The colossal stone structure stood firmly on the snow-capped peak, resembling a fortress.
The main gate, five meters high, couldn't compare to the Pope's Palace, but the all-stone construction exuded an extraordinary sturdiness.
Above the main gate, three chiseled characters, grand and vigorous, possessed a magnificence that could rival the surrounding mountains—Hao Tian Sect.
Before the main gate, two youths, also clad in grey, quickly bowed upon seeing the five individuals. After performing the ritual, they routinely extended their hands, momentarily blocking the path of the brother and sister.
"Please present your sect token."
"Token?" Tang San was taken aback. He naturally had no idea what this token was and looked at Tang Long with a hint of confusion.
Tang Sui knew, but found it peculiar in this context, so she remained silent.
Tang Long chuckled at the sight. "It's the Clear Sky Hammer! Is there anything that can prove our status as direct disciples of the sect more than the Clear Sky Hammer? They're asking to see it because you two look unfamiliar. It's the rule. Just show it to them, after all, only direct disciples of our sect are allowed in here. The affiliated and outer disciples are all in that village outside."
As he spoke, his mood dipped slightly, and his gaze towards Tang San and Tang Sui held a new, complex emotion.
The sheer scale of the village outside indicated that there were at most a few hundred people. The fact that the affiliated branches of the Clear Sky Sect were so few in number revealed the sect's current difficult predicament.
Tang Sui stood there with a disarmingly innocent expression, as if she hadn't noticed Tang Long's change in demeanor. Her gaze unwavering, she simply raised her hand, revealing a miniature hammer in her palm.
Tang San's eyes dimmed. He understood perfectly why the gazes of his brothers had shifted towards him and Sui Sui.
While it couldn't be said that all of the Clear Sky Sect's current state was his father's fault, his father bore undeniable responsibility.
With that thought, Tang San let out a sigh. His left hand flipped, and with a surge of dark light, the normal-sized Clear Sky Hammer was in his grasp.
Tang Long and his two brothers already knew from Tang Yuehua that Tang San possessed twin spirits, and that he wasn't primarily cultivating the Clear Sky Hammer. Thus, they didn't think much of it.
However, the two direct disciples guarding the gate saw things differently. They had assumed that Tang San and Tang Sui, who had arrived with the Tang Long trio, were of similar strength. But upon seeing that both the Clear Sky Hammer and the miniature hammer possessed not a single spirit ring, their initially respectful gazes quickly turned indifferent.
In the world of spirit masters, especially within spirit master sects, strength often represented a great deal.
Although they said nothing, their gazes became peculiar, causing a subtle discomfort.
If it had been the previous Tang Sui, she might have already issued a warning with her aura. But Tang Sui's current attitude towards the Clear Sky Sect was yet to be determined. Before deciding how to treat them, this sort of disdain was merely a fleeting cloud to her.
After all, she and her brother wouldn't be staying at the Clear Sky Sect for long.
Tang Sui thought lightheartedly, her expression unperturbed as she put away her miniature hammer.
Tang Long, having also noticed the disciples' gazes, irritably slapped one of them. "What are you looking at? They've shown their tokens. Let them pass now."
"Yes."
The two disciples averted their strange gazes, heads lowered, their eyes fixed on the cold ground.
Upon entering the gate, they first encountered a spacious courtyard, followed by the tall stone buildings.
Tang Long introduced the area to Tang San and Tang Sui:
"Currently, the direct disciples of the sect, spanning four generations, number about two hundred people in total. We belong to the third generation, and we are the most numerous, comprising about a hundred individuals."
"This is the front courtyard, generally used only when the Sect Master convenes everyone. The rear courtyard is larger and is where we cultivate. The sect emphasizes practical combat. Every month, disciples of the third and fourth generations must engage in combat exercises under the supervision of the elders, with rankings determined by strength."
Hearing this, Tang Yu, the youngest, chuckled. "Brother Long has been the chief of the third generation for several consecutive years. He was afraid you'd come and take his position, which is why he gave you a hard time earlier!"
Tang Long laughed heartily and clapped Tang San firmly on the shoulder. "To be honest, I do have that intention. Brother, let's spar later."
Tang San smiled humbly, with a perfectly calibrated show of deference. "How could I possibly be a match for Elder Brother? Perhaps we shouldn't compete."
He knew that the position of third-generation chief was likely closely tied to the future succession of the Sect Master.
However, neither he nor Sui Sui had any aspirations for the position of Clear Sky Sect Master, a topic they had discussed on the way here.
Sui Sui, for reasons unknown, seemed to have a rather... nuanced attitude towards the Clear Sky Sect. He, as her elder brother, sensed it and wished to conclude their business here quickly so they could leave.
Although he didn't harbor particularly strong feelings for the Clear Sky Sect himself, their visit was, after all, for ancestral acknowledgment and to pay respects to his grandfather on behalf of his father. It was not a competition.
Tang San's words might have been pleasant to hear for outsiders, but Tang Long's expression changed, and he said sternly, "Brother, sister, you can't be so modest! However, you'll understand soon enough. Let's go, let's hurry and see the Sect Master. They've likely been waiting for a long time."
"Right, Tang Yu, go tell Fourth Uncle not to delay things with the iron chain bridge outside."
"Understood!"
Tang Yu turned to relay the message, while Tang Long and Tang Tian led Tang San and Tang Sui into the main edifice of the Clear Sky Sect.
The architecture of the Clear Sky Sect lacked any ostentatious luxury, yet it wasn't exactly simple either. Its most defining characteristic was its immense solidity.
Upon entering the sect's main building, the castle-like structure, they crossed a spacious hall and ascended to the second floor via an internal staircase.
Along the way, they saw many Clear Sky Sect disciples, all uniformly clad in grey. Tang Long and his brothers led Tang San and Tang Sui to a final arched doorway on the second floor.
Tang Long raised his hand and knocked twice on the door. "Sect Master, we've brought Tang San and Tang Sui."
"Come in."
A deep, resonant voice echoed from within the room. Tang Sui's eyes flickered slightly, recognizing it as the voice of Tang Xiao, her father's elder brother.
Tang Long pushed open the door, gave Tang San and Tang Sui a look of encouragement, and stepped in first.
This time, however, Tang Tian did not follow. He remained standing at the doorway.
Tang Sui glanced at Tang Tian, who stood by the door like a stoic guardian, her gaze thoughtful. Then, she turned her attention to the interior.
The room was vast, spanning over a hundred square meters.
The furnishings were simple: a large desk, bookshelves that covered two walls, and two long sofas.
Tang Yuehua sat elegantly on one of the sofas. The moment she saw her beloved nephew and niece entering with Tang Long, a radiant smile blossomed on her face.
Noticing Tang Yuehua's gaze, Tang Sui winked at her. Tang Yuehua couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.
This girl.
— Author's Notes —
The satisfying moments of triumph begin in the next chapter~ Heh heh~