?"The fourth prince of the Star Luo Empire? The Spirit Hall? Heh, what a Spirit Hall!"
Bai He stared at Dai Yao and sneered. He didn't believe that the sect Dai Yao had founded had no connection with the Spirit Hall!
Dai Yao wanted to establish a sect all by himself, and even received the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Why? It must be because the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School sided with the Spirit Hall, which is why they supported Dai Yao in establishing the Green Lotus School.
He glared at Niu Gao and Titan, and shouted:
"Old Rhinoceros! Old Gorilla! What are you two up to?! How did our gathering of the four major single-attribute clans turn into this? You have to give me an explanation!"
Titan snorted coldly, glanced at Niu Gao expressionlessly, and said indifferently:
"Old White Bird, don't call him Old Rhinoceros anymore. He's not one of us! As for what happened, just ask him."
Niu Gao gritted his teeth, barely suppressing his anger. "You, Titan, want to follow Tang San? Fine, but my Yu clan also has the right to choose to live, right? Do we have to follow you to our deaths?"
However, he did not accept Titan's invitation and instead chose to join Dai Yao's Qinglian Sect. He always felt somewhat sorry for Titan.
He sighed, somewhat helplessly, and said to the white crane:
"Old White Bird, it's a long story. Come with me to the clan hall to rest first."
"Um."
Bai He glanced at Dai Yao with some hostility, and then, led by Dai Yao, arrived at the main hall of the Yu clan.
Tang San stood still, frowning, pondering the meaning of 'Green Lotus Sect'.
"The Azure Lotus Sect? Why would Dai Yao choose the name 'Azure Lotus' for his sect? Could it have some special meaning?"
Thinking of this, a glint of light flashed in his eyes, and he thought:
"There must be some secret here, maybe it's Dai Yao's weakness! If I can find out his secret, I might have a chance to defeat him!"
He slowly clenched his fist, his blood began to flow faster, and the hatred in his eyes seemed about to burst forth.
Over the years, he has been defeated by Dai Yao time and time again, and his hatred for Dai Yao has grown deeper and deeper. Not long ago, Xiao Wu died at Dai Yao's hands, leaving no trace of her body. He has become somewhat obsessed with defeating Dai Yao.
Now, he grasped at the three words 'Azure Lotus Sect' as if they were a lifeline, wanting to uncover the secrets they contained.
"Third Brother, let's go."
The fat man turned around, looked at Tang San who was standing still, and greeted him in confusion.
Tang San woke up with a start, responded, and the hatred in his eyes subsided considerably. He followed Titan and the others into the hall of the Yu Clan.
Inside the hall, there was a huge stone table.
At the head of the stone table sat Niu Gao. To his left and right sat Tang San's group and Dai Yao's group, respectively. The two groups were clearly separated and sat facing each other.
As for the Min clan, they sat opposite the main group, somewhat at a loss amidst the tense atmosphere between Tang San's group and Dai Yao's group.
After a moment, the white crane said calmly:
"Old rhinoceros, it's time to say something."
Niu Gao opened his mouth, about to speak, when Dai Yao waved his hand to interrupt him:
"Senior Niu Gao, let me speak. After all, your identity is closely related to the other three single-attribute clans. What you say may affect your relationship with the other three single-attribute clans."
Niu Gao breathed a sigh of relief; he had been struggling with this very issue. Dai Yao had noticed and resolved his dilemma, and Niu Gao quickly expressed his gratitude:
"Thank you, Sect Master!"
Without realizing it, he gradually came to accept Dai Yao.
Sitting not far from Dai Yao, the Sword Douluo, who had been resting with his eyes closed, couldn't help but smile slightly. He nodded in approval of Dai Yao's actions in helping Niu Gao out of his predicament.
Dai Yao looked at the white crane and smiled:
"Senior Baihe, as you know, all forces on the continent today must choose between the Spirit Hall and the two great empires; there is no other way."
"But now, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has chosen neutrality and will not get involved in the conflicts between continents. With the strength of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, it can naturally protect a neutral force."
"But the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School doesn't want to attract too much attention, lest it arouse the suspicion of the Spirit Hall and the two great empires."
"Therefore, they supported my establishment of a sect and won over some forces that desired neutrality. In order to protect the sect, the Yu clan joined my Qinglian Sect."
Bai He gave Niu Gao a deep look and said in a deep voice:
"Old Rhino, I understand your choice, but..."
He paused, glanced at Dai Yao, and said with some worry, "But Dai Yao is, after all, a member of the Spirit Hall. Old Rhino, haven't we learned enough lessons from the Spirit Hall?"
Niu Gao sighed. Given what Dai Yao had shown him that night, how could he dare to refuse? Once he was resented by such a talented person, he would only face death once Dai Yao became powerful.
After a long pause, Niu Gao seemed to have made up his mind about something, and without further hesitation, he said:
"I trust the sect leader's character, so I also trust the promises he makes."
Baihe exhaled a heavy breath and said, "Old Rhinoceros, since you've chosen this guy named Dai Yao, then I can only wish you good luck."
Bai Chenxiang couldn't help but re-examine Dai Yao, wondering why this scholarly fellow could gain the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Moreover, the Yu Clan trusted him so much.
As she watched, her gaze was drawn to the figure behind Dai Yao, completely shrouded in black robes...
Titan crossed his arms, not even glancing at Niu Gao, and scoffed disdainfully:
"What 'preserving the clan'? In my opinion, he's nothing but a sycophantic opportunist! And I even treated him like a brother!"
"you!"
Niu Gao suddenly stood up, his eyes wide, glaring at Titan. He truly couldn't understand why Titan would think of him that way. So many years of friendship, turned into enmity just because of one choice?
After a long while, he slumped back into the main seat.
His personality, like his martial spirit, is primarily defensive, enduring all attacks and slander while keeping it all bottled up inside.
Seeing the intense, confrontational atmosphere between the two, Dai Yao couldn't help but burst into laughter!
He was still worried that Niu Gao had joined the Qinglian Sect and was still reluctant to part with Tang San and Titan. Now, Titan had used his actions to force Niu Gao to his side!
However, Titan was also filled with resentment. Who was Dai Yao? Insidious and vicious, he even stole the young master's 100,000-year soul ring!
What a deep hatred this was! Not only did his old friend not help the young master, but he even joined Dai Yao's sect. Although the young master didn't say anything, it still made him feel ashamed!
"Alright, Titan, please calm down."
Tang San grabbed Titan and tried to persuade him.
After Titan sat down again and his anger subsided, Tang San looked at Bai He and said apologetically:
"Senior, because of the Haotian Sect's seclusion, the four single-attribute clans suffered heavy losses. As a junior, I cannot make up for the mistakes of that year. I can only apologize to you on behalf of my father, Tang Hao."
After Tang San finished speaking, he stood up and bowed deeply in the direction of the white crane.
The white crane turned its body to the side, indicating that it did not accept the offer.
Seeing this, Tang San sighed inwardly and continued:
"Senior, I know a simple apology is nothing, but please take a look at something first."
Bai He lowered his eyelids and said indifferently, "What?"
Tang San retrieved a Zhuge Crossbow from the Twenty-Four Bridges Under the Moonlight and placed it on the stone table. Looking at the Zhuge Crossbow, which gleamed with metallic luster, a focused, almost fanatical light flashed in Tang San's eyes as he introduced it:
"Senior, this item is called Zhuge Divine Crossbow... Its power is enough to break through the defense of a level 40 Soul Master. Combined with the speed of a noble, its suddenness can even threaten a Soul King."
As Tang San was speaking, the twelve members of the Min clan instantly fixed their gazes on the black box on the table, their expressions a mixture of fervor and skepticism.
They found it hard to believe that such an ordinary black box could threaten a Soul Master at the Soul Sect level. But... if what Tang San said was true, then this so-called Zhuge Crossbow would undoubtedly be a divine weapon in their hands!
No matter the cost, they are determined to acquire it.
Staring at the Zhuge Crossbow for a while, Bai He questioned:
"How can I believe that this black box really has such great power as you say?"
"As the saying goes, hearing is believing, seeing is believing. Please take a look, senior."
As Tang San spoke, he skillfully loaded the machine gun, aimed at the floor, and fired.
Sizzle sizzle sizzle.
With a clanging blast of machinery, sixteen cold shadows instantly disappeared into the ground, leaving sixteen holes in the ground. Many people didn't even see what happened.
The white crane suddenly stood up, its gaze fixed on the sixteen holes with fervent enthusiasm.
At this moment, he completely believed Tang San's words. He knew very well the ground strength of the Yu Clan; it was enough to defend against attacks from a three-ring Soul Master, but in front of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, it was like tofu.
This clearly demonstrates the power of Zhuge's divine crossbow.
Because of their martial spirit, the Agile Clan was forced to pursue a path of full agility. Powerful attack power had always been something they longed for.
He took a deep breath, his eyes brimming with barely concealed excitement, and said:
"I'll buy these. I want two hundred of them. How much?!"
Seeing Bai He's excitement, Titan couldn't help but reveal a smug grin. With the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, a weapon that was like a divine artifact to the Min clan, he had no reason to worry about Bai He not joining the Tang Clan.
Given the poverty of the Min clan, the only way for them to arm themselves with the Zhuge Crossbow is to join the Tang Clan.
Tang San also smiled and said, "It's not expensive, only 150 gold soul coins."
Bai He hesitated for a moment, after all, one hundred and fifty gold coins was a considerable sum for the Min clan. After thinking for a while, he said:
"Could you make it a little cheaper...?"
At this moment, Dai Yao, who had been watching from the sidelines, finally couldn't help but burst out laughing.
This part of the story left a deep impression on him.
Titan Niu Gao teamed up to set a trap for Bai He. Although Bai He looked somewhat embarrassed when Tang San said that 150 gold coins were the price of a Zhuge Divine Crossbow, the friendship between the three elders was evident.
"why are you laughing?"
Bai Chenxiang, who had been staring at the man in black robes, frowned and said with dissatisfaction when she heard Dai Yao's laughter.
Bai He, Tang San, Titan, and the others all turned their gazes towards them. The meanings in their gazes varied; Bai He was somewhat puzzled, while Tang San's gaze was rather cold.
Dai Yao laughed and said, "Senior Baihe, don't even think about it. The 150 gold soul coins he mentioned are not the price for 200 units, but the price for one unit."
For a moment, Bai He's face turned red. Because of his arrogance, he had prevented the sect's disciples from accepting subsidies from the Spirit Hall, which had led to the sect's impoverished state.
He was in great pain because of this, but Tang San so openly exposed the scar, and the pain of being penniless immediately turned into anger.
"Tang San, is what this kid is saying true?"
The white crane glared angrily at Tang Sandao.
Tang San was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Yes, senior, but I didn't mean to humiliate you. According to your price, each one costs less than one gold soul coin."
"The Zhuge Divine Crossbow is made of refined iron, and the cost of the iron alone is more than one gold soul coin, not to mention the forging process."
The white crane sat dejectedly in the chair.
Seeing a weapon that could enhance the attack power of clan disciples, but not having enough gold coins to buy it, is undoubtedly an extremely cruel thing.
Bai Chenxiang glared angrily at Tang San, believing that he was mocking their Min clan.
Seeing the white crane's reaction, Tang San knew it was about time and smiled:
"but······"
"But what?"
Bai He frowned and pressed for an answer.
"However, if the Min clan joins the Tang Sect, as a member of the sect, the Tang Sect will provide each disciple with a set of hidden weapons free of charge, including not only the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, but also several other hidden weapons such as the Sand-Spitting Shadow."
Tang San explained.
Seeing that some of his clansmen were tempted, Bai He looked deeply at Tang San and said in a deep voice:
"You underestimate the Min clan. If some benefits were enough to make the Min clan submit, we would have already pledged allegiance to the Spirit Hall!"
"Hey! Old White Bird, Young Master didn't mean that at all! The reason I wanted to bring you closer to the sect, and even had Young Master use the Zhuge Crossbow to lure you, was just to get us together again, wasn't it?"
Titan quickly stepped forward to help Tang San out of the predicament. He got up, walked to Bai He's side, put his hand on Bai He's shoulder, and said excitedly.
Upon hearing Titan's words, Bai He's tense expression visibly relaxed. Indeed, their Min clan also longed to return to the days when the four major clans supported each other.
Moreover, Tang San is Tang Hao's son, so they are related. Joining the Tang Sect is not out of the question.
Just then, Ning Rongrong suddenly spoke up:
"Senior Baihe, before you join the Tang Sect, there is something I feel it is necessary to tell you."
"you······"
Titan glared at Ning Rongrong. Just as he was about to pull Bai He into the Tang Clan, the young sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School intervened, making Bai He's choice even more uncertain.
But looking at the Sword Douluo beside Ning Rongrong, he didn't dare to say anything to stop her.
What are you trying to say?
The white crane said calmly.
At this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Ning Rongrong. Many men were immediately attracted by her appearance when they saw her.
It took a long time before he came to his senses.
These gazes made Ning Rongrong frown. Looking at the white crane, she smiled faintly:
"Senior, Tang San just said that as long as the Min clan joins his Tang Clan, he will provide you with a set of hidden weapons. I can tell you clearly that this is impossible."
Bai He's face instantly darkened. He glanced at Tang San before speaking to Ning Rongrong:
"What happened?"
Tang San stared coldly at Ning Rongrong. She had disrupted his plans time and time again. Did she really think he was made of clay?
Ning Rongrong continued:
"My Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has always been one of the Tang Clan's main customers. Back then, my father ordered five hundred sets of hidden weapons, each set costing one thousand gold coins, for a total of five hundred thousand gold coins."
Because of the lack of gratitude from Qiluo Tulip, Ning Fengzhi did not offer Tang San the exorbitant price of 10,000 gold soul coins for a set of hidden weapons, but instead offered 1,000 for a set.
Even so, it's still a high price.
Upon hearing that it was worth 500,000 gold coins, the Soul Masters of the Min Clan were all speechless. As expected of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, they were truly wealthy and powerful!
"Now that Tang San wants to establish the Tang Sect, the expenses will be considerable. These 500,000 gold soul coins are just a drop in the bucket. How can we talk about equipping every member of the Min Clan with a set of hidden weapons?"
In this world, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School doesn't support Tang San as unconditionally as it did in the original story. Without the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's support, Tang San wouldn't have the resources to establish the Tang Sect.
The idea of equipping every member of the Min clan with a set of hidden weapons is nothing but an empty promise.
"Tang San, is what the young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School said true?"
Bai He stared at Tang San and said calmly.
Tang San remained silent for a moment, then replied helplessly, "It's true."
Titan quickly came to the rescue: "Old White Bird, don't forget that we, the Power Clan, are blacksmiths. We can save a lot of costs. As long as we cut back on our food and clothing for a while, our Power Clan can fulfill our promise."
"In that case, what's the difference between our Min clan and those who live under someone else's roof?"
The white crane spoke softly.
The atmosphere in the hall fell silent instantly. After a long pause, Dai Yao spoke:
"Senior White Crane, why don't you listen to my conditions?" (End of Chapter)