Chapter 242: Tang Hao Rejected by the Clear Sky Sect
In the great hall of the Clear Sky Sect, all the elders were gathered.
The fire from the previous night had thrown the sect into chaos. The burning of the archive chamber had been nothing short of a disgrace to the sect's name.
And now, Tang Hao and Tang San were requesting to be readmitted into the Clear Sky Sect—a proposal most elders had actually agreed to the night before, after learning of Tang San's extraordinary talent. Only the Seventh Elder had objected.
But everything changed after the fire.
When some of the elders went down to the nearby village for water, they encountered Tang Yuehua and heard her account of the current reputation Tang Hao and Tang San held across the continent.
Infamy was too kind a word.
Rumors had spread that Tang Hao, acting under the Clear Sky Sect's orders, had assassinated geniuses from other sects. Others whispered that the Clear Sky Sect itself had fallen to darkness—that the Haotian Douluo and his son were now practicing forbidden arts.
The once-revered name of the sect had become a curse in the soul master world.
When the Seventh Elder heard the news, he nearly fainted with fury and was the first to bring these reports to the council.
"So then—who does everyone think was behind last night's fire?" asked Tang Xiao gravely, his expression tight.
None of the others spoke, but the Seventh Elder snorted bitterly.
"Who else could it have been, Tang Xiao? The sect has been in isolation for years. Yesterday, coincidentally, a cripple and his bastard son return, and suddenly our archive burns. Who else could be responsible?"
The insult hit its mark. Tang San's fists trembled, rage flaring in his eyes. "Who are you calling a bastard?"
Every elder turned toward him. The Second Elder, who had once shown interest in Tang San after hearing of his talent, now looked at him with clear disappointment.
He had doubted the rumors of Tang Hao practicing evil techniques—but seeing Tang San lose control so easily, his faith wavered.
Yes, the Seventh Elder's words were harsh, but how could a mere Soul Emperor confront a Titled Douluo like this? One wrong word to the wrong person outside the sect, and Tang San would already be dead.
"I'm talking about you, you little bastard!" the Seventh Elder roared, trembling with rage. "Your father shamelessly defiled a spirit beast and gave birth to a monster like you! What else could you be if not a bastard?"
His fury swelled as he went on. "Because of you, because of Tang Hao's arrogance, our sect was attacked by Spirit Hall! My firstborn died in that assault! We sealed the mountain to protect ourselves, and now you want to come back only to destroy it again?"
The outburst left the hall echoing with venomous tension.
Tang Xiao's face turned dark with barely contained anger. What made it worse was that none of the other elders spoke up to stop the Seventh Elder's tirade.
Yesterday, they had seemed swayed by Tang San's potential—so why were they back to hostility now?
"Enough, Elder Seven," the Second Elder finally commanded, voice calm but firm.
The Seventh Elder stopped but continued glaring daggers at Tang San.
The Second Elder swept his gaze over Tang Hao and Tang San before speaking. "Tang Hao, you know the damage you've caused over the years. I won't revisit old wounds. But tell me honestly—was last night's fire your doing?"
Tang Hao met his gaze without flinching. "Second Elder, I swear on my title—it had nothing to do with me."
The Seventh Elder opened his mouth again, but one sharp glance from the Second Elder silenced him immediately.
The Second Elder studied Tang Hao's demeanor. Calm, steady—no sign of guilt.
After a pause, he said softly, "Very well. We will leave that matter aside. Then answer me this—are the rumors from the outside world true? Are you and your son truly evil soul masters?"
The question froze both Tang Hao and Tang San in place. Even Tang Xiao's face changed color.
"Second Elder, what are you saying? Hao cannot possibly be an evil soul master!" Tang Xiao protested.
The Second Elder ignored him, instead turning toward the rear of the hall. "Yuehua, you've managed Yuexuan in the city for years. You must know what the world is saying. Tell him."
At that, Tang Hao and Tang San noticed Tang Yuehua standing quietly in the shadows at the back of the room.
Their expressions tightened. Now it made sense how the elders knew so much.
Drawing in a deep breath, Tang Hao stepped forward. "There's no need for Yuehua to speak. I'll say it myself."
He raised his head and said evenly, "Yes. Outside, both Xiao San and I are regarded as evil soul masters."
A collective rustle spread through the elders. Even Tang Xiao stared in disbelief.
Evil soul masters.
The very term sent chills through them. Such people were outcasts, despised by all of humanity. If the Clear Sky Sect were associated with them, it would lose whatever standing remained in the soul master world.
The sect had been in seclusion for years, but one day they would need to step out again. With such a stigma, that day might never come.
"It's true that we've been branded as evil soul masters," Tang Hao continued firmly, "but neither of us has ever harmed ordinary soul masters!"
His words hung heavy in the hall.
The Second Elder narrowed his eyes. "Then answer me this plainly—did you or your son practice forbidden techniques?"
Silence fell.
Tang Hao did not speak immediately, and that silence told the elder all he needed to know.
After a long pause, Tang Hao finally said with difficulty, "I will not deny it. We did perform a ritual meant to enhance spirit power. But a technique alone doesn't define evil. We only used the corpses of spirit beasts—or criminals already condemned to death."
His explanation sounded hollow.
"Enough," the Second Elder said coldly. "Take your son and leave the sect."
Tang Hao sighed, unsurprised. He had expected rejection.
Still, he didn't move. "Second Elder, I understand if you won't readmit us, but please—hear me out."
The elder's gaze flickered, but he remained silent.
"I've returned not only for myself," Tang Hao said. "I come on behalf of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Heaven Dou royal family. They wish for the Clear Sky Sect to join them in alliance—to emerge from seclusion."
The Second Elder froze mid-step. His brow furrowed as he turned back to face Tang Hao.
"What did you just say?"
"I mean exactly that," Tang Hao replied solemnly. "The Blue Lightning Clan and the Heaven Dou Empire are asking for our Clear Sky Sect to stand with them."
(END CHAPTER)
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