Chapter 222: Yang Wudi, You Don't Want To…
Flender was still a man of principles. Even though he didn't rush back using his martial soul, choosing instead to take a leisurely stroll around the training field and even circling it once in a rather pleasant mood before entering through the side gate, he still made sure to deliver an important message after training ended Yu Xiaogang had been injured.
After all, he was a kind hearted person who couldn't bear to see his old brother suffer.
And why wait until after training? Obviously, to uphold his promise to His Majesty Haotian. He had vowed to take good care of Tang San, and he was taking that duty very seriously.
In fact, this newfound sense of responsibility even led him to think about another pleasant realization.
Once he went to see Qin Ming tomorrow and arranged for Tang San to join the Royal Battle Team, Tang San would no longer be his concern!
At this point, Flender was actually looking forward to Yu Xiaogang's plan succeeding as soon as possible. Compared to him, even the troublemaker Ning Rongrong seemed far more pleasant to deal with. Of course, Ning Rongrong was already quite attractive to begin with.
Better yet, let them take Xiao Wu along too. And while they were at it, why not Ning Rongrong as well? As for Dai Mubai, Flender did have some attachment to him he could stay.
Thinking about all this, Flender suddenly found himself in an even better mood. For once, he even considered treating Zhao Wuji to a drink.
Of course, Zhao Wuji would have to split the bill.
And with that, he disappeared, leaving Ma Hongjun and Oscar exchanging puzzled glances.
Master was injured… but the dean seemed really happy about it?
Meanwhile, deep within the Star Dou Forest…
When Han Li and his group suddenly appeared before them, Yang Wudi and Bai He immediately stood at attention.
However, upon noticing the youthfulness of the newcomers, they relaxed slightly though they remained cautious.
This was the Star Dou Forest, and while they weren't in its deepest parts, they were still within a dangerous mixed zone. Anyone able to move so silently in this region was certainly no ordinary figure.
Most importantly, it was an unspoken rule among soul masters that in places like these, one generally avoided approaching others unless absolutely necessary.
After all, human spirit masters could be far more dangerous than soul beasts sometimes even more so.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Yang Wudi's gaze was ice cold, making it clear that he was ready to attack at any moment.
"Senior Yang, there's no need for alarm. We mean no harm," Han Li replied with a calm smile, gesturing toward Bai Ming, who was still lying on the ground. "We only asked if you needed help."
"You know me?"
Yang Wudi frowned. He could feel Han Li's sincerity, but he was not so easily convinced.
After all, though he was once well known, he had long since disappeared from the public eye. Few would recognize him on sight.
"Of course, I do. You are Yang Wudi, the clan leader of the Breaking Clan. How could I not?"
Han Li smiled as he answered.
That, however, was a lie.
Only minutes ago, he had no idea who Yang Wudi was. But upon using his spiritual power to probe the area, he had found something familiar about the man.
It wasn't until he heard their conversation particularly their names that he realized their identities.
As for why Yang Wudi seemed familiar… it wasn't entirely Han Li's imagination.
He had, after all, encountered someone with a similar appearance before Yang Wushuang, Yang Wudi's younger brother and the top lieutenant under Yue Guan.
Back when he had been dealing with medicinal herb trades, Yang Wushuang had been present, though Han Li hadn't paid much attention to him at the time.
"And you are?"
Yang Wudi's expression shifted slightly. His gaze toward Han Li became more scrutinizing.
For a young man to know his name so easily, he must have had strong backing. Most ordinary soul masters wouldn't have this kind of knowledge especially considering how long Yang Wudi had been in hiding.
"I come from Spirit Hall."
Han Li didn't immediately reveal his full identity. Instead, he simply mentioned the force backing him. He was curious to see their reaction.
"The scum of Spirit Hall? And you dare show yourself before me?"
In an instant, Yang Wudi's hands gripped a black, twelve foot long spear. But rather than immediately attacking, his eyes flicked around, scanning the surroundings.
He was sure that a group of kids like this wouldn't be traveling alone. There had to be Spirit Hall experts hiding in the shadows, watching their every move.
"Looking for more people?"
Han Li smirked. "I can tell you right now there's no one else. It's just us."
Far from reassuring Yang Wudi, this statement only heightened his wariness.
What nonsense. Did they really expect him to believe that?
If he fell for such an obvious lie, he would truly be a fool.
Frankly, if it weren't for the injured clan member behind him and the fact that Bai He also had a wounded tribesman Yang Wudi would have already attacked without hesitation.
To him, Spirit Hall had always been an enemy. Even though they had long stopped hunting his clan, the old wounds remained.
"This hostility toward Spirit Hall… would you care to explain it to me?"
Han Li, still unfazed, maintained his warm tone as he posed the question.
"Oh, by the way, the people behind you can leave now. Of course, he has to stay."
Han Li pointed at Bai Ming, who was still lying on the ground.
To be honest, Han Li meant well. He simply wanted to ease Yang Wudi's nerves, but when his words reached Yang Wudi's ears, they sounded like a blatant threat.
Your clan members can leave, but your strongest fighters must stay. Was Spirit Hall planning to eradicate them completely?
A wave of sorrow surged in Yang Wudi's heart, and he gripped his spear even tighter. Nonetheless, he still nodded toward the members of the two clans behind him.
As a result, the younger generation of the Breaking Clan and the Speed Clan shot hostile glares at Han Li and his group but ultimately obeyed Yang Wudi's decision, slowly retreating into the distance.
Han Li was puzzled by their reaction.
All I asked was for you guys to step back since this conversation isn't meant for you to hear.
Is it really necessary to look at me like I'm your mortal enemy? Why does it seem like you're heading to your death?
Only after his clansmen disappeared from view did Yang Wudi twirl his spear and assume a battle stance.
"Come on."
Come on? Come on for what?
At that moment, Han Li finally realized the problem these subsidiary clans were way too hostile toward Spirit Hall.
They actually thought he was going to attack them?
Did it never occur to them that if that were the case, why would he have let their clansmen leave?
"Don't misunderstand. I have no intention of fighting," Han Li said, waving his hand dismissively.
"I told you I just want to talk. Why do you harbor such deep hatred toward Spirit Hall?"
"Hmph! What's there to talk about? Spirit Hall slaughtered our clansmen back then. There was no mercy at all!"
Yang Wudi scoffed coldly, still scanning his surroundings for hidden enemies.
"Slaughter? Clan Leader Yang, you can lie to others, but don't lie to yourself. You know better than anyone whether there was a massacre or not, yet you're still spouting nonsense?"
Han Li frowned.
He had heard the truth directly from Guang Ling.
Yes, Spirit Hall had suppressed and expelled them, and yes, there had been some acts of retaliation but a full scale massacre? That was pure exaggeration.
In fact, during the expulsion of the four clans, many among them had refused to comply and instead attacked Spirit Hall forces first, leading to casualties on both sides.
Between Yang Wudi's words and what his master had told him, Han Li naturally believed his master.
Yang Wudi flinched slightly but still stubbornly retorted, "Spirit Hall killed my clansmen. That is a fact. My son and my younger brother also died because of them!"
"And you didn't kill your fair share of Spirit Hall members? Don't act so righteous. Also, what makes you so sure your son and brother are actually dead?"
Han Li decided to be more direct.
"What did you just say?"
This time, it was Yang Wudi's turn to react emotionally. His grip on his spear trembled slightly.
For years, he had believed that both his son and younger brother had died that day. Now, hearing that they might still be alive, his heart long numbed to such thoughts stirred with renewed hope.
"Old Goat, be careful! Don't forget, he's from Spirit Hall. He could be deceiving you!"
Bai He quickly warned, noticing his old friend's wavering resolve.
"Mhm, you're absolutely right. I'm totally lying. I have no idea who Yang Wushuang and Yang Yan are."
Han Li glanced at Bai He, nodding enthusiastically. He nearly added a sarcastic, "Sure, sure."
"Are Wushuang and Xiao Yan really alive?"
Despite Bai He's warning, Yang Wudi couldn't hide his anxious anticipation.
Yang Yan had been just a child back then, and by the standards of the Douluo Continent, he was considered a "late born son."
Very few people in the four subsidiary clans even knew his name.
"Of course, they're alive. And they're doing way better than you are."
As he spoke, Han Li cast a disdainful look at Bai He.
A soul master clan falling into such a sorry state truly a rare sight.
Feeling Han Li's gaze, Bai He grew uncomfortable and reflexively glared back at him.
"Then why haven't they contacted me all these years?"
Yang Wudi lowered his spear, his resolve shaken.
The Breaking Clan had always been fearless in battle, but when it came to family, even the strongest could show weakness.
"That's not their fault. They weren't allowed to contact you. And honestly, you should be grateful to them."
Han Li shrugged.
"If they hadn't joined Spirit Hall, do you really think the four clans would've been able to escape Spirit Hall's pursuit?"
"Was it your exceptional ability to run away? Or was it the fact that you're Tang Hao's uncle?"
Han Li directed this last comment at Bai He, openly mocking him.
Truthfully, Bai He's presence here was a bit of an eyesore.
If he weren't with Yang Wudi, Han Li wouldn't have even bothered acknowledging him.
Hearing Han Li's words, Bai He's face turned pale with anger.
What the hell?
I've barely spoken, yet all of his insults are directed at me!
Is this even fair?
I'm an agility type soul master, not a defense type!
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