After the death of the 100,000-year Soft-Bone Rabbit became known to Bibi Dong, most Spirit Masters in the Spirit Hall's sub-branches, minor branches, Holy Halls, and the Main Hall across the continent received orders to carefully inspect every passerby.
Although a 100,000-year Spirit Bone is even harder to detect than a 100,000-year Spirit Ring once absorbed, the Spirit Hall had over a thousand years of tradition and experience. They had methods to roughly identify such Spirit Bones: if the unknown Spirit Master dared to use the Spirit Bone skills, they could judge by the effects displayed. The skills of a 100,000-year Spirit Beast's bone are extremely potent, even enough to allow a Spirit Master to gain an advantage over someone of a higher tier.
While the Spirit Hall's investigators secretly scoured the continent, Ignaz had returned to the Breaking Clan.
"Leader, you've finally returned! If you'd delayed any longer, Brother Dugu and I would have gone south to fetch you," Yang Wudi greeted him.
"My life's sturdy. Without a Titled Douluo around, there's no real danger," Ignaz replied calmly, looking at the worried Yang Wudi.
"By the way, I heard that your single-element Four Clans will be holding a meeting soon. I plan to attend."
"Leader, you've considered this carefully. The Defense Clan is among the most skillful builders in the continent. Their plate-armored giant rhinoceros Spirit Beast offers exceptional defense, comparable to a diamond mammoth Spirit Beast. If we could recruit them to our clan, both our defensive base and Spirit Beast defenses would improve greatly."
During the Spirit Master Tournament, Yang Wudi and Ignaz had discussed this. The Breaking Clan was skilled in alchemy and essential to the clan's economy, but they didn't provide clan defenses. To maintain growth, more Spirit Masters needed to join. The Breaking Clan's conditions made it easier to recruit them, while the Strength Clan had past disputes with Yang Wudi due to Tang San, so Yang Wudi didn't bother trying to sway them. As for the Speed Clan, with low attack but very fast abilities, Yang Wudi still had some ideas.
Ignaz had no objections to Yang Wudi's proposals. These were all pre-arranged strategies.
"Alright, you handle it. But I'll go to the gathering with my grandfather—just in case anyone tries to stir trouble," Ignaz said.
Yang Wudi silently nodded; it was a chaotic time. Previously, Tang Hao had tried to eliminate someone, so caution was warranted in crowded gatherings.
Soon, the Four Clans' meeting commenced. This time, the Speed Clan hosted, at Hummingbird City on the border of the Western Star Luo Empire and Heaven Dou Empire.
An old man, hunched and anxious, waited outside the Speed Clan mansion.
"They've arrived—here comes the Old Orangutan from Strength Clan."
Bai He's eyes lit up as he saw the approaching carriage. Before it even stopped, he rushed forward.
"Old Orangutan, it's been four years since the last gathering of our single-element Four Clans. We must enjoy ourselves fully over these few days!"
"Old White Bird, you're still as hospitable as ever. I won't hold back," Titan replied with a smile.
Despite his cheer, Titan felt pity for his old friend. Since leaving the Hao Tian Sect, the Speed Clan had been the weakest of the Four Clans. With the Sharp-Tailed Swallow Spirit Beast offering little combat value, they couldn't join hunting teams or participate in the Dou Arena for income. Even now, Bai He had to borrow money from other families or sects. If not for secret financial support from the Strength, Yu, and Po Clans through gatherings, the Speed Clan would have long been absorbed by richer sects.
Titan sighed inwardly, observing Bai He's pride and his excitement in front of the other three elder leaders. He resolved to find a way to discreetly support the Speed Clan toward the end of the gathering.
Then Titan patted Tailong on the back.
"Go greet your Grandfather Bai He."
"Grandfather, I've grown up—no need to pat me like a child." Tailong frowned but still bowed to Bai He.
"Good, very good. Can't believe how much you've grown," Bai He replied warmly.
After some casual conversation, they entered the mansion.
Meanwhile, in a local tavern, three young women dressed in white-and-purple attire, particularly one attractive young lady, lingered before 30-year-old casks of Purple Bamboo Wine, indecisive.
"Miss of the Speed Clan, these 13 casks are top-quality Purple Bamboo Wine. You've been deciding for 30 minutes—will you buy them or not? If not, please leave; don't block my business."
The shopkeeper frowned. Speed Clan members were notoriously stingy; if they came to purchase, the day's revenue often dropped by thirty percent.
"I—I'll think some more…"
"Boss, can't you reduce the price a bit more?" Bai Chenxiang asked awkwardly.
"100 gold per cask is already the cost price. If Elder Bai He wants it, buying a cask is acceptable."
The owner wasn't deliberately disrespecting the Speed Clan; their typical behavior simply made polite service difficult.
"If that doesn't work, you can buy cheaper wines, like sorghum or wheat wine, only one silver Spirit Coin per pound."
Bai Chenxiang knew the clan usually bought cheap wine for gatherings or birthdays. But this was the Four Clans' gathering hosted by the Speed Clan. If even the basic wine was cheap, how could her grandfather maintain face before the other three clan elders?
"Do you have any reasonably priced wine that tastes like Purple Bamboo Wine?"
"All our wine is legitimately brewed, Miss Bai. There's no imitation."