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Inside the Clear Sky Sect's deliberation hall.
Tang Xiao sat at the head, his rough fingers tightly clutching the secret letter from Moon Pavilion.
The paper trembled slightly in his hand, cutting the natural light filtering through the window into fragmented specks.
"Moon Hu," he muttered, his thick brows knitted together, wrinkles on his forehead as deep as if carved by a knife.
The plan mentioned in the letter made him quite conflicted.
Just then, an old but robust voice came from the hall entrance: "Sect Master, why have you urgently summoned us?"
Five Elders entered in single file, led by the Clear Sky Sect's Second Elder.
Though aged, each step they took made the air in the hall tremble.
Tang Xiao snapped back to reality and solemnly handed the scroll in his hand to the Second Elder: "Elders, please take a look first."
His voice was low, "The news from Moon Hu is no small matter; Tang Xiao dares not act on his own."
The scroll passed through the hands of the Five Elders in turn, and with each person it reached, the atmosphere in the hall grew heavier.
After reading, the Five Elders all furrowed their brows deeply.
News that could make the Sect Master so cautious indeed concerned the Sect's survival.
The scroll completed its circulation in silence, finally returning to Tang Xiao's hand.
The Five Elders all lowered their heads, leaving only heavy breathing and the faint sound of wind outside the window in the hall.
Tang Xiao's gaze was like a torch, slowly sweeping over the solemn faces of each Elder: "What do you all think… how should this matter be decided?"
The Second Elder raised his old but sharp eyes, his gaze beneath his white brows directed straight at Tang Xiao: "Sect Master, you must already have a plan in mind, no?"
His withered fingers lightly tapped the armrest of his seat, emitting a dull sound.
The other four Elders also looked up simultaneously, their gazes, as if substantial, falling upon Tang Xiao.
Tang Xiao stood with his hands behind his back, his voice as steady as a bell: "I never doubt Moon Hu's judgment."
His fingertips lightly caressed the scroll, "But if we support the Fourth Prince at this time…"
He turned to look at the Clear Sky Hammer emblem hanging high in the center of the hall: "As Sect Master, my every action represents the Sect's will.
It is inconvenient for me to act personally."
His gaze returned to the Five Elders: "Therefore… I can only trouble the Elders to mediate on my behalf."
He placed his right hand over his chest, performing a half-bow, "That is why I specifically sought your opinions."
A flash of lightning streaked across the sky outside the window, instantly illuminating the varied expressions on the Five Elders' faces.
The Second Elder's white beard shimmered like silver threads in the electric light as he slowly rubbed the armrest of his seat, breaking the silence first, his voice as hoarse as sandpaper rubbing: "Contending with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School at this time…"
He raised his cloudy but sharp eyes, "is not a good thing."
"Ning Fengzhi has managed for many years; the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is deeply rooted in Heaven Dou," his gaze beneath his white brows swept over everyone present, "not to mention the two old fellows, Sword and Bone, who are still guarding it."
The Seventh Elder slammed his hand on the table, leaving a clear imprint on the stone surface: "Second Brother is being too cautious!"
His gnarled white beard trembled constantly with his agitated tone, "All the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School can offer are those two old scoundrels, Sword and Bone!"
He strode to the center of the hall, his black robe flapping in the strong wind: "If we support the Fourth Prince in ascending to power…"
He swung his thick arm through the air, stirring up a gust of wind, "For our Clear Sky Sect, this is simply a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
"The Moon Hu girl has had her own ideas since she was little," the Seventh Elder turned and surveyed everyone, his voice like a resounding bell, "Her judgment, the fact that she could send this news back, means it's feasible."
The Fifth Elder also nodded slightly upon hearing this: "I also think this is feasible."
His withered fingers lightly tapped the back of his chair, "We just need to restrain those two old fellows, Sword and Bone…"
A glint of sharpness flashed in his cloudy old eyes: "As for whether he can ascend to the great position…"
He paused meaningfully, "Ultimately, it depends on that little prince's own fortune."
He picked up a teacup, took a shallow sip, and continued: "I reckon the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School…"
The lid of the teacup clinked against the rim, making a crisp sound, "also wouldn't dare to truly fall out with our Clear Sky Sect."
The Third Elder's withered fingers restlessly rubbed the edge of his teacup, his brows tightly furrowed: "This matter… I'm afraid it will hurt our harmony."
His voice was low, like the rustling of fallen leaves in autumn.
The surface of the water in the teacup reflected his worried face: "Regardless of success or failure, it will create a rift with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."
His fingertip traced a mark on the table, "If they secretly cause trouble…"
He suddenly looked up, a hint of alarm flashing in his eyes: "Or even side with Spirit Hall…"
His voice suddenly deepened, "That would not be good."
The Sixth Elder lightly caressed the spirit tool at his waist, the coolness of the metal seeping through his fingertips: "If it succeeds," a sharp glint appeared in his eyes, "the Clear Sky Sect's return to prominence on the continent will be unstoppable."
"Even if it fails," a cold smile played on his lips, "the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will still need to rely on our Sect's strength.
The principle of 'when the lips are gone, the teeth are cold'," his sleeves flapped in the wind, "Ning Fengzhi, that clever man, how could he not understand?"
"The struggle for the throne is inherently a matter of individual ability," he surveyed everyone, his voice ringing out, "What harm is there in offending them a bit? I agree."
Tang Xiao looked around the hall: "Since your opinions differ…"
He slowly raised his right hand, "then let's vote by show of hands."
As soon as his voice fell, the Fifth Elder's gnarled arm was the first to rise, his iron gauntlet clanking.
Immediately after, the Sixth Elder's withered but powerful hand shot up, and the Seventh Elder stood up directly, raising his iron palm high above his head.
On the other side, the Second Elder and Third Elder's hands remained steadily on their laps.
The Second Elder's white brows were tightly furrowed, while the Third Elder sighed softly, placing his teacup heavily back on the table.
Three to two.
Tang Xiao's gaze slowly swept over everyone present—this result was exactly as he had expected.
The younger Elders' eyes flickered with an unwilling flame, just like the younger disciples within the Sect, eager to break the stagnant situation that had persisted for many years.
For them, the situation was already at rock bottom; what was there to fear in taking a gamble?
However, etched between the Second Elder and Third Elder's grizzled brows was the accumulation of years.
They were not cowards, but on their shoulders rested the rise and fall of the entire Sect.
Those calloused hands could unhesitatingly die for the Sect, but they could never tolerate the Clear Sky Sect's century-old foundation being destroyed by the impulsiveness of this generation.
Tang Xiao placed both hands on the table, his palms striking the stone table with a dull thud: "Since that is the case…"
His gaze was like a torch, "Then the Fifth Elder will lead the team, accompanied by the Sixth Elder and Seventh Elder, to Heaven Dou."
His fingertip tapped heavily on the scroll: "Remember, unless absolutely necessary…"
His voice suddenly deepened, "do not easily make a move."
A flash of lightning streaked across the window, illuminating his resolute face: "If things are not feasible, withdraw immediately."
"We obey the Sect Master's command!"
The three Elders responded in unison, their calm tones underlying a battle intent suppressed for many years.
They exchanged glances, their black robes rustling in the strong wind, and in an instant, they transformed into three black shadows, soaring out of the hall.
A hint of worry surfaced in the Second Elder's ancient eyes, his gaze beneath his white brows piercing through the hall entrance, looking in the direction where the three Elders had departed—the Clear Sky Sect now was like a volcano that had been suppressed for too long.
Those young disciples, bearing the number one Tool Spirit in the world, could only cultivate day after day in the deep mountains.
How was this different from wearing fine clothes at night?
"Second Brother," the Third Elder's withered hand gently pressed on the Second Elder's shoulder, his voice as hoarse and gentle as autumn leaves, "Those few fellows… they know their limits."
The wrinkles on the Second Elder's face deepened a bit, revealing a bitter smile: "I hope so…"
He slowly rose, his hunched back appearing especially ancient in the candlelight, "After all these years of enduring hardships, our Sect has accumulated this foundation of six Titled Douluo."
"Every bit of strength…" his voice suddenly deepened, "must be used at crucial junctures for the Sect's survival."
Tang Xiao stepped forward: "Second Elder, please rest assured."
His broad palm gently patted the old man's hunched back, "The three Elders are all powerful experts of this era; this strength is enough to dominate Heaven Dou.
Moreover, with Moon Hu mediating in Heaven Dou, it's just secret support; there should be no worries."
Upon hearing this, the Second Elder's tense expression finally relaxed slightly.
He nodded slightly: "I hope it's just me, this old fool, worrying too much."
His gaze beneath his white brows gradually softened, "I still trust that Moon Hu girl's methods.
These years…" his voice carried a hint of emotion, "she alone, with just a Moon Pavilion, could support thousands of disciples in the Sect."
"Not to mention," the Second Elder suddenly chuckled softly, his white beard trembling slightly with his laughter, "Her eye for people is much sharper than us old fellows'."
Time flew by like a white steed, and in a blink, it was deep autumn.
Early this morning, before the thin mist had fully dispersed, a long convoy of carriages slowly drove into Heaven Dou City's gate.
The wheels rumbled over the bluestone road, making a dull sound that startled the sparrows perched on the plane trees by the roadside.
Each carriage in the convoy was branded with the unique mark of the Tang Sect, fully loaded with refined iron ore transported from various mines.
The curtain of the lead carriage was slightly lifted, revealing Tai Tan's rugged face.
"Finally here…" Tai Tan muttered softly, his rough fingers caressing the spirit tool at his waist.
Behind him, several Tang Sect disciples vigilantly surveyed their surroundings; they all knew what this batch of ore meant to the current Tang Sect.
The guards at the city gate were about to step forward to inspect, but then they saw someone in the convoy display a token—it was the Crown Prince's mansion emblem.
The guards immediately retreated to both sides, watching the convoy roll over the fallen plane tree leaves, slowly heading towards the Tang Sect's direction.
Tang San sat quietly inside the carriage, his slender fingers tightly gripping the window sill, his knuckles turning white from the effort.
The rapidly receding scenery outside the window cast flickering light and shadow in his deep blue eyes.
This trip to Star Luo, although he had raised a large amount of funds by selling Hidden Weapons and purchased enough ore raw materials to sustain the Tang Sect for several months, when he personally visited the three major single-attribute clans…
Tang San's fingertips unconsciously caressed the Twenty Four Moonlit Bridges, his eyes filled with icy coldness.
The attitude of those three clans towards him still felt like a thorn in his throat whenever he thought of it.
The words of the three patriarchs echoed in Tang San's ears like a persistent disease—
Niu Gao's rough voice carried undisguised mockery: "If we truly wished to attach ourselves to power, why wouldn't our Defense Clan directly pledge allegiance to the Heaven Dou Empire? Or…" he deliberately drew out his words, "the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"
Bai He's ancient voice, however, held a touch more complexity: "Little San, Uncle appreciates your gesture."
A fleeting shadow of a bird passed by outside the window, "But us old bones… we've had enough of living under others' patronage."
The most jarring was Yang Wudi's Soul Breaking Spear, which cut through the air with a sharp whistle, followed by a cold laugh: "A mere Spirit Emperor… dares to command our four single-attribute clans? Overestimating yourself!"
The spear tip stopped three inches from Tang San's throat, "It's the Strength Clan's business if they want to be running dogs, but our Breaking Clan would rather starve to death than eat food given by an enemy!"
The carriage suddenly jolted, startling Tang San from his memories.
He looked down at his palm, where four bloodstains had appeared from his nails digging in at some point.
Outside the window, the bustling streetscape of Heaven Dou City rapidly receded, but the contempt of the three great clans remained like a shadow.
Tai Tan sat on the other side of the carriage, his rough fingers unconsciously caressing the iron hammer at his waist.
He looked at Tang San's bloodied palm and sighed silently in his heart—the Young Master's strength was still too weak after all.
Without beginning to add spirit rings to his Clear Sky Hammer, how could he possibly command those arrogant old fellows?
Recalling Tang San's rash challenge to Yang Wudi, Tai Tan's brows knitted into a knot.
Outside the window, a fallen leaf drifted into the carriage, landing perfectly on Tang San's blood-stained palm.
Tai Tan opened his mouth, but in the end, he merely pulled out a clean handkerchief and silently handed it over.
The sound of the wheels rumbling over potholes covered his almost inaudible sigh.
That chasm-like spirit power gap could not be easily filled by a few Spirit Bones.
Moreover, the Spirit Bones integrated into the Young Master's body were mostly strength-based, and against Yang Wudi's Soul Breaking Spear, a head-on clash would yield no advantage whatsoever.
Cold sweat seeped from Tai Tan's rough palms—recalling that dangerous moment: facing Spirit Douluo like Niu Gao and Bai He, who were not known for their offensive capabilities, the Young Master could still maneuver with his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track.
But Yang Wudi's spear…
"Hiss!"
The sharp whistle of the spear tip piercing the air seemed to still echo in his ears.
Had he not blocked with his Spirit Avatar in time, that spear light, imbued with the power to break souls, would have likely impaled the Young Master on the doorpost of the Breaking Clan.
Inside the carriage, the bloodstains on Tang San's palm gradually congealed, turning a dark red color.
Tai Tan turned his face away, unable to bear watching any longer.
Tai Tan's rough, large hand gently rested on Tang San's shoulder, his voice extremely low: "Young Master, these things… don't take them to heart."
He looked at the rapidly receding scenery outside the window, "I know the temperaments of those old fellows…"
"They're not targeting you."
His fingers unconsciously caressed the iron hammer's pattern, "It's just…" his Adam's apple bobbed, "they no longer want to live that kind of subservient life."
The gloom in Tang San's eyes dissipated slightly, and he nodded slightly at Tai Tan.
But in his heart, it was clear—after this experience, those three single-attribute clans would likely never join the Tang Sect.
Seeing this, Tai Tan slapped the carriage wall heavily with his broad palm, making the window frame hum: "With this batch of raw materials as a foundation," a encouraging smile forced its way onto his rugged face, "our Tang Sect's foundation will be firmly established!"
He pointed to the gradually clearer Tang Sect buildings outside the window: "Young Master, look, the chimneys of the forging workshops have already been erected."
His voice involuntarily rose, "In time, the Tang Sect will surely…"
His words abruptly stopped, for he saw the forced smile on Tang San's lips.
The young Sect Master said softly: "Senior Tai Tan, you've worked hard."
His voice was so soft it was almost drowned out by the sound of the wheels, "If not for your strong assistance…"
Tang San looked at the newly established buildings, his gaze seemingly piercing through them, landing on some distant, unreachable place: "I truly don't know… where the Tang Sect should go."
The setbacks of these past days made Tang San deeply understand—the position of Sect Master was by no means something that could be held securely by mere passion.
The rise and fall of a Sect often depended on the Sect Master himself.
If one did not possess strength capable of aweing all directions, how could those unruly individuals be convinced?
Let alone recruiting experts and strengthening the Sect.
"Senior Tai Tan," Tang San suddenly spoke, his voice unusually clear within the bumpy carriage, "After this batch of raw materials is processed…"
He looked up, the gloom in his eyes replaced by determination, "I wish to make a trip to the Star Dou Great Forest."
Tai Tan's pupils constricted, his rough fingers suddenly clenching his lap.
As someone who had been through it, he knew all too well what that sentence meant.
After a moment of silence, he clasped his fists heavily: "Your subordinate… understands."
Those few short words contained too much left unsaid.