Location: Clear Sky Clan
Tang Zhan, still pale and weak from his recent heart problem, sat on a heavy wooden chair just outside the clan compound's great hall. The wind whistled down from the mountain peaks, carrying with it the smell of pine.
Around him stood the elders, their expressions grim, and the elite clansmen whose faces betrayed unease despite the fierce Clear Sky reputation. The air was heavy, filled with the weight of impending disaster. They were not ignorant men—Spirit Hall's march had never been concealed. The entirety of the Angel Corps was advancing openly, and the news of their approach had spread faster than their boots could carry them.
Tang Zhan's voice, though weary, broke the tense silence."Third Elder, how is the retreat going?"
The Third Elder stepped forward, bowing slightly."All the elderly clansmen and the disciples below the rank of Soul Ancestor have begun their march toward the mountains. They are headed to our ancestral refuge deep within the ranges. If they keep their pace, they will reach it within three days."
Tang Zhan closed his eyes, exhaling slowly."Good. If the heavens decree our fall… then at least the spark of the Clear Sky Clan must survive, even if it flickers weakly in the shadows."
Before anyone could reply, a younger, defiant voice cut in—his son, Tang Xiao."Father, why do we need to be so cautious? Are we not the strongest clan? The Clear Sky Clan has never bowed to anyone, let alone Spirit Hall!"
The gathered clansmen stirred uneasily, some nodding, others tightening their fists. But Tang Zhan's eyes snapped open, sharp with fury. He raised a trembling hand and pointed at Tang Xiao.
"Rebellious son!" His voice thundered despite his weakened body. "You dare speak such arrogance at a time like this? This disaster—this humiliation—was born of the willfulness of your brothers! Tang Hao's recklessness has plunged us into calamity!"
His words struck like a whip. Tang Xiao flinched, but Tang Zhan continued, his voice deepening with an old grief."Do you even know, boy? Do you know who reigned supreme before your grandfather's generation? For innumerable years, the shadow of Spirit Hall stretched across the continent! Even our Clear Sky Hammer dared not provoke them lightly. No one—no one—knows the true depth of Spirit Hall's strength."
The weight of his words silenced the crowd. Even the stubborn light in Tang Xiao's eyes wavered.
At last, Tang Zhan's voice lowered, steady but merciless."Tang Hao… will be exiled from the clan."
The statement was like a hammer strike. Gasps echoed among the clansmen. Tang Xiao's head jerked up, his voice desperate."Father, don't do this!"
Before Tang Zhan could respond, a gruff voice rang out. It was Tai Tan, leader of the Strength Clan, one of the Clear Sky Clan's subsidiary branches."Clan Leader! Think again! Young Master Hao is the only hope for Clear Sky Clan. His talent, his hammer, his spirit… no one in the younger generation can match him!"
But Tang Xiao snapped, his anger barely restrained."Shut up, Tai Tan! Do you not see it? This disaster began because of him! His selfishness, his refusal to abide by the clan's rules—he provoked Spirit Hall into fury! If not for him, we would not be staring down the Angel Corps today!"
The two men glared at each other, sparks threatening to ignite into flame.
The Second Elder and Third Elder quickly stepped forward, interposing themselves."Clan Leader, calm your anger! The matter of Tang Hao must be decided carefully! If your health worsens, our clan will truly be leaderless!"
Tang Zhan, his face strained, struggled to steady his breathing. His chest heaved, but slowly, he wrestled his fury back under control. His eyes, however, remained locked on Tang Xiao.
Tang Xiao's head lowered, his fists clenched so tightly the veins stood out on his hands.
The courtyard fell into silence once more, oppressive, heavy, and suffocating. Above, dark clouds gathered, as though even the heavens sensed that the fate of the Clear Sky Clan trembled on the edge of a blade.
Suddenly, a voice came from the great gate, calm and refined yet carrying easily across the courtyard.
"Seems like I have not come at a good time."
All eyes turned. A young man, elegant and scholarly in bearing, walked forward with a faint smile. He was Ning Fengzhi, the brilliant leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Behind him followed two stalwart figures whose very presence seemed to steady the air—Gu Rong, the Bone Douluo, and Chen Xin, the Sword Douluo. Both stood silently, but their sharp gazes swept across the assembled Clear Sky clansmen.
They were not ordinary men; they were Level 95 Super Douluo, existences that even Spirit Hall dared not take lightly.
Tang Zhan rose from his chair with visible effort, his pale face lined by illness yet still carrying the majesty of a sect master. He stepped forward, cupping his fists."Welcome, Clan Leader Ning. Your arrival honors the Clear Sky Clan. Forgive me, however—we cannot provide the reception you deserve. Our clan waits… for an event that may decide our very fate."
Even in his weakness, his words were heavy, carrying the gravity of an iron hammer.
To ease the moment, Tang Zhan lifted a carved gourd from the table beside him."This is raspberry wine, brewed from fruits borne only once in a hundred years. It is all I can offer today. If you do not mind its humble quality, please share a cup."
Ning Fengzhi's smile deepened, his voice calm and reassuring, the tone of one who could soothe storms."The three great clans are as one. Though today we face a trial, our unity shall be tested, not broken. That is what matters."