Seeing the critical situation, Tang Xiao used the Clear Sky Nine Absolutes for a desperate strike, forcing back the two Title Douluo he was facing and swiftly flying to his father's side, finally alleviating Tang Zhen's crisis.
Witnessing this, Tang Zhen realized that defeat was inevitable and that the situation could not be salvaged. He shouted loudly, "All Clear Sky Sect disciples, retreat to the ancestral land immediately."
Then, all the remaining spirit rings on Tang Zhen's Clear Sky Hammer exploded, causing the hammer to grow even larger, like a small mountain, directly separating the Martial Soul Hall forces.
Following the sect master's orders, all the members of the Clear Sky Sect quickly retreated to their ancestral land, while the Martial Soul Hall forces gathered outside.
However, Thousand-Jin Douluo and Demon-Subduing Douluo stood at the front, blocking any pursuit. In front of everyone appeared a massive sword mark.
When the others wanted to continue chasing, Demon-Subduing Douluo stopped them: "This mark was drawn by the Grand Worshipper. According to his command, no disciple of Martial Soul Hall is allowed to cross this line."
The new Pope, Bibi Dong, neither in strength nor prestige, could compare to the Grand Worshipper Qian Daoliu and couldn't refute Demon-Subduing Douluo's words.
However, Bibi Dong angrily exclaimed, "Our Martial Soul Hall's Pope has fallen, and the Clear Sky Sect only returns to their ancestral land! Just because of an agreement, should we give up the Pope's revenge? Remember, the Pope was the Grand Worshipper's own son."
Hearing this, everyone remained silent, neither retreating nor advancing.
Inside the Clear Sky Sect's ancestral land, Tang Zhen, having continuously detonated his rings, was on the verge of death, while the Great Elder was also gravely injured, likely beyond saving.
Tang Zhen, barely holding on, spoke: "Xiao'er, elders, for the survival of our Clear Sky Sect. As the unworthy sect master, I, Tang Zhen, declare my final command."
"From this moment on, I pass the position of sect master to Tang Xiao."
"Also, immediately announce to the outside world that the unfilial disciple Tang Hao is expelled from the Clear Sky Sect. From now on, the Clear Sky Sect withdraws from the world of spirit masters and will not take a step outside the ancestral land. This will serve as our explanation for the Pope's death, as well as an explanation to the entire spirit master world."
After saying these words, Tang Zhen took his final breath.
All the disciples of the Clear Sky Sect knelt down, shouting in grief and anger, "Sect Master, Sect Master..."
The elders were equally filled with sorrow and rage: "We, the Clear Sky Sect, the number one sect in the world, have fallen to the point where our sect master has perished in battle. We refuse to retreat; we will die with the Clear Sky Sect."
Many present echoed these sentiments, prepared to fight the Martial Soul Hall forces outside to the death.
Tang Xiao then stood up, his eyes dark as he gazed at everyone. "We are the Clear Sky Sect, the number one sect in the world. We cannot let the legacy die in our hands. If we continue to fight, the entire Clear Sky Sect will be wiped out. We've lost today, but we must train harder and strive to restore our former glory."
After saying this, Tang Xiao walked out of the ancestral land without another word.
The Martial Soul Hall forces were surprised to see Tang Xiao come out alone.
Tang Xiao, with a white cloth on his head and a face full of grief, said angrily, "Martial Soul Hall, your Pope's death indeed demands an explanation. Now, our sect master Tang Zhen has fallen, the Great Elder has fallen, and we have expelled Tang Hao. From today onwards, the Clear Sky Sect will withdraw from the world of spirit masters and return to the ancestral land."
"Is this explanation enough?"
Tang Xiao's voice echoed throughout the land, and everyone present heard it. After hearing his words, many people began whispering among themselves.
The Martial Soul Hall lost their Pope, while the Clear Sky Sect lost both their sect master and Great Elder and was now retreating from the world. No one could argue further, and continuing the fight would only make Martial Soul Hall seem like bullies.
Pope Bibi Dong bit her lip and glanced at Thousand-Jin and Demon-Subduing Douluo, who were clearly satisfied with the outcome and had no intention of attacking the Clear Sky Sect's ancestral land. The rest of the people also seemed to agree.
In the end, Bibi Dong spoke, "I hope the Clear Sky Sect keeps its promise and forever stays out of the world of spirit masters. Additionally, I hope the Clear Sky Sect severs all ties with the murderer Tang Hao; otherwise, you will have broken today's vow."
Upon hearing this, both the Martial Soul Hall and Clear Sky Sect members let out a sigh of relief.
At this moment, Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan spoke up, "Your Holiness, how should we handle Clear Sky Sect's affiliated clans?"
After thinking for a moment, Bibi Dong replied, "Drive them towards the Clear Sky Sect's ancestral land and see how the sect responds. If the Clear Sky Sect accepts them, we will use this as an excuse to restart the war. If the Clear Sky Sect abandons them, we will teach these affiliated clans a lesson so severe they will never dare align with the Clear Sky Sect again, sending a message to the world."
Under the guidance of Martial Soul Hall's forces, the four single-attribute clans gathered outside the Clear Sky Sect's ancestral land, but the gate remained firmly shut.
Yang Wudi shouted toward the ancestral land, "Sect Master, my clan is willing to follow the Clear Sky Sect into seclusion."
The leaders of the other three clans also expressed their loyalty.
However, the gate remained unmoved, clearly signaling that no outsiders were allowed entry into the ancestral land.
Inside, Tang Xiao and the elders began to argue.
"Sect Master, the four single-attribute clans have been loyal to us and have made countless contributions. We should let them into the ancestral land."
The second elder quickly spoke up, "Sect Master, we absolutely cannot do that. Martial Soul Hall is clearly waiting for our decision. If we accept them, Martial Soul Hall will use this as an excuse to attack us."
"Moreover, the ancestral land is our sect's most closely guarded secret, vital to our survival. We cannot allow outsiders to enter."
Tang Xiao hesitated, "But won't the single-attribute clans outside be in grave danger?"
"They grew strong under the protection of our Clear Sky Sect, and now they must face their fate."
All the surrounding elders voiced their agreement, refusing to open the gate.
Meanwhile, Chrysanthemum Douluo spoke again, "Your Holiness, how should we proceed now?"
"These single-attribute clans have long been the claws of the Clear Sky Sect, helping them cause chaos. Let's give them a punishment they will never forget. We'll use them as an example to show the world that no one can defy Martial Soul Hall."
Hearing this, Chrysanthemum Douluo immediately ordered an attack.
Thousands of Martial Soul Hall's soul masters began to assault the four single-attribute clans, though no Title Douluo participated.
Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, Titan, and Bai He fought valiantly, while countless members of their clans perished.
For these clans, surrender was never an option after years of fighting Martial Soul Hall, so their only choice was to break through the encirclement.
After a quick discussion, the four clan leaders realized that the Clear Sky Sect had abandoned them and agreed to break out together. Martial Soul Hall, clearly not intent on exterminating them, allowed them to escape, killing their spirit but not their bodies.
After a fierce battle, the four single-attribute clans successfully broke through, marking the end of the great battle involving the Clear Sky Sect.