Arriving at Clear Sky Sect

On the other side, led by Qian Xunji, Sea Dragon Douluo and his party traversed the towering mountains and rugged ridges, finally catching a distant glimpse of the Clear Sky Sect's mountain gate.

The Clear Sky Sect was situated amidst a range of majestic and precipitous mountains.

The main peak looked as if it had been cleaved by a giant axe, appearing exceptionally steep.

The sect's architecture was built into the mountainside, layer upon layer, hidden away among the clouds and mist.

Only portions of the flying eaves and bracket sets were visible, appearing both ancient and imposing.

The path leading to the mountain gate was narrow and rugged.

On both sides lay bottomless cliffs and precipices, with several naturally formed rifts and chasms spanning the path ahead, connected only by crude rope bridges or narrow stone beams.

It was truly a place where one man could hold the pass against ten thousand.

"A formidable natural fortress indeed."

Sea Dragon Douluo swept his gaze over the treacherous terrain and nodded slightly.

The reason the Clear Sky Sect could firmly maintain its position as the number one sect in the world, aside from having Tang Chen, a level 99 Peerless Douluo, was due in no small part to this easily defended and difficult-to-attack geographical location.

Upon hearing this, Qian Xunji merely cast a faint glance at those daunting natural barriers, a cold, imperceptible sneer curling the corner of his mouth.

A natural fortress?

In the face of absolute power, so-called natural fortresses were nothing more than a joke.

The dozen or so Soul Douluos behind him all possessed the ability to tread on air and fly for short periods.

Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan and Ghost Douluo Gui Mei were even more outstanding among Title Douluos, possessing mysterious and unpredictable methods.

As for himself and Sea Dragon Douluo, they stood at the very pinnacle of the soul master world.

These obstacles, which were insurmountable for ordinary armies or low-level soul masters, were no different from a smooth road in the eyes of this elite among elites.

"Move." Qian Xunji did not say more, stepping forward first onto the swaying, ancient rope bridge that seemed as if it could snap at any moment.

His gait was steady, as if walking on flat ground, and faint ripples of soul power emanated from his body, easily smoothing out the mountain gales and the swaying of the bridge.

Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo followed closely behind like two shadows.

The dozen Soul Douluos followed in silence, their formation remaining perfectly orderly.

Sea Dragon Douluo walked on the flank of the team, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings for any potential hidden sentries or traps.

This was his first time on the Douluo Continent, and upon his arrival, he was immediately pitted against the world's number one sect.

To say he wasn't nervous would be a lie.

Just as they stepped into the outer perimeter of the Clear Sky Sect's defensive range, before they had even formally knocked on the mountain gate, the news had already flown back to the depths of the Clear Sky Sect as if it had grown wings.

Clear Sky Sect, Sect Master's Hall.

Tang Zhen sat upright in the high-backed chair that symbolized the authority of the Sect Master, his face square and his eyes sharp.

But at this moment, his thick eyebrows were tightly knitted together, his face showing unprecedented gravity and a hint of unease.

"Qian Xunji... the Pope of Martial Soul Hall... leading the team himself? And he brought Chrysanthemum and Ghost, those two Douluos, along with over a dozen powerhouses at the Soul Douluo level?"

Tang Zhen repeated the information reported by his scout in a low voice, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the hard armrest, producing a dull, rhythmic thudding.

A chill rose uncontrollably from his spine.

Something was wrong!

Something was very wrong!

If this were merely a routine diplomatic visit or a matter requiring negotiation, why would the Pope need to come in person?

And why would he need to put on such a grand display?

Bringing two elders from the Elder Hall and over a dozen Soul Douluos—this didn't look like they were here to discuss matters; it was clearly to demand accountability or exert pressure!

But the problem was, had the Clear Sky Sect recently...

Done anything that might have provoked Martial Soul Hall?

Ever since his father Tang Chen mysteriously disappeared, the Clear Sky Sect had long since restrained its former edge.

They had become exceptionally low-key and cautious in their actions, fearing that they might bring a catastrophe upon their now-weakened sect.

They had kept to themselves and avoided conflict with Martial Soul Hall, even intentionally giving way; how could they have suddenly invited such a grand visit from Pope Qian Xunji?

The only matter that might involve a major external power, and which wasn't exactly above board, was the hundred-thousand-year soul beast that Tang Hao and Tang Xiao had brought back not long ago.

But at the time, the two boys had sworn that the soul beast and its guardian had absolutely nothing to do with Martial Soul Hall.

They had never seen, nor had they ever heard of, Martial Soul Hall having such a water-attributed Title Douluo.

Could it be... the information was wrong?

Or, had those two boys hidden something?

The more Tang Zhen thought, the more flustered he became. He abruptly stood up from his seat and shouted in a deep voice toward the door: "Someone! Go and bring Tang Hao and Tang Xiao to me immediately!"

Before long, a series of slightly hurried footsteps sounded, and the brothers Tang Hao and Tang Xiao walked quickly into the hall.

The two still had sweat on their faces from their cultivation, along with a hint of confusion at being suddenly summoned.

"Father, did you summon us?" Tang Xiao spoke first.

Tang Zhen did not answer immediately. Instead, he swept his gaze back and forth across their faces with a sharpness that felt as if it could pierce through their very hearts, his tone heavy as he asked directly:

"Hao'er, Xiao'er, I will ask you both one more time. That Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast you brought back last time, and that Title Douluo you... defeated—are you certain, one hundred percent certain, that they have absolutely no connection to Martial Soul Hall?"

Tang Hao and Tang Xiao were stunned by their father's abrupt and unusually grave interrogation.

They instinctively exchanged a glance, seeing nothing but confusion in each other's eyes.

They had already answered this question back when they first brought the soul beast back and delivered their report.

Why bring it up again so suddenly today?

Moreover, judging by their father's expression, it seemed as though some major event had occurred.

Despite his confusion, Tang Hao stepped forward, straightened his back, and replied with a firm tone: "Father, my elder brother and I have already clarified this to you. When we launched our ambush, we observed carefully; that Title Douluo's martial soul was water-attributed. Their combat style and soul skill characteristics do not match any known Title Douluo of Martial Soul Hall. We have never heard of such a person within Martial Soul Hall either. As for that Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast, its movements were incredibly secretive; it is impossible for Martial Soul Hall to have known its exact location and laid a trap in advance. This matter truly has nothing to do with Martial Soul Hall!"

Tang Xiao nodded from the side, adding: "Father, my second brother and I can stake our lives on it: this matter was definitely not snatched from the hands of Martial Soul Hall. While our actions may have been somewhat... improper, we would never be foolish enough to provoke Martial Soul Hall."

Hearing his two sons' resolute assurances once again, Tang Zhen's brow did not relax; instead, it furrowed even deeper, the doubt and anxiety on his face nearly overflowing.

If what Tang Hao and Tang Xiao said was true, then why was Martial Soul Hall mobilizing such a massive force this time?

Could it be that information had leaked, and Martial Soul Hall wanted a share of the spoils, or were they even preparing to forcibly seize that Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast?

But if it were for the sake of treasure, given Martial Soul Hall's typical style, they would be more likely to apply pressure or negotiate in secret.

To come knocking on their door with such great fanfare would only escalate the situation, which would benefit no one.

Watching the shifting, deeply worried expression on their father's face, Tang Hao and Tang Xiao finally realized the gravity of the situation.