Arriving at a secluded street outside the palace, the group finally encountered the "culprit," Tang San.
He was conversing with Tang Chen, occasionally interjecting with frustration and indignation.
After understanding the full story and reviewing prior information, Tang Chen sighed deeply.
"Xiao San, the Slaughter Domain has affected you far too severely."
A mere argument had led to the massacre of an entire crowd.
Clearly, he had yet to recover from the bloodshed of Slaughter City.
No wonder. Tang Chen had assumed presenting the token to Tang Yuehua would prevent such incidents.
Yet…
Tang Yuehua hadn't even been present. In hindsight, Tang Chen felt a sliver of relief.
Given Tang San's state, even Tang Yuehua's words might have fallen on deaf ears. Had the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect not taken her away to soothe Dugu Yan's mind, Tang Chen might have arrived in Heaven Dou City to find his granddaughter already dead.
What a tragedy that would have been—an elder burying the young!
At this thought, Tang Chen couldn't help but feel grateful to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect for their intervention.
"I'm sorry, Great-grandfather. I…"
"Enough. I've already discussed the aftermath with Sect Master Ning and Emperor Qinghe."
"How will they deal with me?" Tang San frowned.
Tang Chen patted his shoulder. "The Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament begins in about a month. You must free yourself from the Slaughter Domain's influence. Thankfully, I never allowed your companions to learn it. Otherwise… sigh."
"In any case, Emperor Qinghe has agreed to let bygones be bygones, given your past assistance. But for now, you should avoid Heaven Dou City."
"Why?" Tang San's face darkened.
Since when did Tang San need Xue Qinghe's permission to go anywhere?
Who did he think he was?
"Don't make that face. You slaughtered too many nobles. Wanted posters are plastered everywhere. Staying here will only escalate tensions. It's better to lay low for now."
Tang San quickly realized his great-grandfather was right.
"Fine."
Tang Chen nodded. Despite the Slaughter Domain's influence, Tang San still heeded his words.
Tang Chen's gaze shifted toward the distance.
"Emperor Qinghe, esteemed members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, you may come out now."
As Ning Fengzhi and the others emerged, Tang San's expression shifted dramatically. But seeing his great-grandfather's calm demeanor, he relaxed—they weren't here for a fight.
"Tang San, it's been a while."
Xue Qinghe's tone was neutral as he observed Tang San. Beside him, Zi Ji lingered slightly behind, avoiding any appearance of overstepping.
"Your Highness Qinghe…"
Tang San also noticed the purple-haired woman who had hunted him earlier. But with the matter settled, he could only suppress his grudge—for now.
He would remember Zi Ji's face.
Revenge was a dish best served cold.
"Regarding the earlier incident… I apologize!" Tang San bowed.
"I will handle the nobles. As Lord Tang Chen advised, I hope you understand—those in our positions cannot always act as we wish."
Whether this was a warning, Tang San didn't rebut. He nodded. "I understand. I'll leave soon."
"Also, your apology should be directed at Madame Yuehua, not me." Xue Qinghe stepped aside, making way for Tang Yuehua.
"Aunt…"
Tang San opened his mouth but struggled to explain.
From Tang Chen, he had learned that Tang Yuehua—a non-spirit master—had built the Moon Pavilion without any sect support, even contributing back to the Clear Sky Sect.
Her achievements were extraordinary.
"Let the past remain in the past."
Tang Yuehua never imagined that the "inherently evil" Tang Yin was actually Tang San, her beloved elder brother's son.
Fate was truly unpredictable—like intestines wrapping around intestines.
"Tang San, I don't plan to rebuild the Moon Pavilion for now."
"Great-grandfather mentioned taking you back to the sect. I'll accompany you. Before the tournament, we'll do our best to cleanse your killing intent and restore your clarity."
"Yes, Aunt."
After a brief discussion, Tang Chen departed with Tang San, Tang Yuehua, and Flender (who had come as a spectator). Their route suggested they were heading to Shrek Academy.
Once Tang Chen left, the group returned to the palace to check on Xue Ke's condition.
Ning Fengzhi spoke first: "Qinghe, what are your plans for Princess Xue Ke?"
He wondered if Xue Qinghe grasped his implied meaning.
Xue Qinghe remained silent for a long moment.
"No matter what, I will wake Xue Ke. She's the sister I've watched grow up. I only wish for her to live peacefully."
"In her current state, only a Titled Douluo-level healing-type spirit master can save her. Otherwise…"
"She may only have a few years left."
"Teacher, have you heard of the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud?" Xue Qinghe asked.
"Heaven Dou's national treasure… I recall Emperor Xue Ye mentioning it. Historical records document its usage over the centuries."
"Indeed." Xue Qinghe nodded. "Beyond its known effects, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is said to stabilize the spirit. Perhaps it can prolong Xue Ke's mental and physical stability."
"That might buy enough time for Teacher to break through to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
"The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda…" Ning Fengzhi smiled bitterly. "Even if I could reach it and heal Princess Xue Ke, I've yet to find a path forward. Placing hope in such uncertainty is unwise."
"Besides, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud…" Ning Fengzhi trailed off, glancing subtly at the contemplative Ning Rongrong as if awaiting instructions.
However, he concealed it well—Xue Qinghe and Zi Ji noticed nothing.
The abrupt silence left Xue Qinghe and Bi Ji puzzled.
What, was he teasing them?
"I've read legends in some historical texts and heard rumors in Ocean City…"
Ning Rongrong's voice drew everyone's attention.
"The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was allegedly fished up by fishermen. Is that true?" she inquired.
"It is." Xue Qinghe couldn't decipher her intent.
"Hmm. I was once intrigued by its design, but knowing it was a national treasure, I refrained from taking it."
Back when handling the Xue Beng incident, Xue Ye had opened the treasury for Ning Rongrong to select a treasure—something Xue Qinghe surely recalled.
"Later, I researched old legends and heard whispers in Ocean City…"
In short, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud bore striking resemblance to the lost Heart of the Sea God from Sea God Island.