Chapter 90: The Tang Family’s Inherited Abilities

"I was actually waiting for the right moment to appear. But it seems Mr. Zhou has experts by his side."

A hearty laugh rang out.

Zhou Sheng'an and the others immediately turned their heads, only to see a figure appear a thousand meters away. Before the echoes of his laughter faded, he was already standing before them.

He was a burly man with a towering build, bronzed skin, and dressed in simple hemp clothing. Yet, his presence was more imposing than that of a general clad in full armor.

He clasped his hands toward Zhou Sheng'an and said, "Tang Xiao of the Clear Sky Sect greets Mr. Zhou."

As Tang Xiao spoke, his eyes quickly assessed Zhou Sheng'an.

His respectful attitude was all due to his younger sister, Tang Yuehua, who had repeatedly instructed him to be polite to Zhou Sheng'an.

"The Clear Sky Sect?! Tang Xiao?! Doesn't that make you the Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect?!"

Liu Erlong immediately stepped in front of Zhou Sheng'an, eyeing Tang Xiao with vigilance. Upon hearing his introduction, her face showed clear shock.

Ever since the Clear Sky Sect sealed itself off from the world, they had rarely been seen.

The Soul Master world's impression of them was likely limited to being the number one sect in the world and possessing the most powerful Tool Spirit.

However, Liu Erlong knew a bit more about them.

Tang Xiao—once one of the Clear Sky Sect's two greatest geniuses, now the Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect!

Yet this man had appeared here… and he came specifically for Zhou Sheng'an?

Liu Erlong narrowed her eyes and asked, "Sect Master Tang, what brings you here to meet us?"

Tang Xiao frowned as he glanced at Liu Erlong, his voice deep. "And who might you be? You dare speak to me like this? I came to see Mr. Zhou and hope to befriend him."

His gaze toward Liu Erlong was unfriendly, carrying a hint of rejection.

Liu Erlong's expression stiffened. No one had ever dismissed her like this before. The sheer force of his presence suppressed her to the point where she couldn't even muster a retort.

Seeing this, Zhou Sheng'an's lips curved slightly.

'This woman, Liu Erlong, really needs someone to put her in her place.'

"Dean Liu, what do you think? I don't owe you a favor anymore, right?" Zhou Sheng'an said with a smile, not acknowledging Tang Xiao.

No matter how much Liu Erlong acted shamelessly around him, she was still someone close to him.

Since Tang Xiao had treated Liu Erlong with indifference, he responded in kind.

Liu Erlong glared at Zhou Sheng'an and mumbled in grievance, "You always bully me."

Lowering her head, she no longer had her usual imposing aura, looking more like a shy young girl.

Zhou Sheng'an chuckled. This side of Liu Erlong was rather amusing.

Noticing that Zhou Sheng'an ignored him, Tang Xiao's eyes flickered as he glanced at the now-quiet Liu Erlong, realizing something. He cupped his fists again and smiled.

"My apologies, Mr. Zhou. I am a rough man and didn't realize this lady was your beloved companion."

"I only showed displeasure because it seemed she was using favors to demand repayment. Now that I understand your relationship, I was in the wrong. Madam, I apologize!"

Tang Xiao sincerely bowed in apology to Liu Erlong.

Liu Erlong quickly sidestepped his bow and stammered, "Y-you… don't say nonsense! I have nothing to do with this man! You two talk, we'll leave!"

"Let's return to the carriage and leave them to their discussion."

Her ears turned red as she hurriedly called Zhu Zhuqing and the other two girls back to the carriage.

As she was about to step inside, she turned to glance at Zhou Sheng'an and Tang Xiao, her heart slightly unsettled.

'Could it be that Zhou Sheng'an's talents have already been recognized by outsiders?'

Even the Sect Master of the number one sect in the world treated Zhou Sheng'an with such courtesy, while she had been acting petty toward him.

She looked at Zhou Sheng'an again—calm, composed, standing his ground against Tang Xiao without a hint of inferiority.

'Xiao Gang is definitely not as capable as him…'

The thought suddenly struck Liu Erlong.

…

"I'll gladly be friends with Sect Master Tang." Zhou Sheng'an smiled faintly.

A powerful man who could also humble himself was certainly worth befriending.

His purpose in coming to Heaven Dou City was to find allies for himself.

The Clear Sky Sect had fallen on hard times, but forging a connection with them came with no real downside.

Tang Xiao grinned and nodded. "Hearing that, this trip was worth it! To be honest, my sister sent me here to invite Mr. Zhou to visit the Clear Sky Sect. At first, I had my doubts, but after meeting you, I suddenly feel at ease."

"Mr. Zhou is certainly a man of true ability!"

Tang Xiao's praise came from the heart.

Some people exuded an aura of extraordinary talent just from their bearing alone.

Sometimes, there was no need to test their skills—just a conversation, a few glances, and one could sense their capability.

That was the feeling Zhou Sheng'an gave Tang Xiao.

Zhou Sheng'an shook his head slightly, smiling. "Sect Master Tang overpraises me. Honestly, I am interested in the Clear Sky Hammer, but I don't have time at the moment. When I'm free, I'll certainly visit. How should I contact you?"

"As long as you're in Heaven Dou City, you can find my sister at Moon Pavilion. Her name is Tang Yuehua."

Tang Xiao finished speaking and carefully observed Zhou Sheng'an's reaction.

Zhou Sheng'an nodded lightly. "Understood. Fate will bring us together again. I'll take my leave for now. If Sect Master Tang is ever interested, you can visit me at Blue Tyrant Academy."

"Sounds good." Tang Xiao smiled and waved, watching Zhou Sheng'an leave.

Yet, in his heart, he was puzzled.

'Zhou Sheng'an definitely has great abilities, but what exactly are they?'

'And… it seems like he doesn't even know about Moon Pavilion and Tang Yuehua? How odd!'

Of course, he wouldn't ask directly, nor would he suggest traveling together.

It was their first meeting—he had to make Zhou Sheng'an feel safe. If he insisted on joining the carriage or followed behind them, how would that look?

So, he simply watched as the two carriages disappeared over the horizon, a satisfied smile on his face.

No matter what, he had completed the task his sister entrusted to him!

Once the carriages vanished, Tang Xiao turned around and walked toward the Blood God Cult soul masters who had been defeated by Liu Erlong.

They were all struggling to stand, having lost their ability to fight.

Tang Xiao reached out a large hand, grabbing them like chicks, and snapped their necks one by one.

Finally, he seized the Bat Soul Master by the throat.

The Bat Soul Master's face turned red, his eyes bulging as he weakly gasped, "The… Blood God… won't… forgive you…"

Crack!

Tang Xiao twisted his neck. At that moment, a crimson light flew out of the Bat Soul Master's mouth, circling Tang Xiao's head.

Tang Xiao tossed aside the corpse and frowned at the red light—a small, blood-colored bat.

Its strange appearance was somewhat ugly but also oddly cute.

Tang Xiao chuckled and said, "Such a weak creature. I could kill you with a single breath. Get lost, I'll let you—"

The moment he opened his mouth, the small bat shot straight into it.

Tang Xiao immediately grabbed his throat, trying to force it out, but it was too late. He fell to the ground, retching violently.

Minutes later, his eyes turned blood-red.

"Zhou Sheng'an…?! Return to my Clear Sky Sect…!"