A single sentence instantly shattered all of Tang Ya's confidence.
The sharpness around her completely faded. Her eyes reddened at once as she looked at the bewildered Huo Yuhao and said softly, "You're right. The Tang Sect has nothing left now."
"Our sect territory and the accumulations of countless generations were all taken away. Such a vast sect is now left with only Bei Bei and me. I'm the current sect master of the Tang Sect, and Bei Bei is my only disciple."
"Ah?"
Huo Yuhao's eyes widened in utter disbelief, and his beautiful expectations of the Tang Sect instantly shattered.
Bei Bei, standing nearby, pressed his lips together tightly, helplessness flashing through his eyes.
Dilapidated, withering, barely clinging to life. This was the Tang Sect of today.
Lu Yuan looked at Tang Ya, whose spirits had sunk beneath her unwillingness.
An arms dealer who refused to keep up with the times deserved to decline.
Lu Yuan's voice carried a uniquely bewitching power as it sank into Tang Ya's heart.
"Do you hate it?"
"Do you hate the Tang Sect's decline, hate its glory fading away, hate the unfairness of the world, hate how a legend that should have endured ended up in such ruins?"
Tang Ya's body trembled slightly. Her nails dug fiercely into her palms as endless resentment and unwillingness churned in her eyes.
She raised her head and looked at Lu Yuan. "You... what do you mean?"
Bei Bei frowned. "Xiaoya?"
Lu Yuan smiled faintly. "Join our Abyss Cult!"
"You should know very well that the Tang Sect should never have ended up like this. Its glory should have lasted for eternity, yet fate ruthlessly crushed it. Countless paths that should have existed vanished without a trace."
"There are too many obsessions abandoned by this world, too many futures left unrealized. People only see the predetermined outcome, but no one cares about the possibilities that were erased."
"Our Abyss Cult accepts all those unwilling to accept the status quo, unwilling to submit to an unfair fate. The things you desperately seek yet cannot obtain, the things you lost and can never recover—here, there will always be a chance to find them again!"
Tang Ya fell into deep thought after hearing those words.
Even Huo Yuhao could not help being moved.
Unwilling to accept the status quo? Unwilling to submit to an unfair fate?
Wasn't that describing me?
I hate the White Tiger Duke. I hate the duke's estate!
I have to grow stronger and seek justice for Mother!
But... when did this Abyss Cult appear?
Why had I never heard of it before?
Forget it... I should join the Tang Sect first.
The Tang Sect is still an ancient sect with ten thousand years of history. Its foundation is deep—it can't be wrong!
Seeing Tang Ya lost in thought, Bei Bei immediately grew anxious. He hurriedly stepped forward and shielded her behind him, shouting sternly, "Don't spread your demonic lies! Xiaoya, don't listen to him!"
Tang Ya looked at Lu Yuan, pursed her lips, and said softly, "Maybe you have a point, but... I'm the sect master of the Tang Sect. I won't give up!"
Though she said that, a seed had already been silently planted in Tang Ya's heart.
Lu Yuan asked again, "Sect Master Tang, why was it that among the Tang Sect and Shrek, both founded by Sea God Tang San, only the Tang Sect declined while Shrek still stood strong today? Why did Shrek have countless experts, yet refuse to lend the Tang Sect a hand?"
Tang Ya froze.
A Tang Sect that had been passed down for ten thousand years had actually been destroyed by an unknown Iron Blood Sect. What a joke.
Shrek only needed to send one or two inner court disciples to easily deal with the Iron Blood Sect, yet they had done nothing. They had merely sent Bei Bei over as a disciple.
Seeing Lu Yuan continue to beguile Tang Ya, Bei Bei's expression darkened. "Enough! Stop talking!"
"Xiaoya! Yuhao! Let's go. Ignore these three lunatics."
He knew that even if the three of them joined forces, they would be no match for Lu Yuan, Gu Qiu'er, and Xiao Xiao. Continuing this confrontation would only leave them at a disadvantage.
Bei Bei hurriedly supported the troubled Tang Ya, took the still-dazed Huo Yuhao with him, and quickly turned to leave the dense forest.
Only after the three of them had completely disappeared did peace return to the woods.
Gu Qiu'er curled her lips. "What spineless people. A few words were enough to make them run."
Lu Yuan watched their retreating backs. "Forget it. Let's leave them alone and go."
The three left Star Dou Forest. After asking for directions in a village, they headed toward the Dou Ling Empire.
Two days later, the three arrived at Wutan City, the provincial capital of Gama Province in the Dou Ling Empire.
The closer they got to the city gates, the more Xiao Xiao's face took on the gentle sweetness of someone returning home.
"Brother Lu Yuan, Sister Qiu'er, my home is right up ahead."
Xiao Xiao's voice could not hide her joy and anticipation.
After entering the city, they found its streets prosperous and orderly, with shops lining both sides and pedestrians flowing steadily through them.
After passing through several main streets, a grand aristocratic estate with towering walls came into view.
The Xiao Family guards on duty at the entrance recognized Xiao Xiao at a glance. Their faces immediately filled with wild joy as they hastily bowed and reported her return.
"Young Miss! You're back!"
The news swiftly reached the estate. Moments later, a refined, dignified middle-aged couple hurried out. They were Xiao Xiao's parents.
"Xiao Xiao! My precious daughter!"
Madam Xiao rushed forward and pulled Xiao Xiao into her embrace.
Xiao Xiao obediently nestled in her mother's arms and softly reassured her for a few moments. Then she straightened up and solemnly introduced Lu Yuan and Gu Qiu'er to her parents.
"Father, Mother, these two are my friends, Brother Lu Yuan and Sister Gu Qiu'er. They have protected me all these years, and now they are accompanying me as I travel and cultivate."
Father Xiao carefully examined Lu Yuan and Gu Qiu'er.
They looked young, yet their auras were unfathomable. They were clearly far beyond ordinary young Soul Masters.
Thinking of Xiao Xiao's mysterious Titled Douluo teacher, Father Xiao immediately understood.
The identities of these two young people had to be extraordinarily profound.
"Thank you, young friends, for keeping Xiao Xiao safe. My Xiao Family is endlessly grateful!"
Father Xiao solemnly cupped his hands in salute, his manners impeccable and his gratitude sincere.
Madam Xiao also hurried forward to welcome them warmly, respectfully ushering all three into the estate.
In the main hall, hot tea and exquisite dishes were soon laid out.
Xiao Xiao leaned against her parents and carefully recounted everything she had experienced during this time.
At last, she spoke seriously and revealed her plans.
"Father, Mother, Teacher has allowed me to travel and cultivate freely. Next, I plan to follow Brother Lu Yuan and Sister Qiu'er as we continue traveling across the continent and exploring the world."
"Training while cultivating... blah blah..."
Father and Mother Xiao listened quietly, their hearts filled with comfort and pride.
They knew their daughter possessed peerless talent—Innate Full Soul Power and Twin Martial Souls. Keeping her in Wutan City would only bury that talent.
With companions as exceptional as Lu Yuan and Gu Qiu'er at her side, she would be a hundred times better off than staying home to cultivate behind closed doors.
Father Xiao nodded slightly. "You've grown up and have your own cultivation plans. Your mother and I will support you."
"Cultivate well and gain experience properly while you're away. Don't worry about home. The Xiao Family is safe and secure now; no one dares bully us. You only need to focus on cultivating with them and steadily grow stronger."
Madam Xiao gently gave her a few reminders, telling her to stay safe outside, treat others with humility, and never recklessly force herself into danger. Her words were full of affection and reassurance.
Over the next two days, Lu Yuan, Gu Qiu'er, and Xiao Xiao spent their time sightseeing around Wutan City.
The Xiao Estate treated them with thorough hospitality and great ceremony, but no one rashly pried into the identities or origins of Lu Yuan and Gu Qiu'er. They maintained just the right amount of respect.
After two days of rest, the three bid farewell to the Xiao Family.
Xiao Xiao reluctantly said goodbye to her parents, then followed Lu Yuan and Gu Qiu'er as they once again set out on their journey.
Before you continue