Quite a few people had come from the Clear Sky Sect; at a rough glance, there were over a hundred.
Besides the regular elite troops and fierce generals, there were even several Elders; it seemed Tang Xiao had mobilized almost their entire main force.
Both their purpose and their momentum revealed an unusual significance.
Naturally, they also attracted countless gazes, drawing a crowd of Spirit Masters who watched them fervently.
After all, the Clear Sky Sect had quietly abandoned their secluded cultivation and even personally come to Spirit Hall for the meeting.
This did not fit the Clear Sky Sect's usual style of conduct, nor did it align with the principles of a world-renowned Sect.
Seeing this, Ghost Douluo took the initiative to step forward, deliberately blocking Tang Xiao's path.
"Is there a problem?"
Tang Xiao tilted his head slightly, a cold light flickering in his eyes.
"With the Clear Sky Sect making such a grand display, I should be the one asking what you intend to do."
Chrysanthemum Douluo decided to act with some confidence; otherwise, others might really think he was a pushover.
"You only mentioned a meeting and didn't specify any particular rules. It's only reasonable for me to bring as many people as I see fit."
Tang Xiao's gaze was resolute, showing no sign of backing down.
The other Clear Sky Sect disciples immediately took a heavy step forward, their momentum as overwhelming as a mountain collapsing into the sea.
This caused the nearby Spirit Hall soldiers to tighten their grip on their spears, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.
Since the air was so thick with the scent of gunpowder, it seemed that any mutual trust had already shattered.
All that remained were so-called interests; Ghost Douluo realized this.
"The Clear Sky Sect claims to act for justice in the world. I hope you truly do so. What does it matter if we let you in?"
Ghost Douluo's words were clearly disparaging, causing the Clear Sky Sect disciples to glare at him one after another.
However, Tang Xiao reached out to signal for calm and said, "Then, it is a pleasure to meet you."
With that, he led his people forward. Chrysanthemum Douluo felt stifled and frustrated, but he could only let it go.
The official start time of the grand meeting was not far off; there was no need to waste words here.
Moreover, Chu Feng had instructed them that no matter who or what arrived, as long as there was no chaos, all should be welcomed.
At this moment, the last two guests entered Spirit City: Flender, the Dean of Shrek Academy, and Yu Xiaogang, the Vice-Dean.
They were somewhat famous because Shrek only accepted monsters, but they didn't attract much attention.
After all, with so many heroes gathered for this meeting, Shrek was quite unremarkable, especially since not a single current student of Shrek Academy had come.
Ghost and Chrysanthemum gave them a brief glance before leaving directly.
Yu Xiaogang grumbled from behind, "The current Spirit Hall is becoming increasingly overbearing."
Flender said calmly, "Never mind that. Don't forget our purpose for this trip. As long as the Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall don't clash, being able to smoothly participate in the Soul Master Competition is the best outcome."
"Sigh, speaking of which, Tang San and the others have been out training for some time. I was hoping this competition would be good practice, but who would have thought the world situation would become so chaotic."
Yu Xiaogang was somewhat pessimistic, while Flender at least held onto some hope.
"This might be a good thing. Tang San and the others have recently acquired many treasures, and they even seem to have found a way to quickly become Titled Douluo. We must use this meeting to see what Spirit Hall is actually planning."
Flender was quite calculating; that was why he was the Dean.
Yu Xiaogang shook his head, thinking only that he hoped it would be so.
On the other side, Bibi Dong and the remaining six Elders were holding a final discussion before the meeting.
Chu Feng was not present; he had gone to the Grotto-Heaven Blessed Land to find some good items that might be useful during the meeting. Incidentally, he could also design a new power system for the Douluo Continent to give these 'frogs at the bottom of a well' from all over a little shock.
Qian Renxue naturally took Chu Feng's place for the time being, acting as the Deputy Hall Master.
"Let's discuss the current situation. Even if the Clear Sky Sect has arrived, it cannot affect the attitude of our Spirit Hall."
Bibi Dong's expression was serious. She knew this was likely the most important day in the history of Spirit Hall—a rare gathering of all major powers on the Douluo Continent.
Qian Renxue gave a report without any expression: "The meeting includes the heads of the twenty-eight academies participating in the Soul Master Competition, representatives from the Star Luo Empire's imperial family, representatives from the six great Sects, several small Sects, and some Rogue Spirit Masters."
"Is there anything unusual?" Bibi Dong asked.
Devil Bear Douluo scratched his head. "It seems everyone harbors great hostility toward Spirit Hall. It looks like the previous public opinion campaign has put us in a passive position."
"That's not even the most dangerous part. Some Sects clearly have aggressive intentions. I feel this meeting poses a great risk to Spirit Hall."
Ghost Leopard Douluo was analyzing carefully, though his logic was clearly conservative.
Of course, several other Elders thought the same. After all, their understanding of the world situation was becoming increasingly familiar yet strange.
What was familiar was that the original power settings still existed; what was strange was that they would frequently encounter things that were hundreds of thousands of years old, which made them somewhat fearful.
Furthermore, Heavenly Wind Douluo had seen the Hall Master's nine red spirit rings at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile, and he had recently spoken of it.
Although no one believed him, it was enough to make their hearts turn cold.
Because they didn't dare believe it was true. If they did, the future of Spirit Hall would become precarious and highly unpredictable.
Moreover, if someone among the various factions at the meeting possessed super-explosive resources, wouldn't Spirit Hall become a lamb to the slaughter?
It was precisely for this reason that Qian Renxue felt a strong distaste for these Elders who were so good at overthinking.
"The five thousand people of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile have been wiped out, and three thousand nobles of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family have become ghosts. Since Spirit Hall has already done this, why should we care about the opinions of others?"
Although everyone knew Qian Renxue's words were the hard truth, hearing them again still felt like a thunderclap in their hearts.
It was almost like an invisible, heavy slap to the faces of the Elders, causing even Bibi Dong to be momentarily stunned.
"Qian Renxue, you had better know what the consequences of arrogance are!"
Bibi Dong's voice was stern as she raised the pontiff's staff and struck the ground.
Qian Renxue looked at her, her face showing no emotion as she said calmly, "Then we shall wait and see."
Devil Bear Douluo immediately said, "In my opinion, it's better to be more cautious."
However, his words were redundant, as the other Elders had already shown their respect to the Supreme Pontiff.
It seemed everyone had no desire to argue anymore. In any case, the grand meeting would definitely be held at the scheduled noon hour.
After all, these thousands of individuals with top-tier status and abilities on the continent were gathered together, all waiting for Spirit Hall's stance.
Particularly the Clear Sky Sect, the Star Luo Empire, and other influential entities on the continent; their direct negotiations with Spirit Hall would be the key of keys.
Bibi Dong also thought of this, so after a moment's reflection, she said, "Dismissed. Prepare for the grand meeting immediately. Our Spirit Hall cannot show weakness to others."
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