In the Spirit City, within the Spirit Hall.
After regaining her clarity, Bibi Dong began rectifying all her past wrongdoings one by one.
First, she ordered the Balak Kingdom to withdraw its troops. Then, in her capacity as Pope, she stepped forward to mediate the war on the continent.
The two empires had been at war for several years, and each side had lost over a hundred thousand soldiers. If there were no gains from this war, wouldn't it have been fought in vain?
Though the upper echelons of both countries opposed a ceasefire, the common soldiers and officers refused to die for nothing.
They stayed in their camps, refusing to participate in any battles, waiting for the higher-ups to compromise so they could retreat immediately.
Seeing the situation on the continent easing, Bibi Dong began addressing internal matters.
Her reconciliation with Qian Renxue eliminated any rifts among the upper leadership of the Spirit Hall.
However, Bibi Dong still had her divine trial to complete and couldn't manage the Spirit Hall directly. Similarly, Qian Renxue was occupied, and Qian Daoliu couldn't leave his post.
As such, the responsibility of managing the Spirit Hall fell onto Hu Liena's shoulders, with the assistance of several high-ranking elders and patrons.
For Hu Liena herself, the Spirit Hall had undergone a dramatic transformation.
She found it surreal—just days ago, her teacher had been belligerent and aggressive, yet after a single day out, she returned as if transformed into a different person.
Soon, she learned the details from Elder Mo Xiong, but instead of resolving her doubts, more questions arose.
After all, Bibi Dong hadn't personally disclosed the specifics of her divine trial. How could they possibly know the exact reasons behind it?
With the situation on the continent stabilizing, the Spirit Hall still had much work to do. Hu Liena didn't have time to dwell on these matters; the entire burden of the Spirit Hall rested on her shoulders, and she had to step up.
…
When the Spirit Hall publicly declared its stance on stopping the war, factions across the continent couldn't help but discuss it fervently.
Ning Fengzhi simply couldn't understand why the Spirit Hall, which could have gained far more benefits, chose to back off at the most critical moment. It even returned control over the various kingdoms and duchies to the Heavenly Fighting Empire.
Moreover, he couldn't make sense of Xue Qinghe's actions.
Clearly, he could have ordered the Balak Kingdom's army to press their advantage, taking advantage of the Star Luo Empire's relaxed vigilance to seize Baihu Pass.
Yet, Xue Qinghe responded to the Spirit Hall's call for peace. If not for the intervention of the nobles and ministers, he might have even announced an immediate ceasefire.
On this matter, Chen Xin analyzed, "This move by the Spirit Hall is clearly a strategic retreat. Could it be that they've experienced a major upheaval internally, forcing them to abandon their previous plans?"
Gu Rong said gravely, "Based on the intelligence obtained by the Tianjian (Heavenly Sword Sect), Bibi Dong went out once and upon returning to the Spirit Hall, handed over all its affairs to her disciple."
"I believe the change likely occurred with Bibi Dong herself."
"Perhaps she's at a critical juncture in her cultivation breakthrough, which requires a long period of time. Worried about major incidents during her seclusion that she wouldn't be able to handle in time, she chose to abandon short-term gains to focus on greater ambitions."
By becoming the object of alliance sought by the two empires, the Spirit Hall had already secured substantial benefits.
If there were even greater interests at stake, it would likely involve plotting for control of the entire continent!
Chen Xin didn't object but expressed his own perspective, "I personally think it's possible that Qian Daoliu has passed away."
"The Spirit Hall has lost its Limit Douluo, the pillar holding everything together. To prevent instability in their foundation, they've adopted a contraction strategy. Elder Gu's analysis is also correct—Bibi Dong handing over the affairs to her disciple indicates she will soon enter seclusion."
"It's just unknown whether she can succeed Qian Daoliu as the new pillar of the Spirit Hall."
Whether true or not, these were merely their speculations.
However, with the situation on the continent calming down, their businesses could resume as well.
Among those most affected was undoubtedly the Tang Sect.
Previously, many families were willing to ally with them to protect their own interests under the threat of war. Now, with the Spirit Hall issuing orders to cease hostilities, the threat of war had vanished.
Without the threat of war, they naturally no longer needed to sell their interests to the Tang Sect, and their cooperation with the sect became a mere formality.
Ning Fengzhi even proposed disbanding the Dragon Halberd Sect.
After all, with the continent stabilizing, Dai Mubai had plenty of opportunities to contend for the throne, and they no longer needed to fan the flames.
Ning Tianchen wasn't present to voice his opinion, but Ning Fengzhi's proposal was met with opposition from Tian Ruyang.
Since Zhao Wujie and Tang San shared a teacher-student relationship, why not take advantage of it?
Furthermore, while other sects had distanced themselves from the Tang Sect, only the Dragon Halberd Sect remained. Wouldn't this give them an opportunity to gather more intelligence on the Tang Sect?
…
After leaving the Great Star Dou Forest, Ning Tianchen noticed that the soul beast town was gradually regaining activity, so he headed to the nearby Suotuo City to gather information.
He had anticipated changes in the continent's situation when Bibi Dong shifted her stance, but he hadn't expected her to act so decisively.
With the continent at peace, they now had ample time to cultivate. The continent-unification battle he had planned with Qian Renxue might finally be put on the agenda.
Ning Tianchen didn't rush back to the Tianjian Sect but instead entered the nearest city—Suotuo City.
Suotuo City was one of the two largest cities in the Balak Kingdom, and its movements could, to some extent, reflect the broader situation on the continent.
Previously under martial law, the city had now lifted its restrictions, allowing people to move freely again.
Upon entering the city, passersby greeted one another warmly, as if recounting the kingdom's past struggles.
After wandering around for a while, Ning Tianchen sat in a teahouse, extending his spiritual power to listen in on everything happening around him.
In the teahouse, many were discussing the situation on the continent.
Ning Tianchen finally pieced together the full picture: led by the Spirit Hall, the war had been halted. Even though the two empires were unwilling to comply, their armies no longer wanted to fight.
Realizing this, Ning Tianchen couldn't help but sigh deeply.
"I thought it was a very complicated matter, but it was resolved so easily."
Previously, to analyze the situation on the continent, he had spent countless sleepless nights pondering.
Only the one who tied the knot could untie it. Bibi Dong, the mastermind who instigated the conflict between the two empires, personally ordered an end to the continental war.
With the Spirit Hall taking a stance, even if the two empires harbored grievances, they didn't dare completely offend the Spirit Hall.
An incense stick's time later, having gathered the information he sought, Ning Tianchen left the teahouse.
Just as he was about to leave Suotuo City, he spotted a familiar figure in a corner alley.
At this moment, Tang Hao sat before a tavern, wearing a wind hood, continuously gathering intelligence.
According to his agreement with Tang San, exactly two days had passed.
Suotuo City was the nearest major city to him. After years of staying out of action on the continent, failing to understand the current situation would surely hinder his plans.
Having decided to re-emerge and join Tang San in seeking revenge against the Spirit Hall, Tang Hao knew necessary preparations were essential.
Ning Tianchen sensed Tang Hao's presence and was aware that Tang Hao's strength had advanced by one level.
But with his Level 98 power, Tang Hao couldn't detect his existence.
Ning Tianchen wasn't surprised by Tang Hao's appearance.
In the original timeline, after severing one leg and one arm, Tang San had used the Blue Silver Emperor soul bone to heal Tang Hao's injuries.
Given the current circumstances, it seemed Tang San had already met with Tang Hao.
Of course, Ning Tianchen had been busy absorbing soul bones earlier and was unaware of Tang San's encounter with the Spirit Hall team.
Tang Hao's return would inevitably strengthen the influence of the Tang Sect.
With the former twin stars of the Hao Tian Sect reunited under the Tang Sect, it was bound to attract many forces to join their cause.
Allowing the Dragon Halberd Sect to cooperate with the Tang Sect was initially due to specific circumstances, but more importantly, it was meant to limit the Tang Sect's expansion.
Letting the Tang Sect grow too powerful would lead to the formation of a robust network of interests, making it nearly impossible to completely eradicate them in the future.
Thinking of this, Ning Tianchen knew he couldn't let Tang Hao go unchallenged.
Back when he first roamed the continent, he feared Tang Hao's strength and refrained from targeting Tang San too aggressively.
Now, with his power fully established, he no longer feared Tang Hao's threats.
In fact, he was confident enough to kill Tang Hao!
…
Not long after, a child holding a candied haw stick bounced over to Tang Hao.
"Uncle, there's a big brother over there looking for you. He asked me to give this to you."
With that, the child placed the note Ning Tianchen had given him onto Tang Hao's table.
Tang Hao's gaze turned icy as he noticed Ning Tianchen leaning against the corner of the street, calmly eating his candied haw.
The other party was destined to be an enemy of the Tang family, but for now, Ning Tianchen still held some value to Tang Hao.
At the very least, his Tianjian Sect and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect backing him could potentially serve as vanguard forces in the fight against the Spirit Hall in the future.
The Spirit Hall represented the collective interests of all soul masters. To take revenge on them, allies were indispensable.
Tang Hao didn't know why Ning Tianchen sought him out, but since he had come, there was no reason to refuse the meeting.
Thinking this, he unfolded the note in his hand.
There were only a few brief words written on it: "Meet me outside the city."
Tang Hao raised his head again and saw Ning Tianchen stepping onto the Seven Kill Sword, flying out of the city.
Letting out a cold snort, he followed suit.
If the terms of this discussion failed to satisfy him, he wouldn't hesitate to kill Ning Tianchen, removing one future enemy for Tang San.
Outside the city, in a desolate area.
Ning Tianchen sat on a large rock, carefully savoring the candied haw in his hand.
Seeing Tang Hao approach, he smiled and said, "Hao Tian Douluo, this candied haw tastes pretty good. Want to try some?"
As he spoke, he waved the untouched candied haw in his hand.
Tang Hao frowned. "Don't wave those things young people like around in front of me. Just tell me, what do you want?"
"Can't I just chat with you if I have nothing else to do?" Ning Tianchen countered.
Tang Hao sneered. "As the leader of one of the new three great sects, do you really expect me to believe that? Hmph, Young Master Ning."
Ning Tianchen feigned regret. "Fine, since you want to get straight to business, what would you like to discuss?"
Tang Hao's brows furrowed tightly. "Are you mocking me?"
Ning Tianchen shook his head. "Since you don't have anything to say, I do have something I'd like to ask you."
"Speak!" Tang Hao's voice was stern.
He couldn't shake the feeling that Ning Tianchen harbored ill intentions, but with Ning Tianchen smiling amiably, he couldn't exactly object outright.
After all, one doesn't hit someone who is smiling at them.
Finishing the candied haw in his hand, Ning Tianchen smiled and asked, "Hao Tian Douluo, I found something interesting while reviewing the top-secret archives of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. I wanted to ask you about its authenticity."
Ever since the day he became the master of the Tianjian Sect, Ning Tianchen had full access to all the secrets of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Among the many confidential records, one entry stood out vividly in his memory.
Without Tang Hao's presence to confirm it, Ning Tianchen had no way to verify the truth—until now.
With Tang Hao reappearing on the continent, Ning Tianchen decided to settle this lingering question before any potential conflict.
"It was probably twenty-two or twenty-three years ago—an event you should remember well."
"Back then, the master of the Hao Tian Sect was named Tang Wei. In his capacity as the sect leader, he sent a letter to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, asking for their assistance in completing a certain task."
Tang Hao frowned deeply.
Twenty-two or twenty-three years ago coincided with the time he broke through to become a Title Douluo—and it was also when Ah Yin sacrificed herself for him.
"What task? Go on," Tang Hao urged anxiously.
Seeing his reaction, Ning Tianchen immediately understood that Tang Hao himself was likely unaware of the details.
"The letter stated that there was a hundred-thousand-year transformed soul beast hiding near you. Fearing that you, as the family heir, wouldn't act against her, Tang Wei decided to collaborate with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to stage an act."
"The price? The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would bear the brunt of public blame. Based on Uncle Ning's suspicions at the time, Tang Wei likely wanted to use this opportunity to force the hundred-thousand-year soul beast to sacrifice herself for you."
"Afterward, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would receive a seventy-thousand-year soul bone as payment."
At this point, Ning Tianchen suddenly smiled. "If I'm not mistaken, Tang San's mother was that transformed soul beast, wasn't she?"
"Back then, you brought that soul beast to the Hao Tian Sect. The powerful members of the sect refrained from acting against her due to your status."
"But they coveted that soul beast. Coincidentally, you were about to break through to Title Douluo. In order to cultivate a successor who could match the legendary Hao Tian Douluo of the past, they planned to help you obtain a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone."
"Unfortunately, although Uncle Ning had just taken over as sect leader at the time, he possessed considerable wisdom and refused to involve himself in such a scheme just for a seventy-thousand-year soul bone."
Every word Ning Tianchen spoke felt like a blade piercing Tang Hao's heart.
You see, back then, Tang Hao had taken Ah Yin to the Hao Tian Sect after confirming that the scent of a rare flower could indeed mask her true identity.
Now, reflecting on it, Tang Hao finally realized the flaw in his earlier reasoning.
At the time, he was only a Soul Douluo. Without close inspection, even a Soul Douluo might not be able to discern the true identity of a transformed soul beast.
That rare flower could conceal the soul beast's aura from a Soul Douluo's perception—but not necessarily from a Title Douluo's heightened senses.
Tang Wei, his father, had already been a Title Douluo at the time. It was likely that Ah Yin's identity had been exposed then.
As for why the Hao Tian Sect hadn't acted against Ah Yin?
It was simple—they wanted to keep her close until the opportune moment. Back when Tang Hao first encountered Xiao Wu, he had similar thoughts.
Tang Xiao was aware of Tang Hao's relationship with Ah Yin. Perhaps because Tang Xiao had strongly opposed it, the Hao Tian Sect resorted to this method to obtain Ah Yin's soul ring.
Seeing Tang Hao lost in thought, Ning Tianchen chuckled. "I suspect the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect refused, and Tang Wei, not wanting you to miss out on that hundred-thousand-year soul ring, leaked the information to the Spirit Hall instead."
Little did they expect that things would spiral out of control.
Tang Hao had genuinely fallen in love with Ah Yin by then, and their child had already been born.
When the Spirit Hall's experts appeared, Tang Hao naturally fought back fiercely.
Qian Xunji hadn't died initially, but someone had framed Tang Hao for his murder.
Thus, Tang Hao became the scapegoat for Qian Xunji's death, and the Hao Tian Sect suffered calamity as a result.
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