The next day, as the sun rose over the horizon, casting long shadows across the grounds of the Red Thunder Family compound, a figure appeared at the entrance. It was Ju Doulou from Spirit Hall, his arrival causing a stir among the guards and disciples who watched him warily from afar.
As the sect master, I made my way to greet our unexpected visitor. The tension in the air was palpable as I approached Ju Doulou, who hovered slightly above the ground, his aura radiating power and authority.
"I have only come here to read the Supreme Pontiff's decree to all the top upper sects," Ju Doulou announced, his voice carrying a hint of arrogance.
No sooner had the words left his mouth than three immense auras locked onto him, their pressure so intense that the very air seemed to ripple. My grandfather materialized beside me, his eyes narrowed in barely contained anger.
"Does Spirit Hall believe they are above the four upper sects?" my grandfather's voice boomed, each word laced with power. "Do they think the upper four sects should blindly follow their orders?"
As if struck by an invisible hammer, Ju Doulou was suddenly slammed into the ground, creating a small crater where he lay. The dust settled around his prone form as he struggled to comprehend what had just transpired.
Shock was evident on Ju Doulou's face as he slowly picked himself up. He was a Title Doulou of level 95, just one step away from becoming a Super Doulou. Yet, he had been effortlessly smashed to the ground by the mere aura of three Title Doulou whose levels he couldn't even begin to fathom. The realization dawned on him – the Red Thunder Family possessed at least three Super Title Doulou, a fact that threw all previous speculations about the family's power into question.
Attempting to salvage some dignity, Ju Doulou spoke again, his voice slightly shaky, "I am just here to read the decree. I do not wish to provoke the Red Thunder Family."
Sensing the delicate situation, I decided to intervene. "Grandfather," I said calmly, "why don't we just listen to the decree? Then we can decide our course of action."
With a slight nod from my grandfather, Ju Doulou regained his composure and began to read: "All sects are instructed to refrain from assisting the Haotian Sect and Killer Tang Hao in any form. Those who disobey will be designated as enemies of Spirit Hall and treated accordingly."
As the words hung in the air, I turned to Ju Doulou, my eyes glinting with defiance. "We will not follow this order," I declared firmly. "We will do as we please. If Spirit Hall wants us to comply, they should at least send their only level 99 Doulou, Qian Doulou, to suppress our family."
Ju Doulou's expression flickered between emotions – relief at our defiance, which would surely prompt Spirit Hall to send Title Doulou to confront us, and confusion at the mention of a level 99 Doulou. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word, nine Title Doulou auras converged, unceremoniously propelling him beyond the family's borders.
With the intruder dealt with, I signaled for an emergency meeting of the elders. As we gathered in the grand hall, I took my seat at the head of the table.
"Spirit Hall is more arrogant than we initially speculated," I began, my voice grave.
One of the elders spoke up, concern etched on his weathered face. "Patriarch, revealing our strength was not part of the plan."
I nodded, acknowledging his point. "I understand, and I myself didn't want to reveal it. However, after hearing their decree, I felt it necessary to give them pause before attacking or scheming against our family."
Another elder chimed in, worry evident in his tone, "Patriarch, we cannot counter Spirit Hall's level 99 peerless Doulou. The highest we have is the level 98 Poison Dragon Doulou."
A small smile played on my lips as I revealed a crucial piece of information. "The level 99 Doulou cannot move freely. He is bound to guarding the Angel God Test and can only take action if someone endangers the test, is given a direct order by the Angel God, or attempts to destroy the test. Any personal intervention would result in his power being stripped and a penalty placed on his soul."
This revelation visibly eased the tension in the room, but I pressed on. "However, this alone won't be enough to deter Spirit Hall. They will likely send a Title Doulou to deal with us."
The elders nodded in agreement, their faces set with determination.
"We will defeat this emissary," I continued, my voice firm. "But remember, no killing is allowed. We are not yet strong enough to make them our mortal enemies."
As the meeting concluded, I issued a final warning. "Everyone, remain vigilant. Spirit Hall may attack the Haotian Sect directly, or if not, they might target their subsidiaries – the Four Clans: Power Clan, Speed Clan, Breaker Clan, and Defence Clan. We must be prepared for any eventuality."
The elders dispersed, each carrying the weight of our family's future on their shoulders. As I watched them leave, I couldn't help but wonder what challenges lay ahead in this intricate dance of power and politics between the great sects.