"Big Brother, then… isn't your martial soul the first in history to break past the top level and ascend to an even higher realm? I can clearly feel it—this pressure is incomparable to any top-level martial soul…" Tang Hao spoke with his mouth slightly agape.
It wasn't often one could see Tang Hao lose his composure. He was known for his domineering aura and iron will, yet today—witnessing an epoch-making miracle—even he couldn't remain calm.
And though the legend before him was created by his own Big Brother, someone he respected deeply, and although he was genuinely happy…
There was still a faint, sour sting in his heart.
Standing beside Ah Yin, his beloved, listening to Tang Xiao display his new strength while his father praised him endlessly… it would be a lie to say Tang Hao felt no discomfort.
To Tang Hao's question, Tang Xiao smiled slightly:
"Most likely, yes. I should be the first in history to possess a martial soul above the top level… and I plan to name this rank the Celestial Level."
Tang Xiao didn't feel shame in twisting the truth.
His martial soul wasn't truly the first to surpass the top level. The Seraphim martial soul was god-level—but that was a gift from a deity, not something born from human effort. And no one would know about a god-level martial soul for another two decades.
So this was the perfect chance to carve his place into history.
And he wasn't fully lying. His martial soul truly was the first to evolve past the top level through the power of a mortal being.
Ten thousand years later, people would call this the "super-level" martial soul. But that was the future, irrelevant to Tang Xiao, a man who had transmigrated into the Douluo Yi era. He was the one rewriting history—not following it.
"Super-level" was dull and unimpressive. "Celestial-level," however, sounded grand—worthy of being remembered.
"The world's first Celestial-level martial soul owner… not bad." Tang Xiao thought, pleased. "Even if I never become a god, my name will be passed down for generations."
After all, who doesn't want their name to be carved into history? Tang Xiao was no exception.
The reason he spun this story and hid the truth about immortal herbs wasn't because he was unwilling to share the knowledge of immortal herbs. He wasn't that petty.
He could've easily said, "I found a magical herb in the Star Dou Forest while searching for Tang Hao, and after eating it my martial soul evolved." No harm in that.
But then, history would record him as the first to possess a Celestial-level martial soul thanks to luck, not innate talent.
And Tang Xiao refused that.
Everyone—his father, his clan, the entire world—had to believe he was born extraordinary. Not someone who stumbled on power.
'Rebuilding Tang Xiao's image is the first and most important step. From today onward, my name will echo throughout the world', he thought silently.
---
Beside him, Tang Zhen's face was filled with uncontrollable joy.
"Celestial level… good! Good! What a Celestial level!"
"The first person in the world to possess a Celestial-level martial soul… is my eldest son! Hahaha! Even if I die today, I'll have no regrets! My proudest son will carry on my legacy and lead our sect to new heights!"
"From now on, our Clear Sky Sect's title as the number one sect under heaven will no longer be an overated boast—it will be supported by the Celestial-level Clear Sky Hammer! Hahaha!"
Tang Zhen laughed heartily, tears glimmering in his eyes. Until today, he had lived with the heavy fear that if he passed away before Tang Chen returned, no one would be strong enough to guard the sect. What if his sons didn't reach the Titled Douluo realm before his death?
But now that fear had vanished.
He had given birth to two outstanding sons—one with talent rivaling Tang Chen, capable of reaching level 99, and the other now possessing the world's first Celestial-level martial soul, also capable of reaching level 99.
How could any father be happier?
"Yes, Father," Tang Xiao said boldly. "Your son will surely lead the Clear Sky Sect to new heights. As for the Spirit Hall—one day, I will create an era where Clear Sky stands above all. And I won't be alone—my younger brother Hao will be my strongest support."
Tang Xiao knew exactly what words his father wanted to hear. He didn't hesitate to make grand promises—and he didn't forget to bind Tang Hao into his narrative.
"Capable assistant," he said. Of course, that meant keeping Tang Hao under his shadow.
Tang Hao felt a strange discomfort in his chest when he heard those words. He couldn't understand it.
Shouldn't he be happy? His Big Brother would become the next sect master. Naturally, he should support and stand as his brother's capable assistant.
So why did he feel little unwilling? Why did something feel wrong?
He didn't know. So unknowingly, he stepped into the trap—nodding determinedly as his father smiled joyously, accepting his role as Tang Xiao's "capable assistant."
Ah Yin and Tang Yuehua smiled brightly, unaware of the undercurrents.
And seeing everything falling perfectly into place, Tang Xiao's smile deepened.
From today onward—
he would be the sky that covered the Clear Sky Sect.