The Clear Sky Sect's council hall fell into a brief silence following the Seventh Elder's sudden statement.
Although his words carried an element of retaliation, they weren't entirely unfounded.
Despite Tang Hao's current disability, he still possessed the cultivation of an eightieth rank, and with his two Inheritance Soul Bones and the Clear Sky Secret Method, he could easily hold his own against ordinary ninetieth-ranked Title Douluo.
However, such conduct would inevitably appear unseemly to outsiders.
Moreover, they had to consider the sentiments of the sect's rising younger generation.
As the undisputed top talent of the Clear Sky Sect's new generation, who knew what Tang San might think if he saw his disabled father being forced onto the battlefield?
"While the Heaven Dou Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School are powerful, they aren't formidable enough to warrant the Clear Sky Sect exhausting all its resources to resist them. Seventh Elder, do not exploit this situation," Tang Xiao's expression darkened.
These elders normally giving his younger brother a hard time was one thing—after all, Tang Hao had nearly brought ruin upon the entire sect.
But that incident had long passed, and dwelling on it wouldn't change anything.
The dead were gone forever, while the living remained precious.
Now that his younger brother was disabled and his strength had severely declined, if he were targeted on the battlefield, he might not be able to escape.
"Sect Master, although Tang Hao's strength has diminished, he is still far superior to ordinary disciples. If the disciples are risking their lives outside while someone remains safely in the rear, what do you think they would feel?" The Seventh Elder wasn't surprised by Tang Xiao's defense—these two were biological brothers, so their closeness went without saying.
But he showed no fear whatsoever.
The Clear Sky Sect was a clan-based sect. Although Tang Chen's lineage held the primary authority, the collateral branches weren't without a voice.
If Tang Xiao possessed strength comparable to Tang Chen's, that would be one thing, but unfortunately, he didn't.
The current standing of the Clear Sky Sect was built upon their collective efforts.
Tang Xiao felt a surge of anger and was about to speak when Tang Hao raised a hand to stop him:
"Elder Brother, the Seventh Elder is right. Although my strength has declined, I have no fear of Title Douluo like the Seventh Elder."
"Now is the time when the sect needs all hands on deck. I should contribute my share, as atonement for past mistakes."
Hearing Tang Hao's subtle belittlement, the Seventh Elder was about to mock him when someone beside him restrained him.
Although reluctant to let Tang Hao take such risks, since the words had been spoken, even as Sect Master, he couldn't easily retract them.
Tang Xiao scanned the room, observing the expressions of the elders, and sighed. "Very well, but Younger Brother Hao, you must be cautious and not overexert yourself."
"Move out!"
The Kingdom of Chris was the gateway to the Star Luo Empire and the kingdom closest to the Heavenly Dou border.
The Star Luo Empire had stationed a hundred thousand troops here, supplemented by the kingdom's own forces, totaling one hundred fifty thousand soldiers, forming a defensive line against potential attacks from Heavenly Dou.
Yet, when faced with Heavenly Dou's sudden assault, they crumbled instantly.
A military collapse was truly a verb in action.
Without capable commanders and with restricted mobility due to movement restrictions, even the largest army was nothing more than a disorganized mob.
In just seven short days, this small kingdom under the Star Luo Empire's dominion was occupied by the Heaven Dou Empire.
The capital, Chris City, became a bridgehead for the Heaven Dou Empire to extend its reach into the Star Luo Empire.
Although the citizens of Chris were shocked by this turn of events, they felt little inclination to resist. This was largely due to the region's trade significance and high population mobility.
The former Chris Palace had now been transformed into the Heaven Dou Empire's frontline command post.
Ning Fengzhi looked down at the map, yet there was no joy on his face over their military achievements: "Qianjun, has there been any news from Enshrined Yang?"
Yang Qianjun cleared his throat and straightened his military uniform: "Reporting to the State Preceptor, Marshal Yang has already captured the Pelagi Kingdom and is now advancing toward the Yunluo Kingdom. I predict it will be occupied by tomorrow."
"You child, there's no need for such formality. Just act as you normally would."
Seeing Yang Qianjun's rigid demeanor, Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but laugh: "Send orders back to have the imperial reinforcements march directly toward the Yunluo Duchy to relieve Enshrined Yang's Royal Guards."
"The blitzkrieg has achieved optimal results. What follows will be a contest of endurance between both sides."
"Yes, sir." Yang Qianjun saluted respectfully before withdrawing.
Bone Douluo chuckled at the scene: "This kid has really grown into his role after managing the Balak Province for several years."
"Probably influenced by Enshrined Yang!" Ning Fengzhi shook his head with a smile.
Since Yang Wudi gained authority, the rough-mannered man was said to enforce strict discipline among his clan members. In his own words: "If you're not prepared to be nobility, then leave home immediately and make room for decent people."
After exchanging a few more casual remarks, they turned to serious matters: "How is Uncle Jian doing?"
Bone Douluo shook his head: "He hasn't returned yet. Probably because Star Luo's reinforcement troops haven't arrived, or he hasn't detected their movements."
The Chris Kingdom, Yunluo Duchy, and Pelagi Kingdom were three small nations bordering Balak Province. Capturing these would create a direct border with the Anthony Province controlled by the Star Luo Empire.
Though the provincial capital was Antonio City, there existed a more famous city at the province's edge - Gengxin City, renowned as the Steel Capital.
The headquarters of the famous Continental Blacksmith Association was stationed here.
Rumors circulated that the Blacksmith Association was subordinate to the Clear Sky Sect, though this had never been confirmed.
Not until the Clear Sky Sect descended upon the Star Luo Empire did Divine Craftsman Lou Gao announce his allegiance.
Because the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had cracked his hidden weapons, Tang San had entrusted most of his hidden weapon blueprints to the Blacksmith Association. Though the final products flowed to official channels, he still reaped continuous profits from them.
However, Star Luo's hidden weapon development started later and lacked the research spirit of the Seven Treasure Weapons Factory. Despite having the Blacksmith Association's support, their hidden weapon reserves remained limited.
The Heaven Dou Empire's next target was this very location - both to sever enemy military supplies and to expand strategic depth. Capturing this provincial capital would expose half of the Star Luo Empire's territory to Heaven Dou's surveillance.
"I wonder if Xiao Xun and Poison Enshrined have received the news." Ning Fengzhi couldn't help feeling somewhat concerned.
Heaven Dou's decision to attack at this moment was purely opportunistic. Not only was the Star Luo Empire caught off guard, but they themselves weren't fully prepared either.
The sole reason was that no one knew how long Bibidong's secluded training would last. Any gains made during this period would be pure profit.
Seagod Island, one of the paradise themes - Raging Wave Desperate Situation.
Li Xun was being forced to complete his daily 365-day mandatory control.
Enduring tidal impacts for twelve hours provided minimal improvement, as his physical constitution had long surpassed the God Trial's required standards.
After completing the daily requirements and stepping off the Sunken Silver Pillar, Li Xun began his other task: team medic.
Gathering Soul Power in his hands, he rubbed them together to warm them up before massaging Ning Rongrong's injuries caused by the waves.
As part of the Nine Trials, Ning Rongrong and Li Xun needed to endure the same duration, but her physical constitution didn't allow her to persist for too long.
Fortunately, with Li Xun by her side, she didn't face any major dangers. Although the process was difficult and painful, she managed to pull through.
Li Xun always maintained fairness. Even though Zhu Zhuqing repeatedly refused, he still gave her a proper massage. As for Dugu Yan, she was even more enthusiastic about it than Li Xun himself.
Just then.
Dugu Bo approached from the distance.
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