Six months later, an oppressive air hung over the broken walls and ruins of the former Suotuo City.
Tang San slowly concluded his cultivation and opened his eyes. Deep within them lay long-festering venom and a glint of sharpness befitting a Soul Saint.
Soul Saint. I've done it.
He clenched his fists, feeling the dense Soul Power within him, far greater than before.
The Clear Sky Hammer has all five Soul Rings now, too.
Though their ages varied considerably, the false exhilaration of brimming power briefly drowned out the hatred branded deep into his heart.
He rose and walked toward Dai Mubai, who sat listlessly nearby, and the busy Oscar.
"Boss Dai, Little Oscar, it's time to leave."
Dai Mubai sprang up almost instantly, hope in his eyes:
"Xiao San! You did it? Where are we going?"
He looked like a man clutching his last lifeline.
Oscar silently put away the bottles and jars in his hands, his expression a little more numb than Dai Mubai's.
"Back to the Clear Sky Sect."
Tang San's voice was cold, his decision beyond question.
That is our last refuge and stepping stone. Sea God Island, which Teacher mentioned... we have to go there.
Dai Mubai answered emphatically, "All right! Back to the Clear Sky Sect!"
In his mind, the Clear Sky Sect was still a powerful backer to cling to.
Oscar's gaze flickered. He said nothing and simply followed.
With their mere dozen remaining Tang Sect disciples, all frightened and uneasy, this band of defeated remnants quietly left Suotuo City, slipping away in the opposite direction from Heaven Dou City.
On the Clear Sky Sect's precipitous mountain path.
Tang Xiao looked at Tang San, whose aura had changed completely and even carried a faint trace of sinister energy, and frowned slightly.
Behind Tang