Chapter 17: Gathering in Heaven Dou City

One day after the war ended, the four single-attribute families arrived in Heaven Dou City.

The families did not follow the arrangements made by Prince Xuexing; instead, they each went their own way. The Strength Clan, one of the four, had its own small business in Heaven Dou City and went straight there, while the other three families rented a hotel to stay in.

Yang Wudi, along with several elders, headed directly to the residence arranged for their children. His brother, son, and grandson were there, and he had many matters to discuss with his brother, Yang Wushuang.

Prince Xuexing did not return home either, heading directly to the palace.

In the palace, Emperor Xueye had a very grave expression after hearing the details of the war. The pressure from the Martial Soul Hall on the Heaven Dou Empire had always been immense, and now that even the so-called number one sect in the world had suffered such heavy losses and been forced into seclusion, how could they resist the Martial Soul Hall in the future?

However, when Emperor Xueye learned that the four single-attribute families had arrived in Heaven Dou City, his expression lightened considerably.

"Xuexing, you've done well this time. Although the single-attribute families are not particularly powerful on their own, together they boast over a thousand spirit masters. Even if they don't officially join our Heaven Dou Empire, they will still stand with us against the Martial Soul Hall."

"Tomorrow, invite the four family heads to the palace. We'll discuss how to settle the four single-attribute families. Remember, we must ensure that they remain within our empire."

Prince Xuexing hesitated. "Brother, I understand the importance of the four families, but won't this risk angering the Martial Soul Hall? Moreover, after being abandoned by the top sect, I doubt the single-attribute families will be willing to join any faction."

"Xuexing, you must remember that the Martial Soul Hall is now our greatest enemy. Even the Star Luo Empire poses less of a threat."

Emperor Xueye had ruled the empire for many years, and while he wasn't known as a wise ruler, he had a clear understanding of the broader situation and knew who his real enemies were.

When Yang Wudi and the elders arrived at the residence, they saw the children playing and training nearby. The sight brought a rare smile to their faces, and all their fatigue and pain seemed to melt away.

Yang Wushuang and Yang Zhentian were visibly emotional. "Brother, you're finally here. How are things going?"

Yang Wudi glanced at the children again. "Let's talk inside."

Once inside, the room held nine people, including Yang Wudi, Yang Wushuang, Yang Zhentian, and six spirit saints of the Breaking Clan. These were the only spirit saints left in their clan, all possessing the same martial soul: the Breaking Spear.

Yang Wudi gave a detailed account of the recent battle, including how they were abandoned by the top sect and hunted by the Martial Soul Hall.

After hearing everything, Yang Wushuang was outraged. "That sect betrayed us! Our clan has served them for generations, and they discarded us without a word. Brother, what should we do now?"

Yang Wudi was silent for a moment. "There are several issues we need to discuss, which is why I gathered everyone here."

"First, should our clan remain in the Heaven Dou Empire or return to the Star Luo Empire?"

The group offered their opinions, some supporting a return to Star Luo, while others favored staying in Heaven Dou. Throughout, Yang Zhentian remained quiet.

"Zhentian, where do you think we should go?" Yang Wudi asked directly.

"Father, I think the Heaven Dou Empire is a good option. Since we came here with Prince Xuexing, it won't be easy to leave now."

"Moreover, the Star Luo Empire's royal family is quite powerful. If we go to Star Luo City, there's a risk they might absorb us into their forces. And if we stay outside the city, we could easily become a target for the Martial Soul Hall. So, I suggest we stay near Heaven Dou City. At least the royal family here isn't as overbearing."

After hearing this, everyone fell into silence. In the end, Yang Wudi made the decision: the Breaking Clan would rebuild their home near Heaven Dou City and develop independently.

After deciding to stay in the Heaven Dou Empire, Yang Wudi continued, "After the recent war, our clan has been abandoned by the top sect. Now, the Heaven Dou Empire, the Glazed Sect, and the Tyrant Dragon Clan have all tried to recruit us, but I've rejected them. From now on, our clan will develop independently and won't rely on any sect."

"Also, think about where our new home should be. In the next few days, the four families will likely negotiate with the Heaven Dou royal family."

After discussing various aspects of rebuilding the family, the group dispersed to check on their children.

Yang Wudi went to visit Yang Podi, who was completely bewildered when his grandfather embraced him tightly, nearly cutting off his breath.

"Grandfather, you're finally here. I missed you so much. I never want to be separated from you again."

Yang Wudi affectionately tousled his grandson's hair. "Podi, I missed you too. We won't be separated again."

Thanks to the lack of children on the battlefield, the Breaking Clan suffered the least losses among the four families. After the war, they still had over 400 disciples, which was much better than the original story, where they were left with just over 100. The other three families, having lost more than half their members, now had only about 300 disciples each.

Through this war, both their current strength and future prospects were the best among the four single-attribute families. After all, the most vulnerable members—the children—had been safely protected in advance.

Yang Podi's seemingly innocent action had unexpectedly brought great benefits to the clan, earning him praise from the other elders, much to Yang Wudi's silent amusement.

The next day, at the invitation of Emperor Xueye, Yang Wudi and the other three family heads went to the palace. After some negotiation, they all decided to settle their families near Heaven Dou City, no more than a few dozen kilometers away, making it convenient in many ways.

The Breaking Clan chose a location about forty kilometers east of Heaven Dou City. Their new settlement included a mountain and a valley, ideal for growing medicinal herbs, which were essential to the clan's needs. The location was also only sixty kilometers from the nearby forest, making it easy for clan members to gather herbs and other resources.

The other three families also established themselves around Heaven Dou City, all within close proximity.

This arrangement brought the four single-attribute families closer to the Heaven Dou Empire, and they agreed that if any foreign threats arose, they would assist the empire in defense. However, the Heaven Dou Empire would not interfere in the internal affairs of the four families.

Neither side made excessive demands. After all, this was their first collaboration, and both preferred to keep things simple.