At this moment, Yang Xiong began to truly understand Tang Chen's standing in the world of soul masters.
Tang Chen not only intimidated the entire Spirit Hall with his strength but also the entire soul master community. He was the true leader of the top three sects in their resistance against the Spirit Hall.
If the Spirit Hall were to confirm that Tang Chen had passed away, chaos would likely erupt immediately, and the Spirit Hall would seize control over the world without delay.
After much thought, Yang Xiong finally spoke: "Sect Leader, with Tang Chen's life or death uncertain, shouldn't we consider other plans?"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "All plans must be based on strength. Originally, we hoped Tang Hao would become the next Tang Chen, but from what we saw of Tang Hao last time, he has already wasted much of his talent. However, Little Xiong, you've given me new hope. If you're given fifty years, perhaps you could reach Tang Chen's level."
A bitter smile appeared on Yang Xiong's lips. Forget fifty years—the Spirit Hall wouldn't even give him ten. The most dangerous moment was less than a year away.
The strength of the Spirit Hall was truly despairing. Even if they wanted to unify the world now, there was probably no one who could stop them.
The room fell into a long silence. Everyone stared at the information in silence, even Ning Rongrong appearing more mature than usual.
Yang Xiong gritted his teeth: "Sect Leader, we can't let ourselves be stifled like this. What are your plans?"
Ning Fengzhi's expression remained calm: "Over the years, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has maintained good relations with the Tian Dou Empire. Although the empire's soul master strength is average, it boasts a million-strong army. The Star Luo Empire similarly has millions of troops, which can barely restrain the Spirit Hall."
Yang Xiong shook his head: "Sect Leader, I believe we can only rely on ourselves. Armies have their limitations. What we truly need are soul masters, especially top-tier ones."
Ning Fengzhi asked: "Little Xiong, tell me, what should we do? The gap in strength between us is simply too vast."
Yang Xiong's face grew extremely serious: "Sect Leader, ultimately, we must strengthen ourselves and expand our alliances."
Ning Fengzhi became intrigued: "Explain further. There's hardly anyone left on the continent of Douluo who could become our ally."
Yang Xiong replied: "First, we must consolidate our own strength. The enemy exploited opportunities because they noticed many of our disciples were outside handling affairs—up to forty percent, or at least thirty percent, totaling two thousand soul masters."
"I suggest limiting the number of disciples sent out. This way, we won't leave the sect vulnerable internally."
Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi paused for a moment before replying: "Little Xiong, you should know that our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is the wealthiest sect under heaven. Only by having enough disciples traveling can we ensure the continuity of our business. Reducing the number of disciples sent out would significantly weaken our control over our operations."
"Moreover, many disciples handle tasks related to the Tian Dou Imperial Family. Withdrawing them abruptly could lead to substantial economic losses."
Yang Xiong suddenly realized why the Spirit Hall had seized such a golden opportunity—it turned out the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had inadvertently leaked the information themselves.
After careful consideration, Yang Xiong spoke: "Sect Leader, have you considered how deep the waters run within the Tian Dou Imperial Family? Not all imperial family members are as they appear. Even Xue Qinghe's ascension to crown prince came after Emperor Xue Ye lost two sons."
Ning Fengzhi's expression faltered upon hearing this: "Little Xiong, you must have misunderstood Qinghe. Despite the rumors, I believe Qinghe isn't the kind of person who would harm his brothers."
Yang Xiong was speechless. The leader of one of the top three sects, hailed as the greatest businessman under heaven, had been deceived by Thousand-Ren Snow for so long, lavishing resources and teachings upon her. How could people be so naive?
However, Yang Xiong refrained from exposing the truth: "Sect Leader, my point is that power struggles within any royal family are brutal and bloody. They will stop at nothing for power. We cannot blindly trust that the crown prince's position was obtained easily."
Ning Fengzhi's expression changed: "Little Xiong, then what do you suggest we do?"
It was clear that Ning Fengzhi was deeply displeased. He clearly admired Xue Qinghe greatly. Their personalities and approaches to matters were strikingly similar. In this world, a master-disciple relationship was akin to a father-son bond.
Yang Xiong sighed helplessly: "The true decision-maker of the Tian Dou Empire is Emperor Xue Ye. Whether it's Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, Prince Xue Beng, Prince Xue Xing, or Princess Xue Ke, whoever inherits the throne depends solely on Xue Ye's word. We should focus more on cooperating with Xue Ye. The crown prince's position is merely that of an heir."
"At least until Xue Ye takes his last breath, he remains the sole ruler of the Tian Dou Empire—even the crown prince must defer to him."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "Xue Ye is a deeply strategic and cunning individual. Though his demeanor appears gentle, prolonged interaction reveals his ruthlessness. From a business perspective, he is not an ideal partner. I dare not place too much reliance on him for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "Sect Leader, we are merely a sect. Why involve ourselves so deeply in the affairs of the Tian Dou Imperial Family? Instead of sending numerous disciples to assist them, we should fully support Xue Ye while focusing on our own development. How much impact does the empire's business truly have on our sect?"
"Even if we send out only ten percent of our disciples, given the prestige of our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, the actual loss in profits would be minimal."
Ning Fengzhi remained silent for a long time before speaking: "Uncle Jian, Uncle Gu, Rongrong, what do you three think? Especially you, Rongrong—you've recently begun managing the sect's business."
Sword Douluo remained silent, clearly uninterested in worldly matters. On the other hand, Gu Douluo hesitated before finally speaking: "Fengzhi, over the years, you've placed too much emphasis on the sect's business. While this has allowed the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to amass immense wealth, we ultimately exist within the world of soul masters. Wealth is secondary; true strength is what matters."
"You're aware of the recent situation with the Elephant Armor Sect. Add to that the Spirit Hall's current predatory gaze. I think Little Xiong is right—we must consolidate our strength."
Gu Douluo had always handled the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's covert operations, dealing with the shadows and understanding the sect's key priorities.
Ning Rongrong thought for a moment before speaking: "Father, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is already wealthy enough. I've recently reviewed the sect's situation. Even if we had no business for decades, it wouldn't affect our development."
"Besides, as Little Bear said, with just ten percent of our disciples active outside, we'd still be the most profitable sect on the continent."
Ning Fengzhi nodded: "Very well. I'll reevaluate the sect's business operations recently, keeping more disciples within the sect for cultivation and ensuring everyone has sufficient resources for training."
As Yang Xiong had anticipated, Ning Fengzhi was an absolute businessman, acutely aware of how to weigh gains and losses.
Ning Fengzhi continued: "Little Xiong, what did you mean earlier about external allies?"
Yang Xiong's expression turned extremely serious: "Sect Leader, do you still maintain contact with the Hao Tian Sect?"
Everyone's hearts jolted at this question. The Hao Tian Sect had retreated from the world nearly twenty years ago. No one expected Yang Xiong to bring this up.
Ning Fengzhi forced a bitter smile: "Of course. If not for our covert support, do you think the Hao Tian Sect's thousands of soul masters hiding in their ancestral grounds would have enough resources for cultivation—or even basic necessities? The meager profits from Yue Xuan alone couldn't possibly suffice."
Yang Xiong quickly followed up: "Then may I ask, Sect Leader, do you know the current strength of the Hao Tian Sect? How many Title Douluos do they have?"
Ning Fengzhi replied: "I'm not entirely sure, but over the years, they've likely produced some Title Douluos. Though they haven't explicitly stated it, I've pieced together clues."
After careful thought, Yang Xiong spoke: "Sect Leader, we need allies. No matter what, we must find a way to bring the Hao Tian Sect back into the world."
"I once read records about the soul master world. Tang Hao and Tang Xiao were once known as the Twin Stars of Hao Tian, both possessing extraordinary talent and strength. Though Tang Hao was called the Hao Tian Douluo, Tang Xiao's talent was no weaker. With his steady personality, his current strength might even surpass Tang Hao's."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "Little Xiong, you're oversimplifying things. As long as the Hao Tian Sect remains hidden, the Spirit Hall will remain somewhat cautious, at least not revealing their grand elders lightly. But once the Hao Tian Sect resurfaces, the old alliance agreements will be void, and the Spirit Hall will bare its fangs."
Yang Xiong sighed helplessly: "Sect Leader, we must know our allies' strength. Regardless of anything else, we need to understand their capabilities. Otherwise, rushing into battle against the Spirit Hall could end disastrously."
Even with Yang Xiong's words, Ning Fengzhi remained unmoved. Clearly, while he viewed the Hao Tian Sect as an ally, he also harbored significant apprehension. If the continent's number one sect were to emerge, it might threaten the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's standing in the soul master world.
Yang Xiong felt powerless. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's strength was far inferior to the Spirit Hall's, while the Hao Tian Sect had been lying low, waiting for others to fight to the death before stepping in to clean up the battlefield.
When the Hao Tian Sect finally emerged, they boasted seven Title Douluos, shocking the world and instantly becoming the top sect.
The Hao Tian Sect had preserved its strength while securing the final spoils of victory—a brilliant strategy. Meanwhile, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was annihilated, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was crippled.
Finally, Yang Xiong spoke: "Sect Leader, even if the Hao Tian Sect refuses to emerge, we must still understand our allies' strength. I suggest Elder Gu Douluo personally visit the Hao Tian Sect to discuss their emergence with their leader, Tang Xiao. If we allow the Spirit Hall to continue unchecked, by the time the Hao Tian Sect emerges, the soul master world's fate will already be sealed."
"Of course, if possible, I'd also like to visit the Hao Tian Sect myself and witness the legendary number one weapon-type martial spirit."
Ning Fengzhi didn't oppose Yang Xiong's suggestion. Clearly, he also wanted to understand the true strength of the Hao Tian Sect.
Yang Xiong believed that once Gu Douluo visited the Hao Tian Sect and gained a rough understanding of their strength, Ning Fengzhi would surely reassess their position and approach.
Additionally, Yang Xiong proposed another suggestion: the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect should try to communicate with Dugu Bo, even if it meant spending resources and treasures, to form an alliance.
Ning Fengzhi was highly interested in this suggestion. Dugu Bo, known as invincible in group battles, could compensate for certain weaknesses of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
In fact, ever since resolving the past conflict over the stolen immortal herb, Yang Xiong had wanted to recruit Dugu Bo into the Body Sect.
Unfortunately, the old man Dugu Bo remained extremely hostile toward Yang Xiong. Even though he got along well with Yang Wudi, every time he encountered Yang Xiong, he would glare and puff indignantly, finding fault everywhere. Yang Xiong could do little but endure silently.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)