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In the original timeline, after Tang San helped Xue Beng ascend to the throne, Yu Xiaogang was bestowed the title of Imperial Tutor.
If Dai Mubai were to ascend instead, even if Yu Xiaogang weren't made Imperial Tutor, his status wouldn't be much lower. In the imperial court, Yu Xiaogang would undoubtedly have a voice and a place of his own.
But wasn't this guy—who only knew how to theorize on paper—just another incompetent?
Dai Mubai, who didn't understand state affairs, wouldn't dare handle them recklessly, so his harm to the nation would be minimal. However, an ignorant yet overconfident Yu Xiaogang wielding immense power would undoubtedly spell disaster for the entire country.
Keeping Yu Xiaogang around until now wasn't just about waiting for him to shine—it was also about watching him falter.
Recalling Yu Xiaogang's performance at the academic exchange conference years ago, Dugu Bo couldn't help but sneer.
"This fellow has no real ability, but he sure knows how to bluff. Kid, if someone like this rises to a high position, the Star Luo Empire is doomed!"
Naturally.
Ning Tianchen chuckled inwardly.
In the original timeline, after the final battle, Yu Xiaogang did indeed participate in managing the Tian Dou Empire's affairs.
Xue Beng was already an incompetent ruler, and with the addition of the mediocre Prince Xue Xing and the paper-strategist Yu Xiaogang, the seeds of disaster were sown for the Tian Dou Empire, ultimately leading to its division into two nations.
Compared to Xue Beng, Dai Mubai was even worse.
After all, although Xue Beng was a spoiled noble, Prince Xue Xing at least had some aptitude for governance. Even if Xue Beng only learned the basics, he could still make some correct decisions when handling state affairs.
But Dai Mubai? He had no experience whatsoever. With Yu Xiaogang's "guidance," such a regime wouldn't need external factors to collapse—it would fall apart internally sooner or later.
So, giving Dai Mubai the chance to ascend might as well be giving Yu Xiaogang the opportunity to put his "grand ideals" into practice, right?
The saying goes, "To kill a man is to wound his heart." The point was to let Yu Xiaogang witness firsthand how he would single-handedly bring the entire nation to ruin!
"Have Old Zhao and Old Zhang proactively reach out to the Tang Sect. Make it seem urgent, but remember, don't reveal any traces."
Zhao Erhe needed vindication. Now that Dai Mubai had lost his influence, shouldn't he be "anxious"?
Dugu Bo burst into laughter. "No wonder you're such a crafty kid. Playing both sides against the middle—no one can withstand this kind of pressure."
…
After the Tang Sect "dissolved," Tang San and the others immediately fled the Star Luo Empire.
They certainly couldn't enter the Tian Dou Empire openly—after all, Tang San was still a wanted criminal. If discovered, it might provoke the upper three sects and the Tian Dou Empire to launch a joint suppression.
Along the way, Tang San and Tang Xiao spoke privately for a long time.
"Uncle, we still need the support of the Wind Sword Sect."
After the Tang Sect's "dissolution," they had completely lost their influence. Without external forces to stabilize the situation, even if they managed to fight their way back into the Star Luo Palace in the future, it would still be hard for Dai Mubai to ascend the throne.
If no one acknowledged them, what difference would seizing the throne make compared to rebellion and theft of the nation?
The Dragon Halberd Sect was indeed their ally, but their influence didn't extend to the Star Luo Empire.
As one of the seven great sects, the Wind Sword Sect's backing in the future could spare them a lot of trouble.
However, the condition for gaining the Wind Sword Sect's support was to offer Tang Yuehua to Feng Bailong.
Selling out a woman from the sect in exchange for support was something the former Hao Tian Sect wouldn't even have dreamed of doing.
Previously, though Tang Xiao had left the decision to Tang San, when Tang San chose to betray Tang Yuehua, Tang Xiao found it difficult to accept.
"Uncle, think it over carefully. The Wind Sword Sect is within the Tian Dou Empire. If you agree, we'll visit them soon." Tang San didn't rush him.
Having explained the pros and cons, he believed Tang Xiao would make the right choice.
Originally, he had been wary of Tang Hao's existence.
But during the rescue of Dai Mubai and the forced dissolution of the Tang Sect, he hadn't sensed anyone secretly aiding them.
As for Tang Hao's current situation, he needed to reassess it.
If betraying Tang Yuehua could force Tang Hao to step forward, even if they ultimately failed to form an alliance with the Wind Sword Sect, it would still achieve his goal.
"By the way, Xiao San, where exactly is Brother Hao?" Tang Xiao couldn't help but ask.
If Tang Hao found out about betraying Tang Yuehua, Tang Xiao, as the elder brother, would find himself in an awkward position.
Moreover, their previous guesses about Tang Hao's whereabouts were just that—guesses. Now that the Tang Sect was at its lowest point and Tang Hao still hadn't appeared, could it be that he had truly met with an accident?
Tang San shook his head—he didn't know where Tang Hao had gone either.
Previously, he had asked the Goddess of the Abyss about Tang Hao's whereabouts.
The Goddess of the Abyss, who claimed to govern life and death, would surely have noticed if Tang Hao had perished.
But her reply had been ambiguous, stating that once Tang San inherited his position, finding Tang Hao wouldn't be difficult.
From this, he deduced that Tang Hao was likely captured by a powerful member of the Spirit Hall.
Of course, this was just speculation—there was no solid evidence that Tang Hao had fallen into the hands of the Spirit Hall. Therefore, he didn't mention it.
As the carriage entered the Tian Dou Empire, Tang Xiao finally made up his mind and tacitly approved Tang San's plan.
After Tang San communicated with Yu Xiaogang, the carriage quietly changed direction and headed toward the Wind Sword Sect's headquarters.
…
The Wind Sword Sect.
Since being "abandoned" by the Spirit Hall, Feng Bailong had spent his days locked in his seclusion room, attempting to break through to the level of a Title Douluo.
The Wind Sword Sect had done very little for the Spirit Hall, so they hadn't offended many people. For the time being, the sect wouldn't face retaliation from enemies.
However, the Spirit Hall suddenly abandoning immediate gains, coupled with Bi Er Dong's personality change, made him sense something unusual.
Abandoning such enormous immediate benefits could only mean one thing—the Spirit Hall was eyeing even greater rewards in the future.
Bi Er Dong's personality change might just be a smokescreen to conceal their true intentions.
Feng Bailong prided himself on his intelligence. Upon realizing this, he not only intensified his cultivation but also began actively seeking allies.
As for Tang Yuehua, she was merely an added bonus.
His main goal was to win over Tang Xiao, a Title Douluo.
After all, the Tang Sect wasn't truly Tang Xiao's—it was merely being managed by him on behalf of Tang San.
If he could poach Tang Xiao, even if the continent's situation changed in the future, the Wind Sword Sect would still have the means to protect itself.
As for the enmity between the Hao Tian Sect and the Spirit Hall, Feng Bailong didn't care.
While the Spirit Hall plotted for greater gains, it might also face backlash. In the event of drastic changes in the continent's situation, no one could guarantee the Spirit Hall's survival.
Once the Spirit Hall's defeat became inevitable, the Wind Sword Sect could swoop in for a few easy victories. How could they not reap benefits then?
That afternoon, a disciple of the Wind Sword Sect came to report.
"Master, a group claiming to be from the Tang Sect has arrived to pay a visit."
Feng Bailong had only discussed contact with the Tang Sect with a few elders of the sect and hadn't announced it widely. It was normal for the disciples to be unaware of the Tang Sect's purpose for visiting.
"Treat them well—I'll be there shortly." Feng Bailong sat up and changed out of his training clothes.
…
Tang San and the others had come dragging their families along.
Upon arriving at the Wind Sword Sect, Tang Yuehua expressed her confusion, but Tang Xiao brushed it off.
Inside the reception room.
Tang Xiao said, "Yuehua, Erlong, go elsewhere for now. What we're about to discuss is of great importance, and Master Feng likely doesn't want too many people to know."
"Mubai, you all leave as well."
Liu Erlong had learned the truth from Yu Xiaogang. She cast a sympathetic glance at Tang Yuehua.
As an important bargaining chip in this negotiation, she had to ensure Tang Yuehua didn't cause any trouble.
Liu Erlong's agreement to this matter stemmed from hearing that Feng Bailong had always been devoted to Tang Yuehua and hadn't married anyone else for all these years because of her.
Such a man of virtue, and the leader of one of the lower four sects, truly deserves Tang Yuehua.
Moreover, Tang Yuehua had once harbored some fondness for Feng Bailong in the past. Arranging a union between the two members of the Tang Sect while gaining the support of the Wind Sword Sect could indeed be considered a double blessing.
Not long after, Feng Bailong arrived at the reception room.
"Among you, there must be the leader of the Tang Sect, right?"
Due to his blindness, he couldn't discern the appearances of the three seated individuals.
Tang San stood up and bowed respectfully. "Junior Tang San, I am indeed the leader of the Tang Sect."
Feng Bailong sensed his presence and was momentarily taken aback.
Tang San's voice sounded youthful, much younger than himself. Yet, he felt the unmistakable aura of a Title Douluo emanating from him—could it be that Tang San was already a Title Douluo?
Being surpassed by a younger generation left Feng Bailong with a sense of lamentation.
At the re-selection conference of the seven great sects, he had witnessed Ning Tianchen's brilliance, and now meeting Tang San, he truly realized how formidable the younger generation was.
The Tang Sect, possessing two Title Douluos, was indeed a force not to be underestimated.
As for Tang Yuehua's matter, Feng Bailong no longer harbored any illusions.
Forming an alliance with the Tang Sect, which was fortified by two Title Douluos, was like securing a sturdy crutch for the Wind Sword Sect.
After a pause, he "looked" toward Tang Xiao's position. "This must be Lord Xiaotian?"
"What is the purpose of your visit today?"
Tang Xiao spoke bluntly. "No need for beating around the bush. We've discussed the letter you sent, and Xiao San and I have agreed to your alliance proposal."
Yu Xiaogang stood up and interjected. "Lord Feng, the Tang Sect has been suppressed by the Star Luo Empire and has been forced to temporarily disband. But rest assured, when we return to the Star Luo Empire, the Tang Sect will be rebuilt in no time."
"You should know that Prince Dai Mubai is in our hands, and in the future, there will still be opportunities to compete for that position."
Originally, Yu Xiaogang had no place to speak here, but out of respect for him being Tang San's teacher, he was allowed to stay.
However, he had preempted Tang Xiao's words, causing the latter to feel somewhat dissatisfied.
Feng Bailong didn't even glance at Yu Xiaogang—a mere Soul Grandmaster. If not for Tang San and Tang Xiao's presence, he would have expelled him long ago.
After a brief moment of thought, Feng Bailong asked, "Then may I ask what Lord Tang and Lord Xiaotian think? How shall we form this alliance? The details need thorough discussion, do they not?"
Tang San responded directly. "According to your request, I've already brought Aunt Yuehua here. I hope Lord Feng won't go back on his word."
Feng Bailong's heart leapt with joy.
He had planned to make concessions on the conditions, yet the other party had proactively delivered her—it was truly an unexpected delight.
Moreover, as long as Tang Yuehua remained within the Wind Sword Sect, even if relations between the two families soured in the future, they wouldn't easily come to blows.
With this in mind, Feng Bailong stated his stance and immediately summoned all the sect's elders to jointly deliberate on the details of the alliance.
During the discussion, Tang San mentioned the name of the Dragon Halberd Sect.
When speaking of Zhao Wuji, Feng Bailong found the name vaguely familiar, even associating it with the re-selection conference of the seven great sects from before.
Back then, Zhao Wuji had been an elder of the Tianshan Sect and had even represented them in battle.
How had he suddenly transformed into the vice-leader of the Dragon Halberd Sect?
Was there some hidden story, or was it merely a coincidence of names?
Feng Bailong couldn't help but let his imagination wander.
Over the years, the Dragon Halberd Sect had done quite a bit for the Tang Sect.
Additionally, during the last incident involving the Sea God's divine trial, Tang San felt guilty for putting Zhao Wuji and others through unnecessary trouble, so he spoke highly of the Dragon Halberd Sect.
Combined with Zhao Wuji's identity as Tang San's teacher, and the recognition from Yu Xiaogang and Tang Xiao, Feng Bailong gradually dismissed his doubts, concluding that it was merely a case of coincidental names.
However, the Wind Sword Sect had no real need for cooperation with the Dragon Halberd Sect, and Feng Bailong had no intention of meeting them.
He simply stated that when the Wind Sword Sect encountered the Dragon Halberd Sect in the future, they would extend goodwill—that was all.
The discussions on the alliance lasted for two full days before they were finalized.
The Wind Sword Sect agreed to form a deep bond with the Tang Sect, but only on the condition that the Tang Sect remained a complete sect—that is, after its reconstruction.
Once the discussions concluded, Tang San and the others took their leave.
Next, they needed to visit the Dragon Halberd Sect to solidify their cooperation.
After all, Tang San wasn't Dai Mubai—how could he afford to lose his foundation so easily!
Before leaving, Liu Erlong deliberately found an excuse to part ways with Tang Yuehua and boarded the carriage with Tang San and the others.
By the time Tang Yuehua realized what was happening, Tang San's carriage was already far away. She tried to chase after them but was stopped by the disciples of the Wind Sword Sect.
"Lady Yuehua, Master Feng has instructed us—you are not to leave the sect's premises for now. He will explain everything to you later."
Tang Yuehua wasn't foolish; she understood perfectly well that she had become a "bargaining chip" in this deal.
To say she didn't resent Tang San and the others would be a lie, but after calming down, she knew this was the best outcome.
Staying with Tang San and the others would only burden them.
Becoming a pawn in the Hao Tian Sect's revenge against the Spirit Hall was her destiny.
Feng Bailong hadn't accepted her out of lust—he genuinely cared for her.
At first, Tang Yuehua struggled to accept the reality, but Feng Bailong patiently consoled her and provided her with the finest food and accommodations.
Later, during a chance conversation about past events, Tang Yuehua's attitude toward Feng Bailong gradually softened.
It was important to note that Feng Bailong's blindness had been caused by retaliation from those bandits' comrades.
Perhaps due to guilt, or perhaps because of Feng Bailong's sincerity, Tang Yuehua was moved by him, and their relationship gradually grew closer.
…
On the road, Tang Xiao couldn't help but sigh. "Sigh, I hope Yuehua finds a good ending."
After their father's passing, Tang Xiao, as the eldest brother, had taken on the responsibility of the family. As the saying goes, "An elder brother is like a father," so naturally, he had to pay attention to Tang Yuehua's marriage.
Though Tang Yuehua had been married off in an unglamorous manner, Tang Xiao could see the sincerity in Feng Bailong's intentions.
Tang Yuehua wasn't young anymore, and having someone who genuinely cared for her to spend the rest of her life with wasn't a bad outcome.
Tang San responded, "Uncle, if Aunt Yuehua suffers any grievances, we must bring her back no matter what!"
This matter had started because of him—what meaning did his assurances hold afterward?
However, next, their visit to the Dragon Halberd Sect required careful deliberation.
During the time Dai Mubai was imprisoned, Zhao Wuji had frequently visited the Tang Sect, and Zhang Erhe had even come personally several times.
After all, the foundation of their cooperation rested on the needs of the Dragon Halberd Sect.
Now that Dai Mubai had lost his influence, the Dragon Halberd Sect's needs couldn't be met, inevitably creating cracks in their cooperation.
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