While Yang Xiong was studying the application of lightning in Thunderclap Gorge and researching methods for the secondary awakening of Body martial souls, he suddenly received a signal that an important guest had arrived at the Body Sect.
When Yang Xiong hurried back to the main hall of the central peak, all five elders were present, and they appeared somewhat tense.
Yang Xiong sat in the central seat, and Lin Gong quickly spoke up beside him.
"Sect Leader, the Spirit Hall has sent someone over. It seems they're not here with good intentions."
Yang Xiong sneered: "The Spirit Hall is already struggling to manage their own affairs. How dare they send someone here? Do they think they don't have enough problems to deal with?"
"Who's come? What do they want?"
Lin Gong shook his head: "It's Ghost Leopard Douluo, and he's accompanied by several others. Should we conceal some of our strength?"
Yang Xiong thought carefully: "We've reached this point—there's no need to hide anything anymore. Invite their leader inside. As for the minor figures, there's no need for them to enter our Body Sect."
Sure enough, after a short while, under the guidance of the Agility Clan disciples, four people entered the main hall of the Body Sect.
Yang Xiong was familiar with these two individuals. One was Ghost Leopard Douluo from the Tian Dou Palace coup, and the other three were members of the legendary Golden Generation from the finals of the Soul Master Tournament—Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan.
Upon entering the main hall of the Body Sect, the four of them were visibly surprised.
After carefully observing the situation, they realized that the Body Sect had no fewer than three Title Douluos present, with Yang Xiong seated in the central position.
Ghost Leopard Douluo's face showed a hint of astonishment: "Yang Xiong, I didn't expect you to be the sect leader of the Body Sect."
Yang Xiong smiled: "Ghost Leopard Douluo, it's been a while. You still look as impressive as ever. It seems the Spirit Hall isn't even trying to hide what they've done."
Ghost Leopard Douluo sneered: "What are you trying to achieve by putting on such a display? Are you looking down on the Spirit Hall?"
Yang Xiong chuckled: "That's not right. Our sect leader and five elders are personally welcoming you—this shows how much we value your visit. Or does Ghost Leopard Douluo plan to stay at our Body Sect for a while? If so, I'd welcome you."
Yang Xiong's smile carried a hint of mockery, and the five elders' gazes were equally unfriendly, as if they were staring at prey.
With the current strength of the Body Sect, capturing Ghost Leopard Douluo wouldn't be overly difficult.
Hu Liena quickly interjected: "Sect Leader Yang, we've been sent by Her Holiness the Pope to deliver this invitation. Please accept it graciously."
Hu Liena held out a brilliant golden invitation with both hands—it appeared quite respectful.
Yang Xiong waved his hand slightly, and the soul power he emitted instantly brought the invitation to hover before him. Even Ghost Leopard Douluo was somewhat surprised by Yang Xiong's control and mastery of soul power.
Yang Xiong carefully examined the contents of the invitation. Aside from a lot of empty words, it simply invited the sect leader of the Body Sect to personally attend the sect assembly at the Spirit Hall.
Yang Xiong closed the invitation and showed no expression on his face: "Please inform Her Holiness through Saint Maiden Hu Liena that our humble Body Sect will not participate in this sect assembly. Of course, we wish your assembly every success."
Hu Liena quickly responded: "Sect Leader Yang, Her Holiness holds your Body Sect in high regard. If you participate in the sect assembly, given your strength, you'll likely be ranked among the top three sects. At that time, your Body Sect will truly become renowned throughout the land."
Yang Xiong smiled faintly: "Attending the sect assembly is surely not just about this matter. I assume you also want us to support the Spirit Hall. Our Body Sect is a small sect, newly established, and we won't get involved in such murky waters."
Hu Liena's expression shifted slightly: "Sect Leader Yang, please think carefully. This is a personal invitation from Her Majesty the Pope. It's not so easy to refuse."
Yang Xiong's expression darkened, and his entire body turned blood red as he displayed two yellow, one purple, two black, and two red soul rings.
When the two hundred-thousand-year soul rings appeared, both Hu Liena and Ghost Leopard Douluo felt immense pressure and even a trace of fear.
Yang Xiong spoke indifferently: "Your sect assembly has nothing to do with me. I have no interest in the seven great sects. I hope you understand the situation and don't provoke me—otherwise, the consequences will be on your own head."
At this moment, Yang Xiong's entire body was blood red, covered with dense golden patterns, making him look like an Asura demon.
Moreover, the endless killing intent emanating from Yang Xiong made even Hu Liena and Ghost Leopard Douluo feel a chill run down their spines. Their soul power and soul skills were even subtly suppressed.
The five elders on the scene also exuded an overwhelming aura, seemingly pinning down Ghost Leopard Douluo.
Ghost Leopard Douluo gritted his teeth: "Sect Leader Yang, is this how you treat your guests? Are you not afraid that the Pope herself will come to your Body Sect?"
Yang Xiong sneered: "Your Pope is a busy woman—I doubt she has the time to bother with us. And even if she does come, the entire Body Sect will gladly accompany her to the end."
As Yang Xiong finished speaking, he retracted his martial soul and soul rings, returning to his ordinary appearance.
Seeing that they wouldn't gain any advantage today, and that the Body Sect's stance was clear—they wanted nothing to do with the Spirit Hall—Ghost Leopard Douluo prepared to leave.
Just as he was about to go, Yang Xiong suddenly spoke:
"Ghost Leopard Douluo, you must have visited the Hao Tian Sect and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. What's their stance on your so-called sect assembly?"
Ghost Leopard Douluo's face darkened: "Sect Leader Yang, are you planning to oppose the Spirit Hall alongside the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Hao Tian Sect? The Spirit Hall's strength far exceeds your imagination."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "The Hao Tian Sect has nothing to do with me, but you should know that I hail from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. If you plan to target them, you'll have to step over my corpse."
Though Yang Xiong's words were simple, they carried an implicit threat and a faint trace of killing intent.
Yang Xiong seemed to recall something and took out a small golden booklet. With a wave of his hand, it flew into Ghost Leopard Douluo's grasp.
"The last time I fought with your little angel was quite enjoyable, but she seemed dissatisfied with the outcome. Deliver this challenge to her—I hope she doesn't disappoint me."
Ghost Leopard Douluo and Hu Liena opened the golden booklet. Its contents were simple:
"Challenge—Five years from now, atop the Two Peaks Mountain, let us settle this once and for all."
Ghost Leopard Douluo was shocked again: "Yang Xiong, you're challenging our young mistress?"
Yang Xiong smiled: "This little angel has been quite interesting since I've known her. I don't want to have anything to do with your Spirit Hall. She lost so miserably last time—I'm sure she'll want another chance to fight me."
Ghost Leopard Douluo didn't hesitate: "Rest assured, I'll deliver the challenge to our young mistress. But I hope your Body Sect doesn't provoke the Spirit Hall further—otherwise, the consequences will be on your own head."
After Ghost Leopard Douluo, Hu Liena, and the others left, Lin Gong and the others seemed somewhat surprised.
"Sect Leader, why did you issue a challenge to Qian Renxue? That Qian Renxue is clearly extraordinary—she's already a Soul Douluo at such a young age."
Yang Xiong shook his head: "The challenge is secondary. Qian Renxue holds an extremely high position within the Spirit Hall, and she's also the granddaughter of Qian Daoliu. Moreover, she's extremely proud and would never resort to underhanded tactics."
"As long as our Body Sect doesn't actively provoke the Spirit Hall, we should be able to ensure our sect's safety in the short term."
Everyone fell into deep thought.
Yang Xiong, however, looked somewhat helpless. Judging by the Spirit Hall's current situation, they would likely continue to make trouble.
But what truly concerned Yang Xiong were only Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu. And Qian Renxue was their one weakness.
By provoking Qian Renxue's combative nature, Yang Xiong could ensure the Body Sect's safety for the next five years—at least he wouldn't have to worry about Qian Daoliu coming to attack.
However, just as Yang Xiong and the others began discussing the matter, another report came in—Tang Xiao, the sect leader of the Hao Tian Sect, had arrived.
Yang Wudi and the others exchanged glances, while Yang Xiong thought carefully: "Invite the sect leader of the Hao Tian Sect."
Sure enough, after a short while, Tang Xiao and the others arrived at the main hall.
Besides Tang Xiao, Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong were also present.
Upon entering the Body Sect, the expressions on their faces changed constantly—sometimes filled with confusion, sometimes with surprise.
Yang Xiong smiled and spoke: "Sect Leader Tang, Mr. Yu Xiaogang, Elder Liu Erlong, what brings the three of you to our humble Body Sect?"
Yu Xiaogang's expression shifted: "Yang Xiong, this Thunderclap Gorge was the stronghold of our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. I can't believe your Body Sect has taken it over like cuckoos in a nest."
Yang Xiong's expression turned cold: "Mr. Yu Xiaogang, your words are strange. This place did indeed belong to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, but after their destruction, it became ownerless. How can you accuse us of taking over like cuckoos?"
Yu Xiaogang's face darkened upon hearing this: "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan occupied Thunderclap Gorge for countless years—it was universally acknowledged in the soul master world. How could you occupy this place while their bones are still warm? Aren't you afraid of being despised?"
It was clear that both Liu Erlong and Yu Xiaogang found it hard to accept that Thunderclap Gorge had been taken over by the Body Sect.
Yang Xiong shook his head: "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has been destroyed for so long. Why haven't I seen you rebuild your sect here? Since there's no one left, what's wrong with us occupying this place?"
Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong were left speechless.
When the Spirit Hall destroyed the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, only a handful of disciples who were away on missions survived—and they were relentlessly hunted by the Spirit Hall.
To ensure the continuation of their sect, Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong concentrated all their remaining personnel in Tian Dou City, ensuring the survival of their sect's legacy.
Of course, they didn't dare return to Thunderclap Gorge—after all, leaving Tian Dou City meant facing endless pursuit and slaughter.
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