The golden light inside the Altar slowly faded. The Clear Sky Hammer phantom in Tang San's palm quietly vanished, and the heavy stone carvings returned to their usual ancient stillness.
The wariness on the seven elders' faces had completely ebbed, replaced by a measure of relief and reassurance. The First Elder cupped his hands toward Tang Xiao, his voice carrying a hint of apology. "Sect Master, our old eyes failed us. We wronged your nephew. I hope you won't hold it against us."
The Second Elder nodded as well. The hostility in his gaze toward Tang San was gone, replaced by a measure of admiration. "For someone so young, your nephew has such resolve and temperament, not to mention such pure sect blood. He's certain to achieve great things and restore the glory of the Clear Sky Sect."
The weight finally lifted from Tang Xiao's heart. He burst into laughter and clapped Tang San on the shoulder. "Of course! Just look at whose son he is!"
But amid the easing tension, the Sixth Elder, standing at the very end, suddenly knitted his brows and stepped forward. A sharp glint flashed in his cloudy eyes as he fixed them on Tang San.
"Wait! Something's wrong!"
His shout instantly froze the atmosphere in the great hall once more.
Everyone's gaze snapped to the Sixth Elder. Tang Xiao's smile stiffened, and he frowned. "Sixth Elder, what else is the matter?"
"A great deal!" The Sixth Elder's voice suddenly rose. He pointed straight at Tang San. "Sect Master, fellow elders, haven't you noticed? Besides the Clear Sky Hammer, this boy has the aura of a Second Martial Soul! And it's a Plant-type Martial Soul!"
His words crashed through the Altar like a thunderclap, leaving it utterly silent.
The spiritual power of all seven Titled