Yang Xiong noticed Ning Fengzhi hesitating and decided to speak again.
"Sect Leader, have you considered that this battle lasted a long time, and the devastation would surely have been felt across dozens of miles? Yet, so far, the Tian Dou Imperial Family hasn't received any news or sent their army to assist us."
Ning Fengzhi was startled: "Little Xiong, what do you mean by that?"
Yang Xiong let out a bitter smile: "Sect Leader, the Spirit Hall mobilized ten thousand soul masters for this operation. Even if they came from a long distance, they couldn't have done so without leaving a trace."
"Based on the current situation of the Tian Dou Imperial Family, it seems they haven't received any information. To carry out such a large-scale operation within the Tian Dou Empire, either the Tian Dou Imperial Family turned a blind eye, or someone has blocked the flow of information."
Ning Fengzhi quickly interjected: "That's impossible. Over the years, relations between the Tian Dou Imperial Family and the Spirit Hall have been extremely poor. They are wary of the Spirit Hall and wouldn't allow them to destroy our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Otherwise, it would be cutting off their own allies."
"Moreover, over the years, our sect has consistently supported the Tian Dou Imperial Family. Qinghe is even my direct disciple. They wouldn't betray us."
Yang Xiong felt a bit helpless at this point. Ning Fengzhi trusted the Tian Dou Imperial Family too much and placed too much emphasis on mutual benefits.
If the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect moved to Tian Dou City, they might recover quickly in the short term, but in the long run, it could invite disaster.
After hearing Yang Xiong's words, Ning Fengzhi looked visibly conflicted. The sect had suffered immense losses in this war, and without strengthening cooperation with the Tian Dou Imperial Family, recovery would be even more difficult.
Yang Xiong thought for a moment before continuing: "Sect Leader, I heard that the sect's losses amounted to about seven hundred soul masters, but those who were away on missions suffered catastrophic losses. Most of them were killed."
"These soul masters weren't as centrally located as those within our sect. It would be very difficult for the Spirit Hall to gather intelligence on them. Yet not only did they strike at the perfect time, but they also knew their movements clearly. Such precise strikes could only happen if the Tian Dou Imperial Family provided specific information, which led to our heavy losses."
Ning Fengzhi was shocked again: "Little Xiong, are you suggesting that there's a high-ranking member of the Tian Dou Imperial Family colluding with the Spirit Hall?"
Yang Xiong nodded: "This person must hold an extremely high position within the Tian Dou Imperial Family. Not only were they able to conceal the actions of the Spirit Hall's ten thousand soul masters, but they also knew the exact details of our disciples' missions and were very familiar with the internal workings of our sect. Otherwise, the Spirit Hall's attack wouldn't have been so targeted."
"They deployed four Title Douluos specifically to counter Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. Even the numbers of Soul Emperors and Soul Sages were carefully calculated at a three-to-one ratio. This level of detail is something even many internal members wouldn't know."
Ning Fengzhi finally nodded: "I understand now. There must be a highly placed mole within the Tian Dou Imperial Family. I need to communicate thoroughly with them. If the Spirit Hall launches another attack like this, we'll truly be in trouble."
The reason this war resulted in a major victory was twofold. First, over the past year, the sect had concentrated its strength, with nearly ninety percent of its soul masters stationed within the sect, effectively gathering the majority of its forces.
Second, the cooperation with the three major single-attribute families through their alliance played a critical role.
The contributions of the three major families were significant. Not only did multiple Title Douluos fight with full force, but Bai He's timely message gave the sect precious preparation time.
Yang Xiong thought for a moment and then continued: "Sect Leader, I suggest you personally meet with Emperor Xue Ye. Matters within the imperial family are best left for him to handle. Let Xue Ye investigate himself."
"On another note, Rongrong is still in Tian Dou City. Sect Leader, it would be best to bring her back to the sect. After all, she is the heir to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and her presence at this time can boost morale."
Ning Fengzhi nodded: "Alright. Little Xiong, you focus on resting and recovering within the sect. I'll personally go to Tian Dou City to meet Xue Ye and bring Rongrong back."
"By the way, Little Xiong, do you think the Spirit Hall will only target us?"
Yang Xiong smiled faintly: "Sect Leader, you should know better than I do. If the Spirit Hall has launched their 'Soul Hunt' operation, they wouldn't just target our sect. All opposing forces will likely be targeted."
Ning Fengzhi sighed bitterly: "If that's the case, we're in even deeper trouble. We may have to face the Spirit Hall alone, and the pressure will be immense."
Yang Xiong said helplessly: "Sect Leader, why must we confront the Spirit Hall? We are merely an auxiliary-type sect. The real opposition to the Spirit Hall should come from the strongest sect—the Hao Tian Sect."
"At this point, no matter what, we need to find a way to bring the Hao Tian Sect out of hiding. Otherwise, we can just step back from the affairs of the soul master world and retreat into seclusion to build up our strength. I believe the Spirit Hall won't dare openly attack us again."
Ning Fengzhi pondered deeply after hearing Yang Xiong's words. After finishing all his tasks, he left the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect with Bone Douluo and others.
Yang Xiong's words carried deeper meaning. The Spirit Hall worshipped the Six-Winged Angel and claimed to represent justice among soul masters. On the surface, they couldn't afford to openly attack other sects without losing face.
For example, in the original storyline, the Spirit Hall destroyed the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and crippled the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, yet they still publicly claimed to be pursuing the culprits behind these attacks. Although this tactic was somewhat self-deceptive, their position limited their actions.
After Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo departed, Yang Xiong gathered with several elders of the Body Sect.
Lin Gong asked with some confusion: "Little Xiong, the situation in the soul master world remains uncertain. The Spirit Hall attacked the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and it's likely they'll also target the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Is it really a good time for our Body Sect to reveal itself?"
Yang Xiong chuckled: "Teacher Lin, quite the opposite. The chaos in the soul master world presents the perfect opportunity for us."
"Senior Bai He, please arrange for a messenger from the Agility Clan to visit the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan immediately. Check their status. If the Spirit Hall hasn't attacked them yet, warn them."
"If the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has already fallen, we'll observe the situation and wait for the upheaval in the soul master world."
"The Spirit Hall has struck so brutally; they must have follow-up plans. Their goal isn't just to destroy two sects."
Bai He nodded upon hearing this and immediately arranged for someone to investigate the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Lin Gong was puzzled: "What does the fall of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan have to do with us?"
Yang Xiong revealed a hint of ruthlessness: "It has everything to do with us. Haven't you all been curious about my ideas for the new location of our sect's headquarters? I've long set my sights on the Thunder Valley of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. It's a true treasure trove for cultivation, even better than the location of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."
Everyone was shocked. They hadn't expected Yang Xiong's proposed new headquarters to be Thunder Valley.
Lin Gong's expression turned serious: "Little Xiong, did you predict that the Spirit Hall would target the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?"
Yang Xiong shook his head: "It wasn't a prediction. Based on my analysis of the Spirit Hall and Bibi Dong's actions, her methods are extremely ruthless and domineering, even bordering on madness."
"The Spirit Hall's power has reached its historical peak, controlling over half of the soul masters in the world. They wouldn't settle for being an ordinary organization. They will eliminate all opposition, and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan are the first targets. This battle was inevitable."
Lin Gong thought for a moment before speaking: "So, Little Xiong, you've been preparing for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect all along. Not only can our Body Sect provide support at any time, but you even brought Dugu Bo into the fold."
Yang Xiong nodded: "These arrangements are just part of my plan. Whether it's me or the Body Sect, what we truly lack is time and depth. Only by cooperating with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect can we truly grow stronger."
Yang Wudi asked: "Then what should we do now? Should we prepare to occupy Thunder Valley once we receive the news?"
Yang Xiong laughed: "Old Goat, you're getting ahead of yourself."
"The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is in a state of rebuilding. Whether it's constructing the sect, transmitting messages, or treating the many injured, they'll need a lot of medicinal herbs. Strengthening our cooperation with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will not only allow us to profit greatly but also prepare for the establishment of our sect in the future."
"Besides, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has just been hit. If we occupy Thunder Valley now, we'll give people grounds to criticize us. Let's wait until things settle down around us before making a move."
"But I'm determined to claim Thunder Valley. Senior Bai He, please arrange for your men to keep a close watch on it."
"In addition, there's something important to do. I've reached level seventy. We need to prepare for a trip to the Star Dou Great Forest soon. There, I'll find my ideal seventh soul ring."
At this moment, Yang Xiong seemed to recall something and quickly spoke to Bai He: "Senior Bai He, we'll head to the Star Dou Great Forest in five days. Please arrange ten experts to scout the outskirts of the forest and confirm whether any top-tier soul masters have recently entered. Otherwise, it could interfere with our hunt for soul rings, and that would be troublesome."
Bai He nodded and immediately arranged for experts from the Agility Clan to head to the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest.
Upon hearing this, Lin Gong was shocked again: "Little Xiong, are you planning to target the Titan Ape and Sky Azure Ox Python? The Titan Ape would indeed make a great seventh soul ring for you. However, both the Titan Ape and Sky Azure Ox Python are incredibly powerful. Our group may not be able to take them down."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "The Titan Ape is indeed a good choice, but I have my eyes on a more suitable spirit beast. Moreover, this spirit beast's power is weaker than the Titan Ape and Sky Azure Ox Python. With some strategy, it shouldn't be a problem."
After Yang Xiong made these arrangements, everyone in the Body Sect sprang into action. Some went out to spread information and protect the sect from being targeted by the Spirit Hall, while others assisted the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect in cleaning up the aftermath.
Yang Wudi even sold a large stock of medicinal herbs to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
This time, the main force of the Body Sect joined the battlefield last and suffered no losses.
On the contrary, through various business dealings with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, it seemed they would make a hefty profit.
After communicating with the elders of the Body Sect, Yang Xiong met with Dugu Bo once again.
Dugu Bo looked displeased: "You little rascal, you really tricked me this time. Now I've offended the Spirit Hall. How are you going to compensate me?"
Yang Xiong quickly replied: "Thank you for your help this time, Elder Dugu. Consider this a favor owed by the Body Sect. In the future, no matter what you need, we'll do our best to assist you."
Dugu Bo's expression softened slightly: "Fine, owing me a favor isn't a bad thing. If it weren't for you and Old Goat, I wouldn't have bothered coming to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."
Yang Xiong asked curiously: "Elder Dugu, didn't you do the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect a huge favor? Didn't Sect Leader say anything to you?"
Dugu Bo snorted coldly: "Do I look like someone who demands repayment for doing a favor? Besides, I don't like associating with sect members like Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo. Just remember, boy, you owe me thousands of lives. Sooner or later, you'll pay the price."
Yang Xiong was speechless. Was Dugu Bo being unreasonable? Not only did he slack off during the battle, but his post-battle attitude was also overly arrogant, leaving Yang Xiong unsure of how to respond.
However, Dugu Bo didn't say anything further and left the scene with a flick of his sleeve.
Indeed, Dugu Bo played a crucial role in the battle. Without him, the war would have been even bloodier. But this old man was extremely proud, and Yang Xiong had incurred a massive debt of gratitude.
After handling all matters, Yang Xiong returned home to recuperate. His injuries from the clash with Devil Bear Douluo were severe, and he needed proper rest to heal.
Moreover, at this point, Yang Xiong realized he needed to have a thorough discussion with Ning Fengzhi. The Body Sect couldn't remain obscure forever. Moving forward, he would need to focus more on the development of the Body Sect.
In addition, the pace of upcoming events would be rapid. Whether it was the Tian Dou Palace Incident or the construction of the sect, challenges lay ahead.
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