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

Early the next morning, the food vendor who regularly delivered meals to the Spirit Hall found that no one had come to collect the food. Gathering his courage, he entered the Spirit Hall to investigate.

To his shock, he discovered the bodies of the Spirit Hall's powerful members strewn across the premises. Even Miles was found dead in his office.

News of the Spirit Hall's massacre spread like wildfire. The citizens of Gengxin City poured into the streets, beating drums and gongs to celebrate the news. Clearly, they had suffered greatly under the Spirit Hall's oppression.

Of course, many were curious about what exactly had transpired inside the Spirit Hall the previous night.

After all, with the Spirit Hall's strength, no one in Gengxin City could have wiped out their entire branch without a sound.

Some sharp-eyed individuals claimed to have seen a hundred-thousand-year soul ring hovering above the Spirit Hall the previous night.

As for the truth, the townsfolk didn't care. Through constant gossip, multiple versions of the story began circulating.

In summary, the narrative was that Miles had offended an unknown powerful individual, leading to the complete annihilation of the Spirit Hall along with him.

---

In the Spirit City.

The Pope's Hall had long been awaiting Miles' work report. When none arrived, Pope Bibi Dong dispatched investigators to look into the matter.

The investigation team had barely entered the city when they overheard the townsfolk discussing the destruction of the local Spirit Hall during their leisurely chats.

At first, the investigators were skeptical.

Given the Spirit Hall's power, no one on the continent would dare destroy one of its branches—doing so would be tantamount to declaring war on the Spirit Hall.

But when they arrived at the site of the Spirit Hall in Gengxin City, the scene before them left no room for doubt.

The place had already been reduced to ruins by the enraged populace, with any traces of battle buried beneath the rubble.

After clearing a small area, the investigators quickly discovered a rotting corpse. However, as they attempted to examine the cause of death, their actions were noticed by the townsfolk.

Within moments, a large crowd surrounded them, ready to take action.

Realizing the situation was dire, the investigators fled back to Spirit City without delay.

As for the specific reasons behind the destruction of the Spirit Hall in Gengxin City, the investigators colluded to fabricate a story based on one of the rumors circulating in the city. They then reported it to Bibi Dong.

There were only a handful of people on the continent known to possess a hundred-thousand-year soul ring.

Considering the fact that someone had managed to annihilate the Spirit Hall in Gengxin City overnight, combined with the Blacksmiths' Association's relocation, Bibi Dong immediately came to a conclusion—Tang Hao!

After all, Tang Hao was also a legendary blacksmith. It was highly likely that Lou Gao had been persuaded by him.

Whether or not it was true didn't matter to Bibi Dong. What mattered was providing an explanation to the upper echelons of the Spirit Hall.

Of course, these were matters for later.

---

At dawn, Ning Tianchen and Ning Rongrong were preparing to depart. Feng Xiaotian and the others came to see them off.

"Tianchen, if the three families of Feng, Shui, and Huo can join the Sky Sword Sect, please take care of my clansmen," Feng Xiaotian said earnestly, bowing slightly.

Ning Tianchen helped him up and smiled. "Xiaotian, once the three families join the sect, we'll all be family. Rest assured—even if I'm not around, Elder Yang Wudi and the other two elders will ensure their well-being."

Yu Die chuckled and added, "Don't forget your promise to me. My father has wandered with us sisters for many years. He needs a reliable support system—one that holds no grudges."

The documents obtained earlier from Qian Renxue had already confirmed Zhang Erhe's innocence.

However, Ning Tianchen couldn't afford to appear too close to the Spirit Hall at this time. Zhang Erhe's exoneration would have to wait for a more opportune moment.

Zhang Erhe primarily handled intelligence gathering, so there was no need for him to step into the limelight. This arrangement avoided unnecessary trouble.

Especially after establishing the sect, exposing Zhang Erhe to various factions would risk direct conflict with the Star Luo Empire.

A few minutes later, Ning Tianchen and Ning Rongrong boarded their carriage and set off toward the north.

Feng Xiaotian and the others still had work to do—they needed to assist the Blacksmiths' Association with their relocation.

Before departing, Ning Tianchen had already sent letters back to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Sky Sword Sect. Not long after, representatives from both sects would meet them along the way.

Inside the carriage, Ning Tianchen unfolded a map.

It was a classified map, detailing precise terrain information—the height of mountains, the width and depth of rivers—all laid out clearly.

"Brother Tianchen, why don't we rush through the border at night? Once we enter Tiandou Empire territory, we'll be safe," Ning Rongrong suggested.

The strategies employed by the Star Luo Empire and the Tiandou Empire during wartime were starkly different.

The Star Luo Empire exercised loose control domestically but strictly prohibited unauthorized departure. During wartime, leaving the empire required special approval from regional governors.

The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had few assets in the Star Luo Empire and limited influence, so obtaining travel permits was impossible. They had to find another way.

Ning Tianchen thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Our identities are too sensitive. If we're recognized while trying to cross the border, it'll cause major trouble."

Attempting to breach the border would inevitably require using their martial souls. The Seven Kill Sword and Nine Treasures Glazed Tower martial souls were highly distinctive. If identified, the Star Luo Empire would surely exploit the incident to launch a propaganda campaign against the Tiandou Empire.

After a long silence, Ning Rongrong marked a route on the map. "Brother Tianchen, the route you gave the Blacksmiths' Association goes through the Great Star Dou Forest, heading north into Tiandou Empire territory."

"I haven't found a better route yet. Why don't we also cross through the Great Star Dou Forest?"

Ning Tianchen shook his head. "While this route won't attract attention from the Star Luo Empire, it's relatively distant and not entirely safe."

"By my calculations, the sect's construction is nearly complete. We must return as soon as possible to oversee the final stages."

After some thought, he pointed to a closer and safer route. "Let's go through here. The border guards here are far from the war zone, so their defenses will be lax. When we approach the border, we'll abandon the carriage and cross over at night."

---

Meanwhile, after days of arduous travel, Tang San's group finally emerged from the Great Star Dou Forest and briefly rested in the nearby Liushui City.

This city was the first one Ning Tianchen had entered after leaving Slaughter City.

Originally, the Hong family had operated numerous businesses here. Due to the political situation and Hong Xinyue's connections, they became agents for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's commercial operations in the Star Luo Empire. By now, they had relocated their entire family to Star Luo City.

Tang San's group had endured immense hardships along the way. To avoid arousing suspicion from the city guards upon entering, they split into smaller teams once again.

When they set out, the group numbered nearly two hundred. However, during their journey through the Great Star Dou Forest, twenty members of the Power Clan perished forever.

Keep in mind, they had entered the most dangerous soul beast forest with almost no preparation.

Of the twenty who died, only one was killed by a soul beast. The remaining nineteen either succumbed to malnutrition or fell into deep pits due to unfamiliarity with the terrain.

Moreover, despite the abundance of soul beasts in the Great Star Dou Forest, they avoided large groups to prevent conflict, resulting in frequent starvation.

Even when they managed to hunt prey, it was prioritized for Tang San and his companions.

One can only imagine the hardships endured by the Power Clan disciples on this journey.

Upon entering the inn, Tang San's group quickly gathered to discuss their next steps.

Tai Tan, his face filled with anxiety, said, "Young Master, we need a solution. Many of the clan disciples are dissatisfied with you, and some are already planning to leave the group."

The journey had been miserable—poor food, lack of rest, and being treated like beasts of burden. Who could endure such conditions?

With Tai Tan's authority, he had temporarily suppressed dissent. But if rebellion erupted, it would spread like wildfire.

If left unaddressed, the group would surely fall apart.

Tang San was well aware of the dissatisfaction among the Power Clan disciples. However, in the Great Star Dou Forest, money couldn't buy food. They had no choice but to endure.

Now that they had reached civilization, failing to reward the Power Clan disciples would surely lead to the group's disintegration.

Before Tang San could speak, Yu Xiaogang took out twenty thousand gold spirit coins from his spirit-guided device. "Master Tai Tan, use this money to improve everyone's meals. Let them know that before our next departure, we'll prepare ample provisions so they won't have to endure hunger anymore."

Tai Tan's brow relaxed slightly, and he bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master. I'll go calm the clan disciples first. You continue discussing."

With that, Tai Tan left the room.

"Teacher, thank you," Tang San said weakly.

Leading a group of two hundred through the Great Star Dou Forest had already caused significant casualties. If the Tang Sect were to face warfare in the future, who knew how many more lives would be lost?

Tang San fell into self-doubt.

He wondered, Am I truly fit to be the sect leader?

Tang Xiao noticed his demeanor, smiled, and patted his shoulder before sitting beside him. "Xiao San, do you know what kind of Hao Tian Sect I inherited?"

At that time, Tang San had not yet been born and was unaware of the specific situation.

But it was clear that things couldn't have been much better.

Tang Yuehua chimed in, "Xiao San, when Brother Xiao took over the sect, it had just endured a great battle with the Spirit Hall. The foundations were unstable, and the sect was teetering on the brink."

"But looking at it now, Brother Xiao's abilities are beyond question. He led the Hao Tian Sect from its lowest point and gradually rebuilt it step by step."

If only it weren't for the Spirit Hall's Soul Hunt operation, the Hao Tian Sect could have made tremendous progress after a few more years of accumulation.

Tang Xiao's eyes dimmed for a moment before he quickly regained his composure. Smiling, he said, "Xiao San, no one is born a natural leader. Everyone must go through a long process of learning and growth."

"I'm here for you, and so is Master Yu. If you encounter problems, we'll help you handle them. However, I hope you won't rely solely on external support—you need to keep improving yourself."

Yu Xiaogang followed up, saying, "Xiao San, do you remember how I taught you in the beginning?"

"Leading a sect is like cultivation—it requires taking one step at a time. There are no shortcuts."

"To be honest, your current rate of growth astonishes me. At your age, I could never have achieved what you've accomplished."

After this encouragement, Tang San regained his confidence.

However, the burden on his shoulders remained heavy—establishing the Tang Sect, rebuilding the Hao Tian Sect, and avenging the Spirit Hall were all monumental tasks.

Tang San instructed, "Uncle, discreetly assist Elder Tai Tan in stabilizing the emotions of the Power Clan disciples. If anyone attempts to flee secretly, eliminate them on the spot."

Deserters would expose their whereabouts, causing unnecessary trouble.

To ensure a smooth journey ahead, Tang San had to make a ruthless decision.

Tang Xiao readily agreed.

The fact that Tang San could make decisive and harsh decisions proved that their teachings during this period had taken effect.

---

Several days later.

Ning Tianchen and Ning Rongrong crossed the border of the Star Luo Empire under the cover of night and successfully entered Tiandou Empire territory.

After traveling a few more days, they arrived at the gates of a city.

Looking up, the plaque above the city gate clearly read: Ye Lin City.

Ning Rongrong smiled brightly and pointed to the plaque, saying, "Brother Tianchen, you promised me back then, didn't you?"

Ning Tianchen gently rubbed her forehead and said softly, "I haven't forgotten. I wonder if there will still be a lantern festival in the city?"

The lantern festival of Ye Lin City was famous across the continent, and these days coincided with the event.

However, with the two empires currently engaged in border warfare, whether Ye Lin City, as a border town, would hold the festival was still uncertain.

Entering the city, the two found an inn and rested temporarily.

Through the inn's window, they could see crowds bustling along the streets.

These people didn't seem tense due to the impending war. Instead, they appeared joyful as they shopped for something.

Seeing this, Ning Rongrong said with a smile, "Brother Tianchen, it seems there really will be a lantern festival tonight."

Ning Tianchen nodded and took her downstairs.

The inn where they stayed was located on the outskirts of Ye Lin City, far from the bustling downtown area.

The two wandered around the city and soon found the lively district.

Since it was still afternoon, it wasn't very crowded. Most of the stalls sold items related to the lantern festival.

Ning Rongrong tugged Ning Tianchen's arm and led him to a stall.

While Ning Rongrong picked out her favorite paper lanterns, Ning Tianchen casually chatted with the shopkeeper.

"Incidentally, the borders between the two empires aren't peaceful. Why is Ye Lin City still holding a lantern festival?" Ning Tianchen asked.

The shopkeeper scrutinized him, his expression complicated as he replied, "In these special times, the fact that you've traveled here from afar suggests your family has some influence, doesn't it?"

"Ah~ Having business to do this year is already a blessing. In past years, outsiders would come to enjoy the lantern festival, but this year, it's unlikely. Without the Spirit Hall, us paper lantern vendors would starve this year."

The shopkeeper revealed a lot.

The ongoing war at the border placed immense defensive pressure on Ye Lin City, and the city lord had initially planned not to hold the lantern festival.

However, for some reason, the Spirit Hall had personally stepped in to organize the festival. To ensure its smooth conduct, the Spirit Hall even pressured the Star Luo Empire.

If the Star Luo Empire dared attack Ye Lin City during the lantern festival, it would be equivalent to declaring war on the Spirit Hall.

Both sides of the conflict were vying for the Spirit Hall's favor, so the Star Luo Empire naturally wouldn't dare offend them.

Thus, during the lantern festival, Ye Lin City would undoubtedly be the safest city on the Tiandou Empire's border.

"Is that so," Ning Tianchen murmured thoughtfully, nodding.

Bibi Dong and Yu Xiaogang had once attended the lantern festival in Ye Lin City. In the original timeline, after Bibi Dong declared war on the two empires, the Spirit Empire quickly seized Ye Lin City.

It seemed that Bibi Dong likely knew that there wouldn't be another lantern festival for a long time.

This festival must have been her order.

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