Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 17: Gathering in Heaven Dou City

A day after the war, the Four Single-Attribute Clans reached Heaven Dou City.

Instead of following Prince Xue Xing's arrangements, each clan decided to go its own way. The Li Clan, having established some businesses in Heaven Dou City, returned directly to their properties, while the other three clans rented hotel accommodations.

Yang Wudi and several clan elders immediately headed for the residence where their younger members had been staying. His brother, Yang Wushuang, along with his son and grandson, were there, and he had important matters to discuss with his brother.

Prince Xue Xing, meanwhile, went straight to the imperial palace to report.

Inside the palace, Emperor Xue Ye's expression turned grave upon hearing the details of the recent conflict. Spirit Hall had long been a pressure on Heaven Dou Empire, but if even Haotian Sect—the strongest sect in the land—had been so severely battered and forced into seclusion, how could Heaven Dou hope to stand against Spirit Hall in the future?

However, learning that the Four Single-Attribute Clans were now in Heaven Dou City seemed to lift the emperor's spirits.

"Xue Xing, you've done well. Although the Four Single-Attribute Clans' power may not be overwhelming, together, they boast over a thousand spirit masters. Even if they don't formally join us, they will at least work with us against Spirit Hall."

"Invite the four clan leaders to the palace tomorrow so that we may discuss how best to help them settle here. It is essential that they stay within Heaven Dou Empire."

Prince Xue Xing hesitated. "Elder brother, I understand the importance of the Four Clans, but will this not create more friction with Spirit Hall? After being abandoned by Haotian Sect, the clans might be reluctant to join any other power."

"Remember, Xue Xing," the emperor said, "Spirit Hall is now our greatest threat. Even Star Luo Empire poses less of a danger than they do."

Though not known as an enlightened ruler, Emperor Xue Ye understood the broader power struggles and knew exactly where his true enemy lay.

When Yang Wudi and the other elders arrived at the residence and saw the young ones playing and training nearby, their fatigue and sorrow seemed to melt away, replaced by a rare sense of relief.

Upon seeing his brother, Yang Wushuang couldn't contain his excitement. "Brother, you've finally arrived! How are things now?"

Yang Wudi glanced at the children nearby before saying, "Let's discuss everything inside."

Once inside, Yang Wudi, Yang Wushuang, Yang Zhentian, and six other Po Clan elders gathered. Together, the nine of them represented the clan's entire lineup of Spirit Saints, all wielding the family's signature Po Spirit Spear.

Yang Wudi recounted the events of the war in detail, from Haotian Sect's abandonment of their affiliates to Spirit Hall's relentless pursuit.

After hearing it all, Yang Wushuang's face was filled with fury. "Those heartless bastards at Haotian Sect! Our Po Clan has been loyal for generations, and they discard us without a second thought! Brother, what should we do now?"

Yang Wudi paused. "There are a few key issues to consider, and I wanted to discuss them with everyone here."

"First, should the Po Clan rebuild within Heaven Dou Empire or return to Star Luo Empire?"

The gathered elders shared their views. Some were in favor of returning to Star Luo Empire, while others supported staying in Heaven Dou. Yang Zhentian had yet to express his opinion.

"Zhentian," Yang Wudi finally asked, "where do you think we should settle?"

"Father," Yang Zhentian replied, "Heaven Dou Empire isn't a bad option, and since we arrived here with Prince Xue Xing, leaving now won't be easy."

"Additionally, Star Luo's royal family is more assertive. If we settle near Star Luo City, we risk being swallowed by them. If we avoid the city, Spirit Hall could target us more easily. I think it would be best to remain close to Heaven Dou City, where the royal family is less intrusive."

The room fell silent as they weighed his words. After some thought, Yang Wudi made the final decision: the Po Clan would rebuild near Heaven Dou City, maintaining independence.

With that settled, Yang Wudi added, "Since Haotian Sect has cast us aside, we must forge our own path. Heaven Dou Empire, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan have all extended offers of alliance, but I have declined. From here on, the Po Clan will develop independently without relying on any sect."

He then continued, "Let's also think about where exactly to establish our new clan grounds. In the coming days, we'll likely discuss this with Heaven Dou's royal family."

After a productive discussion on various aspects of rebuilding the clan, the elders dispersed, each eager to see their family members. Yang Wudi, meanwhile, went to Yang Potian's room. He held his grandson tightly, almost suffocating him in his embrace.

"Grandfather, I missed you so much! I never want to be apart from you again."

Ruffling his grandson's hair, Yang Wudi replied, "I missed you too, Potian. We'll never be separated again."

The Po Clan had fared better than the other three clans in the war, primarily because their children had been kept safe. The Po Clan still had over 400 members remaining, much better than the 100 or so they had left in the original story, while the other three clans now had only around 300 members each.

This time, they had lost few children, thanks in large part to Yang Potian's unintentional actions, which had allowed the clan to protect their future generation. Even the other elders had discussed rewarding him for this, leaving Yang Wudi both grateful and amused.

The next day, responding to Emperor Xue Ye's invitation, Yang Wudi and the other three clan leaders made their way to the palace. Following a discussion, they all agreed to establish their clans near Heaven Dou City, no more than a few dozen kilometers away—close enough to benefit from its proximity.

The Po Clan chose a site about forty kilometers east of Heaven Dou City, encompassing a mountain and a valley suitable for growing medicinal herbs, an essential part of their alchemical practices. Conveniently, it was only sixty kilometers from the Sunset Forest, ensuring easy access for herb gathering.

The other three clans also selected sites just outside Heaven Dou City, forming a close-knit ring around the city.

Through these arrangements, the Four Single-Attribute Clans strengthened their ties with Heaven Dou Empire, agreeing to assist in defense against outside threats while preserving their internal independence.

Thus, the Haotian Sect War finally came to a close, and the single-attribute clans found a new foothold. It was a collaboration born of necessity and caution, and neither the clans nor the Heaven Dou Empire demanded excessive commitments from the other.

(End of Chapter)

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