Chapter 251: Restless Plans, Part 3
Inside the Haotian Sect Council Hall
Just as Tang Xiao was prepared to unleash further pressure upon the defiant Seventh Elder, a spiritual force shielded the elder, and a deep, weary voice sounded through the hall.
"Enough, Brother. The Seventh Elder isn't entirely wrong. When the survival of the sect is at stake, passing on these secret techniques to the elders might indeed be worthwhile."
The voice belonged to none other than Tang Hao, who hobbled into the council hall with a wooden prosthetic where his left leg had once been, evidence of the battles that had left him scarred and weathered. As he entered, Tang Xiao lifted his oppressive aura, allowing Tang Hao to help the Seventh Elder back to his seat.
"Are you alright, Seventh Elder?" Tang Hao asked indifferently.
The Seventh Elder gave a cold snort, still harboring resentment. "Don't think I'll forgive you that easily, Tang Hao."
Tang Hao simply nodded, his expression one of calm resignation. "I don't expect forgiveness. It's already a blessing to be back in the sect."
After years of hardship, Tang Hao's once fiery temperament had faded, leaving behind a demeanor of resignation tinged with nonchalance.
Tang Xiao looked at his younger brother, concern softening his features. "Hao, you…"
Tang Hao gently shook his head. "The title of Haotian Douluo belongs to the past. Spirit Hall's influence has grown vast and entrenched. If Haotian Sect is to engage them, we must bolster our strength. From what I've gathered, the two titled Douluos who once served under Xunji have now ascended to the rank of Super Douluo."
"If the elders lack substantial techniques, they won't be able to stand against such powerful enemies. Spirit Hall's swift conquest of the Heaven Dou Empire left gaps in intelligence. I came to the decision to share the Exploding Ring and Grand Sumeru Hammer techniques after thorough consideration. Our sect's survival is more important than any single person's pride."
The open sincerity in Tang Hao's voice left the elders visibly moved. While most were impressed by his willingness to share such secrets, the Seventh Elder still muttered reluctantly, "At least you've come to your senses."
Seeing his younger brother take this selfless step, Tang Xiao had no grounds to oppose the decision, particularly as he himself held the sect's highest position without having inherited the title of Haotian Douluo a fact that weighed heavily in this matter.
With the revelation of the Exploding Ring and Grand Sumeru Hammer, a spark of hope flared in Tang Xiao's heart. If all ten Haotian Sect elders could master these techniques, it would significantly level the playing field against Spirit Hall.
Tang Hao, still holding the White Tiger Emperor's letter, chuckled as he read it. "It seems the White Tiger Emperor is quite willing to compromise. You'll be made a king, Brother."
Tang Xiao let out a dry laugh. "A hollow title. For a true soul master, strength is what matters. The White Tiger Emperor is clearly desperate; he's offering everything he can to secure our support."
Tang Hao nodded. "Given the uncertainty of these turbulent times, I'll teach these techniques to the elders without delay."
The elders eagerly gathered around, eager to master the fabled Haotian Sect techniques. Outside the council hall, White One the envoy from Star Luo patiently awaited a reply, oblivious to the training underway.
Though the Exploding Ring technique was powerful, it demanded formidable spiritual control. Elders with advanced skills found it easier, but the newer, less experienced elders struggled, requiring multiple attempts and steady guidance from Tang Hao.
When White One finally received the sect's reply, he hurried back to Star Luo to present it to the White Tiger Emperor. Upon learning that Haotian Sect would join the war, with all ten titled Douluos in support, the White Tiger Emperor's joy was palpable, his triumphant laughter echoing across the front lines.
"Heavens have not abandoned Star Luo! Ha ha ha!"
Given that the known number of titled Douluos across the continent barely exceeded twenty, the appearance of ten from Haotian Sect alone wielding the renowned Haotian Hammer made for an incredible addition. By the rank of Spirit Saint, weapon spirits generally held a slight advantage over beast spirits. In the emperor's mind, with this reinforcement, the power balance between Star Luo and Spirit Hall's new empire was finally tipping.
Emboldened, the White Tiger Emperor looked toward the Spirit Empire. "Spirit Hall! If you want war, then let's see you bring it!"
He immediately ordered preparations to integrate Haotian Sect's forces, setting aside resources to provision and accommodate them with the utmost care.
However, an entire month passed without a single offensive move from the Spirit Empire. Instead, they maintained their usual border defenses, albeit with a noticeable increase in high level spirit masters. Agitated by this inexplicable calm, the White Tiger Emperor felt the tension build as he pondered Spirit Hall's intentions.
Meanwhile, all Haotian Sect elders except Tang Xiao had arrived at the front lines. The news of their arrival filled Star Luo's higher ranks with elation, and their appearance became a rallying point, as if the tides of war might indeed turn in their favor.
High ranking noble families began presenting their sons and daughters to the elders in hopes of forming alliances. Some even offered their wives, a brazen attempt to curry favor with the powerful new allies.
These advances left the Haotian elders, who had spent recent years in secluded training, wide eyed with surprise. The First Elder quickly intervened to curb the nobles' advances, wary of the potential for distraction and internal discord. Word of this behavior reached the White Tiger Emperor, who reacted with cold fury.
"While I struggle to secure Star Luo's future, these sycophants dare pull such antics," he spat. Enraged, he ordered an immediate purge, sending a clear message of zero tolerance for corruption and political manipulation. Some of the Haotian Sect members lamented the loss of "potential allies," but the White Tiger Emperor's swift, brutal approach served to refocus Star Luo's leadership.
Despite the crackdown, such desperation was commonplace in a world where the weak had no say. Children without spirit power, often regarded as burdens, were routinely sold off as labor or worse. In this world, rights were for the strong alone.
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