"What about the Breaking Clan? Didn't Yang Wudi and Elder Bai He get along well? The Breaking Clan's always supported the Speed Clan, right?" Tian Lin asked.
Yu Feng nodded. "Yes, without Elder Yang's help, the Speed Clan would've collapsed long ago. With his support and the remittances from collateral women, the Speed Clan barely survived. But a few months ago, Spirit Hall showed up."
"They came to recruit us. Not just us—the other single-attribute clans, and small sects all over Star Luo, Heaven Dou, and the principalities. They sent people everywhere."
"Everyone knows the four clans hate Spirit Hall. Grandpa Bai refused their offer outright. Spirit Hall's people didn't press, just left saying, 'Don't regret it.' But that made many small nobles who used to help us cut ties, afraid of being implicated. Grandpa Bai is proud and won't let us accept Spirit Hall's aid, so things only got worse."
After hearing this, Tian Lin felt a bit sorry for the Speed Clan. With no combat power, they were the least offensive of the four clans—caught up in conflict because of the Clear Sky Sect.
He also realized Spirit Hall was already planning the next phase after the soul hunt operation.
The goal of the soul hunt wasn't just to destroy the Upper Three Sects—it was to intimidate all sects and recruit as many as possible.
After all, most soul masters were in the hands of kingdoms, sects, or Spirit Hall. If Spirit Hall could recruit the sects, they'd control over 70% of the soul masters in the continent—enough to sweep all before them.
The upcoming New Seven Sects event was meant to win hearts and minds. For smaller sects, joining the Lower Four Sects was an honor. Unless they had blood feuds with Spirit Hall, few could resist such a lure.
These recruitment efforts were just the prelude, mostly using incentives. Tian Lin was sure that after the soul hunt, Spirit Hall would come again—this time with threats, just as in the original story when Huyan Zhen was sent to the Defense Clan.
"Xiao Tian, that's why we came to ask you for help. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is the richest sect, so we can only ask you to help Yu Feng's mother's clan," Huanyin said, a bit embarrassed.
"Senior, it's just a small favor. Yu Feng is my friend, so of course I'll help if I can," Tian Lin replied, turning to Ning Rongrong, "Rongrong, how much do you have on you? Can you lend me some?"
Unless necessary, Tian Lin rarely asked Ning Fengzhi for money. His own money was managed by Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong checked her bracelet-type soul tool, and frowned, "Brother Sword, I don't have much pocket money left!"
Hearing this, Yu Feng was disappointed, but Ning Rongrong continued, "Only about two million gold soul coins. Yu Feng, you can have it all if you need!"
"How much?" Yu Feng was stunned. He'd only meant to borrow a hundred thousand. Ning Rongrong's offer was dozens of times more.
Oslo almost spat blood. He'd almost gone mad because of a forty-thousand debt, and yet Ning Rongrong had two million in pocket money—when she said she had very little left.
No wonder the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was the richest on the continent.
Oslo could only sigh, "Rongrong, is your sect recruiting?"
"It is, but not for you," Tian Lin answered for her. "Oslo, your grandfather, and father are officials in the empire. How could they let you join my sect?"
Oslo was devastated—like standing outside a treasure mountain, unable to enter.
Ning Rongrong smiled, handing the money to Huanyin, "Sister Huanyin, take it and help Yu Feng's family. If it's not enough, I'll ask my father for more."
"No need, thank you both, Xiao Tian, and Rongrong!" Even Yu Feng was flustered. Usually, a single gold soul coin could support a family of three for two months.
Two million could not only pay off all the Speed Clan's debts but leave plenty left over.
For at least ten years, the Speed Clan wouldn't need to worry about money.
"Xiao Tian, I promise I'll pay you back, or I'll sell myself to your sect to repay the debt," Yu Feng vowed.
Having taken immortal herbs, he had the potential to become a Title Douluo. His family had a title but no official post. If he wanted to join Tian Lin's side, Tian Lin would welcome him.
After saying goodbye, Yu Feng carried Huanyin away, eager to bring the good news to Bai He.
Oslo also left for Heaven Dou City.
Watching Yu Feng disappear into the sky, Ning Rongrong asked, "Brother Sword, are you interested in the Speed Clan? Is that why you helped him?"
Tian Lin shook his head, "No. I helped for two reasons. First, Yu Feng is my friend. Second, I'm more interested in the Breaking Clan."
"Watch, even though we solved the Speed Clan's immediate crisis, their troubles aren't over. Spirit Hall won't give up recruiting the sects. The Speed Clan is too weak to stand alone, and even with the Breaking Clan's help, it's not enough. I believe Yu Feng will come to me again. Then, I'll have a chance to bring the Breaking Clan to my side."
Tian Lin was certain Spirit Hall's soul hunt operation would not stop. Even if their plan to eliminate the Upper Three Sects failed, they'd continue with even harsher measures, to gather enough power to rule the continent.