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Tang Hao felt his life force slipping away, knowing there was no hope for survival.
But he didn't want to miss hearing the answers.
As his consciousness began to fade, he forced himself to stay upright.
Ning Tianchen calmly began to speak. "Qian Xunji wasn't killed by you. After returning to the Spirit Hall, he hid in the shadows to recover from his injuries. However, because he had previously violated Bibi Dong, she took advantage of his weakened state and devoured him."
"Qian Daoliu dared not disclose this truth because Qian Xunji and Bibi Dong's daughter had already been born. To prevent his granddaughter from hating her mother, Qian Daoliu shifted the blame onto you, which triggered everything that followed."
"Of course, you can't blame Bibi Dong or Qian Xunji for this. The true enemy of the Hao Tian Sect should be Yu Xiaogang."
Back then, Yu Xiaogang was nothing more than a useless bug—aside from being the son of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's leader, what made him any different from a waste of space?
Yet, for some reason, Bibi Dong became infatuated with him and even considered eloping with him.
At that time, Bibi Dong was receiving all the resources the Spirit Hall could muster and was Qian Xunji's chosen successor.
How could Qian Xunji not be furious when his disciple and the Spirit Hall's future successor were lured away?
The three great sects back then were united in strength, making it impossible for the Spirit Hall to retaliate against the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan directly.
In the end, Qian Xunji resorted to despicable means in a secret chamber to finally keep Bibi Dong under his control.
Tang Hao had never liked Yu Xiaogang from the start. If he hadn't been unable to stay by Tang San's side, he wouldn't have entrusted Tang San's care to him.
After Ning Tianchen's explanation, Tang Hao couldn't believe that the downfall of the Hao Tian Sect stemmed from Yu Xiaogang, an insignificant and unremarkable figure.
If it weren't for Yu Xiaogang, the Spirit Hall would have developed as planned, and with Tang Chen's reputation, how could the Hao Tian Sect have been forced into seclusion or eradicated entirely?
If he could still speak, or if there was any chance of survival, Tang Hao would personally kill Yu Xiaogang, hang his corpse on the city walls, and publicly curse him for three days and three nights.
Seeing the unwillingness in Tang Hao's eyes, Ning Tianchen continued, "You have at most one minute left to live. I'll make this quick."
"Tang Chen isn't dead—he simply encountered a mishap during a critical moment of his divine trial, which led to him being parasitized by a soul beast."
"You've been to Slaughter City, so you must know the Slaughter King, right? That's correct—it's Tang Chen, the strongest sect leader in the history of your Hao Tian Sect!"
Tang Hao's eyes widened in shock.
When he had trained in the Slaughter City, he had always felt that the Slaughter King looked vaguely familiar.
Unfortunately, he had never suspected it was Tang Chen.
If time could rewind, he would have done everything possible to awaken Tang Chen and seek vengeance for the Hao Tian Sect!
But alas, time doesn't turn back, and Tang Hao's life had reached its end.
Looking at the lifeless body beside him, Ning Tianchen remained cautious.
Forming a sword-like gesture with his right hand, a bolt of sword qi shot from his fingertip, severing Tang Hao's head.
Immediately afterward, countless fine threads of sword qi shredded Tang Hao's head into dust.
There were ways to resurrect people on the continent, and Ning Tianchen didn't want Tang Hao coming back to life.
From what he knew, resurrection methods required a complete head. By pulverizing Tang Hao's skull, Ning Tianchen ensured he would never return.
Next, Ning Tianchen removed the soul bones from Tang Hao's body.
Having finished, he didn't linger and flew toward the direction of Tian Dou City.
Before facing Tang Chen, he decided to absorb four divine-bestowed soul rings to raise his strength to Level 99.
…
The earth-shattering battle outside Suotuo City quickly spread throughout the Tian Dou Empire.
Inside the Holy Spirit Hall, Hu Liena, who was handling affairs, received news from the Suotuo City branch of the Spirit Hall.
"Elder Gui, traces of a super Douluo battle were found outside Suotuo City. A headless corpse was left behind, but the local bishop couldn't identify it. Please investigate."
Every super Douluo on the continent was well-known. With both fighters unidentified and one super Douluo dead, this matter needed serious attention.
After all, the surviving super Douluo could very well be a potential enemy of the Spirit Hall.
Chrysanthemum couldn't help but remind her, "Nana, shouldn't we first consult the stronger members within the hall?"
Before Hu Liena could respond, Jin E Douluo arrived at the Holy Spirit Hall. "No need. The elders of the Offering Hall haven't left recently. My third brother is on a mission far from the scene—it's not him."
Chrysanthemum nodded. "Old Gui, then do as Nana says and go take a look."
Elder Gui moved incredibly fast, arriving at Suotuo City in just two days.
To ensure the body didn't decay, the Suotuo City branch of the Spirit Hall had already moved the corpse into the hall and placed it in a special coffin for preservation.
Upon Elder Gui's arrival, the head of the Suotuo City Spirit Hall immediately ordered the coffin to be brought out.
With just one glance, Elder Gui recognized the person's identity.
This attire—it was unmistakably Tang Hao.
Never would he have imagined that the man who once struck fear into his heart was now slain.
Back then, Ju Gui Douluo and Qian Xunji, three Title Douluos of Level 95, couldn't defeat Tang Hao. Who, then, could have killed him?
"Elder Gui, our people have already examined the body. Multiple sharp wounds were found, with the fatal injury being a piercing wound to the chest. We inspected the scene—his head was severed after death."
"The cutting wounds on the limbs were caused post-mortem, likely to extract his soul bones."
Elder Gui pondered for a moment and asked, "Who else has seen the body?"
The head of the Suotuo City Spirit Hall quickly replied, "The battle outside the city caused such a commotion that many people came to see the aftermath once things settled."
"Had it not been for Spirit Hall's authority, we might not have been able to secure the body."
The wounds on Tang Hao were clearly caused by a sharp weapon, typical of a sword-type spirit.
On the continent, those capable of killing Tang Hao and wielding a sword-type martial soul were none other than Chen Xin and Ning Tianchen.
Before leaving the Spirit Hall, Elder Gui had inquired about Chen Xin's whereabouts. It turned out Chen Xin had been staying at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and hadn't left. Thus, the 'murderer' could only be someone else.
Recalling recent events, something clicked in his mind.
Ning Tianchen had been spotted in the Great Star Dou Forest. After leaving the forest, the nearest city was Suotuo City. Given Ning Tianchen's strength, he was certainly capable of causing such a massive disturbance.
As for why Ning Tianchen decapitated Tang Hao, Elder Gui couldn't say.
Thinking this through, Elder Gui gave instructions. "I'll take the body back to the Holy Spirit Hall. This matter ends here—do not speculate about the body's identity."
"If there are rumors spreading in the city, stop them immediately."
With that, he stored the body and coffin together in his soul tool.
Though Tang Hao had been an enemy of the Spirit Hall, he was still a Title Douluo in life. According to the Spirit Hall's rules, his body should be buried in the Douluo Hall.
For the Spirit Hall, the Douluo Hall housing the body of a Hao Tian Sect powerhouse was undoubtedly a historic moment.
However, the Spirit Hall wouldn't publicize Tang Hao's death. Without Tang Hao, they had one less potential enemy.
As for whether Ning Tianchen was responsible, it no longer mattered.
…
Ning Tianchen secluded himself within the sect to absorb the divine-bestowed soul rings, temporarily setting aside the sect's business and development.
Meanwhile, on his way to Sea God Island, Tang San suddenly felt an inexplicable pang of anxiety. If not for the carriage stopping him, he might have fallen off the horse-drawn cart.
Clutching his chest, Tang San gazed back toward the direction of the Great Star Dou Forest.
"What could possibly be causing me such anxiety? Could it be something happened to the Tang Sect, or Father?"
On the continent, the two people he cared most about were Tang Hao and the Tang Sect.
Upon reflection, however, he realized neither was likely to encounter trouble easily.
Tang Hao's strength had broken through to Level 96, and with the powerful Hao Tian Hammer spirit, Tang San was confident that Tang Hao had few rivals on the continent.
As for the Tang Sect, with Tang Xiao overseeing matters and Yu Xiaogang assisting with strategies, it was unlikely anything major would happen.
Seeing that his divine trial was imminent and reassured that those he cared about were safe, Tang San dismissed his thoughts, attributing the unease to a fleeting physical discomfort.
…
The Tang Sect.
After the situation on the continent stabilized, the sects that had previously formed alliances with the Tang Sect stopped responding to its calls.
They used various excuses to delay orders for hidden weapons placed with the Tang Sect. If the Tang Sect insisted on delivering the goods, they wouldn't outright refuse—but as for payment, they'd stall indefinitely.
Upon learning this, Yu Xiaogang flew into a rage.
"These opportunistic cowards, do they really think the Tang Sect is a place they can come and go from as they please?"
In his fury, Yu Xiaogang began smashing furniture in the main hall.
But alas, his strength was meager; the furniture remained unscathed, while he tripped over a fallen chair and ended up with a bruised face.
"Master, calm down," Tang Xiao said, frowning.
Yu Xiaogang seemed incapable of handling even minor setbacks—how could he possibly shoulder greater responsibilities in times of crisis?
However, out of respect for him being Tang San's teacher, Tang Xiao gave him some leeway.
Yu Xiaogang picked himself up, shouting loudly, "How can I calm down? These bastards came crawling to us when they needed help, and now that they're done using us, they kick us aside like trash! Is there no justice?"
"Patriarch Tang, I suggest you lead an immediate declaration of war against these ingrates. We must make them understand that offending the Tang Sect comes at a cost!"
Liu Erlong was shocked and quickly interjected, "Xiaogang, have you lost your mind?"
"The situation on the continent has just stabilized. Starting a war now would be signing our own death warrant!"
Tang Xiao let out a cold snort.
Yu Xiaogang was utterly delusional, forgetting his place and daring to try to command him?
Meng Shu hurriedly tried to smooth things over. "Everyone feels frustrated about this situation, but it's not all bad news. Early this morning, someone from Zhao Wuji's Dragon Halberd Sect arrived, reaffirming their firm commitment to cooperation between the two sects."
Chao Tianxiang added, "The Tang Sect still needs to grow. We've worked hard to gain attention from various factions, and we cannot afford to attract unnecessary enemies."
"Our allies are already few. If we push these people away, our future will become even more difficult."
"In my opinion, since the Tang Sect cannot expand further in the short term, Patriarch Tang should take the lead and focus on infiltrating the Star Luo imperial court."
With the war over, internal political struggles within the court were bound to flare up again. This was the perfect time to position Dai Mubai in the imperial court.
Tang Xiao ignored Yu Xiaogang's impotent rage and took over the conversation. "Serpent Aunt is right. This is undoubtedly the best opportunity for Mubai." (I guess Tang Xiao calls Chao Tianxiang 'Serpent Aunt' and not 'Serpent Grandmother' cause he's of the older generation)
"Tianheng, go to the governor's residence and invite Governor Waltz to discuss matters at the Tang Sect tonight. It's time for Mubai to step onto the stage."
…
Before leaving, Tang San had set two priorities for the Tang Sect.
First, Yu Xiaogang was tasked with recruiting a large number of allies for the Tang Sect. Second, Tang Xiao was to support Dai Mubai's entry into the imperial court.
Now, Yu Xiaogang's task was essentially complete, and the Tang Sect's leadership would transition fully into Tang Xiao's hands.
Having tasted the thrill of power, how could Yu Xiaogang willingly relinquish control?
But before he could voice his objections, Liu Erlong stepped in to stop him.
Tang Yuehua smiled at him and said, "Master, we all serve the Tang Sect. You've worked hard during this period—take a few days off. Later, when Mubai enters the court, we'll still need your wisdom."
That single sentence effectively silenced Yu Xiaogang.
If he opposed or caused a scene, his reputation would be ruined, and no one in the Tang Sect would listen to him in the future.
With bitter resignation, Yu Xiaogang temporarily withdrew from the main hall.
Seeing this, Tang Xiao immediately sent someone to summon Zhao Wuji.
Zhao Wuji had arrived at the Tang Sect early in the morning, but given Yu Xiaogang's earlier behavior, Tang Xiao hadn't dared to receive him.
After being "abandoned by allies," only the Dragon Halberd Sect remained steadfast in their alliance.
If Zhao Wuji had heard Yu Xiaogang's rant, he might have also turned his back on the Tang Sect.
When Zhao Wuji entered the hall, Tang Xiao immediately assured him, "Vice Sect Leader Zhao, the Tang Sect and the Dragon Halberd Sect will remain each other's most important partners. Your requests will be promptly addressed by the Tang Sect."
Zhao Wuji asked, "Does this mean Patriarch Tang intends to position Mubai within the imperial court?"
Tang Xiao nodded. "Go back and tell Elder Zhang that his grievances will soon be resolved. However, the Tang Sect will require assistance from your sect moving forward, and we hope for your continued support."
"That goes without saying," Zhao Wuji said, bowing his fist respectfully.
After twenty years as a sect leader, Tang Xiao's experience far surpassed Yu Xiaogang's.
In just a few sentences, he had successfully tied the Dragon Halberd Sect firmly to the Tang Sect's cause.
Of course, Zhao Wuji and Zhang Erhe were already under orders to cooperate closely with the Tang Sect—they were eager to strengthen the partnership.
After their discussion, both parties achieved their desired outcomes, resulting in a mutually satisfying exchange.
That evening, after Tang Xiao spoke with Waltz, the governor announced to the entire continent the following morning that he had located Prince Dai Mubai.
Dai Mubai's plight was indeed an imperial scandal. Although he had been removed from the royal family register by Dai Weisi through scheming, the public remained unaware.
Dai Mubai's reputation in the Star Luo Empire was mediocre, and few remembered him. However, after announcing his intention to compete for the throne, with Waltz and the nobles supporting him orchestrating a campaign, a significant portion of the populace rallied behind Dai Mubai's bid for the crown.
After all, indulging in gossip is human nature—and scandals involving royalty are especially rare.
With some "stirring of the pot," those eager to watch the drama quickly jumped on board.
Public sentiment had spoken, and even if Dai Weisi harbored resentment, he dared not reject Dai Mubai's return.
Otherwise, accusations of cowardice would surely follow.
The reputation he had painstakingly built up would vanish overnight.
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