In the blink of an eye, the third day arrived.
In the southern part of Heaven Dou City stood a massive estate. Its thick, towering walls rose more than four meters high.
Before the grand gates loomed two stone statues in the shape of mighty gorillas. Above the entrance hung a plaque, bearing a single large character—"Strength."
This was the residence of the Strength Clan, wielders of the Mighty Gorilla martial spirit.
At this moment, the gates were wide open. A tall, thin elder with a gloomy expression, flanked by several younger men, stepped inside under the host's welcome.
This man was none other than Yang Wudi, known as Old Goat, patriarch of the Breaking Clan.
Together with Tai Tan, Bai He, and Niu Gao, he walked into the guest hall.
Along the way, hearty laughter echoed.
"Old Goat, we've been waiting for you! Old Rhino (Niu Gao) and Old Crane (Bai He) have been here for a while already. Now that you've come to my territory, we're going to drink and feast properly!"
Tai Tanlaughed heartily, throwing an arm around Yang Wudi's shoulder.
"Enjoying life in Heaven Dou City, huh? Don't think you're getting away with saving money today!"
The old man beside him, with hair as white as snow, spoke sourly.
Among the four single-attribute clans, the one faring worst was the Speed Clan. That white-haired elder was Bai He, and he was always envious of Tai Tan's prosperity.
Yang Wudi patted Bai He on the shoulder. "I've told you before...come to the Star Luo Empire. If we developed together, wouldn't it be better?"
Of the four, his relationship with Bai He was the closest. Their clans often exchanged privately.
The Breaking Clan's medicinal brews sold well across the continent, their financial standing rivaling that of the Strength Clan, and they often supported Bai He's people.
"Star Luo's too far. Why not settle here in Heaven Dou? Tai Nuo, Tai Long! Why aren't the wine and dishes on the table yet?"
Tai Tan barked out.
The Clear Sky Sect had originally been in the Heaven Dou Empire. Back then, the four clans had lived near Heaven Dou City.
But after the Clear Sky Sect sealed itself away, the four became targets of Spirit Hall and had to scatter.
The Breaking and Defense Clans retreated to Star Luo, while the Speed and Strength Clans remained in Heaven Dou.
The Speed Clan, weaker and closely tied to Clear Sky, was hunted by Spirit Hall and fled farther away.
The Strength Clan, skilled in forging, built ties with the Heaven Dou nobility and rooted itself in the capital.
Just as Tai Tan was about to seat everyone, Yang Wudi suddenly asked:
"Old Gorilla, did you invite anyone else?"
Titan blinked. "Just us four. Who else would I call?"
Yang Wudi's expression hardened.
He turned toward the courtyard.
At that instant, Bai He's body shot up like lightning. His arms spread into wings, his figure blurred, and in the blink of an eye, he was soaring above the estate.
Circling once, he dropped down again, face grim.
"Old Gorilla, the place is surrounded by Heaven Dou's heavy infantry. The streets are filled with soldiers setting up ballistae!"
Bai He's voice was sharp.
Tai Tan's eyes bulged like copper bells. "Impossible! I've never offended the empire. Why would they do this?
Besides, I pay my respects to Prince Xue Xing every year!"
Respects—meaning protection fees.
He roared, "Come! Let's see for ourselves!"
He marched toward the gates.
Yang Wudi followed, a black spear already in his hands. Eight spirit rings coiled around it, shining with dazzling light.
He had a bad feeling. The moment he entered the city, the Strength Clan's estate had been surrounded.
But the empire had no reason to move against him… right?
His heart was a storm of confusion.
Led by Tai Tan, the four stepped out of the gates.
Outside, three rows of giant ballistae stood aimed directly at them. Behind the machines were ranks of heavy infantry in thick armor.
The atmosphere turned deadly.
Tai Tan's gaze swept forward and there, standing opposite, was Prince Xue Xing, whom he had seen countless times!
At his side stood General Ge Long, commander of the army; Feng Bailong, sect master of the Wind Sword Sect; and Meng Shenji, control-type soul master of the Royal Academy.
Titan's voice boomed, unsettled. "Your Highness, what is the meaning of this? My Strength Clan has always kept to itself—we've never offended you!"
Prince Xue Xing's tone was ice. "Back when your Strength Clan faced extermination, the Heaven Dou royal family spared you, allowed you to survive here.
And now? You four clans gather again. Are you plotting to overthrow the empire?"
A hat far too heavy was thrown onto them.
Titan hastily replied, "Your Highness, you misunderstand. Our four clans meet once every two years, merely to strengthen bonds and support one another.
We harbor no other intentions...surely this is a mistake?"
"Is it a mistake? You should ask your fellow clan head beside you.
Yang Wudi—your brother has long been lurking in Heaven Dou City. He was the one who poisoned the Second and Third Princes.
So tell me! will you surrender, or must we act?"
Prince Xue Xing's eyes glinted like ice.
Yang Wudi froze. So it was because of Yang Wushuang.
He knew his brother had defected to Spirit Hall.
That had been his brother's choice. After the Clear Sky Sect shut its gates, every clan had sought its own survival. He had allowed it.
But never had he imagined his brother would do something this outrageous.
Tai Tan, Bai He, and Niu Gao exchanged shocked looks. Poisoned the princes?
Tai Tan, living in the capital, knew of the princes' deaths.
Never would he have guessed Yang Wushuang was the culprit.
"Your Highness, Yang Wushuang severed ties with the Breaking Clan long ago. This matter has nothing to do with us!" Tai Tan tried to explain.
"Hmph. Whether it concerns you or not, we'll arrest the entire Breaking Clan. Only after interrogation will the truth come out.
Soldiers, hear my order!
I will count to three. If Yang Wudi does not surrender, fire the ballistae, the heavy infantry will storm the estate...and kill without mercy!"
A harsh voice snapped like thunder.
The one speaking was Ge Long.
When his son Ge Ying had been poisoned, they had traced it back to Yang Wushuang. Since then, he bore nothing but loathing for the Breaking Clan.
Four Soul Douluo-level experts? He scoffed.
With a control-type master, three Soul Douluo on their side, and the estate encircled inside and out by heavy infantry—he held no fear.
His roar made Tai Tan and Bai He's faces sink, their hearts filled with hatred for Yang Wushuang.
It was obvious. Prince Xue Xing and Ge Long had been waiting precisely for this...Yang Wudi's arrival. They wanted the Breaking Clan wiped out in one stroke.
"One!"
"Two!"
Ge Long's voice rang, cold and merciless.
Yang Wudi's grip tightened around his black spear, his heart a battlefield of turmoil.