Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Tang Sect In Peril
Xu Cheng lay in his bedroom.
This small courtyard was located on the outskirts of Mingdu.
Given Xu Cheng's status as a legitimate prince, he certainly had the right to reside in the grand palace of the Sun Moon Empire, with a place of his own.
And indeed, that was the case.
But...
Xu Cheng examined the evening edition of the Mingdu Daily.
"Sun Moon Royal Academy's New Semester: The Genius Siblings! At just eleven years old, they have already reached the level of a Rank 2 Soul Engineer. The once-in-a-millennium prodigy, Xiao Hongchen!"
Praise was lavished on the siblings without restraint.
Of course, the younger sister was also talented, but the main focus was on the older brother.
A few years ago, Xu Cheng had heard the Holy Spirit Church's leader, Zhong Liwu, marvel at this once-in-a-millennium soul tool genius. At just ten years old, Xiao Hongchen had already broken through to become a Rank 2 Soul Engineer. After a year of "consolidation," he was likely at the peak of Rank 2, on the verge of stepping into Rank 3.
Xu Cheng nodded slightly.
Xiao Hongchen was indeed strong, but the [Charity King] system was governed by the Heavenly Dao. Through completing a series of tasks and spreading goodwill, the system aimed to bring peace to the world...
So, you're no match for me.
Xu Cheng put down the newspaper and slowly walked into the courtyard.
Tomorrow would also be his first day at the academy.
But tonight...
Xu Cheng's expression was calm as he looked up at the sky.
The sky gradually darkened, the sun set, and the moon rose, hanging high in the sky, casting a gentle glow.
He casually waved his hand.
In the next moment.
A rustling sound broke the silence of the night, as countless pitch-black crows flapped their wings and flew in from the distance, landing on the eaves. They gradually coalesced into the figure of a man in black.
"Crows?"
Xu Cheng smiled.
"Don't be rude, call me Elder!" The figure flickered like black mist, disappearing and reappearing behind Xu Cheng, giving him a light tap on the head.
"I'm busy, you know! I had to rush all the way to Mingdu just for you, kid!"
Wu Yun, the tenth-ranked elder of the Holy Spirit Church, a Level 95 Dark Crow, a powerful attack-type soul master.
He didn't appear much in the original story, but he was one of the first to interact with Xu Cheng in the Holy Spirit Church, so the two had always had a good relationship.
"Why didn't you call that gecko over?"
Wu Yun grumbled.
"He's so idle all day, it's ridiculous! He just sits around collecting his salary from the Holy Spirit Church while I do all the work. One of these days, I'm going to complain to the Holy Master about him!"
"Don't worry, I'll back you up and condemn his behavior."
"Good, good. So, where's your third soul ring?"
Hearing that Xu Cheng was on his side, Wu Yun immediately brightened up.
"In the Star Dou Forest, at the former site of the Heaven Dou Empire."
"It's already late today, so let's head to the Heaven Dou Empire's old capital first and take care of some business..."
Xu Cheng said.
...
In just a few hours.
Xu Cheng was already stepping on the bluestone bricks of Heaven Dou City, strolling leisurely along the streets.
This was also why he had asked Zhong Liwu for Wu Yun—his crow martial soul granted him incredible speed... especially when it came to running away.
"Should we find an inn first?"
Wu Yun looked around and asked curiously.
"No rush, let's take a walk." Xu Cheng shook his head.
He also observed this city, which had lost its political significance and transformed into a place of deep historical heritage and tourism. Since the split of the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires, this former capital had been abandoned by history, wedged between the two empires, surviving on its own.
It had also become a buffer zone between the two empires.
Since then, many of the former top nobles had moved away, fearing the outbreak of war at any moment. Only a few nostalgic or powerless sects remained...
Among them was the Tang Sect.
And tonight, for some, would be a sleepless night.
"Someone is attacking the Tang Sect!"
"Quick, send the signal! Inform the Sect Master!"
Xu Cheng stopped and looked up.
A large gate appeared in his vision, about ten meters high, painted in vermilion on both sides, with gray tiles between the walls, giving off a strong historical vibe.
But behind this gate, a tragedy was about to unfold.
A dazzling firework shot into the sky from behind the wall, forming two words in the air: [Tang Sect].
In an instant.
Countless burly men in gray clothes suddenly poured out from the teahouse across the street, the walls, and various other places, swarming over the walls in a dense mass.
Then, the sounds of shouting and screaming filled the sky.
It's finally happening...
Xu Cheng sighed deeply.
Wu Yun, on the other hand, watched with interest. It was clear that he had already realized Xu Cheng's purpose for coming here was related to this so-called Tang Sect.
But after thousands of years, this once-prosperous sect had declined to such an extent that it didn't even have a single Soul Emperor. Why had Xu Cheng come here?
He had never underestimated this Saint of the Holy Spirit Church. The past was still vivid in his mind.
Thinking this, he teased, "Saint, didn't you always do good deeds? Why are you standing by now, watching people die?"
"What I do always involves bloodshed and sacrifice."
Xu Cheng's expression remained calm as he watched the courtyard gradually fall silent.
Wu Yun: "..."
Why does this feel so strange?
Because of Wu Yun's presence, both of them were completely hidden. Unless there was a Title Douluo-level expert nearby, no one could detect them...
After a while.
The vermilion gate shattered with a loud crash.
Wood splinters flew everywhere, and two figures rushed out.
A man in green robes held several hidden weapons in one hand, all stained with blood, which dripped down his sleeves. With his other hand, he held a beautiful little girl by the waist, his expression resolute as he prepared to fight his way out. But then he froze, stunned.
"As expected, they bribed the city defense troops."
Xu Cheng sighed.
As soon as he spoke.
The ground began to tremble.
Like the sound of ten thousand horses galloping, steady yet solemn, filling the air with despair...
In the darkness, torches were lit one by one.
The flames dispelled the darkness of the alley, revealing rows of armored soldiers on horseback, their auras filled with killing intent.
These city defense troops completely blocked the escape route for Tang Ce and his daughter.
"You..."
Tang Ce looked around in disbelief.
"Hahaha, Tang Ce, your Tang Sect has occupied this precious land for thousands of years, but with each generation, it has declined further. Isn't it better to vacate this place and hand it over to my thriving Iron Blood Sect?"
"Hmph, you despicable scoundrel! You even bribed the city defense troops..."
Tang Ce's face was grim. Just moments ago, all the members of the Tang Sect, except for him and his daughter, had been slaughtered.
If the two of them died here as well.
The legacy of the Tang Sect would truly be lost!
"Hahaha, Tang Ce, in this world, the big fish eat the small fish, and the small fish eat the shrimp. Isn't that just the way of the world? If you want to blame someone, blame your own lack of skill..."
Tie Li laughed heartily.
"Xiao Ya, I'll protect you. Remember, run for the city gates, escape to Shrek Academy, and carry on the glory of the Tang Sect..."
"And... never look back!"
Tang Ce's voice was soft.
"Father..."
(End of Chapter)