Douluo: Martial Soul Seven Kill Sword, The Sword Opens Heaven's Gates

After entering the Great Star Dou Forest, Tang San led the large group in a mad dash deeper into the forest for an entire day and night. 

Seeing no signs of pursuit behind them, the group's tense nerves finally relaxed. They set up camp on the spot and rested briefly.

However, Tang San didn't rest. Together with Yu Xiaogang, he took stock of their remaining supplies.

Unconsciously, both master and disciple furrowed their brows.

Yu Xiaogang sighed helplessly and said, "Xiao San, water isn't a big issue, but food—we only have enough to last three days. This is a serious problem."

They weren't a small team of a dozen people but a large group of nearly two hundred.

Preparing food for so many people would create a lot of smoke.

Moreover, this was the Great Star Dou Forest—they already had to face the threat of soul beasts, not to mention the Spirit Hall's pursuers behind them.

If they created a large amount of smoke, their position would inevitably be exposed.

At that point, they'd face a pincer attack from the Spirit Hall squads in front and soul beasts behind. They'd die without even knowing how it happened.

Tang San spoke grimly, "Teacher, at worst, we'll eat raw meat and wild grass. The Great Star Dou Forest has no shortage of soul beasts—we have a stable food source."

"But we'll need to prepare everyone mentally," Tang Xiao added.

For the older generation of soul masters who had trained for years on the continent, going without food wasn't unfamiliar, and eating raw meat wouldn't cause much resentment.

However, among the younger members of the Strength Clan, there were many young soul masters who might not be able to endure such hardships.

Tang San nodded silently and walked over to Tai Tan to discuss something with him.

Though Tai Tan had the authority as clan leader to forcibly suppress these disciples, over time, some might develop dissenting thoughts.

"Then let's quench our thirst with the thought of plums." Tang San made a decisive decision.

There were many cities along the Great Star Dou Forest. As long as they could hold out until the next city, they'd be able to replenish their supplies.

Tai Tan felt this idea was somewhat unreliable, but with no better options available, he nodded in agreement.

After resting for an hour, the large group set off again.

On the way, after careful consideration, Tang Xiao approached Tang San and asked, "Xiao San, I remember you once said that Brother Hao was living in seclusion in the Great Star Dou Forest. If we pass by during this journey, could we ask Brother Hao to come out and help us handle the situation?"

In Tang Xiao's heart, he had never blamed Tang Hao. Even though Tang Hao was severely injured, he wouldn't hold it against him.

Of course, what Tang Xiao wanted most was to obtain the Great Sumeru Hammer technique from Tang Hao to prepare for future revenge against the Spirit Hall.

Tang San didn't immediately agree, instead pondering the pros and cons in his mind.

First, the Strength Clan disciples only recognized Tang Hao. If they learned that Tang Hao's strength had diminished, some might develop disloyal thoughts.

Moreover, the reason why the Spirit Hall and the Tiandou Empire hadn't completely wiped them out was likely because they feared the combined power of the Twin Stars of the Hao Tian Sect.

If Tang Hao's weakened state were exposed, their situation would become dire.

As for Tai Tan, Tang San was uncertain about his thoughts.

Once the connection with Tang Hao was severed, it might put him at a disadvantage. Moreover, without the invisible pressure exerted by Tang Hao, even if the Tang Sect were established, it would merely be the Strength Clan under a different name.

With this in mind, Tang San made up his mind.

No matter what, Tang Hao couldn't appear at this time, nor could he make contact with the outside world.

"Sorry, Uncle. Father now only wants to quietly live with Mother, isolated from the world. We shouldn't disturb him. Besides, things haven't reached the point where Father must come out of seclusion. I've grown up—I can't rely on Father's reputation for everything."

Tang Xiao thought for a moment, seemingly understanding Tang San's concerns, and didn't press further.

"Fine, let's discuss this another time if the opportunity arises. But Xiao San, you must inform Brother Hao about the destruction of the Hao Tian Sect as soon as possible. Also, if Brother Hao asks about my stance on a certain matter, just tell him I agree."

Tang San was puzzled. "Uncle, what exactly is the matter?"

Tang Xiao didn't elaborate.

The Great Sumeru Hammer technique could only be learned by the future sect leader.

Given Tang San's talent and strength, along with Tang Xiao having no children of his own, the position of Hao Tian Sect leader would undoubtedly fall to him in the future.

Thus, allowing Tang San to learn the Great Sumeru Hammer technique didn't violate the Hao Tian Sect's ancestral rules.

Tang Xiao patted his shoulder and smiled faintly. "You'll understand in time."

After a pause, he continued, "The five monsters of Shrek Academy are crucial forces for our future revenge against the Spirit Hall. After establishing yourselves in the Star Luo Empire, I hope you can fully dedicate yourselves to cultivation and quickly improve your strength."

"I have a good place in mind—it might suit you in the future."

Tang San tactfully refrained from asking further questions.

Tang Xiao, this uncle of his, was one of the people closest to him aside from Tang Hao and Yu Xiaogang. There was no reason for him to deceive him in this matter.

---

The Tiandou Empire's imperial palace

Seven days after holding the state funeral for Xue Ye, Xue Qinghe ascended the throne, symbolizing the highest authority of the Tiandou Empire, under the watchful eyes of various factions.

From this day forward, he became the new Tiandou Emperor.

However, due to Xue Qinghe's lack of experience, the major kingdoms and duchies within the Tiandou Empire ignored his edicts.

Fortunately, Ning Fengzhi, relying on the influence of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, temporarily stabilized the situation for him. But the Star Luo Empire wouldn't give him a chance to catch his breath. Conflicts along the border seemed to escalate, with signs pointing toward the possibility of a full-scale war.

Xue Qinghe (Qian Renxue) naturally understood his predicament. For him, the foundation of the Tiandou Empire absolutely couldn't be lost, otherwise he would lose the capital to stand against Bibi Dong.

That night, Qingluan Douluo came to the study and bowed, saying, "Young Master, the Grand Elder has sent a fourth letter urging you to return to the Worship Hall as soon as possible."

"I will stay in the Tiandou Empire to assist your proxy in handling government affairs and conveying your orders."

Putting down the official documents in his hand, Qian Renxue rubbed his temples. "Have you investigated Ning Tianchen's movements clearly?"

Ning Tianchen's whereabouts weren't kept secret. If the Spirit Hall cared to look, it wouldn't be difficult to find him.

Qingluan Douluo reported, "Young Master, he is heading toward the Star Luo Empire. It will likely take him a month or two before he returns. I estimate that he will only return to take charge after the completion of the Sky Sword Sect's base."

Xue Qinghe frowned slightly and said gravely, "Then we'll wait. The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is of great importance—I don't feel reassured leaving it in someone else's hands."

The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was something he discovered after taking over the imperial treasury.

As a descendant of the Angel God, he, the Angel God's heir, couldn't move the token of the Sea God—it even provoked hostility from the sea gods.

If left in the Tiandou Empire, once he left and it fell into someone else's hands, it would bring incalculable changes to the future situation of the continent.

"Young Master, I can handle these matters for you." Qingluan Douluo gave a bitter smile but didn't insist.

He could see that the other party must have some private matters to discuss with Ning Tianchen—matters that could even relate to the future survival of the Spirit Hall.

Such matters naturally couldn't be spoken through others' mouths.

"Grandpa Qingluan, please stall Grandpa for a little longer. I beg of you." Xue Qinghe said earnestly.

Qingluan Douluo shrugged. "Young Master, have you considered how much trouble your identity will bring?"

"The ministers in the palace, along with Ning Fengzhi, are currently selecting concubines for you. Now that the court situation is gradually stabilizing, this matter can't be delayed."

The concubines they selected would essentially act as spies placed beside Xue Qinghe.

If Xue Qinghe's (Qian Renxue's) true gender were exposed, endless trouble would follow.

After some thought, Xue Qinghe could only order someone to deliberately stir up some incidents, giving him something to do and temporarily avoiding the matter.

---

When Ning Tianchen's carriage crossed the border between the two empires, they were rigorously interrogated by both sides.

Even a single wrong word could lead to being judged as a spy by either side.

On the Tiandou Empire's side, they had Xue Qinghe's token and proper travel documents, so they didn't face too much trouble from the soldiers. However, the Star Luo Empire's side wasn't as accommodating.

Walking along the border between the two empires, watching the tense standoff between the two sides, Yu Die couldn't help but sigh. "Father once said that when both sides impose martial law on their borders, it won't be long before a battle involving tens of thousands of troops breaks out."

Zhang Erhe, who had a military background, wasn't wrong in his judgment.

However…

Ning Tianchen smiled faintly and responded, "At least the battlefield won't be here."

"The terrain here isn't spacious enough. At most, it's only suitable for skirmishes with a few hundred soldiers. A force of ten thousand troops wouldn't be able to maneuver effectively."

Oscar said helplessly, "Tianchen, stop joking around. Let's think about how we're going to cross the border."

"Alas! The two empires are about to erupt into a large-scale conflict. Many people will probably die."

Ning Tianchen gave a dry laugh and explained, "Don't look so gloomy. If I were a border guard and saw your worried expressions, I'd immediately deduct points from your impression score. I might even suspect that you're frowning because you think the upcoming espionage work will be difficult."

Feng Xiaotian nodded and chimed in, "What Tianchen says makes sense. The more relaxed we appear, the more the Star Luo Empire's guards will think we're merchants from their own country, confident in the Star Luo Empire's chances in the upcoming battle."

Chen Huayu quietly asked, "So, should we bribe them?"

Ning Rongrong snapped, "What are you thinking? Bribing the border troops would practically scream that you're a spy!"

"This is like saying, 'There's no silver hidden here!'"

Ning Tianchen added, "Don't do anything that draws suspicion. Just maintain a normal attitude."

"Even if we can't enter officially, this place isn't far from the Great Star Dou Forest. At worst, we'll sneak into the Star Luo Empire."

Not long after, their carriage entered the border checkpoint and was inspected by the Star Luo Empire's soldiers.

Everyone got off the carriage and greeted the border guards cheerfully.

"I say, there's no need for such a thorough inspection, right? Kaleri, who used to guard this border, knows me well," Ning Tianchen said casually.

The name "Kaleri" was given to him by personnel from the Tiandou Empire's border.

This attempt at familiarity successfully made the Star Luo Empire's guards relax their vigilance slightly.

One of the soldiers sternly replied, "This is a necessary procedure that everyone must follow."

It was clear that his demeanor had relaxed significantly.

Ning Tianchen and the others maintained a casual and laid-back attitude, leaning against the railing nearby, seemingly unconcerned about whether they'd be allowed entry.

After waiting for a few minutes, the soldiers finished searching their carriage and received the signal that there was no "threat." The attitudes of the other soldiers softened considerably.

"Excuse me, what is your place of origin? Don't worry, this is just a routine question."

Zhu Zhuqing replied, "Third Street in Star Luo City. We've been childhood friends since we were young. Due to family arrangements, we went to the Tiandou Empire to expand our family business."

She was, after all, a native of the Star Luo Empire.

Since she wasn't well-known in the imperial family, no one recognized her appearance or identity.

Third Street in Star Luo City was known as a gathering place for wealthy merchants. Combined with Ning Tianchen and the others' expensive attire, the soldiers completely let their guard down and waved them through. "Pass!"

Back in the carriage, Ning Tianchen slowly drove away from the checkpoint to ensure they left no traces behind.

On the road, Chen Huayu couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. "Zhuqing, if you hadn't spoken up, I'd have forgotten that you're part of the Star Luo imperial family."

It was mainly because she rarely spoke and was somewhat invisible within the group.

Zhu Zhuqing smiled faintly and replied, "My identity is special. If officials find out, my elder sister will definitely learn that I've returned, and trouble might follow later."

Though Zhu Zhuyun might not act against her, there was no guarantee that someone beneath her wouldn't try to be clever.

Ning Tianchen said, "In any case, we owe thanks to Zhuqing this time. If it were us, we wouldn't know the names of places within the Star Luo Empire."

Zhu Zhuqing shrugged, not thinking she had done the group much of a favor.

---

Compared to the Tiandou Empire, the Star Luo Empire's defenses in its rear cities were noticeably lax.

Since leaving the border checkpoint, Ning Tianchen's carriage hadn't been inspected again.

It seemed that the Star Luo Empire didn't believe the Tiandou Empire could reach its rear cities.

Zhu Zhuqing, however, found this unsurprising.

"The Star Luo Empire's army is inherently stronger than the Tiandou Empire's in terms of combat effectiveness. Moreover, with the Tiandou Empire undergoing a power transition, it's uncertain whether Xue Qinghe can mobilize the Balak Kingdom and other kingdoms and duchies."

Ning Rongrong said worriedly, "I wonder what Father will do."

Ning Tianchen said, "Don't worry. This war shouldn't last too long. To centralize power, the Star Luo Empire doesn't have many Title Douluo-level experts. If it comes to the point where Grandpa, Bone Grandpa, and the old man have to step in, the Star Luo Empire won't gain much benefit."

Zhu Zhuqing agreed, "So, the Star Luo Empire's ultimate goal in this war is likely to occupy a few border cities of the Tiandou Empire. Afterward, there might be over a decade of peace."

"It's hard to say. There's also a third party involved," Ning Tianchen sighed. "Hopefully, the Spirit Hall won't get involved."

The trajectory of future developments had long deviated from the original timeline.

Ning Tianchen didn't know in which direction the future would head.

What was certain was that as long as Qian Renxue's ideals didn't change, the Douluo Continent would enjoy a long period of peace.

The key issue was that the Angel God couldn't protect her divine trial.

In the original timeline, the Sea God could interfere in the divine trial. If things went further and Qian Renxue was implanted with certain ideas, that would truly be a disaster.

------------------------------------------------------

40+ Chapters Ahead Guaranteed: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow