At this time, the Clear Sky Sect had yet to go into seclusion. The sect was located three hundred li east of Heaven Dou City, nestled in a mountainous region surrounded by peaks. The scenery was both breathtaking and treacherous, with the sect built at the foot of the mountains and several small villages scattered nearby.
Ever since returning from Spirit Hall, Tang Hao had nearly doubled the time he spent training. Each day, he climbed to the back mountain, tirelessly swinging his giant hammer as he honed the secret techniques of the Clear Sky School—the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique.
Though Tang Hao had once been strong in the Nine Arts of the Clear Sky, it was the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique that truly resonated with him. As such, he abandoned further cultivation of the Nine Arts upon his return, choosing instead to fully devote himself to the Disorder Splitting Wind and the Great Sumeru Hammer.
Naturally, this drastic change drew everyone's attention.
"Second Brother has been like this ever since he came back from Spirit Hall. If he keeps training day and night like this, won't he end up suffering a cultivation backlash?"
Tang Yuehua's expression was filled with worry. She understood well Tang Hao's desire to grow stronger quickly after facing a formidable opponent—but such extremes might lead to disaster.
"Father, Hao's current path won't work. We have to do something."
Tang Xiao had tried advising Tang Hao several times, telling him to take breaks and balance exertion with rest. But Tang Hao had always just nodded perfunctorily, only to return to his relentless training routine.
Tang Tian gently shook his head. "Hao is like this... perhaps only your grandfather can rein him in now."
The root of Tang Hao's behavior was clear: the final duel during the Pope's wedding ceremony.
Though it had ended in a draw on the surface, everyone knew the truth—Tang Hao had lost.
Not only did he possess soul power over ten ranks higher than his opponent, but he was also much older. With such a head start, to be matched by a mere four-ring Soul Ancestor? It was a humiliating blow to someone as proud as Tang Hao.
Given such a severe shock, his current obsession wasn't all that surprising.
"But... Grandfather doesn't seem inclined to intervene at all."
Tang Yuehua's eyes brimmed with concern as she watched her second brother atop the mountain, swinging the Clear Sky Hammer like a madman again and again.
This had already gone on for over half a month. Not only had Tang Hao not eased up, but he was actually training even harder. At night, he replaced sleep with meditation.
This level of intensity bordered on self-destruction. How could they not worry?
But in truth, Tang Chen had never stopped paying attention. Quite the opposite—he had been observing Tang Hao's condition in secret the entire time.
And from what he saw, there was no need for concern.
"It's about time," Tang Chen murmured to himself.
Then, without warning, he casually tossed the Clear Sky Hammer in his hand toward Tang Hao. He didn't infuse it with any soul power, and the force was carefully controlled within a range Tang Hao could handle.
Tang Tian noticed first but, realizing it was his father who had acted, didn't interfere.
Tang Hao's gaze sharpened in an instant. He reacted almost immediately, his hammer momentum reaching its peak.
"Great Sumeru Hammer—Disorder Splitting Wind!"
He roared, eyes bloodshot, his voice echoing across the mountain peak.
The Clear Sky Hammer surged in size as it met the wind, swinging with terrifying force. The clash of hammers sent shockwaves radiating from Tang Hao's position.
Tang Tian stepped in front of Tang Yuehua, shielding her from the blast.
Tang Chen's casually thrown hammer was sent flying away, but with a flick of his hand, it returned to his grasp.
Tang Hao, having spent nearly all his strength, dropped to one knee, panting heavily as he supported himself with his hammer.
"Not bad. Not bad at all. Your mastery of the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique has reached a high level," Tang Chen praised, appearing beside Tang Hao in the blink of an eye. His speed surpassed even that of Agility-Type Titled Douluo.
"Grandfather," Tang Hao said, cupping his hands in respect as he stood.
"Father."
"Grandfather."
Tang Tian, Tang Xiao, and Tang Yuehua also walked over.
Tang Chen waved them off, signaling that formalities weren't necessary. His gaze landed on Tang Hao as he asked seriously, "Tang Hao, if you truly want to grow stronger, mindless training alone won't get you there."
"I humbly ask for Grandfather's guidance," Tang Hao said with unwavering determination. The fierce desire in his eyes reminded Tang Chen of himself in his youth.
Perhaps age does this to a man—makes you see glimpses of your younger self in the outstanding juniors around you, sparking a natural fondness.
That fearless, indomitable spirit in Tang Hao—it was far too familiar.
It was precisely this resemblance that made Tang Chen favor him most among all his descendants in the Clear Sky Sect.
"Hao, I know a way to help you grow much stronger. If you succeed, you'll gain a Domain. But if you fail... you'll die. I'll give you three days to think it over. If you decide, come to me."
"Father, that's—"
Tang Tian began, only to be cut off by a raised hand from Tang Chen.
"Haha! Grandfather, there's no need to think it over. If it means I can become stronger, I'll pay any price."
Tang Hao laughed heartily, full of confidence. If he, Tang Hao, could be scared off by the threat of death, what right would he have to stand on equal ground with someone like Gu Han?
A flash of admiration passed through Tang Chen's eyes. He clapped a heavy hand on Tang Hao's shoulder. "Good. You truly are my grandson. In that case, come with me."
With that, Tang Chen turned to Tang Tian and the others and said, "Hao and I will be gone for at most five years. During that time, Tian, you'll oversee all affairs of the Clear Sky Sect."
"Yes, Father," Tang Tian responded, then turned to Tang Hao. "Hao, I won't say much. Since you've chosen this path, be brave and go forward. I believe in your ability—you'll succeed."
"Hao, your big brother and I will be waiting for you back here with meat and wine," Tang Xiao said solemnly, gripping Tang Hao's shoulders in encouragement.
"Second Brother, you must come back safely," Tang Yuehua added, eyes filled with concern. This journey was one of life and death—how could she not worry?
"Haha, Big Brother, Yuehua, don't worry. I, Tang Hao, am not so easy to kill!"
Tang Hao's bold laughter rang out, full of unshakable confidence.
He was Tang Hao, grandson of Tang Chen, one of the Twin Stars of the Clear Sky Sect. He possessed the most elite Tool Spirit in the entire continent and wielded its ultimate techniques. Even without soul abilities, he wasn't afraid to take on a Soul Sage in battle.
After bidding farewell, Tang Chen led Tang Hao away from the sect.
Their destination?
The most perilous place on the entire continent—the Slaughter City.
A haven for fallen soul masters, this forbidden zone stripped everyone of their ability to use soul skills. Once inside, one would be plunged into endless bloodshed.
But if one could survive and win a hundred battles, they could escape through the Path of Hell and emerge from the Slaughter City.
And those who made it out...
Would gain a powerful Domain: the Killing God Domain.
~~~
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