After a day of fun and laughter, Zhao Wuji was the first to leave. Yang Xiong had originally planned for Zhao Wuji to take Ning Rongrong, Oscar, and Qin Shuang back to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
However, Ning Rongrong clearly didn't want to part from this five-year reunion just yet. She even pulled Zhu Zhuqing along, unwilling to leave, and the group of girls planned to stay up all night chatting.
The first to leave was Tang San. After hearing what everyone had said, Tang San felt an even stronger longing for Xiao Wu. He immediately decided to head to the Star Dou Great Forest to obtain a soul ring.
Oscar, Dai Mubai, and Ma Hongjun—three close friends—stayed together, also planning to talk late into the night.
Seeing how things were unfolding, Yang Xiong let out a small sigh of relief.
Shrek Academy was located within Tian Dou City, where Flender and Liu Erlong—both Soul Douluos—could form the "Iron Triangle" alongside others. At the very least, the safety of those present was somewhat assured.
Even Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan stayed at Shrek Academy, and their safety seemed guaranteed as well.
Yang Xiong estimated that in the next couple of days, the so-called Spirit Hall's Soul Hunt would begin. Unfortunately, neither the Tian Dou Imperial Family nor the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had received any warnings. Even spies from various factions within the Spirit Hall hadn't picked up any information.
Yang Xiong couldn't figure out how to communicate with Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan. Could he tell them he had foreknowledge? Could he warn them that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was about to be annihilated?
Not only would the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan not believe him, but even the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect might doubt the source of his information.
In the end, Yang Xiong left Tian Dou City alone and returned to Yunwu Mountain.
Compared to the impending crisis facing the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, this place held the key to resolving everything. With Lin Gong and Zhao Wuji now at the sect, at the very least, a crushing defeat could be avoided, and the safety of his parents was ensured.
What surprised Yang Xiong even more was that Dugu Bo was working on refining poisons with Yang Wudi. It seemed the two were preparing to enter seclusion to concoct some kind of potent toxin.
At this moment, Yang Xiong had no intention of cultivating. He simply stood at the highest point of Yunwu Mountain, observing the situation within the Body Sect.
Yang Xiong felt more tormented than ever before, as if he were waiting for disaster to strike.
Time flew by, and night fell. The sky seemed eerier than usual.
Just as Yang Xiong was feeling the weight of his anxiety, a figure rushed to him—it was Bai He.
Bai He appeared extremely hurried, his expression far graver than usual. "Patriarch, according to intelligence gathered by the Speed Clan, a large number of black-clad soul masters have appeared outside the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Their exact numbers are unknown, but there are many powerful individuals among them. They likely pose a threat to the sect."
Yang Xiong shot to his feet, as if a great burden had been lifted. "Elder Bai He, how many people are we talking about? Which route are they taking to approach the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"
Bai He quickly replied: "Patriarch, the exact number of soul masters is unclear, but there are at least several thousand. Their formation is too long, and they're moving cautiously, so our scouts didn't dare get too close. We couldn't confirm their full strength, but multiple Title Douluos are leading them."
"They're rapidly approaching the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect from the south. All of them are dressed in black and armed, and it seems they'll be able to surround the entire sect in no time."
Yang Xiong immediately asked: "Elder Bai He, have you informed Sect Leader Ning of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"
Bai He nodded: "Our scouts split into two groups and have already notified the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. They should be able to report directly to Sect Leader Ning. However, judging by the speed of their advance, they'll reach the sect in about ten minutes. Sect Leader Ning should have received the news around the same time as us."
Recently, Yang Xiong and Ning Fengzhi had been improving the Speed Clan's defense and information network. If the Speed Clan discovered critical information, they could report it directly to Ning Fengzhi to ensure swift communication.
Yang Xiong didn't hesitate: "Send a signal to gather all the elders immediately. This might be the moment that decides life or death for our Body Sect."
"Also, Elder Bai He, please fetch Elder Dugu Bo. Tell him I have urgent matters to discuss with him."
Seeing this, Bai He quickly fired a signal arrow, and a massive burst of fireworks illuminated the entire Yunwu Mountain.
In less than a minute, the entire Yunwu Mountain sprang into action. Aside from Lin Gong, the other four elders—all except Dugu Bo—gathered before Yang Xiong, their eyes filled with confusion.
Yang Xiong spoke quickly: "Elders, Elder Bai He has just received word that a large force is heading toward the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. It appears to be a soul master army numbering in the thousands, with reinforcements continuously arriving. Multiple Title Douluos are leading them."
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked. They never imagined such a massive force would prepare to attack the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
After all, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was one of the top three sects. Other forces wouldn't dare provoke them, let alone send such a large-scale soul master army to attack.
Yang Wudi's expression turned serious: "Patriarch, is the Spirit Hall making their move?"
Yang Xiong nodded: "Aside from the Spirit Hall, no other faction possesses such a vast soul master army or so many Title Douluos."
"Since our Body Sect has allied with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, we cannot retreat at this critical moment. Elders, do you have any objections?"
Niu Gao was the first to speak: "Of course not. Since we've allied with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, we've benefited greatly over the years. Now it's our turn to step up."
"The Spirit Hall may have overwhelming numbers, but we're not pushovers either. No matter what, we must deal them a heavy blow."
Meng Shu, the Dragon Elder, also nodded: "The Spirit Hall has always acted arrogantly over the years. If you don't side with them, you're usually suppressed. Rather than sitting idly by, it's better to fight back fully—there may still be a chance for survival."
Yang Wudi grew even more resolute: "What should we do now? Should we rush to reinforce the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect immediately?"
Yang Xiong looked around at everyone: "Elders, since the founding of the Body Sect, we've kept our existence hidden from the world. Now, as the Spirit Hall launches its massive attack on the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, it's time for our Body Sect to step into the light."
"I know that nearly everyone here harbors deep grievances against the Spirit Hall—grudges soaked in blood. So, this time, we must deal the Spirit Hall a painful blow. Let them know that the world of soul masters doesn't belong solely to the Spirit Hall. Let them understand that attacking others comes with consequences."
Hearing Yang Xiong's words, the four elders were visibly shaken. Though the Body Sect had existed for five full years, it had always operated discreetly. None of them expected Yang Xiong to have been waiting for this day. If they could truly repel the Spirit Hall's attack, wouldn't the Body Sect instantly gain fame upon its emergence?
The four elders' expressions turned serious: "Please give your orders, Patriarch. Our Body Sect will surely shake the world."
Yang Xiong nodded: "The situation is urgent. I, Elder Yang Wudi, and the two elders Dragon Duke and Serpent Grandmother will lead the way to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. We may be able to provide immediate support."
"Elder Bai He, remain at Yunwu Mountain to collect all incoming information and ensure the safety of our sect, especially the Body Academy."
"Elder Niu Gao, immediately gather all members of the Body Sect. Once everyone is assembled, dispatch eighty percent of our soul masters to reinforce the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Ensure everyone arrives within thirty minutes. The remaining twenty percent will strengthen the defenses of Yunwu Mountain."
"The four of us will clear the path to ensure your reinforcements can arrive unimpeded."
Yunwu Mountain was a full 30 kilometers away from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Even a Title Douluo capable of flight would need nearly ten minutes to reach it, while ordinary soul masters would take longer—about twenty minutes at full speed. This meant Niu Gao had only ten minutes to assemble everyone.
Of course, twenty minutes wasn't a fixed timeframe. If the Speed Clan were involved, their speed might rival that of a Title Douluo. But coordinating the movements of a large-scale soul master army was difficult, as it included various types of soul masters. Twenty minutes was already an optimistic estimate, especially considering the relatively slow pace of the Defense Clan.
Without hesitation, Niu Gao nodded and immediately transformed into a massive armored rhinoceros. A thunderous roar echoed across Yunwu Mountain—the highest-level mobilization order set by the Body Sect. Everyone was to drop whatever they were doing and assemble.
At this moment, Dugu Bo appeared utterly confused: "Old Goat, what exactly is this Body Sect you're talking about?"
Yang Wudi's expression turned solemn: "Old Poison, it's time to tell you. Everyone in Yunwu Mountain—including the Defense Clan, the Breaking Clan, the Speed Clan, and the Dragon Serpent family—has formed a new sect. We no longer rely on any external forces. Its name is the Body Sect."
Dugu Bo was puzzled and pointed at Yang Xiong: "And what about this young man? Why do you call him Patriarch?"
Yang Wudi's face filled with pride: "It's simple. Yang Xiong is the founder and Patriarch of our Body Sect."
Seeing Dugu Bo still wanted to ask questions, Yang Xiong quickly interjected: "Elder Dugu, now is not the time for this. The Spirit Hall is sending a massive force to attack the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. We must hurry to their aid. Please come with me to assist the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."
Dugu Bo quickly refused: "I've always lived a carefree life and don't want to meddle in the affairs of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. If I get targeted by the Spirit Hall, it'll be trouble."
"Besides, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has Chen Xin, Gu Rong, and Lin Gong, along with Ning Fengzhi's support. Those few thousand rabble probably won't last long against Chen Xin."
Yang Xiong quickly countered: "Elder Dugu Bo, the Spirit Hall is coming with overwhelming force. They've surely prepared countermeasures for my two teachers. Aren't you known as unbeatable in group battles? This is the perfect opportunity to prove your strength."
Dugu Bo sneered at Yang Xiong: "You little monster, don't try to drag me into this. I'd like to live a bit longer. I've experienced far more than you, and the Spirit Hall's depth is unfathomable. As a lone wolf, it's inconvenient for me to provoke them."
Yang Xiong's face flushed with anger: "Old Poison, have you forgotten? You owe me a favor! How can you act like a coward at such a critical moment?"
"And what happens after the Spirit Hall deals with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? Do you think they'll leave the Tian Dou Empire alone? You're a guest elder of the Tian Dou Empire!"
Dugu Bo also grew angry: "You little thief, when did I ever owe you a favor?"
Yang Xiong laughed loudly: "So you're the type who doesn't honor debts, Old Poison? Do you remember our first meeting? I specifically asked Elder Yang Wudi to help you remove toxins. You promised to owe me a favor then!"
Dugu Bo was momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected that casual remark to come back and haunt him now.
Beside them, Yang Wudi quickly added: "Old Poison, this is a grave matter, and time is of the essence. Let's first go support the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. If things get dangerous, I'll fight to the death, and you can run away on your own."
Dugu Bo's face darkened: "Old Goat, what do you take me for? Don't underestimate me. Is it just the Spirit Hall? I've offended them plenty of times, more than you have!"
Seeing Dugu Bo agree, the five prepared to rush toward the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Since only Title Douluos could fly, Dugu Bo reluctantly used his soul power to carry Yang Xiong and Yang Wudi, while Dragon Duke carried Serpent Grandmother Chao Tianxiang. The five streaked through the air as a black shadow, heading toward the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Meanwhile, within Yunwu Mountain, everyone sprang into action. The Speed Clan quickly spread out across hundreds of miles around the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to ensure rapid information transmission.
Niu Gao swiftly gathered all personnel, each member looking exceptionally excited. After all, this was the Body Sect's first major battle since its emergence.
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