Chapter 249: Stirring Ambitions, Part 1
Inside the Hao Tian Sect's Council Hall
The small council hall was unusually packed, with ten titled Douluos gathered a lineup far beyond what the original timeline would have anticipated. Newly appointed eighth and ninth elders, whose existence was entirely absent in the original story, had, for reasons unknown, recently achieved startling breakthroughs, each reaching the level of titled Douluo. Such a formidable assembly of strength was unprecedented, even in the long history of the Hao Tian Sect.
These new Douluos were not entirely sure how they had reached this level themselves, attributing their success to diligent training and perhaps to some vague stroke of fortune. However, the high ranking elders of the Hao Tian Sect dismissed these remarkable developments as mere blessings from their ancestors, revitalizing the clan after a period of decline. Given that concepts like divinity were foreign to them, they simply accepted the phenomenon without further examination.
However, despite their unparalleled strength, the sect's current circumstances left much to be desired. They still lived in hiding, constrained and humbled, with nothing more to show for their power than extra rations of meat. Their prolonged seclusion and newfound strength only served to fuel a growing restlessness among the elders.
At this moment, Sect Leader Tang Xiao sat at the head of the council, slowly reading a secret message from the White Tiger Emperor of Xingluo. The arrival of the Xingluo envoy, White One, had caused a stir, drawing the attention of the entire Hao Tian Sect leadership. Despite Tang Xiao's formidable strength at level 97, he knew he couldn't hope to control all nine elders on his own.
As Tang Xiao read, the other nine elders grew increasingly impatient, with the current Grand Elder formerly the fourth finally speaking up.
"Sect Leader, what does the White Tiger Emperor's letter say?"
The letter was brief, and Tang Xiao quickly finished reading it. However, instead of answering immediately, he folded the letter, his gaze contemplative. The other elders, however, were unable to contain their impatience and began pressing him for answers.
"Sect Leader!"
"What's the big secret? We're all here why not tell us openly?"
"Yes, Sect Leader, with ten titled Douluos in our ranks, what's there to be cautious about?"
The council hall, which had previously been solemn and respectful, devolved into a noisy marketplace. Tang Xiao's face darkened, and a terrifying aura emanated from him, pressing down on the assembled elders. Only the Grand Elder, at level 95, was able to withstand Tang Xiao's aura without showing discomfort, while the others visibly flinched.
"Enough, Sect Leader. Let's not escalate things," the Grand Elder said quickly, attempting to smooth things over while subtly signaling the other elders to remain silent.
Tang Xiao's forbearance over the years had led some of the newer elders to grow bold, failing to recognize the vast gap between themselves and him. Now, feeling the weight of his power, they withdrew, chastened.
With a dismissive snort, Tang Xiao ended the standoff. In his youth, he had immersed himself in cultivation, sparing little time for the sect's internal politics, and even after the sect went into hiding, things had remained relatively stable. But with the recent influx of titled Douluos, the situation had become complicated, and simmering power struggles began to emerge.
After weighing his options, Tang Xiao realized there was no way to hide the truth. However, he questioned whether it was wise for the sect to fully re enter the world, given the risks of openly challenging Spirit Hall. Would ten titled Douluos truly be enough?
The Grand Elder, who had once been accused of cowardice, had grown wiser and steadier over the years. Reading Tang Xiao's hesitation, he remained silent, for only those who had directly encountered Spirit Hall's power could fully understand the disparity.
"The so called world's strongest Tool Spirit?" he thought bitterly. "When faced with overwhelming strength, even the Hao Tian Hammer amounts to nothing." The reality was clear: without a sufficient soul power level, the strength of their spirit alone meant little. A level 30 Blue Silver Grass spirit master could easily overpower a level 10 Hao Tian Hammer wielder. And once titled Douluos surpassed level 95, each level was like a new peak, exponentially increasing in power. Even with his strength, the Grand Elder doubted he could handle two Tang Xiaos at once.
After careful consideration, Tang Xiao let out a resigned sigh, knowing that resistance was futile. He tossed the letter to the Grand Elder and said, "Pass it around. See for yourselves."
The Grand Elder read through the letter, his brow furrowing as he absorbed the contents before passing it along. One by one, the elders read the message. The White Tiger Emperor's words were simple, but they were enough to ignite a spark among the elders. Each of the newer elders' faces flushed with excitement, their eyes glinting with ambition.
Tang Xiao silently observed, noting the effect the letter had on them.
"Speak up. What are your thoughts?" he asked.
The Fourth Elder spoke up immediately. "Sect Leader, this is the perfect opportunity for our Hao Tian Sect to rise again! With the full support of the Xingluo Empire, and our former affiliated forces reuniting under us, we have every chance to succeed."
Tang Xiao and the Grand Elder exchanged a glance, both of them viewing the Fourth Elder with something akin to pity.
"What…?" The Fourth Elder faltered, sensing the disapproval in their eyes.
The Grand Elder shook his head in frustration. "You speak well, but keep your thoughts to yourself next time. The Hao Tian Sect abandoned those allied factions long ago. Do you think they'd welcome us back with open arms? Would you?"
Finally realizing his oversight, the Fourth Elder turned red with embarrassment. Though blunt, he was not entirely lacking in social awareness; he simply hadn't considered the consequences of past actions. Silently, he retreated, chastened.
Several of the other elders stifled chuckles, though they quickly composed themselves.
"Anyone else?" Tang Xiao prompted.
The Seventh Elder, known for his fiery temper, spoke boldly. "It's time for us to leave this mountain, Sect Leader. All these years we've been waiting, and now, with the Xingluo Empire's support, we can finally take vengeance on Spirit Hall for our past suffering. Ten titled Douluos and Xingluo's backing that will force Spirit Hall to pay."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10