Douluo Continent: Taking Tang San as a disciple, with a ten-thousand-fold return for teaching him.

A surge of bitterness and anger at his incompetence quietly rose in his chest.

The once number one sect in the world has fallen to the point where it needs to hide in such a desolate place to survive!

Tang Hao, who was following behind him, felt it even more deeply.

Each time I stepped across an iron chain and looked down into the abyss, it felt as if I was treading on the glory that I and my sect had once shared.

The guilt and pain in his heart gnawed at him like venomous snakes. He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms. If Tang San hadn't been by his side, he would have found it almost unbearable.

Tang San was also filled with emotion. Although he had never seen the Haotian Sect at its peak, he could glimpse the hardships and forbearance of the sect over the years from the perilous and desolate landscape. He gained a deeper understanding of his father's experiences and the sect's situation.

Liu Erlong silently followed Chen Luo, feeling the oppressive atmosphere and the perilous environment, and felt a pang of sympathy for the plight of the Haotian Sect.

Chen Luo remained calm as always.

He walked with ease, as if on flat ground even on the swaying iron chains.

He observed his surroundings and the changes in everyone's expressions, gaining a clearer assessment of the current state of the Haotian Sect.

This desolate land is a sanctuary, but isn't it also a giant cage?

Finally, after passing through the fourth iron chain, the fifth and most majestic mountain peak appeared before us.

At the summit, instead of pavilions and towers, stands a massive, gray, castle-like building that blends seamlessly into the mountainside.

It is sturdy and heavy, full of power, like a silent giant guarding this last stronghold.

The massive stone gate stands five meters tall. Although it is not particularly magnificent, it exudes a grand and imposing aura that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding mountains.

Above the main gate, three large stone characters are powerful and vigorous, as if they contain infinite power and will—Haotian Sect!

Upon seeing these three familiar yet unfamiliar characters, Tang Chen paused slightly.

A complex mix of emotions welled up inside him: the excitement of returning home, the heartache of seeing his sect fall to such a state, and the unwavering determination to restore its former glory.

In his deep eyes, it seemed as if thunder and fire were intertwining.

At this moment, all the remaining disciples of the Haotian Sect, regardless of age, had already gathered here in front of the massive stone gate of the sect's castle upon hearing the news.

They stood close together, their eyes filled with curiosity, nervousness, and anticipation as they looked at the group of people walking down the iron chain.

When Tang Chen's figure clearly appeared in their field of vision, some of the older members of the sect who had been fortunate enough to see Tang Chen or remembered his portrait were first stunned, then their pupils dilated, and their faces showed excitement and disbelief as if they had witnessed a miracle.

"It's...it's the old sect leader! The old sect leader has returned!!"

An elderly man with white hair cried out in a trembling voice, pushing through the crowd and falling to his knees with a thud, tears streaming down his face.

That shout was like lighting a fuse.

"Splash! Splash! Splash!"

Like wheat fields blown down by the wind, all the disciples of the Haotian Sect present, whether or not they had seen Tang Chen in person, knelt down without hesitation when they heard the title "Old Sect Master" and felt the terrifying aura and bloodline resonance emanating from the man in front of them, which made them want to submit like a mountain.

"Welcome back, former sect leader!!"

The deafening shouts converged and soared into the sky, echoing repeatedly among the precipitous peaks, filled with excitement, fervor, and endless anticipation.

Tang Chen stood before the massive stone gate, receiving the kneeling worship of all the sect disciples.

He slowly raised his hand, offering a slight gesture of support, his voice calm yet carrying a powerful, unshakeable strength that clearly reached everyone's ears:

"Get up, everyone."

"I'm back."

These four simple words seemed to inject the strongest stimulant into all the disciples of the Haotian Sect.

They knew that from this moment on, the fate of the Haotian Sect was finally about to change.

Chen Luo stood aside, watching this scene of everyone's support, knowing that Tang Chen's establishment of authority was complete the moment he stepped into the sect.

This pillar of the Haotian Sect, though missing for many years without a trace, still possessed such profound prestige and strength that he instantly stabilized the sect's wavering morale and rekindled its scattered fighting spirit, like a stabilizing force.

With Tang Chen around, Tang Hao and Tang San will face almost no pressure in returning to their sect.

Chapter 319 Haotian Returns (1)

Amidst the deafening cheers, Tang Chen slightly raised his hand to suppress the boiling sound, and turned his gaze to Sect Master Tang Xiao.

Tang Xiao immediately understood, suppressing his excitement, and respectfully stepped aside to lead the way: "Grandfather, please follow me. Distinguished guests, please!"

The group passed through the massive stone gate and entered the gray castle, which was as solid as a mountain.

The interior of the castle appears more spacious than the exterior, with massive stone pillars supporting a towering dome. Light streams in through specially carved stone windows, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

The disciples from various sects they encountered along the way all stopped what they were doing, bowed respectfully, and followed Tang Chen's figure with fervent eyes.

Tang Xiao led everyone directly to the core area of ​​the castle—the council hall of the sect leader's mansion.

The interior furnishings are simple and antique, with a huge relief of the Haotian Hammer hanging behind the main seat, highlighting the authority of this place.

Only after entering this private space, which symbolized the core of the sect's highest power, did Tang Xiao's tense nerves relax slightly, and the emotions that had been suppressed for so long could no longer be contained.

He turned around abruptly to face Tang Chen, without any hesitation, and with a "thump," he knelt heavily on both knees. This time, it was a kneeling worship without reservation, full of filial piety and grievance!

"grandfather!"

This shout was deeper than the one at the village entrance, choked with emotion, as if it were trying to pour out all the hardships, forbearance, and boundless joy at the return of his grandfather over the years.

This dignified and composed sect leader, in front of outsiders, finally shed all his tough exterior and became the grandson who could rely on his grandfather.

"Your unworthy grandson Tang Xiao greets his grandfather! Your grandson... your grandson is incompetent and has failed to bring glory to the sect, causing it to be tarnished and fall to this state... Please punish me, grandfather!" Tang Xiao kowtowed deeply, his shoulders trembling slightly.

As Tang Xiao knelt in obeisance, the five elders who had accompanied him bowed once more, their voices filled with utmost respect and excitement: "Welcome back, former sect leader!"

Tang Chen looked at Changsun, who was kneeling in front of her with graying temples and a face etched with the marks of time, and the tenderness and heartache in her eyes were finally no longer concealed.

He slowly stepped forward, extending his large hands that had once held power and slaughter, and this time, he genuinely helped Tang Xiao up.

"Get up, Xiao'er."

His voice was deep and gentle, with a comforting power, "These years have been tough on you."

You've done a great job single-handedly supporting this broken situation.

It was Grandfather... who came back late.

Simple words, yet they seemed to carry immense weight, instantly melting away the ice and boulders that had been pressing down on Tang Xiao's heart.

He stood up, his tiger-like eyes reddening, his lips moving with excitement, unable to utter a complete sentence for a moment, only nodding vigorously.

Tang Chen patted him on the shoulder, then turned his gaze to the five elders who were still bowing, their faces filled with excitement and emotion.

"Rise, everyone, no need for formalities," Tang Chen said.

After everyone calmed down, they took their seats at Tang Xiao's invitation.

Tang Chen naturally sat in the main seat, Tang Xiao and the elders sat on the lower left, and Chen Luo, Liu Erlong, Tang Hao and Tang San sat on the right.

Tang Chen turned his gaze to Chen Luo and Liu Erlong, a solemn expression on his face, and introduced them to Tang Xiao and the five elders:

"Xiao'er, elders, I was able to escape and return thanks to the great help of these two young friends."

This is my young friend Yu Xiaogang, and this is Miss Liu Erlong.

Tang Chen paused, his tone carrying an undeniable certainty: "Both of them are Title Douluo-level powerhouses."

"Title Douluo?"

Upon hearing this, Tang Xiao and the five elders all showed surprise on their faces.

Such a young Title Douluo is extremely rare on the continent. They couldn't help but scrutinize Chen Luo and Liu Erlong again, their gazes now filled with more seriousness.

However, Tang Chen's next words shocked them even more.

"And young friend Yu Xiaogang's strength..."

Tang Chen's gaze held a complex mix of emotions, even a hint of barely perceptible admiration, "Still above me."

"what?!"

These words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky, resounding throughout the entire council hall.

Tang Xiao and the five elders widened their eyes instantly, their faces filled with disbelief.

Surpassing our ancestors?

Our ancestor was a level 99 Limit Douluo!

The strength of this man who looks so young... they simply couldn't imagine it!

In an instant, Tang Xiao and the others' gazes toward Chen Luo completely changed. Their previous politeness turned into heartfelt awe and respect, and their attitude became extremely solemn. Several elders even carried a hint of caution.

In a world where strength reigns supreme, the significance behind such a young peak expert is enough to make them place Chen Luo in the highest position.

Tang Chen observed their reactions and continued, "Young friend Yu Xiaogang and Miss Liu both come from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."

Yu Xiaogang is not only a friend, but also Tang San's teacher.

Tang Chen's gaze swept over Tang Xiao and the elders, his tone carrying a hint of deeper meaning: "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and my Haotian Clan have never had any conflict."

Now that this relationship exists, the two major sects should maintain close ties and help each other in the future.

Tang Xiao immediately realized what was happening, quickly stood up, and solemnly cupped his hands to Chen Luo and Liu Erlong: "So you are His Majesty of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, my apologies for my rudeness!"

Your Majesty is also the teacher of my nephew's mistress, and has given my nephew a lot of guidance. Tang Xiao thanks you for this!

"Grandfather is absolutely right. The Clear Sky Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect should be on friendly terms for generations to come!"

The five elders nodded in agreement, their attitudes extremely sincere.

A powerful figure whose strength may surpass that of a Limit Douluo, who is also the teacher of a direct descendant of the Clear Sky Sect, is on good terms with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. This would be entirely beneficial to the Clear Sky Sect, which is in dire need of revitalization.

Chen Luo calmly rose and returned the greeting with a slight bow: "Sect Leader Tang and all the elders are too kind. Erlong and I just happened to meet by chance. It is a great honor to see the Haotian Sect reunited. In the future, the two sects should have more exchanges."

Seeing that the most important introductions and relationship building had been completed, Tang Chen then steered the conversation back to the sect's internal affairs.

Tang Chen's expression turned solemn again. His gaze swept over all the core members present, and his voice was calm yet carried the power of judgment:

"I have my own judgment on the past events, their rights and wrongs, merits and demerits."

The decline of the Haotian Sect was not the fault of one person, but the result of a combination of unforeseen circumstances, external enemies, and its own cowardice.

Tang Chen's words were like ice water, pouring into the hearts of several elders who still harbored some resentment towards Tang Hao, making them shudder and dare not utter a single rebuttal.

"But from this day forward..."