Tang Xiao had never imagined that the Grand Elder would hold him in such high regard.
All his life, he had been overshadowed by his younger brother, Tang Hao.
Within the entire sect, people always believed he fell short compared to Tang Hao—because he could not comprehend the legendary Great Sumeru Hammer, the pinnacle of the Clear Sky School's techniques. Tang Hao had mastered it, and thus, the title of Clear Sky Heir fell to him instead of Tang Xiao.
Even his younger sister, Tang Yuehua, seemed to be closer to Tang Hao—favoring him, admiring him.
Though they were called the "Twin Stars of the Clear Sky Sect," it was always Tang Hao who truly shined.
Even the woman they both loved—Ah Yin—ultimately chose Tang Hao. He could only silently withdraw and return alone to the sect, heart heavy with sorrow.
His father favored Tang Hao. His sister favored Tang Hao. So did Ah Yin. Everyone else in the sect was no different.
In their eyes, Tang Hao was forever the brighter star.
The Grand Elder gently placed a hand on Tang Xiao's shoulder and said slowly:
"I watched you grow up. I've always seen the pain you carry in your heart."
"Since childhood, you've put Tang Hao first in everything. You gave up all you had for him. As the elder brother, that is admirable."
"But this time, you cannot step aside. You know the sect's current situation. The position of Sect Master must not be yielded again. And frankly… Tang Hao is not someone suited to lead the Clear Sky Sect."
"You should participate in the Sect Master selection tomorrow. Among the six elders, you are the one I truly hope to see take up the mantle."
Hearing this, Tang Xiao's mouth fell open. He hadn't expected the Grand Elder to know him so well.
Yes.
He had always made sacrifices for his younger brother. After all, he was the elder.
From childhood to adulthood, anything Tang Hao desired, Tang Xiao would give to him without hesitation.
When Tang Hao caused trouble, it was Tang Xiao who cleaned up after him, covering everything.
He always appeared carefree, like he didn't mind—like this was all just natural and he was happy to do it. But who could understand the suffering in his heart?
Now, finally, someone did.
His eyes grew moist. A warm current surged through his chest. He was deeply moved.
The Grand Elder had no personal desire to take over as Sect Master, yet he encouraged Tang Xiao to join the selection. Did this mean… he truly wanted Tang Xiao to lead the Clear Sky Sect?
Realizing this, Tang Xiao couldn't help but ask in surprise:
"Grand Elder, what about you? You're a Rank 95 Super Douluo—the strongest in our sect. Aren't you going to compete?"
The Grand Elder let out a long, weary sigh:
"I'm old now, and won't live much longer."
"From here on, the Clear Sky Sect is in your hands. I hope you can lead us out of this darkness and restore our glory."
He patted Tang Xiao on the shoulder once more, then slowly hobbled away, leaning on his hammer-headed cane.
Tang Xiao stood frozen, silent, lost in thought, moved beyond words.
The Next Day
Due to the urgent need for a new Sect Master, the former one—who had recently died in anger because of Tang Hao—was buried in haste.
To preserve morale and avoid chaos, the elders decided to keep the death a secret. They announced only that the former Sect Master had retired due to illness, and that a new selection would be held.
Thus, Tang Xiao was the only one in the sect wearing mourning clothes—paying his respects in secret.
The Clear Sky Sect's Sect Master selection tournament proceeded as scheduled.
In the end, Tang Xiao defeated all six elders with his own strength.
That very day, with the full support of the Grand Elder, Tang Xiao officially became the new Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect.
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect
In the Seven Treasures Hall, at the center sat a refined, scholarly-looking man in his thirties. Beside him stood two elderly figures.
The middle-aged man had an elegant face, straight nose, square jaw, and a dignified aura. Dressed in a spotless white robe, his long black hair flowed down his back. He held a jade cane, and his gentle gaze radiated nobility and wisdom.
His name was:
Ning Fengzhi—the current Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
He possessed the top-tier Tool Spirit, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and had reached Rank 79 as a Support-Type Spirit Master.
Renowned across the continent as the number one Support Spirit Master, he was a true authority in his field.
To Ning Fengzhi's left stood an old man in a white robe. His silver hair was meticulously groomed, his face pale and beardless, expression cold. He stood upright like a sword, exuding pride and dominance.
His name was:
Chen Xin—Sword Douluo.
A Rank 92 Power Attack-Type Titled Douluo, he wielded the supreme Tool Spirit: Seven Killing Sword.
Devoted entirely to the way of the sword, he spent his life perfecting it. Among Titled Douluo, he earned the nickname "Sword Dao Dustheart."
He was one of the two Guardian Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
To Ning Fengzhi's right stood another old man, thin and tall with sunken cheeks and pronounced bone structure. His appearance was eerie and unsettling. His name:
Gu Rong—Bone Douluo.
Also a Rank 92 Titled Douluo, he was a hybrid of Defense and Agility Attack, wielding the top-tier Beast Spirit: Bone Dragon.
Due to his Spirit's rare spatial attributes, his attacks were known to be among the most unpredictable among Titled Douluo.
He was the other Guardian Douluo of the sect.
Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo were not only partners and lifelong rivals, but also bickering friends who often undermined each other.
Just then, Ning Fengzhi finished reading the message in his hand.
Suddenly—
He stood up abruptly.
His eyes widened in shock.
"Fengzhi, what's the matter?"
Sword Douluo was the first to notice Ning Fengzhi's reaction.
But Ning Fengzhi didn't respond immediately. He remained frozen in astonishment.
After a long pause, he finally regained his composure.
"Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone—take a look at this."
He handed the letter to Sword Douluo.
Sword Douluo's sharp eyes scanned the page, and his pupils instantly contracted.
He wasn't particularly concerned with the part about Spirit Hall declaring war on the Clear Sky Sect.
What truly caught his eye was the report of Tang Hao, who had just broken through to Titled Douluo, killing Qian Xunji, a Rank 95 Super Douluo.
Sword Douluo was both shocked and awed.
His fighting spirit ignited, and he secretly marked Tang Hao as a future opponent.
He felt an irresistible urge to test himself against him.
"What is it? Why do you all look like that?"
Bone Douluo, growing impatient from watching their shifting expressions, stepped over and snatched the letter from Sword Douluo's hand.
Reading it himself, his face went pale.
"This… This has to be fake, right?! How is that even possible?"
He had focused on the same part Sword Douluo had.
"He just advanced to Titled Douluo… and he managed to defeat a Rank 95? Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, could you have done that?"
Ning Fengzhi voiced the question in his heart.
His Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had a flaw that prevented him from ever breaking past Rank 79, so he didn't fully understand the intricacies of high-level Douluo combat.
Sword Douluo shook his head.
"It's nearly impossible. If I had just broken through to Titled Douluo, I wouldn't even dare face someone at Rank 95. There'd be no chance of winning."