The Clear Sky Sect's Annihilation!

Qian Renxue's face flushed so red it looked ready to drip blood. A little shy, she rested her head against Gu Sheng's shoulder and wrapped both arms around his neck, speaking in a voice barely louder than a mosquito's buzz:

"Th-then, husband, when we get back to our chambers, you can do whatever you want to me, all right? But not in the carriage. There are so many soldiers outside..."

Gu Sheng had only been teasing her, of course. He hadn't actually planned to do anything in the carriage. He stroked her silky hair and let out a soft sigh.

"Very well. I'll spare you for now, you wicked little temptress."

The Dragon Carriage rolled smoothly along the road. Before long, it passed through Heaven Dou City's towering gates and entered the heavily guarded imperial palace.

When the Dragon Carriage came to a stop in front of the Empress's chambers, Gu Sheng didn't wait for the eunuch to draw back the curtain. He scooped Qian Renxue into his arms and strode out of the carriage.

The maids and guards nearby hurriedly dropped to their knees and bowed their heads deeply. No one dared look up at a time like this.

Qian Renxue let out a startled cry and instinctively looped her arms around Gu Sheng's neck, burying her face against his chest. Though she had ascended the throne, she relished the feeling of being completely in her husband's control and protection.

Carrying her, Gu Sheng strode into the chambers and slammed the heavy doors shut behind him with his heel.

Inside, the air was perfumed with a faint trace of Ambergris, mingled with Qian Renxue's unique fragrance. It was enough to make anyone feel refreshed and at ease.

Gu Sheng set her down on the spacious Dragon Bed, spread with red silk. Then he leaned over her, bracing his hands on either side of her body and gazing down at her.

"Your Majesty, now that we're home, may I do whatever I want?"

Qian Renxue lay on the soft bed, her brilliant golden hair fanned out like a waterfall across the red silk, making her look bewitching. She gazed up at Gu Sheng, her eyes brimming with tenderness.

"Husband, you were so impressive on the battlefield today. I was actually... a little scared."

Qian Renxue suddenly spoke, a faint vulnerability threading through her voice.

Gu Sheng paused, then gently caressed her flawless, fair cheek.

"What were you afraid of? That Chen Xin would hurt me?"

"No."

Qian Renxue shook her head, a faint mist rising in her golden eyes.

"I'm afraid you're too powerful. Husband, you weren't originally from this world. Watching you break the Second Seal today, looking like a god descending upon the mortal world, suddenly made me feel so far away from you. I'm afraid that one day you'll leave this world without warning and leave me all alone here."

Hearing the worry in the woman in his arms, Gu Sheng's heart gave a faint pang. He hadn't expected Qian Renxue, so strong and proud on the outside, to feel so insecure when it came to him.

He slowly lowered his head and kissed her deeply.

The kiss was gentle, devoid of desire—a simple reassurance and a declaration.

Only when Qian Renxue began to struggle for breath did Gu Sheng release her. He watched her dazed expression, his tone both imperious and tender.

"Silly girl, what are you thinking? You're my wife. We're already married. No one and nothing in this world can separate us."

"Even if one day I really do have to leave this world, I'll take you with me. So what if there's a Divine Realm? If I want to, sooner or later that place will be the backyard of our home."

Hearing her husband's firm, domineering promise, Qian Renxue's unease vanished in an instant. She smiled through her tears and leaned forward to kiss Gu Sheng's chin.

"Mm, I believe you, husband. My heart was yours long ago."

Looking at her alluring, dewy appearance, Gu Sheng could no longer keep his Evil Fire in check. He reached for the lavish golden imperial robe at her shoulder and tore at it roughly.

With a ripping sound, the golden-red robe that symbolized supreme imperial power fell to the floor.

Beneath it was a close-fitting white undergarment, revealing a glimpse of her delicate collarbones and jade-white skin.

"Husband, be gentle..."

Qian Renxue shyly closed her eyes. Her long lashes trembled uneasily, but she kept her arms wrapped tightly around Gu Sheng, welcoming his passion.

The red bed curtains slowly fell, veiling the springtime scene on the Dragon Bed.

The next day, when the first rays of dawn streamed through the carved window lattice and fell across the slightly disheveled brocade carpet, the chambers still held the lingering warmth of the night before.

Inside the soft red curtains, Qian Renxue lay quietly in Gu Sheng's arms.

Her waterfall of golden hair spilled in a disheveled tangle over her fair shoulders. A rosy flush, like that of someone recovering from a drunken spell, lingered on her exquisite face, and her long lashes fluttered faintly as though she were lost in a sweet dream.

Gu Sheng had woken some time ago. He lay slightly turned on his side, one hand behind his head while the other absently stroked her silky hair.

Looking at the unguarded sleeping face of the woman in his arms, a trace of warmth passed through his eyes.

Perhaps sensing the man beside her watching, Qian Renxue slowly opened her eyes. Her golden eyes, usually so full of authority, were now hazy with longing and affection.

"Husband, you're awake..."

Her voice was a little hoarse, with the languor of the night before. She nestled deeper into Gu Sheng's arms, seeking the source of warmth.

Gu Sheng gently kissed her forehead and smiled.

"I've been awake for a while. You were sleeping so soundly that I didn't want to wake you."

Qian Renxue's delicate nose twitched slightly. She rested a hand on Gu Sheng's firm chest, feeling the powerful beat of his heart, and felt utterly at ease.

"Don't you have to attend court today?"

She asked sleepily, clearly enjoying herself so much that even the imperial power she had just acquired had slipped from her mind.

Gu Sheng took her little hand and gently kneaded it beside his lips, his tone relaxed.

"The obedient ministers are keeping watch at court. Nothing will go wrong. Besides, I have something more important to take care of today."

Hearing this, Qian Renxue grew more alert and curiously lifted her head.

"Something important? Do you mean..."

The warmth in Gu Sheng's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a depth so calm it made one's heart sink.

"Root them out."

He uttered the four words mildly, yet the temperature in the chambers seemed to drop.

Qian Renxue's heart stirred. She immediately understood.

"You're going after... the Clear Sky Sect?"

Gu Sheng sat up and draped a silk robe over himself. In the morning light, his tall, slender figure looked both imposing and enigmatic.

"Tang Hao was badly wounded by me and even cut off one of his own arms. He escaped with Tang San, but now he's little more than a cripple."

"With Tang San's temperament, he won't let this humiliation go. And where else could they go but the Clear Sky Sect, hiding away like cowards?"

Gu Sheng walked to the window and looked at the brightening sky, his hands clasped behind his back.

"The Clear Sky Sect was once the greatest sect under heaven, and it still has some strength left. If they meet up with Tang San and recover, they'll sooner or later become a thorn in your side. I won't allow any potential threat to your throne."

Watching the man's back, Qian Renxue was swept by an indescribable sweetness and pride.

Every step this man took was paving the way for her.

She didn't even bother to keep the thin blanket from slipping off. Instead, she went straight over and hugged Gu Sheng from behind, pressing her body against his back.

"Husband, the Clear Sky Sect still has five Titled Douluo elders, as well as its Sect Master, Tang Xiao. They're not to be underestimated. Should I send some of Spirit Hall's worshippers with you?"

Gu Sheng turned slightly to look at her worried face and amusedly pinched her cheek.

"What, you don't have faith in your husband?"

"On this continent, let alone five Titled Douluo—even if a god descended, they'd have to bow before me. The mere Clear Sky Sect, holed up and cut off from the world, is something I can wipe out with one hand."

Qian Renxue stuck out her tongue and lowered her head, a little embarrassed.

"I know you're the strongest, husband. I just... don't like having you away from me."

She gave Gu Sheng's arm a coquettish tug. There wasn't a trace of the Empress's imposing majesty, the power to command the realm and deal life or death, in this girlish display.

Gu Sheng smiled and drew her into his arms, rubbing his chin against the top of her soft hair.

"Be good. Stay in Heaven Dou City and look after our home. When I come back, I'll 'punish' you properly."

At the word "punish," Qian Renxue was reminded of the wild, unrestrained night before. Her face flushed so red it looked ready to drip blood, and she lightly thumped Gu Sheng over the heart.

"All you ever do is bully me..."

Half an hour later.

Outside Heaven Dou City's eastern gate, banners blotted out the sun, and killing intent filled the air.

Three thousand elite Heaven Dou Royal cavalrymen, clad in heavy armor, had already formed ranks. Their heavy hooves trampled the flagstones, sending out a series of dull, thunderous rumbles.

At the head of the cavalry stood two hundred elite Soul Masters from Spirit Hall. Every one of them was at least a Soul King, their auras rich yet restrained.

At the very front stood Snake Lance Douluo She Long and Porcupinefish Douluo Ci Xue.

These two Titled Douluo of Spirit Hall had been thoroughly impressed by Gu Sheng's strength. They stood respectfully at his sides, like the most loyal guards.

The city gate swung wide, and Gu Sheng emerged in a white robe.

He neither rode a horse nor took the lavish imperial carriage. He simply stepped forward as if at his leisure, yet his figure left behind a series of afterimages in midair. In the blink of an eye, he appeared at the head of the army.

"Greetings, Saint Spirit King!"

The three thousand soldiers shouted as one, their voices shaking the heavens. Their surging roar sent ripples through the air.

Gu Sheng glanced at the army and raised one hand. The noisy scene fell instantly silent.

The sheer command he held over the crowd made She Long and Ci Xue secretly marvel.

"She Long, Ci Xue."

Gu Sheng spoke softly, but his voice reached both men clearly.

"Here!"

The two Titled Douluo hurriedly bowed.

"Lead the way. Our destination is the Clear Sky Sect."

Gu Sheng issued his terse command. Then he moved, gliding away toward the distant mountains like a passing breeze.

"Move out!"

She Long shouted and followed close behind with Ci Xue. The three thousand heavy cavalry and two hundred elite Soul Masters behind them surged forward like a river of steel, raising clouds of dust as they headed for the mountains where the Clear Sky Sect had concealed itself.

Meanwhile.

Hundreds of miles from Heaven Dou City, in a range of towering mountains.

Cloud and mist shrouded the area year-round. The mountains were steep and rugged, and thick iron chains stretched between sheer cliffs, linking one solitary peak to another.

This was the home of the Clear Sky Sect, once hailed as the greatest sect under heaven.

Ever since it had been forced into seclusion years ago because of Tang Hao, the Clear Sky Sect had quietly nursed its wounds in these natural fortifications, cutting off all contact with the outside world.

Yet today, the atmosphere in the Clear Sky Sect was unusually tense.

Inside the Clear Sky Sect's meeting hall.

Sect Master Tang Xiao sat at the head of the table. His face, usually refined and resolute, looked haggard, and his eyes held a deep anxiety.

Below him sat five elders with white hair and beards, their auras deep and powerful. They were the Clear Sky Sect's five elders, each a formidable Titled Douluo.

At the center of the hall sat a pale, middle-aged man, his left arm severed. He slumped weakly in a chair.

It was none other than Tang Hao, who had fled back to the sect.

"Tang Hao, you have the nerve to come back!"

The Seventh Elder, the most hot-tempered of them all, slammed his hand down on the table. The deafening crash rang through the hall.

A scorching wave of Soul Power burst from his somewhat gaunt frame. He glared at Tang Hao.

"Because of you, the sect was forced into seclusion all those years ago. How many innocent disciples died at the hands of Spirit Hall!"

"And now, instead of reflecting on your actions, you've gone and provoked the new 'Saint Spirit King' of the Heaven Dou Empire. You even dragged Xiao San into it!"

The Seventh Elder's voice was shrill with resentment.

Tang Hao lowered his head, his expression bleak. He had nothing to say in response to the Seventh Elder's accusations.

"Enough, Seventh."

The Second Elder slowly opened his eyes. A complicated look flashed through his cloudy gaze.

"This isn't the time to shift blame. Ah Hao's injuries are severe. If he hadn't relied on the Ring Detonation of the Great Sumeru Hammer, he might not have survived. Xiao San is unconscious too. We need to treat him as soon as possible."

Tang Xiao sighed as well, looking at his younger brother with concern.

"Ah Hao, was that 'Saint Spirit King' of the Heaven Dou Empire really that terrifying?"

"You and Xiao San joined forces, and you couldn't even withstand a single blow from him?"

Tang Hao raised his head. A trace of terror that had yet to fade flickered in his eyes.

"Big brother, that man... he wasn't human. When he wielded his power, he used no Soul Rings, yet that pure power of light was like a god descending from the heavens. No one could even think of resisting him."

"My Great Sumeru Hammer couldn't even unleash its power beneath the weight of his might."

Tang Hao's voice trembled almost imperceptibly.

At his words, the entire meeting hall fell into deathly silence.

Even the Clear Sky Hammer, renowned as the most powerful weapon in the world, had been utterly helpless before him. Just what realm had this "Saint Spirit King" reached?