Chapter 109: Haotian Sect
Seeing Tang Wei in a fit of rage, the Great Elder of the Haotian Sect gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head in disappointment. The other three Haotian Elders held similar expressions of disapproval.
While few outside truly understood the Haotian Sect's roots, these elders knew it well. Though they had long possessed powerful inherited skills and soul bones, the Haotian Sect had not been the most elite sect on the continent until Tang Chen, a peerless genius, had cemented their reputation. Only then had the Haotian Sect gained the title of the "Greatest Weapon Martial Soul."
If it hadn't been for Tang Chen, the title of the continent's strongest assault type martial soul would have gone to the Seven Killing Sword of the Dust Clan. After all, the Dust Clan had produced two consecutive 98th level Super Douluo, a staggering achievement in itself. In comparison, the highest cultivation within the Haotian Sect now lay with Tang Wei and the Great Elder, both at level 97, yet still far from level 98.
"Patriarch, regarding the matter of the two young masters, we need to approach this with caution," the Great Elder counseled. "We were clearly in the wrong here. If we launch a retaliatory attack, we'll likely face severe consequences. The opponent made it clear that Tang Chen is trapped somewhere and unable to aid us. Once we engage him, our chances of victory are slim. You, as sect master, understand better than anyone the terrifying gap between level 97 and level 98.
"After Tang Chen earned the title of 'Unstoppable Force of the Earth,' our sect's disciples have grown arrogant, acting without restraint. Perhaps this punishment was inevitable."
This Great Elder was from the same era as Tang Chen, though less renowned. Over time, he had reached level 97 and was regarded as an equal to Tang Xiao, who would later act as interim sect leader in Tang San's era.
Despite his frustration, Tang Wei held respect for the Great Elder; he was a fellow Title Douluo and a wise advisor to the sect. Moreover, Tang Wei had his own insecurities. Much of his level 97 cultivation was due to the resources Tang Chen had amassed; without such support, he likely wouldn't have surpassed level 95 a feat akin to what Qian Xunji achieved.
Although Tang Wei saw himself as the revitalizer of the Haotian Sect, his son, Tang Hao, was his true hope for the sect's future. Thus, he could not swallow the insult to his family.
"The proud Haotian Sect cannot tolerate such disgrace. We must make Tianxing Academy pay, or our reputation will be tarnished."
"Please reconsider, Patriarch. The intelligence suggests that this so called 'Tianxing Douluo' at level 98 has abilities that specifically counter the Haotian Hammer. Even with the Great Sumeru Hammer technique you inherited from Tang Chen, you wouldn't stand a chance. The phantom like skill he demonstrated makes even the strongest Haotian Hammer strike useless," the Great Elder continued to persuade him.
He was also frustrated by Tang Wei's stubbornness. Normally a reserved and respectful man, the sect master's fixation on revenge today was baffling.
"Enough, Great Elder! If you won't support me, I'll go myself!" Tang Wei growled.
His stubbornness shocked the elders. Without half of his father's prowess, Tang Wei had inherited only Tang Chen's pride. Now, he was intent on confronting Tianxing Academy without realizing the limits of his abilities.
Cough, cough
The sound of coughing drew everyone's attention. Tang Xiao limped into the hall, his face pale and leaning on a cane.
"Father, the Great Elder is right. If you go so rashly, you'll only provoke the Tianxing Douluo further, and our entire sect could be wiped out."
"You ungrateful son! I haven't punished you for failing to protect your brother, yet you dare criticize me?" Tang Wei's fury turned toward Tang Xiao.
Tang Xiao winced. Though he deeply loved his siblings, constant comparisons to his younger brother weighed heavily on him. Nonetheless, he feared that provoking the Tianxing Douluo would lead to a massacre of the Haotian Sect, sparing none of his family. Dropping to his knees, Tang Xiao pleaded, "Father, please reconsider. Since returning, I've been investigating the secrets of this Tianxing Douluo's soul rings. Grandfather's journal on the continent's hidden knowledge clearly mentions this:
"Every 100,000 year soul ring adds a gold streak. Tianxing Douluo's ninth ring has three gold streaks, meaning it came from a 300,000 year soul beast. Such a being is beyond our reach."
Tang Wei recalled Tang Chen's journal, though he had dismissed the descriptions of soul rings above 100,000 years as myths. As far as he knew, the only confirmed 100,000 year soul beasts were the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python in the Star Dou Great Forest, with no trace of a 200,000 year soul beast.
"A 300,000 year soul ring?" Tang Wei's face turned pale with fear.
In his youth, Tang Wei had ambitiously sought a 100,000 year soul ring for his ninth ring, leading a team of Haotian Sect elites into the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt the Titan Giant Ape. However, the ape's power proved insurmountable, resulting in heavy casualties for the sect. Tang Wei only escaped by sheer luck. With Tang Chen already pursuing his godly path at that time, Tang Wei retained his position as patriarch due solely to Tang Chen's substantial contributions.
"Xiao'er, are you certain that his ninth soul ring comes from a 300,000 year soul beast?" Tang Wei asked, his voice trembling.
Tang Xiao nodded solemnly. "Absolutely. The pressure I felt facing him was far greater than anything I felt even from you and the Great Elder. He is undoubtedly a level 98 Title Douluo. He spared us once, but if we provoke him again, he will not hesitate to massacre us all. Please, Father, the Haotian Sect cannot afford such a loss."
Tang Xiao's earnest plea, filled with sorrow, was echoed by the other three Haotian Elders, who nodded in agreement. They needed to prevent their patriarch from acting rashly. A 98th level Title Douluo was a power the Haotian Sect could not challenge.
For decades, the Haotian Sect had maintained its survival through strategic humility.
Tang Wei knew that if the Tianxing Douluo was a regular 98th level Douluo, he and the Great Elder might stand a chance together. However, Tianxing's abilities countered their physical attacks, and he possessed a 300,000 year soul ring likely with a matching soul bone, granting him four skills of immense power.
All these advantages rendered their strongest techniques utterly useless. Defeated, Tang Wei's spirit broke, leaving him as helpless as a dog with a broken spine.
"From this day forth, the Haotian Sect shall enter a semi secluded state. All disciples are to strictly observe sect regulations. Any violators will face the sect's disciplinary laws. I am weary. The meeting is dismissed," he finally declared.
"Yes, Patriarch," the elders replied, each retreating to oversee the new orders for the sect.
(End of Chapter)
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