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

During the meeting, Bai He analyzed the intelligence gathered by the Speed Clan disciples:

"Taking back control of Element City will inevitably lead to conflict. This is our sect's first battle, and we must win it decisively. We cannot afford to lose—otherwise, everyone will want a piece of us."

The hot-tempered Huo Lie angrily declared, "I've wanted to take down that old bastard Huyan Zhen for ages! Lord Sect Leader, let me lead the charge. Those bastards from the Elephant Armor Sect won't know what hit them!"

"Old Huo, don't be reckless!" Feng Changlin and Shui Ningbing quickly cautioned.

Yang Wudi and Niu Gao, however, leaned toward Huo Lie's idea.

Although the Elephant Armor Sect was the leading sect among the lower four sects, Huyan Zhen was only a Soul Douluo, and the sect didn't have many Soul Douluo-level experts. With their eight Soul Douluos and one Title Douluo, they could easily crush the Elephant Armor Sect.

Ning Tianchen silently observed the six elders' reactions.

Normally, Bai He, Yang Wudi, and Niu Gao formed one small faction, while Feng, Shui, and Huo formed another. In large meetings, they would usually band together for mutual support.

However, in this case, they weren't forming private cliques but were earnestly expressing their opinions.

This was crucial for maintaining stability within the sect.

Ning Tianchen turned his gaze toward Zhao Wuji and Zhang Erhe, asking, "What are your thoughts?"

Zhao Wuji replied seriously, "With my temper, I'd love to go beat someone up, but the truth is, we can't act rashly."

Zhang Erhe added, "Our Shadow Guards have investigated the Elephant Armor Sect. We're certain that behind them stands the Spirit Hall. Moreover, Huyan Zhen has close ties with Salas, and there are even rumors that a Title Douluo from the Spirit Hall is stationed at the Elephant Armor Sect."

"I'm sorry to say, the Elephant Armor Sect is a clan-based sect, and outsiders can't set foot in their territory. The Shadow Guards haven't been able to investigate further yet."

"Old man, what's your opinion?" Ning Tianchen turned to ask.

Dugu Bo calmly said, "If the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect intervenes, reclaiming Element City wouldn't be difficult."

This was indeed the most stable and quickest solution.

But Ning Tianchen rejected it. "No. Although the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is our ally, we can't rely on them for everything. We need to stand on our own two feet."

Dugu Bo straightened his expression and analyzed carefully, "If there really is a Title Douluo from the Spirit Hall within the Elephant Armor Sect, I'll step in to restrain him. This is Tiandou City, after all—I doubt he'd dare to act recklessly."

"Huyan Zhen, the leader of the Elephant Armor Sect, has been a peak Soul Douluo for over a decade. To be blunt, among you, only Yang Wudi can match him. The rest aren't his equal."

During the days of constructing the sect, they had sparred with each other and sought Dugu Bo's guidance.

Thus, Dugu Bo had a very clear understanding of their abilities.

"Besides, the Elephant Armor Sect also has an elder named Huyan Bo, who is at level eighty-seven. Among you, only Zhang Erhe can match him. But Zhang Erhe can't appear, so this battle won't be easy."

Zhang Erhe lowered his head in shame.

To avoid trouble from the Star Luo Empire, he now had to remain hidden.

"We'll all go together—I refuse to believe we can't take him down!" Huo Lie sneered coldly.

Ning Tianchen raised his hand to calm the group. "We are one sect, and we have many disciples within it. We can't risk sending out too many people at once."

"Here's the plan: Elder Dugu will keep an eye out for any hidden Title Douluo in the Elephant Armor Sect. Elders Yang Wudi and Huo Lie will deal with Huyan Bo. Elder Bai He will hover around the outskirts of the battlefield, ready to sense the situation at any moment."

"Elders Feng and Shui, when we attack the Elephant Armor Sect, the two of you will stay behind to guard the sect and ensure its safety. The rest of you will wait outside Element City, ready to support the battlefield under Elder Bai He's command if needed."

"The Shadow Guards will monitor every move of the Spirit Hall to prevent Salas from interfering."

After the arrangements were made, the elders grew puzzled. "Lord Sect Leader, who will handle Huyan Zhen?"

Huyan Zhen was undoubtedly the toughest opponent from the Elephant Armor Sect. While others were assigned to deal with different members of the sect, leaving him out wasn't an option.

Zhang Erhe thought for a moment and asked, "Huyan Zhen hasn't left the sect. Is our intelligence incorrect, Lord Sect Leader?"

Ning Tianchen shook his head and responded, "Our mission isn't to annihilate how many members of the Elephant Armor Sect but to drive them away. As for Huyan Zhen, I will personally handle him."

The Elephant Armor Sect was, after all, Bibi Dong's lapdog. If they killed too many of them, it might provoke Bibi Dong's hostility and cost them precious time to develop.

As for personally confronting Huyan Zhen, Ning Tianchen had already given it deep thought.

His current strength was at level seventy-eight, bolstered by a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, soul bone, and two domains. Even if he couldn't guarantee victory against Huyan Zhen, he was confident he could hold his ground.

And if worst came to worst, he still had the Demon Sword of Destruction—he could protect himself without issue.

"Lord Sect Leader, isn't this too risky?" Yang Wudi interjected. "I don't mean to belittle you, but Huyan Zhen is a veteran Soul Douluo. Even I can't guarantee that I'd gain the upper hand in a direct confrontation."

Niu Gao was about to speak up as well, but Bai He beat him to it. "Old Rhino, Old Goat, do you remember when the Lord Sect Leader sparred with you? Have you forgotten his strength?"

"Our goal is simply to force the Elephant Armor Sect to retreat. With the Lord Sect Leader's strength, facing Huyan Zhen in a non-lethal battle won't put him in danger."

"Don't forget, among all of us, the Lord Sect Leader's spirit's quality is the highest—it's a sword-type spirit that naturally counters defensive spirit masters. So, do you think the Lord Sect Leader will suffer losses?"

Ning Rongrong added with a smile, "Don't forget, I can also provide boosts to Brother Tianchen. Those old turtles from the Elephant Armor Sect will only be on the receiving end!"

As the meeting neared its conclusion, Niu Gao added, "The Elephant Armor Sect has been recruiting many families in preparation for the upcoming re-selection of the seven great sects in half a year. Be careful—these families' combined strength shouldn't be underestimated. We must prepare thoroughly."

Ning Tianchen arranged, "For this operation, we don't need to send out our strongest forces. Each family should select at least two Soul Sages and ten Soul Emperors."

"Remember, don't fight to the death—just drive them away."

"All discussions today must remain confidential. The operation will commence tomorrow night at the hour of Hai. Codename: 'Sweep the Floor!'"

---

After the meeting dispersed, each family gathered their strong fighters under the guise of an internal martial arts competition.

The Sky Sword Sect and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had deep cooperation, and disciples from both sects were present in each other's domains.

Seeing the Sky Sword Sect's preparations, the disciples from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect immediately reported the situation to Ning Fengzhi.

"A martial arts competition?" Ning Fengzhi was puzzled.

A martial arts competition was typically a way to showcase a sect's strength to the outside world, allowing them to establish themselves quickly.

But the Sky Sword Sect hadn't even held its first official meeting yet, and internal roles hadn't been clearly defined. At this point, holding a competition seemed meaningless.

Without clear divisions of labor, maintaining order during the competition would be difficult.

Ning Tianchen wasn't the kind of person to rush into things recklessly, so why was he in such a hurry this time?

Suddenly, Ning Fengzhi's eyebrows twitched slightly.

The formal inclusion of the Feng, Shui, and Huo families into the Sky Sword Sect meant that the land of Element City was now part of the sect's territory.

This display of strength was likely aimed at intimidating the Elephant Armor Sect.

As for attacking the Elephant Armor Sect, Ning Fengzhi found it unlikely.

After all, the Elephant Armor Sect wasn't some minor sect. Without the assistance of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi doubted Ning Tianchen would act rashly.

Thinking this through, he decided to lend Ning Tianchen a hand.

"When will the martial arts competition take place?" Ning Fengzhi asked.

The disciple who had come to report shook their head. "Lord Sect Leader, the Sky Sword Sect hasn't decided yet. For now, they're just gathering their forces."

Ning Fengzhi nodded and instructed, "As a sibling sect, the Sky Sword Sect needs to demonstrate its strength externally, and we, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, must provide support."

"Have Elder Ke lead a team of our sect's strong fighters to assist during the Sky Sword Sect's martial arts competition. Make sure the outside world sees the unbreakable bond between us and the Sky Sword Sect!"

---

The following night.

Since Ning Tianchen had ordered secrecy, Ning Fengzhi never imagined that the Sky Sword Sect would actually dare to attack the Elephant Armor Sect.

At this moment, outside the Sky Sword Sect, Ning Tianchen gathered everyone and marched toward Element City in full force.

Due to the late hour and the fact that they were in a non-busy district, the streets were already dark and deserted.

No one noticed a group of nearly a hundred people charging toward Element City.

Under the guidance of the Speed Clan disciples in the air, they didn't take a wrong turn and soon arrived at the outskirts of the Elephant Armor Sect.

"Stick to the plan. The Elephant Armor Sect isn't our mortal enemy—do not harm the elderly, women, or children. Under the premise of ensuring your safety, try not to kill anyone!"

Even the Feng, Shui, and Huo families hadn't reached a life-or-death enmity with the Elephant Armor Sect.

Creating enemies recklessly wasn't a wise choice for a sect. Moreover, given the current unpredictable state of the continent, who knew when the two sects might need to cooperate in the future?

---

Inside the Elephant Armor Sect, all was quiet.

Since the retreat of the Feng, Shui, and Huo families, they had become the unrivaled rulers of the area, with no one daring to challenge them.

Two gatekeepers of the Elephant Armor Sect yawned as they chatted idly about mundane matters.

The Sky Sword Sect's experts observing the situation from outside saw that no one was paying attention to the entrance. They swiftly moved forward simultaneously and used a specially prepared sedative concocted by Yang Wudi to knock the two guards unconscious.

With the loss of the sentries at the gate, the defenses of the Elephant Armor Sect were left wide open.

The Sky Sword Sect's forces poured in like a flood, sounding the horn of attack.

Meanwhile, Elders like Yang Wudi charged deep into the Elephant Armor Sect to engage their strongest members.

Inside the meeting room of the sect, Huyan Zhen was discussing something with the other elders when suddenly they heard the commotion erupting within the compound.

After sensing the situation, Huyan Zhen couldn't help but sneer. "There are actually people foolish enough to dare launch a surprise attack on my Elephant Armor Sect."

An elderly man sitting beside him, his back slightly hunched, chuckled faintly. "How amusing. I didn't expect someone to come and deliver themselves to their deaths."

Huyan Zhen turned to him and bowed respectfully. "Your Excellency, if there are any Title Douluo among the attackers, I hope you will..."

Before he could finish, the old man abruptly stood up. "They're already here."

The doors of the hall were kicked open, and in walked none other than Dugu Bo.

"The eighth elder of the Spirit Hall—the Mad Devil Douluo. I never expected it to be you."

(T/N: Couldn't find any records of this dude. '狂魔斗罗' is the raw name. If anyone finds anything, pls let me know and I'll update the proper names.)

Dugu Bo cracked his neck, not bothering to conceal his overwhelming presence at level ninety-five.

The Mad Devil Douluo was only a level ninety-two Title Douluo—how could he possibly match Dugu Bo?

Frowning deeply, the Mad Devil Douluo said grimly, "The Elephant Armor Sect is an ally of the Spirit Hall. Are you trying to start a war with the Spirit Hall?"

Dugu Bo brushed off the accusation. "I'm merely teaching you a lesson. How does this offend the Spirit Hall? Even the Pope wouldn't interfere in personal grudges between us, would she?"

The Mad Devil Douluo silently cursed inwardly.

What personal grudge existed between him and Dugu Bo? There was none in the past, and certainly none now. On the contrary, it was Dugu Bo who had instigated this confrontation!

Not giving him a chance to speak further, Dugu Bo launched his attack first.

In order to defend himself, the Mad Devil Douluo had no choice but to fight back. Simultaneously, he shouted, "Huyan Zhen, leave Dugu Bo to me. You go handle the others."

Huyan Zhen dared not delay.

This was the Elephant Armor Sect, yet the enemy had penetrated deep into their territory. Who knew how many lives they would lose?

Huyan Zhen rushed out of the hall first, followed closely by Elder Huyan Bo. However, Yang Wudi blocked his path.

"Elder Huyan Bo, leave Element City, and we can let bygones be bygones!" Yang Wudi said coldly.

"How arrogant!" Huyan Bo roared.

The battle erupted instantly.

Huyan Zhen, who had arrived first at the battlefield, found his path blocked by Ning Tianchen.

"You!" Huyan Zhen frowned, his gaze sweeping over the battlefield.

Ning Tianchen hailed from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, yet the attackers weren't the strong fighters of that sect.

Realization dawned on Huyan Zhen. "So you're the mysterious leader of the Sky Sword Sect?"

Ning Tianchen nodded calmly, standing firm like a pine tree. "Lord Huyan, you have two choices: either voluntarily withdraw from Element City, or be forced out!"

"Hahaha!" Huyan Zhen laughed instead of showing anger, his towering figure looming over Ning Tianchen. "A joke! I, Huyan Zhen, have been dominating the world of soul masters for decades. Do you think I'm someone who can be intimidated? Especially by a brat like you!"

Ning Tianchen shook his head in mock regret. "What a pity—you've made the wrong choice."

As he spoke, his eyes hardened. He stomped his right foot on the ground, and his Killing Domain rapidly expanded.

"Sixth Soul Skill: Traceless Flying Swords."

Raising the Seven Killings Sword above his head, countless ethereal swords slowly materialized behind him.

As the Seven Killings Sword pointed toward Huyan Zhen, the myriad swords seemed to lock onto their target, raining down like a storm.

Sensing Ning Tianchen's soul power, Huyan Zhen's expression darkened. "To have reached level seventy-eight at such a young age, and to possess a domain… In time, I wouldn't stand a chance against you."

"But unfortunately for you, you haven't grown strong enough yet!"

Behind him, the Diamond Mammoth spirit emerged, its mighty roar unleashing powerful defenses that made it difficult for the rain of swords to penetrate.

"Age has never been the sole measure of strength!"

Snorting coldly, Ning Tianchen didn't remain idle.

Holding the Seven Killings Sword, his movements were ghost-like as he darted around Huyan Zhen with incredible speed.

Dodging and weaving, he unleashed countless sword qi attacks, targeting every part of the Diamond Mammoth's body.

Aside from its heavily armored head, the rest of the Diamond Mammoth spirit wasn't nearly as well-defended!

These high-frequency, rapid, and powerful attacks caught Huyan Zhen off guard, leaving him at a disadvantage.

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