As time continued to pass, Yang Podi turned five.
During this time, he had spoken with his parents and grandfather about the Clear Sky Sect on several occasions, including some of its hidden dangers, only to earn a scolding from all three.
In their eyes, the Clear Sky Sect truly was like the heavens themselves. According to his grandfather, Yang Wudi, the Breaking Clan had originally been only a small clan. Only after following the Clear Sky Sect had it gradually grown. The Breaking Clan now numbered 700 people in total, with 300 direct-line disciples. In terms of Soul Master numbers alone, it could already be considered a medium-sized sect.
After all, during the Soul Hunting Operation, the entire Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had numbered only 1,800. Even after reaching its peak, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had lost only two thousand people during the Soul Hunting Operation, yet that was over two-thirds of its members. In addition, forty percent of its disciples, who had been away on business, had been surrounded and killed by Spirit Hall. The entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect probably had only around 3,500 to 4,000 Soul Masters. The Clear Sky Sect was currently the strongest, though he did not know whether it had 5,000 Soul Masters.
Of course, the main reason these sects could become the Upper Three Sects was that they had Titled Douluo. In this era, Titled Douluo were existences akin to nuclear weapons.
Every time he finished speaking with his parents, he felt that their expressions had changed. It seemed he would have to find a way himself.
That day, Yang Podi stayed alone in his room. A fairly large map of the Douluo Continent lay on the table.
Looking at the map, he sank deep into thought.
Three circles had been drawn on the map, marking Star Luo City, Heaven Dou City, and Vast Sea City.
Given Spirit Hall's current strength, only these three places were relatively safe.
Looking back over the original story, the Strength Clan had suffered the fewest losses among the Four Single-Attribute Clans. Its number of survivors after the great battle had actually been twice that of the Breaking Clan. No wonder Tai Tan had remained so utterly loyal to Tang Hao afterward. If the Strength Clan had also lost over two-thirds of its members, what damned loyalty would Tai Tan have had left?
He carefully analyzed these three places.
Star Luo City might be the safest. The Star Luo Empire was powerful, but its imperial family was too overbearing. Major sects generally did not develop within the Star Luo Empire. If the Breaking Clan went to Star Luo City, it would probably become a vassal of the Star Luo Imperial Family.
Vast Sea City was too far away, and there was no major power there to shelter them. Besides, Sea Soul Masters predominated there, and whether the Breaking Clan could adjust was still a question. Its only advantage was its relative freedom, but it carried the greatest risk.
Heaven Dou City was relatively safe. The Heaven Dou Imperial Family was rather weak. If the Breaking Clan established itself in Heaven Dou City, the Heaven Dou Imperial Family would probably be only too eager to welcome them. The drawback was that they would later have to face Qian Renxue and his two Titled Douluo bodyguards.
After repeated consideration, Heaven Dou City still seemed the most suitable. Besides, the opportunity he wanted most was there. Although he had yet to awaken his Martial Soul, if his Innate Soul Power turned out to be too low upon awakening, or his Martial Soul underwent a harmful mutation, that place could still allow him to defy the heavens and change his fate.
The biggest problem now was how to get the clan to go to Heaven Dou City. Even if he could not get the entire Breaking Clan to go, he had to arrange for at least some of them to go.
Lately, Yang Podi had been running to his grandfather Yang Wudi's room every day, hoping to find some traces and clues from him, but he had gained nothing.
In the end, with no other way left, he could only seek out his grandfather, Yang Wudi.
Seeing him arrive, Yang Wudi smiled. "Podi, how come you have time to visit me today? Why have you been coming here so often lately?"
At his grandfather's question, Yang Podi said with a solemn expression, "Grandpa, lately I've had a very bad premonition. I'm afraid something major is going to happen to our Breaking Clan."
"Podi, have you been ill lately? Why don't I take a look at you?"
"Grandpa, I really am not ill. I truly feel that something major is going to happen."
"Podi, your mindset is wrong. As members of the Breaking Clan, no matter what difficulties or enemies we encounter, we have always led the charge. Even if we die in battle, we never retreat."
Hearing this, Yang Podi's face filled with worry, and even a trace of despair.
Judging by his grandfather's attitude, and even that of the entire Breaking Clan, they were full of confidence in the Clear Sky Sect, to the point that they would stake their own lives on it.
Yang Podi gritted his teeth. No, I can't just sit here waiting for death. For the Breaking Clan, and for myself, I have to find a way. If all else fails, even if I have to throw tantrums and act shamelessly, I have to get my parents to take me to Heaven Dou City.
With that thought, he went alone to find his mother, Niu Jinfeng.
Seeing that Yang Podi's expression was somewhat unusual, Niu Jinfeng hurriedly asked, "Podi, w-what's wrong? Why does your expression seem a little off?"
Yang Podi said solemnly to his mother, "Mom, do you believe me?"
"Podi, what's wrong? Why are you suddenly so serious? Of course I believe you."
"Mom, I've felt very uneasy lately. I keep feeling that something major is going to happen to our Breaking Clan. Why don't we go take a look around Heaven Dou City?"
"Podi, I think you're feeling a little unwell. Why don't I ask your dad and grandpa to take a look at you?"
"Mom, I'm telling the truth. Our clan really could be in danger."
"We're a subordinate clan of the Clear Sky Sect. The Clear Sky Sect is the number one sect in the world. What danger could there possibly be? How about this, Podi? I'll take you to Heaven Dou City to have some fun in a while."
Hearing this, Yang Podi could only return to his room, his face full of disappointment.
Clearly, his mother was fobbing him off. No one believed that the Breaking Clan would encounter any trouble, either. After all, the Clear Sky Sect was a towering tree with deep roots, and everyone had lived at ease for too long, losing their awareness of danger.
At this thought, Yang Podi hardened his heart. At worst, I'll just leave on my own. As long as I reach Heaven Dou City, Mom and Dad will definitely come looking for me. Then the three of us will be safe. As for everyone else, I can't worry about that much now. I can't die under the butcher's blade before I've even awakened my Martial Soul. Wouldn't that make me the most miserable transmigrator?
He acted as soon as he decided. He packed a few of his usual clothes into a small bundle, took a Soul Breaking Spear he often used, brought some extra Gold Soul Coins, and slipped straight out of the clan's back gate.
Yang Podi had barely left home when word had already reached the ears of his grandfather, the clan leader, Yang Wudi.
At that moment, his grandfather Yang Wudi, his second grandfather Yang Wushuang, his father Yang Zhentian, and his mother Niu Jinfeng were all gathered in Yang Wudi's room, along with several clan elders, all of whom were Soul Saint-level experts.
When everyone heard that Yang Podi had slipped out of the house, they were all very surprised. Only Yang Wudi remained silent.
Niu Jinfeng seemed a little anxious. "That child Podi used to be quite obedient. What's gotten into him this time? I'll go bring him back right now."
Before Niu Jinfeng could leave, Yang Wudi spoke. "Jinfeng, wait a moment."
Niu Jinfeng turned back, looking at Yang Wudi with a face full of confusion.
Yang Wudi pondered for a moment, then took out a slip of paper.