Chapter 44: One Hall, Two Empires, Three Sects (Part 2)

Heaven Dou Empire – Central Region – Clear Sky Sect

The Heaven Dou Empire is composed of five provinces, four kingdoms, one duchy, and its largest territory, the Central Region, where the imperial capital is located.

The Clear Sky Sect lies 300 li (about 150 kilometers) northeast of Heaven Dou City, at the southern foothills of the Tianshan Snowfields, surrounded by mountains and locked in ice and snow. It is both the ancestral land of the sect and a key barrier preventing the snowmen of the Tianshan region from heading south.

The sect spans five steep mountain peaks, with ravines between them and nearly vertical cliffs. Between each peak, thick steel cables—thick as an arm—connect them like bridges.

Each peak forms a natural defense. By the time one reaches the fifth and highest peak, Clear Sky Peak, the altitude is nearly 3,000 meters. Its towering, snow-capped summit pierces the sky in breathtaking majesty.

The mountain's architecture is neither luxurious nor overly austere—its defining trait is solidity. The massive stone structures resemble fortresses.

The main gate stands ten meters high. While not on the level of the Supreme Pontiff Palace or the imperial palaces, its all-stone structure gives it an unparalleled sense of durability.

Above the gate, three large stone-carved characters radiate a vigorous force, exuding the grandeur to rival the surrounding mountains:

Clear Sky Sect (昊天宗).

Only the three to four hundred direct-line disciples of the sect are permitted on the mountain. All affiliated and outer disciples live in Clear Sky City at the foot.

On a stone platform, a boy about 1.7 meters tall, appearing thirteen or fourteen years old, was training.

He had a tall and straight build, lean yet strong—like a well-forged rod of steel. With sword-like eyebrows, a high nose bridge, and bronze-hued skin glowing with health, his starry eyes sparkled as he wore a set of gray leather armor.

At that moment, he was swinging a Clear Sky Hammer, his strikes steady and swift. Each blow built upon the last—stronger, heavier, and more forceful.

Were it not for his extraordinary physique, the sheer force of the strikes would have torn his muscles apart.

Beside him stood a tall, imposing figure, over two meters in height, broad-shouldered, with rugged, chiseled features and short, graying hair.

His eyes burned like torches with profound strength. Though clad in a simple gray robe, the aura he exuded made him feel like the very center of the fortress.

This was Tang Yue, Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect, a Level 96 Super Douluo.

"Master, an urgent message!" A disciple came running, handing him a slip of paper.

Tang Yue read it swiftly. In the next moment, an unrestrained, explosive aura erupted from him, surging like a tidal wave and enveloping the training boy.

"Grandfather, what happened?"

Tang Chen calmly retracted his hammer, moving like a little tiger with hidden might. Every gesture exuded poise.

"Nothing much. A few old friends and their families just made a big move."

Tang Yue replied with a faint smile.

"Does it affect us?"

"Not particularly. Very good, Chen'er. You've reached sixty-three strikes in the Random Cloak Hammer technique—your comprehension is truly impressive. Choosing the balanced path was indeed right for you. How is your progress with the Clear Sky True Yang Force?"

The Clear Sky True Yang Force is a foundational meditation method within the sect, one branch of the Clear Sky Nine Yang Technique.

There are nine Yang Forces, and each direct-line male disciple chooses one to cultivate.

"I've entered the second stage—I'd say I've truly grasped the basics."

Tang Chen answered respectfully.

"Good. Then it's time I pass down the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes to you."

Tang Yue clapped his hands.

"Really?" Despite his composure, the youth's joy shone through.

"When has your grandfather ever lied to you? Also, in about a month, you'll go study at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

"But grandfather, haven't we always declined the Heaven Dou royal invitations?"

"The continent is about to stir again. You shall go represent the Clear Sky Sect—to weather the waves and let our Clear Sky might shine."

"Yes! I will live up to the sect's honor, and restore the Clear Sky's glory!

Mighty Battle Soul Hammer! Majestic Clear Sky Sect!"

Heaven Dou Empire – Central Region – Glazed City

Glazed City lies southeast of Heaven Dou City, near the imperial capital, positioned at a crucial thoroughfare crossing the Xingye Grand Plain—the largest plain in the empire.

To the north lies the Sunset Forest, and to its west is Heaven Dou City. The three areas form a triangle, and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile City sits at the center, surrounded by forests, with its emerald roofs and vermilion eaves, carved railings and jade columns.

With excellent geography, a thriving economy, abundant food, and a dense population, it is also home to the number-one merchant guild in the continent—the Glazed Commerce Guild.

Therefore, Glazed City is the only sect territory among the Seven Great Sects that developed into a main city. The others are fortunate to even reach county-level cities.

Though all Seven Great Sects are dominant in power, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is uniquely characterized by one thing—wealth.

Not only do they have powerful spirit masters and martial spirits, but they are also the richest sect.

Even though they are relatively low-key, both the Heaven Dou royal family and the powerful Spirit Hall treat them with notable respect.

Their treasury—"Heaven's Vault"—is so extravagant that even Titled Douluo, who has seen much in life, is stunned when they first see it. Gold and swords lie in piles, and countless treasures are on display.

Decades of accumulation have built a massive sect system closely tied to the Heaven Dou Empire. Merely the external soul masters affiliated with the sect number over three thousand.

Add to that several hundred direct-line disciples possessing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile martial spirit, and soul masters they've trained themselves, and the total exceeds five thousand.

In the world of soul masters, this is an incomparably formidable force.

In terms of numbers, the other six great sects can't even come close.

As the strongest support-type soul master sect, everyone wants their favor. Many are willing to stand up for them, and no one dares to offend them.

The sect is located on Glazed Mountain, behind Glazed City—far from the bustling city. The main building resembles a pagoda, surrounded by Chinese-style pavilions.

Upon entering the main hall, one sees sky-reaching white jade pillars and sea-spanning purple-gold beams—"carved beams and painted rafters" is no exaggeration.

The seats for the sect master and elders are made of redwood, with jade inlays on the chair backs.

The walkway leading to the sect master's throne is built over water. On both sides, open treasure chests are filled with jewels and coral, and Golden Lotus Leaves bloom in the water—an open display of wealth.

Sect Master Ning Ruiting listened as a subordinate reported news from Ning Ze.

He stood tall and graceful, dressed in formal robes with a coronet and half-tied hair. His forehead bore a blue cloud-patterned band, his clear eyes held a charming smile, and his gaze sparkled with unmistakable elegance and charisma. The wind stirred his flowing sleeves, adding to his noble bearing.

"Hm. We must maintain good relations with them. They're our best external ally."

"Yes, sir!"

"Send word to Ning Ze. He may begin the negotiations on that matter."

"Yes!"

After the messenger left, Ning Ruiting clasped his hands behind his back, lost in thought.

"Every time Battle Soul City initiates punitive action, it marks the end of a peaceful era following a great catastrophe. But this time, with such a large-scale move… I wonder what impact it will have on the entire continent…"