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

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Chen Huayu draped his arm over Oscar's shoulder. "Then Xiao Ao and I will go with you—let's gain some experience along the way."

Ning Rongrong asked, "Brother Tianchen, what about me?"

As the sect's treasurer, Yu Die and Cai Die would need her approval for funding to purchase supplies. If she went along, relying solely on written correspondence would be inconvenient.

"Rongrong, you stay behind. This trip isn't for training—we'll return quickly. Once all the major families are ready, we'll set out together for further cultivation."

Ning Rongrong didn't throw a tantrum and nodded in agreement.

Indeed, staying behind would better ensure logistical support.

Over the next few days, Ning Tianchen discussed with Zhang Erhe and others about the scale of the sect and the quantity of building materials needed.

As for the construction contractor, it naturally fell to the Defense Clan.

After all, they were the most skilled builders on the continent, and given the confidentiality requirements of the sect's architecture, they were the perfect choice.

Meanwhile, news of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family's destruction spread across the continent.

Due to Tiandou Empire's deliberate clarification, only a small number of people suspected that the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was involved in the family's downfall.

A few days later, the Spirit Hall also issued a statement to the continent.

In the statement, the Spirit Hall explicitly denied involvement, attributing the attack to an unknown hidden force on the continent. Additionally, they claimed that during their investigation of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family's stronghold, traces of evil soul masters were discovered.

The Spirit Hall had always been intolerant of evil soul masters, claiming they were cleansing the continent of corruption.

At the end of the statement, citing the destruction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family and the Hao Tian Sect's disappearance, the Spirit Hall announced that they would hold a Seven Great Sects Re-selection Conference in one year to determine the new seven great sects of the continent.

Due to the time constraints, this conference would not include disciple battles but would instead focus solely on sect leader battles and elder battles.

This announcement caused a massive uproar across the continent.

It was well known that the Great Seven Sects Re-selection Conference occurred only once every fifty years. Even if one of the seven sects fell in previous iterations, the event was never held early.

The Spirit Hall's move was clearly an attempt to cover up their involvement, leading many to believe that the destruction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family and the unknown sect couldn't be separated from the Spirit Hall.

---

Moon Pavilion

After returning from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, Yu Xiaogang and his group took up residence here.

Upon hearing the Spirit Hall's statement, Tang Xiao and the others were enraged.

"The Spirit Hall is nothing but thieves crying 'catch the thief'!" Tang Yuehua nearly roared.

However, public opinion was controlled by the Spirit Hall and the two empires. Since the Tiandou Empire hadn't explicitly pointed fingers at the Spirit Hall, they clearly wanted no part in the matter.

With just their small group's influence, there was no way to sway the current narrative.

After several days of rest, Yu Xiaogang gradually regained consciousness.

The destruction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family was an eternal wound in his heart. How could he accept the Spirit Hall brushing it off with a few casual words?

"The Spirit Hall is absolutely outrageous! Can't the Tiandou Empire and the Star Luo Empire see their ambition? At a time like this, shouldn't they unite to oppose the Spirit Hall?" Yu Xiaogang shouted hysterically.

In reality, the two empires had never considered uniting—conflicts had already erupted along their borders.

Tang Xiao asked gravely, "Yuehua, do you know where Xiao San and little brother Hao are?"

Tang Yuehua replied, "Xiao San will return soon, but I don't know where brother Hao is."

After a pause, Tang Xiao continued, "We can't stay at Moon Pavilion any longer. Without the influence of the Hao Tian Sect, the Tiandou Empire might come after you. Moreover, you've said that Xue Ye doesn't have long to live. Before he dies, he might reveal your identity to Xue Qinghe."

In his view, Ning Fengzhi had long desired to elevate the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to the position of the continent's top sect. As Xue Qinghe was Ning Fengzhi's disciple, they were surely in cahoots. If Xue Qinghe learned Tang Yuehua's true identity, Moon Pavilion wouldn't remain safe.

Liu Erlong suggested, "Why don't you all temporarily stay with me? Once Xiao San returns, we can decide whether to leave Tiandou City."

After some thought, Tang Xiao tacitly agreed to the suggestion.

Now that only a handful of survivors remained from the Hao Tian Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, their immediate priority was to gather all surviving members and strengthen their numbers.

---

Meeting Hall of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect

After reviewing the Spirit Hall's announcement, Ning Fengzhi gathered everyone.

He said, "The Seven Great Sects Re-selection Conference is an opportunity for us."

The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect needed to maintain a high profile, leveraging the attention they received from various factions to ensure their survival.

During the conference, the Spirit Hall promised that any participating sect under attack would be considered as declaring war on the Spirit Hall.

Ning Fengzhi believed that by attending the conference, the Spirit Hall wouldn't dare sabotage itself.

Ning Rongrong voiced her concerns, "Father, if the Spirit Hall traps all of you in Spirit City, won't the sect become sitting ducks?"

"It won't happen," Sword Dao Chen Xin interjected. "The Spirit Hall is already suspected of attacking the Hao Tian Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family. If they make a move against us now, most factions on the continent will unite to oppose them."

"Though the Spirit Hall is powerful, they wouldn't dare to fight the entire continent."

Ning Fengzhi added, "This is our chance. With the Hao Tian Sect gone, participating in this conference makes us the top sect on the continent."

"Tianchen, your sect has Dugu Bo guarding it—you can also participate. Your biggest competitors are the Elephant Armor Sect and the Holy Dragon Sect, whose leaders aren't as strong as Dugu Bo. If luck is on your side, you might secure a spot among the top three sects."

Moreover, Ning Fengzhi hoped that the Snow Mountain Sect would also attend.

If the three sects secured the top three positions, it would be quite the tale.

Ning Tianchen nodded and responded, "I'll complete the construction of my sect as soon as possible and select suitable elders according to the competition rules."

The sect leader battle could be handled by Dugu Bo, so there wouldn't be much of a problem.

The main issue for Ning Tianchen's sect lay in the elder battles.

Unsure of Yang Wudi and others' abilities, Ning Fengzhi cautiously suggested, "Tianchen, you can select a few elders from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to represent your sect in the elder battles."

"No need." Ning Tianchen shook his head.

Yang Wudi's strength was formidable, rivaling that of an ordinary Title Douluo. Additionally, Niu Gao was capable and reliable. Bai He, being a speed-type soul master, wasn't suited for one-on-one combat, so Ning Tianchen decided to fill the last position himself.

Fighting above his level would be excellent training for him.

In the Great Seven Sects Re-selection Conference, the sect leader battle accounted for four points, while the elder battles totaled six points, divided into three rounds, each worth two points.

If the sect leader battle was won, winning just one round of the elder battles would suffice. Facing the Elephant Armor Sect and the Holy Dragon Sect, Ning Tianchen felt little pressure.

---

Meanwhile, in the Great Star Dou Forest

By the time the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family and the Hao Tian Sect were attacked, Tang San had already entered the forest and was unaware of the events outside.

With his Soul Emperor-level strength, he quickly reached the mixed zone of the forest.

Along the way, he discovered traces of a large contingent.

Before understanding the contingent's intentions, Tang San slowed down and followed them from a distance to investigate.

That evening, as dusk approached, Tang San concealed his presence and approached the rear of the contingent.

Through their banners and uniforms, he easily identified them as a Spirit Hall team.

"Why is the Spirit Hall here?"

Frowning, he dared not get closer.

In his line of sight, Jin Ying Soul Douluo, who had attacked Shrek Academy's convoy in the Grand Canyon, was among them.

With his current strength, he couldn't evade detection by a Soul Douluo.

What the Spirit Hall intended with such a grand lineup, Tang San wasn't sure.

But in his eyes, the Spirit Hall rarely did good deeds.

---

Inside the Spirit Hall's Camp

The leader of this Spirit Hall expedition was none other than Hu Liena.

"Nana, the hundred-thousand-year soul beast His Holiness the Pope needs is still two days away. When the battle begins, stay behind me to avoid injury," Yan puffed out his chest, trying to impress her.

The Spirit Hall's soul-hunting operation wasn't limited to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family and the Hao Tian Sect. Another large contingent had entered the Star Dou Forest to hunt the Azure Sky Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape.

Furthermore, based on Bibi Dong's intelligence, it seemed Xiao Wu was living alongside these two soul beasts.

Their mission had two goals: either hunt the two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts or capture Xiao Wu.

Completing either objective would suffice.

Hu Liena was cold toward Yan's attitude. "Before Elder Ju and Elder Gui arrive, we won't act rashly. Instead of protecting me, you should focus on not holding us back."

The team consisted of Soul Emperors, Soul Sages, three Soul Douluo, and two Title Douluo.

Among them, the Golden Generation trio ranked only in the middle. Compared to other Soul Emperors, however, they lacked experience fighting soul beasts.

Bibi Dong sent them primarily to gain experience.

While discussing matters, Jin Ying Soul Douluo returned from patrolling the camp to report, "Holy Maiden, there's a young man following us. Based on my investigation, he didn't enter the forest to hunt souls."

"I'm unsure which faction he belongs to, so I didn't take action."

Hu Liena nodded indifferently. "Come with me to check. If he's a scout from another faction, kill him."

"Nana, I'll protect you," Yan quickly stepped in front of her.

Beside them, Xie Yue sighed helplessly.

It seemed the more eager Yan acted, the more disdainful Hu Liena became.

Xie Yue had warned Yan about this before, but he refused to change.

Outside the tent, under Hu Liena's command, the Spirit Hall experts gradually surrounded Tang San.

"Hu Liena!" Tang San muttered softly.

When Tang San realized what was happening, the experts from the Spirit Hall had already surrounded him.

Knowing there was no way to escape, his heart sank. He decided to face them directly instead of running.

"Hu Liena, it's been a while," Tang San waved casually.

Hu Liena was startled at first.

In her mind, Tang Yin was a disciple of the Hao Tian Sect, which had supposedly been destroyed by the Spirit Hall. Why would he be here?

Suddenly, she remembered something.

It was possible that he had been training in the Star Dou Forest and hadn't returned to the Hao Tian Sect, meaning he might not know about its destruction.

After leaving Slaughter City, one's emotions were often influenced by residual killing intent. It was highly likely that Tang Yin had been training in the Star Dou Forest to dissipate the effects of that killing intent.

"Heh, I once told you we walk different paths and cannot cooperate. Tang Yin, how dare you come looking for me?" Hu Liena narrowed her eyes and sneered coldly.

Yan stepped forward, cursing, "Pretty boy, don't think your handsome face will save you. If you dare meddle with things that aren't yours, I'll chop you into pieces!"

Tang San inwardly sneered.

In his mind, every single person from the Spirit Hall was marked as someone destined to die.

He only regretted that his current strength wasn't enough; otherwise, he'd make the Spirit Hall pay dearly!

"Does the Star Dou Forest belong to your Spirit Hall? Do I need to report to you when I come here to train?" Tang San countered.

"You!" Yan started to speak but was stopped by Xie Yue. "This must be the Tang Yin that Nana mentioned. Hmm, we don't welcome you—get lost."

Without any hesitation, Tang San turned and fled into the distance, disappearing without a trace in just a few breaths.

With his Killing God domain, he was extremely sensitive to killing intent.

Just moments ago, Hu Liena's eyes had clearly revealed traces of murderous intent.

Although their encounter in Slaughter City had been fleeting and emotionless, Tang San couldn't risk betting that Hu Liena wouldn't attack him.

After Tang San left, Hu Liena asked solemnly, "Brother, why did you let him go?"

Since the Hao Tian Sect has been wiped out, Tang Yin has no reason to exist. Wouldn't it be better to send the remaining members of the Hao Tian Sect off neatly?

Xie Yue pointed ahead and explained, "Nana, this place is very close to the core of the Star Dou Forest. Moreover, based on what you've said, this person likely has many hidden cards up his sleeve. Taking him down immediately would be difficult for us."

"Making too much noise while dealing with him would surely alert the two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts and that rabbit, causing them to flee. If they escape, our mission will fail."

Yan chimed in, "Nana, Big Brother's right. We should prioritize completing His Holiness' mission. Once that's done, we can always kill him later."

"What kind of trouble can a stray dog like him cause anyway?"

After some thought, Hu Liena tacitly agreed with their reasoning and no longer paid attention to Tang San. She returned to the camp to prepare for the upcoming soul-hunting operation.

---

After escaping tens of miles away, Tang San's expression grew heavy.

The direction the Spirit Hall's main force was heading was straight toward the core of the Star Dou Forest.

When Xiao Wu had left, she had said her home was there.

It was highly likely that the Spirit Hall's forces were targeting Xiao Wu.

Tang San felt a wave of anxiety, but he couldn't bypass the Spirit Hall's army to warn Xiao Wu in advance.

For now, all he could do was ensure his own safety—he had no way to save Xiao Wu.

For a moment, he found himself missing Tang Hao.

If Tang Hao hadn't lost an arm and a leg, with him around, the Spirit Hall's scum would surely have perished here.

But there was no use dwelling on "what ifs." The current Tang Hao was no longer capable of protecting him, let alone Xiao Wu.

"Blue Silver Domain!"

As soon as the domain spread, Tang San could use the nearby Blue Silver Grass as his eyes and ears.

No matter what, he would never abandon Xiao Wu.

Silently trailing behind the Spirit Hall's forces, he prepared to intervene at any moment.

Two days passed, and the Spirit Hall's forces finally reached the core area of the Star Dou Forest.

During this time, Ju and Gui Douluo arrived to join the main force.

Faced with Title Douluo-level experts, Tang San had no choice but to adjust his rescue strategy.

---

What followed largely aligned with events from the original timeline.

Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo was kept occupied by the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Sky Bull Python, while Hu Liena led the main force to capture Xiao Wu. During this time, Tang San burst onto the scene, deliberately revealing his identity and rescuing Xiao Wu from the encirclement of two Soul Douluo-level experts.

However, their respite was short-lived. Chased by the powerful Soul Douluo-level experts, Tang San and Xiao Wu were quickly surrounded, with no way to escape.

As expected, Xiao Wu performed a ritual sacrifice to temporarily drive back the Spirit Hall's forces.

Using their fusion techniques to restrain the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Sky Bull Python, Ju and Gui Douluo exhausted a massive amount of soul power and had no choice but to retreat. The Spirit Hall's forces quickly evacuated the Star Dou Forest, allowing Tang San to narrowly escape with his life.

It was worth noting that Xiao Wu's spirit ring wasn't attached to Tang San's Blue Silver Grass martial soul.

With Tang San's soul power at Level 62, he needed far too much soul power to advance again. As such, Xiao Wu could only attach her spirit ring to his Hao Tian Hammer martial soul.

---

In front of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect

Ning Tianchen, Chen Huayu, and Oscar boarded a carriage headed for the Defense Clan.

With his godlike perspective, Ning Tianchen knew that the four great single-attribute families would soon hold a gathering, and the location happened to be at the Defense Clan.

In the past, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had cooperated with the Defense Clan, leaving both sides with a good impression of each other.

Securing Niu Gao for Ning Tianchen wasn't an issue.

Inside the carriage, Chen Huayu smiled and asked, "Boss, what position are you planning to assign me?"

Ning Tianchen glanced at him and replied indifferently, "Are you really that eager?"

Chen Huayu chuckled awkwardly, "Boss, before leaving, I told my parents that I'd be taking on a high-ranking position in the sect so they could celebrate early. Don't ruin my reputation! If my dad finds out I was lying, he'll definitely hang me up and beat me."

Oscar laughed and patted his shoulder. "Fatty, if I remember correctly, your strength surpasses your father's. Are you still afraid of him?"

Chen Huayu retorted, "No matter what, he's still my dad. Both my parents raised me. Having some strength doesn't mean I should disrespect him. Would I still be human if I did that?"

"Well said!" Ning Tianchen couldn't help but applaud. "In recognition of your filial piety, I'll appoint you as the vice-sect leader in charge of the sect's defense. Work hard."

"Vice-sect leader?" Chen Huayu abruptly stood up.

Originally, he thought he'd at most become a hall master. After increasing his strength and contributing to the sect, he planned to apply for the position of elder.

He never expected Ning Tianchen to be so generous.

Oscar chuckled, feeling no envy.

The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect also had a vice-sect leader, but across the entire continent, who had heard of that person's name?

Truthfully, this vice-sect leader's fame and status were even lower than some of the sect's elders.

The title of vice-sect leader sounded impressive, but in terms of authority, it wasn't necessarily higher than that of the sect's elders.

Moreover, the vice-sect leader was essentially the sect leader's secretary—always on call and constantly working overtime to handle affairs.

If it were Oscar, he definitely wouldn't accept such a position.

On the other hand, Chen Huayu was visibly thrilled. "Boss, don't joke with me—I'm serious."

Ning Tianchen rolled his eyes. "Why would I lie to you? I'm being completely serious."

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