Chapter 306: Clear Sky Clan Reemerges! Return to Auckland
At the Clear Sky Clan.
On the summit of the snowy mountain, within the majestic halls of Clear Sky Fortress, the massive stone doors creaked open as Tang San stepped into the dark-stone sanctuary. His arrival did not go unnoticed; the gazes of more than two hundred clan disciples instantly locked onto him, sharp as sword points.
"Tang San, son of Tang Hao, greets the Clan Master."
Tang San bowed with one knee to the ground, his voice unwavering under the formidable pressure. Despite his injuries, he would not dare show weakness in front of his clan.
For a moment, silence reigned, the air thick with tension. A quiet murmur rose among the gathered disciples, while several elders nodded approvingly. Second Elder, who had initially made a condition for Tang San's reinstatement, looked upon him with satisfaction.
"Tang San, rise. We have all seen your loyalty to the clan in that battle," he said, his tone warm.
At that, Tang San's expression fell slightly. "But… Second Elder, I still lost that fight to Dai Yao…" he replied somberly.
The Second Elder exchanged a look with Tang Xiao, who gave a nod, then addressed Tang San with a slight smile. "Xiao San, stand up. Since we have called you here today, it is to announce something important."
Tang San, however, remained on his knee, his voice full of urgency as he looked up and asked, "Clan Master, does this mean the clan has forgiven my father and that we can return to our ancestral line to honor my grandfather?"
At his words, the mood in the hall grew tense. The Seventh Elder's face turned dark, letting out a cold huff. While they recognized Tang San's talent in the recent battle, Tang Hao's actions, which led to the clan's seclusion, were still a sore subject.
Second Elder sensed the shift, glancing at Tang Xiao before giving a slight, regretful smile. "No."
"Then… what is it?" Tang San asked, confused.
The Second Elder sighed. "I promised that if you defeated Dai Yao, you and your father could rejoin the clan and honor the memory of the former Clan Master. But you failed in that task."
Tang San looked down in shame. Yet the Second Elder chuckled, twirling his beard, his eyes shining kindly. "However, we did see your loyalty and commitment to the clan. So we will give you a chance to reclaim your family's honor. If you complete three tasks, not only will you be reinstated, but your father will also be allowed to return."
Tang San's eyes widened, shock and excitement flooding his face. The unexpected turn of fortune left him reeling. Though his father had never asked to return, Tang San knew this was a wound in Tang Hao's heart. He vowed to accomplish whatever task was required.
"Second Elder, no matter what the conditions, I accept them," he said, taking a steadying breath and lowering his head.
The Second Elder's smile widened at Tang San's determination. "Hold your answer. Hear the three tasks first. Each one is as difficult as climbing the heavens for an ordinary person, but for you, they are within reach." He paused, letting his words settle.
"The first task: Within ten years, you must reach the 80th level of spirit power," he declared, his voice carrying through the fortress hall.
Everyone gasped, awed by the demand. Tang San's spirit level was only at fifty-nine. Increasing it by twenty levels in a mere decade was no small feat; the higher one's level, the harder it became to improve.
However, Tang San felt something stirring in him, like a finely tuned string pulling him back on track. This strange, discordant feeling gnawed at him, but he pushed it aside. Dai Yao's interference may have disrupted things, yet he felt a sense of fate, of realignment. Steeling himself, he replied, "I accept."
With a slight nod, the Second Elder continued. "The second task: When obtaining your eighth spirit ring, it must be a one-hundred-thousand-year ring."
Tang San's head jerked up, eyes wide. One-hundred-thousand-year spirit rings were the rarest, most powerful of all. Not only were they challenging to find, but killing a one-hundred-thousand-year spirit beast was nearly impossible for most. Of all spirit masters, only two had such rings—Pope Bibi Dong and his own father, Tang Hao. His father had obtained his by sacrificing Tang San's mother.
Tang San could only think of two spirit beasts that qualified: Xiao Wu, whom he loved, and the legendary Titan Giant Ape and Azure Bull Python. But he couldn't possibly harm Xiao Wu, nor could he defeat those ancient beasts.
Sweat beaded on his forehead. He looked down, dazed, as the enormity of the task weighed on him.
"Do you accept?" the Second Elder asked. The other elders watched Tang San with sharp, probing gazes, while Tang Xiao sighed, knowing the clan elders would not relent in their demands.
Clenching his teeth, Tang San finally replied, "I accept."
His voice trembled under the weight of his own words, but he felt determined to honor the clan's expectations.
The disciples whispered in empathy. Even the elders exchanged resigned smiles, knowing that their expectations for Tang San bordered on the impossible.
The Second Elder drew a deep breath, his gaze solemn as he prepared to announce the final condition. Silence fell across the fortress as every eye focused on him.
"For the final task," the elder declared, fixing Tang San with a hard stare, "in your lifetime, you must defeat Dai Yao. Succeed, and not only will you and your father be restored to the clan, but you will also assume the position of Clan Master. Will you accept?"
At the mention of Dai Yao, every head turned. His name hung like a curse over the hall—a memory that haunted them all. One man had single-handedly crushed their pride, defeating them in battle and exposing their weaknesses.
Tang San's heart flared with a simmering fury. The first two tasks weighed heavily on him, but the thought of Dai Yao brought only one desire: revenge.
For Xiao Wu, for himself, and now for the clan, he would pursue Dai Yao to the bitter end. His eyes burned with crimson resolve as he looked up, facing the Second Elder and responding with a voice that was low but fierce.
"I accept."
Seeing the unyielding fire in his eyes, the elders felt a thrill of vindication. They had feared Tang San might hesitate after his defeat, but his fervor for vengeance was unwavering.
The Second Elder, heartened, said, "Good. Very good." Even the disciples' gazes softened with respect, knowing that if Tang San achieved this, they would gladly acknowledge him as Clan Master.
The next morning, at dawn, Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua met Tang San at the edge of the bridge. Seeing his pale complexion, Tang Yuehua frowned, her delicate brows knitting with concern.
"Xiao San, your injuries haven't fully healed yet. Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Your body is still weak. If you catch a chill on the road, it could leave lasting damage. It's not too late to leave after you've recovered."
Tang San coughed twice, his face flushing slightly. He smiled and said:
"Auntie, my injuries indeed haven't completely healed. But with my mother's spirit bone, this little bit of damage is nothing. This is also Dai Yao's arrogance. Although the wounds were fatal, under the effects of the Blue Silver Emperor spirit bone, they aren't a big deal."
"These injuries—I'll be sure to repay him in full."
Tang San's determination to repay blood debts with blood made Tang Xiao laugh heartily. He patted Tang San's shoulder, causing him a bout of pain. Surprised for a moment, Tang Xiao chuckled:
"Good! Such ambition. You truly are a seed of our Clear Sky Clan! Just like your father back in the day."
But at this, he paused, as if remembering something. A bitter smile crossed his face:
"Your love life… is also like your father's. Falling for someone you shouldn't. I just hope you don't follow the same path as your father..."
At the mention of Xiao Wu, Tang San's expression turned solemn. Tang Xiao, too, had deeply loved Tang San's mother. Now, he could only sigh over her death and regret. Tang San nodded and said:
"Uncle, don't worry. I'll take good care of her. Part of why I'm so eager to leave is to meet with my companions. The other part is to see her."
Tang Yuehua teased with a smile:
"No wonder you're in such a rush. It's to see your little girlfriend!"
Tang Xiao smiled in satisfaction but spoke seriously:
"Good. With you saying this, I'm at ease. Just remember one thing: no matter what the elders ask of you, you must not hurt her to complete their tasks."
Tang San felt insulted, as if his character had been questioned. Yet, he couldn't openly defy his uncle and replied seriously:
"Rest assured, Uncle. I won't."
Tang Yuehua frowned and scolded:
"Big brother, do you think Xiao San is that kind of person? Why would you even say that?"
Chastised by his sister, Tang Xiao awkwardly admitted he had spoken too much. He then turned his gaze to Tang San and, with a solemn expression, said:
"Xiao San, do you understand what these conditions set by the elders mean?"
Tang San's heart stirred. He asked:
"What do they mean?"
Tang Xiao clasped his hands behind his back, gazing at the vast, snow-covered mountains. His powerful eyes seemed to gleam as he said:
"Xiao San, these are three conditions, but also three trials. Completing the first two proves you have extraordinary potential and are destined to become a peerless powerhouse."
"And if you complete the third trial, it means you have gained enough prestige to become the next leader of the Clear Sky Clan!"
"Dai Yao defeated all the disciples of the Clear Sky Clan, but he also united them in their anger. If you defeat Dai Yao, you'll earn their respect."
"These three tasks are challenging, but they reflect the high hopes the elders have for you."
These words cleared the fog in Tang San's heart. For the first time, he felt the warmth of family from the Clear Sky Clan. Excited, he declared:
"I understand now, Uncle. I will definitely complete these three tasks."
At the same time, he silently vowed to cherish the Clear Sky Clan, just as he did Tang Hao. He would dutifully 'repay' his uncle and the elders.
Of course, the Seventh Elder was an exception.
Hearing Tang San's reply, Tang Xiao smiled warmly. Gazing at the vast mountains, he spoke with a complicated expression:
"Before long, the Clear Sky Clan will re-emerge on the mainland. The once greatest clan under the heavens will once again stand before the world."
Leading the Clear Sky Clan out of isolation was the most challenging decision he had made as its leader. Even he felt the unease of navigating a vast ocean, teetering on the brink of capsizing.
The fate of the Clear Sky Clan hung entirely on his decisions.
Hearing this, Tang San was momentarily stunned. Then, excitedly, he asked:
"Uncle, the Clear Sky Clan is coming out of seclusion?"
Everyone understood what it meant for the top sect under heaven to reappear. It would be a reshuffling of power across the continent.
Looking at Tang San, Tang Xiao sighed helplessly and said:
"Yes. The Spirit Hall is pressing us harder with each passing day. They've even sent six Titled Douluo to our Clear Sky Clan. We have no choice but to come out of hiding."
"There's no time to waste!"
"If only we had a few more decades for you to fully grow… That would've been ideal. But I'm getting old. I've spent too many years in these desolate snowy mountains, and it's dulled my edge."
"But you're different. You're young, full of energy and drive. If you lead the Clear Sky Clan, you can surely bring it to new heights."
"Unfortunately, the Spirit Hall won't give us that kind of time."
At these words, a deep sense of unease rose in Tang San's heart. He couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed—like the conditions set by the Second Elder—but he couldn't pinpoint what.
Seeing Tang San's somber expression, Tang Xiao laughed and said:
"Don't dwell on it, Xiao San. Since things have come to this, forge ahead boldly. Don't get caught up in the past. Go on, leave the Clear Sky Clan!"
Tang San nodded firmly and stepped onto the iron chain bridge, gradually disappearing beneath the snowy mountains.
Heaven Dou City, Oakland Academy
Dai Yao, wearing a black robe and hood, slowly walked into the campus he once knew.
Since the Oakland team won the last All-Continent Soul Master Tournament, Oakland Academy's reputation had spread across the continent. Though Dai Yao, Zhu Zhuqing, and Feng Wutong eventually joined the Spirit Hall, it hadn't affected the academy's rise.
Today, Oakland Academy, with financial support from the Heaven Dou royal family, had undergone several expansions, becoming the second most prestigious soul master academy in Heaven Dou City, after the Royal Academy.
The campus was so grand and bustling that Dai Yao hardly recognized it.
Countless students came from far and wide, eager to join Oakland Academy. Its faculty and student quality had reached unprecedented levels, even rivaling the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Walking through the lively campus, Dai Yao couldn't help but recall his time there. Each memory vividly resurfaced in his mind.
His days at Oakland Academy had been the most carefree years of his life.
Now, such times were long gone.
Sighing softly, he marveled at how much Oakland Academy had changed. Brushing past a group of students, he overheard their conversation, causing him to pause.
"Hurry! The academy's team selection is about to start. If we're late, there won't be any seats left!"
"Did you hear? This year's team leader is the captain from five years ago—Feng Qianli!"
A boy spoke excitedly, as if that team from five years ago was his ultimate idol.
A girl lamented:
"It's such a shame that the strongest assault-type soul master back then, Dai Yao, joined the Spirit Hall and can't return to visit us. The senior girls said he was incredibly handsome."
The girl was beautiful, surrounded by several boys vying for her attention. One of them consoled her:
"True, but as long as our team advances, we'll see him in Spirit City! And Zhu Zhuqing, Feng Wutong too!"
Listening to their spirited discussion, Dai Yao smiled faintly. Time always reminded people of its passage in subtle ways.
Unknowingly, five years had gone by. The All-Continent Soul Master Tournament was about to begin again.
Pulling his hood lower, Dai Yao made his way to the Oakland Arena. It had been five years—how were his old teammates now?
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