The Clear Sky Sect.
When Tang Xiao received the request for reinforcements, he was cultivating atop the mountain. He read it, handed it to the Second Elder behind him, and said nothing.
"Sect Master, the Heaven Dou Emperor wants us to send aid." After reading it, the Second Elder frowned deeply. "But our Clear Sky Sect has sealed its mountain for years. We've never interfered in the affairs of the two empires. This time..."
"This time is different." Tang Xiao spoke slowly, gazing into the distance. "Star Luo has sent troops against Heaven Dou. But if Heaven Dou falls, not one of our sects will escape. When the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold. I shouldn't have to teach you that."
"But what can we send?" The Second Elder smiled bitterly. "Everyone in the sect is at level zero. Those disciples can't even activate their martial souls. What could they do on a battlefield?"
"Being unable to now doesn't mean they'll be unable to forever." Tang Xiao turned, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes. "Our Clear Sky Sect's Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer and Clear Sky Nine Absolutes are both self-created battle techniques that don't rely on soul rings. Those disciples have practiced hammer techniques since childhood. Their bodies have much stronger foundations than ordinary people's. Without soul power, they still have their strength and hammer techniques. Most of Star Luo's soldiers are ordinary people. In a real fight, our disciples wouldn't necessarily come off worse."
The Second Elder froze, then his eyes lit up. "Sect Master, you mean..."
"We'll go." Tang Xiao settled the matter with a decisive stroke. "But not now. First, send a few people to Heaven Dou City to investigate the situation at the front. Meanwhile, every disciple in the sect must intensify their cultivation.