Tang Xiao

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Tang Xiao (唐啸)
Alias(es)	Clear Sky Sect Master
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Clear Sky Sect
Occupation/Role	Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect; Title Douluo
Martial Soul	Clear Sky Hammer
Cultivation	Level 96 Title Douluo 96
Status	Active 104 164 231
First Appearance	Chapter 34 34

Power Progression

Chapter(s)	Cultivation / Development
96	Confirmed as a level 96 Title Douluo and wielder of the Clear Sky Hammer. 96
98	Uses the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes: Shock Formula at full strength to counter Su Mo's Great Sumeru Technique. 98
137	Acknowledges that the Clear Sky Sect's inherited techniques are restricted to Clear Sky Hammer users, while Su Mo Academy's system can strengthen any martial soul. He orders the selection of five outstanding young disciples for the academy's second recruitment. 137
186	Recognizes that the Clear Sky Sect's isolationist strategy is inadequate after the parallel-world sect attends a continent-wide exchange conference with rival factions. 186
190	Assesses Su Mo as a continent-changing figure who reached extraordinary heights after the extinction of Soul Beasts and orders the sect to investigate him. 190
209	States that he would yield the position of Clear Sky Sect Master to Su Mo if Su Mo joined the sect, demonstrating the extent of his estimation of Su Mo's talent and potential. 209
223	Recognizes that the Ring Ascension Technique could increase the Clear Sky Sect's overall strength by at least thirty percent, but admits that the sect's seclusion leaves it unable to compete effectively for the reward. 223
231	Reacts to the parallel-world Tang Hao's defeat and death, distinguishing that ruined version of his younger brother from the Tang Hao and Ah Yin who remain alive in his own world. 231

Background / History

Tang Xiao leads the Clear Sky Sect during the soul-beast extinction crisis. He attends Martial Soul Hall's gathering on Self-Condensed Soul Ring research and, despite the failed initial outcome, acknowledges Yu Xiaogang's resolve by standing and nodding after his closing address. 34 36

When news arrives that a Self-Condensed Soul Ring without inherent soul skills has been created, Tang Xiao and the Clear Sky Sect elders celebrate. They view the development as particularly favorable to their sect, whose Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer and Clear Sky Nine Absolutes are self-created combat techniques rather than soul-ring skills. Tang Xiao then orders the news distributed throughout the sect and personally leads Second Elder, Fifth Elder, and twenty exceptional younger disciples to Spirit City to obtain the technique. 52

After Su Mo publicizes the Ring Condensation Technique, Tang Xiao publicly recognizes the debt Clear Sky Sect owes him. He offers Su Mo an elder position and a soul bone, and promises that the sect will assist him if needed; Su Mo declines the offer. Tang Xiao nevertheless declares that the Clear Sky Sect's doors will remain open to Su Mo. 62 63

Tang Xiao later grows concerned that Su Mo's planned academy could freely distribute powerful Self-Created Soul Skills, potentially eroding the advantage held by major sect inheritances. He initially considers opposing the academy but admits that Su Mo's reputation makes direct interference impossible without turning the Clear Sky Sect into an enemy of the entire world. Ning Fengzhi persuades him that teaching such skills would be a second act of grace to the soul-master world, leading Tang Xiao to admit that he had been narrow-minded and inquire about the academy's recruitment requirements. 87 92 93

Despite this, Tang Xiao arrives at Su Mo Academy's admissions day with two sect elders and twenty disciples, requesting to test Su Mo's qualifications through an exchange. Su Mo instead demonstrates numerous Self-Created Soul Skills against him, including techniques based on Sword Douluo's skills and the Great Sumeru Technique. 96 97 98

Tang Xiao is forced to use the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes: Shock Formula at full strength to counter Su Mo's Great Sumeru Technique. Unable to dispute Su Mo's demonstrated qualifications, he shifts to accusing Su Mo of stealing the Clear Sky Sect's secret inheritance before leaving with his entourage in humiliation. 98 99 103

After Su Mo Academy wins the Continental Elite Soul Master Tournament, Tang Xiao reassesses its teaching system. Acknowledging that Clear Sky Sect's inheritance is restricted to Clear Sky Hammer users while Su Mo Academy can strengthen any martial soul, he orders the selection of the sect's five most exceptional disciples under twenty for Su Mo Academy's second recruitment. 137

When Tang San later founds the Tang Sect and openly teaches a complete set of Self-Created Soul Skills without Secrecy Contracts, Tang Xiao regards it as another threat to Clear Sky Sect's inherited advantage. He dispatches Seventh Elder Tang Lie to compel Tang San to dissolve the Tang Sect, authorizing force if Tang San refuses. 159

Following Tang Lie's defeat and the disclosure that Tang San is Tang Hao's son, Tang Xiao halts further action against the Tang Sect. Though Tang Hao is considered a sect criminal by some elders, Tang Xiao recognizes Tang San's Blue Silver Grass martial soul as evidence of his younger brother's lineage and contacts Tang Yuehua to investigate the matter. 162 Tang Yuehua later states that Tang Xiao has temporarily suppressed the internal controversy surrounding Tang San, preventing further immediate action by the Clear Sky Sect. 164

When the Sky Screen reveals the parallel world's Soul Beast extinction crisis, Tang Xiao watches the events with the Clear Sky Sect rather than dismissing them. He recognizes the importance of the Creation Institute's failure and the later exchange conference organized by Yu Xiaogang. The parallel-world Clear Sky Sect's participation in a peaceful gathering of rival sects causes him to reconsider the value of continued isolation. 181 182 186

After the Sky Screen reveals that Su Mo independently created the Ring Condensation Technique and reached extraordinary cultivation despite the extinction of Soul Beasts, Tang Xiao suppresses the elders' mockery of Yu Xiaogang and treats Su Mo as a potentially world-changing variable. He orders the sect to investigate Su Mo's origins and abilities. 188 190

Tang Xiao remains unwilling to replace the Clear Sky Sect's traditional path with Self-Condensed Soul Rings. He orders that Clear Sky Sect disciples continue relying on the sect's Self-Created Soul Skills and that anyone who privately condenses a Soul Ring for convenience be expelled. 193

When the Sky Screen presents the Ring Ascension Technique as a reward, Tang Xiao realizes that increasing the quality of the sect's Soul Rings could raise its overall strength by at least thirty percent. However, he acknowledges that the sect's long seclusion has left it without the information and candidates needed to compete for the reward, forcing him to rely on Tang Yuehua's position at Moonlight Pavilion. 223

Tang Xiao is later shaken by the parallel world's depiction of Tang Hao. He recognizes that the alternate Tang Hao became a ruined and unstable figure after losing Ah Yin and her Soul Bone, while also acknowledging that Su Mo exploited and imprisoned him after he attacked Xiao Wu. Tang Xiao ultimately distinguishes that fate from his own world's situation, where Tang Hao and Ah Yin are still alive. 231

Appearance

Tang Xiao is a burly man with a square face, blade-like thick brows, and an imposing presence even when silent. He is over sixty years old. 96 97

• Wears Clear Sky Sect robes bearing the Clear Sky Hammer emblem. 96
• Carries himself with a steady, mountain-like aura. 63
• Uses the Clear Sky Hammer as his martial soul. 96

Personality

Tang Xiao is deeply protective of the Clear Sky Sect's status, secret techniques, and long-term interests. His initial support for the Ring Condensation Technique is pragmatic as well as grateful: the technique preserves a path forward for the sect's disciples while increasing the value of its inherited self-created techniques. 52 63

He is capable of diplomacy and self-reflection. He respectfully offers Su Mo the same terms as Yu Yuanzhen, accepts Su Mo's refusal without hostility, and later acknowledges Ning Fengzhi's criticism of his narrow perspective. 63 93

However, Tang Xiao is also proud and easily provoked when the Clear Sky Sect's prestige is challenged. Su Mo's public demonstration of the Great Sumeru Technique leaves him furious and unable to answer directly, prompting him to accuse Su Mo of stealing the sect's inheritance. 97 98 99

Tang Xiao can adapt when confronted by indisputable results. Su Mo Academy's tournament victory convinces him that its broadly applicable Self-Created Soul Skill system surpasses the Clear Sky Sect's martial-soul-specific inheritance in versatility, prompting him to send disciples to learn from it rather than continue resisting it. 137

His pragmatism does not extend to accepting uncontrolled dissemination of powerful techniques. He reacts aggressively to Tang Sect's public recruitment and teaching, but shows restraint once Tang San's connection to Tang Hao becomes known. 159 162

Tang Xiao is also capable of recognizing when his sect's traditional strategy has become obsolete. The parallel world's exchange conference leads him to admit that seclusion can no longer protect the Clear Sky Sect when other factions are opening their knowledge and cooperating openly. 186

Despite his interest in new developments, he remains strongly attached to the Clear Sky Sect's identity and inherited path. He rejects the idea that the sect should casually adopt Self-Condensed Soul Rings, preferring to preserve its reputation as the world's foremost inheritance of Self-Created Soul Skills. 193

His evaluation of Su Mo eventually surpasses ordinary admiration. Tang Xiao views Su Mo as someone who does not need the Clear Sky Sect and openly states that he would yield the sect-master position to him if Su Mo joined. 190 209

Abilities & Skills

Title Douluo Cultivation

Tang Xiao is a level 96 Title Douluo, placing him among the continent's peak powerhouses. 96

• His martial soul is the Clear Sky Hammer, described as the world's number-one tool martial soul. 96
• He can fight at full strength against Su Mo's Great Sumeru Technique without being forced back. 98
• Su Mo states that he is not yet able to overpower Tang Xiao in a direct clash of strength without using Ring Detonation. 98

Clear Sky Nine Absolutes: Shock Formula

Tang Xiao uses the Shock Formula to counter Su Mo's Great Sumeru Technique during their confrontation at Su Mo Academy. 98

• He employs it only after judging that he could not endure Su Mo's attack at reduced strength without dodging. 98
• The collision shatters Su Mo's giant sword while Tang Xiao remains in place. 98

Sect Leadership and Strategic Judgment

Tang Xiao possesses the authority and judgment expected of the Clear Sky Sect Master.

• Organizes the sect's response to the Ring Condensation Technique and personally leads elders and disciples to obtain it. 52
• Recognizes that Su Mo's public reputation makes direct opposition politically dangerous. 87
• Can revise the sect's strategy after observing the success of Su Mo Academy's techniques. 137
• Suppresses rash retaliation against Tang San after confirming his connection to Tang Hao. 162
• Evaluates major threats and opportunities from the Sky Screen, including Su Mo's cultivation, the Ring Ascension Technique, and the alternate Tang Hao's fate. 190 223 231

Relationships

• Su Mo — Initially regards Su Mo as a benefactor for making the Ring Condensation Technique public and offers him a position in the Clear Sky Sect. Later clashes with him over the public teaching of Self-Created Soul Skills and the Great Sumeru Technique. After Su Mo Academy proves the value of its system in the Continental Elite Soul Master Tournament, Tang Xiao sends selected Clear Sky Sect disciples to pursue admission there. While watching Su Mo's later achievements, Tang Xiao comes to regard him as a figure who could surpass the Clear Sky Sect's traditions and even states that he would yield the sect-master position to him. 63 87 96 97 98 99 137 209
• Ning Fengzhi — Discusses Su Mo Academy with him at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Ning Fengzhi challenges Tang Xiao's attempt to restrict Su Mo's teachings, which Tang Xiao ultimately acknowledges. 92 93
• Yu Yuanzhen — Fellow sect master and rival in recruiting Su Mo; both offer Su Mo an elder position and a soul bone. 63
• Yu Xiaogang — Attends the Martial Soul Hall research gathering and silently acknowledges Yu Xiaogang's determination after the event fails to produce a solution. Later observes the parallel-world Yu Xiaogang gathering the continent's factions for an exchange conference and recognizes the limitations of the Clear Sky Sect's isolation. 36 186
• Tang Hao — Tang Xiao's younger brother and a former Clear Sky Sect member regarded by several elders as a sect criminal. Tang Xiao reacts with excitement upon learning that Tang Hao may have a son and prevents immediate retaliation against Tang San. When the alternate Tang Hao's collapse is revealed, Tang Xiao reacts with anger and conflicted sympathy, distinguishing that ruined version from the Tang Hao and Ah Yin of his own world. 162 231
• Tang San — Initially targets Tang San's Tang Sect because it openly teaches powerful Self-Created Soul Skills. Upon learning that Tang San is Tang Hao's son, Tang Xiao suspends the Clear Sky Sect's action against him pending further consideration. 159 162 164
• Tang Yuehua — His sister and the mistress of Moonlight Pavilion. Tang Xiao sends her news of Tang San's claimed lineage and relies on her to investigate Tang Hao's whereabouts and assist Tang San. He later hopes that her access to information will help the sect compete for the Ring Ascension Technique. 162 164 223
• Tang Lie — The Clear Sky Sect's Seventh Elder, whom Tang Xiao dispatches to demand Tang Sect's dissolution. Tang Xiao later overrules Tang Lie's attempt to immediately return and retaliate after Tang San's lineage is revealed. 159 162
• Clear Sky Sect Elders and Disciples — Leads the elders in celebrating the Self-Condensed Soul Ring's potential, and later brings two elders and twenty younger disciples to Su Mo Academy. He subsequently orders the selection of five outstanding young disciples for the academy's second recruitment. He also suppresses their dismissive comments about Yu Xiaogang and Su Mo when the Sky Screen reveals the scale of Su Mo's achievements. 52 96 137 188
• Parallel-world Tang Xiao — Watches his counterpart attend the continent-wide exchange conference and recognizes the contrast between that version's willingness to cooperate and the original Clear Sky Sect's long isolation. 186

Story Role / Major Arcs

Self-Condensed Soul Ring Crisis

• Attends Martial Soul Hall's research gathering as Clear Sky Sect Master. 34
• Supports Yu Xiaogang's continued research after the gathering ends without a viable result. 36
• Celebrates the emergence of the Self-Condensed Soul Ring as an opportunity for the Clear Sky Sect. 52
• Personally leads elders and twenty outstanding disciples to Spirit City to obtain the Ring Condensation Technique. 52
• Publicly supports Su Mo after the Ring Condensation Technique is released and offers him a place in the Clear Sky Sect. 62 63

Su Mo Academy Conflict

• Investigates Su Mo's academy plans because he fears top-tier techniques may be spread too freely. 87 92
• Is convinced by Ning Fengzhi to reconsider his opposition, but later returns to challenge Su Mo directly. 93 96
• Witnesses Su Mo's ability to reproduce Sword Douluo's skills and adapt the Great Sumeru Hammer into the Great Sumeru Technique. 97 98
• Leaves after failing to disprove Su Mo's qualifications and being publicly embarrassed by the demonstration. 99 103
• Accepts the superiority and versatility of Su Mo Academy's Self-Created Soul Skill system after its tournament victory, selecting five Clear Sky Sect prodigies for its second recruitment. 137

Tang Sect Conflict

• Views Tang Sect's open teaching of Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, Mysterious Jade Hand, and Controlling Crane Capturing Dragon as an unacceptable threat to the Clear Sky Sect's position. 159
• Sends Seventh Elder Tang Lie to order Tang San to dissolve Tang Sect, with instructions to use force should Tang San refuse. 159
• Stops Tang Lie from immediately attacking Tang Sect again after learning that Tang San is Tang Hao's son. 162
• Has Tang Yuehua investigate Tang Hao's whereabouts and temporarily suppresses Clear Sky Sect's internal pressure against Tang San. 162 164

Sky Screen and Parallel-World Developments

• Watches the parallel world reveal the extinction of Soul Beasts and the resulting crisis in Soul Ring cultivation. 181 182
• Observes the parallel-world Clear Sky Sect attend Yu Xiaogang's exchange conference alongside Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and other factions. 186
• Concludes that the Clear Sky Sect's isolationist approach is inadequate when other factions are sharing knowledge and opening their doors. 186
• Reacts with alarm to Su Mo's independent creation of the Ring Condensation Technique and orders an investigation into him. 188 190
• Orders Clear Sky Sect disciples not to privately condense Soul Rings, threatening expulsion for those who do so merely for convenience. 193
• Recognizes the potential of the Ring Ascension Technique but admits that the sect's long seclusion has prevented it from competing effectively for the reward. 223
• Witnesses the alternate Tang Hao's collapse, exploitation, imprisonment, and death, then distinguishes that tragedy from the fate of his own younger brother and Ah Yin. 231

Notable Quotes

“Even if my Clear Sky Sect has been in seclusion for a hundred years, it is still the Clear Sky Sect.” 63

“Sect Master Ning is right. I was being narrow-minded.” 93

“We thought hiding in the mountains would be enough to protect the sect. But they have already thrown open every door.” 186

“If this child joined my Clear Sky Sect, I would be willing to yield the position of sect master to him.” 209