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At this moment, Tang San's eyes seemed to gleam with excitement. He was gradually beginning to understand the relationship between the Hao Tian Sect and the four single-attribute families. Through Tai Tan's explanation, he also grasped the specific situation of the three major single-attribute families.
In Tang San's view, the Defense Clan's architectural abilities, the Breaking Clan's alchemy and poison-making skills, and the Speed Clan's exploration capabilities were tailor-made for the Tang Sect.
If all three single-attribute families joined, the Tang Sect would already have a thousand soul masters in its ranks—not to mention that the clan leaders of the three families were exceptionally strong and each had their own areas of expertise. At that point, the Tang Sect could leap into becoming a relatively large sect. After all, the entire Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan only had eighteen hundred soul masters at its peak.
Even though Tai Tan hesitated somewhat, he ultimately decided to bring Tang San along to the gathering of the four single-attribute families at Tang San's request.
As for Yang Wudi and the others who had gone to the Star Dou Great Forest with Yang Xiong last time, Tang San simply regarded it as cooperation between the three single-attribute families and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—after all, Yang Xiong was considered a core disciple of the sect and a key figure being groomed by them.
Inside the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Yang Xiong and Lin Gong leisurely sipped tea, their days appearing rather relaxed, while Zhao Wuji looked utterly bored.
Zhao Wuji downed his cup of tea in one gulp and muttered under his breath: "I can't understand why you people enjoy tasting tea so much. This tea doesn't even have much flavor. What's the point of drinking it? It's nowhere near as satisfying as alcohol."
Beside him, Lin Gong teased: "You big oaf, all you ever think about is fighting. How could you possibly appreciate the refined pleasure of tea tasting? This is tribute tea from the Tian Dou Imperial Family—it's impossible to buy outside. I only managed to get a little bit from Sect Leader Ning. Even a tiny piece of it fills the air with fragrance."
Zhao Wuji scratched his head: "No wonder this tea smells unusually fragrant. I feel much more refreshed after drinking it. Turns out it's quite valuable."
Lin Gong chuckled: "This tea is extremely rare—one liang (50 grams) costs several thousand gold spirit coins. Letting you drink it is such a waste."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuji quickly poured himself another cup and found it surprisingly refreshing.
Yang Xiong and Lin Gong simply smiled faintly as they continued sipping their tea in silence.
Lin Gong suddenly spoke up, as if struck by a thought: "Xiao Xiong, what exactly are you waiting for? I see that the world of soul masters has been very chaotic lately. Should we make a move on Thunder Valley ahead of time?"
Yang Xiong sighed helplessly: "Thunder Valley has long been within my grasp. No one can compete with me for it."
"On the other hand, the Spirit Hall and Tian Dou City have been unusually quiet lately. After going through so much effort to attack the upper three sects, it's unlikely they won't follow up with further actions."
Lin Gong took a delicate sip of tea: "Xiao Xiong, have you considered that after our two consecutive strikes, the Spirit Hall has suffered heavy losses? Perhaps even if they have intentions, they no longer have the strength to take further measures."
Yang Xiong shook his head: "That shouldn't be the case. The Spirit Hall's strength far exceeds our imagination by countless times. That madwoman Bibi Dong will never let things rest."
"However, it's been almost a month since Ju and Gui Douluo's death. The Spirit Hall should have received the news by now. The question is whether they'll resort to some extreme measures."
Lin Gong sighed helplessly: "You're such a crafty young fellow. This time, Ju and Gui Douluo died in the Star Dou Great Forest. They can't possibly go after the two hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts in large numbers, can they?"
Yang Xiong laughed: "That's hard to say. Maybe Bibi Dong is overly ambitious and wants to simultaneously hunt down the Titan Giant Ape and Sky Azure Bull Python. That would certainly be interesting."
Seeing Yang Xiong's expression, Lin Gong didn't know what else to say.
By now, Yang Xiong's strength was on par with Lin Gong's, leaving the latter without much to teach him.
Lin Gong thought for a moment: "Oh right, didn't you send Niu Gao to Gengxin City to purchase large quantities of metal and weapons? He might be delayed by a few days—he seems to be attending some gathering of the four single-attribute families."
Upon hearing this, Yang Xiong felt a wave of surprise. He hadn't expected something like this to happen.
After all, in the original storyline, the gathering of the four single-attribute families was the turning point of everything. It was also the true opportunity for the rise of the Tang Sect. Otherwise, how could Tang San, alone and friendless, have stirred up trouble between the two empires?
However, after some thought, Yang Xiong replied: "Elder Niu Gao mentioned to me a few days ago that his trip to Gengxin City would be delayed. He didn't elaborate on the specifics."
"Teacher Lin, you should understand my stance. If members of the Body Sect have personal matters to attend to, I generally don't interfere too much as long as it doesn't affect the sect."
Lin Gong's face revealed a hint of confusion: "Xiao Xiong, you should be aware of the relationships among the four single-attribute families. The Strength Clan excels in forging and has a considerable number of soul masters. Have you not considered bringing them into the Body Sect?"
"Compared to the other single-attribute families, the Strength Clan might be better suited to your physical cultivation methods. If their martial spirit were systematically trained under your methods, their development might improve significantly."
Yang Xiong sighed helplessly: "The Strength Clan is too deeply entangled in Tian Dou City, and they also have deep ties with the Hao Tian Sect. I don't want to do someone else's dirty work."
Lin Gong's expression turned hesitant: "Xiao Xiong, since you've always been wary of the Hao Tian Sect, why are you so trusting of the three single-attribute families? Their relationship with the Hao Tian Sect is also special. You've invested heavily in the three families—it's practically like nurturing an entirely new family."
Yang Xiong smiled: "It's different. Elders like Yang Wudi are straightforward individuals. Whether it's the Hao Tian Sect or the Spirit Hall, they bear deep grudges against both. I believe they won't betray me."
"Besides, my resources aren't easy to obtain. If they truly intended to betray me, they'd need to consider whether they could withstand my wrath. Moreover, I'm not alone—I have the entire Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect backing me."
Of course, Yang Xiong didn't mention that his current strength already surpassed Yang Wudi and the others. Unless they were fools, they should realize that Yang Xiong's future was limitless. In a few years, if he reached the Soul Douluo level, even the top-tier Title Douluos might find themselves powerless against him.
On Yunwu Mountain, the area where the Defense Clan once resided now appeared relatively bustling.
In the massive hall, dozens of people were drinking heartily. These were the absolute core members of the three single-attribute families.
Aside from the three clan leaders—Niu Gao, Yang Wudi, and Bai He—their brothers, sons, grandsons, and even other relatives were present.
Over the past few years, the three single-attribute families had prospered greatly. Not only had they acquired vast resources through the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, but they had also made a significant profit.
Moreover, the entire Yunwu Mountain had been transformed into a massive training ground, perfectly suited for the cultivation of sect disciples. There was also the Physical Academy, which provided excellent educational opportunities for the children of the various families.
Since they were doing well, the gathering of the four single-attribute families was held more grandly than usual. It was akin to a deeper collaboration between them or a rare opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves with wine and festivities.
Niu Gao, who was usually bold and unrestrained, and Yang Wudi, who was typically solitary and upright, now fully relaxed, no longer worried about the development of their families.
Even Bai He, who was usually aloof and proud, seemed more open and carefree.
The Strength Clan was relatively close to Yunwu Mountain, so Tai Tan arrived in several carriages accompanied by many others to attend the gathering.
Tai Tan carefully introduced the details of the single-attribute families to Tang San.
In fact, the four single-attribute families were originally part of the Hao Tian Sect's outer circle, though their connections dated back quite a long time.
The Strength Clan was the oldest, while the other three generations of single-attribute families were established around a hundred years ago.
Each of the single-attribute families had their own specialties, which, in a sense, compensated for the limitations and singular nature of the Hao Tian Hammer martial spirit. Through their respective strengths, they brought immense benefits to the Hao Tian Sect, which was one of the reasons the sect had once dominated the world.
Upon hearing Tai Tan's explanation, Tang San was astonished.
He couldn't believe how foolish the Hao Tian Sect had been back then, retreating into seclusion and abandoning all its affiliated families. What was once the number one sect in the world fell apart like a tree losing its monkeys.
Back then, the Hao Tian Sect's affiliated personnel alone numbered five thousand—just in terms of sheer numbers, they had surpassed the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect at its peak, making them a colossal entity.
Tai Tan's face revealed a hint of concern: "Sect Leader, when we arrive, please try not to say much. The three single-attribute families harbor deep resentment toward the Hao Tian Sect, especially Yang Wudi."
"When relying on the Hao Tian Sect, Yang Wudi was cautious about sharing his family's secret alchemical formulas and wasn't highly regarded within the sect. He even faced criticism from the old sect leader."
"And when the Hao Tian Sect encountered trouble, the Breaking Clan suffered the most. The entire family dwindled to less than a hundred members. Only in recent years, thanks to their unique alchemical skills, have they managed to recover rapidly."
Tang San was startled. In the world of Douluo, which had healing-type soul masters, this was the first time he had heard of knowledge related to alchemy.
"Elder Tai Tan, what kinds of medicinal herbs does the Breaking Clan primarily refine?"
Tai Tan shook his head: "I'm not entirely sure. The Breaking Clan has always been mysterious. Even the old sect leader couldn't obtain their formulas back then."
"However, aside from alchemy, the Breaking Clan also excels in poison-making. Their medicinal products sell incredibly well in the two empires. Additionally, all members of the Breaking Clan are upright yet eccentric in personality. Strangely enough, they are born warriors. Back in the Hao Tian Sect, no matter the battle, the Breaking Clan always led the charge, completely unafraid of powerful enemies."
Hearing this, Tang San grew even more excited. He himself was proficient in using poisons but had never met anyone who shared his interests. If the Breaking Clan could join, it would significantly enhance the power of his hidden weapons.
Tai Tan remained silent for a long time before speaking: "Sect Leader, if the Hao Tian Sect emerges from seclusion in the future and if the Tang Sect and the Hao Tian Sect are to merge, please allow me to lead the Strength Clan away."
"The measures taken by the Hao Tian Sect back then may not have been wrong—they preserved the strength of nearly all their direct disciples. But for these affiliated sects, their actions left us all heartbroken. We cannot endure another betrayal."
Tang San replied without hesitation: "Elder Tai Tan, you can rest assured. The Hao Tian Sect is the Hao Tian Sect, and the Tang Sect is the Tang Sect. My Tang Sect will never belong to the Hao Tian Sect, nor will it become subordinate to any other sect."
In Tang San's eyes, rebuilding the Tang Sect in this foreign world was above all else. It was the greatest knot tying together his past life and present existence.
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