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While at the Wind Sword Sect, Tang San and the others learned about the Spirit Hall's situation from Feng Bailong.
Since the lower four sects were no longer under the Spirit Hall's command, they needed to reconsider the actions of the Elephant Armor Sect and the Sacred Dragon Sect.
Of course, for the Tang Sect, this was undoubtedly good news.
Without external interference from the Spirit Hall, their future efforts to storm the palace and seize the throne would face much less resistance.
Tang San and Tang Xiao discussed many things until they arrived at the Dragon Halberd Sect.
The Tang Sect members were unfamiliar with the architecture of the Dragon Halberd Sect.
Under normal circumstances, Zhao Wuji would visit the Tang Sect to discuss matters. Even when seeking assistance from the Dragon Halberd Sect, the Tang Sect would send disciples to notify them.
Now that they had arrived at the Dragon Halberd Sect, they finally took notice of its massive structures.
"Are they this wealthy?" Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but remark.
The buildings within the Dragon Halberd Sect were grand and imposing. At the entrance stood statues of Zhao Wuji and Zhang Erhe's martial soul avatars.
The Tang Sect had never sought financial support from the Dragon Halberd Sect and was unaware of their wealth.
Moreover, with funding injected by the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect, the Dragon Halberd Sect naturally didn't lack money.
To avoid trouble, they had staged the appearance of a fully functional sect.
Many of the Dragon Halberd Sect's disciples were former members of the covert operations division.
And the covert operations division was largely composed of merchants.
With a powerful backer, these merchants could conduct business with confidence, ensuring substantial profits.
At this point, the Dragon Halberd Sect no longer relied on the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect's financial support. Their own enterprises were more than enough to sustain the entire sect, with plenty left over.
Tang San finally understood why the Dragon Halberd Sect disciples had shown such disdain when compensation amounts were mentioned that day.
Living such affluent lives, they naturally looked down on the meager sums he had offered.
Tang Xiao couldn't help but chuckle. "In that case, we won't have to worry about development funds for the Tang Sect in the future."
Was it unreasonable for them to seek some financial compensation after helping the Dragon Halberd Sect clear their names?
With such a wealthy patron, what couldn't they achieve?
Tang Xiao couldn't help but feel some regret. Back when the Tang Sect was being suppressed ruthlessly by the upper three sects, if they had known how wealthy the Dragon Halberd Sect was, perhaps they could have shifted the "battlefield."
If not constrained by sect affairs, how could Dai Mubai have ended up imprisoned under his guidance?
But it was too late to lament now. They had to find a way to maintain their cooperation with the Dragon Halberd Sect while securing their financial support.
After exchanging glances with Tang San, Tang Xiao stepped forward to the gate of the Dragon Halberd Sect and addressed the guard: "We are from the Tang Sect and wish to discuss something with Master Zhang and Vice Master Zhao. Please inform them."
When seeking help, one naturally had to adopt a humble attitude.
The gatekeeper responded warmly, "Master has instructed us that anyone from the Tang Sect can enter directly. Someone will be sent to guide you, and both Master Zhang and Vice Master Zhao will arrive shortly."
Inside the reception hall, looking at the luxurious decor, Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but mutter a curse.
The disciple who had previously come to the Dragon Halberd Sect to deliver messages had complained to him multiple times. He hadn't expected that these people enjoyed such privileged treatment at the Dragon Halberd Sect yet still dared to ask the Tang Sect for subsidies upon returning!
Had he not witnessed it with his own eyes, he might still be in the dark.
"These bastards!" Yu Xiaogang cursed angrily.
Thinking about the enormous subsidies he had handed out over the years, he felt as if his heart was bleeding.
The original funds for the Tang Sect's creation had come from selling the land of Shrek Academy to the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect.
In a way, the Tang Sect had only thrived thanks to his full support.
Every coin spent by the Tang Sect indirectly came out of his pocket, didn't it?
Tang San gave a bitter smile and consoled him, "Teacher, this matter is in the past. Let it go."
After all, who could have predicted that the Dragon Halberd Sect would be so wealthy?
When Zhao Wuji had first approached them, they assumed the Dragon Halberd Sect was just a hastily assembled makeshift organization. They hadn't anticipated or foreseen that the Dragon Halberd Sect could earn so much money.
Looking back, it was precisely their strategic neglect of the Dragon Halberd Sect that had led to the Tang Sect's current predicament.
They didn't have to wait long. Zhao Wuji and Zhang Erhe soon arrived at the reception hall.
"Lord Tang and Lord Xiaotian, what brings you both here?" Seeing the visitors, Zhao Wuji and Zhang Erhe couldn't help but inquire.
From the Tianshan Sect, they had learned about the Tang Sect's recent situation.
However, the Tang Sect's dissolution hadn't yet spread widely, and few outsiders knew about it. Pretending ignorance avoided revealing any slip-ups and prevented Tang San and the others from becoming suspicious.
Tang San gave a bitter smile. "It's a long story…"
After a round of discussion, Zhang Erhe's expression fluctuated between light and shadow, and he remained silent for a long time without speaking.
Zhao Wuji smiled and tried to ease the tension. "No one could have predicted something like this. May I ask what your plans are this time?"
Seeing Zhang Erhe's reaction, Tang Xiao inwardly sensed trouble.
The Dragon Halberd Sect's initial alignment with them had been purposeful. With both the Tang Sect and Dai Mubai losing influence, it meant that the Dragon Halberd Sect's demands would be difficult for the Tang Sect to fulfill.
Without a basis for cooperation, maintaining this alliance would be challenging.
Though Zhao Wuji appeared nonchalant, judging by Zhang Erhe's demeanor, not expelling them was already an act of great leniency.
Tang Xiao understood that unless they promised immense benefits, the cooperation would inevitably collapse.
"Lord Zhang, may I say a few more words?"
Seeing Zhang Erhe's silence, Zhao Wuji smiled and diffused the tension once again. "Lord Xiaotian, speak freely. We're all friends here."
Tang Xiao nodded. "I know Lord Zhang feels discontent, but there's something I must clarify beforehand."
"Although Dai Mubai was imprisoned, we rescued him through a jailbreak. However, Dai Tianfeng has never stripped him of his heir status."
"Though the chances are slim, Dai Mubai remains the legitimate heir."
"The Tang Sect already has a plan; we just need the right opportunity to execute it. When that time comes, Lord Zhang's grievances will be resolved immediately. Furthermore, I hereby promise that in the future, when the Dragon Halberd Sect develops commerce in the Star Luo Empire, we will reserve at least ten percent of any market share for you."
Dai Mubai was nothing more than a puppet, and Tang Xiao's promise represented the entire Tang Sect's stance.
Ten percent of the Star Luo Empire's market might seem small, but in reality, it was an enormous volume.
Consider this: the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect became the wealthiest sect on the continent simply by dominating a portion of the Heavenly Fighting Empire's market, and they didn't even involve themselves in many industries.
Ten percent across all industries, if managed properly, could allow the Dragon Halberd Sect to become a second Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect.
Zhao Wuji couldn't help but feel tempted.
Though the sect was a shell, hearing Tang Xiao's promises made him feel a surge of excitement.
Zhang Erhe finally spoke, frowning deeply and saying gravely, "Lord Tang, are you truly willing to allocate such significant benefits to us? Or is this a ploy to deceive us?"
Tang Xiao wasn't the leader of the Tang Sect, and though he could represent them, since Tang San was present, it was prudent to secure his approval.
Tang San clasped his hands together. "Lord Zhang, everything my uncle said represents the Tang Sect—and represents me."
Zhang Erhe sneered. "Ten percent of the entire market share? Even if we wanted it, I doubt we could handle that much. Speak your mind—what do you want in return?"
"You've seen how the Dragon Halberd Sect has developed. I'm already satisfied with our current state. Expanding into the commercial market is inevitable, but not right now."
Tang San picked up the conversation. "The market share we promised to your sect will remain unchanged, and we can have Mubai sign a written agreement on the spot."
"Since your sect already knows the Tang Sect's predicament, I see no reason to beat around the bush."
"Dai Weisi poisoned Dai Tianfeng, and the potency of that poison was strong—even Dai Tianfeng, a Title Douluo, couldn't withstand it."
"Having tasted the sweetness of the poison, and with Dai Weisi now one step closer to the throne, do you think he'll be able to resist the temptation?"
"When the palace coup begins, it will signal the start of Mubai's counterattack. Our request for the Dragon Halberd Sect is simple: send people to gather intelligence in Star Luo City and fund our covert operations there."
Palace coups often concluded within a single night. Tang San understood that if they didn't position themselves in Star Luo City ahead of time, they'd miss their chance entirely.
Moreover, having all of them hiding in Star Luo City would inevitably draw Dai Weisi's attention.
Furthermore, their financial situation was dire. This was a long-term operation, and the Tang Sect's future reconstruction would also require funds.
With nearly two million gold spirit coins in hand, only a few hundred thousand were actually available for use, and perhaps even less.
While hiding in the Star Luo Empire, they wouldn't be able to earn money and would simply drain their reserves. Add to that Tang San's subsequent plans—all of which required significant funding.
Initially, Tang Xiao had offered such substantial benefits to ensure the stability of their cooperation.
The request for additional funds came after witnessing the Dragon Halberd Sect's wealth—it was a last-minute addition.
Zhang Erhe gave a bitter smile. "Our cooperation with the Tang Sect has never wavered. However, regarding finances, I'm afraid we're unable to help."
According to his explanation, the Dragon Halberd Sect was a coalition of multiple parties.
As the sect leader, Zhang Erhe could mobilize personnel without issue, but extracting funds from the sect's various interest groups was another matter entirely—they would never agree.
"This..." Tang San was momentarily at a loss for words.
He hadn't expected the Dragon Halberd Sect's internal cohesion to be so weak.
Zhang Erhe had, after all, "saved" these people, so naturally, they owed him favors and would contribute their efforts accordingly.
But extracting money from those wealthy merchants? That was unrealistic.
Tang San pressed on, despite his discomfort. "Teacher Zhao, Lord Zhang, what's the maximum amount you can support us with?"
"This time, the Tang Sect has indeed been impolite, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Opportunities are fleeting, and we must prepare thoroughly."
Zhang Erhe inwardly sneered.
The funds used to establish the Dragon Halberd Sect had been provided by the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect.
Moreover, Ning Tianchen had promised that the sect could distribute its earnings as it saw fit.
If not for the mission, he wouldn't have bothered with the Tang Sect at all. As for handing over large sums of money for the Tang Sect to squander? Absolutely impossible.
To keep the mission moving forward, he had to make some concessions.
"On behalf of the sect, we can support you with a maximum of 200,000 gold spirit coins. Additionally, Teacher Zhao and I personally will contribute another 50,000. A total of 300,000—how does that sound?"
Tang San breathed a sigh of relief.
He had prepared for the worst-case scenario, with his bottom line set at 100,000 gold spirit coins.
For their upcoming plans, money was indeed important—but not the most critical factor.
What mattered most was that the Dragon Halberd Sect would dispatch people to gather intelligence for them.
The Dragon Halberd Sect's disciples had not appeared before Dai Weisi, giving them a natural advantage in staying covert. Certain tasks had to be handled by them.
Receiving 300,000 gold spirit coins was an unexpected bonus—he had no reason to refuse.
As for the promised ten percent market share in the Star Luo Empire, Tang San had initially felt a pang of regret. But after learning about the Dragon Halberd Sect's internal dynamics, he couldn't help but smirk.
A sect formed by multiple interest groups would inevitably face problems when it came to profit distribution.
By then, luring some of them with incentives would cause the entire sect to crumble.
Once the Dragon Halberd Sect fell apart, all their promises would be null and void.
At first, Tang San and Tang Xiao had discussed ways to reclaim that ten percent market share. Now, the matter had become much simpler.
In his view, clearing Zhang Erhe's grievances had already provided sufficient favor. Anything beyond that was out of the question.
This outcome of obtaining something for nothing left Tang San quite satisfied.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Tang San and his group departed from the Dragon Halberd Sect, pleased with the money they had secured.
Zhang Erhe had invited them to stay for a meal, but fearing their intentions might be exposed, Tang San dared not linger any longer.
From the very beginning, this negotiation had been rife with deception on both sides.
The Tang Sect had no intention of paying a real price, while the Dragon Halberd Sect had been gradually luring the Tang Sect into their trap.
Watching Tang Xiao and the others disappear into the distance, Zhang Erhe coldly chuckled, "Do they really think we didn't see through their little scheme?"
After Dai Mubai ascended the throne, wouldn't the future market share of the Star Luo Empire ultimately be controlled by the Tang Sect?
What they could give today, they could just as easily take back tomorrow.
Did Tang San truly believe they'd be blinded by greed over a mere ten percent market share?
Zhao Wuji shook his head. "If this weren't a mission, allowing us to observe from the sidelines, we might have fallen for their trap entirely. The Tang Sect thought they could profit off us, but little did they know—we've been eyeing their principal investment!"
"By the way, Old Zhang, how do you plan to proceed with the next steps?"
Ning Tianchen's task for them only required results—the process was left to their discretion.
The mission could be completed quickly or slowly. Faster actions might expose more flaws, but too slow, and the opportunity would slip away entirely.
Zhang Erhe already had a plan and smiled. "The Tang Sect is eager, but so is Dai Weisi."
"The Tang Sect can only assist from the sidelines—they aren't the key players here. We'll push Dai Weisi a bit, let Master Yang's poison work its magic, and give Dai Weisi a taste of its sweetness."
Though the ultimate beneficiaries would be the Tang Sect and Dai Mubai, everything was orchestrated behind the scenes by them.
Did the Tang Sect really think they could snatch such a great opportunity?
When Dai Mubai returned to the royal family, it had indeed caught Dai Weisi off guard. But wasn't Dai Tianfeng's one-year deadline also an opportunity for Dai Weisi?
Even without the poison or the Tianshan Sect's machinations, the Tang Sect's success was far from guaranteed.
The Star Luo imperial family resented the major families for siphoning their power. Even if Dai Mubai became the crown prince, Dai Tianfeng would intervene to clear obstacles for him.
At the very least, the Tang Sect couldn't emerge as the ultimate victor.
Don't be fooled by Dai Mubai's current deep ties with the Tang Sect—it's only because he has no other backers.
If he had Dai Tianfeng as his support, would Dai Mubai still sell out benefits to the Tang Sect?
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