Tang Hao Breaks Through Level 99, Leading Clear Sky Sect to Rise

Tang Xiao, Tang Yuehua, and the Six Elders of Clear Sky all nodded. Keeping the affiliated clans in the dark served two purposes: first, to prevent information leaks that might reach Martial Soul Hall, which would prompt them to immediately dispatch a spirit master legion to attack the Clear Sky Sect; second, to prepare for the arrival of that legion in a month's time, using the affiliated clans as cannon fodder to buy time for the entire Tang family to evacuate and to exhaust a portion of Martial Soul Hall's strength.

As for using the affiliated forces to deceive Martial Soul Hall and serve as cannon fodder to buy time for the Tang family's retreat, none of the Tang family members felt any qualms. With the main family facing a catastrophe, who cared about the lives of outsiders?

The affiliated clans should have been mentally prepared to be sold out by the sect at any moment; otherwise, what use did the Clear Sky Sect have for them?

As for whether selling out these affiliated sects would ruin the Clear Sky Sect's reputation or leave them without allies when they eventually emerged from seclusion, the Tang family did not care at all. In the world of spirit masters, might is the only truth.

Once the Clear Sky Sect emerged again, surpassed Martial Soul Hall, or even wiped them out to become the true number one power in the world, there would be no shortage of clans rushing over to beg for the Clear Sky Sect's protection.

In the most prosperous area at the center of Heaven Dou City stood a five-story building that appeared elegant and refined.

The architectural style was slightly archaic yet extremely luxurious; even a single cup inside was something an ordinary person could not afford after a lifetime of hard work. The plaque bore only two simple characters: Moonlight Pavilion.

At the entrance of Moonlight Pavilion, a constant stream of people came and went, all sharing one common trait: they were dressed in finery and possessed superior temperament.

Upon entering Moonlight Pavilion, a faint, refreshing fragrance wafted toward them.

The first thing to catch the eye was a screen wall carved from fine boxwood, which emitted a subtle woody scent.

In front of the screen wall stood two exotic orchids reaching two meters in height; standing amidst them, one felt the chaos of the outside world instantly dissipate.

"Lady Yue."

"Greetings, Lady Yue."

As Tang Yuehua returned to Moonlight Pavilion, the maids bowed to her. Many noble guests greeted her as well.

Tang Yuehua merely nodded slightly, not even sparing the guests a glance as she headed upstairs. The noble guests were not offended, as it was rumored that Lady Yue had an ambiguous relationship with Emperor Xue Ye.

The fifth floor of Moonlight Pavilion was Tang Yuehua's private space.

It was a vast hall, decorated even more elegantly than the fourth floor, with all furnishings made of agarwood. This agarwood caused the entire floor to emanate a faint fragrance.

Around the hall were four doors, leading to unknown destinations. The place felt comfortable, serene, and refined. There was no excessive ostentation, yet the faint woody scent was enough to settle one's heart.

"Yuehua, how is it? Father, Big Brother, and the Elders—if there is truly no other way, just hand me over."

A tall man with hair as messy as a bird's nest, a face full of stubble, and a foul odor emanating from his body clenched his fists, his face filled with unwillingness.

This tall man, looking somewhat like a vagrant, was Tang Hao. Tang Hao had already decided to sacrifice himself to secure the peace of the Clear Sky Sect, and he would also be able to see Ah Yin.

Tang Yuehua felt no disgust toward Tang Hao, who had not groomed himself in nearly a month. With immense tenderness, she said, "Brother Hao, rest assured. The sect has decided to temporarily hide in the mountain range where Grandfather defeated Qian Daoliu, and the sect disciples will devote themselves entirely to cultivation."

"Once your cultivation breaks through to level 99 and reaches the same realm as Grandfather, you will lead the Clear Sky Sect to emerge once more, letting Martial Soul Hall know the might of our Peerless War Soul Hammer and the majestic Clear Sky Sect!"

Break through to level 99? In his current physical state, what could he use to break through to level 99?

Tang Hao blinked, his expression slightly dazed. The Great Sumeru Hammer, a divine skill created by his grandfather, was indeed terrifying; by detonating his spirit rings, he had managed to turn defeat into victory, breaking through the encirclement. He had slaughtered a pile of Martial Soul Hall's minions, hammered one of the two titled Douluo beside Qian Xunji to death and crippled the other, and left Qian Xunji half-dead—he could have killed Qian Xunji too, had he wished.

However, the three days of detonating his spirit rings had flooded his body with destructive power, causing immense damage. He did not know how many hidden injuries he had; his internal organs had shifted, and his meridians were in chaos.

That he was still alive with such injuries was due entirely to the formidable vitality of a titled Douluo and the ninth spirit ring, which had been filled with life force when Ah Yin sacrificed herself.

With such injuries, he might die of complications long before reaching Tang Zhen's age; how could he possibly break through to level 99?

Tang Yuehua's heart stirred, and she quietly changed how she addressed him. "Hao, from now on, you and Little San should stay here. Many nobles frequent this place, and I doubt Martial Soul Hall would dare to search my premises."

"I will take care of Little San, and you can devote yourself entirely to cultivation."

She had always loved Tang Hao, even though he was her brother. Tang Hao was the most perfect, outstanding, handsome, and upright man she had ever met in her life.

Ah Yin was dead, the Clear Sky Sect was in seclusion, and Tang Hao was single again. Staying here, there would always be a chance for sparks to fly.

Ever since she heard the story of her cousins Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, she had gradually let go of her suppressed feelings. Why couldn't she and Tang Hao be together!?

If it couldn't be done openly, they could just do it in secret.

Tang Hao suddenly spoke: "No, Yuehua. I cannot stay here. Little San is the son of Ah Yin and me; I must take him with me."

Tang Yuehua's expression turned incomparably sorrowful as she grabbed Tang Hao's arm. "Why, Hao? You can leave, but leave Little San behind! You are a man—you have to cultivate; can you really take good care of a child?"

Tang Yuehua thought to herself that as long as Tang San was with her, Tang Hao would eventually come to see the child, giving her a chance.

"There is no 'why', Yuehua. When the full moon is waning, the old friend vaguely appears. When the time is right, I will return to see you."

Tang Hao vanished from where he stood, appeared at the cradle where Tang San lay, and scooped the infant up.

Tang Hao knew his body could never reach a level 99 titled Douluo. To avoid ruining the Clear Sky Sect's plans or crushing the enthusiasm of Tang Xiao and the elders, what else could he do but run?

Otherwise, if he stayed at Moonlight Pavilion and the Clear Sky Sect disciples sent someone to ask what realm he had reached, how would he answer?

When his body finally gave out, he would have Tang San bring his spirit bones back to the Clear Sky Sect. This way, he wouldn't dampen the sect's morale, and the goal of the Clear Sky Sect emerging stronger would still be achieved.

Once Martial Soul Hall learned his spirit bones had returned to the Clear Sky Sect, they would assume he was dead and have no excuse to move against the re-emerging sect.

"Second Brother—"

Tang Yuehua cried out and ran toward him. Perhaps because she moved too quickly, the palace gown she wore actually emitted a tearing sound. The next moment, Tang Hao's figure faded before her and quietly vanished.

Tang Yuehua stood there, tears streaming down her face in silence, feeling a heartache so intense she could barely breathe.