The Heavenly Azure Sluggish Divine Claw's activation conditions were harsh, requiring four seconds of charging time. Once it landed, however, the duration of the debuff reached a terrifying ten seconds. In other words, within those ten seconds, all five elders would have to endure the agony of the sluggishness. A tenfold slowdown meant they would be utterly incapable of defending against attacks or launching any of their own.
However, the ten-second duration could vary depending on the mental strength of both the target and the user. Although the five elders possessed formidable strength, on a mental level they were still far behind Tang San. This ten-second sluggish effect would be something they simply had to endure in full.
Without question, if the domineering control power of the Heavenly Azure Sluggish Divine Claw were combined with the Uncertain Storm of the Golden Thirteen Trident, the resulting sustained suppression would reach truly terrifying levels. The five great elders of the Clear Sky Sect were the first to experience Tang San's horrifying control abilities firsthand.
This chain of Soul Skills had originally been prepared for Bibi Dong. On a battlefield where everything could change in an instant, even if Bibi Dong possessed the ability of undying, Tang San was confident he could make her pay a heavy price.
Five beams of golden light rose simultaneously from the ground, instantly transforming into five solid cages that trapped the five elders in place. Having been struck by the Heavenly Azure Sluggish Divine Claw, they had no ability whatsoever to resist or break free.
It was still the same fourth Soul Skill—Blue Silver Cage—but the cage's color had completely turned golden, and this was not due to the Sea God's Light. With Soul Rings elevated above the fifty-thousand-year level, the process of the Blue Silver Emperor transforming into a cage was entirely bypassed, making the cages instant-cast. Moreover, their sturdiness had increased by geometric multiples. Even a Clear Sky Hammer Avatar would need at least three strikes to shatter one of these cages, let alone now, when the five elders could not even manage a single blow.
Pushing off from the ground, Tang San's body shot like a cannonball straight into the midst of the five elders. The Sea God's Trident in his hand, trailing an illusory golden glow, passed through the cages and lightly tapped each of them on the chest, the razor-sharp main blade leaving a tiny mark over each one's heart.
The instant this simple motion was completed, the golden light forming the cages withdrew. At the same time, Tang San slammed the Golden Trident heavily into the ground. With a thunderous boom, five beams of golden light erupted from the trident's hilt, detonating at the feet of each elder respectively. This was not a skill—it was the shockwave Tang San generated by harnessing the terrifying weight of the Sea God's Trident combined with his precise Soul Power control. The five figures were simultaneously sent tumbling in different directions, rolling over ten meters away before finally stabilizing after a series of somersaults.
The ten seconds of sluggishness vanished amid the stunned silence of the entire area. The five elders rose from the ground one after another. The Second Elder, who had also been struck by Tang San's Purple Extreme Divine Light, was the last to get to his feet, his face ashen—the mental blow he had suffered had not yet recovered. Of course, in those brief moments, the blow to his heart had been far more devastating.
Indeed, Tang San's strength alone could never have compared to the combined power of all five Clear Sky Sect elders. If they had been given the opportunity to join forces and attack him together, even with the Sea God's Trident in hand, he certainly would not have been able to withstand them. Yet Tang San had given them no such chance. He had perfectly leveraged his abilities as a Control-Type Soul Master. From beginning to end, the entire battle had been completed entirely under his control.
Tang San's gaze returned to calm, but it was precisely that calm gaze that filled the five elders with a sense of deep sorrow. To them, those tranquil eyes seemed to say: "If I had not shown mercy, you would all be dead by now."
And in truth, that was exactly the case. How could physical strength possibly resist the sharpness of the Sea God's Trident's main blade? If Tang San had wanted them dead, then during those brief moments, it would have been more than enough to kill them ten times over.
The Second Elder's face was the color of death. With a cry of alarm from the crowd, he suddenly swung the Clear Sky Hammer in his hand toward the crown of his own head. As the Chief Elder of the Clear Sky Sect, having lost to a third-generation disciple before the eyes of every member of the sect, he no longer had the courage to go on living.
"Stop." A brilliant blue-gold light flared. The Second Elder felt his entire body tighten as layers of radiant golden Blue Silver Emperor vines wrapped around him—this was none other than Tang San's second Soul Skill, Parasitism.
"Bastard, do you not even grant me the right to die?" The Second Elder cursed furiously. The Clear Sky Hammer's dark light blazed, and a layer of black-gold luminance erupted across his entire body. He forcibly broke free from the fifty-thousand-year-level Parasitic Blue Silver Emperor vines, but the excessive expenditure of his own energy forced him to cough up a mouthful of fresh blood.
"As an elder of the sect, do you think you can just die so irresponsibly? If I say you cannot die, then you cannot die." Tang San said coldly. "Look at what this is."
A flash of golden light. The Second Elder instinctively raised his hand to catch the object Tang San had tossed to him. When he saw its form, a wave of dizziness swept through his mind—not only did his will to die vanish entirely, but his entire body could not help but tremble.
"This... this is Elder Uncle's Clear Sky Token?" The Second Elder's voice shook uncontrollably. As soon as those words left his mouth, the other four elders disregarded the shame of their defeat and hurried over.
Tang San's voice rang out unhurriedly: "Five elders, you are all of my grandfather's generation. Without my ancestor's orders, how would I dare to be disrespectful? This Clear Sky Token was bestowed upon me by my ancestor. He instructed me to convey only a single message to you: the Clear Sky Sect is a sect that looks down upon the world."
These words were naturally not spoken by Tang Chen himself—Tang San had fabricated them. But given the current situation, even if Tang Chen were present, he would absolutely have approved.
The five elders exchanged glances. The Second Elder stepped forward several paces and returned the Clear Sky Token to Tang San. With a solemn expression, he said: "Please ascend to your position."
Tang San did not stand on ceremony. He strode forward to the very front, his back to the cliff edge, and turned to face the five elders.
The Second Elder spoke in a deep voice: "All sect disciples, hear my command—kneel with me and pay respects to the Clear Sky Token." As he spoke, he walked to the very front, and facing the small golden hammer inlaid with black crystal that Tang San held high, he bowed down with utmost reverence.
As he prostrated himself, the five elders simultaneously dropped to one knee in salute. Beside them, Tang Xiao also sank to one knee in shock—for even the Sect Master had to bow down, which showed just how terrifying the authority of the Clear Sky Token in Tang San's hand truly was.
Hundreds of Clear Sky Sect disciples fell to their knees in a sweeping wave—not on one knee, but on both, bowing toward the Clear Sky Token in Tang San's hand.
The cold expression on Tang San's face vanished, replaced by a humble demeanor. He stepped forward and helped the five elders and his uncle to their feet one by one.
Tang Xiao couldn't help but ask, "Xiao San, this strength of yours—was it passed down by Grandfather?"
Tang San nodded. "If not for Great-Grandfather's guidance, how could I have reached this level of power in just five years? What I said earlier, and the challenge to the five elders—all of it was at Great-Grandfather's instruction. Elders, please don't take offense."
In life, one must balance firmness with flexibility. This was a lesson Tang Yuehua had taught Tang San at the Moon Pavilion. Everything that had just transpired had been planned long before his return to the Clear Sky Sect. The demonstration of strength, combined with the authority of the Clear Sky Token from his great-grandfather—first showing severity, then deference—was exactly in line with Tang Yuehua's original teaching. It was the only way to truly wield the full authority of the Clear Sky Token.
Had he not done this, even if he had produced the Clear Sky Token from the start, his standing in the eyes of the five elders would never have genuinely become that of the Token's bearer. Everything would have grown far more complicated, and even if he had ultimately achieved his goal, it would have required tremendous effort. By striking first with overwhelming force, crushing the strength they were most proud of, and only then producing the Clear Sky Token, no one could possibly doubt Tang San's words. Because they could find no other explanation for how he had become so powerful—he was only twenty-five years old!
The five elders had lost to Tang San alone, and his producing the Clear Sky Token was essentially giving them a face-saving reason for their defeat. After all, what was shameful about losing to the heir of Tang Chen—the most powerful Clear Sky Douluo in the sect's history, the generation-before-last Sect Master who had led the sect to the pinnacle of the world?
Sure enough, upon hearing Tang San's words, the five elders looked at him with a mixture of uncertainty, but their gazes now held a measure of relief as well.
The Second Elder gazed reverently at the Clear Sky Token in Tang San's hand. "I wonder what instructions the old master has for us."
Tang San's expression turned solemn at once, and he spoke in a grave voice: "Great-Grandfather already knows everything that has happened within the sect. He says that Grandfather's decision was the most erroneous one made since the sect's founding. While it temporarily preserved the Clear Sky Sect's foundation, it also cost the sect its most precious asset—the unshakable belief in victory. Spirit Hall is indeed powerful, but it is not invincible. Back then, if the sect had responded to Spirit Hall's aggression with force, united with the other two Upper Sects, and raised a rallying call throughout the Soul Master world, Spirit Hall would never have dared act rashly. But the sect chose to retreat, abandoning not only the branch clans and disciples who had followed us, but also our allies. It tilted the balance between the Seven Great Sects and Spirit Hall. It allowed Spirit Hall to grow unchecked, until today it has established an empire, throwing the entire continent into instability."
"It all started with what happened to my father. But was my father truly wrong? Great-Grandfather gave me this Clear Sky Token so that I could restore my father's name. Yes, Spirit Hall's oppression did originate because of my father. But even without my father's affair, would Spirit Hall have left the Three Upper Sects alone? Tell me—if someone tried to kill your wives, how would you respond? My father simply wanted to protect my mother, and in doing so he gravely injured Spirit Hall's previous Pope. He single-handedly drove back countless powerful enemies of Spirit Hall. I am proud of my father. He never disgraced the Clear Sky Sect's reputation. And my mother died in that very battle, choosing to sacrifice herself to save my father. But how did the sect respond afterward? Not only did it show no inclination to protect him, it expelled my father from the sect, causing him anguish that lasts to this day. To repay the sect's kindness in raising and training him, he even severed his own limbs to return the Soul Bones the sect had bestowed upon him. I ask you all—if the Sect Master back then had not been Grandfather, but Great-Grandfather, how would things have turned out? I am twenty-five years old, and my father has suffered for twenty-five years because of what happened back then, left crippled and broken. Even if Grandfather himself were resurrected, I would still demand justice for my father today."
These words rang with iron conviction. Tang San's emotions had completely erupted, and he was consumed by a surge of intense agitation.
Listening to Tang San's words, the third- and fourth-generation disciples exchanged uncertain glances, their expressions varying. But most wore looks of deep contemplation. The Clear Sky Sect had chosen to withdraw from the Soul Master world, and while they had found a measure of peace in seclusion, were these Soul Masters who wielded the Clear Sky Hammer truly content to languish in such obscurity?
Tang Xiao couldn't help but speak up: "Back then, Father also chose to endure because Spirit Hall was too powerful. In truth, Father suffered greatly in his heart, and he missed Brother Hao constantly. Even on his deathbed, he was still murmuring his name. Father's decision may have been conservative, but retreating to advance is not necessarily wrong. Given the opportunity, the sect will surely re-emerge in the Soul Master world."
Tang San shook his head with a sigh. "Uncle, I understand what you mean. But the Clear Sky Sect's retreat back then hurt too many people. Moreover, do you truly believe that if the sect announced its return now, the situation would be any better than it was back then?"
"The Spirit Hall of today has established the Spirit Empire, built upon the vassal kingdoms and principalities of the Tian Dou and Star Luo Empires. Together with its tens of thousands of Soul Masters, it has formed a formidable force straddling the space between the two great empires. It has even seized no small amount of territory from both."
"The Clear Sky Sect went into seclusion, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan was annihilated, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan suffered devastating losses. What choice do the Soul Masters of the world have but to attach themselves to Spirit Hall? If Spirit Hall could once command at most fifty percent of the world's Soul Masters, that number has now risen to at least eighty percent. Under such circumstances, could the Clear Sky Sect's return turn the tide? We no longer have any allies. Would the remnants of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan still trust a Clear Sky Sect that only knows how to retreat?"
Gazing at his thoughtful clansmen, Tang San spoke with sharp intensity: "I wonder if you still remember the Single Attribute Four Clans, who worked so tirelessly for the Clear Sky Sect's return. Do you know that their hatred for the sect even surpasses their hatred for Spirit Hall? It was precisely because the sect abandoned them that the Four Clans were nearly destroyed. Their lives were unbearably wretched. And they were only a fraction of the Soul Masters who once followed our Clear Sky Sect. The Clear Sky Sect was silent for over twenty years, and now that it has reappeared—will anyone even listen to our voice? Who would trust us? On our very backs, the brands of treachery and cowardice have already been stamped."
The Second Elder said, somewhat dazed: "What was going to happen has already happened. Perhaps you're right. Tang San, where is the old master? If he could return to take charge, the Clear Sky Sect would not fall. His prestige alone would still be enough to awe the entire Soul Master world."
Tang San slowly raised the Clear Sky Token in his hand and declared in a clear voice: "When Great-Grandfather gave me this Clear Sky Token, he had already decided never to return to the sect. A sect that cowers in hiding will only wither and die. A sect that steps forward still has a chance to rise. If we wish to rebuild the Clear Sky Sect's former glory, we must prove ourselves through our own actions to the Soul Master world—not sit here and wait. Waiting will yield nothing."
The Second Elder looked at Tang San, then at Tang Xiao beside him, and asked gravely: "Tang San, when the old master gave you this Clear Sky Token, was it to have you succeed as Sect Master?"
Hearing the Second Elder's words, Tang San was secretly startled. Though he had already guessed that the Clear Sky Token's authority within the sect must be immense, it was only upon hearing this question that he grasped the token's deeper implications. Given the glory Tang Chen had once achieved in the sect, a single word from him could change anything about the Clear Sky Sect. The Clear Sky Token was tantamount to the man himself—replacing the Sect Master would pose no problem at all. And the strength Tang San had demonstrated by defeating the five elders was more than sufficient to bear the weight of the Sect Master's position. After all, he was still so young, and that the five elders before him could swallow the humiliation of defeat and gradually come to accept his words was due not only to Tang Chen's Clear Sky Token, but also inextricably linked to Tang San's own power! In their eyes, Tang San was like the Tang Chen who had once led the Clear Sky Sect to glory—and perhaps even more exceptional. Tang Chen had been a once-in-a-century genius of the Clear Sky Sect, yet even he, at the age of twenty-five, was far from comparable to the Tang San of today.
Tang San looked toward his uncle, and in Tang Xiao's eyes he saw a look of equanimity. Tang Xiao seemed to have come to terms with many things—there was loss in his eyes, and regret. But more than anything, there was pain. Pain over the Clear Sky Sect's current state.
Shaking his head slowly and firmly, Tang San addressed the elders: "Great-Grandfather did not instruct me to inherit the position of Sect Master. He simply told me that with the Clear Sky Token, I could become the sect's Chief Elder, with the support of the Elder Hall, and have the authority to intervene in any major matter concerning the sect."
Tang Xiao suddenly spoke: "Xiao San, I have no attachment to this Sect Master position, and you don't need to spare my feelings. You are young, vigorous, and powerful—and you are Great-Grandfather's heir. The Sect Master's seat should have been passed to you from the start. Only under your leadership can the Clear Sky Sect possibly return to the pinnacle of the world, as it did when Great-Grandfather commanded it."
"No, Uncle. Please listen to me." Tang San hurriedly interrupted Tang Xiao's words. "Uncle, I truly cannot inherit the position of Sect Master. First of all, I have already established the Tang Sect, and I have accepted honors from the Tian Dou Empire. From the standpoint of my personal identity, if I were to become the Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect, then the independence of our sect would be compromised going forward. Moreover, I am still too young and lack sufficient prestige. But please rest assured, Uncle and Elders—Tang San will always be a member of the Clear Sky Sect. As long as Tang San lives, I will do everything in my power to help the sect return to its peak."
When Tang Xiao was about to say something more, Tang San had already turned to the five elders. "I wonder whether you elders would be willing to accept me as Chief Elder?"
The five elders exchanged a glance, then simultaneously bowed toward the Clear Sky Token in Tang San's hand. "We respectfully obey the Clear Sky Token. Greetings, Chief Elder."
"Greetings, Chief Elder." In a rush, the disciples of the Clear Sky Sect knelt down en masse. Among them, those who had actually met Tang Chen were exceedingly few—most had only ever heard of him. Rather than saying they were conquered by the Clear Sky Token, it was more accurate to say they were conquered by Tang San's overwhelming strength and the words he had just spoken. Which young person didn't have a heart full of passion? Who didn't yearn for the Clear Sky Sect to reclaim its position as the greatest under heaven? This place, though quiet, was also lonely. For over twenty years, the Clear Sky Sect had cultivated a generation of powerful young Soul Masters, yet it had also suppressed their passion. Tang San's arrival was precisely the best choice to change that situation.
"Elders, please rise. I hope we can work together with one heart to make the Clear Sky Sect glorious once more." Tang San finally let out a breath of relief. After returning to the sect and reaching this point, his objective had been essentially achieved.
"Now there are two things I must do first. One is to pay respects to Grandfather alongside my father, to fulfill my filial duty. The other is to invite my father, Tang Hao, to return to the sect. And in the name of the sect, to once again bestow upon him those two Soul Bones."