Tang San, filled with doubts, hurried back to the Tang Sect.
He had considered going directly to Star Luo City to ask Dai Mubai and the others for clarification.
But since the divine trial mentioned that Dai Mubai was imprisoned in the dungeon, what information could he possibly uncover by rushing to Star Luo City now?
On his way back to the Tang Sect, he continuously sought information.
First, contrary to expectations, no duel had taken place between Dai Weisi and Dai Mubai. The Star Luo royal family had directly announced Dai Weisi as the crown prince.
If no duel occurred, it was undoubtedly Dai Weisi's doing.
But what exactly had the other side done in secret? Tang San hadn't uncovered any useful information.
Of course, if anyone knew the truth, Dai Tianfeng would have already arrested Dai Weisi!
Dai Tianfeng hadn't announced Dai Mubai's crime of regicide, not only to avoid shaming the royal family but also to prevent outsiders from learning that his strength had been compromised.
The Star Luo Empire relied on him to counterbalance the Tian Dou Empire and the Spirit Hall. If he were gone, how could they resist them?
Even if he had to fake it, he had to maintain the appearance that nothing was wrong.
…
The Tang Sect.
Six months had passed, and Meng Shu hadn't achieved anything. Tang Xiao's trust in him had gradually dropped to zero.
However, within the Tang Sect, the only people capable of handling intelligence work were Meng Shu and Yu Xiaogang.
But Tang Xiao needed to protect the Tang Sect and couldn't spare the energy. As for Yu Xiaogang, despite being protected by Liu Erlong, his weak strength made venturing into Star Luo City extremely perilous.
Tang San held his master Yu Xiaogang in high regard—if anything happened to him, the Tang Sect would fall apart, and there would be no hope of rebuilding the Hao Tian Sect in the future.
After much deliberation, Tang Xiao could only let Meng Shu continue holding the fort until Tang San returned to make further plans.
He fantasized about Tang Hao stepping in, but the situation grew worse day by day.
Upon returning to the sect, Tang San learned from the disciples about the Tang Sect's current predicament.
Previously, from Dai Mubai, he had learned that Tang Xiao hadn't provided any strategies, so he already suspected that the sect's situation was delicate.
Since Dai Mubai's arrest, the Tang Sect's hidden weapons had gradually lost their market. If they hadn't cut expenses in time and still had residual earnings from before, they would have long collapsed.
Tang San furrowed his brow.
Only by taking drastic measures could the Tang Sect safely navigate this crisis.
In the study, Tang Xiao saw his arrival, and his tense expression finally eased.
"Xiao San, you've finally returned."
When Tang San saw his face, he couldn't help but feel shocked. "I never expected that even a powerhouse like Uncle would turn completely gray because of these trivial matters."
When they first met, Tang Xiao's temples were only half-gray, but now they were completely gray.
Clearly, during this period of neglecting responsibilities, Tang Xiao hadn't spared any effort worrying about the sect.
For a moment, Tang San directed his anger toward Ning Tianchen and the Spirit Hall!
Without their interference, how could the Tang Sect have fallen into such a dire situation?
Next, Tang Xiao briefed Tang San on the recent events.
Tang San couldn't help but feel puzzled. "Father was really by my side—why didn't I notice?"
Tang Xiao paused. "Then where did Brother Hao go?"
Tang Hao wasn't an unreasonable man. The Tang Sect was their only hope for revenge against the Spirit Hall—he wouldn't recklessly take on the Spirit Hall alone.
Suddenly, a bad premonition rose in both their hearts.
Could it be that something had happened to Tang Hao?
Tang Xiao didn't lose his composure and quickly asked, "Xiao San, tell me where Brother Hao is in seclusion. I'll send someone to investigate."
By retracing his steps, they could find the cities Tang Hao might have reached and gather information within those cities—it was the only thing they could do.
But the Tang Sect's manpower was clearly insufficient.
The Tang Sect's shops required staff to manage, and investigating Dai Mubai's situation also required sending people discreetly.
If they divided their manpower further, the entire sect would be left empty.
As their ally, the Dragon Halberd Sect would naturally need to be called upon for covert assistance.
The Tang Sect had too few allies, leaving them stretched thin in many areas.
Tang San didn't mention this matter. The immediate priority was rescuing Dai Mubai and the others.
After delaying for half a year, Dai Weisi must have solidified his position in the imperial court. To reclaim the throne now, they'd have to approach it from another angle.
Tang Xiao awkwardly said, "Xiao San, these six months weren't wasted."
"Although Meng Shu hasn't figured out the location of the dungeon, based on the rumors in the imperial court, Dai Mubai isn't in mortal danger."
While Dai Weisi was eager to confuse the situation, his desperation to kill Dai Mubai would inevitably expose his tracks.
Among the disciples sent by the Tang Sect to investigate, there were certainly capable individuals.
As long as Dai Weisi remained impatient, Dai Mubai's life wouldn't be in danger.
At the same time, Tang Xiao proposed a hypothesis. "It's now clear that Dai Mubai secretly poisoned Dai Tianfeng and was thrown into the dungeon after the plot was exposed."
Before Tang San could respond, Tang Xiao continued, "Dai Mubai doesn't have the guts to pull off something like this—it wasn't him. It must be a frame-up."
Dai Tianfeng's premature death wouldn't benefit them in any way.
Even without asking, Tang Xiao knew Tang San wouldn't do something so foolish.
Dai Weisi's meticulous efforts to pin the blame on Dai Mubai ultimately stemmed from his guilty conscience.
From this, Tang Xiao proposed a theory. "Perhaps Dai Tianfeng doesn't believe that Dai Mubai was behind the poisoning. Secretly imprisoning him without ordering his execution could be a way to balance Dai Weisi—or seek external help from the Tang Sect to 'resolve' the situation."
The competition for the crown prince position had reached this stage. Those in the imperial court who needed to pick sides had already done so.
Additionally, the poisoning incident had sown seeds of suspicion in Dai Tianfeng's mind.
After all, a ruler who had controlled the Star Luo Empire for decades wouldn't fail to notice the signs.
The more desperate Dai Weisi appeared, the more suspicious Dai Tianfeng became, making Dai Mubai increasingly safe.
Tang San raised an eyebrow. "Dai Tianfeng will never allow a patricidal son to ascend the throne. Announcing Dai Weisi as the crown prince is simply a way to 'protect himself.'"
Before identifying the type of poison, Dai Tianfeng's decision to 'lie low' was undoubtedly a wise move.
The officials in the imperial court understood the principle of "one emperor, one set of ministers."
Part of the reason for naming Dai Weisi as the crown prince was to maintain stability in the court.
Dai Tianfeng's reign would eventually come to an end. This ruler, who had devoted his life to the empire, certainly didn't want power struggles to lead to invasion.
After all, when the Star Luo Empire invaded the Tian Dou Empire, wasn't it precisely because Xue Qinghe's ascension was seen as illegitimate and failed to convince everyone?
With this precedent, Dai Tianfeng wouldn't allow the empire to fall into such a situation. A smooth transfer of power was his lifelong wish.
Tang Xiao added, "This is just my guess. The specifics are unclear, but Dai Tianfeng's actions must have some reasoning behind them."
"Xiao San, only you can investigate the location of the dungeon. Once you arrive in Star Luo City, immediately hand over the task to Meng Shu."
Tang San hesitated. "Uncle, Dai Tianfeng's actions are, to some extent, meant to protect Dai Mubai. We still don't know if there's a strong figure backing Dai Weisi. If we rashly rescue Dai Mubai and encounter Dai Weisi's ambush, won't we be in trouble?"
"In my opinion, decisive action must be taken, or we'll surely suffer chaos. Uncle, you, me, and the Dragon-Serpent couple—we'll storm the palace with Dai Mubai, launch a coup, and transfer power to him to avoid prolonged uncertainty."
His seventh trial was to help Dai Mubai ascend to the throne.
To expedite the trial, wouldn't it be wonderful to seize control of the Star Luo Empire in one fell swoop?
Tang Xiao looked at him in surprise. "Xiao San, have you broken through?"
Tang San smiled faintly. "Yes, I'm now a Title Douluo. Once I add all the soul rings to my Hao Tian Hammer, I'm confident I can break through to level ninety-seven or even ninety-eight."
"Xiao San, what is your title?" Tang Xiao was very concerned about this matter.
Tang San shook his head—he hadn't yet decided on a title.
Tang Xiao grabbed his arm and said earnestly, "Brother Hao's fate is uncertain, and his title represents the Hao Tian Sect. Xiao San, as Brother Hao's son and someone who has become a Title Douluo at such a young age, the name 'Hao Tian' rightfully belongs to you."
The title "Hao Tian Douluo" represented the Hao Tian Sect.
Whether Tang San would later agree to become the new leader of the Hao Tian Sect or not, as long as he used this title, he would forever be part of the Hao Tian Sect.
This suggestion naturally carried some of Tang Xiao's personal motives.
Tang San was deeply concerned about the affairs of the Tang Sect but had never expressed any intention to rebuild the Hao Tian Sect.
The Tang Sect was not equivalent to the Hao Tian Sect—it wasn't a matter that could be resolved by simply changing names.
Disciples of the Hao Tian Sect had to possess the Hao Tian Hammer martial soul; it wasn't a place where just anyone could join.
"Uncle, there's still no conclusion regarding Father's situation. Isn't it too early to discuss this now?" Tang San evaded the question vaguely.
In the past, he had promised Yu Xiaogang that if he ever broke through to become a Title Douluo, he would consult him regarding his title.
Tang Xiao already had a prepared response. "You shouldn't have forgotten Ning Tianchen. His title is 'Sword,' and Sword Dao Chenxin hasn't perished—nor has he gone into seclusion."
"There's already a precedent for a father and son sharing the same title. What's the issue?"
Tang San's eyes lit up.
The name "Hao Tian" was already renowned across the continent.
If he could obtain this title, when avenging themselves against the Spirit Hall in the future, raising an army would surely draw many supporters.
This matter was of great importance, so Tang San feigned reluctance for a few moments before agreeing.
"By the way, before rescuing Mubai, there's something else I'd like to hear your opinion on."
With that, Tang Xiao retrieved a letter from the drawer.
This letter came from the Wind Sword Sect!
Although the Wind Sword Sect ranked at the bottom during the re-selection of the seven great sects, their status as one of the seven major sects couldn't be denied.
The influence of the lower four sects paled in comparison to the upper three sects, but even the lowest-ranked among the lower four sects—the Wind Sword Sect—still held more influence than the Tang Sect.
For the Tang Sect, forming a partnership with them would bring numerous benefits.
In the letter, Feng Bailong only vaguely hinted at his request without explicitly stating it. Tang Xiao understood what he wanted but didn't spell it out.
Tang San raised a question about this, and Tang Xiao gave a bitter smile. "Thirty years ago, when Yuehua went out and encountered bandits, she was saved by Feng Bailong."
"At the time, Feng Bailong was just an ordinary disciple of the Wind Sword Sect. No one could have imagined that within twenty short years, he would become the sect leader."
Back then, Feng Bailong had proposed marriage to Tang Yuehua, but how could the once-mighty Hao Tian Sect allow one of their own disciples to marry outside?
Though Tang Yuehua's martial soul wasn't the Hao Tian Hammer, she was still Tang Chen's granddaughter!
For an ordinary disciple of the Wind Sword Sect to propose marriage to Tang Chen's granddaughter, in those days, the phrase "a toad dreaming of eating swan meat" wouldn't even suffice—it was sheer arrogance!
Later, as Feng Bailong gradually rose within his sect, coincidentally, the Hao Tian Sect was forced into seclusion by the Spirit Hall. To avoid drawing trouble, Feng Bailong never approached Tang Yuehua again.
Now, for some unknown reason, Feng Bailong had brought up the matter again and attempted to cooperate with the Tang Sect.
It should be noted that during the re-selection of the seven great sects, the Wind Sword Sect had secretly pledged allegiance to the Spirit Hall. If they cooperated with the Tang Sect now, it would amount to betraying the Spirit Hall.
All of this was unknown to Tang San and Tang Xiao.
The problem before them was clear: Should they sacrifice Tang Yuehua to gain the support of the Wind Sword Sect, or maintain the status quo?
Tang Xiao couldn't possibly make this decision, so the issue was passed to Tang San.
How could Tang San dare to make such a decision lightly? Setting aside Aunt Yuehua's identity, she was also Tang Hao's younger sister.
If he betrayed her, how would he explain it to Tang Hao upon his return?
"Uncle, let's put this matter aside for now. I'll go see my teacher first, and we'll set off for Star Luo City early tomorrow morning."
Tang Xiao instructed, "Xiao San, keep this matter confidential for now—don't let Yuehua know."
"I know Feng Bailong's temperament. He won't harbor hatred due to love, so there's no need to worry about them for now."
…
Yu Xiaogang fantasized about becoming the Imperial Tutor and strongly approved of Tang San's plan to rescue Dai Mubai.
However, he also believed that launching a palace coup was too risky.
If the coup succeeded, the outcome would naturally be favorable. But if it failed, Dai Mubai would completely lose his right to inherit the throne, and the Tang Sect would struggle to maintain a foothold in the Star Luo Empire.
According to Tang Xiao's analysis, if the poison truly came from Dai Weisi—
Knowing the effects of the poison, Dai Weisi might well develop ambitions for the throne himself.
This reminded them of the Tian Dou Palace coup.
Hadn't Xue Ye been poisoned by an unknown toxin, lost control of the court, and allowed Xue Qinghe to successfully seize power through a coup?
If that was the case, disrupting Dai Weisi's plans at a critical moment would allow Dai Mubai to seize the opportunity directly.
Such a method of ascending to power would leave no room for objections!
Listening to Yu Xiaogang's analysis, Tang San nodded repeatedly.
At the same time, his admiration for Yu Xiaogang grew even stronger.
With such wisdom, what could the Spirit Hall possibly use to compete with them once the situation became clear in the future?
Meanwhile, in the dungeon.
Dai Mubai sat in a dark corner, his expression vacant, as if struck dumb by the sudden turn of events.
He hadn't given any thought to why he was imprisoned—his mind was completely blank.
Yu Tianheng and the other two were locked in the neighboring cell.
That day, Tai Long was taken out for routine interrogation and returned completely unresponsive.
Initially, Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin paid no attention to this.
They were barely able to protect themselves. Besides pondering who had framed them, they were also thinking of ways to escape from the dungeon—who had the energy to care about Tai Long's injuries?
Moreover, they were dragged out for interrogation every day, so they had grown accustomed to it.
But today, after a long while, Tai Long showed no signs of movement.
Previously, whenever he regained consciousness, he would cry out in pain. Today, it wasn't a matter of whether he cried out—it was that he hadn't woken up at all!
After some investigation, Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin's eyes widened in fury.
Before them lay a cold, lifeless corpse.
Tai Long hadn't survived the previous interrogation—he had died during the process!
The guards hadn't buried his body but instead returned it, which was undoubtedly an act of humiliation and intimidation.
But far from achieving its intended effect, this act only strengthened their resolve for revenge!
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