Tang Yuehua glanced around and continued, "Regarding the matter of Little San... Second Brother might have had his own unavoidable difficulties. Perhaps... he believes that only by letting Little San grow through experience can he truly shoulder responsibility? Going to Spirit City is probably not what he wanted to see Little San use the Clear Sky Hammer; there might be some unforeseen circumstances we don't know about."
"Difficulties? Unexpected events?" Second Elder Tang Zhen spoke slowly, his face resolute, his voice low but carrying an undeniable authority. " Yuehua, we understand your desire to protect your brother. Let's set aside the rights and wrongs of Tang Hao's actions back then. But this time, sending his son, who wields the Clear Sky Hammer, to participate in a continent-wide tournament right under the Spirit Hall's nose is placing him in immeasurable risk! This is a recklessness and shortsightedness that no 'difficulty' can explain away!"
Tang Zhen's gaze swept across the crowd like lightning, finally settling on Tang Yuehua's face. "As a disciple of the Clear Sky Sect, bearing the sect's inherited Martial Soul, one's primary consideration in actions should be the sect's safety and interests. Tang San possesses Twin Martial Souls, especially the Clear Sky Hammer. What would it mean for the Spirit Hall if it were exposed? What would it mean for the Clear Sky Sect? Tang Hao couldn't possibly be unaware! Yet he still allowed this to happen! This can no longer be concealed by personal feelings; it is a complete and utter disregard and Stomp of the sect's interests!"
The Second Elder's words were forceful, elevating the issue to the level of sect responsibility and collective interests, causing even the younger generation and neutral elders who had initially sympathized with Tang Hao's plight to fall into deep thought. Tang Yuehua opened her mouth, but found herself unable to refute him. Her second brother's actions this time, both morally and logically... were indeed untenable.
Silence fell again in the hall, broken only by heavy breathing and the occasional crackling of lamp flames.
After a moment, Fourth Elder Tang Ran said in a deep voice, "Things have come to this point, and reprimanding them is useless. The most urgent task is to find out where Tang Hao and his son are now, and what their situation is. Is the rumor that Tang San's martial soul has been destroyed true? If so, is there any way to salvage the situation? Tang Hao was so anxious to save his son that he repeatedly detonated his rings, which must have aggravated his old injuries. Are they safe and sound now? We know nothing about any of these things."
Seventh Elder Tang Lie snorted coldly, " The Spirit Hall is definitely searching for him with all its might. Tang Hao possesses many inherited Soul Bone from the sect. Finding him is not only for the sect's sake, but also... to prevent Tang Hao from falling into the hands of the Spirit Hall."
Tang Lie's words revealed a complex emotion, including resentment towards Tang Hao for causing his son's death in battle, as well as the bottom line that he could not stand by and watch his own bloodline perish.
After a heated debate and deliberation, the Second Elder Tang Zhen, finally made the final decision. "The matter of Tang Hao and his son concerns the interests of the sect and the movements of the Spirit Hall. It must be investigated, but it should not be done in a big way."
He looked at Tang Yuehua, " Yuehua, you run Moonlight Pavilion outside and have a wide network of connections. Moreover, you and Tang Hao are siblings. It is most appropriate for you to conduct the investigation secretly."
Tang Yuehua immediately bowed. " Yuehua obeys."
The Second Elder continued, "Any information about them must be reported immediately, and the sect will discuss it further."
" Yuehua understands." Tang Yuehua solemnly replied, her heart heavy. Finding her second brother was no easy task.
After the meeting concluded, the elders dispersed with varying expressions.
Tang Yuehua walked out of the main hall, looked at the mountain gate shrouded in mist, and sighed softly.
Tang Feng, who had been listening in silence, had seen everything and was not surprised by the outcome.
In Heaven Dou City, the teams participating in the finals finally arrived.
A grand triumphant ceremony was held in front of the imperial city, with banners waving and music filling the air. Xue Ye personally commended the champion Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team and the runner-up Shrek Academy for winning unparalleled honor for the empire.
When Xue Ye handed the medal symbolizing the runner-up to Flender, the usually shrewd dean's eyes reddened, drawing countless envious cheers.
On the stage, Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, and other members of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy stood on the right. Ning Rongrong, Oscar, and others from Shrek stood on the left. They were all receiving the attention and cheers of the crowd, enjoying their moment of glory, full of high spirits.
After the commotion subsided, the Shrek Academy students returned to their familiar academy.
Because of their runner-up finish, Shrek's reputation soared, and the academy was more bustling than ever before, with crowds of people rushing to register or watch almost breaking down the door.
Grandmaster Yu, however, looked haggard and lost his appetite.
Tang San was his disciple, to whom he poured all his heart and soul, and whom he regarded as his own son. He was also the most perfect test subject for his theoretical and practical experiments.
Now, his whereabouts are unknown, his fate uncertain, and the rumors of his Martial Soul being destroyed are like poisonous thorns piercing his heart, plunging Grandmaster Yu into immense grief from which he cannot extricate himself.
It was as if life had lost all hope, and no one could prove their theories anymore. Liu Erlong stood by Grandmaster Yu's side, equally worried, yet unsure how to comfort him.
Meng Yiran was also dejected, her pretty face losing its usual radiance, and she often stared out the window in a daze.
The meeting room door closed, shutting out the noise from outside.
Flender adjusted his glasses, his gaze sweeping over the young faces that had lost their childishness. "According to the academy's rules, you... have officially graduated. The path ahead is yours to choose."
After a brief silence, Ning Rongrong spoke first, "Dean, I plan to return to the sect. After this competition, I realize that I still have many shortcomings and need to return to my father and two grandfathers to continue my studies and cultivation."
She looked at her former companions, her eyes filled with a sincere invitation. "If you don't have a better place to go for the time being, you are welcome to come to our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. The school always welcomes true friends and geniuses."
Next up was Oscar. He scratched his head, his usual playful expression replaced by a serious one. "Dean, I already promised Brother Feng that I would join his sect, the Clear Sky Sect, after graduation."
Upon hearing this, apart from Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, who already knew, everyone else, including Flender and Zhao Wuji, showed surprise on their faces, which then turned to understanding.
Tang Feng? His surname is Tang. He's actually a member of the Clear Sky Sect?
Seeing this, Tai Long knew there was no need to hide it any longer. He took a deep breath, stood up, and said, "Dean, teachers, and everyone else, now that things have come to this, I won't hide it anymore."
"I've known Tang Feng for a long time. He's the young sect leader of our Clear Sky Sect. As you've probably all heard, the Clear Sky Sect has emerged from seclusion, and our Strength Clan has also returned to the sect. So, after graduation, I will immediately return to the sect to serve."
Young Master of the Clear Sky Sect!
These words were like a thunderclap, exploding in the ears of everyone except those in the know!
Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaogang swayed violently. Had he unknowingly almost offended the young sect master of the Clear Sky Sect?
Dai Mubai's pupils constricted sharply, and his fists clenched instinctively. Recalling the hostility he had felt towards Tang Feng because of Zhu Zhuqing, he realized that the other party had such a terrifying background.
Thinking of Tang Feng's unfathomable strength, a wave of fear and an indescribable sense of defeat washed over him.
Dai Mubai snapped out of his shock, his expression shifting before settling into a bitter look. His voice was low and strained. " The Star Luo Empire... I can't go back right now. I want to stay at the academy for the time being and see how things develop."
Seeing Dai Mubai's cowardice, Zhu Zhuqing's disappointment was evident, but she then said with her usual determination, "I will return to the Star Luo Empire after some time."
She didn't look at Dai Mubai and continued, "Some things need to be settled completely. The engagement needs to be dissolved, and the family matters need to be resolved."
Zhu Zhuqing's tone was calm and even, yet it contained an unwavering determination.
Resolving her family's affairs might also mean confronting the forces that pressured and exploited her. This is indeed not an easy task.
" Zhu Zhuqing! Do you think the rules of the Star Luo Imperial Family are child's play? They won't let you get away with this..." Dai Mubai suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with anger.
"That's my business." Zhu Zhuqing stood up and said calmly, " Dai Mubai, mind your own business. You'd better hide in Shrek for the rest of your life, you coward..."
Dai Mubai wanted to say something more, but when he thought of Zhu Zhuqing's Soul Power, which was four years younger than his but one level higher, and her cold and resolute eyes, all the words stuck in his throat.
Slumped back in his chair, Dai Mubai knew the Star Luo Imperial Family would never allow the Hell Spirit Cat to surpass the Evil Eye White Tiger; he had completely given up.