wasn't evil, just a mutation.
The next moment, Tang Bin's Clear Sky Hammer slammed down.
"Sixth soul skill, Golden Tiger Sky Shatter!"
Huo Yuhao, fearless, didn't dodge or summon soul rings. Wielding his dragon spear, he thrust upward.
An ice dragon seemed to slither along the spear, soaring skyward.
"Frost Centipede Spear Technique, UltimateIce Dragon Ascent!"
No soul rings or skills, but combat techniques were fair game.
This move fused Xian Lin'er's Flame Dragon Spear Technique with Extreme Ice Frost Centipede Fist.
The ice dragon clashed with the golden tiger, shredding it in under a second, breaking Tang Bin's soul skill and sending the Clear Sky Hammer flying.
Tang Bin's pupils contracted. The ice dragon's ultimate ice soul power was rapidly freezing his hammer. If fully frozen, he'd lose control of his martial soul!
"This is the ultimate ice attribute?!"
Casting aside anger and underestimation, Tang Bin roared, his seventh soul ring flashing.
"Seventh soul skill, Clear Sky True Body!"
Tang Cheng and the others were stunned. One clash, without Huo Yuhao using a soul skill, had forced Tang Bin's martial soul true body.
Were ultimate attribute soul masters that terrifying?
Tang Bin vanished, replaced by a massive Clear Sky True Body at the peak, over a hundred meters tall, its presence thickening the air. Nine beast figures adorned the hammer: Stone Ape, Water Rhino, Mountain Giant, Wood Great Deer, Gale Baboon King, Golden Tiger, Mighty Diamond Bear, Titan Snow Demon, and Earth Sub-Dragon.
Huo Yuhao raised an eyebrow. Tang Bin's eighth soul ring was a Titan Snow Demon, around 90,000 years old.
The seventh soul ring, Mighty Diamond Bear, granted the martial soul true body and, via the beast soul, gravity manipulation, explaining the heavy air.
The true body temporarily broke the ultimate ice's freeze.
Calming the disgruntled Titan Snow Demon King, Huo Yuhao gazed calmly at Tang Bin.
The Clear Sky Sect couldn't be spared, but not yet.
Tang Bin's voice boomed from the hammer. "Kid, one more move. If you block it, I concede!"
"Bring it on," Huo Yuhao replied, unruffled.
"Then brace yourself… Ninth soul skill, Earth Dragon Awakening!"
Shamelessly, Tang Bin used a 100,000-year soul skill.
An Earth Sub-Dragon phantom appeared on the Clear Sky True Body, diving down with its smash.
Huo Yuhao glanced at the ground, sensing a force rising from below, aiming to crush him with the attack from above.
He responded with his own measures.
A golden glow enveloped him—Emperor's Dominion.
The Frost Centipede martial soul's phantom appeared behind him, morphing into a snowy dragon, surging with his spear's upward thrust.
"Cold winds rise, dragons soar!"
A dragon's roar echoed across the peak, freezing the cloud sea. Even in Clear Sky City below, people heard it.
Tang Ming, just home and sipping water, rushed out upon hearing the roar, joining other Titled Elders in racing to the peak, wondering if a 100,000-year dragon soul beast was attacking Clear Sky Fort.
At the peak, the diving Earth Dragon met the ascending ice dragon.
In an instant, ice and snow filled everyone's vision, blanketing the world.
Titled Elders shielded Wang Dong'er and the gray-robed figures.
When Tang Ming and others reached the peak, the icy eruption subsided. Clear Sky City was snowing. A large swath of the peak was frozen, extending to Clear Sky Fort's gate, stopped only by some force.
"Old Thirteen!"
The other Titled Elders cried out.
At the collision's center stood Huo Yuhao, spear in hand, unmoved.
Tang Bin's true body was gone, his body encased in ice.
Huo Yuhao's pale face showed his exertion—countering a soul skill with a combat technique wasn't easy.
The newly arrived Titled Elders, unaware of Huo Yuhao's identity, saw Tang Bin frozen and summoned their Clear Sky Hammers in rage.
Tang Ming, recognizing Huo Yuhao, intervened. "Wait, it's a misunderstanding!"
Tang Cheng and others rushed to Tang Bin, checking his condition.
Huo Yuhao tilted his chin. "Relax, I was measured. He's just frozen, not harmed."
This spiked Tang Cheng's blood pressure.
Measured?
You call this measured?
"Unfreeze Old Thirteen!" Tang Cheng demanded.
"Does that mean I win?" Huo Yuhao countered.
"Kid, think I won't touch you? Youngsters shouldn't be so arrogant!" Tang Cheng glared.
"Arrogance isn't youth?" Huo Yuhao leaned back tactically, unfazed.
"You!!"
Only Wang Dong'er stared at Huo Yuhao, dazed.
She realized she didn't dislike this side of him.