Even during the finals, when Soul Master and people from all over the continent gathered in the Spirit Hall Spirit City, its core area was still shrouded in an invisible and strict layer of surveillance and oppression.
Tang Hao, the once-renowned Haotian Douluo, left his secluded forest and quietly infiltrated the city, a place filled with danger and painful memories for him, after learning that his son Tang San had entered the finals and would be coming to Wuhun City.
Tang Hao kept a close and secretive eye on his son's movements, as well as any possible actions in the city that might be directed at his son.
At this moment, Tang Hao was hiding in an inconspicuous corner outside a noisy tavern, using his Titled Douluo mental power to catch the excited conversations of the Soul Master inside.
Initially, the conversation revolved around the outcome of the match, a player's impressive performance, or some trivial rumors. However, just as Tang Hao was about to leave, a few words struck him like a thunderclap:
"Have you heard? The Clear Sky Sect! The Clear Sky Sect has reopened its gates!"
"Really? That once number one sect in the world? Didn't they close their gates for over a decade?"
"Absolutely true! The news had barely reached them when it caused quite a stir in the Cloud Mist Mountain over the Heaven Dou Empire!"
"It's said the event was extremely grand; the leaders of the other two of the Upper Three Sects personally attended, and the two great empires also sent representatives..."
"I also heard that the Four Single-Attribute Clans that relied on them back then have all gone back!"
"This is going to be interesting. How can the Spirit Hall just sit idly by?"
"Who knows? But to dare to come back so ostentatiously, they must have something to rely on..."
The tavern buzzed with discussion, a mixture of excitement, shock, and various speculations.
Tang Hao, who was hiding in the shadows, shuddered the moment he heard the words " Clear Sky Sect reopens its gates," as if struck by an invisible giant hammer!
Tang Hao's eyes, hidden in the shadow of his cloak and perpetually bloodshot and weathered, suddenly burst forth with an unbelievably intense light, which then transformed into a deeper, more complex mix of emotions: excitement, nostalgia, guilt, and profound confusion.
Has the Clear Sky Sect reopened its gates?
That sect, once a source of pride, yet forced into seclusion because of my actions? That root, which I yearn for day and night, yet feel ashamed to return to?
An indescribable surge of heat rushed to Tang Hao's head, causing him to feel a brief dizziness and a stinging sensation in his nose.
For over a decade! Tang Hao, burdened by the shackles of a sect sinner, wandered the continent, barely clinging to life. And now, the sect has actually... returned? Returned with such force and such a high-profile presence?!
Excitement washed over Tang Hao like a tidal wave, but this was quickly followed by even stronger doubts and vigilance.
"What is the reason... that the sect dares to confront the Spirit Hall head-on?" Tang Hao murmured to himself, his brows furrowed.
Tang Hao knew all too well the Spirit Hall's domineering and vindictive nature, and he was also acutely aware of the immense pressure and helplessness his sect faced when it chose to close its gates.
Without absolute certainty and reliance, Elder Tang Xiao would never have made such a startling decision rashly, which is tantamount to placing the entire sect under the blade of the Spirit Hall!
Countless thoughts flashed through Tang Hao's mind in an instant: Had the sect secretly accumulated power far exceeding his imagination over the years? Or had it found powerful external aid or allies? Or perhaps... had some unknown and profound change occurred in the situation on the continent, one that was unfavorable to the Spirit Hall?
In any case, the sect must have had the confidence to take this step.
But then, an even stronger thought overwhelmed his worries about the sect's situation: Tang San! My son!
Thinking of Tang San, Tang Hao's gaze involuntarily turned towards the direction of the final arena, his eyes becoming incredibly gentle and proud, before transforming into an unprecedented fervor and anticipation.
"My Little San... possesses Twin Martial Souls, exceptional talent, and unwavering will... he has far more potential than I did back then!" Tang Hao murmured to himself, his rough hands unconsciously clenching.
A clear plan gradually took shape in Tang Hao's mind, carrying with it a desire to make up for what he had done wrong:
"When the time is right... when the Little San is powerful enough... I'll bring Little San back to the sect!"
"With Little San's talent, abilities, and the strength he proved in the Soul Master Tournament, he will definitely gain the sect's recognition! Little San is worthy of inheriting the mantle of the Clear Sky Sect and leading the sect to new glory!"
"And if the Little San is accepted by the sect and reinstated... then perhaps I, this sinner, will also have a chance to return to the sect..."
This thought made Tang Hao's heart beat faster. Tang Hao placed all his hopes on Tang San.
Tang Hao even began to imagine what it would be like when he brought his son to the mountain gate and faced his elder Tang Xiao and the elders with a powerful presence... His son would receive the attention and training he deserved, and perhaps he himself could also receive a sliver of forgiveness.
The finals were in full swing. The second round of the competition had begun, and the atmosphere was even more intense and heated than in the preliminary rounds.
Shrek Academy, having secured first place in the Heaven Dou Empire regional qualifying round, enjoys a bye in the second round and is exempt from playing.
This gave Shrek Academy an extra precious day, but Flender and the others did not relax at all; on the contrary, they became even more tense.
A bye means Shrek Academy can fully observe the performance of all their opponents in this round, especially the three mysterious and powerful seeded teams, who will all make their appearance in this round!
Only the participating teams were allowed to watch around the arena; ordinary people were not permitted to observe. When a cardinal loudly announced the seeded teams' entrance, all eyes were instantly drawn to them.
The first team to appear was the Spirit Hall Academy Team.
When the seven Spirit Hall Academy Team slowly walked onto the arena, the entire venue seemed to fall silent for a moment. This was not only because of their magnificent and dignified team uniforms embroidered with the Spirit Hall emblem, but also because of the Soul Ring that lit up one after another beneath their feet!
Captain Xie Yue, Vice Captain Yan, and the mysterious and beautiful girl Hu Liena all had five Soul Ring— two yellow, two purple, and one black—beneath their feet!
Soul King! And there are three Soul King!
It is extremely rare in the history of the competition for three Soul King to appear in the same academy team!
Xie Yue's aura was sharp as a knife, and Yan's heat was like magma. Hu Liena was alluring yet deadly. The other four team members were all Soul Ancestor Masters.
The mere presence of this team was enough to intimidate most opponents before they even faced them.
The Spirit Hall Academy Team defeated their opponents effortlessly.
Perhaps this was the kind of deterrent effect the Spirit Hall wanted. The audience gasped in amazement, while the leaders and students from other academies looked extremely solemn.
Following closely behind, the seeded team representing the Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou Royal Academy First Team, also made their appearance, led by Captain Dugu Yan.
The appearance of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy also caused a huge sensation!
Captain Dugu Yan, with five Soul Ring— two yellow, two purple, and one black—shining brightly beneath her feet, was a level 56 Control System and Power Attack System Battle Soul King!
The chilling aura and poisonous scent emanating from the Jade Phosphorus Poison Dragon Martial Soul could send shivers down one's spine even from a great distance; her level was truly outstanding among the known contestants.
Vice Captain Yu Tianheng stood with four Soul Ring —two yellow and two purple—on his feet, a level 46 Power Attack System Battle Soul Ancestor! His Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul was attached to him, Dragon Transformation right arm crackling with lightning, exuding a powerful dragon aura, showcasing the domineering and majestic power of the world's number one Beast Martial Soul.
The other members of the team are equally formidable: the Shi Mo and Shi Mo brothers are level 43 Defense System Battle Soul Ancestor! Yu Feng and Osler are level 41 Agility Attack System Battle Soul Ancestor! And Ye Lingling has five Soul Ring —two yellow, two purple, and one black—making her a level 52 Healing System Soul King!
With all members at the Soul Ancestor or above, and two Soul King! Especially with the two top-tier Martial Soul, the Jade Phosphorus Poison Dragon and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, plus the top-tier support Ye Lingling, this team's raw strength instantly leaps to become the second-best-hit team for the championship, second only to the Spirit Hall Academy!
Finally, the team making its appearance was the Star Luo Royal Academy Team, representing the Star Luo Empire's seeded team.
Although the Star Luo Royal Academy Team did not have Soul King present, their Martial Soul Fusion Skill " Hell White Tiger " completely destroyed the opponent's formation with just a few pounces, achieving an overwhelming victory! The whole process was clean and efficient!