"Sect Master, the mass grave is just ahead. We can avoid the pursuers for now," a surviving disciple of the Clear Sky Sect said in a low voice, his voice full of exhaustion. When the news of the Star Luo Empire's destruction arrived, they were still desperately protecting Tang San as he broke through the encirclement. But now, the Clear Sky Sect, which had supported him, was already severely weakened. All the Soul Douluo- level experts in the sect had died under the blades of the pursuers in order to cover their retreat.
Tang San staggered and leaned against the broken wall, looking at the few people left around him, his heart sinking.
Once upon a time, the Clear Sky Sect was one of the Upper Three Sects, and its reputation was so illustrious. But now, not only has the sect been destroyed, but the other Upper Three Sects have also become mere shells of their former selves.
He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms, oblivious to the blood seeping out. "I'm not reconciled... Dai Weisi, Bibi Dong, Xue Qinghe, and Yu Tianheng... I will settle this score with them!"
But as soon as he finished speaking, the cold reality extinguished his anger.
The two great empires now occupy the continent like behemoths, with formidable military strength and countless powerful Soul Master.
He looked down at his hands—even if he cultivated to the level of Titled Douluo with all his might, what would he be compared to the iron hooves of the two great empires? He would be nothing more than an ant, easily crushed to pieces with a gentle crushing blow.
Despair surged into Tang San's heart like a tide, and he slowly lowered his head, the light of his Purple Demon Eye gradually dimming.
Seeing his distraught appearance, the Clear Sky Sect disciples beside him wanted to comfort him, but they didn't know what to say. They could only silently grip their weapons and watch out for any movement around them.
The mountain wind swept up fallen leaves, which landed on Tang San's shoulders, as if playing a desperate lament for this once-proud son of heaven.
"Sect Master! Something terrible has happened!"
Suddenly, a disciple of the Clear Sky Sect rushed over anxiously, his voice trembling, "The Ninth Elder... he's dying! He insisted on seeing you one last time before he passed away! Please go and see him!"
Upon hearing this, Tang San's heart sank. His previously calm expression froze instantly. He rose up, creating a gust of wind, and almost instantly vanished.
He knew in his heart that the Ninth Elder, known as the Blazing Sun Douluo, possessed unfathomable strength, and that he must have been in a life-or-death battle to have ended up in such a predicament.
When Tang San arrived at the Ninth Elder's cave, the atmosphere was extremely oppressive.
Blazing Sun Douluo lay on the bed, his once rosy face now deathly pale. His chest heaved violently, each breath a painful gasp, clearly on the verge of death. Seeing Tang San enter, a glimmer of light flickered in his eyes, and he spoke in a hoarse voice, "Sect Master... I'm alright... it's just... those Titled Douluo from the Spirit Hall Empire launched a surprise attack, and in order to protect the sect disciples' retreat, I couldn't... I couldn't stop them..."
Tang San rushed forward, wanting to channel his Soul Power to alleviate the injury, but was gently stopped by Blazing Sun Douluo's wave of his hand. "No need... Sect Master, I'm holding on because I have something important to tell you..." He raised his hand with difficulty, and a disciple beside him immediately handed him an ancient wooden box. "This is... a secret treasured by the Clear Sky Sect for many years—information about Sea God Island. That place... is a unique cultivation ground. If one can pass the trials on the island, one's strength will... will experience a leap in improvement, giving one more confidence to fight against the Spirit Hall Empire in the future..."
As he spoke, the Blazing Sun Douluo trembled as he opened the wooden box. Inside was a yellowed animal hide map, marked with the route to Sea God Island. He handed the map to Tang San, his eyes filled with anticipation. "Sect Master... this map... you must keep it safe... the future of the Clear Sky Sect... I'm entrusting it to you..."
Tang San took the map, his fingertips touching the rough animal hide. Looking at the weak appearance of the Blazing Sun Douluo, he felt both grief and an overwhelming joy.
He nodded vigorously, his voice firm. "Ninth Elder, rest assured! I, Tang San, will remember this kindness and this heavy responsibility! I will definitely go to Sea God Island, and I will live up to your trust. I will definitely protect the Clear Sky Sect!"
Tang San gripped the map of Sea God Island tightly in his hand, his fingertips turning slightly white from the force. The dying words of the Blazing Clear Sky Sect Blazing Sun Douluo echoed in his ears, along with the expectant gazes of the Clear Sky Sect disciples, the shadow of the rampant Spirit Hall Empire, and the hidden crisis of the Heaven Dou Empire. These complex emotions intertwined in his heart, ultimately solidifying into a firm decision—to go to Sea God Island.
"Only by breaking through our own limits can we truly protect the Clear Sky Sect and have the confidence to take revenge on the Spirit Hall Empire and the forces lurking in the shadows of the Heaven Dou Empire."
Tang San stood in the main hall of the Clear Sky Sect, his gaze sweeping over the elders and disciples below. His voice was steady yet carried an undeniable power, "This trip to Sea God Island is perilous, but it is currently our only way out."
Tang San had already made arrangements for the remaining forces of the Clear Sky Sect. He looked at the core elders and said solemnly, "From today onwards, everyone in the sect will go into hiding, close the mountain gates, and strictly prohibit anyone from leaving without permission. This is partly to avoid the Spirit Hall Empire's search and preserve our strength; and partly to await my return." He paused, his eyes sharpening, "Until I return, no matter what changes occur in the outside world, your primary task is to protect yourselves. Do not act impulsively."
Although the elders had concerns, they understood that this was the best option at the moment, and they all nodded in agreement. "We will obey the sect leader's command!"
Having settled the sect's affairs, Tang San didn't linger. He changed into a set of comfortable clothes suitable for long journeys, carefully put away the map of Sea God Island, and glanced back at the familiar Clear Sky Sect's mountain gate. A hint of reluctance flashed in his eyes, quickly replaced by a resolute determination. Without disturbing many people, at dawn, before the morning mist had dissipated, he set off alone for Sea God Island, his figure quickly disappearing into the distant mountains and forests.
From then on, Tang San, the sect leader of the Clear Sky Sect who had once stirred up countless waves on the continent, disappeared without a trace. Some speculated that he had retired from the world, while others spread rumors that he had been poisoned by the Spirit Hall Empire. But no one knew that this young man, carrying a deep-seated blood feud and the hopes of his sect, was heading towards an unknown sea, preparing to face a test that would change his life forever.
The landscape of the Douluo Continent has been reshaped. Two great empires stand in opposition, each holding the reins of this land's destiny. On one side is the Spirit Hall Empire, which controls Soul Grandmaster. Empress Bibi Dong reigns supreme with absolute power, commanding countless Titled Douluo and intimidating all sides. On the other side is the long-established Heaven Dou Empire Emperor Xue Qinghe sits in court, seemingly gentle and refined, but in reality harboring hidden schemes.
Not long ago, the two great empires joined forces for the first time ever, Thunder destroying the Star Luo Empire and completely rewriting the tripartite division of the continent.
While outwardly maintaining the facade of a "friendly alliance," undercurrents were surging between them. Everyone knew that two tigers could not share the same mountain, and this brief peace was merely the calm before the storm. One day, the two great empires would inevitably wage a war that would sweep across the land for absolute dominion over the continent.