NOVEL WEB Chapter 22: Chapter 22 Storm Clouds Gather
Chapter 22 Storm Clouds Gather
The sect tournament was held in Wuhun City. Compared to the two empires' capitals, Wuhun City was much smaller—less than a tenth the size. Yet in many ways, it was more lavish than either Heaven Dou City or Star Luo City. Its ancient style and peaceful streets naturally inspired respect from any soul master who set foot there.
Every time a conference was held to re-select the Seven Great Clans, it became a grand event in the soul master world, surpassing even the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament. The academy tournament showcased brilliant youths, while the re-selection conference drew Titled Douluo powerhouses on behalf of their sects, vying for a spot in the rankings.
Those who claimed the title of one of the Top Three Sects could have their Titled Douluo's martial soul immortalized on the Pope's Token. The Wuhun Hall would also engrave a relief of it on one of the three remaining outer walls of Wuhun City. Such an honor would drive any soul master sect to extremes. It signified that soul masters throughout the continent recognized that sect's standing, allowing it to attract even more soul masters and strengthen its influence.
As the date of the sect tournament approached, the entire Douluo Continent's soul master world was roiled by gathering storms.
Wuhun City.
The streets, normally bustling, were now overflowing with people—soul masters, all drawn here to witness the sect tournament. But those below Soul Emperor rank didn't even qualify to be spectators, unless they belonged to a sect led by at least a Soul Douluo, in which case some lower-level disciples might be allowed to watch.
Nevertheless, throngs of Soul Kings and Soul Ancestors still came. Their reasoning was much like Elder Yu Xiao's when he'd observed the battle of three Limit Douluo: even if they couldn't see the specific tactics of Titled Douluo fighting, simply feeling the energy waves of such a clash—like watching a slideshow—was enough to satisfy them.
For lower-ranked soul masters, seeing Titled Douluo duels in their lifetime was something they could brag about forever. Meanwhile, the Titled Douluo were happy to indulge them; they wanted these soul masters to spread word of their prowess. The greater their renown, the higher their sect's prestige rose.
Before the gates of the Pope's Palace, Qian Xunji stood with his hands behind his back, watching the endless crowds flowing through Wuhun City.
"Holding more gatherings like this can only benefit the Wuhun Hall's economy," he mused.
"Clear Sky Hammer… Let's see you fight properly this time. I want to know whether your hammer always strikes its mark."
The real reason Qian Xunji was convening a new meeting to re-rank the Seven Great Clans was to observe firsthand the combat style of the so-called world's number-one martial soul, especially the Clear Sky Hammer. Though he realized deep down it couldn't truly have a guaranteed hit ability—otherwise, it wouldn't just be a top-tier martial soul but practically a 'god-king' level—there was the question of upholding Angel Martial Soul's dignity. As the next Angel Douluo, he had to reclaim whatever face had been lost.
Clear Sky Clan.
Clan Master Tang Zhen sat on the clan master's seat, the six Elders of Clear Sky each in their places. Because they'd wasted their prime indulging in creature comforts, none had broken through to Titled Douluo rank, even with the clan's abundant resources and five years of hard work.
Tang Xiao was also present. Now roughly forty-three years old, he'd advanced to Soul Douluo rank and was technically qualified to serve as the eighth elder. But he preferred not to stand on equal footing with his uncles, so he stood quietly.
Upon hearing the news, Tang Zhen said nothing at first. The seventh elder, Tang Lie, slammed his foot down and cursed, "It's been five years since our Old Clan Master left. Those Wuhun Hall scoundrels have finally stopped holding back. They're targeting our title as the world's number-one sect. If the Old Clan Master were still here, they wouldn't have the nerve!"
At the previous re-selection conference for the Seven Great Clans, Clear Sky Clan didn't even participate. In fact, it never needed to. With Tang Chen, rank 99 and invincible on the continent, establishing the Clear Sky Clan, the soul master world acknowledged it as the undisputed number one. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan only fought over second place.
"Seventh Brother, curb your temper. We must protect our top-ranked status in the upcoming conference; otherwise, I can't face Father," Tang Zhen sighed. "I'm not too worried about Yu Yuanzhen of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, but the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has both Sword and Bone Douluo. I doubt I can handle both of them taking turns."
At that, the elders looked shamefaced. Had they not indulged in pleasure all those years, one of them might have broken through to Titled Douluo and helped the clan master face one of those two opponents.
Suddenly, a clamor arose outside, loud enough to carry into the main hall.
"What's going on?" Tang Zhen said. "Xiao'er, check it out."
Tang Xiao returned soon, looking thrilled. Behind him was a young man with a slight resemblance to him, only even younger in appearance. That newcomer's face was cold, seemingly never smiling; he emanated an aura of chilling oppression, as though stepping past him plunged one into an icy cavern.
"Father, Hao's back!" Tang Xiao exclaimed.
"Hao'er! Wonderful—this is wonderful!" Tang Zhen cried, leaping to his feet. Five years earlier, Tang Hao had mastered the Great Sumeru Hammer technique and went to train in the Slaughter City. Not knowing how many nightmares Tang Zhen had suffered about Tang Hao's potential demise there, he was relieved beyond measure to see him return alive.
The six elders were likewise overjoyed, because surviving the Slaughter City meant Tang Hao had gained the Killing God Domain.
"Father, uncles," Tang Hao greeted them with a bow. "Did something happen?"
Tang Xiao said gravely, "The re-selection conference of the Seven Great Clans is about to be held, and every sect covets our top-ranked title."
"Hmph! If Grandpa were here, who'd dare eye the Clear Sky Clan's name!" Tang Hao snorted, an uncontrollable burst of murderous aura flaring from within him. The six elders and Tang Zhen all felt a jolt of shock.
"Tame your Killing God Domain's aura, Hao'er," Tang Zhen said. "Go to Heaven Dou City and spend time with Yuehua to calm yourself."
"What about Yuehua? Why is she in Heaven Dou City?" Tang Hao asked.
A faint smile tugged at Tang Zhen's lips. "She founded the Moon Pavilion and takes in noble disciples, teaching them etiquette and cultivation. She alone brings in forty percent of our annual gold soul coin revenue.…"
"That girl…" Tang Hao's lips quirked in a gentle, doting smile. When he left for the Slaughter City, Tang Yuehua had been only eighteen—due to her mutated martial soul, her innate soul power was rank 9, leaving her unable to cultivate. She had blossomed into a young woman at eighteen, delicate as a spring flower. Five years later, who knew how her beauty had deepened?
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