Three days later.
Three hundred miles east of Heaven Dou City.
Surrounded by mountains.
At the foot of the mountain, what appeared before Zhou Chen was a small village with only a few hundred households.
At this moment, wisps of smoke rose from all over the village, and the sounds of roosters crowing and dogs barking filled the air. Several mischievous children were playing around, and some farmers and women were returning from the fields. It looked like a paradise on earth.
"This village is an outpost of the sect. The villagers are all affiliated branches of the Clear Sky Sect. The direct descendants of the sect live in seclusion in the mountains."
Tang Yuehua linked arms with Zhou Chen, gazing at him with tender affection in her deep blue eyes, and introduced him in an intimate tone.
"I see."
Zhou Chen pretended to suddenly realize something and took the opportunity to kiss Tang Yuehua's fair and delicate cheek, which made Tang Yuehua playfully scold him.
Three days ago, after Tang Yuehua received the Clear Sky Order from her grandfather Tang Chen, she and Zhou Chen rushed to the Clear Sky Sect's secluded residence.
Meanwhile, Yu Tianmeng, who exuded the air of a mature woman, returned to Heaven Dou City to continue attending the Soul Master Tournament on behalf of Zhou Chen, thus leaving Tang Yuehua some time to enjoy time alone with Zhou Chen.
The two walked to the entrance of the mountain village, whispering sweet nothings to each other, when they were stopped by several villagers.
"Please leave. Outsiders are not welcome here."
The speaker was a tall, burly man. His eyes held a hint of doubt as he looked Tang Yuehua up and down, who was being held in Zhou Chen's arms.
He felt that the beautiful young woman in front of him, dressed in a silver palace gown, was very familiar, somewhat like a direct descendant of a sect he had met a few years ago, but he wasn't quite sure.
Tang Yuehua blushed slightly under the villagers' gazes. She stood still and said in a cool tone, "I am Tang Yuehua."
As the saying goes, a person's name casts a shadow on a tree. As soon as Tang Yuehua's name was mentioned, the villagers' expressions changed drastically. No one dared to be negligent and they all knelt down.
What is Tang Yuehua's identity?
She is the sect leader's own sister, and in the entire Clear Sky Sect, apart from the sect leader Tang Xiao and the elders, she has the highest status.
"Alright, get up."
Tang Yuehua waved her hand and said calmly, "Go and report immediately, and have the sect's direct descendants come to pick me up."
"Yes."
Several villagers exchanged glances and quickly agreed. A group of villagers surrounded Tang Yuehua and Zhou Chen, welcoming them into the village and serving them tea and water.
The other group of villagers hurriedly went to inform the sect.
The Clear Sky Sect always kept some of its direct disciples in this outpost village. Therefore, it didn't take long for several men dressed in gray to appear.
The leader, who appeared to be in his thirties, had broad shoulders and a square back, a straight nose and a square mouth. The muscles hidden beneath his gray long shirt were prominent, giving him a powerful and robust appearance.
This person is familiar; I think his name is Tang Long? He's a Soul Emperor at level 60+? It's said he's the oldest and strongest among all the third-generation disciples of the Clear Sky Sect? A strong candidate to become the next Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect.
Two years ago, when Zhou Chen was invited to the Moon Pavilion to meet Tang Yuehua, Tang Long was a guard at the entrance of the Moon Pavilion.
"Aunt Moonlight? Why didn't you tell me you were coming back? I could have come to pick you up."
Tang Long's kind words pleased Tang Yuehua greatly.
However, the next second, when Tang Long saw Zhou Chen beside Tang Yuehua, he couldn't help but show a look of surprise.
However, he quickly realized what was happening. He hurriedly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Tang Long greets Palace Master Zhou."
"Alright, Zhou Chen isn't an outsider, right? No need for formalities, take us to see our elder brother."
Tang Yuehua chuckled softly, her face radiating happiness.
This left Tang Long and the other disciples of the Clear Sky Sect stunned.
Even if they were stupid, they would have realized that their Aunt Moonlight and Zhou Chen were obviously a couple, and might even have a child together.
Although there is a slight age gap between the two, it's still the aunt who has the advantage. Besides, Zhou Chen is the Palace Master of Purple Micro Palace, with great strength, a powerful background, and handsome appearance. He is definitely a good match for the legitimate daughter of the Clear Sky Sect.
So, the quick-witted Tang Long immediately said with a smile, "Aunt, Uncle, let's go back to the mountain."
Upon hearing Tang Long address Zhou Chen as "uncle," Tang Yuehua beamed with joy. Of course, she was very happy that her man had been accepted by her family.
Zhou Chen gave Tang Long a meaningful look, thinking to himself that this kid was quite shrewd, no wonder he was qualified to compete for the next sect leader of the Clear Sky Sect.
Soon, led by Tang Long and other disciples of the Clear Sky Sect, the group passed through the village and arrived in front of a mountain peak.
The mountain itself is not high, but it is extremely steep and smooth, with no road at all, like a natural barrier.
It can be said that Soul Master below the Soul Ancestor level have virtually no ability to climb to this level.
Moreover, as long as someone guards the mountaintop and launches an attack from there, even a level 60 or 70 Soul Emperor or Soul Saint might not be able to successfully ascend the mountain.
However, as the saying goes, there was originally no road in this world, but as more people walk on it, it becomes a road.
Tang Long and his companions showed no fear. With a quick step, they leaped into the air, using the artificially carved depressions in the mountainside as footholds, and soared straight upwards.
"Hold me."
Zhou Chen put his arm around Tang Yuehua's slender waist and said something gently.
"Um."
Tang Yuehua nodded, hugged Zhou Chen, and buried her pretty face in his arms.
The next second, the two of them Soaring Cloud Riding Mist and flew directly to the mountaintop.
Once you reach the top of the mountain, the view ahead suddenly opens up.
On the other side of the mountaintop, there were several more mountains, each with a very steep peak, and between them were deep, misty ravines.
The only way to get into the mountains is via a suspension bridge.
This iron chain bridge, though called a bridge, is actually just an iron chain as thick as an arm, and it's so smooth that ordinary people can't even stand on it; it's even harder than walking a tightrope!
Such a treacherous terrain is so formidable that even if the number of attackers were ten times that of the defenders, they might not be able to breach it. It truly is a place where one man can hold off ten thousand.
Moreover, even if the enemy successfully captures the first hilltop, the disciples of the Clear Sky Sect can retreat to the second hilltop and then cut the iron chains.
This not only provides a buffer time, but also allows for direct defense using the bottomless mountain ravine.
Unless one is a super strong person at the level of Soul Douluo or Title Douluo, or Soul Master with a flying-type Martial Soul, no one can fly directly across a mountain stream that is several thousand meters wide.
No wonder the Spirit Hall waited twenty years in the original story without attacking the Clear Sky Sect. Besides the agreement between Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen, the main reason was probably the extremely treacherous terrain of the Clear Sky Sect's secluded location.
Yes, as expected, people have their own paths and rats have their own ways. Although the Clear Sky Sect is as timid as a rat, it still has its advantages, namely, it is cautious enough.
When Tang Hu and the others reached the mountaintop, they saw Zhou Chen and Aunt Moonlight standing there with their hands behind their backs, smiling at them. They couldn't help but smile wryly and said, "Aunt, Uncle, since you can fly on the clouds, why don't you give us a ride? The road ahead is even more treacherous, and we still have to cross the iron chain bridge. It's really not easy to walk."
"This isn't a good idea."
Tang Yuehua said with a half-smile, "This treacherous path up the mountain is a special training method of the sect. All disciples of the sect who have reached the age of sixteen and whose Soul Power is above level 50 must participate. As an elder of the sect, how can I break the rules?"
Tang Long's broad, square face immediately wrinkled. He pursed his lips and muttered in defense, "Auntie, it's easy for you to say that when you're not in our shoes. Besides, your Soul Power is low, and we're always the ones who carry you up the mountain. Help us out this time!"
Upon hearing this, Tang Yuehua blushed and said, "Alright, alright, I'll give you a ride."
As she spoke, Tang Yuehua looked at Zhou Chen.
Zhou Chen nodded, and with a wave of his hand, a Five-Colored Clouds appeared beneath his feet. This cloud was large enough for everyone present to stand on.
"Thank you, Uncle."
Tang Long smiled innocently and quickly jumped onto the cloud, and other Haotian Sect disciples also jumped up.
Stepping on the cotton candy-like clouds, Tang Long and the others exclaimed in amazement and began to praise Zhou Chen, their adopted uncle.
"Stand still, let's go."
Zhou Chen gave a reminder, and the clouds rose into the air, flying towards the direction of the second mountain.
For Tang Long and the others, Soaring Cloud Riding Mist for the first time, all they felt was the biting mountain wind constantly rushing past them, and they could hear bursts of shrill whistling sounds.
Strangely, they didn't feel the cold wind blowing on their bodies; instead, they felt warm and cozy, as if they were immersed in warm water, which was indescribably comfortable.
This was a windproof shield that Zhou Chen deliberately condensed using his Soul Power. After all, Tang Yuehua's Soul Power was only level 9, and her body was weak, so she needed careful care to prevent her from catching a cold.
Before they could fully savor the feeling, their feet suddenly trembled, and they found themselves firmly on solid ground.
Tang Long then realized that he had crossed several mountain peaks and returned to the fifth mountain peak, which was the main peak of the Clear Sky Sect.
It only took a few breaths!
This Palace Master Zhou is truly powerful!
"My lord, this is Clear Sky Fortress. It was built twenty years ago to hide from the Spirit Hall."
Tang Yuehua sighed Youyou and began to introduce herself.
Looking around, Zhou Chen saw a castle-like building in front of him, constructed entirely of massive gray rocks, which looked quite imposing.
The main gate of Clear Sky Fortress is five meters high, and above the gate are three powerful characters carved in stone:
Clear Sky Sect.
At this moment, two young men dressed in gray saw Tang Yuehua leading her entourage approaching at the main gate. They quickly bowed and greeted her respectfully, saying, "Aunt Moonlight."
"Yes, you've worked hard."
Tang Yuehua smiled, took Zhou Chen's arm, and led him through the gate. Tang Long and the others followed behind.
Upon entering the gate, one first encounters a spacious courtyard, followed by a continuous stretch of tall stone buildings constructed against the mountainside.
As Tang Yuehua walked, she introduced to Zhou Chen, "Our Clear Sky Sect has more than two hundred direct descendants, divided into five generations. The first generation originally had Five Elders, all of whom were titled Douluo. Of course, the Seventh Elder Blazing Sun Douluo, is already dead."
"The second generation is led by my elder brother, Tang Xiao, who is currently the sect master of the Clear Sky Sect. There are about thirty people in total. Apart from me, they are all at least Soul Saint level experts."
"The third generation is Tang Long and his group. There are more than a hundred people in their generation, the largest number in the sect. Their strength ranges from Soul Elder above level 30 to Soul Emperor above level 60."
"As for the next two generations, they are basically all minors, so let's not talk about them."
At this point, Tang Yuehua raised her head and looked at the extremely majestic and imposing stone fortress in front of her, saying, "This is the sect's council hall. You wait here for a moment, and I will go and inform my elder brother."
Upon hearing this, Tang Long, who was following behind, immediately said solicitously, "Aunt, why don't you and Uncle rest in the hall? I'll go and inform the sect leader."
"Okay, then I'll leave it to you."
Tang Yuehua readily agreed; she was more than happy to have someone run the errand for her.
So Tang Long went to deliver the message, while Tang Yuehua and Zhou Chen entered the council hall together.
The council hall was quite large, enough to accommodate five hundred people. Tang Yuehua pulled Zhou Chen to sit elegantly in a chair, and several Clear Sky Sect disciples who had come with them served two cups of hot tea.
Before long, footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall, and accompanied by Tang Long, a burly man walked in.
The man was over two meters tall, with a broad back and thick waist, short gray hair, and a face that looked as if it had been carved by a knife and axe. He was also dressed in simple gray clothes, but when he stood there, he was like a majestic mountain.
He is none other than Tang Xiao, the current sect master of the Clear Sky Sect and a level 97 titled Douluo.
"Little sister, you've finally come back."
A deep, resonant voice came from Tang Xiao's mouth. He strode up to Tang Yuehua, ready to embrace Tang Yuehua, but when he saw Zhou Chen standing to the side, he was momentarily at a loss.
"Big brother, this is Zhou Chen."
Tang Yuehua explained.
"Zhou Chen, the Palace Master of Purple Micro Palace? I've heard so much about you."
Tang Xiao laughed twice, his bright eyes fixed on Zhou Chen with a hint of respect in his tone.
After all, Purple Micro Palace is now the undisputed First Sect Under Heaven, and Clear Sky Sect is far superior in strength.
Although Tang Xiao was proud, he was not stupid and naturally knew that he should respect the strong.
"Greetings, elder brother."
Zhou Chen directly addressed Tang Xiao as "Big Brother," and his intention was self-evident.
Upon hearing this, Tang Xiao still had a smile on his face, but he couldn't help but frown. "Are we that familiar?"
Why did you call me "Big Brother" right away?
Seeing Tang Xiao's somewhat confused look, Tang Yuehua covered her mouth and chuckled, saying with a smile in her eyes, "Big brother, Zhou Chen is now my husband, so you are naturally his brother-in-law."
"What?"
Tang Xiao, who had been all smiles, froze upon hearing Tang Yuehua's words.
The next second, Tang Xiao stared intently at Tang Yuehua with his tiger-like eyes, and said with a complicated expression, "Little sister, you're not joking with me, are you?"
"Of course it's true."
Tang Yuehua nodded and immediately reached out to take Zhou Chen's arm.
Tang Xiao was completely dumbfounded.
This was so sudden!
As the older brother, he was completely unprepared!
Taking a deep breath, Tang Xiao managed to calm himself down. Then, he looked at Zhou Chen with extremely complicated eyes, hesitated for a moment, and then said in a deep voice, "Palace Master Zhou, although my sister is a bit older than you, she is pure and beautiful, and her appearance is no less than that of those young girls. I hope you will not let my sister down."
"Don't worry, brother, I will treat Moonlight well."
Zhou Chen looked directly at Tang Xiao and said firmly.
"That's good. If you betray her, I, as her older brother, will not stand idly by," Tang Xiao said with a serious expression.
"Big brother, you talk too much."
Tang Yuehua glared at her older brother and said with dissatisfaction.
"Sigh, girls are more outgoing. Once they have a man, they don't need their older brother anymore."
Tang Xiao sighed.
"Big brother, you..."
Tang Yuehua was so angry that she stomped her feet, feeling that her reputation had been damaged.
"Alright, alright, big brother, shut up."
Tang Xiao gave a wry smile, then quickly changed the subject, saying seriously, "Little sister, besides telling us you have a husband, is there anything else you've done since you came back this time?"
"Have."
Tang Yuehua nodded, her delicate brows furrowing slightly as she said, "I've come back this time to seek justice for my second brother."
"Um?"
Tang Xiao's expression changed, and he said, "Do you know what you're trying to say?"
"I know very well."
Tang Yuehua's face suddenly turned cold. She said, "Eldest brother, second brother is already dead. I don't want to see him die with a bad reputation. Was second brother really wrong back then? Even if he hadn't married Soul Beast, would the Spirit Hall have let our Clear Sky Sect?"
Tang Xiao was stunned, and anger immediately rose in his eyes. He suppressed his anger and said in a deep voice, "Moonlight, if he hadn't killed Qian Xunji, the previous Pope of the Spirit Hall, would the Spirit Hall have so easily attacked us? Don't forget, the order to expel Tang Hao was given by Father."
"Is the father always right?"
Tang Yuehua's azure eyes flashed with cold light as she said mockingly, "Don't forget, our father was the only sect leader in the history of the Clear Sky Sect to die of anger."
"I just don't understand. He's a Title Douluo, and the son of the Peerless Douluo Tang Chen. How could he be so cowardly? I think if Grandpa knew that his son was scared to death by the Spirit Hall, he would feel extremely ashamed and embarrassed!"
"Presumptuous!"
Tang Xiao was furious, almost roaring, "How could you insult your own father like that? Don't mention it again. If you bring it up in front of the elders, they probably won't let you off the hook..."
"Elders? They're not good at dealing with the Spirit Hall, but they're quite adept at dealing with their own people."
Tang Yuehua said disdainfully, "Why did the Seventh Elder die in Heaven Dou City two years ago? Wasn't it because he coveted the complete set of Soul Bone in Second Brother's body, which resulted in an unnecessary battle?"
"Shut up!"
Tang Xiao slammed his palm on the stone table in front of him. With a soft hiss, the stone table silently turned into dust and collapsed!
Keep in mind, this table was carved directly from two tons of the hardest granite. Breaking it isn't difficult; the challenge is turning it into powder silently.
This demonstrates Tang Xiao's profound and terrifying cultivation!
"Brother, do you really think it was wrong for Second Brother to save his wife?"
Tang Yuehua, her eyes red-rimmed and her body trembling, looked at Tang Xiao, sobbing uncontrollably, and said, "I know you also like Sister-in -A Yin. If Sister-in-law A Yin chose you, what would you do?"
"I... I would do the same thing as him, even more intensely."
Tang Xiao a bitter smile, his gaze gradually calming down from anger. After a long silence, Tang Xiao slowly said, "Moonlight, I know you're heartbroken, but the dead cannot be brought back to life. Tang Hao is gone, and A Yin has already sacrificed herself. Let them rest in peace and never mention it again. Perhaps that's the best choice."