Tang Xiao wandered nearby, sometimes lucid, sometimes confused, unable to distinguish which version of himself was real. Instinctively, he kept watch over Tang Yuehua from the shadows—
As if trying to hold on to his past self.
On the third day, Tang Xiao appeared at a restaurant across from Moon Pavilion, his entire body concealed beneath a gray cloak. Just as he was about to step inside, a sudden voice called out from behind him.
"Sect Master!!!"
Tang Xiao froze and slowly turned his head. Four elderly men, radiating vigor and energy, had appeared and surrounded him.
His heart trembled in shock—he recognized them. They were the four Elders of the Clear Sky Sect, each a Titled Douluo!
"Take him down!"
Each of the four Elders summoned a Clear Sky Hammer, nine soul rings rising beneath their feet. A total of twenty-eight soul rings appeared, unleashing an overwhelming pressure that seemed to freeze the entire space.
The next second, all four Clear Sky Hammers struck toward Tang Xiao simultaneously, suppressing him completely.
Tang Xiao's body sagged—his physical form was occupied by the Blood Bat, allowing him to access only the basic physique of a Titled Douluo. He couldn't summon the Clear Sky Hammer spirit, which meant his combat power was far from that of a true Titled Douluo!
In an instant, his body crumpled under the crushing force of the four hammers!
"As expected! Mr. Zhou was right—you are no longer our Sect Master!"
"Damn creature! How dare you set your sights on our Clear Sky Sect Master!"
"You must die!!!"
The four Clear Sky Sect Elders roared in fury.
Tang Xiao's expression changed drastically, his eyes turning blood-red as if they might bleed. He bellowed, "Stop! Are you rebelling?! I am your Sect Master!"
"Then summon your Clear Sky Hammer," an Elder sneered.
"…" Tang Xiao fell silent.
If he summoned the Clear Sky Hammer, his true consciousness would resurface!
"If you won't, we'll help you!" another Elder said coldly.
Tang Xiao looked at him in shock.
"Come out! We've already subdued the Sect Master!"
The last Elder called toward Moon Pavilion.
A moment later, over a dozen soul masters rushed out from Moon Pavilion. Most of them had six or seven soul rings, and as soon as they appeared, they unleashed their soul skills—
Multi-colored lights shot toward Tang Xiao.
Tang Xiao hesitated. None of these soul skills were offensive. They were all enhancement-type soul skills!
The next moment, his body trembled violently.
A sharp scream escaped his lips. "Damn it! What did you do?! Why is my consciousness… No! You are not allowed to resist!!!"
His body convulsed uncontrollably as wisps of red blood mist seeped out from him.
Everyone watched in shock.
The aura Tang Xiao emitted was too sinister, and his twisted expression looked as if he had crawled out from hell itself.
Tang Yuehua clutched her chest in worry, watching him anxiously as she murmured, "You have to come back, big brother…"
Standing beside her, Emperor Xue Ye wore a grave expression. He glanced at the four Clear Sky Sect Elders, his gaze flickering with complex emotions.
'The Clear Sky Sect is actually this powerful…? Then when will I ever get the beauty in my arms?'
Emperor Xue Ye felt utterly stifled!
At that moment, Tang Xiao's struggle came to an end. A small, blood-red bat burst from his mouth—only to be swiftly slain by the waiting soul masters.
Everyone's eyes shifted back to Tang Xiao.
He knelt on one knee, his clothes drenched in sweat, a puddle forming beneath him.
Taking deep breaths, his gaze was dazed. He remained silent for a long moment.
"Sect Master, how do you feel? Have you recovered?" one of the Elders asked worriedly.
Tang Xiao slowly raised his head, revealing a weary face. He let out a bitter chuckle.
"What… a long dream… I almost thought I'd be lost in it forever…"
Relief flashed through his eyes.
Once possessed by the Blood Bat, he had almost no means of resistance. If not for the Clear Sky Sect's intervention, he would have been doomed—trapped under the Blood Bat's control for life!
How could he not feel grateful?
Tang Yuehua and the others immediately gathered around him.
Tears welled in Tang Yuehua's eyes as she clung to Tang Xiao's shoulder, sobbing. Her shoulders trembled as she choked out, "It's all because of me… I'm the reason you ended up in such danger…"
Tang Xiao patted her shoulder and let out a hearty laugh.
"It was all worth it! That Mr. Zhou is truly a remarkable man. This time, I'm sure it was thanks to him that I was saved, wasn't it?"
He turned to look at the Clear Sky Sect Elders, then shifted his gaze toward Emperor Xue Ye.
However, when he looked at Emperor Xue Ye, the warmth and friendliness in his eyes significantly diminished—he even seemed more cordial toward Zhou Sheng'an!
After all, which man could tolerate someone older than him trying to marry his little sister?
One of the Elders chuckled and nodded.
"That's right! Sect Master, your insight is sharp as ever! We only arrived yesterday and heard about Mr. Zhou's arrangements. He has an incredible memory—he read in one night what would take over a dozen scholars several days to study!"
"From mere clues, he managed to trace the origins of the Blood God Cult! And then he devised a plan!"
"If we could recruit such talent into the Clear Sky Sect, it would be a monumental gain!"
The Clear Sky Sect Elders spared no praise.
Seeing this, Tang Yuehua smiled with pride.
Having the stubborn Elders of her sect acknowledge someone she recommended was no easy feat!
From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Emperor Xue Ye's face growing darker. Immediately, she added—
"However, the one who contributed the most was His Majesty. His Majesty issued the order to search for my brother, and it was also His Majesty who deployed these support-type soul masters."
"We must thank His Majesty and all of you for your tremendous assistance."
Tang Yuehua bowed politely in gratitude.
Emperor Xue Ye laughed heartily.
"We're all good friends, no need for such formality, Yuehua! Hahaha…"
Just then, Poison Douluo, standing beside Emperor Xue Ye, suddenly asked, "This Mr. Zhou you speak of—is his full name Zhou Sheng'an? Where is he now?"
His gaze burned with curiosity.
He recalled that his granddaughter had been thinking about Zhou Sheng'an recently…
Tang Yuehua smiled.
"Your Eminence, yes, Mr. Zhou is currently at Blue Tyrant Academy. He is a true genius!"
Poison Douluo nodded slightly, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, in the shadows—
Blood God Cult's Great Elder, Xue Tiegan, had witnessed the entire event. Seeing the Blood Bat slain, his expression twisted in agony.
"Unforgivable! How dare they harm our totem!"
"That damn Zhou Sheng'an! It was all because of him that our plan failed! I won't let you off!!!"
"Blue Tyrant Academy…"
Xue Tiegan turned and disappeared into the darkness.