A knock broke the silence. His attendant stepped in respectfully, holding out an envelope sealed with wax.

“Clan Master, this just arrived. From our informants.”

Ning Fengzhi accepted the letter. His eyes narrowed as he studied the seal. “Another report…” He murmured, already feeling a heaviness between his brows.

For months, his mind had been in turmoil. The appearance of a mysterious force—the Twilight Hermit—had disrupted the fragile balance of power. They had humiliated the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, dragging their reputation through the mud in a way no orthodox sect could ever attempt. The strange part was not their attack but the audacity of their publicity.

“Twilight Hermit…” Ning Fengzhi muttered inwardly. “Even with all the eyes and ears I have, all I can find is their name. It’s as though they wanted us to know their name and nothing more.”

He sighed deeply, rubbing his temples, then finally broke the seal of the letter. His eyes scanned the contents, and the color drained from his face. Slowly, he lowered the parchment, his fingers tightening on the edge.

“Elder Gu…” His voice carried a rare weight. “A storm is coming.”

Gu Rong, who had been standing silently like a shadow, immediately sensed the shift in his Ning Fengzhi’s tone. He stepped forward, frowning, and took the letter from Ning Fengzhi’s hand. His gaze quickly moved over the words.

The message was simple, but its impact was thunderous:

‘…Due to the grievous wounds sustained, Pope Qian Xunji has succumbed to his injuries. The Pope is dead.’

Gu Rong’s breath hitched. For a moment, even the unflappable Bone Douluo was shaken. The parchment crumpled slightly in his grasp before he carefully set it back on the table.

His voice was low, heavy with both awe and dread. “Yes… you are correct. A storm is indeed coming. With the Pope gone, Spirit Hall will not remain still.

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Location: Clear Sky Clan

Unlike how the clan was introduced in the original storyline, the Clear Sky Clan of this era was not hiding in the mountains, reduced to obscurity. On the contrary, the sect was still basking in the lingering brilliance of Tang Chen’s legend.

Though he had vanished from the world, his shadow loomed large over the continent, his name synonymous with invincibility. Because of this, the Clear Sky Clan was still regarded as the undisputed number one sect, its prestige unchallenged even by Spirit Hall.

The clan was settled in a grand compound not far from Heaven Dou City. Towering stone walls engraved with hammer motifs surrounded the territory, while soul masters in black uniforms with embroidered silver hammers patrolled in disciplined formation. Unlike the remote seclusion of the future, this was a period where the Clear Sky Clan shone with strength, wealth, and confidence.

Inside the great hall, Tang Zhan, current Sect Master and father of Tang Hao, Tang Xiao, and Tang Yuehua, sat upon the master’s seat. His face was stern, carved with years of responsibility, but fatigue was hidden in his eyes.

To his left, the third elder stroked his beard and said with pride, “Sect Master, Young Master Tang Hao defeating the Pope of Spirit Hall has spread across the continent. Though dangerous, it has only cemented our reputation as the strongest sect. No one dares doubt that the Clear Sky Clan still holds the world’s heaviest hammer.”

Before Tang Zhan could respond, the seventh elder snorted coldly. “Hmph! Reputation is one thing, survival is another. Tang Chen is gone. Without him, who among us can truly match Spirit Hall’s hidden depth? To clash with them directly, in this time, is reckless and foolish.”

The two elders’ voices clashed in the hall, pride against caution. Tang Zhan leaned back slightly, rubbing his temple. In truth, both sides carried weight. Spirit Hall’s power was undeniable, yet the Clear Sky Clan’s dignity was equally untouchable.

Just as he was about to speak, a loud, forceful voice cut through the debate like a hammer strike.

“Everything Young Master, Tang Hao did was correct!”

All eyes turned. The one who had spoken was Tai Tan, the leader of the Strength Clan. His burly frame was like a mountain, and his voice carried a raw force that echoed through the hall. His eyes burned with loyalty and conviction.

“How dare Spirit Hall block Young Master Tang Hao’s path? They courted their own humiliation. Our Clear Sky Clan has never bowed its head before anyone!”

Tang Zhan’s gaze swept across the room. Besides Tai Tan, the other subordinate clan leaders were present as well: Niu Gao of the Defense Clan, calm and steady as a fortress; Bai He of the Speed Clan, sharp-eyed and restless like a hawk; and Yang Wudi of the Breaking Clan, proud and solitary, his arms crossed as if disdainful of the squabbling elders.

Among them, only Tai Tan had chosen to speak up. His booming declaration resounded with absolute support for Tang Hao, drawing murmurs from the Clear Sky elders.

Niu Gao finally opened his mouth, his tone slower and more measured. “Tai Tan… your loyalty is admirable, but this matter is not so simple. Tang Hao may be justified, yet Spirit Hall’s retaliation will not be light. We must prepare for more than just pride.”

Bai He  and Yang Wudi both nodded at his words.

Another voice suddenly echoed through the hall, calm yet firm, carrying an undertone of stubborn conviction.

“The Spirit Hall should not dare to lay eyes on Ah Yin. She is Brother Hao’s wife.”

It was Tang Xiao who spoke, his tall figure stepping out from the side, his eyes unwavering.

The elders turned to him in shock, but the seventh elder’s face immediately darkened, rage boiling in his tone.

“I don’t know what kind of concoction that woman fed you, Tang Xiao, but have you lost your mind? That… thing is a soul beast in human form!”

Tang Xiao’s fists clenched, but he refused to step back. His voice trembled slightly, but his determination was unshakable.

“Ah Yin is not like that. She is kind, gentle, and—”

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