Soul Land: I Am the True Grandmaster

Chapter 150: Clear Sky Clan's Escape, Part 1

The once mighty Clear Sky Clan, revered as the top sect in the world, had now been reduced to fleeing in disgrace. As the proud members of the Clear Sky Clan, the disciples found the situation unbearable, but the oppressive aura emanating from their elders' overwhelming spirit power left them no choice. They had no illusions about their strength. If even the highest elders of the sect were terrified of Spirit Hall's might, how could they a group of disciples, many not even reaching Spirit Sage rank hope to resist?

In resigned silence, they began to pack. For now, survival was all that mattered.

As for the affiliated clans that supported the Clear Sky Clan? They were abandoned without hesitation. In the face of impending destruction, the main sect had no interest in safeguarding these lower ranked groups, who had always been treated as servants rather than allies. When some attempted to follow, hoping to escape alongside the main sect, they were driven off by force if necessary. Several were even executed in front of the others, a show of intimidation to prevent any from revealing the clan's hidden refuge.

Even the so called loyal four single attribute clans, typically treated as steadfast allies, were discarded as though they meant nothing. In times of true crisis, each had to look after their own. The single attribute clans were merely tools, utilized and cast aside as needed.

Watching the clan's panic and betrayal of its allies, Tang Xiao felt a wave of sorrow. Long ago, when he and his brother had first encountered Ah Yin, the Clan's Grand Elder had quickly deduced her true identity as a spirit beast, though Ah Yin herself was blissfully unaware that her disguise had been insufficient.

Since neither Tang Hao nor Tang Xiao was yet a Title Douluo, the Grand Elder had delayed taking Ah Yin's spirit ring and bone, deciding that her unique lineage could be of use. Having lived the longest among the elders, the Grand Elder knew more than the average spirit master; he had read ancient texts that recorded the extraordinary talents of human spirit beast hybrids.

The Clear Sky Clan needed a prodigious heir, someone with extraordinary potential to secure their future. Though the current generation boasted the Twin Stars of the Clear Sky Clan in Tang Hao and Tang Xiao, the younger disciples lacked similar talent. To rectify this, the Grand Elder set his sights on Ah Yin's spirit and bones along with the child she would bear.

Thus, the Grand Elder, along with Tang Xiao and Tang Hao, began to plot. They planned to extract Ah Yin's spirit ring and spirit bone, all while ensuring the child's survival, believing it would carry remarkable potential. It was decided the brothers would compete for Ah Yin's affection, with the victor securing her as his partner. Ultimately, Tang Hao won her heart.

Yet, his victory had emboldened him. Rather than stay humble, Tang Hao became reckless, often using his strength to intimidate the weak while avoiding conflicts with the major powers. The Grand Elder had initially intended to bring both Tang Hao and Ah Yin back to the clan, where they would have been protected, but feared Ah Yin's discovery might lead to her immediate demise among the many Title Douluo in the sect.

The Grand Elder ultimately allowed them to remain in hiding, a decision that would lead to disaster when Tang Hao encountered a Spirit Hall Title Douluo. A fierce battle erupted, resulting in the Spirit Hall Douluo retreating in defeat, but it was only a matter of time before Spirit Hall would come for them.

Tang Xiao returned to the sect, leaving Tang Hao and Ah Yin alone, and the Grand Elder too was forced to depart for sect matters. Neither he nor Tang Hao noticed that Ah Yin was three months pregnant. Tang Hao only realized later, too late, when they were already hiding deep within the forest. He trusted that the secluded location would keep them safe, but the Grand Elder's absence stretched on, and when Ah Yin went into labor, Tang Hao, desperate, sought the help of nearby villagers.

Unfortunately, Tang Hao's presence did not go unnoticed. With Spirit Hall searching the region, it wasn't long before someone from the village reported his whereabouts. In a rural, closed off village, an outsider's presence was too noticeable to overlook.

"Destiny has not been kind," Tang Xiao murmured, reflecting on the chain of events.

Meanwhile, the sect's affiliates were horrified as the Clear Sky Clan prepared to abandon them. Most could hardly believe it. The clan had always been their powerful and unyielding shield. But such protection meant little as the Spirit Hall forces advanced, a ruthless army composed solely of Spirit Masters, each no weaker than Spirit Elder rank. Even the most hardened among them quailed at the sight.

Bibi Dong sat astride a magnificent steed, donned in white gold armor that shone under the pale light. Her gaze was cold and unyielding. She raised a hand. "Annihilate them," she commanded.

With that, the Spirit Hall forces surged forward, their killing intent unmistakable. Many within the Spirit Hall's ranks had longed for a day like this, to rid the world of those who had taken advantage of the Clear Sky Clan's protection, and to finally answer the petty abuses they had suffered from these so called allies.

"Stop! We of the Wang Clan renounce all ties to the Clear Sky Clan! We are innocent!"

"Mercy! Save us!"

"Fang Siyuan! Weren't you arrogant before? Let's see you act high and mighty now!"

"Take the children and run, Patriarch!"

As cries of desperation and fury filled the air, the full gamut of human nature was laid bare. Stripped of their once glorious affiliations, these families could only try to flee or fight in vain.

Watching the chaos, Bibi Dong felt a grim satisfaction. Unlike her past self, she no longer relied on Spirit Hall's elders, keeping only her closest aides, Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo, by her side. This would be her moment to establish authority, to show the continent that the new Pope of Spirit Hall was a force to be reckoned with.

The Clear Sky Clan's mountain had already been abandoned by the time she approached, leaving only the former sect leader, Tang Wei, seated calmly in the council hall, awaiting his fate.

"Ah, this brings back memories. Just as grand as I remember when I last visited," Qian Daoliu remarked, arriving with an air of otherworldly grace. He gazed around with mild curiosity.

Tang Wei's weary eyes met the gaze of the man his father had once counted as a friend. Slowly, he rose, trembling. "I know we are at fault," he said, voice hoarse but determined. "I am willing to give my life in exchange for my clan's survival. I beg the Angel Douluo to spare the Clear Sky bloodline."

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