As for Dai Mubai, he was like a rat hiding in the sewers — he only dared to linger outside the Zerg Nest, not even venturing half a step closer.
"Patriarch, our third brother is already an old man by now. It's unlikely he'll encounter any danger on the continent."
In the blink of an eye, Tang Xiao and his group had reached the edge of the Star Luo Empire. Just one more day of travel, and they would leave the Star Luo Forest behind and enter the Star Dou Great Forest.
"Alive or dead, we must confirm his fate. The Third Elder would never vanish for this long without reporting to the sect. Moreover, rumors say that Spirit Hall is about to make a major move."
Normally, Tang Xiao wouldn't have been so concerned.
Even though the Clear Sky Sect had closed its gates to the outside world, that didn't mean it was extinct. The sect still had its ways of gathering information from the outside.
On the surface, it appeared to be in seclusion, but secretly, it had agents moving within the Star Luo Empire — all waiting for the opportunity to reclaim the title of "Number One Tool Spirit in the Continent."
"Spirit Hall's about to make a big move, huh? We didn't get to settle things decades ago — this time, I'll make sure to crush that Golden Crocodile Douluo!"
The First Elder's eyes burned with fighting intent as he spoke.
If the sect hadn't sealed itself away, he would've already marched up to Spirit Hall himself.
"First Elder, let's not dwell on the past. We'll have our chance eventually."
Tang Xiao could only shake his head helplessly.
"Up ahead is the border of the Star Dou Great Forest. The sect must leave someone behind to guard it. If Spirit Hall tries to ambush us, that could be disastrous."
The Second Elder spoke up as they neared the forest.
"So, who's going back?"
The First Elder's gaze swept over the group — only to realize everyone was staring right back at him. His face twitched as a bad feeling rose in his chest.
"You're not seriously suggesting I go back, are you? My strength is the highest among us. It wouldn't make sense for you to head into the forest without me!"
The others remained silent, confirming his suspicion.
And indeed, the First Elder wasn't wrong — even Tang Xiao and the rest combined weren't his match.
As a Rank 98 Super Douluo, armed with a 100,000-year spirit ring and the Clear Sky Hammer's explosive ring-detachment technique, not even Qian Daoliu could easily stop him from escaping.
As for Golden Crocodile Douluo? The First Elder could crush him without even detonating his rings.
"First Elder, that's exactly why we want you to remain at the sect," Tang Xiao explained quickly. "The disciples are the sect's future. If Spirit Hall really does attack, no one but you could hold the line."
Though dissatisfied, the First Elder understood Tang Xiao's reasoning — and he respected Tang Xiao deeply, not only for his power but also for his devotion to the sect and its members.
"Fine. I'll return then. But if you encounter danger in the Star Dou Great Forest, don't hesitate to call for me."
After weighing his options, the First Elder finally nodded.
As much as he longed to see the world beyond the mountains, the sect's safety came first.
"Don't worry, First Elder. Tang Xiao is a Rank 95 Titled Douluo. With the rest of us, as long as Qian Daoliu doesn't act personally, retreating won't be an issue."
The others nodded in agreement. With their lineup, as long as Qian Daoliu didn't intervene, no one could stop them — especially when they had the explosive ring-detachment as a last resort.
After some final words, the First Elder turned back toward the Clear Sky Sect, while Tang Xiao and the rest pressed onward into the Star Dou Great Forest.
"Brother Tang Xiao, there are traces of battle here. Looks like the Third Elder fought a hundred-thousand-year soul beast."
They had finally discovered signs of their missing brother deep within the forest.
"The scale of this battle reminds me of that three-colored cat Granny Mary Sue raised two hundred years ago... I still have nightmares about it," the Fifth Elder muttered.
"Quit talking nonsense," the Second Elder shot him a glare. "Two hundred years ago, you hadn't even been born. Judging by these signs, it must've been the Titan Giant Ape."
"Could it be that Third Brother was injured by it and went into hiding to recover?"
The Sixth Elder frowned.
Judging from the traces, there were only signs of combat between the Third Elder and the Titan Giant Ape — no one else seemed to have intervened.
"No… there was someone else here. Everyone, come look."
Tang Xiao parted a thick bush — revealing dozens of spirit beast corpses, from thousand-year to ten-thousand-year beasts. In this area, not a single living spirit beast could be seen.
That was highly unusual. In the depths of the Star Dou Great Forest, ten-thousand-year beasts were commonplace. The sheer number of corpses meant a major battle had occurred.
"This is… poison!"
The Second Elder, whose perception was exceptional, immediately noticed that all the spirit beasts had died from poisoning.
"Poison? Don't tell me… but that can't be right. Our sect has never had any conflict with him."
Tang Xiao's voice lowered as he glanced at the others.
"You think this was Dugu Bo's doing? Impossible. I know that brat — cowardly and cautious. Third Brother could've handled him easily."
The Sixth Elder shook his head.
They'd known Dugu Bo since their academy days. They knew his temperament well — he wasn't the type to provoke the Clear Sky Sect.
"At this point, we have to see for ourselves. If Dugu Bo really did this, then we'll settle things once and for all."
The Second Elder sighed.
They all hoped it wasn't Dugu Bo. Killing a Titled Douluo was no easy matter, and if they failed to kill him in one strike, his poison could bring catastrophe upon the entire Clear Sky Sect.
"Tang Hao, some of your old acquaintances have entered the Sunset Forest. Go greet them — and make sure they don't come any closer."
The moment Tang Xiao's group stepped into the Sunset Forest, Lin Fan sensed their presence. He immediately sent Tang Hao to intercept them.
"Yes, Lord Dominator."
Without hesitation, Tang Hao released his martial spirit and flew toward Tang Xiao's group.
"Those entering the Sunset Forest — halt immediately!"
A man wearing a mask stood suspended in the air, gripping a crimson warhammer that radiated killing intent.
"Third Brother! You're alive, that's great news! Come with us — Spirit Hall is preparing for war!"
"Wait, what's with your martial spirit?"
The Second Elder mistook Tang Hao for the missing Third Elder and called out to him excitedly.
"Please leave the Sunset Forest."
Tang Hao's tone was cold, his face expressionless behind the mask.
"Third Brother, what's wrong with you?"
The Second Elder frowned, his confusion deepening.
Before he could react, Tang Hao hurled his crimson Killing Hammer straight at them.
Fortunately, Tang Xiao moved quickly, blocking the strike.
"Third Brother, have you lost your mind?! If you won't come back, don't blame us for forcing you!"