The Clear Sky Sect Emerges: A Thunderous Force and Mysteries in Sunset Forest

The news that the Clear Sky Sect had announced its return to the world tore through the continent's silence like a thunderclap.

When Tang Xiao appeared outside Heaven Dou City leading a hundred Clear Sky Sect disciples, the entire alliance erupted. Every one of these Soul Masters, who had lived in seclusion for years, had a steady presence, and even the weakest had reached the Soul King level. The elders at their head exuded the pressure of Soul Douluo, and the jet-black Clear Sky Hammer in Tang Xiao's hand, though he held it casually, seemed capable of making the earth tremble.

"As expected of one of the former Upper Three Sects, its foundations really are terrifying." Meng Zhi couldn't help marveling as he watched the Clear Sky Sect disciples standing in neat ranks. Ning Fengzhi and Yu Luomian exchanged a glance, relief flashing in both their eyes-with the Clear Sky Sect's addition, the alliance finally had the strength to confront Spirit Hall head-on.

Tang San entrusted his grandfather's Right Arm Soul Bone to Xue Qinghe, not because he distrusted his companions, but because he understood how important the Soul Bone was. The imperial family's secret chamber had multiple seals, making it safer than anywhere else. Once everything was settled, he immediately returned to the alliance's main camp to meet up with Lin Ye and the others.

"The Clear Sky Sect's presence is really intimidating." Dai Mubai patted Tang San on the shoulder, excitement in his voice. "With them around, we'll have more confidence going to Sunset Forest to look for the Soul Bone."

Lin Ye was wiping a short blade formed from Golden Crow Fire. Hearing this, he nodded. "But we can't let our guard down. Spirit Hall suffered such a huge loss, so they'll definitely be watching Sunset Forest. That Soul Bone fragment might be a trap."

"Even if it's a trap, we have to walk into it." Tang San's gaze was resolute. "The safety of the continent depends on the Azure Lotus Soul Bone. Even if there are mountains of blades and seas of fire ahead, we have to go."

After a brief discussion, the alliance drew up a plan: Tang Xiao would lead the Clear Sky Sect's main force in defending Heaven Dou City against a counterattack from Spirit Hall; Ning Fengzhi and Yu Luomian would coordinate the various sects' resources; and Tang San would lead the Shrek Team, accompanied by Sword Douluo Chen Xin and ten Clear Sky Sect elites, to Sunset Forest to search for the Soul Bone.

On the eve of their departure, Tang San made a point of visiting Tang Hao. The former Clear Sky Douluo was sitting beside the training ground, watching the disciples train, a trace of nostalgia in his eyes.

"Dad, we're leaving tomorrow."

Tang Hao turned and handed Tang San a cloth bundle. "These are my notes on cultivating with the Clear Sky Hammer, along with a few pieces of Soul Bone essence to replenish Soul Power. When you reach Sunset Forest, listen to Chen Xin in all things. He has more experience than you."

"I know." Tang San took the bundle, feeling its weight in his hand. "Take care of yourself too."

Tang Hao smiled. It was the first time Tang San had seen him smile so easily. "Don't worry. Once you bring back the Soul Bone, I still have a score to settle with Spirit Hall."

Early the next morning, the group of fifteen set out for Sunset Forest. Dressed in white with a long sword on his back, Sword Douluo Chen Xin walked at the front of the group, seemingly at ease. In truth, his divine sense had long since spread out for ten li around them; not even the slightest rustle of wind or grass could escape his notice.

The Clear Sky Sect disciples spoke little, but every one of them had sharp eyes. Their Clear Sky Hammers were ready at all times, demonstrating their exceptional vigilance.

"Senior Sword Douluo, who do you think Spirit Hall will send to guard the Soul Bone?" Xiao Wu couldn't help asking. She was full of curiosity about the legendary Titled Douluo, especially his Seven Kill Sword, which could split space.

Chen Xin stroked his beard, his voice calm. "Ghost Douluo is the most likely. His Netherworld Shadow Clone is best suited to setting ambushes, and he and Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan are old partners. Yue Guan was recently defeated, so he'll certainly look for a way to get even."

"Ghost Douluo?" Lin Ye's heart tightened. He had heard the name at the altar. Supposedly, Ghost Douluo's Martial Soul, the Netherworld Ghost Claw, could devour Soul Power and was extremely bizarre.

Tang San's expression also grew grave. "If it really is him, we'll have to be even more careful. Even my Blue Silver Grass has trouble detecting him when he turns invisible."

They traveled in silence, advancing at full speed. Sunset Forest lay on the border between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire. It was a primeval forest hundreds of times larger than the Soul Hunting Forest, home not only to a great many high-level Soul Beasts but also to numerous unknown secret realms. It was shrouded in thick fog year-round.

As they entered the forest's outskirts, the fog gradually thickened until visibility was less than ten meters. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass spread out like radar, constantly feeding back information about their surroundings.

"There's a Soul Power fluctuation three kilometers ahead. It's very faint, as if someone deliberately concealed it," Tang San said quietly.

Chen Xin nodded. "It should be Spirit Hall's scouts. Ignore them and keep going. Let's see where their main force is hiding."

The group pressed deeper into the forest. The fog grew thicker and thicker, until even sunlight struggled to penetrate it. A faint smell of blood hung in the air; a battle had clearly taken place here not long ago.

"Something's wrong." Lin Ye suddenly stopped and unleashed Golden Crow Perception to its fullest. "There's something wrong with this fog. It contains faint traces of dark Soul Power that can interfere with perception."

Tang San immediately activated the Blue Silver Domain, trying to purify the fog, but discovered that the dark Soul Power clung to them like a disease eating at the bone. As soon as it was dispersed, it gathered again.

"It's Ghost Douluo's Netherworld Fog." Chen Xin's gaze sharpened. "He's already discovered us. He's trying to give us a show of force."

The moment he finished speaking, the surrounding fog suddenly churned. Countless black shadows burst out of it and pounced on them like ghosts!

"Here they come!" Tang San shouted. Blue Silver Grass erupted instantly, weaving a green barrier around the group.

The Clear Sky Sect disciples swung their Clear Sky Hammers in unison. Black Soul Power collided with the shadows, producing muffled thuds.

Lin Ye's Golden Crow Fire turned into a rain of fire that filled the sky, lighting up the dense fog. The shadows struck by the flames let out piercing screams and dissolved into black smoke-they were Ghost Douluo's Netherworld Shadow Clones.

"Is that all you've got?" Chen Xin snorted. The Seven Kill Sword abruptly left its sheath, and a brilliant arc of sword Qi swept out, cutting an opening in the fog and revealing densely packed shadow clones behind it.

"Sword Douluo certainly lives up to his reputation." An icy voice came from the fog. Ghost Douluo's figure coalesced nearby, his entire body shrouded in a black cloak that concealed his face. "Unfortunately, none of you will leave here today."

As his words fell, the ground suddenly shook. Countless black spikes burst from the earth, stabbing toward the soles of their feet!

"Watch out! It's a trap!" Tang San's Blue Silver Grass immediately formed shields to block the spikes.

Lin Ye and Dai Mubai worked together: one used a wall of fire to hold back the shadow clones, while the other used his speed to harass Ghost Douluo, buying Tang San time.

Sword Douluo Chen Xin swung the Seven Kill Sword without pause. Sword Qi crisscrossed the air, chopping the shadow clones and spikes to pieces one after another. Meanwhile, the Clear Sky Sect disciples formed a defensive formation around Oscar and Xiao Wu.

The battle raged in the thick fog. Ghost Douluo's shadow clones came in an endless stream, and the interference from the Netherworld Fog grew stronger and stronger. The group gradually began to struggle.

"We can't keep taking hits without fighting back!" Determination flashed in Tang San's eyes. "Lin Ye, use Golden Crow Radiant Sun!"

Lin Ye immediately understood. The phantom image of a Three-Legged Golden Crow spread its wings, and dazzling golden light instantly scattered the surrounding fog!

Ghost Douluo's figure had nowhere to hide in the golden light. He cried out in shock and fury, "Despicable!"

"Now!" Tang San's Blue Silver Grass shot out like venomous snakes, instantly binding both of Ghost Douluo's feet.

Chen Xin's Seven Kill Sword thrust straight at Ghost Douluo's chest, carrying razor-sharp sword Qi!

Ghost Douluo hadn't expected them to act so decisively. In his haste, he unleashed Netherworld Ghost Claw, which collided with the Seven Kill Sword.

Clang!

Metal rang against metal. Ghost Douluo staggered backward, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He shot the group a venomous look, then his figure melted back into the thick fog and vanished.

"Trying to run?" Chen Xin snorted. His sword Qi erupted again as he pursued him into the depths of the fog.

"Be careful, Senior!" Tang San hurriedly shouted.

Just then, a tremendous crash came from deep within the fog, followed by Chen Xin's furious shout: "Not good! It's a ploy to lure the tiger away from the mountain!"

Everyone's expression changed drastically.

Tang San's Blue Silver Grass immediately relayed the news-a powerful Soul Power fluctuation was coming from behind them, rapidly drawing closer!

"It's Yue Guan!" Lin Ye's Golden Crow Perception had picked up that familiar golden Soul Power. "He really did come!"

Ghost Douluo's attack had only been a feint. The real killing blow was Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan, hidden behind them!

"Stop him!" Tang San roared. Blue Silver Grass grew wildly, spreading out behind them.

But it was already too late. Yue Guan's figure appeared behind the group like a ghost. Golden chrysanthemums bearing deadly poison hurtled toward Oscar and Xiao Wu, where their defenses were weakest!

"Watch out!" Dai Mubai and Tai Long stepped in front of them at the same time, only to be blasted away by Yue Guan's Soul Power.

At that critical moment, a black figure shot out from among the Clear Sky Sect disciples like lightning. The Clear Sky Hammer in his hand came crashing down on Yue Guan's chrysanthemums with immense force!

Boom!

The golden chrysanthemums were smashed to pieces, and Yue Guan staggered back three steps. He looked in surprise at the black-clad man before him. "A brat from the Clear Sky Sect? Interesting."

The black-clad man removed his mask, revealing a young, resolute face-it was Tang Chen, the final disciple of Tang Xiao, master of the Clear Sky Sect.

"Spirit Hall scum, how dare you act so brazenly in front of us!" Tang Chen roared. He swung the Clear Sky Hammer again, forcing Yue Guan to retreat again and again.

Taking advantage of the opening, Tang San and Lin Ye quickly adjusted their formation, shielding Oscar and Xiao Wu in the center.

Yue Guan looked at the reorganized defensive line, then heard Chen Xin's approaching footsteps in the distance. Knowing another opportunity would be hard to come by, he snorted. "You were lucky this time. You won't be so lucky next time!" With that, his figure flashed and disappeared into the thick fog.

The battle over, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Tang Chen walked up to Tang San and cupped his fists. "Young master, are you all right?"

Tang San shook his head and said gratefully, "Thank you for stepping in, Brother Tang."

Chen Xin also hurried back, his expression grave. "They withdrew too readily. I'm afraid there really is a trap."

Lin Ye looked into the fog-shrouded depths of the forest, his heart full of unease. "Are we still going on, then?"

Tang San clenched his fists, determination in his eyes. "We go! The more dangerous it is, the more it shows that the Soul Bone is up ahead. We can't let their scheme succeed."

The group set out again, but this time every gaze was more vigilant. The thick fog of Sunset Forest seemed to have become a giant beast lying in wait to devour them, and they were walking step by step toward that unknown danger.

No one noticed a faint black shadow quietly following them through the fog behind them, like a disease eating at the bone that could not be shaken off.