.The residence of the Imperial Clan.
The mansion was extremely rugged, entirely constructed of stone. The disciples of the Imperial Clan guarding the gate appeared very tall, giving off a sense of solidity.
Just then, a carriage from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School slowly drove into the street where the mansion was located. To the surprise of the Yu Clan disciples, the carriage stopped in front of the mansion.
"Quickly, go and report to the clan chief!"
A quick-witted guard hurriedly instructed his somewhat dazed companion.
His companion, startled, hurriedly ran towards the mansion. The arrival of a distinguished guest from the second-ranked sect in the land was a privilege reserved for their clan leader.
The carriage curtain was lifted, and Dai Yao got off the carriage first, then helped Ning Rongrong down.
Dai Yao wanted to help Feng Wutong out of the car, but Feng Wutong refused. Dai Yao frowned, forcibly took Feng Wutong's hand, and helped her out of the car.
He didn't want to treat the two women differently.
Seeing this, Sword Douluo remained calm and composed, as if he hadn't seen anything at all.
As soon as Dai Yao and his companions alighted from the carriage, they heard the once peaceful and tranquil Yu Yi Clan residence gradually become noisy. A burly man nearing fifty years old rushed out anxiously.
He ran while shouting:
"Where are they? Where are they? Where are the people from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"
The man's voice was extremely loud, like a booming bell. Dai Yao and the others couldn't help but look at him.
This man was enormous, with broad, sturdy arms like a fortress, giving him an aura of invincibility. His face was as red as a jujube, and his large eyes were bright and piercing, showing no signs of old age.
Ning Rongrong and Dai Yao exchanged a glance. Ning Rongrong clasped her hands in front of her, gracefully stepped forward, and smiled:
"You must be Senior Niu Gao, the patriarch of the Yu Clan. My name is Ning Rongrong, and I am the young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Please forgive my intrusion in visiting today."
"What are you being presumptuous about! Guests are always welcome. The fact that your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would dare to come to our Power Clan is an honor for us!"
Niu Gao laughed heartily.
Upon hearing the words "Young Sect Master," Niu Gao's large, bell-like eyes narrowed slightly.
His gaze swept over Ning Rongrong and Dai Yao, who was dressed in a black robe and wore a black hood, and Feng Wutong. He was somewhat surprised by Ning Rongrong's appearance. Especially when he saw the figure with a full head of silver hair, as sharp as a sword, his pupils suddenly contracted.
He quickly bowed and said:
"Please forgive my poor eyesight for failing to recognize Sword Douluo's identity in time!"
Sword Douluo said calmly:
"Don't worry about me. Rongrong and the others are in charge of making decisions today."
Upon hearing the words "Sword Douluo," everyone's heart skipped a beat, and many of the fervent gazes that had been focused on Ning Rongrong shifted to the thin old man.
There are probably only a handful of titled Douluo in the world, and today they have witnessed the glory of the number one attacking Soul Master in the world, which can be said to be extremely fortunate.
Although Sword Douluo's words sounded impressive, Niu Gao dared not truly ignore him. He turned and extended his hand in invitation:
"Please come in!"
Beneath the black hood, Dai Yao's lips curled slightly. This was the advantage of being a kept man! If he had come alone, he probably would have been kicked out.
In the original novel, Tang San was able to stay despite the hostility between Niu Gao and the Yu clan only because of Titan's introduction and guarantee.
After the group entered the spacious and tall reception hall of the Yu clan, Niu Gao sat in the main seat and instructed his son Niu Ben beside him:
"Quickly! Fill everyone's cups."
Niu Ben nodded and placed cups, each about the size of a small bucket, on each person's table. Then he took out the strong liquor brewed by the clan and filled the cups for Dai Yao and the others.
Upon smelling the pungent odor of alcohol, Ning Rongrong couldn't help but frown.
Niu Gao hurriedly stood up, slapped Niu Ben on the head, and said urgently:
"Fool! I told you to prepare tea for the guests, not to pour wine!"
The young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has a delicate and pampered appearance; he certainly doesn't look like someone who can drink alcohol!
Niu Ben rubbed his aching head and said aggrievedly, "Dad, there's no tea in the clan! You're the one who said that our Yu clan has to serve wine to guests!"
Niu Gao was taken aback, realizing that his clan didn't have the habit of preparing tea. He smiled apologetically at Ning Rongrong and the others, feeling somewhat embarrassed.
Ning Rongrong and Dai Yao exchanged a glance and chuckled softly, while Dai Yao and Feng Wutong also couldn't help but smile.
The nature of the Yu clan can be seen in their chief, Niu Gao, and his son, Niu Ben; both are rather straightforward. Gaining their loyalty would certainly be an invaluable asset.
Although Niu Gao has a rough appearance, he has developed a delicate mind after so many years of ups and downs.
Ning Rongrong is the young sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, so why is she so concerned about that man in black robes? She keeps glancing at him every now and then.
Niu Gao looked at Dai Yao and asked Ning Rongrong:
Who is this?
Just as Ning Rongrong was about to introduce them, Dai Yao slightly raised his hand, interrupting her. He spoke up:
"Chief Niu Gao, you will know my identity eventually, but not now. You will know my identity when someone arrives."
Ning Rongrong and Sword Douluo both looked at Dai Yao with some confusion. We're waiting for someone else? Who is that person?
However, out of trust in Dai Yao, they did not pursue the matter further.
Niu Gao said without changing his expression:
"Haha, you are a distinguished guest of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Since you say so, I won't bother to ask any further questions."
After Niu Gao sat in the main seat, Ning Rongrong began to chat with him.
Although Niu Gao was chatting casually, he knew exactly what was going on. Ning Rongrong subtly gleaned the true situation of the Yu clan from his words.
He only realized it now.
This must have alarmed him.
"This young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is no pushover!"
After chatting for a while, Ning Rongrong finally revealed the purpose of her trip, and said with a smile:
"Sect Leader Niu Gao, we have come here today because there is something we would like to tell you."
Niu Gao's heart skipped a beat, knowing that Ning Rongrong was finally about to reveal her purpose. He had been patiently waiting until now, and he couldn't wait any longer.
"Please speak."
Ning Rongrong smiled and said, "As we all know, the situation on the mainland is becoming increasingly tense, and the Spirit Hall is now showing signs of confronting the two great empires."
"Anyone with eyes can see that one day, the Spirit Hall will take action against the two great empires."
"At that time, all forces on the continent will have to choose sides between these two factions. Otherwise, they will be wiped out by this overwhelming trend."
"Therefore, my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School wants to support the establishment of a neutral sect, to win over some neutral forces, to band together for mutual support, so that everyone can survive in this trend."
"After the sect is established, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will be the first to join it."
Niu Gao's gaze darkened slightly as he glanced at the silent Sword Douluo with his eyes closed, and he gritted his teeth, saying:
"Both empires and the Spirit Hall harbor ambitions to unify the continent. I see that your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School also has considerable ambitions. Aren't you trying to use us small and medium-sized forces as cannon fodder by trying to win us over?"
"You were the first to join, why bother with all this? Wouldn't you be the ones calling the shots once the sect is established?!"
His fiery temper meant that even with Sword Douluo beside him, he had to speak his mind; otherwise, he couldn't hold back!
Upon hearing this, even Sword Douluo looked at Niu Gao with slight surprise, shook his head with a smile, and closed his eyes again.
Ning Rongrong wasn't angry. She understood Niu Gao's concerns and explained with a smile:
"Senior Niu Gao, please don't be anxious. First of all, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would never do such a thing. Our reputation has always been excellent throughout the continent."
"Secondly, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will not interfere in any affairs of this newly established sect. This is because the idea of establishing this sect was not proposed by us, but by the person next to me."
"He will be in charge of all affairs of the sect."
Niu Gao couldn't help but look at Dai Yao, who was wearing a black robe, again, his gaze filled with surprise and uncertainty.
He didn't understand what abilities this man possessed that could make the young sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School guarantee that he wouldn't interfere with the sect he had founded.
Moreover, it received unconditional support from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School!
Could it be that the young sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has a crush on him? But even so, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School wouldn't let the young sect leader do as he pleases, would it? Unconditionally supporting a sect is no easy task, even for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School with its vast resources.
In fact, establishing a sect had always been his wish.
He gathered the old gorilla, the old white bird, and the old goat together, just like more than twenty years ago, sticking together for warmth. He would be willing to die for them.
However, over the years, after the four single-attribute clans separated, each licked their wounds and failed to live up to their former glory. The Haotian Sect, which once bound them together, has now become something they are unwilling to mention.
Secondly, it was also because there was a lack of a person with sufficient prestige to bring everyone together.
If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School were willing to be that person, he could reluctantly accept it in order to give everyone a chance to reunite. But if it were a complete stranger, he would never agree!
Niu Gao tapped his thick fingers on the stone handrail, his gaze fixed on Dai Yao, before finally speaking after a long while:
"If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School were to take the lead, I, an old man, would be willing. But if it were some unknown youth as the sect leader, I cannot accept it!"
"Young man, if you reveal your identity, I might consider it."
"Moreover, in the next few days, our four major single-attribute clans will be gathering. At that time, I can also help you introduce them to them."
A soft chuckle came from beneath the black robe:
"Chief Niu Gao, you should wait. Once that person arrives, you will naturally know my identity. If you agree now, you might regret it when that person comes."
He was a member of the Spirit Hall, which had a blood feud with the four single-attribute clans. Although he wasn't the perpetrator back then, he was inevitably caught in the crossfire of the four single-attribute clans.
If he reveals his identity now, he will surely be driven away. Even out of respect for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, they won't treat him well.
But Tang San wasn't much better off. Back then, the Clear Sky Sect also abandoned the four single-attribute clans.
It can be said that the four single-attribute clans harbor hatred towards both the Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect.
As soon as Tang San arrives, the contrast between them, and their mutual inferiority, makes him much more pleasing to the eye.
Dai Yao's words were truly puzzling to Niu Gao, but since Dai Yao wanted to wait a little longer, he wasn't in a hurry. However, his doubts only deepened.
For a moment, the group chatted casually.
As the sun began to set, a commotion suddenly arose outside the mansion gate. An excited disciple rushed in, and upon seeing the members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, he looked apologetic. He then quickly approached Niu Gao and whispered something in his ear.
Niu Gao's eyes, as big as copper bells, suddenly widened, and he asked excitedly:
"really!"
The disciple nodded vigorously.
Niu Gao stood up and said apologetically to everyone, "The Titan of the Power Clan has arrived. I'll go greet him first. Kid, you can continue waiting for the person you mentioned."
Hearing the impatience in Niu Gao's tone, Dai Yao also stood up and smiled:
"No need to wait any longer, that person has already arrived."
Niu Gao froze, realizing something, and walked towards the main gate. Dai Yao and the others also stood up and followed.
Before even reaching the door, a deep, resonant voice could be heard outside, repeatedly calling someone "old rhinoceros" or something similar. Niu Gao strode forward and laughed loudly:
"You old gorilla, I haven't even left the sect yet and I can already hear your loud voice. How dare you call me by my nickname, hmph."
Stepping out of the gate, a tall figure, even stronger than Niu Gao, appeared before everyone.
Upon hearing Niu Gao's voice, Titan burst into laughter: "You're not convinced? Let's have a strength contest. If you beat me, I won't call you Old Rhino anymore, how about that?"
The two elderly men greeted each other with an unspoken understanding, opening their arms and embracing tightly. But their bulging muscles and prominent veins suggested that their embrace was not so simple.
Just as the two old men were locked in combat, Dai Yao's gaze had already turned to the group of people behind Titan.
Tang San, Oscar, Ma Hongjun.
Tang San still looked the same as when he was in the Star Dou Great Forest, while Ma Hongjun and Oscar had completely different temperaments from those in the original work.
Unlike the original work, both characters exude a frivolous air, especially their swollen eye bags and pale lips, clearly indicating that they have had a very eventful period.
Just then, Oscar spotted Ning Rongrong following behind Dai Yao and exclaimed joyfully:
"Rongrong!"
Upon hearing the shout, Ning Rongrong turned her gaze away from the two old men. When she saw Oscar, Tang San, and the others, she was first taken aback, then her expression turned cold, revealing a hint of repulsion.
Hello.
Back then, after she didn't bring out the Zhuge Crossbow with her teammates, she was ostracized by the other six students from Shrek Academy. Although she was hurt, she didn't think she had done anything wrong, so she simply left Shrek Academy.
In recent years, she had also vaguely learned about Oscar Ma Hongjun's decadent lifestyle, and she wanted to pay even less attention to the two of them.
"It's been five years, and Rongrong has grown into a stunning beauty!"
Ma Hongjun's somewhat infatuated eyes cleared considerably upon seeing Ning Rongrong, and he praised her. He wasn't about to harbor any lustful thoughts towards his former teammate.
"Thanks."
Ning Rongrong remained calm and composed.
Oscar, seemingly oblivious to Ning Rongrong's cold attitude, continued excitedly:
"Rongrong, Xiao San wants to start a sect, and he's short of funds. He's just waiting for you to join! Then, the Shrek Seven Devils can reunite!"
Upon hearing that Tang San also wanted to establish a sect, Ning Rongrong's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't help but look at Dai Yao, who was hidden beneath a black robe.
Could Tang San be the person he's been waiting for?
But how did he know that Tang San was going to establish a sect? And why would Tang San come to the Yu Clan at this time?
Tang San followed Ning Rongrong's gaze to Dai Yao, and when he saw the man in black robes, his brows immediately furrowed.
For some reason, this man in black robes gave him an extremely uncomfortable feeling.
"Rongrong, aren't you going to introduce this person to us?"
Tang San stared coldly at the man in black robes and asked.
Ning Rongrong wanted to scold Tang San for making it sound like they had a very close relationship, but Dai Yao stopped her.
Looking at Tang San's gloomy face, Dai Yao chuckled, slowly removed his hood, revealing the face that Tang San hated to the core, and smiled:
"I think I don't need an introduction, Tang San. You'll probably never forget me, even in your next life." (End of Chapter)