On a certain official road in the outskirts, a carriage sped past.
Inside the carriage sat Tang San and Tai Tan, master and servant.
Tai Tan lifted the curtain and observed the surroundings outside before smiling and saying, "Young Master, we're getting closer to Longxing City. It'll only take half a day to reach the Defense Clan's residence."
Tang San nodded, his mind heavy with thoughts.
Before leaving, Tang Xiao had told him that the Hao Tian Sect owed the four great families a great deal. Moreover, when the Spirit Hall attacked the Hao Tian Sect back then, the four families suffered heavy losses while trying to buy them time to retreat.
In contrast, the Hao Tian Sect didn't even discuss compensation afterward. They completely cut off contact with the four families, acting like cowards.
Technically, the four families hadn't formally left the Hao Tian Sect. However, what the Hao Tian Sect did back then was far from honorable, so they couldn't force the single-attribute families to return.
As Tang San pondered, Tai Tan placed his heavy hand on his shoulder. "Young Master, don't dwell on the past. After all, you're not asking them to rejoin the Hao Tian Sect—you're establishing a new family under your leadership."
Tang San turned his head, paused for a moment, and then said, "Elder Tai Tan, I still need to train. At my current strength, I fear I won't be able to play a role in the upcoming events on the continent."
Before he could finish, Tai Tan waved his hand. "Young Master, no need to say more. With us old folks around, the Tang Sect will develop step by step. You can rest assured about that."
"However, Young Master, are you really sure about making hidden weapons the sect's main industry? Isn't that too narrow? Each of our four families has its own unique skills. Why not explore additional ways to make money?"
Tai Tan's concerns were valid.
Without the backing of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect as their main buyer, the Tang Sect would lose a stable customer base, making it difficult to sustain operations in the future.
Tang San's original intention in establishing the Tang Sect was to spread the glory of hidden weapons in this foreign world. Without hidden weapons, what would be the point of founding the Tang Sect?
"We'll discuss this later. First, we need to recruit the other three families."
"As for the hidden weapons, perhaps we don't need to rely solely on selling to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Maybe we can try selling to the Tiandou Empire or the Star Luo Empire's armies."
Tai Tan slapped his forehead. "That's a great idea! But Young Master, there are still two issues we need to address. First, how do we approach the imperial families of the two empires? Second, how do we ensure that the technology behind the hidden weapons doesn't leak in the future?"
There was one more crucial point he didn't explicitly mention.
Since Tang Xiao and the others had decided to support Dai Mubai in becoming the next emperor of the Star Luo Empire, once their grudge with the Spirit Hall was settled, the two empires would inevitably return to opposing each other.
At that point, the Tiandou Empire's army, equipped with hidden weapons, would likely rival the overall strength of the Star Luo Empire's forces.
Tang San smiled confidently.
After all, his spring-loaded hidden weapons couldn't be reloaded by outsiders. By upgrading the internal safety mechanisms, he wasn't worried about them being reverse-engineered.
By the time that happened, once the hidden weapons in the hands of the Tiandou army ran out of ammunition, they'd become useless scrap metal.
---
Half a day later, the carriage entered Longxing City.
Tai Tan had visited the Defense Clan many times and was very familiar with their location.
When they arrived at the front gate of the Defense Clan's residence, they found the gates tightly shut, with no signs of activity inside. Tai Tan couldn't help but feel puzzled. "It's noon now—why is it so quiet? Are they not eating?"
Even if the Defense Clan had received a large commission and gone out to work, at least some disciples should have stayed behind to guard the place, right?
Tang San responded, "Elder Tai Tan, Longxing City is in the south. Perhaps their mealtime is earlier, and they're currently taking a midday nap?"
The southern climate was generally hotter than the north, so it was normal for people to take naps during the day.
Tai Tan shook his head.
He was very familiar with the Defense Clan's habits—they wouldn't rest at this time of day.
After much thought, he decided to ask Niu Gao directly, so he knocked on the gate and shouted, "Old Rhino, why is the gate so tightly shut? Are you trying to keep me out?"
One second, two seconds… a full minute passed without any response from inside the residence.
Tai Tan's brows gradually furrowed.
This situation wasn't something Niu Gao would intentionally do—it was more likely that the Defense Clan had been attacked.
Without hesitation, he clenched his fists and punched through the main gate of the residence.
"Young Master, stay behind me. If anything happens, your safety comes first," Tai Tan warned solemnly.
Tang San nodded firmly, his mind racing with unease.
This situation made him suspect whether the Spirit Hall had also launched an attack on the Defense Clan!
As they rushed into the residence, they stopped in their tracks.
There were no signs of damage inside the estate, no bloodstains, and no smell of blood.
Furthermore, every room was locked from the outside, indicating that the disciples of the Defense Clan had voluntarily moved out.
"This…" Tang San was stunned.
Tai Tan had confidently claimed earlier that this year's gathering of the four families would take place at the Defense Clan's residence. Now that they had moved out, what did it mean?
Of course, it was possible that the Defense Clan had sent someone to notify them, but due to their early departure, the two parties might have missed each other.
Tai Tan chuckled. "Young Master, don't worry. We old brothers have an agreement. Just wait a moment—Old Rhino always leaves a letter behind when he moves."
With that, he headed toward a building in the backyard of the estate.
From the layout, this appeared to be a storage area for miscellaneous items.
Tai Tan began rummaging through the old furniture inside. After some searching, he found a letter left by Niu Gao hidden in a secret compartment of one of the pieces of furniture.
Holding up the pristine letter, he laughed. "Young Master, we always leave a backup plan. This letter is from Old Rhino, and it must explain where they've gone next."
Tang San nodded and consciously avoided looking.
After all, this letter was meant for Tai Tan—it was their little secret, and he had no intention of prying.
Tai Tan opened the letter with a smile, but his expression quickly stiffened.
After a moment of silence, seeing that he hadn't reacted, Tang San asked hesitantly, "Elder Tai Tan, what's wrong?"
Tai Tan's face darkened as he handed the letter to Tang San.
The letter contained only a brief line.
Niu Gao stated: The Defense Clan, along with the Breaking Clan and the Agility Clan, had relocated to Tiandou City.
"What are they doing in Tiandou City?" Tang San was confused.
Tai Tan emphasized, "Young Master, this is a full-scale migration. Our four families agreed that unless we faced a major crisis threatening the survival of the clan, we wouldn't relocate the entire family."
"Could it be that these three clans were threatened by the Spirit Hall?" Tang San was initially surprised, but then he smiled. "Elder Tai Tan, isn't this good news? Moving to Tiandou City means they're preparing to join the Strength Clan!"
Tai Tan hoped that was the case.
But if they were joining the Strength Clan en masse, these three clans would have coordinated beforehand.
Moreover, Tai Tan knew Niu Gao's personality well.
A talkative person like Niu Gao leaving only a brief message in the letter spoke volumes.
Thus, in his view, the three clans moving to Tiandou City wasn't to join the Strength Clan but to join some larger sect. Niu Gao knew Tai Tan's personality and didn't elaborate further.
Near Tiandou City, the major sects originally included the top three sects. Now, with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family and the Hao Tian Sect both destroyed by the Spirit Hall, the only influential sect capable of recruiting these three families was the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
"Is that really possible?" Tang San hesitated.
Tai Tan sighed and added, "Back when the Hao Tian Sect went into seclusion, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect approached our four families, hoping to recruit us as part of their sect."
"At the time, due to the lingering influence of the Hao Tian Sect and Ning Fengzhi's recent ascension to leadership, the matter was dropped. Given the current situation, it's possible Ning Fengzhi is revisiting that proposal."
Though it was just speculation, Tai Tan believed this was the answer.
Still, Tang San clung to a sliver of hope, thinking that the three families had simply moved to Tiandou City to avoid the Spirit Hall's retaliation against the Hao Tian Sect.
As they walked out of the Defense Clan's gates, Tang San gazed at the building behind him and sighed deeply.
This trip had ultimately ended in failure.
Tai Tan patted his shoulder, signaling him not to worry.
Just as they were about to leave, a child ran up to them and asked in a youthful voice, "Excuse me, are you Grandpa Tai Tan?"
Tai Tan raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding. He bent down and smiled. "Yes, it's me. Who sent you?"
The child grinned and said, "A grandfather named Yang Wudi asked me to deliver a message to you."
Upon hearing this, Tang San and Tai Tan immediately perked up.
"Grandfather Yang Wudi said, 'Don't wait for us. We've gone to Tiandou City, but not to rely on you. Instead, we're establishing our own sect. Old Ape, if you don't want to become someone's lackey, come find us. Otherwise, there's no need to see us again.'"
After finishing, the child stuck out his tongue at them, turned around, and quickly ran off.
Tang San's eyes narrowed. He was about to chase after the child to teach him a lesson when Tai Tan stopped him.
"Young Master, that's Old Mountain Goat's tone. Back then, the Spirit Hall killed his younger brother, and he's always harbored resentment over it. It's understandable that he'd say such things."
Tang San relaxed slightly.
At least, the three families hadn't joined the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect but were establishing their own sect, leaving room for future negotiations.
He then asked, "Elder Tai Tan, have the three families purchased land in Tiandou City?"
Tai Tan shook his head. "No."
"Then how are they planning to establish a sect in Tiandou City?"
"I don't know."
Tang San: ...
Regardless, they had to hurry back and try to persuade the three families before their sect's construction began.
---
Tiandou City, Ning Tianchen's Territory
Although the disciples of the Defense Clan hadn't arrived yet, Ning Tianchen had already arranged for temporary dormitories to be built for them.
After all, Niu Gao was bringing an entire family with him, and they'd been traveling long and hard—it wouldn't do to leave them without a place to stay.
During this time, the Elephant Armor Sect had been growing increasingly bold on the continent, but they seemed indifferent to the departure of the Defense Clan, as if they didn't care at all.
That day, after finishing the sect's affairs, Ning Tianchen was just about to relax when an official from the Crown Prince's residence came to summon him.
"Lord Ning, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe requests your presence. He hopes you can spare some time amidst your busy schedule to visit the Crown Prince's residence."
Chen Huayu and Oscar, standing beside him, made faces at him. "Boss (Tianchen), looks like you won't get any rest now."
Ning Tianchen sighed and followed the official to the Crown Prince's residence.
Due to his role as regent, Xue Qinghe had gone to the palace early for the morning court session.
By evening, Xue Qinghe returned to the Crown Prince's residence by carriage.
After exchanging pleasantries, they entered the study.
Xue Qinghe rubbed his temples and leaned against the desk, looking exhausted. "Many eyes are on me, especially my teacher."
"Every move I make is being scrutinized. As allies, I need your help to ascend to the throne of the Tiandou Empire."
Ning Tianchen lounged by the desk and teased, "Emperor Xue Ye doesn't have much time left. Since no one can cure him, why take such risks? Just wait quietly, and power will naturally fall into your hands."
Xue Qinghe (Qian Renxue) was in such a hurry partly because Bibi Dong was pressing him.
According to Bibi Dong's plan, after seizing control of the Tiandou Empire, the next step would be to launch a campaign for the unification of the continent.
Moreover, Elder Qian Daoliu was urging him to return to the Spirit Hall soon to inherit the Angel God's legacy.
Bibi Dong's strength was steadily approaching god-level. If he couldn't inherit the Angel God position to counter her, the entire Spirit Hall—and possibly the whole continent—might fall into an irredeemable situation.
"I still need to deal with Prince Xue Xing and Crown Prince Xue Beng. Only then can I safely let my double take over this position."
Qian Renxue had secretly trained a double long ago.
This double not only mimicked Xue Qinghe's speech and behavior but also obeyed Qian Renxue's every command.
However, this double lacked political acumen. Leaving Xue Beng and Xue Xing around would eventually lead to the overthrow of the imperial authority.
After some thought, Ning Tianchen's expression turned serious. "This matter can't be pushed by us or anyone among us. Even the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect can't handle it."
After a pause, he suggested, "We need a scapegoat, or rather, a way to shift the risk."
Xue Qinghe thought for a moment and handed Ning Tianchen a secret report. "This is what the palace's strong ones observed while tracking Tang Xiao. See if you can shift the risk onto them."
After the battle that destroyed the Hao Tian Sect, Qing Luan Douluo had been secretly tracking Tang Xiao.
The report detailed Tang Xiao's conversations with Yu Xiaogang and others, as well as their subsequent plans.
Ning Tianchen suddenly smiled. "Heaven is helping us."
"If I'm not mistaken, Tang Yuehua has significant influence in noble circles. Regardless of whether her Moon Pavilion is closed, there must be many nobles who owe her favors."
"Arrange for someone to 'repay' this favor."
Xue Qinghe didn't immediately grasp his meaning.
After pondering for a moment, he asked, "You mean, find a way to get Tang Yuehua into the palace, have her collaborate with Prince Xue Xing and Xue Beng, and then capture them all at once?"
Ning Tianchen nodded first, then shook his head. "The Moon Pavilion is closed, and Tang Yuehua has lost her influence. She's just a weak woman who can't cultivate. She's not worth the trouble!"
As he spoke, Ning Tianchen began to calculate.
Not long ago, he had learned from Ning Fengzhi that Tang San had visited to promote hidden weapons.
Without the funding from Ning Fengzhi as in the original timeline, Tang San must be struggling to establish the Tang Sect. Moreover, without Ning Fengzhi tipping him off, Tang San currently had no idea that Xue Qinghe was connected to the Spirit Hall.
If Tang San wanted to sell hidden weapons (and establish the Tang Sect), the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wasn't the only option—he could also sell to the Tiandou Empire.
Thus, by creating an opportunity for Tang Yuehua to enter the palace to treat Emperor Xue Ye, they would surely seize it.
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