Back when Tang San had sent the Divine Craftsman Lou Gao along with a large quantity of precious metals to the Clear Sky Sect, he had also left behind the recipe for gunpowder. He had long since conducted experiments confirming that gunpowder could be formulated without issue in this world. For that reason, Lou Gao's task was not only to craft the Rainstorm Pear Needles but also to produce the Tang Sect's most devastating hidden weapon — the Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus. This was the terrifying weapon Tang San had poured tremendous effort into researching in his previous life.
Relatively speaking, crafting the Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus was more difficult than manufacturing the Rainstorm Pear Needles, because both the formulation of the gunpowder and the forging of the weapon's body were extremely challenging. However, Tang San had experience crafting the Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus after all, which meant the blueprints he left for Lou Gao were far more precise, down to every last detail. So from Lou Gao's perspective, it was actually the Rainstorm Pear Needles that proved harder to make.
Five years had passed, and Tang San couldn't be certain whether Lou Gao had managed to produce both of these peerless hidden weapons. But with his Eldest Uncle's assistance, the forging should have gone smoothly.
The Clear Sky Sect was located three hundred li east of Heaven Dou City. From a distance, the four members of Tang San's family could already see cooking smoke rising from the small mountain village nestled among the peaks.
Although Tang Hao had once given Tang San a map of the location, that map had actually come from Tang Yuehua — Tang San's aunt — and Tang Hao himself had never returned here. Gazing at the rundown little village before him, a cold light flickered unmistakably through Tang Hao's eyes.
Once upon a time, the Clear Sky Sect had been the greatest sect under heaven. Now it had fallen to this state, forced to use such a decrepit mountain village as its outer gate. As the Clear Sky Sect's former most powerful Titled Douluo, Tang Hao's feelings at this moment could easily be imagined.
However, his clenched left fist was caught by a pair of soft hands. Tang Hao turned to see his wife gazing at him tenderly. Ah Yin said softly, "Don't think too much about it. Now that you and your son have returned, the Clear Sky Sect will surely regain its former glory."
Looking at his wife, the cold hardness on Tang Hao's face softened considerably. He clasped Ah Yin's hand in return and nodded. "Don't worry, I'm fine. It's just that after being away from the sect for so many years, finally coming back... there's a certain melancholy in my heart."
Tang San looked at his father's mutilated body and couldn't help saying, "Dad, if the Clear Sky Sect refuses to take us in, once we get your spirit bone back, we'll just leave."
Tang Hao's face turned stern. "Silence. Xiao San, you must remember — no matter how the sect treats us, we are still members of it. The Martial Soul we wield is the Clear Sky Hammer passed down through the sect. No matter what happens, you are a disciple of the Clear Sky Sect."
Though Tang Hao possessed only one arm and one leg, his fury still carried its full weight of authority.
"Yes." Tang San hurriedly agreed, though in his heart, he harbored not the slightest good will toward the Clear Sky Sect. Gazing at the mountain peaks behind the village, he thought to himself: if everything went smoothly, so be it. But if those sect elders dared to treat his father poorly, they shouldn't expect him to show any mercy.
At that moment, Tang San suddenly noticed his mother's gaze turning toward him, and in her eyes he saw a look of support.
Tang Hao had severed two of his own limbs to repay the sect's grace, yet the Clear Sky Sect had given him no support whatsoever over the years. This had left Ah Yin not merely lacking in goodwill toward the Clear Sky Sect but harboring a deep and fierce resentment — naturally, she supported her son.
With his mother's backing, Tang San's heart immediately lightened. No matter how devoted his father's feelings toward the sect might be, his mother's standing in his father's heart was undoubtedly higher. At the critical moment, his mother's words would carry the decisive weight.
As they spoke, they had arrived at the edge of the village. Before the settlement, several villagers immediately spotted their approach. Although Tang San had been here before, these were merely outer disciples of the Clear Sky Sect, and few had actually seen him. Seeing the four of them walking up, one of them stepped forward to block their path.
"Please leave. Outsiders are not welcome here," a villager said coldly.
Tang San's brow furrowed slightly. "Even the words are the same as last time. Not a shred of originality." As he spoke, he directly released his Clear Sky Hammer.
Before the black light even appeared, a pressure like storm clouds rolling overhead surged forth from Tang San's left hand. This was no longer the Clear Sky Hammer from before — the one without any Soul Rings. The massive hammerhead looked even more imposing than the dark Sea God's Trident, its volume fully doubled compared to before. The handle had lengthened to nearly two meters. The Clear Sky Hammer no longer resembled a forging tool; it was now a true war hammer.
Dark golden patterns flowed across the black surface of the hammer, and the inscribed Killing God Domain lent it an additional halo of blood-red light. Within its tyrannical aura lurked a fierce killing intent that spread outward like something solid.
One red, two black — three Soul Rings arranged neatly on the Clear Sky Hammer, their radiance contained but exuding an invisible, crushing pressure.
The villagers who had been blocking their way all turned pale simultaneously, stumbling backward in panic. They didn't manage to steady themselves until they had retreated to the village entrance. Staring at the Clear Sky Hammer in Tang San's hand, they were too horrified to speak.
Tang San spoke calmly. "Go quickly to the sect and report that Tang Hao and Tang San, father and son, have returned with their families."
The villagers exchanged glances and scrambled into the village at a run.
At that moment, Tang Hao was lost in thought, his brow furrowed. Ah Yin stood beside him with a serene expression, her arm linked through his remaining one. She glanced at her son from time to time, and whenever she saw her tall, handsome boy, a satisfied smile couldn't help but surface in her eyes. To have a son like this — what more could she ask of life?
The Clear Sky Sect always maintained disciples in this outpost village. The villagers, still too stunned by the Clear Sky Hammer in Tang San's hand, had even forgotten to invite them inside. Before long, a figure emerged from among the villager crowd.
This person wore the familiar gray robes — an acquaintance, in fact. The last time Tang San had first come to the Clear Sky Sect, this man along with Tang Long had been the ones to greet him. Tang San still remembered that this third-generation disciple, a few years his senior, was named Tang Yu.
Upon seeing Tang San, Tang Yu visibly relaxed. "It really is you! I thought those outer disciples were pulling my leg. Hello, Tang San — welcome back. Wait, I just heard them say that Second Uncle came back with you too?"
A shadow passed through Tang San's eyes. Tang Yu had clearly seen his father but had failed to recognize him in his diminished state. This only deepened Tang San's resentment toward the Clear Sky Sect. He said in a low voice, "My father is here."
As a disciple of the Clear Sky Sect, Tang Yu was no ordinary person, and he immediately caught the shift in Tang San's expression. His gaze shifted and landed on Tang Hao. Though he was clearly struggling to control his emotions, when he saw Tang Hao's single arm and lone leg, he couldn't suppress a flicker of shock. To his credit, he quickly composed himself. He stepped forward two paces and bowed respectfully. "Junior Tang Yu pays respects to Second Uncle."
In truth, Tang Hao was not actually the second-ranked among the Clear Sky Sect's second-generation disciples. It was simply that he and Tang Xiao were the direct sons of the previous sect master, which was why the third-generation disciples addressed him as "Second Uncle."
Tang Hao waved his hand. "No need for formalities. I am a sinner of the sect. Twenty years ago, I ceased to be a member of the Clear Sky Sect."
Tang San said in a steady voice, "Brother Tang Yu, please lead the way. We need to go up to the sect."
Hearing Tang San's words, Tang Yu's face immediately fell. He said with a bitter smile, "Brother, there's no issue with you going up to the sect. But as you know, our sect is currently sealed off and doesn't receive outsiders. Besides, Second Uncle's identity is... sensitive right now. Please don't put me in a difficult position."
Tang San said angrily, "What do you mean, outsiders? My father is the son of the previous sect master — his title is Clear Sky! This is my mother and my wife. How can you call them outsiders?"
"This..." Tang Yu said awkwardly, "Tang San, I truly can't make this decision. How about this — you come up to the sect with me first and explain the situation to the Sect Master and the elders. Then we can have Second Uncle and his family come up the mountain?"
Tang San's eyes flickered. He glanced at his mother, and his expression suddenly turned calm. He nodded to Tang Yu. "That works. Let's go now, then."
With that, he walked to his father's side. "Dad, let's not make things difficult for him. He really can't decide this on his own. I'll go up the mountain with him first and come back down to pick you up later. Xiao Wu, you wait here for me too."
Xiao Wu nodded obediently. Tang San turned to leave, but just as he pivoted, a powerful hand clamped down on his shoulder.
Tang San turned back to find his father's blazing gaze locked onto his. Father and son stared at each other, and in that instant Tang San knew his father had understood his intent. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly: truly, no one knows a son like his own father. He thought he had concealed it well enough, yet his father had seen through it.
Tang Hao gazed deeply at Tang San. "Xiao San, be measured in your approach. Go. We'll wait for you here."
A flicker of surprise passed through Tang San's eyes. Though his father was cautioning him, his words clearly carried a certain unspoken meaning — he was not entirely opposed to anything. From this alone, Tang San could see that his father too harbored discontent toward the sect. Of course, this was also because his father's heart was tied to the sect, and he was eager to return and pay respects at their grandfather's shrine.
After nodding to his father, Tang San turned and followed Tang Yu.
They passed through the village and arrived before a sheer cliff face. Tang Yu called out to Tang San, then leaped into the air, using the recessed ledges spaced every ten meters to propel himself upward toward the mountaintop.
Tang San smiled faintly. This time, he would not be making the climb the proper way he had the last visit. His figure swayed slightly, and he rose into the air, flickering between points of light until he arrived at the summit in the blink of an eye. Having reached the ninetieth rank and broken through into the Titled Douluo realm, the effects of his hundred-thousand-year spirit bone abilities could now be fully utilized. The flying ability granted by the Blue Silver Emperor's right leg bone had become an extension of his body — wherever his thoughts directed, he moved faster than any winged bird.
By the time Tang Yu hauled himself to the mountaintop, he found Tang San already standing there waiting for him. He rubbed his eyes in disbelief — he hadn't detected a single thing about how Tang San had gotten up here.
"Let's pick up the pace so Dad doesn't get anxious," Tang San said to Tang Yu, reaching out to grab his shoulder.
As a direct disciple of the Clear Sky Sect, Tang Yu naturally possessed considerable strength. Instinctively, he shrank back, attempting to dodge. But Tang San's palm seemed to carry some strange suction — Tang Yu only felt his shoulder go numb as the Soul Power he had instinctively gathered was suppressed. In the next instant, he was soaring through the air with a startled cry, as though riding clouds and mist.
Tang San was carrying him in flight. Tang Yu could feel the biting mountain wind whipping past him, and his ears were filled with howling gusts. Yet strangely, he felt none of the cold — instead, he was enveloped in warmth, as though submerged in a bath of warm water, comfortable beyond description.
Before Tang Yu could fully savor the sensation, his feet suddenly hit solid ground. He was back on his feet, and control of his body returned at the same time.
Tang San released his grip on Tang Yu's shoulder and smiled apologetically. "Forgive the imposition — this was faster."
Only then did Tang Yu realize he was already standing atop the Clear Sky Sect's main peak. The entire trip had taken nothing more than a few breaths!
Tang Yu shook his head in helplessness, and his gaze toward Tang San changed considerably. "Tang San, you seem even more terrifying than the last time you came back. Though... I get the feeling you haven't come with good intentions? When you face the elders, please don't show that kind of mood. Their tempers aren't exactly forgiving."
Tang San smiled serenely. "Thanks for the warning. I'll be careful." He thought to himself: was he really being that obvious? Even Tang Yu could tell he hadn't come in peace? But whether his intentions were benevolent or otherwise would ultimately depend on the sect's choices.
Tang Yu glanced at the ancient-looking Sea God's Trident in Tang San's right hand. "Come on. Let's head over."
The fortress-like stone buildings appeared before Tang San's eyes once again. Seeing this scene, Tang San took a deep breath. There was much he intended to accomplish this time. He forced down the turbulent emotions in his heart and tried to bring his mindset as close to peace as possible. Of course, he hoped everything could be resolved peacefully. That would make it far easier for his father to be accepted by the sect. No matter how you looked at it, his father's feelings for the sect remained as deep as ever.
The two young men standing guard at the main gate both showed expressions of surprise upon seeing Tang San. They had both witnessed his display of power in the past — when Tang San had defeated the Seventh Elder with only forty percent of his Soul Power at the Clear Sky Sect, it had left a profound impression on all the young disciples. Though Tang Long and Tang Hu had always been regarded as the foremost among the third generation, among the third- and fourth-generation disciples it was widely acknowledged that Tang San was the true number one of the third generation.
So upon seeing Tang San, they made no move to obstruct him. With a look of admiration in their eyes, they stepped aside.
Entering the sect, Tang Yu said, "I'll take you to the guest hall to sit for a while. Then I'll immediately go notify the Sect Master."
Tang San nodded. "Good. I'll trouble you for that."
Tang Yu chuckled. "We're brothers — no need to be polite. We all really admire your strength! If you get the chance, maybe give me a few pointers."
Tang San smiled but said nothing. Tang Yu led him to the guest hall and seated him there, then immediately turned to go make the report.
The hall was spacious, large enough to accommodate fifty people in council. As Tang San sat there, his thoughts inevitably drifted to the tangled history between his father and the sect.
What had happened years ago had indeed brought calamity upon the sect — but that depended on how you looked at it. Was his father truly wrong? He had been protecting his wife. What fault was there in that? It was Spirit Hall that had chosen to vent its rage upon the Clear Sky Sect. Tang San had once believed his father bore responsibility for the disaster, had even thought his father could not escape blame. But after all these years, after everything he had experienced and every encounter with Spirit Hall, he now understood — even without that incident, Spirit Hall would never have let the Clear Sky Sect be.
And back then, the sect had chosen to retreat rather than fight. True, Spirit Hall's power was immense. But according to the four clan leaders of the Single Attribute Four Clans, the Clear Sky Sect of that era had also been at its peak! If they had allied with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan back then, Spirit Hall might not have dared to act. And even if a full-scale war had erupted, the outcome could not possibly have been worse than what transpired.
The former top three of the Seven Great Sects — now one destroyed, one crippled, one in hiding. The Clear Sky Sect was the one that truly bore the greatest responsibility. As the sect that had once reigned supreme under heaven, it had retreated solely to protect its own interests, allowing Spirit Hall to grow ever more unscrupulous and powerful. That was what led to the Spirit Empire's current dominance over Heaven Dou and Star Luo — two great empires trembling beneath its shadow.