Zhou Sheng'an subduing Xue Tiegan and taking over the Blood God Sect was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but not entirely impulsive. After all, he had experienced five simulations and had already seen glimpses of the future.
Fighting to the death wasn't something he wished to see.
If that was the case, why not allow the entire soul master world to "ascend"?
It was almost akin to the grand aspiration of "not achieving Buddhahood until hell is empty."
Of course, Zhou Sheng'an dared to attempt this because he had gained power.
He now understood the nature of the protective force that had suppressed Tang Xiao back then.
Although it couldn't be used offensively, any attack that threatened his life would trigger its protection.
And that protective force… was likely at the level of a God King.
"That was the me who transcended the dimensional plane in the simulation, even affecting the system itself. If that's the case, I need to pay closer attention to the simulations in the future. If another incident like last time occurs, I can't guarantee it won't harm me."
Zhou Sheng'an pondered.
It was inevitable—who could guarantee that another version of himself, after transcending, would have good intentions?
If that version wanted to replace his real self, with his current Soul Elder-level strength, he would have no way to resist and would be dead for sure!
"In that case, I can only set a condition in the simulations. Once my strength surpasses Titled Douluo, I must find a suitable reason to end the simulation immediately!"
Just as Zhou Sheng'an was deep in thought, a sudden knocking sound came from the door.
Knock, knock, knock…
When he opened the door, he saw Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua, the brother and sister.
As soon as Tang Xiao stepped inside, he dropped to his knees and without hesitation, kowtowed three times.
Liu Erlong and Flender, who had followed behind, were stunned.
What the hell? Wasn't this way too direct?!
Zhou Sheng'an quickly stepped forward to help Tang Xiao up, shaking his head. "Sect Master Tang, there's no need for this."
Tang Xiao, however, had a solemn expression. "Mr. Zhou accepting my three kowtows is an immense fortune for me! If I had a choice, I'd rather kowtow a thousand times than have that beast occupy my body!"
"Mr. Zhou, it's all thanks to you that I was able to get rid of that monster. This is a debt I owe you!"
Tang Xiao spoke earnestly.
Zhou Sheng'an let out a helpless chuckle. "This whole situation started because of me. Sect Master Tang, there's no need to dwell on it."
Tang Xiao shook his head stubbornly. "No! It was I—"
Tang Yuehua interrupted, "It was I who asked my brother to visit you, Teacher Zhou. By your reasoning, the true culprit should be me. If you insist on settling this matter, then I suppose I'll have to atone with my life."
She smiled faintly and looked playfully at Zhou Sheng'an.
Zhou Sheng'an shook his head. "You're taking this too seriously."
"Mr. Zhou, our Clear Sky Sect has fallen into decline. We have nothing valuable to offer in gratitude—no gold, no treasures. So, we intend to repay you with hundred-thousand-year soul rings and soul bones!"
"The Titled Douluos of the Clear Sky Sect will be at your command at any time!"
Tang Xiao's voice was deep and resolute.
The moment he said this, Liu Erlong and Flender were left in shock.
It was understandable that they lacked treasures—after all, the Clear Sky Sect had been in seclusion for ten years. They had fled to the mountains in a hurry back then, so they surely had little to no stockpile of riches.
But then Tang Xiao suddenly offered hundred-thousand-year soul rings and soul bones?!
That kind of wealth was simply immeasurable!
Before Zhou Sheng'an could refuse, Tang Yuehua quickly added, "Teacher Zhou, please don't decline. Without you, my brother would no longer be himself! But now that he's back, hunting a hundred-thousand-year soul beast is no challenge for him."
"Using hundred-thousand-year soul rings and soul bones to repay you is more than worth it to us!"
Tang Yuehua said with a cheerful smile.
Tang Xiao nodded repeatedly in agreement. "That's right, Mr. Zhou, you must not refuse. Our second matter is a rather bold request—we hope that you can become the honorary sect master of the Clear Sky Sect!"
"In the future, the Clear Sky Sect will follow your orders and ensure your safety!"
"Of course, if you're willing to officially join our Clear Sky Sect, we can remove the 'honorary' part."
Tang Xiao glanced at Tang Yuehua with an ambiguous smile.
Tang Yuehua's cheeks flushed slightly as she gently shook her head, giving Tang Xiao a glare.
Zhou Sheng'an's mouth twitched as he chuckled. "I appreciate the offer, Sect Master Tang. In that case, I will accept the title of honorary sect master."
Tang Xiao immediately straightened his expression. "This is not just a title. The Clear Sky Sect is willing to go through fire and water for you without hesitation, Mr. Zhou!"
"Hey, hey, hey! Sect Master Tang, what's the meaning of this? Are you poaching talent from our Blue Tyrant Academy?" Liu Erlong couldn't hold back any longer, crossing her arms as she confronted him.
Her real issue wasn't just the talent poaching—it was the fact that Tang Xiao was secretly trying to push Zhou Sheng'an and Tang Yuehua together!
Why should those two be paired up?
Did anyone consider her—the dean of Blue Tyrant Academy?!
Tang Yuehua calmly replied, "Dean Liu, you misunderstand. We're not taking anything away. We're offering the entire Clear Sky Sect to Teacher Zhou. If Teacher Zhou wishes for us to serve Blue Tyrant Academy, then that means we will be working for Blue Tyrant Academy."
Liu Erlong was at a loss for words.
After a moment, she muttered, "Fine, fine, I can't argue with you."
Tang Yuehua curled her lips into a smile.
Just then, another round of knocking echoed at the door.
Knock, knock, knock…
Flender, feeling slightly weak in the knees, went to open it.
Having just witnessed what had happened, his mind was still reeling.
The Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect—a figure of such prominence—had displayed such humility in front of Zhou Sheng'an. He had practically lowered himself completely!
To think that his old friend Yu Xiaogang idolized the Clear Sky Sect's Clear Sky Douluo… Yet, even Clear Sky Douluo was nothing but a junior before Tang Xiao!
Flender felt an uneasy chill in his heart. He couldn't imagine anything more absurd happening today.
Then, as he opened the door and looked up—
Great. Another Titled Douluo had arrived.
Poison Douluo had entered the room, bringing with him Dugu Yan.
The moment Dugu Yan stepped inside and saw Zhou Sheng'an, her eyes sparkled with admiration.
So this was Zhou Sheng'an from the simulation…
The legendary mentor who had trained a god-level powerhouse!
Even her own grandfather was one of his students.
Such an extraordinary genius, standing right before her eyes… Dugu Yan's breath quickened, her gaze fixed intently on Zhou Sheng'an as if she wanted to run up and cling to him immediately.
With this man here, any poison was nothing but child's play!
Poison Douluo glanced at his granddaughter and noticed her expression. He nodded slightly.
'So my granddaughter has taken a liking to this young man?'
He did appear to be a remarkable individual—handsome, talented, and accomplished.
"M-Mr. Zhou, do you still remember me?" Dugu Yan stammered nervously.
"You are…?" Zhou Sheng'an feigned confusion.
Dugu Yan sighed in disappointment. How great it would be if Zhou Sheng'an remembered her!
"Mr. Zhou! I… I'm Dugu Yan. I have something to ask of you—please, I beg you to help us!"
She suddenly bowed deeply, pleading earnestly.
"!!!"
Poison Douluo's expression instantly darkened!