Chapter 327: War of Words, Slandering Tang San
"You…!" Tang San's eyes blazed as he glared at Dai Yao, anger boiling within him. His usually composed features were contorted with rage as he growled through gritted teeth.
The last person he expected to encounter here was Dai Yao—the man he hated above all others. And now, seeing Ning Rongrong by Dai Yao's side, he instantly understood. Ning Rongrong must have left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to join Dai Yao!
Tang San's hands clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, drawing blood that dripped unnoticed to the ground. Although he longed to tear Dai Yao apart, he knew that he was no match for him. Dai Yao had already bested him once at the Clear Sky Clan, and now, he was even more powerful, having taken Xiao Wu's ten-thousand-year spirit ring.
With an icy smirk, Dai Yao taunted, "Seems like you haven't forgotten me, Tang San."
Tang San's rage was fueled not only by Dai Yao's presence but also by the fact that Ning Rongrong was involved with him. Taking a deep breath to regain his composure, he thought of revenge—not now, but once he established his own Tang Sect. With the legendary hidden weapons of his past life, he could still hope to kill Dai Yao and avenge Xiao Wu.
To him, anyone aligned with Dai Yao, including Ning Rongrong, was now an enemy.
With a chilling gaze, he replied, "Of course I remember you. I'd recognize you even if you turned to ashes."
Beside him, Oscar and Ma Hongjun's expressions turned dark as well. They had already heard of what happened in the Star Dou Forest and harbored a deep grudge against Dai Yao for Xiao Wu's death.
Oscar asked coldly, "Rongrong, why are you with him?"
Ning Rongrong shot him an indifferent glance and replied, "Do I owe you an explanation, Oscar?"
Once called the "Little Witch" of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, she had tempered her character after joining Shrek Academy. But since breaking ties with Shrek, she saw no need to appease them. Having chosen to side with Dai Yao, she was prepared to oppose Shrek Academy.
Oscar was taken aback, his expression full of disbelief as he looked between Ning Rongrong and Dai Yao, finally giving a bitter laugh. "Do you even know what he did in the Star Dou Forest…?"
"Enough, Oscar!" Tang San interrupted sharply.
He had no intention of bringing up Xiao Wu's sacrifice. Sympathy from Ning Rongrong might sway her, and he wasn't about to risk it. To him, everyone around Dai Yao was marked for death—even Ning Rongrong.
With a glower, he said, "Ning Rongrong, as of today, the Tang Sect severs all ties with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. We will no longer supply you with the Zhuge Divine Crossbow or any of our other hidden weapons."
"Not only that," he continued, his voice growing colder, "from now on, Tang Sect equipment will be reserved for allies only. I'll ensure that every Zhuge Divine Crossbow and hidden weapon sold to your clan is destroyed."
Ning Rongrong's expression turned fierce, her brows furrowed in anger as she retorted, "Tang San, every Zhuge Divine Crossbow and weapon in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was purchased at a premium price. My father gave you fair prices for everything, out of respect for the Three Great Sects."
She continued, voice laced with sarcasm, "And now you threaten to destroy those weapons we paid for? How despicable."
"You're the one breaking the contract and threatening to destroy our property. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan won't be intimidated. If you're bent on this, you'd better be prepared to compensate us double, or face the full force of our retribution."
The room fell silent, and even Sword Douluo, who had been meditating with his eyes closed, opened them to gaze at Tang San. Breaking ties was one thing, but the notion of destroying the clan's weapons was outrageous. Those weapons were critical to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's defenses and security, and they had been bought fairly. If Tang San thought he could take advantage of them, he was gravely mistaken.
Dai Yao's eyes widened slightly in surprise as he looked at Ning Rongrong, her courage a contrast to the mild image he'd had of her from the original story.
Tang San's expression turned grim at her demands. He could not allow the Tang Sect's weapons to fall into the hands of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, especially now that they were on opposing sides. However, if he acted on his threat, the clan would undoubtedly retaliate, and returning the payment would drain his resources before his own sect was even established.
Gritting his teeth, he spat out, "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan loves to throw its weight around, I see. Fine. Consider those weapons my gift to you!"
Seeing Tang San's enraged face, Ning Rongrong wondered if she was dreaming. Had they really done something wrong, or was the world just this absurd? Sword Douluo glanced at Tang San with a disappointed expression. The Tang Sect's hidden weapons had indeed been invaluable, but Tang San's handling of the situation was underhanded. How could he destroy what they had purchased fairly?
At that moment, Titan and Niu Gao, noticing the commotion, broke off their embrace and walked over. Titan narrowed his eyes as he examined Dai Yao, asking, "Who is this?"
Tang San, his voice dripping with malice, replied, "This is Dai Yao of the Spirit Hall. Formerly the Fourth Prince of the Star Luo Empire, he defected and joined the Spirit Hall. He was the key member of the team that defeated the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation to win the All-Continent Soul Master Championship."
With this, the disciples from the two single-attribute clans recalled the rumors of a lone team defeating the elite Spirit Hall fighters—a story that had circulated widely throughout the continent.
Upon learning Dai Yao's identity, Niu Gao's eyes widened with anger as he shouted, "No wonder you refused to reveal your identity! So, you're from the Spirit Hall? And you're here talking about setting up a neutral sect? What nonsense!"
"Can't believe I let you stay in my clan's territory! Get out—now!"
Dai Yao, unperturbed, pointed toward Tang San and said calmly, "You want me gone because I'm from the Spirit Hall. Shouldn't you consider which faction he belongs to as well?"
Niu Gao froze, then turned to Tang San, his face darkening as he asked, "You—Tang—is your family name Tang? Are you from the Clear Sky Clan?"
Reluctantly, Tang San nodded. "Yes, my father is Tang Hao."
Dai Yao's purpose became evident to Tang San in an instant. Dai Yao was here to establish a sect and clearly intended to recruit the four single-attribute clans. This couldn't happen. These clans formed the foundation of Tang San's own plans, and he wasn't about to let Dai Yao take them.
Niu Gao's face twisted in fury, and he turned to Titan. "You—what's the meaning of this, Titan? Bringing a member of the Clear Sky Clan here—haven't they hurt us enough?"
Titan, ignoring Niu Gao's anger, kept his gaze on Dai Yao, saying, "Calm down, old rhino. Tang San may be from the Clear Sky Clan, but it was the clan elders who abandoned us, not him."
"And right now, we should focus on getting rid of this Spirit Hall intruder, don't you think?"
Titan was well aware of Tang San's goals; he'd come to apologize to the clans and hoped to rally their support in forming his own sect.
Tang San immediately understood Dai Yao's intentions from Niu Gao's words. Though Tang San couldn't understand why the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Spirit Hall's adversary, would stand behind Dai Yao, he knew he had to help his young master clear away any obstacles.
"Who dares!" Ning Rongrong retorted in the same terms Titan used, her tone sharp. "It's true that Dai Yao is part of Spirit Hall, but it was Spirit Hall that took action years ago, not Dai Yao personally. Forcing him out would mean wanting to drive away our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan as well!"
At these words, Niu Gao's face darkened. Dai Yao belonged to Spirit Hall and had the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's backing, while Tang San, whom his old friend Titan brought, was a member of the Clear Sky Clan. He would have liked to simply throw both of them out on the spot.
But Dai Yao had Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's guarantee, and Tang San was brought by Titan himself. To only expel one would be to insult one of them, yet if he drove them both away, it would sour relations with Titan, and offend the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—especially considering Sword Douluo, the continent's top attack-type Titled Douluo, was present.
Noticing Niu Gao's hesitance, Tang San sensed his chance to win him over. He took a step forward, saying, "Senior Niu Gao, please allow me a word."
Niu Gao, unimpressed, turned his head away. "There's nothing I care to hear from you Clear Sky Clan people!"
Titan hurriedly tugged at his old friend's sleeve, trying to grant Tang San an opportunity to stay. Tang San respectfully bowed deeply to Niu Gao and said, "Senior Niu Gao, I apologize for the trouble that my father and the Clear Sky Clan once caused to the four single-attribute clans. I know an apology doesn't change things, and it may be meaningless to you. But I followed Senior Titan here to see if there was any way to make amends to the four clans."
Niu Gao opened his mouth to retort, but under Titan's tight grip on his arm, he swallowed his words.
Dai Yao, noticing the shift in Niu Gao's stance, realized he needed to intervene before Tang San succeeded in winning them over. He stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said, "Senior Niu Gao, allow me to add a few words as well."
Instantly, every gaze turned toward Dai Yao.
Titan's eyes held barely concealed frustration, and Tang San looked on coldly, knowing that this interruption was preventing him from securing the goodwill he needed.
After a long pause, Niu Gao took a deep breath, glancing between Dai Yao and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan members. "You're with Spirit Hall," he said at last, "and while I don't understand why the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would support you, I'll give you a moment to speak only because of their presence. But if you waste my time with nonsense, you're leaving immediately."
With a subtle smile, Dai Yao stepped toward Tang San and said, "Tang San, if I'm not mistaken, you're here not only to make amends with the four clans but for an even more important purpose, aren't you?"
Tang San's eyes widened at this sudden insight. How could Dai Yao know that he was here to establish a sect?
Titan's face darkened. While he supported Tang San's plans to create a sect and hoped to bring the four single-attribute clans into it, now was not the time to speak of it. Given Niu Gao's volatile temper, mentioning allegiance to the Clear Sky Clan would be like striking a match near gunpowder.
Seeing Titan's reaction, Niu Gao's expression grew grim as he shook off Titan's grip and glared at Tang San. "Kid, out with it. What's your real purpose here?"
Tang San struggled to find his words as Titan, alarmed, stepped in, "Calm down, old rhino. Just give him a chance…"
"How can I remain calm, Titan?" Niu Gao demanded, his voice a furious growl. "Is there anything else you've been hiding from me?"
Niu Gao was more than angry at being kept in the dark by his longtime friend. What angered him more was the possibility of Titan colluding with the Clear Sky Clan, using secrecy and manipulation right under his nose.
Dai Yao took the opportunity to press further. "Since you won't speak, Tang San, allow me. Your true intention here isn't just to seek the four clans' forgiveness, but to recruit them into a new sect you're creating."
By focusing on Tang San's intent to pull the clans together rather than make amends, Dai Yao had expertly framed it to sow distrust.
Niu Gao turned abruptly, his glare fixed on Tang San, who remained silent, tacitly admitting it was true. Furious, Niu Gao snapped at Titan, "Is this true, old orangutan? Haven't the Clear Sky Clan harmed us enough? And now you want us to accept their young master as our leader? You may be willing, but I'm not! Have you forgotten the blood feud?"
For a moment, Titan could only sigh, unable to find the words to defend himself.
Tang San tried to step in, "Senior, the sect I plan to establish will have no connection to the Clear Sky Clan. It will never merge with them—"
Before he could continue, Dai Yao interjected with a cold smile, "If I'm not mistaken, Tang San, as long as you meet three conditions, you're eligible to inherit the title of Clear Sky Clan master. With ties like that, who here could confidently say that your sect wouldn't eventually merge with the Clear Sky Clan?"
Dai Yao was aware that Tang San intended to keep his sect, Tang Sect, separate from the Clear Sky Clan. But he knew the others weren't privy to this information, and so he used the uncertainty to cast doubt and sully Tang San's motives.
"You…!" Tang San glared at Dai Yao, speechless with anger. He had no intention of merging Tang Sect with the Clear Sky Clan, but would the other clans believe him? Even more troubling, how did Dai Yao know about his potential Clear Sky Clan inheritance?
Could there be a spy within the Clear Sky Clan?
"What?" Niu Gao's voice was a roar. "So, you might become the next Clear Sky Clan leader, and you still want to form a separate sect? You've got to be kidding!"
All around, members of the Defense Clan glared at Tang San with hostility. Their grievances with the Clear Sky Clan ran deep, and now, with Tang San's close ties exposed, they would have driven him out already if not for Titan's presence.
Titan quickly intervened. "Old friend, please listen. I swear, Tang San's sect will never merge with the Clear Sky Clan. If it does, I'll be the first to withdraw!"
While Niu Gao felt somewhat reassured by this, he remained angered by Titan's deception and met his old friend's eyes. "Then tell me this, Titan: did you already know what Tang San was planning?"
Titan, hearing Niu Gao address him by name rather than title, knew his friend was deeply offended. After a long silence, he finally replied, "Yes, I was aware of his intentions. But I can assure you, old friend, there is no harm intended toward the four clans."
Hoping to divert attention, he gestured to Dai Yao, "Right now, though, we need to focus on removing this Spirit Hall intruder!"
Looking at Dai Yao with a dismissive gaze, he spoke coldly, "It may mean offending the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, but we cannot allow Dai Yao to keep interfering. If he stays here, our young master's mission could be ruined!"
"Senior Titan," Dai Yao responded, bowing respectfully, "I address you with respect only for Senior Niu Gao's sake. But if you continue pressing me, don't expect me to hold back."
He straightened and continued with confidence, "I intend to stay. What can you do about it?"
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong tugged anxiously on Dai Yao's sleeve. She had heard of his remarkable feats, but Titan was a Contra-level master—a formidable opponent.
Watching this confrontation, Niu Gao hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. On one hand, Dai Yao was aligned with Spirit Hall, and his initial impulse had been to cast him out. On the other hand, he owed him a favor for revealing Tang San's true intentions and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had vouched for him.
In the end, torn between loyalty to Titan and his obligations, he chose not to interfere.
Titan's eyes, filled with disdain, focused on Dai Yao as he scoffed, "You're just a young upstart. Watch your tongue before it gets blown away by the wind! What could you possibly do against me?"
Dai Yao laughed. "You've shown nothing but hostility toward me, Senior Titan. Let's settle this with a duel. If you win, I'll leave immediately. But if I win, you won't mention expelling me again. How about that?"
Titan's booming laughter filled the hall. "Fine!"
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