Grand Martial Academy, top-floor meeting room. Heavy soul-guide crystal windows blocked out the noise outside, leaving only a solemn, serious atmosphere within. Around the huge oval conference table sat the academy's core high-level members, except Wisdom Brain Douluo.
In the first seat to the left of the Dean sat Dugu Bo, head of the discipline department. He cleared his throat, breaking the silence, his voice characteristically hoarse. "The dean has other important matters, so the preparatory meeting for the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament will be co-chaired by us, to discuss the regulations."
Across from him sat Yang Wudi, head of the assault department. "I thought it was something big, but it's just to decide the candidates?"
"What's so difficult about that? Let's choose the seven strongest men and women! Grand Martial Academy's debut will be a big hit, with no room for ambiguity!"
Vice Dean Qing Yun, seated to the right, smiled warmly. "Head Yang is right: strength is respected—the iron law of the soul master world. But this time, things are a little different."
Qing Yun glanced around the room. "This time, the Body Sect will also field a team under our Grand Martial Academy's banner. The young sect master, Chen Yi, will serve as captain. Two of their top talents will formally join the team, with another as an important substitute."
Hong Yue, seated at the front, nodded and continued, her voice steady and clear. "Therefore, aside from the young sect master and those two talents, we must decide the other four main team members and the remaining substitutes."
At this, all eyes turned to Shui Qingmei and Mu Xi at the table's end. Shui Qingmei, sensing their gazes, calmly opened her documents and spoke clearly.
"Based on evaluation results, actual combat records, and recent potential assessments, four outstanding students from non-sect backgrounds stand out in the academy."
Shui Qingmei frowned. "For the assault system: Yang Zhantian, spirit: Soul Breaking Spear; for defense: Niu Yan, spirit: Drill Plate Armor Rhinoceros. Both belong to the four great single-attribute clans, with solid foundations and rich combat experience, having been tempered in the previous 'Clear Sky Battle' and are the best choices for the main team."
"Especially Yang Zhantian—rumor has it that even the young sect master admitted he was the leader among peers in the Soul Elder."
The mention of Chen Yi's approval drew surprise and interest from several department heads.
Shui Qingmei continued, "The other two are Meng Yutong and Ding Xian, both from the former Skywater Academy. They were the core main force Skywater prepared for this tournament, with outstanding talent, rapidly strengthened by resources and training, and fully qualified to serve as main force members."
No one was surprised by these four names; their backgrounds, talent, and strength made them the brightest among their peers.
"Then," Yang Wudi said bluntly, "let's follow the old rules: let these four compete in the final public evaluation—let strength speak. Whoever holds the ring in the end gets the four main positions. Fair and square!"
"Head Yang's method is very good," Qing Yun agreed with a smile. "Now, what about the substitutes?"
Hong Yue thought for a moment. "Substitutes may not start, but must be ready for emergencies. Their strength, mentality, and adaptability are crucial."
At this, Mu Xi spoke gently but clearly. "Vice Dean Qing Yun is right. We must prepare in advance for the next tournament. I suggest favoring promising younger students for substitute spots. This lets them gain experience and lays a solid foundation for the next academy tournament."
Shui Qingmei's eyes lit up. "That makes sense. If we're talking top young talents, it has to be Shui Bing'er, and Dugu Bo's granddaughter Dugu Yan. Both have top spirits and have made rapid progress, far surpassing peers, and are fully capable of competing for substitute spots."
"As for Lingling, she possesses the Nine-Hearted Begonia spirit—the world's top healing spirit. Our team lacks a strong auxiliary, and with her ability, she can be assigned directly as a substitute without competition. Opinions?"
"Seconded."
"So it should be."
"With Ye Lingling, our team's endurance and resilience will improve greatly."
Everyone nodded; the strategic value of the Nine-Hearted Begonia was unquestioned.
Dugu Bo, hearing his granddaughter Dugu Yan's name, showed a rare trace of pride. He knew the four main candidates outmatched Yan'er in age and power, but for the substitutes, with her mutated Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor spirit and unyielding drive, he was confident she had a chance.
With the main and substitute plans settled, Dugu Bo made the decision. "Good! Since we agree, the upcoming end-of-term assessment will include a 'competition for seats.' Yang Zhantian, Niu Yan, Meng Yutong, and Ding Xian will defend their seats against all qualified challengers. Along with Ye Lingling's direct selection, all other substitute spots will be decided by competition. Shui Bing'er and Dugu Yan may also participate."
He glanced around, his tone solemn. "At that time, strength will speak, and it will be revealed in the ring!"
Hong Yue added, "As for the Body Sect's members, aside from the young sect master, the others will also be present to accept challenges. The capable will rise, the weak will fall!"
…
Far within the Moon Pavilion, in a secluded bamboo courtyard, Tang San leaned on the railing, lost in thought as he gazed at the city and distant pavilions. His brow was furrowed with unresolved gloom and conflict, as if he were enduring a silent, violent storm within.
Ever since his uncle Tang Xiao's serious warning that Yu Xiaogang's guidance on Blue Silver Grass was "harming him" and "ruining his future," the idea had haunted him like a curse.
One on hand was a powerful blood uncle and Clear Sky Sect leader; on the other, Yu Xiaogang, the teacher and father figure who had taught him everything since leaving Nuoding City.
Who should he trust?
Reason told Tang Xiao had no reason to lie, but emotionally, he could not believe the gentle teacher meant him harm.
Just then, familiar footsteps approached. Yu Xiaogang came slowly, gazing worriedly at his confused, lonely disciple.
"Xiao San, what are you thinking here alone? Are your injuries worsening?"
Tang San stiffened, then slowly turned around, hesitating for a long time before repeating Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua's warnings in a dry voice.
After listening, Yu Xiaogang's eyes flashed with panic, but he quickly forced himself calm. He wore a complicated expression of powerlessness, frustration, and resolve as he sighed and spoke heavily.
"So… Lady Yuehua and Lord Xiao see my guidance this way…?"
He shook his head in despair, as if suffering a great injustice.
"But, Xiao San, even if Lord Xiao is your uncle and theoretically knows more about Blue Silver Grass, he is not a scholar, nor has he read the countless Spirit Hall classics or systematically studied cultivation like a teacher. I may not be perfect, but the path I've chosen for you is the most systematic and suitable plan for your current situation!"
Hearing this, Tang San frowned. This was his greatest doubt—Tang Xiao repeatedly said Yu Xiaogang's guidance was wrong, but when Tang San pressed for concrete answers, his uncle was always vague, saying only that they'd resolve it later, but nothing ever came of it.
Seeing Tang San's hesitation, Yu Xiaogang's eyes flashed with joy. He quickly shifted the focus from himself, speaking in a sad, indignant tone.
"Actually, whether my guidance is correct is not the most important question right now! The most important thing, as the Clear Sky Sect master and your father's elder brother, is how to avenge Clear Sky's death!"
When it came to his father's vengeance, Tang San's eyes darkened. He repeated Tang Xiao's claim that the clan was too weak to challenge the Body Sect and Wisdom Brain Douluo, and that long-term plans were needed.
Yu Xiaogang's face showed disbelief. He shook his head repeatedly, speaking with calculated persuasion. "Forget Wisdom Brain Douluo—are you saying the culprit, Chen Yi, can't even be attacked?"
"No matter how talented Chen Yi is, or how strong his guards, with the Clear Sky Sect's foundation and methods, are you telling me you can't even find a chance to assassinate him? Isn't that unreasonable?"
Yu Xiaogang's words struck Tang San's heart like a needle. Yes, it was his father's blood feud, yet the clan seemed so "powerless" that even attacking a single culprit like Chen Yi was "impossible?" That made no sense! Surely, the elders had hindered vengeance for selfish reasons.
Yu Xiaogang, seeing Tang San's reaction, caught a flash of success in his eyes and threw out an even deadlier "bomb."
"And... your uncle Tang Xiao is the clan master, but the title of 'Clear Sky'—the symbol of the clan's power and authority—was inherited by your father. Why is your uncle's title 'Howling Sky'? Isn't it natural for the strongest to take the main title?"
Tang San remembered that his uncle seemed sad whenever talking about his father, and also somewhat distant toward him. Could it be that deep down, his uncle envied his father for inheriting the title, and secretly refused to avenge him?
Yes, that must be it. This was the real reason for refusing revenge.
He remembered how Tang Xiao wanted to bring him back to the clan, saying it would give him a chance to "recognize his ancestors and return home."
Thinking this way, Tang San could not help but sneer in his heart. In the Tang Sect, he was all too familiar with such tactics—offering vague promises in exchange for labor and loyalty.
"What kind of uncle is this... What kind of Clear Sky Sect!"
Tang San's heart suddenly grew cold, a violent aura of betrayal and anger rising within.
"You dare toy with me like this!"
Yu Xiaogang saw the hatred and resolve in Tang San's eyes, finally sighing in relief. He had successfully planted the seeds of discord.
He maintained a gentle, comforting pretense. "Don't get too worked up, Xiao San. Howling Sky has his difficulties, but that doesn't mean he wants to harm you. For now, use the clan's strength—you need the resources and opportunities only they can provide."
Tang San slowly unclenched his fist, his eyes growing cold and deep. He nodded, his voice strangely calm. "Teacher, you're right. For now... I do need them."
He looked up in the direction of the Clear Sky Sect, as if a dark fire burned in his eyes, his thoughts coiling like a venomous snake.
"Wait for it, Clear Sky Sect... When I reach the peak, I'll make you pay a hundred times over for today's deception and hypocrisy!"
Yu Xiaogang, seeing the hatred he himself had planted, felt completely at ease.
"Xiao San is the only hope to prove my theory invincible. The Clear Sky Sect must never mislead his cultivation or steal his trust and dependence."
"I must find the right moment to leave Heaven Dou City with Xiao San and slip away from the Clear Sky Sect's watchful eyes."
Suddenly, a sly smile flashed across his face.
"How could I forget him..."
Yu Xiaogang's eyes sparkled as a quiet plan formed in his mind.
...
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