Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 15: Haotian Sect's Retreat

Seeing the dire state of battle, Tang Xiao unleashed a powerful strike with the Haotian Nine Absolutes, forcing back the two Titled Douluos he was facing and swiftly moving to shield his father, Tang Zhen, temporarily relieving his father from the immediate threat.

Recognizing that the battle was lost and unable to change the tide, Tang Zhen roared, "All Haotian Sect disciples, retreat to the ancestral grounds immediately!"

With that, he detonated the remaining spirit rings on his Haotian Hammer. The hammer grew larger, becoming a mountain-sized barrier that separated Spirit Hall's forces from his disciples, giving them a brief respite.

Within moments, the members of the Haotian Sect had retreated to their ancestral grounds, while Spirit Hall's forces arrived just outside. But there, Qianjun Douluo and Jiangmo Douluo halted their advance. In front of them lay a massive sword mark that stretched across the ground.

As some from Spirit Hall prepared to give chase, Jiangmo Douluo stopped them, saying, "This mark was drawn by the Grand Worshiper. According to his command, no member of Spirit Hall may cross this line."

The new Spirit Hall Pope, Bibi Dong, though strong, could not match the authority of the Grand Worshiper, Qian Daoliu. Her frustration was palpable.

Bibi Dong, unwilling to let go of her vengeance, protested, "Our former Pope died at their hands, and now Haotian Sect thinks they can just retreat to their ancestral grounds and call it settled? All because of a mere agreement? The Pope was the Grand Worshiper's own son!"

Those around her stood silent, neither advancing nor retreating.

Inside Haotian Sect's ancestral grounds, Tang Zhen, who had detonated multiple spirit rings, was barely alive, while the First Elder's injuries were equally severe, leaving little hope of survival.

Summoning his last strength, Tang Zhen spoke, "Xiao'er, Elders, for the survival of Haotian Sect, I, Tang Zhen, as Sect Master, give my final command."

"From this moment on, I pass the position of Sect Master to Tang Xiao."

"I also hereby announce that the unfilial Tang Hao is expelled from the Haotian Sect. Haotian Sect will withdraw from the world of soul masters, and we will not step out from our ancestral grounds again. This is the answer for Spirit Hall regarding their Pope's death, and a concession to the soul master community."

With these last words, Tang Zhen took his final breath.

Every Haotian Sect disciple fell to their knees, crying out in grief, "Sect Master! Sect Master…"

The elders were consumed with sorrow and anger. "We, Haotian Sect, the world's number one sect, have fallen so low that our Sect Master was forced to his death. We will not retreat. We are ready to die alongside Haotian Sect!"

Many voiced their agreement, prepared to fight Spirit Hall's soul masters just outside their ancestral grounds.

Tang Xiao stood up, his gaze darkened as he looked over his disciples. "We, Haotian Sect, are the world's number one sect. We cannot let our heritage end with us. If we continue this battle, Haotian Sect will be razed to the ground. Today, we have lost. This means we must train even harder, to one day reclaim our former glory."

With these words, Tang Xiao turned and walked toward the gates of the ancestral grounds.

When Spirit Hall's forces saw Tang Xiao emerge alone, they were surprised.

Tang Xiao, wearing a white mourning band and filled with righteous indignation, declared, "The death of your Pope does demand an answer. Today, our Sect Master Tang Zhen has died, as has our First Elder. We have expelled Tang Hao from Haotian Sect, and from this day forth, Haotian Sect will withdraw from the world of soul masters, retreating to our ancestral grounds."

"Does this answer satisfy you?"

Tang Xiao's words resounded across the land, reaching the ears of all soul masters present. Spirit Hall had lost its Pope, but Haotian Sect had lost its Sect Master and First Elder and was now withdrawing from the soul master world. No one could accuse Haotian Sect of failing to respond; further action against them would seem like Spirit Hall was abusing its power.

Bibi Dong gritted her teeth and exchanged a glance with Qianjun and Jiangmo Douluo, who appeared content with the result and had no intention of pursuing further attacks. Even the remaining soul masters seemed to accept this outcome.

In the end, Bibi Dong spoke, "Let us hope Haotian Sect honors its word and remains withdrawn from the soul master world. Furthermore, let it be known that Haotian Sect must sever all ties with Tang Hao, lest they break their word today."

Both sides let out sighs of relief.

It was then that Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan spoke, "Your Grace, what about the Haotian Sect's affiliated sects?"

Bibi Dong paused in thought, then replied, "Drive them toward Haotian Sect's ancestral grounds. Let us see what Haotian Sect chooses. If they take in their affiliates, we will have an excuse to resume the battle. If they abandon them, let us teach these sects a lesson so they will never again dare to align with Haotian Sect, showing all that opposing Spirit Hall brings dire consequences."

Following her orders, Spirit Hall's soul masters surrounded the Four Single-Attribute Clans and drove them toward Haotian Sect's ancestral grounds. Yet, the gate remained closed, showing Haotian Sect's unwillingness to allow them entry.

Standing before the closed gate, Yang Wudi called out, "Sect Master, our Broken Clan is willing to retreat from the world alongside Haotian Sect."

The leaders of the other three clans echoed their commitment.

But the gate remained resolutely shut, barring their entry.

Inside, the Haotian Sect elders debated fiercely.

Tang Xiao argued, "Elders, the Four Single-Attribute Clans have been fiercely loyal to Haotian Sect and have served us valiantly. Shouldn't we allow them entry to the ancestral grounds?"

The Second Elder spoke up immediately, "Sect Master, absolutely not. Spirit Hall is waiting for our decision. If we accept the Four Clans, they will seize the opportunity to attack."

"Moreover, the ancestral grounds are sacred to Haotian Sect, crucial to our survival. We cannot risk letting outsiders in."

Tang Xiao hesitated. "But isn't it dangerous to leave the Four Clans outside?"

"They grew strong under Haotian Sect's protection; their fate is now intertwined with ours."

With the elders all united against opening the gates, Tang Xiao reluctantly conceded.

Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan turned to Bibi Dong. "Your Grace, what is our next move?"

"The Four Single-Attribute Clans have long served as Haotian Sect's claws, assisting them in their offenses. Let us make an example of them. Teach them a lesson that will serve as a warning, so no one else dares to defy Spirit Hall."

At this, Yue Guan promptly commanded Spirit Hall's thousands of soul masters to attack the Four Single-Attribute Clans without deploying any Titled Douluos.

Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, Tai Tan, and Bai He fought bravely, shedding blood as numerous clan disciples fell.

For the Four Single-Attribute Clans, surrendering to Spirit Hall was never an option. Their only choice was to fight their way out.

After a brief conference, the four clan leaders recognized they had been abandoned by Haotian Sect. Together, they decided to break through Spirit Hall's forces. Spirit Hall, seemingly uninterested in total annihilation, allowed the clans to escape as a way of striking fear into their hearts.

After intense fighting, the Four Single-Attribute Clans managed to break through Spirit Hall's forces, thus bringing the battle to an end.

(End of Chapter)

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