Chapter 4: The Plan to Escape
As time passed, Yang Potian had reached the age of five.
During this time, he'd frequently discussed his concerns about the Haotian Sect with his parents and grandfather. He'd pointed out some of the hidden risks within the sect, but every time he brought it up, he was met with stern reprimands from the three of them.
To them, the Haotian Sect was as dependable as the sky itself. According to his grandfather, Yang Wudi, the Po Clan was originally just a small family. It was only after aligning with the Haotian Sect that they'd begun to grow, now reaching a strength of 700 members, including 300 direct disciples. In terms of numbers alone, they could now be considered a mid-sized sect.
To put things in perspective, during the Soul-Hunting Operation, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had only about 1,800 members, while the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had peaked at around 3,500 to 4,000 members, losing two-thirds of their forces, with many others slain by Spirit Hall assassins. The Haotian Sect was now the strongest sect, though it was unclear if they had even 5,000 soul masters in total.
The primary reason these top sects were so powerful, however, was their Titled Douluos, who, in this era, were like living nuclear weapons.
But every time Potian raised these points, he saw how his parents' faces changed, clearly troubled. He realized he'd have to figure out a plan on his own.
One day, Yang Potian was alone in his room, studying a large map of the Douluo Continent.
As he examined it, he found himself deep in thought. He had marked three locations on the map: Star Luo City, Heaven Dou City, and Hanhai City. Given Spirit Hall's current strength, these three locations seemed relatively safe.
Of the Four Single-Attribute Clans, the Li Clan suffered the least in the original story; after the great battle, they still had double the number of survivors compared to the Po Clan. No wonder Titan remained so loyal to Tang Hao afterward. If they'd lost over two-thirds of their members, that loyalty might not have been there.
He analyzed these three options carefully:
Star Luo City was likely the safest since the Star Luo Empire was strong. However, the imperial family held immense power, and major sects tended not to operate in Star Luo territory. If the Po Clan were to relocate there, they might end up as vassals of the Star Luo royal family.
Hanhai City was very remote and lacked powerful local backing. It was dominated by sea spirit masters, and it was uncertain if the Po Clan would adapt. It was a more independent location, but it posed high risks.
Heaven Dou City seemed the most viable option. The Heaven Dou royal family was relatively weak, and they would probably welcome the Po Clan with open arms. The downside, however, was that they would eventually have to face Qian Renxue and her two Titled Douluo guards.
After weighing these options, Potian decided that Heaven Dou City was the best choice—especially since it held the opportunity he most desired. Though his martial soul had yet to awaken, Heaven Dou City offered him a chance to change his fate if his martial soul turned out weak or mutated.
The biggest question now was how to convince the clan to move there. Even if he couldn't bring the entire clan, he hoped to persuade a small group to relocate.
In the following days, Potian visited his grandfather Yang Wudi's room daily, hoping to glean some useful information from him, but he gained nothing concrete.
Finally, with no other choice, he decided to speak directly to Yang Wudi.
Seeing his grandson approach, Yang Wudi smiled and asked, "Potian, what brings you here today? You've been stopping by my room quite often lately."
Potian's face turned serious as he replied, "Grandpa, I've had a very bad feeling recently. I think something terrible might happen to our Po Clan."
"Potian, are you feeling alright? Do you want Grandpa to take a look at you?"
"Grandpa, I'm not sick. I really feel like something big is coming."
"Potian, your mindset isn't right. As members of the Po Clan, we always face challenges head-on, even if it means sacrificing our lives in battle."
Hearing this, Potian's face filled with worry, mixed with a touch of despair. Judging by his grandfather's expression, and the attitude of the entire Po Clan, it was clear that their loyalty to the Haotian Sect was unwavering, even at the cost of their lives.
Clenching his teeth, Potian thought to himself, No, I can't just sit back and wait for disaster to strike. I have to do something to protect the Po Clan—and myself. If it came down to it, he'd even resort to throwing a fit to get his parents to take him to Heaven Dou City.
With this in mind, he sought out his mother, Niu Jinfeng.
Seeing the unusual look on her son's face, she asked him quickly, "Potian, what's wrong? You look upset."
With a grave expression, Potian said, "Mom, do you trust me?"
"What's wrong, Potian? Why so serious? Of course, I trust you," she answered.
"Mom, I'm really worried. I have this strong feeling that something bad will happen to the Po Clan. Can we go to Heaven Dou City?"
"Potian, I think you're just feeling a bit unwell. Let me ask your father and grandfather to take a look at you."
"Mom, I'm serious. Our clan could really be in danger."
"We're part of the Haotian Sect, the number-one sect in the land. How could we be in danger? But fine, how about this—I'll take you to Heaven Dou City for a visit soon."
Disappointed, Potian returned to his room. Clearly, his mother was just trying to brush him off. Nobody believed that the Po Clan might face any real danger. The Haotian Sect was an ancient, powerful organization, and everyone had grown too comfortable, lacking any sense of crisis.
Frustrated, Potian steeled himself. If he couldn't convince them, he would leave on his own. Once he reached Heaven Dou City, his parents would surely come looking for him, and then at least the three of them would be safe. As for the rest of the clan, he couldn't worry about them. He wouldn't be the first transmigrator to die prematurely, not before he'd even awakened his martial soul.
Resolving to act, he quickly packed a few changes of clothes, gathered some gold soul coins, took his usual Soul-Breaking Spear, and snuck out of the clan through the back gate.
Barely had he left the grounds before news of his departure reached his grandfather, Yang Wudi.
In Yang Wudi's room, he gathered with Potian's father, Yang Zhentian, his second-uncle Yang Wushuang, his mother Niu Jinfeng, and a few other elders of the clan, all powerful soul sages.
Everyone looked puzzled by Potian's sudden departure, except for Yang Wudi, who remained silent.
Growing worried, Niu Jinfeng spoke up. "What's gotten into Potian? He's usually so well-behaved. I'll go bring him back."
Before she could leave, Yang Wudi stopped her. "Jinfeng, wait a moment."
Niu Jinfeng turned, confused, and watched as Yang Wudi took out a small piece of paper, pondering for a moment.
(End of Chapter)