Chapter 104: Return to the Ancestral Sect
"Di Tian, in a few days, you and I will escort him to Tiandou."
When Gu Yuena repeated her decision, her gaze lingered on Biji.
Catching her silent message, Biji nodded in understanding. She knew this was Gu Yuena's way of showing consideration for her feelings—giving her time to comfort Xiao Wu before the inevitable.
After all, if Xiao Wu was to be sacrificed, her body might at least be preserved.
…
"Who goes there?!"
In a secluded village nestled in the mountains not far from Tiandou City, the shout pierced the peaceful air. Villagers, who were busy tending their fields, dropped their tools and rushed toward the village entrance.
There, a solitary figure cloaked in blood-red stood still. His cloak billowed slightly in the breeze, his eyes glowing scarlet with a menacing charm.
Even though he attempted to suppress his aura, the overwhelming murderous intent leaking from him was unmistakable.
It was Tang San—newly emerged from the Slaughter City.
After killing the King of Slaughter, the Shura God had revealed to him the location of the hidden Haotian Sect, though with cryptic words that suggested deeper intentions.
"Please leave. Outsiders are not welcome here."
A strong middle-aged man stood at the front of the crowd, his wary eyes scanning Tang San. Though fear flickered in his gaze at the sight of the stranger's murderous aura, he stood his ground.
As more villagers gathered behind him, he squared his shoulders defiantly.
Tang San parted his lips, his voice raspy and low.
"I am no outsider. I have come to return to my roots… I hope the sect will accept me."
The middle-aged man frowned. His eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"Sect? We're just a simple village. There's no sect here."
The villagers around began to close in, their intentions unclear but clearly cautious.
Tang San chuckled, low and mocking. He extended his left hand, where dark light coalesced and formed the iconic Clear Sky Hammer, radiating both majesty and death.
"Does this prove it?"
Gasps rippled through the crowd. The eyes of the middle-aged man and others locked onto the Clear Sky Hammer. Recognition, shock, and awe flickered across their faces.
"Which family are you from? I don't think we've seen you before."
The man's tone was more guarded now, but also more respectful.
Tang San's expression tightened in frustration, and the killing intent around him surged.
"Enough," the middle-aged man finally said. "Let's go. Everyone, disperse."
With a wave, he dismissed the gathering. The villagers, sensing the gravity of the situation, obeyed.
The man led Tang San into the village. As they entered, Tang San felt the aura of slaughter within him diminish. Despite only being at the outskirts, he felt as if he'd truly come home.
"Please rest here. I will return shortly."
Cupping his fists respectfully, the man left Tang San alone.
Tang San nodded and sat cross-legged on a straw mat, closing his eyes in meditation.
Half an hour later, hurried footsteps approached. The door burst open and several men in gray stepped inside.
The leader, around thirty, had a rugged build with a square jaw, a straight nose, and tightly cropped hair like steel bristles. His entire presence radiated power and discipline.
"You said you've returned to recognize your roots?"
He remained at the door, his voice steady but skeptical.
Tang San opened his eyes and nodded.
"Who are you? Who sent you?"
The tension in the air was palpable.
"My father is Tang Hao. He sent me."
"Tang Hao?!"
The gray-clad leader's eyes widened. Tang Hao—long blamed for the sect's downfall.
"You're… Tang Hao's son?"
Tang San, growing impatient, summoned the Clear Sky Hammer again.
"It's real."
The aura of the hammer left no room for doubt. The man stared for a moment, then nodded.
"Come with us."
He turned and led the way.
The two others remained wary, soul power faintly surging as they trailed close behind Tang San.
Tang San rose and, with a flash of ghostly movement, used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to follow.
The two guards exchanged glances. This stranger might look dangerous, but his strength was clearly formidable—perhaps even equal to theirs.
Soon, they exited the village from the rear, arriving at a steep mountain. Though not high, the mountain's stone face was sheer and bare.
The leader did not slow down. At the base, he gathered strength and launched himself straight up the rock wall.
"Are you Uncle Hao's son? Things… may be difficult for you here."
A man walked beside Tang San, his tone tinged with sympathy.
"Tang Yu! Less talk. Hurry up!"
The leader shouted without turning back.
Tang Yu silenced himself and picked up his pace.
No words were exchanged as they scaled four successive mountains.
Before them now stood the fifth and final mountain—home to the secluded Haotian Sect.
Tang San gazed at the peak, his chest tightening.
"Father… I've returned…"
His aura of slaughter diminished again, subdued by the sense of belonging.
With a burst of speed, Tang San surged ahead of the others and reached the sect gate.
Two guards snapped to attention as he approached, war hammers materializing in their hands.
Yellow, purple, purple, purple… five spirit rings glowed around them.
"Stop!"
One barked a warning, their Haotian Hammers raised.
"Take one more step and we won't show mercy!"
Tang San halted but did not respond. His eyes, however, remained fixed on the stone above the gates, where three large characters were carved—
Haotian Sect.
"…Don't attack! Brother, wait!"