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As Yang Xiong had anticipated, not long after returning to the Body Sect, Tang Hao, Tang Xiao, and Ning Fengzhi arrived together at the sect. It seemed they wanted to discuss a united front against the Spirit Empire.
Yang Xiong received them directly in the main hall, accompanied by the five great elder masters.
From the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect came Sword Elder and Ning Fengzhi. Ning Rongrong appeared to be occupied with affairs back at her own sect.
The Hao Tian Sect delegation consisted of Tang Hao, Tang Xiao, and Tang Yuehua—indicating their seriousness about this meeting.
However, whether it was Ning Fengzhi or Tang Xiao's group, once they entered the Body Sect, their expressions turned notably solemn.
Ning Fengzhi had a relatively clear understanding of the Body Sect's situation, but he hadn't expected that Yang Wudi and Bai He had also broken through to become Title Douluos.
Now, the Body Sect had a total of five elder masters, each one a Title Douluo-level powerhouse. Of course, Lin Gong was also considered an elder of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Tang Xiao and Tang Hao were even more astonished. They were well aware of the state of the four single-attribute families from back in the day. When they served as outer sect elders, most of them were only top-tier Soul Sages. It was only after leaving the Hao Tian Sect for many years that they gradually broke through to the Soul Douluo level.
Now, Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and Bai He had all reached the Title Douluo level. In this era, a single Title Douluo could serve as the foundation for an entire top-tier sect. Despite decades of effort, the Tian Dou Empire had failed to cultivate even one Title Douluo, relying solely on the guest elder Dugu Bo. The reason the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan fell so easily was because they hadn't produced new Title Douluos for years, ultimately leaving Yu Yuanzhen isolated and overwhelmed.
Yang Xiong maintained a polite demeanor: "Lord Ning, Lord Tang Xiao, Master Chen Xin, Senior Tang Hao, Senior Tang Yuehua—having the leaders of the three great sects grace the Body Sect is truly an honor."
This was a public setting, and despite his close relationship with Ning Fengzhi and Sword Elder, Yang Xiong still had to project the bearing of a sect leader.
Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly: "Sect Leader Yang, the Body Sect has indeed grown impressively. I am quite pleased with your progress over these years."
It was evident that Ning Fengzhi was genuinely satisfied. After all, the Body Sect and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had a close relationship, collaborating seamlessly. Even now, a third of the Agile One Clan remained stationed around the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and their cooperation in medicine and other areas continued as usual.
Yang Xiong quickly responded: "Thank you, Lord Ning, for your guidance and support over these years."
Tang Xiao nodded approvingly: "Sect Leader Yang is truly a young hero. To achieve such strength and build such a formidable sect at such a young age—truly impressive."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "My humble abilities are nothing compared to the world's number one sect. Lord Tang Xiao is one of the strongest experts alive, and the Hao Tian Sect stands unrivaled as the premier sect. Our Body Sect is but a small household in comparison."
…
After some pleasantries, the conversation gradually turned to more serious matters.
Tang Xiao wore a look of curiosity: "Sect Leader Yang, may I ask about the current situation of my nephew, Tang San?"
Yang Xiong smiled: "I figured you'd ask, Lord Tang Xiao. Tang San and his six companions are still on the Sea God Island. Tang San has obtained the Red-Level Seven Trials, and when I left the island, they were in the midst of the fifth trial."
"Given Tang San's strength and talent, the fifth trial shouldn't pose much difficulty for him. The main challenge lies in underwater combat."
"As for when Tang San will return to the mainland, I cannot say. He still has three trials remaining. I only know the content of the fifth trial; the final two remain unclear. Those accompanying Tang San must also return together, so the exact timing is uncertain."
After Yang Xiong's explanation, Tang Xiao, Tang Hao, and Tang Yuehua exchanged glances. They hadn't expected Tang San to have obtained the Red-Level Seven Trials on the Sea God Island, nor that Yang Xiong's group, despite arriving months later, had returned earlier.
Tang Xiao didn't hesitate: "May I ask—are Tang San and the others safe? How difficult are the trials?"
Yang Xiong shook his head: "I can't confirm the exact difficulty. Tang San's fifth trial involves challenging one of the seven holy pillars of the Sea God Island. All seven holy pillars are guarded by Title Douluo-level experts."
"Among Tang San's group of seven, Tang San is undergoing the Red-Level Seven Trials, while Xiao Wu is undertaking the Black-Level Six Trials. Both have already reached the Soul Douluo level. The others have completed their trials and are likely waiting for Tang San to finish before returning together."
After Yang Xiong's explanation, Tang Xiao's group said nothing further, clearly confident in Tang San's abilities. Defeating a Title Douluo with Soul Douluo-level strength shouldn't pose too much of a problem.
Yang Xiong addressed Ning Fengzhi and Tang Xiao: "The two sect leaders are undoubtedly busy individuals. Surely your visit to the Body Sect isn't without purpose. Please speak freely."
Tang Xiao's expression grew serious: "Sect Leader Yang, Lord Ning and I have come to discuss uniting against the Spirit Empire. The Spirit Empire is currently amassing its forces and preparing for war. While the two empires have made some preparations, their soul master legions are far weaker, and their armies are being suppressed by the Spirit Empire's soul master legions. At this time, we must unite to resist the Spirit Empire. Otherwise, if the Tian Dou army collapses, we will find ourselves unable to stand alone."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "As a junior, I don't fully grasp the Spirit Empire's strength, but I do have a question. The Spirit Empire is acting so brazenly, sweeping through the soul master world with ease. What methods do we have to counter them?"
"If I recall correctly, besides the nine great elders, the Spirit Hall has seven Worships—all of whom are Title Douluos at Level 96 or higher. The Spirit Hall's Grand Worship, Qian Daoliu, is a Limit Douluo at Level 99. With our limited numbers, how can we hope to stand against a Limit Douluo?"
"Not to mention that the Spirit Hall commands tens of thousands of soul masters. Even if we combine all our forces, the disparity in strength is simply too vast. You should understand the true combat power of a soul master legion."
Tang Xiao's expression remained grave: "Back when the three great sects stood united against the Spirit Hall, though our strength was inferior, even the Spirit Hall dared not act recklessly."
"Now, the Body Sect boasts several Title Douluos. In terms of strength, it surpasses the former Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Moreover, many of you bear deep grudges against the Spirit Empire. Surely you wish to oppose them?"
Yang Xiong smirked: "Lord Tang Xiao's words are a bit exaggerated. The Body Sect dares not compare itself to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Elder Yu Yuanzhen was a Super Douluo, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon is the world's foremost beast-type martial soul—how could we ordinary people compare?"
Though Tang Xiao was usually composed, he now revealed a hint of helplessness. Beside him, Tang Hao appeared somewhat gloomy, evidently harboring a deeper hatred for the Spirit Empire and an even stronger desire for revenge.
On the other hand, Tang Yuehua smiled gently: "Sect Leader Yang, it's been years since we last met. As a senior, may I say a few words?"
Yang Xiong replied with a smile: "Senior Tang Yuehua, there's no need for formalities. You are guests here—please speak freely."
Tang Yuehua's expression softened: "Sect Leader Yang is surely aware of the Spirit Empire's current situation. If the Spirit Empire prevails, none of us seated here will be spared. Even if we are defeated, the combined millions of troops from the two empires will surely triumph over the Spirit Empire."
Yang Xiong thought carefully before responding: "I've never said we wouldn't oppose the Spirit Empire. However, if we are to cooperate, we must demonstrate sincerity."
"Our Body Sect has only been established for a few years and lacks depth. If you have any calls to action, we will respond accordingly."
Both Yang Xiong and Tang Yuehua spoke in a roundabout manner, avoiding specifics about how they would cooperate or what each side would contribute. Their words were deliberately vague.
Ning Fengzhi sat smiling beside them, seemingly detached from the matter, while Sword Elder closed his eyes to rest.
Meanwhile, Yang Wudi and the others harbored thoughts of seeking revenge against the Spirit Empire, their expressions varying.
Yang Xiong found Tang Xiao's three siblings intriguing. Tang Xiao himself was exceptionally composed and steadfast, Tang Hao was more impulsive and domineering in his dealings, and Tang Yuehua was tactful yet carried an air of a shrewd merchant.
After some time, Ning Fengzhi finally spoke: "Sect Leader Yang, Lord Tang, the Spirit Empire's power is growing. We must cooperate. If we allow the Spirit Empire to defeat us one by one, it will bring about our downfall."
Yang Xiong smiled: "Lord Ning, I have no objections to cooperation, but how exactly should we proceed, and what form should this cooperation take?"
Ning Fengzhi replied: "The situation at the Tian Dou Empire's front lines is tense. Each of our sects should send a contingent of experts to assist on the front lines. This will serve as a deterrent to the Spirit Empire while stabilizing the Tian Dou Empire's position."
Yang Xiong nodded: "Agreed. I hear Emperor Xue Ye plans to communicate with the Xing Luo Emperor about cooperation. Elder Niu Gao of our Body Sect will lead two hundred soul masters to assist Emperor Xue Ye. This should demonstrate our sincerity. What do the two sect leaders think?"
Ning Fengzhi quickly nodded: "That works. I'll also have Bone Elder lead two hundred soul masters to assist Emperor Xue Ye, ensuring the stability of the Tian Dou royal family."
Tang Xiao also nodded: "The Tian Dou Empire is crucial to the foundations of our three sects. I will also dispatch an elder to lead two hundred soul masters to assist Emperor Xue Ye."
…
After hours of discussion, Yang Xiong arranged for them to stay and rest within the Body Sect.
Niu Gao voiced his confusion: "Sect Leader, is sending me personally with just two hundred soul masters to assist Emperor Xue Ye not too few?"
Yang Xiong shook his head helplessly: "Old Rhino, the war has only just begun—it's not urgent yet. Compared to the front-line battles, I'm more concerned about Emperor Xue Ye and Emperor Xing Luo's meeting. Though the matter is kept secret, you should understand the Spirit Empire's ability to gather intelligence."
"As for the real battle, it's still early. When it comes to the decisive fight, we'll need to commit fully to the final battle. I still need to prepare."
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