Chapter 191: The Elder's Suicide
The Beast Tamer Sect was situated between the Black Corner Region and the Magical Beast Mountain Range, nestled among a range of lofty peaks. Its headquarters rested atop the tallest mountain, exuding an air of grandeur and mystery.
This sect, with a history spanning nearly a thousand years, was renowned in its empire. It was said that the disciples of the Beast Tamer Sect possessed remarkable soul power, making them particularly suited to practice the sect's unique beast taming techniques.
The sect's lineage of leaders, all Dou Zong experts, wielded immense power, and each commanded a seventh tier magical beast as their legacy spirit companion. Their strength far exceeded that of the imperial family. However, the sect showed little interest in mundane political affairs.
Most of the elders rarely remained within the sect grounds, preferring to roam the world. Even so, countless hopefuls vied each year to join their ranks. Unfortunately for most, the sect only accepted geniuses. To become a core disciple, one had to pass a rigorous and mysterious trial.
The Hidden Truth Beneath the Sect
Yet, this prestigious reputation was but a façade. Hidden beneath the towering mountain of the Beast Tamer Sect was a secret capable of shaking the heavens.
If someone were to pierce through the mountain's rocky exterior, they would uncover a massive hidden space within. This cavernous interior housed a grand, chilling hall that stretched across tens of miles. Rising nearly a hundred meters in height, it was as though half the mountain had been hollowed out.
This was a Soul Hall branch, one of the clandestine remnants of the Soul Clan.
At the pinnacle of this subterranean stronghold, a black robed elder sat with quiet dignity, exuding an aura of unyielding authority.
"Sect Master," the elder, addressed as Niu Zunlao (Elder Niu), commanded respect as the sect master of the Beast Tamer Sect knelt before him, speaking with deference.
"Respected Elder Niu, our sect recently accepted a highly gifted disciple. If properly nurtured, they might one day serve as a protector for the Soul Hall."
"Oh? A prodigy, you say?" Elder Niu's brows arched slightly, though he appeared only marginally interested.
"A mere Dou Zong talent," he mused to himself. "While useful, it's hardly significant. Even another Dou Zun wouldn't change much for us. As long as the Xiao Clan exists, we remain nothing but shadows, unable to step into the light."
He waved dismissively. "Initiate the Heart Refining Test. Make sure they are loyal before we consider further training."
"Yes, Elder Niu!" The Beast Tamer Sect Master's face brightened with enthusiasm.
Though the elder seemed indifferent, the sect master was pleased. If the disciple proved genuine, they could become a valuable addition to the sect and the Soul Hall.
The Elder's Frustration
After the sect master departed, Elder Niu leaned back and let out a weary sigh.
For a thousand years, elders like him had instilled hope into their recruits, preaching that the Soul Hall would one day rise again. They promised a return to glory atop the Dou Qi Continent, painting grand visions of victory over the Xiao Clan.
But in truth, Elder Niu knew better. The Soul Hall's members were nothing more than fugitives. Every elder in the hall understood that the moment they revealed themselves, they would be branded as the last remnants of the Soul Clan and hunted to extinction.
"Every meeting, the Deputy Hall Master tells us the same story about a new prodigy destined to lead the Soul Clan to glory. A 'Dou Di talent,' they say." He sneered bitterly.
"After hundreds of years of false promises, who would believe that nonsense anymore?"
For centuries, Elder Niu had resigned himself to this life of hiding. Once, the Soul Hall boasted twenty four branch halls, each guarded by two or three Dou Zun experts. Now, only twelve remained, and most branches barely had one Dou Zun left to defend them.
"Let's be honest my greatest wish now is just to die of old age peacefully," Elder Niu muttered.
A Sense of Doom
Elder Niu's musings were interrupted as a frown creased his brow.
"Why hasn't Protector Wu returned yet? All I asked was for him to confirm the status of the Zhang family's branch leader."
Turning to another figure in the shadows, he barked, "Protector Jie, go to the spatial tunnel and see what's taking him so long."
"Yes, Elder," Protector Jie replied, swiftly departing toward the spatial tunnel.
The Zhang family held unique importance to the Soul Hall's legacy, and each generation's family head carried a priceless relic. While the family's strength was negligible, their significance warranted close monitoring.
As Protector Jie approached the tunnel, he noticed a faint ripple in the air.
"Finally, that lazy fool is back," he thought.
But before he could step closer, Elder Niu's voice suddenly roared through the hall, tinged with rare urgency.
"Everyone, run! As far as you can!"
The dozen protectors in the hall froze. Never had they seen Elder Niu, usually calm and composed, show such panic. A chill swept through the chamber.
Elder Niu stood, hands trembling as he stretched them toward the spatial tunnel. "They've found us. The Xiao Clan is here!"
The Xiao Clan Arrives
"Heh heh heh! So this is where you've been hiding. This will earn me quite the reward!"
A sinister chuckle echoed from the spatial tunnel as the chamber's atmosphere turned oppressive.
The air itself seemed to solidify as three figures emerged from the tunnel.
Standing before the protectors were a young man and two old men, all exuding an overwhelming presence. The protectors realized in horror that the two elders were Half Saints!
"A Dou Zun and over ten Dou Zongs?" one of the elders sneered. "What a bountiful haul!"
The protectors were paralyzed with fear, while Elder Niu's face turned ashen.
He understood immediately that escape was impossible.
His gaze softened, his body relaxing as if accepting his fate. A faint smile, tinged with relief, graced his lips.
"A thousand years… I'm tired of this," he murmured. "Living like this hiding, scheming it's no life at all.
"Let someone else clean up this mess. I'm done."
Activating a secret technique, Elder Niu's body trembled.
"Crack!"
A chilling sound echoed as his soul shattered into fragments, and his life extinguished in an instant.
(To be continued...)
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