Douluo: Martial Soul Seven Kill Sword, The Sword Opens Heaven's Gates

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The three single-attribute families had already arrived in Tiandou City and begun constructing the temporary base for the Heaven Sword Sect.

Since their entry into the city hadn't drawn much attention from various factions, and they had deliberately concealed their identities, the Strength Clan hadn't discovered their presence.

Upon seeing the empire-wide wanted poster issued by the Tiandou Empire, the disciples of the three families began discussing it fervently.

They harbored deep resentment toward the Hao Tian Sect, so seeing them become fugitives brought nothing but delight.

However, for others on the continent, this was a major piece of news.

The mention of the "remnants of the Hao Tian Sect" led many to recall the unknown sect that had been destroyed near Tiandou City some time ago.

Clearly, that unknown sect was none other than the Hao Tian Sect.

What puzzled people, though, was why the remnants of the Hao Tian Sect would organize an assassination attempt on Emperor Xue Ye—it made no sense.

For a moment, many speculated that the downfall of the Hao Tian Sect might be connected to the Tiandou Empire.

The already complicated situation on the continent had now become even more perplexing.

In the temporary meeting room of the Heaven Sword Sect.

Niu Gao, Yang Wudi, and Bai He gathered together.

The assassination of Emperor Xue Ye by the Hao Tian Sect was something they hadn't anticipated.

However, this unexpected turn of events might not necessarily be a bad thing for them.

"I hope Old Ape can see reason this time. If he refuses to abandon the Hao Tian Sect, we won't need to recruit him in the future," Niu Gao stated bluntly.

Assassinating a monarch was a grave matter.

It was foreseeable that if the Hao Tian Sect couldn't clear this stain, they would be despised by others in the future, no matter how strong they became.

The relatively rational Bai He analyzed the situation: "Could there be some misunderstanding in this matter? The Agility Clan is skilled at gathering intelligence, and we've known for a long time that Emperor Xue Ye was gravely ill."

"To this day, his condition hasn't improved. Why would the Hao Tian Sect choose to assassinate him at this particular time?"

After all, if they hadn't acted, Xue Ye wouldn't have had much time left anyway. By assassinating him now, they were essentially giving him a release. Would someone with a deep grudge against him do such a thing?

It clearly didn't make sense.

For a moment, Niu Gao and Yang Wudi also fell into deep thought.

It wasn't that they were defending the Hao Tian Sect; rather, the logic behind this incident could potentially impact the Heaven Sword Sect.

As elders of the sect, they had to eliminate any potential risks for their clan.

Not long after, Dugu Bo entered the meeting room, interrupting their discussion. "There's no need to deliberate further. The sect leader has already planned for this—you don't need to worry about it."

The three of them relaxed slightly. They naturally trusted Ning Tianchen's abilities.

After a pause, Dugu Bo continued, "The sect leader's promises to you remain unchanged. I've just received word that the Strength Clan is evacuating from Tiandou City. Whether or not you can recruit them depends on your skills. Of course, if the Strength Clan joins the Heaven Sword Sect, their treatment will be the same as yours."

"That stubborn ape has lost his mind! He's still sticking with the Hao Tian Sect," Yang Wudi exclaimed, slapping his thigh in frustration.

The fact that the Strength Clan immediately withdrew upon the Hao Tian Sect's crisis clearly showed their solidarity with them.

They couldn't understand what kind of spell the Hao Tian Sect had cast over Tai Tan to make him so loyal.

"It's no good—we must intervene. If we don't stop him, Old Ape might go down the wrong path," Bai He decided firmly. Turning to Dugu Bo, he asked, "Lord Dugu, do you know where they are now?"

After receiving directions from Dugu Bo, the three wasted no time and quickly set off in pursuit.

---

At the Spirit Beast Town outside Sunset Forest, Tang San and Yu Xiaogang's group had already evacuated here.

Under Tai Tan's leadership, although the Strength Clan's evacuation was rushed, they maintained an orderly formation.

When the two groups met again, Tai Tan approached Tang San with a bitter smile. "Young Master, the Strength Clan has over 300 members in total. Aside from some elderly and children, all able-bodied individuals—around 200 people—have been evacuated. However, we'll need considerable expenses along the way. The Strength Clan's finances are limited. What do you suggest?"

Tang San smiled and reassured him. "Lord Tai Tan, don't worry. We'll cover all the Strength Clan's expenses during the journey."

Yu Xiaogang still had nearly five million gold soul coins—enough to relocate this many people to the Star Luo Empire.

However, since the Hao Tian Sect had been branded as fugitives, it was only a matter of time before the Tiandou Empire turned its attention to the Strength Clan.

Thus, this group couldn't leave the Tiandou Empire through normal routes.

Soon, everyone gathered at an inn within the small town.

Under Tai Tan's arrangements, the Strength Clan members didn't assemble as one large group but instead split into smaller teams to avoid drawing attention from the Tiandou Empire.

In the temporary meeting room, Yu Xiaogang pointed to a map of the continent and laid out a southern route for everyone.

"We absolutely cannot use the main roads. The remaining paths will pass through numerous villages. With our large numbers, if villagers spot us, it's likely to draw the attention of both the Tiandou Empire and the Spirit Hall."

"Therefore, the best option for us is to cross through the spirit beast forest to reach the Star Luo Empire."

The Great Star Dou Forest spanned across the two empires. In theory, if they crossed the forest and headed south, they would eventually reach a city in the Star Luo Empire.

The problem was that Sunset Forest and the Great Star Dou Forest weren't contiguous. For a group of nearly 300 people to reach the northern part of the Great Star Dou Forest, they'd need to traverse the distance of two cities.

During this time, there was no guarantee the Tiandou Empire wouldn't issue a wanted poster for the Strength Clan.

Thus, the main challenge now was figuring out how to cross these two cities without being detected.

Tai Tan proposed, "Perhaps the Strength Clan members can split into smaller teams. We can set up rendezvous points along the way to ensure everyone stays safe during the journey."

This plan carried significant risks. Splitting up a group of 300 people would introduce many uncertainties along the road.

But given their current predicament, they seemed to have no other choice.

If the entire group stayed together, their movements would inevitably be exposed, and facing pursuit from Sword Elder Chen Xin could lead to total annihilation. Splitting up, however, offered a chance to bring everyone safely to the Star Luo Empire.

Once the strategy was confirmed, Tang San and the others discussed the rendezvous points along the way.

Afterward, Tang San couldn't help but ask, "Lord Tai Tan, earlier you mentioned a senior who could inspect the forging techniques of metals. Who is this person?"

Tai Tan chuckled and explained, "Young Master, allow me to clarify. I have a friend named Lou Gao. Together with myself and my master, we're known as the Three Divine Craftsmen. As for the ranks of blacksmiths, I'll explain them to you later."

"Among the three divine craftsmen, Lou Gao's expertise in blacksmithing runs the deepest. I examined your weapon earlier, but forgive my lack of insight—I couldn't discern its forging technique. However, with Lou Gao's abilities, he'll surely be of great help to you."

With a smile, Tai Tan added, "Young Master, since you've decided to establish the Tang Sect and make hidden weapons the foundation of your sect, recruiting the Blacksmiths Association would be a wise move. Given my friendship with President Lou Gao, I'm confident this matter will succeed."

A hint of joy appeared on Tang San's face.

Amidst the recent turmoil, this was finally some good news.

"Lord Tai Tan, where is the Blacksmiths Association located?" Tang San quickly asked.

Tai Tan shook his head. "Young Master, it's not on our current route."

Yu Xiaogang patted Tang San's shoulder and interjected, "Xiao San, our priority now is to settle everyone and establish your Tang Sect. Recruiting the Blacksmiths Association will have to wait."

Hearing this, Tang San stopped asking further questions.

Indeed, he couldn't wander the continent aimlessly with nearly 300 members of the Strength Clan.

---

The Strength Clan was divided into over 30 small teams. Tang San's group didn't linger in the Spirit Beast Town and set off toward the Star Luo Empire.

Notably, Tai Tan didn't join his clansmen in a team but instead stayed close to Tang San alongside Tai Nuo and Tai Long.

Not far from the Spirit Beast Town, their path was suddenly blocked by three figures.

Yu Xiaogang and Tang San instinctively grew wary.

However, Tang Xiao and Tai Tan relaxed.

The newcomers were none other than Yang Wudi and the other two.

"Young Master, they are the patriarchs of the three single-attribute families. Allow me to check the situation first. Perhaps this time, we can recruit all of them."

With a smile, Tai Tan quickly stepped forward.

Yang Wudi and the others didn't say anything but led Tai Tan aside to ensure their conversation wouldn't be overheard.

Bai He was the first to speak. "Old Ape, why are you still associating with people from the Hao Tian Sect?"

Tai Tan chuckled. "Old White Bird, the Hao Tian Sect is now just an empty shell. I plan to establish the Tang Sect in the Star Luo Empire alongside Young Master Tang San. Let me assure you—the Tang Sect won't be under the Hao Tian Sect's banner. You can rest easy about that."

"Speaking of the young master," Tai Tan continued, "Old White Bird, didn't you know? Tang San is your great-nephew. I heard you've come to Tiandou City to establish your own sect. How about it—why not join us in the Tang Sect?"

Upon hearing Tang San's identity, Yang Wudi immediately erupted in anger. "He's Tang Hao's son, hmph! Let him live a little longer!"

Tai Tan blocked his path. "Old Goat, don't act rashly! The Hao Tian Sect has already been destroyed—that's enough to repay the debt they owed us. What would it mean if you were to attack the young master now?"

Yang Wudi angrily shook off his hand, turned away, and said nothing more.

Tai Tan sighed and continued to ask if the others would join the Tang Sect.

Bai He smiled. "Old Ape, our three families have also established a sect. Why don't you bring the Strength Clan to join us? It'll save you from running around with the remnants of the Hao Tian Sect."

Tai Tan frowned.

He knew they had formed a sect but hadn't inquired about the specifics yet.

"Who is the sect leader of your group?"

Niu Gao replied, "Our sect is called the Heaven Sword Sect. As for who the sect leader is, you'll know once you join. Let me tell you, our sect was jointly established by the three of us. We, the three family heads, hold significant influence within the sect. Old Ape, if you bring the Strength Clan to join us, you'll receive the same treatment as us."

Hearing this, Tai Tan's face darkened. "This is outright betrayal. This time, amidst such a major incident, the young master immediately notified the Strength Clan to evacuate. Isn't that enough to make up for past wrongs?"

"With a leader like the young master, the Tang Sect will surely become great. As members of the Tang Sect, we should feel proud!"

Yang Wudi couldn't help but interject. "Old Ape, what does this have to do with your Strength Clan? The Hao Tian Sect assassinated Emperor Xue Ye—you're not even accomplices!"

"You could have lived peacefully in Tiandou City, but instead, you're following that Tang San around, fleeing everywhere. Are you tired of living comfortably?"

Yang Wudi's words hit the nail on the head.

Even if the Tiandou Empire suspected the Strength Clan of colluding with the Hao Tian Sect, without concrete evidence, they couldn't do anything to the Strength Clan.

In the worst-case scenario, even if the Strength Clan had ties with the Hao Tian Sect, Tai Tan could simply cut ties with them, and the Strength Clan wouldn't face any trouble.

Previously, Tai Tan and Tang San assumed the Tiandou Empire would target the Strength Clan based on the assumption that the Strength Clan was deeply tied to the Hao Tian Sect.

Back when the Hao Tian Sect abandoned the four families, Tai Tan could have used this as leverage to distance themselves.

However, Tai Tan failed to think along these lines and instead reacted excessively—a baffling decision.

Tai Tan furrowed his brow and said unhappily, "What do you mean, Old Goat? We were originally part of the Hao Tian Sect. Though we were betrayed, the young master has worked hard to make amends. Establishing the Tang Sect will allow us to return to the glory days. Most importantly, in the Tang Sect, we won't be subordinates—we'll be masters of our own destiny!"

Yang Wudi had no patience for his nonsense.

From every angle, the Tang Sect paled in comparison to the Heaven Sword Sect.

Not to mention, the Hao Tian Sect was now public enemy number one—almost universally despised.

Associating with them might as well earn them the label of accomplices to regicide.

"I cannot agree." With that, Yang Wudi angrily turned around. "Old Rhino, Old White Bird, I've always said—it's a waste of breath to argue with someone whose servility is ingrained in their bones."

"People of different paths cannot work together!"

With that, he disappeared into the woods ahead.

Bai He sighed and spoke gently. "Old Ape, are you really determined to join the Tang Sect? Won't you reconsider joining us at the Heaven Sword Sect?"

Receiving a firm affirmative, he lightly patted Tai Tan's shoulder and said, "Then I wish you good luck. However, since we'll be serving two different sects, it's best we don't stay in contact—I fear the sect leader might misunderstand."

With that, Bai He and Niu Gao left together.

Tai Tan didn't appreciate their words and angrily muttered, "A bunch of traitors!"

As for investigating the details of the Heaven Sword Sect, they clearly no longer had the opportunity to look into it in Tiandou City.

Returning to the group, Tai Tan angrily recounted everything that had happened to Tang San and the others.

"The Heaven Sword Sect?" Everyone was puzzled.

Yu Xiaogang chimed in. "I've never heard of this sect's name while in Tiandou City."

Tang Yuehua added, "It must be a newly established sect. But who is their sect leader? Who has such influence that even the unruly Breaking Clan would willingly join them?"

After all, back in the day, the Breaking Clan's patriarch had been defeated multiple times by Tang Chen. Coupled with the terms of their wager, they reluctantly became subordinates of the Hao Tian Sect.

Even after becoming subordinates, they remained rebellious and far from loyal.

Who could possibly subdue such a clan?

Tang San felt a headache coming on. "Right now, we haven't even established the Tang Sect, and another sect with unclear allegiances has appeared on the continent. In the future, our revenge against the Spirit Hall won't be so easy."

Tang Xiao patted his shoulder but said nothing.

For revenge, they could only wait until Tang San fully mastered his twin martial souls.

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