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

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Tang Xiao suddenly realized something and hurriedly said, "No, the Spirit Hall didn't send all its forces against us. There are still six or seven Great Elder Guardians who haven't appeared. Yuehua, did the people you sent find any signs of an attack on the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"

Tang Yuehua shook her head.

Earlier, she had specifically inquired, and everything at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was as usual—they hadn't suffered any losses. Apart from Ning Fengzhi acting somewhat strangely, there were no abnormalities.

Tang Xiao suddenly turned his gaze to Yu Xiaogang. "You must hurry back to your family. The Spirit Hall's first target was us; their next target is likely the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family or the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."

Yu Xiaogang's body trembled—how could he stay here any longer?

Although he was a cast-off from the family, he still harbored deep feelings for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family. How could he stand idly by while the family was annihilated by the Spirit Hall?

The tragedy that befell the Hao Tian Sect was enough to prove that the Spirit Hall had the power to destroy the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family.

He hadn't run far when Yu Xiaogang suddenly turned back and retrieved several medicinal herbs from his soul-guiding device, handing them to Tang Xiao.

These herbs were originally meant for Dai Mubai's recovery.

Since their effects were mediocre, Yu Xiaogang had kept them.

If the Spirit Hall's next target was the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, healing Tang Xiao's injuries would allow him to provide timely support.

After leaving Moon Pavilion, Yu Xiaogang and the others didn't take a carriage. Due to his weaker strength, he couldn't keep up with the others' pace, so Liu Erlong carried him instead.

On the way, he asked, "Tianheng, Tianxin, did you notice anything unusual when you left the family?"

Yu Xiaogang's heart was filled with anxiety, and a sense of foreboding overwhelmed him.

The two shook their heads. "No, we didn't notice anything unusual."

Liu Erlong added, "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family has stood tall on the continent for many years. If the Spirit Hall intended to strike, after so many years of investigation, they likely already have a clear understanding of the sect's internal situation."

"Therefore, the fact that there are no Spirit Hall scouts stationed outside the sect proves that they are very familiar with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family. This is not a good sign."

"Damn the Spirit Hall, damn Bibi Dong!" Yu Xiaogang clenched his teeth tightly.

Before they had even left the city, they happened upon the Tiandou Empire posting notices.

The news of the destruction of the top three sects couldn't be concealed. By quickly exposing it, the Tiandou Empire also intended to pressure the Spirit Hall.

Yu Xiaogang and the others saw the commoners gathered around the bulletin board, discussing fervently, and approached.

The Tiandou Empire's notice explicitly stated that last night, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family and an unknown sect were attacked. It also included an explanation: last night, soldiers of the Royal Knights had gone to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, but Sword and Bone Douluo did not mobilize. Therefore, the destruction of the two sects had nothing to do with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.

"What? The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family has been wiped out?" Yu Xiaogang's eyes reddened, unwilling to believe it was true.

Yu Tianxin and Yu Tianheng went mad, rushing toward the direction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family.

Without hesitation, Liu Erlong pulled Yu Xiaogang and chased after them.

"I didn't see wrong just now, was that Yu Xiaogang?" someone in the crowd asked.

Others replied, "Forget it, let's not scold him today. With the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family destroyed, he'll soon be all alone."

For ordinary people, the top three sects were too distant—their destruction had little relevance to their lives.

What they cared about most was whether the aftermath of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family's destruction would affect their daily lives.

---

Outside the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family's lakeside stronghold

The surface of the lake faintly revealed traces of light red blood. In the distance, flames still flickered on the mountain.

Yu Xiaogang and his two nephews collapsed to the ground.

This scene proved the fate of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family.

Liu Erlong sighed deeply, found a small boat by the riverside, and ferried the three toward the sect's stronghold.

Upon entering the stronghold, everywhere they looked was rubble and ruins. The ground was covered with large amounts of dried blood.

Apart from the corpses of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family disciples, there were no bodies of invaders.

Clearly, the battlefield had been deliberately cleaned up.

Yu Xiaogang rushed to the sect's treasury first. If the treasury was intact, claiming the wealth of an entire sect would allow Tang San to quickly grow stronger in the future and avenge them.

But evidently, the Spirit Hall's men wouldn't leave such wealth untouched. The treasury had been completely looted, not even a single copper spirit coin remained.

Just as Yu Xiaogang's heart sank, a yellow dog ran up to him, barking loudly.

He vaguely remembered the dog—it seemed to be the one Yu Yuanzhen had prepared to give him.

The dog bit his trouser leg, seemingly trying to lead him somewhere.

"Xiaogang, perhaps there are survivors. Follow it." Liu Erlong, who still had a cool head, reminded him.

Yu Tianxin and Yu Tianheng didn't hesitate. They followed the dog.

Yu Xiaogang felt dizzy. If he remembered correctly, this dog had been raised by Yu Yuanzhen. If the Spirit Hall had wiped out the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, there was no way they'd leave Yu Yuanzhen alive.

Sure enough, as the dog stopped in front of a pile of ruins, the hearts of the group finally sank.

They saw multiple blunt-force wounds on Yu Yuanzhen's corpse. Moreover, the parts with soul bones were already missing—he had clearly been skinned and stripped of his bones.

The dog licked Yu Yuanzhen's body, occasionally emitting mournful whimpers.

"Father!" Yu Xiaogang staggered, fell to the ground, and crawled toward Yu Yuanzhen's corpse.

His knees were cut by sharp gravel, but he ignored his injuries, desperately crawling toward the body.

"Xiaogang." Liu Erlong's heart ached, and she tried to lift him, but he shoved her away.

Before reaching Yu Yuanzhen's corpse, Yu Xiaogang's blood surged, and he fainted on the spot.

In his dream, he seemed to return to the age of six.

This time, his martial soul didn't undergo malignant mutation but awakened into an innate full soul power Golden Saint Dragon martial soul.

In the dream, Yu Yuanzhen took his accomplished son, walking his dog in the countryside.

The dog's head kept rubbing against his trouser leg. Yu Xiaogang bent down, gently stroked its head, and smiled happily.

Such a warm scene was ultimately not reality, but Yu Xiaogang seemed willing to drown in it rather than face the harsh truth.

---

Inside the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect

Ning Tianchen told Ning Rongrong about establishing a new sect.

Surprisingly, Ning Rongrong didn't oppose the idea—in fact, she strongly supported it.

"Brother Tianchen, the current situation is exactly as you said. We indeed can't put all our eggs in one basket. If those people's next target is the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, having your sect will allow us to transfer many of our disciples and avoid greater casualties."

"In a moment, I'll go with you to see Father. The sect should fully support your proposal."

Ning Tianchen understood.

The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was the wealthiest sect on the continent, but precisely because of that, its wealth was highly concentrated. If it were to be wiped out in one fell swoop, there would be almost no chance of recovery.

Establishing a sect with a permanent strategic partnership treaty could mitigate risks. If one sect were attacked, it could rely on the other to quickly recover.

Inside the meeting hall

When Ning Tianchen proposed the idea of founding a new sect, Ning Fengzhi surprisingly didn't reject it. However, the conditions he proposed were consistent with Ning Tianchen's promises: cross-management of the two sects, achieving mutual integration.

The overnight destruction of two of the top three sects had scared Ning Fengzhi. Letting Ning Tianchen establish a new sect might truly save the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect in critical moments.

Moreover, this way, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wouldn't have to worry about choosing a successor, resolving the biggest current conflict.

Sword Dao Chen Xin couldn't help but ask, "Dear grandson, your sect can't consist of only yourself. If we send disciples from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, it will inevitably make outsiders think we're splitting the family."

Ning Tianchen replied, "Since the Hao Tian Sect has been destroyed, I plan to gather the three families formerly affiliated with it and use them as the foundation to establish the sect."

Ning Fengzhi worried, "But if that's the case, after you pass away, the ownership of the sect won't belong to your descendants. At that time, can the two sects still maintain a strategic partnership?"

Ning Tianchen explained, "I plan to establish an Elder Council within the sect, which will include one elder sent by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Most sect affairs will be decided by the council, and there may not be a sect leader afterward. Of course, correspondingly, my sect will also send an elder to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."

Cross-management could prevent misunderstandings between the two parties and strengthen their relationship.

Ning Fengzhi looked at the booklet Ning Tianchen handed over, which detailed how the two sects would maintain their relationship.

After reading it, he fully agreed with Ning Tianchen's plan.

"But if your sect doesn't have a Title Douluo guarding it, many factions might try to attack you, leaving the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect unable to cope," Gu Rong questioned.

Ning Tianchen responded, "Elder Dugu is willing to join my sect and serve as the Grand Elder Guardian. With him around, I believe no faction will dare to attack us lightly."

Though Dugu Bo's personal strength might not be overwhelming, his area-of-effect combat ability was unparalleled on the continent.

Any faction considering attacking Ning Tianchen's sect would have to weigh whether they could withstand Dugu Bo's retaliation.

Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong exchanged glances, both expressing agreement.

Dugu Bo only trusted Ning Tianchen. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had no way of recruiting him. By establishing a sect that could bring him in, along with cross-management between the two sects, Dugu Bo would indirectly serve the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect in the future.

With this arrangement, what else was there to worry about?

Ning Fengzhi waved his hand and took out a red gold soul card. "Tianchen, there are twenty million gold spirit coins in here. Consider it Uncle's sponsorship for your startup funds. Hehe, I'm not old yet—I can still manage the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. You and Rongrong should both go and get busy with the new sect."

"Hmm, in the next few days, finalize the name of the sect quickly so I can start building momentum for you. In the future, you can also recruit some graduates from Seven Treasures Academy. But correspondingly, your disciples must also come to study at Seven Treasures Academy."

These were minor matters, and they would help strengthen the bond between the two sects, so Ning Tianchen naturally didn't object.

As for the money, Ning Tianchen handed it over to Ning Rongrong.

Relatively speaking, Ning Rongrong represented Ning Fengzhi. By entrusting her with the funds, Ning Fengzhi could rest assured.

After discussing some details, the two left the meeting hall.

Once outside, Ning Tianchen smiled. "Rongrong, we're going to be very busy from now on. The training and divine trials will have to be postponed."

Ning Rongrong didn't mind at all and laughed. "Brother Tianchen, the new sect will be our new home. It's only natural that we work together to build it."

"However, we can't do it alone. Let's go find everyone and discuss it first."

Ning Fengzhi had already agreed that, provided Chen Huayu and the others were willing, they could hold important positions in both sects. Of course, holding two positions meant taking on double the responsibility—whether they were willing was something Ning Tianchen couldn't guarantee.

Currently, Chen Huayu and the others were at Seven Treasures Academy, assisting Feng Xiaotian with relocating the three elemental academies.

It was worth noting that, just like in the original timeline, the three elemental academies elected Feng Xiaotian as vice principal to handle communications with Seven Treasures Academy.

---

Entering the academy, Ning Tianchen saw everyone busy at work, so he first went to find Dugu Bo.

Although Dugu Bo knew about the destruction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family and the Hao Tian Sect, he acted as if nothing had happened, leisurely basking in the sun in the manor.

"Little one, you're here," Dugu Bo said lazily.

Ning Tianchen frowned. "Old man, such a major event has occurred, and you're still lounging around here?"

Dugu Yan, who was sorting medicinal herbs nearby, chimed in. "What does the destruction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family and the Hao Tian Sect have to do with us? Besides, didn't you have a grudge against the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family? Aren't you happy they've been wiped out?"

Dugu Bo chuckled. "Yan Yan has a point—what does it have to do with us?"

Seeing how relaxed the two were, Ning Tianchen couldn't help but give a bitter smile. "I'm afraid it might actually have something to do with us."

"Old man, Uncle Ning has already approved the establishment of the sect. Today, he gave me and Rongrong twenty million gold spirit coins to build the sect. Do you remember the promise you made to me?"

Dugu Bo yawned and slowly sat up. "Even if you're establishing a sect, last night's events have nothing to do with us, right?"

"How can it have nothing to do with us?" Ning Rongrong interjected. "The situation on the continent is already like a powder keg, and last night's events were the spark. I think it won't be long before someone sets off this powder keg."

"Establishing a new sect is about banding together for mutual support. Otherwise, when the entire structure collapses, how can we survive on our own strength?"

Dugu Bo didn't oppose her reasoning—in fact, he greatly admired it. "Compared to a few years ago, you've matured quite a bit. It seems Ning Fengzhi hasn't neglected your education these years."

"But even so, with my strength, I can always hide in the mountains and wait until the situation on the continent stabilizes before coming out with Yan Yan."

Hearing this, Ning Tianchen rolled his eyes and snapped, "Old man, you're a Title Douluo! How can you act like some random thug on the street? Do you have no shame?"

Dugu Bo countered, "I already said I'm just going into retirement and won't interfere with anything. Once you've built the sect, just let me know. Do you really expect me to personally help you build it?"

Fine~

Ning Tianchen was momentarily speechless.

Dugu Bo continued, "Let me make this clear beforehand: Yan Yan and I will only help guard the sect. We won't assist with any other tasks."

Ning Tianchen replied, "Alright, alright. But Yan Yan has reached Soul Emperor level now—you need to let her train. In the future, she'll need to take over for you."

Dugu Yan explained, "Tianchen, Grandpa has already arranged a training site for me and Lingling, so I won't join you. Besides, you've already broken through to Soul Sage level and surpassed me by a wide margin. If I follow you, wouldn't I still need your protection?"

Being a strong woman, how could she bear to lag behind?

After discussing some minor matters with Dugu Bo, Ning Tianchen headed to the academy's reception room to wait for everyone's arrival.

In the meantime, he also spoke with Zhang Erhe and Zhao Wuji.

For the sect's headquarters, he decided to choose a location within his fief, and the Shadow Guards would be incorporated into his sect.

Since he had given them prior notice, no one within the Shadow Guards objected.

They simply needed to clear out an open area in the fief and prepare for the construction of the sect's headquarters.

Not long after, Feng Xiaotian and the others entered the reception room, drenched in sweat.

"Tianchen, what urgent matter made you call us all here?" Feng Xiaotian asked.

He had many things to attend to, especially since the new campus had just been built, and he needed to keep a close eye on it.

"I'm about to establish a sect and wanted to ask if any of you are interested in holding positions within it."

After his explanation, everyone finally understood the situation regarding his sect.

Chen Huayu and Oscar immediately responded, "We'll join! Taking on an additional position means more income in the future."

Neither of them were wealthy, so naturally, they wanted to earn more money.

The Yu Die and Cai Die sisters, upon learning that their father had joined Ning Tianchen's sect, naturally wanted to join as well.

However, they had a condition—they would only hold honorary positions in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect but would take on substantive roles in Ning Tianchen's sect.

Ning Rongrong took charge and said, "No problem, I'll talk to Father about it."

Zhu Zhuqing said, "I'm fine with whatever you decide."

As for Feng Xiaotian, he wasn't originally a disciple of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, so whether he joined Ning Tianchen's sect was entirely up to him.

"Xiaotian, what about you?" Ning Tianchen asked.

Feng Xiaotian replied, "I need to discuss it with my teacher and grandfather. Give me a few days to think it over before I give you an answer."

These days, he had been busy with the academy's relocation, and his mind was preoccupied with many thoughts. He didn't want to consider anything beyond that for now.

After a pause, Oscar couldn't help but ask, "By the way, Tianchen, surely the sect won't only consist of us, right? Are there other disciples joining?"

Ning Tianchen smiled. "I plan to recruit several families to jointly establish the sect. Who's free to accompany me on this trip?"

Feng Xiaotian shrugged. "I can't leave for now. However, once the academy's relocation is complete, things will ease up significantly, and there'll be no need to constantly monitor it. Everyone can go with Tianchen to recruit the various families. After all, we'll be working together in the future, so it's good to get acquainted early."

Ning Tianchen added, "The construction of the sect also needs to be put on the agenda. We'll need someone to stay in the city to purchase building materials for the sect."

Yu Die said, "Cai Die and I will stay behind to help. The others can go with Tianchen if they're free."

Zhu Zhuqing thought for a moment and said, "I'll stay behind to help Xiaotian. If all of us leave, Xiaotian will be overwhelmed on his own."

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