The other elders exchanged glances, seeing uncertainty and contemplation in each other's eyes.
Too many questions filled their minds.
First, how strong did the "benefactor" Tang Sui mentioned have to be to kill a Level 96 Extreme Douluo?
They immediately ruled out Tang Hao.
Because two months ago, the siblings had returned two soul bones that Tang Hao had detached from himself. Although Tang Hao was still formidable now, he was in no way stronger than a Titled Douluo, let alone capable of killing a Level 96 Titled Douluo.
This meant there was an unknown powerful individual who had helped the siblings. And judging by Tang Sui's confident demeanor, their relationship must be unusual, possibly related to the Tang Sect they had established.
On one hand, they wanted to uncover the identity of this "benefactor." On the other hand, they feared that digging too deep might alienate the siblings, who were newcomers, from the Clear Sky Sect entirely.
After all, the fact that Tang San and Tang Sui had established a new sect with other strong individuals outside, while seemingly a compensation for the Single Attribute Four Clans who were previously rejected by them, also showed that the siblings' sense of belonging to the Clear Sky Sect was not very deep. This was not the time for personal emotions; they had to extend goodwill to the sect. If they could poach talent, even better. Didn't the Tang Sect also have other Titled Douluo level powerhouses?
Considering the benefactor who could suppress a Level 96 Titled Douluo with a single move, and other unknown, but equally Titled Douluo level powerhouses, the elders exchanged looks. They did not express any opinions on the Tang Sect, but agreed to Lou Gao's temporary residency in the Clear Sky Sect.
Next were discussions about other trivial matters.
After finally settling Lou Gao, Tang Xiao pulled the siblings to the back mountain for a talk.
As for Xiao Wu, she was temporarily received by Tang Yuehua, who had returned to the sect.
Tang Xiao intended to teach the siblings the Clear Sky Sect's ultimate techniques, which only direct disciples were allowed to learn. Neither Tang San nor Tang Sui refused.
Looking at Tang Xiao, who wholeheartedly considered their well-being, Tang San hesitated. After a brief telepathic exchange with Tang Sui, they finally told Tang Xiao about the Tang Sect matters they hadn't disclosed in the council hall.
Tang Sui had a favorable impression of Tang Xiao, though tinged with complexity. Despite being the current sect leader of the Clear Sky Sect, Tang Xiao often considered their perspectives and well-being.
Exchanging sincerity for sincerity, Tang Sui treated Tang Xiao with respect.
After listening, Tang Xiao understood the whole story and sighed, "So it's like this..." It seemed the elders' plans were destined to be in vain. Sui Sui and Xiao San's hearts were clearly with the Tang Sect, not the Clear Sky Sect.
He didn't voice these thoughts. Looking at the clear-eyed siblings, he added, "I understand. What you just said needs to be kept confidential. It's true that the Clear Sky Sect wronged the Single Attribute Four Clans back then. If the Tang Sect can develop well in the future, it will be some form of amends to them."
Tang San nodded, "Uncle, after we return, I've already left messages with Father and Mother. Sui Sui and I will cultivate with our partners in a place with pressure. We might not return for several years."
Tang Xiao was startled, "Where are you going to cultivate?" And for several years, could it be that you're going into seclusion there?
Tang San answered truthfully, "Sui Sui and I plan to go to Sea God Island to cultivate. I don't know if you've heard of it."
"What?!" Tang Xiao's pupils contracted. He lowered the hand behind his back and excitedly clasped Tang San's shoulder, "How did you think of going there?"
Tang San felt the force on his shoulder and said cautiously, "Do you know of that place?"
"How could I not know!"
Tang Xiao recounted the story of Tang Chen, the once peerless prodigy whose whereabouts were now unknown, and Qian Daoliu, the Arbitration Elder of the Spirit Hall who had become the Great Enshrined, and their attempt to challenge Sea God Island. When he heard that the Great Enshrined of Sea God Island, with his own power, had mobilized the forces of the sea to suppress two Level 99 Absolute Douluos who had already entered the realm of demigods, Tang San was shocked.
Tang Sui, after her initial surprise, fell into deep thought.
Tang Xiao then explained Sea God Island's peculiar rules, which were the same as what Master and they had told them.
Land soul masters arriving at Sea God Island had to undergo their trials. However, if they passed, they would be recognized as members of Sea God Island and forbidden to leave. They could only leave if they possessed enough strength to break out of Sea God Island, escaping from under the hands of the seven Titled Douluo level elders and the Sea God Great Enshrined.
After finishing, Tang Xiao awaited the siblings' reaction.
Tang San, from beginning to end, was merely surprised, never showing any inclination to back down.
Tang Sui's reaction, in particular, puzzled Tang Xiao more. She showed no surprise, her face displaying a thoughtful expression, as if she were constantly contemplating something.
"Uncle, we understand your concerns. But since we are going, we will definitely pass the assessment and find a way to return safely," Tang San's desire to experience Sea God Island had never wavered.
Tang Xiao looked deeply at Tang San and placed a hand on the young man's shoulder, saying, "Good, you young people are indeed full of confidence. This is something that neither your father nor I could have envisioned. The matter of teaching you some of our sect's ultimate techniques, which I just mentioned, will begin this afternoon."
"This set of self-created soul skills was created by your great-grandfather. Although your Clear Sky Hammer has no attached soul rings, I believe that with this cultivation method, it will add a layer of self-preservation for you siblings."
Tang Sui was stunned. Looking at the earnest Tang Xiao, a complex emotion welled up within her.
Tang San's eyes lit up. He raised his hand and, along with Tang Sui who bowed to Tang Xiao, offered a greeting:
"Thank you, Uncle."
...
Ten days later, when Tang Sui, Xiao Wu, and Tang San returned to Shrek Academy from the Clear Sky Sect, Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai, who were in the Star Luo Empire, had also finished their affairs in the empire and were back at the academy.
In addition to the reunited Five Monsters, Bai Chenxiang, the granddaughter of the Hall Master of the Hall of Speed, was also preparing to accompany them to Sea God Island.
Ma Hongjun was the happiest upon hearing this news.
The return of Tang Sui and the other two brought a joyous atmosphere among everyone. Ning Rongrong, seeing Xiao Wu after five years, hugged her excitedly. Even the usually aloof and reserved Zhu Zhuqing also opened her arms to embrace her.
Bai Chenxiang followed behind Ma Hongjun. Seeing this scene, she hesitated for a moment before cupping her hands towards Tang San and Tang Sui, "Sect Master, Deputy Sect Master."
Tang San looked at the slightly hesitant Bai Chenxiang and smiled, "Chenxiang, you don't need to be so formal. You are now one of the Shrek Nine Monsters. From now on, we are all partners, no need for such formalities."
Nine Monsters...
Dai Mubai, who had only arrived less than a day ago, cast a subtle scrutinizing glance at Bai Chenxiang. Although they were forced to listen to Ma Hongjun's pursuit plans for most of the day due to his presence, they hadn't expected Bai Chenxiang to join them.
Sensing the slightly awkward atmosphere, Ma Hongjun shamelessly squeezed forward and said, "Third Brother is right, don't be formal, Xiangxiang. Everyone here is very easy to get along with!"
Interrupted by Ma Hongjun in this manner, Bai Chenxiang's nervousness lessened. She glared at Ma Hongjun, "I've told you not to call me Xiangxiang!"
Ma Hongjun: "Okay, Xiangxiang, no problem, Xiangxiang."
Bai Chenxiang: "......"