Since completing his first additional God Trial, Tang San hadn't returned to the Spirit Beast Domain for sect missions. Instead, he focused on cultivating the Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique—he was just one step away from reaching its ultimate realm, the Ninety-Nine Returns to One.
As for the matter of the Insectoids, it seemed to have sunk without a trace. There was no further news, and apart from Tang San and Tang Lie—who had actually fought and encountered them—none of the other sect Soul Masters had seen the Insectoids. In the end, since no further incidents occurred, they could only remain vigilant and keep a closer watch.
It was only later that Tang San learned why the Balak Kingdom had ignored the destruction of their outpost. The kingdom simply didn't have the resources to spare for a small border village's outpost—two of its major cities had also suffered Spirit Beast invasions.
However, the invading Spirit Beasts weren't Insectoids but other creatures, which left the Balak Kingdom stretched thin and unable to respond effectively.
A month passed.
At the Forging Stone Peak of the Clear Sky Sect—a training ground for its disciples—massive ore chunks lay scattered across the ground and forging platforms. The rhythmic clanging of hammers echoed as Clear Sky Hammers struck metal in steady succession.
"Young Sect Master, I did it! I've reached the fourth layer of the Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique—thirty-six consecutive strikes!" Tang Guang rushed over, holding a refined metal ingot, his face beaming with pride.
Tang Guang was a fellow sect disciple who had awakened the Clear Sky Hammer in the same Spirit Awakening ceremony as Tang San.
Taking the ingot, Tang San smiled. "Well done. The metal has a bright luster with minimal impurities, making it suitable for alloy forging with rare metals. Reaching the fourth layer of the Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique at twelve, capable of delivering thirty-six consecutive strikes—you've done well, Guang. You may claim your cultivation reward from the sect."
Flushed with praise, Tang Guang scratched his head sheepishly. "I'm still far behind you, Young Sect Master. I'm only at Rank 23, while you're already a three-ringed Soul Elder."
Tang San shook his head. "My current strength as a Soul Elder is just the result of some fortunate encounters—nothing extraordinary. And I'm not the Young Sect Master, so don't call me that."
A nearby disciple quickly chimed in with flattery, "Young Sect Master, you jest. Everyone knows the elders have already unanimously approved you. It's only a matter of time before you officially take the title."
"That's right! Once you enter the inner sect and complete the inner disciple trials, you'll rightfully become the Young Sect Master."
Though all the Clear Sky Sect disciples present possessed the Clear Sky Hammer, not all were inner sect members—not due to lack of strength, but because they hadn't yet passed the inner sect trials.
There were differences between sects and academies. While both had assessments, joining a sect meant one couldn't leave freely—disciples had to contribute to the sect, which in turn provided them with wages in the form of cultivation resources.
Academies, however, were entirely different. Students only needed to pay tuition, and upon graduation, they could leave as they pleased.
As the group chattered excitedly, a graceful figure descended from the sky, her Martial Soul wings fluttering behind her.
Bai Chenxiang, the daughter of the Agile Clan's leader, landed in front of Tang San and said respectfully, "Third Young Master, the Clear Sky Douluo has returned from a sect mission outside. He requests your presence in the main hall immediately."
"So urgent? Did Father mention what it's about?" Tang San asked, looking at Bai Chenxiang before him.
Bai Chenxiang shook her head. "I don't know."
Tang San frowned. His father occasionally left the sect for missions—after all, nothing provided more security than standing beside the Clear Sky Douluo. Whenever powerful ancient ruins or dangerous locations were discovered, Tang Hao would personally investigate. But this time, summoning him right after returning was unusual—something must be amiss.
Without further thought, Tang San channeled his Soul Power and rushed toward the Clear Sky Sect's main hall.
When Tang San arrived, the vast hall was empty except for Tang Hao and Tang Xiao.
"Father, Uncle."
Tang Hao laughed heartily, stepping forward to envelop his son in a strong embrace. "Hahaha! Your uncle told me you discovered a new Spirit Beast?"
Tang San nodded. "Yes. Father, did you need me for something?"
As his son, Tang San knew his father's temperament well—the traditional, stoic type who silently cared and protected from the shadows, rarely initiating contact without reason. For Tang Hao to summon him immediately upon returning via Bai Chenxiang meant something significant had occurred.
Tang Hao didn't hide it. After exchanging a glance with Tang Xiao, his expression turned grave. "Your uncle and I have discussed it. We think you should leave the Clear Sky Sect temporarily."
"What? Did something happen?" Tang San's expression tightened. "Is it because of Spirit Hall?"
Tang Hao shook his head. "No. It's the Spirit Beasts."
"Spirit Beasts?"
Tang Hao explained, "I was actually at Sea God Island this past month. You've received the Rakshasa God's God Trial, but we know nothing about divine power. Currently, there are only three known locations tied to divine relics. Slaughter City and Spirit Hall aren't suitable, leaving only Sea God Island—the land worshiping the Sea God, as Grandfather once mentioned. I went to inquire about God Trials and deities."
"But when I arrived, Sea Spirit Masters from the island were locked in fierce battle with Sea Spirit Beasts—so intense that even Poseidon, the High Priest of Sea God Island, intervened."
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Tang San naturally knew Poseidon's strength—a 99th-ranked Ultimate Douluo wielding the Sea God Spirit, hailed as invincible at sea. For such a powerhouse to take action spoke volumes about the battle's ferocity.
"What was the outcome?"
Tang Hao replied, "The Sea Spirit Beasts retreated. Though I assisted, my abilities were limited in a maritime battle. In the end, Sea God Island's forces suffered heavy casualties—a pyrrhic victory at best."
Suddenly, Tang San recalled something. "A few months ago, multiple invasion incidents occurred near the Spirit Beast Tribes around the Balak Kingdom."
"Could this be a coincidence?"
Tang Xiao added from the side, "Although it hasn't been confirmed yet, this is more than just a coincidence. A month ago, due to the Insectoid incident, our Clear Sky Sect contacted the leaders of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon School for discussions. However, since there was no concrete evidence or significant casualties regarding the Insectoids, and no other Soul Masters had witnessed them, it was temporarily classified as the discovery of a new Spirit Beast species, with no further extermination actions taken."
"But both leaders mentioned that the Spirit Beast Territories around their respective schools' domains have been acting unusually. The Spirit Beasts have become more active than before, and reports of casualties among Spirit Beast hunting Soul Masters have been increasing in recent years."
"They suspect the source of the Spirit Beasts' increased activity lies in the Star Dou Great Forest. To be more precise, they suspect it's the doing of that Blue Silver Emperor."
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