Chapter 219: The Standoff and the Hunt for the Traitor
Tang Hao's face turned dark green with frustration.
He couldn't understand why Sword Douluo had drawn his blade against him just for casually disciplining a mere gate guard. Was that really necessary?
In truth, this reaction wasn't entirely his fault. The way he had been raised never encouraged this kind of thinking. Moreover, the operational models of the Clear Sky Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan were vastly different.
The Clear Sky Clan's core members consisted solely of the Tang family. In contrast, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan included not only the direct Ning bloodline but also their partners and other talented members they had recruited over time.
Strictly speaking, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan functioned as a proper sect, while the Ning family, despite their leadership role, existed in a cooperative relationship with their members.
Meanwhile, the Clear Sky Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were, in essence, super sized family clans. Those without the core martial souls were mere vassals or even servants.
If this had happened in the Clear Sky Clan or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, as long as the victim wasn't a direct descendant, it could have been brushed off without issue.
After all, despite his years of self imposed exile, Tang Hao still viewed the Clear Sky Clan as the undisputed number one sect in the world. And back in his prime, he had always acted with reckless arrogance.
So why dared the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan retaliate?
At that moment, Tang Hao seriously considered going all out, unleashing everything he had in battle. Even though he was still severely injured, and even though he wasn't confident he could defeat Sword Douluo one on one, he was tempted.
However, after weighing his options his current state, his need to remain in hiding, and the certainty that both Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo would join the fight if things escalated he chose to endure.
Endure. Endure.
And just like that, before the confrontation had even properly begun, Tang Hao had already been suppressed.
"I didn't come here to fight. I have business with Ning Fengzhi."
Despite backing down, Tang Hao still forced himself to keep his head held high as he addressed Chen Xin.
This is it? This is the legendary Clear Sky Douluo?
Coward. Where's all that bravado you had when you attacked my disciples? Why don't you dare fight me now?
Chen Xin's hand brushed over his sword hilt, full of disdain.
Honestly, he wanted Tang Hao to be more aggressive. His Seven Kill Sword hadn't been drawn in too long. Sparring with Bone Douluo was getting stale they knew each other too well, and neither could break through the other's techniques.
Back when Tang Hao had made a name for himself, Chen Xin had already been a Titled Douluo, so he hadn't been able to fight him without it being seen as bullying.
Later, by the time Tang Hao reached Titled Douluo level, he had vanished.
Chen Xin had been stuck at Rank 96 for years. He had hoped today would be the chance to push for Rank 97. After all, Tang Hao had once slain a Super Douluo beyond his level it would have been an interesting challenge.
But now, Tang Hao was surrendering before the battle had even begun.
Still, while Chen Xin was eager for a fight, the interests of the clan came first. He couldn't act recklessly.
"Follow me. But I don't want to see any more of what you did earlier."
Chen Xin retracted his sword and issued a warning before turning to lead the way into the sect.
As they passed the injured guard, Chen Xin relayed Ning Fengzhi's message someone would come to relieve him soon. Although he wasn't badly hurt, he would be excused from his sect duties for a month as compensation.
Noticing the admiration in the disciple's eyes as he looked at Chen Xin, Tang Hao felt a surge of discomfort.
So I've become the tool for boosting their loyalty and morale, huh?
But after what had just happened, he pretended not to notice, though he secretly took note of it.
Ahead of him, Chen Xin detected the shift in Tang Hao's mood and silently scoffed.
Picking a fight, then backing down the moment you meet resistance and now you're holding grudges over something so petty?
This is someone who should never be trusted.
The Clear Sky Clan's actions had already put the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan in a difficult position once.
And Tang Hao? He had abandoned his clan entirely. Now, seeing him up close, Chen Xin was convinced he was even worse than before.
He would have to remind Ning Fengzhi: Never trust the Clear Sky Clan. Their personalities were the complete opposite of their hammer based martial souls far too soft.
Because of Tang Hao's delicate identity, Chen Xin led him through a nearly deserted route. It was difficult to navigate, but neither of them struggled due to their strength.
After many twists and turns, they arrived at the main hall.
By then, all guards had been discreetly removed. Inside, only Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo were waiting.
As Tang Hao entered, Ning Fengzhi greeted him with a warm smile.
"Brother Tang, what a rare guest. It's been quite some time. Have you come because the hidden weapons are finally ready for delivery?"
From the way the guard had been attacked, Ning Fengzhi already knew Tang Hao wasn't here with good intentions.
Additionally, Bone Douluo had informed him of a burst of Sword Douluo's energy near the mountain gate.
So, he chose to take the initiative, pressing Tang Hao the moment he arrived.
"The hidden weapons? They're still being refined. It'll take some more time."
Tang Hao was momentarily stunned before regaining his composure. His expression remained steady as he spoke.
He hadn't expected Ning Fengzhi to bring that up first.
He had spent all this time in the Sunset Forest and hadn't given a second thought to hidden weapons. Naturally, he was going to stall for as long as possible.
"Oh? If they aren't ready yet, then may I ask what brings Brother Tang here today? Did you encounter difficulties in production? Do you require our assistance?"
"If it's about the hidden weapons, while we may not be as skilled as your clan, we can still offer some help. Brother Tang, why not share the schematics with us? We can manufacture them ourselves, and of course, we will still compensate you accordingly."
Ning Fengzhi admitted it he was doing this on purpose.
Hidden weapons were an essential strategic resource for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. How could Ning Fengzhi possibly trust someone completely based on a verbal agreement?
After reaching an informal deal with Tang Hao last time, he had immediately ordered surveillance on any potential contacts Tang Hao might have had.
However, despite all his efforts, there had been no sign of Tang Hao interacting with any external forces, so he had been forced to let the matter rest.
As for the hidden weapons that Tang San had previously gifted to Ning Rongrong, when they had secretly taken them apart, the core components had all self destructed. Even now, they were still trying to reverse engineer them, but all attempts had ended in failure.
In Ning Fengzhi's mind, Tang San's forging skills and hidden weapon techniques obviously came from his father, Tang Hao. It never even crossed his mind that these abilities were Tang San's own.
After all, Tang Hao had been recognized as one of the "Three Great Blacksmiths" of his era, so it wouldn't be surprising if he had passed down a hidden weapon inheritance.
Hearing Ning Fengzhi's words, Tang Hao's face darkened. Helping with production? Wasn't that just an excuse to steal the blueprints? Ning Fengzhi might not be the strongest, but he certainly had guts.
That technology belonged to his son. Even he didn't understand it fully, yet Ning Fengzhi wanted to obtain it for free? What a delusional scheme.
Indeed, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had ambitions beyond their station.
Of course, he deliberately ignored the most glaring question how had his son, who had grown up right under his nose, suddenly developed these incredible skills?
"There's no need for Sect Master Ning to worry about the hidden weapons. I, Tang Hao, am more than capable of handling it."
Tang Hao's response was firm yet evasive. He hadn't come here to argue about hidden weapons he had a more pressing issue to deal with.
"Sect Master Ning, I want an explanation. Where have you hidden Zhu Zhuqing? She injured my son surely you don't think I'll just let this slide?"
There was a clear tone of accusation in his voice.
"Heh, when did members of the Clear Sky Clan become so shameless? Oh, wait you've always been like this."
Bone Douluo, standing behind Ning Fengzhi, couldn't hold back his sneer.
Neither Ning Fengzhi nor Sword Douluo rebuked him. Instead, they turned to look at Tang Hao, their expressions calm but their gazes oddly mocking.
Did Tang Hao not even know what he had done?
Now he was blaming them for taking Zhu Zhuqing? Demanding they hand her over?
"Bone Douluo, what do you mean by that?"
Tang Hao's expression turned grim as he locked eyes with Ning Fengzhi, demanding an explanation.
He was aware of his current disadvantage. If he acted recklessly, he would be overwhelmed. His only choice was to use his presence to exert pressure instead.
"That joke wasn't funny, Brother Tang."
This time, Ning Fengzhi didn't bother with pleasantries. His expression remained indifferent as he spoke.
"You should know very well who actually took Zhu Zhuqing. Trying to frame my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan while playing the victim do you take me for a fool? Or do you think Uncle Jian's Seven Kill Sword isn't sharp enough? Are you declaring war on us?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Tang Hao felt two powerful spiritual pressures lock onto him. The killing intent emanating from the Seven Kill Sword was like needles against his skin.
"If not you, then who else? I haven't been in Heaven Dou City during this time. Other than your clan, I can't think of anyone else who could have taken Zhu Zhuqing."
Though under immense pressure, Tang Hao didn't panic. His brows furrowed slightly Ning Fengzhi's reaction felt too intense.
If they were guilty, they would at least hesitate. But all three of them had immediately turned to glare at him. Bone Douluo had even mocked him outright, and now they were ready to attack.
This felt wrong.
Ning Fengzhi also realized something was off. If Tang Hao was telling the truth, then his own assumptions had been incorrect. There was clearly a missing piece in this puzzle.
"I thought you took Zhu Zhuqing."
"I thought you took Zhu Zhuqing."
Both men spoke at the exact same time.
"If it wasn't you…"
"If it wasn't you…"
They fell silent again.
The atmosphere in the hall became incredibly awkward.
After a long pause, Ning Fengzhi was the first to speak.
"Brother Tang, it seems there are aspects of this situation that neither of us fully understand."
He hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"But tell me, Brother Tang why were you so convinced that my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was responsible? Where did you get that information?"
As he spoke, Ning Fengzhi's smile remained, but there was a cold glint in his eyes.
Someone had deliberately set this up, manipulating Tang Hao into causing trouble.
Had Tang Hao or Ning Fengzhi been a little less cautious, this situation would have already escalated into a full blown conflict.
Even now, their relationship had already been strained. Though they had never been particularly close, things had never been this tense.
Whoever orchestrated this clearly had malicious intentions.
"It was Yu Xiaogang who told me."
Tang Hao felt a bit awkward but decided to reveal the truth. He had no reason to protect Yu Xiaogang in this situation.
After all, he wasn't lying this theory had indeed originated from Yu Xiaogang. He had merely chosen not to argue against it.
"Yu Xiaogang?"
Ning Fengzhi frowned. He hadn't expected that name to come up.
"And what exactly did Brother Tang hear?"
Having been misled once already, Ning Fengzhi was now extra cautious. He pressed Tang Hao for a full explanation.
Tang Hao, realizing the gravity of the situation, recounted everything he had heard from Yu Xiaogang, word for word.
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