I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: AFKing to Become a God
------------------------------------------------------
At this moment, Tai Tan seemed to recall something: "Young Master, if you want to recruit the three single-attribute families, I suggest starting with the Speed Clan."
"Although the Speed Clan has faced difficulties in recent years, their relationship with you is actually closer. Bai He, the clan leader of the Speed Clan, is your great-uncle—a bond that cannot be erased."
Hearing this, Tang San was overjoyed once again. If such a connection existed, it could serve as an excellent breakthrough point.
When Tang San and Tai Tan arrived at Yunwu Mountain, the situation there left everyone astonished.
Not only was the place heavily guarded, but various defensive structures were also abundant, giving off an air of extreme discipline.
Moreover, the entire Yunwu Mountain appeared to be thriving, looking nothing like a temporary settlement—it resembled a vibrant and flourishing large sect instead.
The key difference between a major sect and smaller factions lay in its image and the cultivation system for its members.
The larger the sect, the stricter its internal structure and the more complete its training system. Various simulated environments were also plentiful.
On Yunwu Mountain, not only was there an enormous Body Academy, but one could also sense an overwhelming aura. Faint shouts could be heard in the distance, likely from disciples undergoing rigorous training.
Tang San and Tai Tan arrived at the gathering venue hosted by the Defense Clan. After being announced, they quickly entered a massive hall.
The hall was incredibly luxurious, with an endless variety of drinks and precious dishes. Even ordinary people could tell that the Defense Clan had spent lavishly on this gathering.
Niu Gao, bare-chested, held a large wine cup in his hand: "Old Gorilla, why are you so late? Hurry up and take your seat—we've all been waiting for you."
"You're late even though you live nearby. You must drink three penalty cups first; otherwise, it's disrespectful to us for waiting so long."
Tai Tan burst out laughing: "Drinking isn't a problem, but you'll have to outmatch me in strength first. Otherwise, you'll have to drink with me."
The two burly men simultaneously spread their arms, their sturdy chests colliding with a thunderous bang, showcasing terrifying power.
Tai Tan seemed to suffer a slight disadvantage, his body retreating slightly, but soon the two embraced and laughed heartily. Their embrace seemed like another clash of strength.
"Damn you, Old Rhino! Relying on breaking through to Title Douluo level to bully me—no way!"
Niu Gao laughed loudly: "Damn you, Old Gorilla! Your strength has improved, but mine has improved even more!"
The two old brothers engaged in simple collisions, which seemed to be their unique way of communicating.
Niu Gao laughed: "We were just waiting for you. The three of us have already been drinking for a while."
Tai Tan laughed: "Just drinking? When have I ever lost to you?"
After exchanging pleasantries, Yang Wudi and Bai He at the main table greeted Tai Tan warmly. It was clear that the four of them had an excellent relationship.
Niu Gao suddenly looked at Tang San: "Hey, aren't you the kid from the Star Dou Great Forest? Why are you hanging out with Old Gorilla?"
Tai Tan thought for a moment before replying: "Old Rhino, this is my grandson's classmate. I brought him along to gain some worldly experience."
Tang San quickly bowed: "Greetings, esteemed seniors. My name is Tang San."
Niu Gao, Yang Wudi, and the others were momentarily stunned: "You're surnamed Tang?"
Tang San didn't hide it: "My father is Tang Hao."
Niu Gao's expression instantly changed: "Old Gorilla, what do you mean by bringing someone from the Hao Tian Sect here? Haven't those people caused us enough suffering? If it weren't for Tang Hao causing trouble back then, how could we have ended up like this?"
Tai Tan quickly interjected: "Old Rhino, calm down. Even without our master's involvement, the Spirit Hall would have eventually targeted the Hao Tian Sect. I hate the Hao Tian Sect too, but what does that have to do with Tang San? He was just born back then."
Niu Gao's expression turned grim: "Old Gorilla, if it were anyone else, I would've kicked them out already. I don't want anything to do with the Hao Tian Sect. Let him leave on his own, or don't blame me for not giving you face."
Hearing this, Tai Tan grew angry: "Old Rhino, if you drive Young Master away, then I'll leave too. Our Strength Clan won't participate in this gathering either."
Seeing Tai Tan preparing to leave, Tang San quickly spoke: "Elder Tai Tan, please wait a moment. Let me communicate with them."
Tai Tan returned to Tang San's side, but his eyes brimmed with defiance.
Tang San bowed deeply to Niu Gao and the others: "Senior Niu Gao, Senior Yang Wudi, Senior Bai He, I apologize for my father's actions in the past. I came with Elder Tai Tan today merely to make amends."
Niu Gao shook his head: "No need. We're doing well now and don't require your compensation. Moreover, the hundreds of lives we lost back then can't be compensated by a mere child like you."
Tang San quickly replied: "Senior Niu Gao, I hope you give me a chance. I don't want our relationship to remain hostile."
Niu Gao glanced at Tai Tan, then turned to look at Yang Wudi and Bai He.
Neither Yang Wudi nor Bai He wanted anything to do with Tang San—they ignored him completely.
A flicker of anger appeared in Niu Gao's eyes: "Give you a chance? Did the Hao Tian Sect give us a chance when they retreated? They disappeared without a second thought. Tang Hao never showed his face—did anyone consider our situation back then?"
"Why should I give you a chance? This is the territory of my Defense Clan, not the Hao Tian Sect."
"Get out! Leave now, or I won't hold back."
Beside them, Tai Tan seemed furious: "Old Rhino, can't you talk calmly? Young Master came here with good intentions."
Niu Gao's rage erupted, unleashing an overwhelmingly terrifying aura. His presence as a Title Douluo was undeniable, and even Tai Tan felt immense pressure. Tang San's body swayed unsteadily, as if he might collapse at any moment.
Tai Tan was now truly shocked. Though he specialized in strength and could rival a Title Douluo in terms of raw power, Niu Gao's current aura made their earlier friendly collision seem like child's play.
In truth, since achieving Title Douluo status, Niu Gao's strength likely rivaled that of the Devil Bear Douluo.
Especially since Niu Gao had devoted himself entirely to defense, and defensive-type spirit beasts were known for their immense strength. In terms of both defense and power, he was no weaker than an ordinary ninety-five-level Title Douluo.
Tai Tan roared: "Old Rhino, you're going too far! Using your strength against a child—isn't this just bullying the weak because of your superiority?"
Tai Tan transformed into a massive gorilla, seemingly ready to challenge Niu Gao.
However, Niu Gao snorted and immediately withdrew his aura: "Old Gorilla, this is the last time I'll treat you as a brother. If you're siding with this brat, then our years of brotherhood are over. Don't bother attending any more single-attribute family gatherings."
Hearing this, Tai Tan was startled. But when he glanced at Yang Wudi and Bai He, neither spoke up—they clearly agreed with Niu Gao's stance.
Since leaving the Hao Tian Sect, the four single-attribute families had maintained a good relationship. However, the Strength Clan had lived independently in Tian Dou City, while the Breakthrough, Defense, and Agility Families resided in the Star Luo Empire, no longer as close as they once were.
Tai Tan's face revealed a trace of reluctance: "Old Rhino, Old Goat, Old White Bird—we were once brothers who faced life-and-death together. Are you really willing to abandon our brotherhood?"
Yang Wudi coldly snorted: "Old Gorilla, after we parted ways, your Strength Clan fared the best. Did you ever think about our plight?"
"After the Hao Tian Sect betrayed us so cruelly, we've been independent for over a decade. We won't have anything to do with the Hao Tian Sect anymore—not just him, Tang San, but even Tang Hao and Tang Xiao. It's useless."
"Our Breaking Clan's character is clear: we'd rather die in battle than grovel. For the rest of our lives, we will never become subordinate to any sect."
Bai He glanced at Tang San, his expression softening slightly, but he ultimately said nothing. The Speed Clan had suffered greatly in recent years, and he didn't want to casually associate with the Hao Tian Sect again with a few careless words.
Tai Tan seemed unwilling to give up: "Old Goat, Young Master is unparalleled in talent. At such a young age, he's already reached the Soul Emperor level. His future is limitless."
"Now he wants to compensate you. What's wrong with that?"
Niu Gao snorted: "Old Gorilla, do you really not understand Tang San's intentions? We've been separated from the Hao Tian Sect for over a decade. During this time, Tang Hao hasn't shown up, and the Hao Tian Sect hasn't cared about our survival. Now they suddenly come to 'compensate' us? Do you really think others can't see through this?"
"Look at him—he's clearly trying to rebuild a sect and wants to bring our three single-attribute families under his control. Unfortunately, our three families have grown accustomed to freedom and won't become subordinate to any other sect."
Tai Tan's face darkened: "Old Rhino, are you implying something? And aren't you relying on the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? Isn't that the same as joining them?"
"Do you remember our vow to never become subordinate to the upper three sects? Have you forgotten that promise?"
"Young Master simply wants to establish a new sect and compensate you. With his talent, he will surely surpass the Hao Tian Sect and reach unprecedented heights."
Niu Gao shook his head at Tai Tan's words: "Old Gorilla, you've changed. Your Strength Clan has lived comfortably these years—you haven't thought about the hardships our three families endured or the people we lost back then."
"Our three families moved to Yunwu Mountain and do have ties with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, but it's purely business cooperation. There's no subordinate relationship—it's not as dirty as you imagine."
Tai Tan's expression shifted slightly. He hadn't expected that the three single-attribute families were doing so well, merely engaging in business with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect without any true subordinate relationship.
As Tang San prepared to speak again, Yang Wudi suddenly grew angry: "Tang San, brat! We saved your life in the Star Dou Great Forest not long ago. Yet instead of showing gratitude, you dare try to assimilate our single-attribute families. Is this how the Hao Tian Sect conducts itself?"
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)