Chapter 218: The Master's Scheme Targets Seven Treasures, Tang Hao's Wrath Upon the Glazed Tile
"Your Eminence, here's what happened…"
Yu Xiaogang immediately put on an obedient expression and recounted the events, though he mixed in plenty of his own emotions and personal bias.
As he spoke, he realized something Tang Hao truly had no idea what had transpired. That meant he had nothing to do with Zhu Zhuqing's disappearance. Yu Xiaogang's previous assumption had been wrong.
But could something like that stump the so called "Cornerstone of Wisdom," Grandmaster Yu? Of course not. His mind worked rapidly, and soon, a bold idea emerged.
"Your Eminence, I have a theory. I don't know if I should say it."
Yu Xiaogang carefully observed Tang Hao's terrifyingly dark expression as he spoke.
"Speak."
Tang Hao's anger was barely contained after hearing that his son had been injured. This was his son someone had dared to harm him while he was away? Unforgivable.
"Your Eminence, I didn't know you had left during this time. I had assumed you were always secretly protecting Tang San, which led to my misjudgment. I thought you were the one who took Zhu Zhuqing."
"But since you were unaware of this, then there must be something suspicious about Zhu Zhuqing's disappearance."
Yu Xiaogang spoke while carefully watching Tang Hao's reactions.
"Go on."
Tang Hao's brows furrowed slightly he seemed to have thought of something. He motioned for Yu Xiaogang to continue.
"You are aware that Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong have always been close friends. So, isn't it possible that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan secretly took her?"
"The Heaven Dou Imperial Family is also a suspect, but after considering it, I ruled them out. They don't have the courage or the strength to hide someone from Ning Fengzhi. Plus, doing so wouldn't benefit them at all."
"If it were the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, they would have wanted the Emperor Battle Team's second squad to display a martial soul fusion technique from the Star Luo Empire. If that happened, regardless of the outcome, it would have been a severe blow to the Star Luo Empire's reputation. If they even managed to defeat Davis, that would have been even better."
"So, I preliminarily ruled out the Heaven Dou Imperial Family."
Yu Xiaogang spoke with confidence, and even Tang Hao unconsciously nodded in agreement.
Yes, from the perspective of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, that logic made sense. Taking Zhu Zhuqing did nothing for them.
Seeing that Tang Hao was convinced, Yu Xiaogang became even more excited.
"This makes the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan the most likely suspect."
"First, as soon as the incident happened, Ning Rongrong immediately returned to her clan and only returned to the academy much later."
"Second, despite Zhu Zhuqing's disappearance, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan showed almost no reaction. They merely participated in a basic search effort."
"But they still allowed their heir to return to the academy without even issuing a formal complaint. Doesn't that seem suspicious?"
"And let's not even talk about Ning Fengzhi. Those two Titled Douluo are incredibly protective of Ning Rongrong. Previously, just for some inappropriate words from Dai Mubai, Sword Douluo severely injured him. But this time, they didn't appear at all. Doesn't that suggest they knew something? Or that they were the ones responsible?"
Yu Xiaogang presented his reasoning in one breath, feeling utterly refreshed afterward. Even the internal injuries he had sustained from Tang Hao's pressure felt less painful.
"Then tell me why would the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan do this? Just because of that little girl, Ning Rongrong?"
Tang Hao still felt something was off but couldn't quite put his finger on it. So, he threw the question back at Yu Xiaogang.
Yu Xiaogang hesitated. That was a good point why would the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan do this?
He frowned deeply.
Neither of them realized that their discussion had already veered off course. Instead of determining who was responsible, they were now assuming the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had done it and were trying to figure out why.
"Ning Rongrong's request might be one factor. But perhaps Zhu Zhuqing's identity also plays a role. Right now, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has reached its peak influence within the Heaven Dou Empire. Maybe they're trying to establish connections with Zhu Zhuqing's family."
Yu Xiaogang's thoughts suddenly clicked together.
"With the Clear Sky Clan in hiding, the political landscape of the Heaven Dou Empire is already clear. Maybe the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan wants to extend its influence into the Star Luo Empire as well."
"Zhu Zhuqing could be their ideal bridge. They can't interfere with Dai Mubai since he's a prince, but what about a discarded noble child?"
"Could it be… that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan wants to become another Spirit Hall?"
As Yu Xiaogang continued his train of thought, his voice grew quieter, as if realizing something terrifying.
The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became.
Tang Hao's expression turned completely black.
The Clear Sky Clan's retreat was his doing. It was because of him that what was once the world's number one sect had chosen to seal itself away.
And now, seeing the growing influence of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, he started to believe that Yu Xiaogang's theory might be correct.
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan… Ning Fengzhi… such ambition!
If not for this useless man's accidental discovery, he might have been fooled completely.
Hmph. Replacing the Clear Sky Clan? What a joke.
In Tang Hao's eyes, there could only ever be one number one sect the Clear Sky Clan.
And once a man convinced himself of his "truth," he would believe it wholeheartedly.
Tang Hao had fallen into that trap.
If this was truly the case, then the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's actions made perfect sense.
Sending Ning Rongrong back to the academy and pretending as if nothing had happened, not even issuing a complaint it was clearly a move to deceive him. After all, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was well aware of his existence.
With this new train of thought, everything suddenly became logical to Tang Hao. His eyes even softened a little when looking at Yu Xiaogang.
This useless man still had some use, after all. He could be spared for now.
"Go inform Flender to wait for me in his office tonight. I have something to take care of first."
With a decision made, Tang Hao turned to Yu Xiaogang and gave his command.
His son had been injured. As his father, he had to seek justice.
As for whether or not the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was truly responsible Tang Hao would judge for himself. But in his mind, it had to be them. No one else had the strength to pull this off.
And even if they weren't behind it, he planned to use this opportunity to test them. It was time to remind them of their place there could only be one number one sect in the world, and that was the Clear Sky Clan.
Most importantly, why was that little support type girl unharmed while his son was injured? He completely ignored the fact that Tang San was the one who had started the conflict.
"Yes, Your Eminence. I will make sure your orders are delivered."
Yu Xiaogang no longer felt any pain in his body. He answered energetically, his spirits soaring.
"Hmph."
Tang Hao let out a cold snort before vanishing from the office.
Yu Xiaogang clenched his fist in excitement his moment had come.
Over an hour later, at the foot of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's mountain.
A figure in a black robe stood before the mountain gate. He coldly glanced at the guards stationed there before tossing out a token.
"Inform your clan master that an old acquaintance has come to visit."
The token struck one of the guards in the stomach, sending him tumbling to the ground. His fellow guard immediately prepared to retaliate, but the fallen disciple held him back he had recognized the token.
Despite the pain, the injured guard quickly stood up.
"Please wait a moment. I will inform the clan master immediately."
He gave a quick shake of his head toward his still angry companion before dashing toward the mountain gate.
Inside the main hall, the disciple presented the token with both hands and quickly explained the situation.
"Tang Hao? What does he want?"
As soon as Ning Fengzhi saw the token, he knew who had come. His expression darkened slightly when he noticed the disciple's injuries.
What was the meaning of this? Was this a friendly visit or an act of provocation? Did Tang Hao think the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was made of clay, that he could just assault their disciples as he pleased?
Summoning his Martial Soul, Ning Fengzhi cast a white glow over the injured guard, healing him until he could stand upright again. Only then did he withdraw his soul power.
Ning Fengzhi's expression softened slightly as he addressed the guard.
"You did well. No matter who the visitor is, I will make sure justice is served for you."
"Go and rest now. Later, visit the logistics department to receive half a year's worth of extra pay and resources. Take a full month off to recover. Does that sound fair?"
The guard's eyes widened in surprise at such generous treatment. He immediately bowed.
"Clan Master, I was simply doing my duty. As for "
"Enough. This is my order. You've earned it. Now go and rest."
Ning Fengzhi cut him off with a firm tone.
The disciple, now deeply moved, bowed again before leaving the hall as instructed.
Once he was gone, Ning Fengzhi's face turned cold.
"Uncle Jian, please go and see what Tang Hao wants. He dares to behave so arrogantly at my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's doorstep. What does he take this place for? Even when his father was alive, he wouldn't have dared act this way."
His voice carried a sharp edge as he turned to Sword Douluo.
"Understood."
Chen Xin nodded without hesitation and vanished from the hall.
Despite his scholarly appearance, he was not known for having a gentle temperament. His title, "Sword," was not given lightly.
Someone had already stepped on their toes if they didn't retaliate, then the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan might as well stop existing.
At the mountain gate, the remaining guard kept a wary eye on Tang Hao. However, the black robed man remained completely still, shrouded in mystery, his aura hidden.
Suddenly, Tang Hao seemed to sense something. He lifted his gaze just in time to see a flash of white light streak across the sky.
A split second later, a powerful sword aura slashed toward him.
Boom!
Tang Hao swiftly dodged, summoning his Clear Sky Hammer in an instant and smashing the sword aura aside. The impact caused a massive explosion nearby.
In the next moment, Chen Xin descended before him, his Seven Kill Sword glowing ominously, poised to strike again.
"Are you insane?"
Tang Hao glared at Chen Xin, his voice heavy with anger.
"The insane one here is you. Who gave you the audacity to waltz in and attack our disciples?"
Chen Xin's gaze was cold as he looked at the once proud prodigy of the Clear Sky Clan, now hiding in obscurity.
Against people like Tang Hao, mercy was pointless. Perhaps Ning Fengzhi's previous politeness had given this rat the wrong impression.
If they backed down even a little now, Tang Hao would only continue pushing his limits.
The guard was already stunned Sword Douluo had personally made a move. Should he try to do something too?
The tension at the mountain gate was razor sharp. Both sides were ready to strike at any moment.
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