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Tang San glanced at Yu Yuanzhen, his gaze lingering for a moment on the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect robes he wore, and a trace of doubt rose in his heart.
He was unsure who this imposing man before him truly was.
Bone Douluo noticed Tang San's expression, smiled slightly, and stood up to introduce him. "This is Yu Yuanzhen, the current sect master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, titled Thunder Douluo. He is also the father of your master, Grandmaster."
Hearing this, Tang San's mind raced as he quickly weighed the situation.
So that useless Yu Xiaogang actually has a father who is a Titled Douluo. If I can win his favor, wouldn't that mean I could make use of all three upper sects?
With that thought, Tang San immediately set aside his pride and put on an appearance of utmost respect.
In a humble tone, he addressed Yu Yuanzhen. "So it is Sect Master Yu. This junior, Tang San, is the disciple of Teacher Yu Xiaogang. Since you are my teacher's father, I naturally ought to respect you."
However, Tang San noticed that Yu Yuanzhen's expression still remained unpleasant, and he instantly realized the reason.
He quickly added, "The reason Teacher did not come inside is because his leg was broken, making it inconvenient for him to enter. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect possesses heavenly treasures and is currently preparing to have it reattached."
As he spoke, Tang San turned with a flattering smile toward Bone Douluo. "Grandpa Bone, isn't that right?"
Bone Douluo, pleased with Tang San's form of address, nodded and followed along. "Of course. Since Xiaogang is not only Xiao San's teacher but also Brother Yuanzhen's son, how could this old man neglect him?"
Upon hearing this explanation, Yu Yuanzhen's expression eased considerably.
After all, he understood the principle of not striking someone who greeted him with a smile.
He gave a faint nod, letting his gaze rest on Tang San for a moment, and he began to feel a growing sense of appreciation for this young man.
Soon after, under Tang Hao's introduction, Tang San approached Tang Xiao and respectfully called out, "Uncle."
Tang Xiao smiled faintly, patted Tang San's shoulder, and said warmly, "Little San, I didn't expect you to have grown up so much already."
Tang San lowered his head with a smile, but inwardly, he was already calculating his next move.
The tense atmosphere in the secret chamber gradually relaxed as everyone took their seats and began discussing their future plans.
Tang San spoke in a low, steady voice. "According to Grandpa Bone, Lan Minghua has agreed to attend the banquet. Though his strength is formidable, he is far too arrogant. With the distinguished elders present here, all of whom are among the continent's top powerhouses, if we join forces, we will certainly be able to take his life."
The suggestion was certainly tempting, but no one here was a fool.
Yu Yuanzhen frowned and voiced his concern. "Lan Minghua once single-handedly killed three Titled Douluo from Spirit Hall. His strength is extraordinary. Even if we joined forces, although it might be possible to kill him, the cost would be extremely high. That is something I cannot accept."
His concerns were not without reason.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect had only one Titled Douluo. If something happened to him, the sect would become Spirit Hall's next target.
Tang Xiao, Bone Douluo, and the others remained silent, fully aware of Yu Yuanzhen's worries.
They too felt Tang San's plan was far too risky.
But Tang San had already anticipated their reaction and had prepared a countermeasure.
With a confident smile, he explained, "Indeed, facing Lan Minghua alone would be extremely difficult. However, what if his disciple also attends the banquet?"
At these words, the seasoned old foxes present exchanged glances, and a gleam of understanding flashed in their eyes.
So, the idea is to distract Lan Minghua with his disciple—or even use his disciple as leverage?
Although this method was highly immoral, were they moral people?
Clearly, they were not.
They looked at each other and nodded in tacit agreement, acknowledging the feasibility of Tang San's plan.
But another problem arose.
How could they ensure Lan Minghua would bring his disciple to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect banquet?
Before anyone could ask, Tang San confidently spoke up.
"I already have a way. We will announce that during the banquet, a Soul Master Exchange Tournament will be held for soul masters under the age of thirty. The champion will be awarded Spirit Hall's congratulatory gift—a fifty-thousand-year spirit bone. The second and third places will also receive considerable rewards."
Upon hearing this, Bone Douluo's eyes gleamed with approval as he nodded. "That is an excellent proposal. After all, no one knows if Spirit Hall tampered with the gift. Instead of letting it sit unused, we might as well use it as a prize. This will surely lure Lan Minghua into bringing his disciple."
Tang San nodded in agreement and continued, "To avoid arousing Lan Minghua's suspicion, the three upper sects will also send their own talented disciples to compete. The Heaven Dou Empire can dispatch students from its advanced academies, such as the Elemental Academy, to take part as well."
Everyone nodded one after another, finding the plan sound.
After all, who wouldn't want the chance to win a fifty-thousand-year spirit bone?
After further discussion, Yu Yuanzhen and Emperor Xue Ye departed, leaving only Tang San, Bone Douluo, Sword Douluo, Tang Xiao, and Tang Hao in the chamber.
Tang Xiao turned to Tang San, confused and wondering why Tang San had asked them to stay behind. "Little San, is there something else you wish to say?"
Tang San nodded softly. "Indeed. The tournament proposal wasn't just meant to deal with Lan Minghua's disciple. I have another target in mind."
Bone Douluo raised an eyebrow. "Who else are you planning to strike against?"
A cold glint flashed in Tang San's eyes as he replied in a low voice. "The Crown Prince of the Star Luo Empire—Davis."
Both Bone Douluo and Tang Hao showed signs of puzzlement at this.
Sword Douluo furrowed his brows and asked, "Why target the Star Luo Empire's crown prince? They are extending goodwill to us right now. Wouldn't it be inappropriate to deal with him at this time?"
Tang San, however, dismissed the concern, his tone steely. "We all know how the Star Luo Empire's succession works. If Davis dies, someone else will naturally take his place as crown prince."
Sword Douluo raised an eyebrow. He recalled seeing information in Ning Fengzhi's investigation of the Shrek Academy members—one of them bore the surname Dai.
Immediately, he asked, "Could it be that the blond boy from Shrek Academy, the one with the surname Dai, is actually a Star Luo prince?"
Tang San nodded, speaking softly. "Exactly. Dai Mubai is the prince of the Star Luo Empire. His life is already in my hands. As long as he becomes crown prince—and eventually emperor—it will benefit us far more than having Davis in power."
A sinister smile spread across his face. "Besides, I don't believe the Star Luo Empire would risk making enemies of the three upper sects over someone like Davis. At worst, we can frame Davis's death on Lan Minghua."
The others exchanged cold smiles, fully agreeing with Tang San's ruthless plan.
This way, not only could they control the Star Luo Empire from the shadows, but they could also ensure the empire grew hostile toward Lan Minghua, forcing him to face even more enemies.
Thus, news of the under-thirty Soul Master Tournament hosted by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect quickly spread across the continent.
All the major powers received invitations and began preparing to send their finest young soul masters to participate.
Spirit Hall sent the Golden Generation, Heaven Dou Empire sent the Emperor Team, and Star Luo Empire sent the Royal Team led by Davis himself.
Moreover, the Elemental Academy and several other advanced soul master academies sent their teams, who would later take part in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.
Meanwhile, in the mountains behind Holy Soul Village, Lan Minghua received a long-distance sound transmission from Wu Song.
After listening, a mocking smile spread across his face. "Oh, Tang San, so this is your plan?"
He then lifted his gaze toward a particularly unusual Blue Silver Grass.
"Since it's a tournament, prizes are naturally required. I hope the rewards I'm about to offer won't shock you and your father too much."
(End of Chapter)