All five peaks of the Haotian Sect have turned to ash.
Qian Renfeng flattened the mountains; the grand Haotian Hall has become their eternal tomb.
"Let's go."
He flew back to the summit and smiled at the young guide.
The youth's eyes widened in shock. To him, the Haotian Sect was once the most formidable sect on the continent. And now, this boy—who looked even younger than him—had destroyed it in a single day?
But that was no surprise. The Haotian Sect had six Titled Douluo in its ranks, after all!
"Still not moving?"
Qian Renfeng's prompt nudged the youth back to reality. He grabbed Qian Renfeng's hand, nodding wildly in terror.
"Let's go! Predecessor, let's hurry!"
"With this day forward, our line is free again!"
Qian Renfeng flew back to Tiandou City. There, at the East Gate, stood "Xue Qinghe," her face soft with relief.
"You're done?"
Qian Renfeng nodded. "Where's the Crown Prince been? I thought you were going north?"
Xue Qinghe smiled. "You underestimate the imperial family's influence. Once you intercepted that carriage and struck those Haotian Sect disciples, my informants alerted me."
"I didn't intervene because I couldn't be sure. When the battle erupted and your aura flared, the pieces fell into place."
Qian Renfeng was slightly embarrassed but shrugged internally. Though the two empires lacked many Titled Douluo, they had political resources!
Xue Qinghe didn't pry further; instead, she asked bluntly: "What did you do with the Haotian Sect?"
Her gaze turned serious—she wanted to know the outcome. She knew some history, and if Qian Renfeng mishandled things, she wouldn't hesitate to step in. He was her younger brother, and he needed guidance.
Qian Renfeng gently tapped her arm. "It's done."
"All of them—Sect Leader, five elders, plus Tang Hao and his bastard son."
Upon hearing that, tears glistened in Xue Qinghe's eyes. After all the years she'd longed for vengeance, this was the fulfillment of that desire.
Quickly, she calmed herself and took a red ribbon from her Soul-Guide pouch. She began writing a decree. Qian Renfeng watched quietly.
Decree of Tiandou City: All titled Douluo and above from the Haotian Sect have been annihilated. Expedite the search for any remnants—capture or kill them all.
Once done, she handed the ribbon off and spoke firmly:
"Little Wind, no matter who becomes a challenge later, treat them like evil soul-masters. Clean the slate completely—never leave trouble behind!"
Her voice carried the gravity of generations-old blood feuds.
After all, had Haotian Sect triumphed, the Spirit Hall wouldn't have survived. And Qian Renfeng didn't argue—nor did he stop her.
Xue Qinghe confided, "Yes, some strong unknown cultivators have appeared in Tiandou City recently. The Crown Prince's guest, Poison Douluo Du Gubo, was badly injured."
Qian Renfeng's expression changed. Du Gubo was wounded?!
"When did that happen?"
"I haven't detected strong aura intrusion these days," he replied. Du Gubo wasn't the strongest Douluo on paper, but even the weakest Titled Douluo has formidable power. To wound him severely in Tiandou City? That requires at least one Titled Douluo.
"So, sister, you'd better stay in the palace for now. I'll remain nearby."
Xue Qinghe hesitated but nodded. The eyewitnesses said there was more than one attacker—likely multiple Titled Douluo. Du Gubo being wounded was almost certain.
That night, despite Xue Qinghe's support, Qian Renfeng couldn't enter the palace. Royal decree forbids unrelated visitors after sundown—even for the Crown Prince herself. The Snow Night Emperor was paranoid about assassination.
Unable to breach the palace, Qian Renfeng stayed atop the Tingyun Tower, constantly scanning the palace for threats. This was for Xue Qinghe's safety—she had a poisonous Douluo bodyguard with her. Unless five or more Titled Douluo attacked, they couldn't be instantly killed. That gave Qian Renfeng enough time to rush to her defense.
Eyes narrowed, Qian Renfeng maintained sharp vigilance—this level of tension was taxing, but necessary.
We destroyed the Haotian Sect; should we celebrate?
He sighed. "Boss! Best wine and ten dancers! Keep the music going!"
Outside the imperial palace, three black-robed figures drifted silently through the night.
One, with a soft, seductive voice, whispered: "Your Majesty, is such caution really necessary? The royal family shouldn't stand in our way."
The center figure glared back. "We're not here for the emperor. We're here for the Second Young Master."
The third, Yue Guan, interrupted, "But why the palace? He's surely not here... right?"