Chapter 104: Qian Daoliu's Resolve
Tang Xiao stepped steadily into the Douluo Hall.
Qian Daoliu stood there in a gray robe, his expression calm and composed, exuding an aura that inspired reverence and worship.
The light inside the hall was somewhat dim, yet it only served to accentuate his tall, upright figure—like an immovable mountain that could never be shaken.
Upon seeing Qian Daoliu, Tang Xiao's expression turned respectful as he bowed.
"Junior Tang Xiao pays his respects to Senior Qian."
Qian Daoliu nodded faintly.
He had not left the Douluo Hall for decades. Though he had long heard of Tang Xiao by name, this was the first time he had seen him in person.
His gentle gaze slowly settled on Tang Xiao as he examined him carefully.
Tang Xiao stood straight like a pine, his features resolute, with steadiness and determination evident between his brows.
Qian Daoliu saw traces of Tang Chen in him and couldn't help but feel slightly moved.
"Tang Xiao, you truly deserve your position as Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect. You carry some of Tang Chen's bearing."
Tang Xiao lowered himself slightly and replied modestly,
"Senior, you flatter me. Tang Xiao dares not compare himself to my grandfather. My grandfather lived boldly and fearlessly, founding the Clear Sky Sect and making its name resound across the Douluo Continent. I have merely struggled to keep the sect afloat amid turmoil—my achievements are far inferior to his."
Qian Daoliu smiled lightly, his face bearing the wisdom and composure tempered by the years.
"Tang Xiao, what brings you here today?"
Tang Xiao's expression tightened. A flicker of grief and fury passed through his eyes before quickly settling back into calm.
"Senior, to be frank, I have come because my sect was destroyed. Gui Mei and Yue Guan were ruthless and merciless, slaughtering more than two hundred members of my Clear Sky Sect and reducing our home to ruins. Now, the Clear Sky Sect exists in name only. As Sect Master, yet powerless to protect my clansmen, I am deeply ashamed before my ancestors."
Qian Daoliu frowned slightly.
Although he had long expected Tang Xiao's visit to be related to the Clear Sky Sect's destruction, hearing these words spoken aloud still stirred complicated emotions within him.
"Gui Mei and Yue Guan have long since betrayed Spirit Hall. In the past two years, their actions have grown increasingly extreme. This massacre of the Clear Sky Sect was surely premeditated."
"Senior, with my current strength, I am still no match for Gui Mei and Yue Guan. I have come this time in hopes that, for the sake of your past friendship with my grandfather, you might lend the Clear Sky Sect a helping hand and help us avenge our clansmen."
Qian Daoliu pondered for a moment before speaking:
"Back then, because of Tang Hao, the Clear Sky Sect became enemies with Spirit Hall. Now that your sect has been destroyed, you come seeking aid from Spirit Hall instead. Have you truly considered the implications of this?"
Tang Xiao nodded solemnly.
"Senior, I understand this very well. That matter occurred many years ago, and my brother has already paid a heavy price for his actions. He has since passed away.
Gui Mei and Yue Guan are cruel and unscrupulous. If they are not eliminated, they will inevitably become a calamity for the entire Douluo Continent.
I believe you are a man of integrity, which is why I have come to seek your help. I trust you will not simply stand by and watch as those two continue their atrocities.
Back then, had you not shown mercy, the Clear Sky Sect would have ceased to exist long ago.
This time, if you are willing to intervene, I, Tang Xiao, swear that for the rest of my life, I will never again stand as an enemy of Spirit Hall."
Qian Daoliu looked at Tang Xiao, a complex light flashing through his eyes.
Spirit Hall had plans to unify the Douluo Continent. Any force that opposed Spirit Hall was destined to be eliminated.
The reason he had not previously eradicated the Clear Sky Sect was because he was uncertain whether Tang Chen was still alive.
Now that the Clear Sky Sect had been destroyed, only Tang Xiao and Tang San remained as bearers of the Clear Sky Hammer martial soul.
They still had hope of rebuilding the sect, but they no longer posed a true threat.
Moreover, he already had plans to deal with Gui Mei and Yue Guan. Agreeing to help Tang Xiao was merely a matter of convenience.
"Tang Xiao, you are a sensible man. Very well—out of respect for Tang Chen, I will help you this once. However, this matter must be handled with care. Gui Mei and Yue Guan are no longer what they once were. We must devise a comprehensive plan to eliminate them in one decisive strike."
Joy surged through Tang Xiao's heart. He immediately bowed deeply to Qian Daoliu.
"Thank you, Senior! As long as I can avenge my Clear Sky Sect clansmen, I am willing to follow all your arrangements!"
"Since I have agreed, I will naturally commit fully. Stay in Spirit City for now. Once I have discussed matters with the other elders, we will act together."
Qian Daoliu had made his decision.
In Qian Daoliu's view, he had already given Gui Mei and Yue Guan a chance—but they had failed to cherish it.
Although the two of them had long since left Spirit Hall, they continued to act with reckless abandon, showing no regard whatsoever for Spirit Hall's authority.
As the supreme authority of the soul master world, Spirit Hall bore the responsibility of eradicating these two traitorous demons.
Tang Xiao bowed once more.
"Senior, I will follow all your arrangements. However, this junior has one more request."
"What is it? Speak."
"My nephew wishes to seek an audience with the Pope, to ask her some questions. I wonder if Senior could grant this convenience? He is waiting outside the hall."
Qian Daoliu nodded slightly.
He knew that Tang San was Tang Hao's son, possessing twin martial souls—Blue Silver Grass and the Clear Sky Hammer—and that he had once shone brilliantly at the Soul Master Tournament.
Twin martial souls carried far greater potential than ordinary soul masters and were originally a significant threat.
But now, Tang San's right leg was crippled. In the future, he would likely struggle to achieve anything great.
Such a minor figure was naturally not worth Qian Daoliu's concern.
"I'll have someone take him there."
"Many thanks, Senior."
After that, Tang Xiao left the Douluo Hall.
Learning that everything had gone smoothly, Tang San felt a surge of joy. He hadn't expected Qian Daoliu to be so straightforward and accommodating.
Under the guidance of a red-robed cardinal, Tang San and Tang Xiao arrived at the plaza before the Pope Hall.
"Please wait here. I will report to Her Holiness the Pope."
"Alright, thank you."
Standing on this plaza once again, Tang San's heart was filled with mixed emotions.
It was on this very ground that Gui Mei—disguised as Wuming—had utterly crushed the Shrek Seven Devils, shattering their dreams of becoming champions.
And it was also from that day onward that his nightmare truly began.
"Uncle, I'll go meet the Pope on my own."
"Alright. I'll wait for you here."
"Mm. Don't worry—nothing will happen."
A moment later, the red-robed cardinal returned.
Led by him, Tang San leaned on his cane and slowly stepped into the Pope Hall, one step at a time.
The instant he entered, a bone-chilling cold swept over him.
Tang San couldn't help but shiver.
The interior of Pope Hall was vast to the point of awe.
Beneath the dim lighting, the towering dome glimmered with a cold shimmer, and the entire hall was steeped in an oppressive, deathly silence.
Tang San's cane struck the ground with crisp, lonely sounds, echoing through the empty hall, adding to the sense of chill and solitude.
At the far end of the hall, a towering throne stood silently.
Pope Bibi Dong sat upon it.
Her expression was frosty, her gaze deep and unfathomable, her face carrying an unquestionable air of authority and cold detachment.
When Tang San's eyes met hers, he felt as though he were being pressed down by an invisible force, his heartbeat involuntarily quickening.
The red-robed cardinal withdrew from the Pope Hall.
At this moment, within the vast hall, only Tang San and Bibi Dong remained.
—
End of Chapter