Heaven Dou Empire
Outskirts of the Sunset Forest
The former Dawn Town was nowhere to be seen.
In its place now stood a brand-new grand city, several times larger than before—Hetian City, rising majestically from the earth like a miracle forged by human hands.
At the very heart of this city stood its soul.
Hetian Academy.
An academy visible from hundreds of miles away.
A colossal structure that spanned entire mountain ranges, its towering silhouette dominating heaven and earth alike.
On this day, after two weeks of travel from the far north, Tang Xiao finally arrived at Hetian City together with the First and Second Elders.
Though he had already broken through to the Titled Douluo realm and could soar freely through the skies, Tang Xiao chose instead to walk leisurely through the bustling streets, blending in with the crowd like an ordinary man.
As for Tang Hao—he had long since concealed himself in the shadows.
However, this "ordinary walk" did not last long.
The Speed Clan, famed for their intelligence network, had members spread throughout the newly rising city. The moment Tang Xiao stepped into Hetian City, news spread instantly.
Within moments, Tai Tan, leader of the Strength Clan, and Niu Gao, leader of the Defense Clan—both overseers of Hetian Academy's construction—rushed over at full speed.
"My Lord, how was your journey?"
The two hurriedly bowed, instinctively about to kneel in public—
—but an invisible force gently stopped them mid-motion.
"Tai Tan. Niu Gao."
Tang Xiao smiled faintly, his hand lifting ever so slightly as the pressure vanished.
"You've both worked hard."
Truthfully, Tang Xiao wouldn't have minded letting them kneel. To him, they were no different from lowly servants.
Yet despite rising from young master to sect leader, he was still a man from Earth—someone deeply unaccustomed to elders kneeling before him, especially in public. It felt… awkward.
More importantly, his authority among the subordinate clans was already absolute.
What he needed now was something else—
Benevolence in the eyes of the common people.
"It is only our duty, my lord," Niu Gao replied, visibly flattered by Tang Xiao's gentle demeanor.
Under their guidance, Tang Xiao, together with the First and Second Elders, proceeded toward the academy while listening to reports on the construction.
"Sect Leader, do you see that sky-piercing tower?"
Niu Gao spoke with undisguised pride.
"We built it strictly according to your requirements. Even Spirit Hall's Douluo Palace doesn't reach this height. The foundation alone took days—reinforced layer by layer using earth-attribute soul masters and our Defense Clan's most advanced techniques."
"Hm…"
"And over there—"
"And this section—"
As Niu Gao spoke enthusiastically, Tang Xiao observed everything with his own eyes, his satisfaction deepening.
The Defense Clan truly lived up to its reputation.
Not only was their craftsmanship top-tier—their speed was thousands, even tens of thousands of times faster than modern Earth construction.
In a little over half a year, an academy spanning miles was already more than half completed.
Most importantly, all key facilities—the library, battle stadiums, and classrooms—were already operational.
Even in its unfinished state, the academy could begin functioning immediately.
And this "unfinished" Hetian Academy was in no way inferior to any top-tier institution.
Tang Xiao had spent money like water to ensure it.
Even now, it was ten times grander than the Heaven Dou Empire's number one academy—the Heaven Dao Imperial Academy.
Standing atop the mountain peak at the academy's core—where the tallest tower was built—Tang Xiao examined everything up close.
A breathtaking sight.
The tower's base was directly carved from the tallest mountain in the region.
Its lower levels housed vast stadiums and teaching facilities, while its summit contained—
The Dean's Office.
Stepping inside, Tang Xiao nodded slightly.
Peaceful. Elegant. Refined.
"Looking down upon the world from thousands of meters above…"
Tang Xiao murmured softly.
"…it truly is magnificent."
From the window, the entire Hetian City lay before him.
The sprawling academy.
The countless buildings.
Even the distant peak of the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace shimmered faintly on the horizon.
"Niu Gao," Tang Xiao said calmly,
"your construction work is… overwhelmingly satisfying."
This tower alone had earned his full approval.
Even the Spirit Transmission Pagoda of the Douluo III era wouldn't be much better.
"Thank you for your praise, Sect Leader."
Niu Gao bowed deeply.
"This humble one merely fulfilled his duty."
"Mm."
Tang Xiao nodded before asking,
"How goes the construction of our new sect location?"
"Replying to Sect Leader," Tai Tan stepped forward,
"its progress matches that of this academy. Though unfinished, disciples may begin residing there at any time."
He was the most qualified to answer—both his and the Breaking Clan's Great Elder oversaw the project.
"Good."
Tang Xiao nodded.
"It isn't far from here. I'll go take a look later."
The new sect's location was the same hidden stronghold from the original novel.
Not because Tang Xiao feared Qian Daoliu—
—but because it was an unparalleled natural fortress.
Tang Chen himself had chosen it with utmost care before his battle with Qian Daoliu.
And Tang Chen's judgment needed no explanation.
Since Tang Xiao intended to close the mountain gates and focus purely on internal growth, he had no intention of rebuilding Clear Sky City around the sect.
Resource issues?
Not an issue at all.
All former Clear Sky businesses and subordinate clans were relocating to Hetian City—and the city lay close enough to support the sect effortlessly.
"First Elder. Second Elder."
Tang Xiao turned.
"Return to Clear Sky City and begin relocating all disciples to the new sect."
"And also—"
He paused briefly.
"Ensure Ruoyan and Yuehua's safety. Have them visit Hetian Academy first."
The elders nodded solemnly.
"We understand, Sect Leader."
"No need to rush."
Tang Xiao waved his hand lightly.
"Rest well today. Begin tomorrow."
Tang Xiao had no intention of leaving Hetian Academy for now.
He stood at the peak of Rank 93.
One more month—and he would step into Rank 94.
With the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Pool nearby, accelerating his cultivation was inevitable.
Why divert attention elsewhere?
Administrative matters could wait.
Soon, the sect would close its gates entirely—cultivation above all else.
Tang Yuehua could handle internal affairs.
As for Ning Ruoyan—
Her stage was not the sect.
It was here.
At Hetian Academy, as its sole Vice Dean.
After all…
Wives existed to shoulder responsibilities.
Tang Xiao had many plans—but he had no intention of burdening himself with all of them.
That was never his style.
After everyone departed, Tang Xiao stood alone in the Dean's Office, gazing down upon the world, his thoughts mystery.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in crimson gold, he slowly clenched his hand—
—and felt as though the world itself lay within his grasp.
"Once I break through to Rank 94…"
"…it will be time to visit Spirit Hall."
A faint, dark smile curved his lips.
"Xun Ji… oh, Xun Ji."
"My plans have changed."
"And with them—"
"So will your fate."
The setting sun cast his shadow long and deep as Tang Xiao turned away.
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Author's Note:
I had to suddenly travel to another province last Friday, and unfortunately I couldn't write chapters during the journey. I'm quite prone to motion sickness and dizziness while traveling, especially on long bus rides, so writing wasn't possible.
I hope everyone can understand.
Also, I've uploaded a few images in the comment section that I created using Chatta (ChatGPT) to help visualize certain scenes and elements. Feel free to check them out and let me know what you think—I'd really love to hear your opinions!