Yang Xiong let out a helpless sigh after hearing Lin Gong's words. "Teacher Lin, I don't think your relationship with Elder Long is as bad as you say. Back then, the two of you were only influenced by Chrysanthemum Douluo. If you both reach the level of Title Douluo in the future, wouldn't you have the chance to take revenge on him?"
Lin Gong's face instantly turned serious upon hearing that. "Xiao Xiong, tell me honestly. Do you really intend to challenge the rule of the Spirit Hall in the future? From what I see, both you and the three single-attribute clans you've gathered are positioning yourselves as enemies of the Spirit Hall."
Yang Xiong thought for a moment before replying, "Teacher Lin, it's not that I want to challenge the Spirit Hall. It's more that the Spirit Hall won't tolerate any of us."
"During the finals of the last Soul Master Tournament, Spirit Hall sent out seven Title Douluo just to deal with Tang Hao. And that's not even counting the ones they kept hidden. Their strength likely already surpasses that of the three upper sects."
"Given how Spirit Hall has developed over the years, especially with Bibi Dong's immense ambition, it's only a matter of time before they move against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. The three single-attribute clans will inevitably become targets too. That's why I want to grow stronger as quickly as possible."
Lin Gong's face turned pale at these words. He finally let out a sigh. "Spirit Hall holds an exalted position among soul masters, and their power is far beyond what we can imagine. I'm afraid no one can oppose them directly."
Yang Xiong shook his head. "You're wrong, Teacher Lin. Spirit Hall is powerful, but not as invincible as you think."
"Both empires command armies in the millions. Clearly, they see Spirit Hall as a threat. That's why there haven't been any wars between them in recent years , they're afraid Spirit Hall would take advantage of the situation."
Lin Gong said, "There's no need to rush this. I'll be able to break through to Title Douluo within two years at most. Once I do, I'll go talk to Meng Shu. That old guy is loyal to his clan, but with your plans for the so-called Body Sect, I think you can persuade him to join."
"But if that happens, your control over the Body Sect will be weaker. After all, unlike me, Yang Wudi and Niu Gao both have large families behind them."
Yang Xiong smiled. "Teacher Lin, that's exactly why I want Elder Long and the others to join. Besides, I've long had plans for this sect. Don't forget about Zhao Wuji and Oscar."
A hint of confusion appeared on Lin Gong's face. "Oscar has good talent, but he'll take a long time to grow. And Zhao Wuji's cultivation speed is still behind people like Yang Wudi. I doubt they'll be effective at balancing the power within the sect."
"Plus, the three single-attribute clans are very close. They could easily sideline you. After all, you're only a Soul Sect right now. Aren't you worried about that?"
Yang Xiong replied, "I'm not worried about them. Based on their personalities, Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and Bai He have some foresight. As long as I grow quickly, they won't be able to push me aside."
"My real concern is the Clear Sky Sect. These three clans were once its affiliated branches. If the Clear Sky Sect returns one day, the Body Sect might face internal turmoil."
Lin Gong was startled. "I hadn't considered that. But Yang Wudi and Niu Gao seem to hate the Clear Sky Sect. They shouldn't be influenced by them. Bai He, though... I've heard of his ties with the Clear Sky Sect. No wonder you weren't that enthusiastic about him at first."
Yang Xiong said helplessly, "Things have already progressed to this point. From here on, we'll just have to take things step by step. I hope Bai He doesn't disappoint me. If he does, I'll reclaim everything I've invested."
Lin Gong seemed to think of something. "By the way, Xiao Xiong, where exactly is the location for this new sect of yours? It feels like you have a place in mind but are waiting for the right moment."
Yang Xiong smiled. "It's a treasure of a place, but the current enemies are too powerful. We might only get it in the future."
Lin Gong looked puzzled but didn't press the issue.
Yang Xiong continued, "Teacher Lin, I'll soon ask Sect Master Ning and Elder Bai He to help search for young people whose martial spirit is their body. When that happens, I'll leave them to you for training."
Lin Gong was doubtful. "Is that really necessary? There are so few people whose martial spirit is their body, and even fewer succeed. Putting a lot of effort into training them might not be worth it."
Yang Xiong simply smiled. "Don't overthink it. This is one of the biggest secrets on the entire Douluo Continent , the foundation of the future strength and rise of the Body Sect."
Indeed, body-based martial spirits being able to awaken a second time is one of the greatest secrets of the Douluo Continent. Their cultivation method is also completely different from regular martial spirits. That's why no true top-tier expert with a body spirit has ever emerged. The place Yang Xiong has his eye on is key to it all.
One day, while Yang Xiong was cultivating, two unexpected guests arrived: Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun.
Yang Xiong was surprised but decided to meet them. Although they were technically enemies now, things might not be so simple.
This was the first time seeing Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun since the Soul Master Tournament. They hadn't changed much.
Yang Xiong poured them tea. "Dai Weisi, I didn't expect the crown prince of the Star Luo Empire to come to a place like this. That's surprising."
Dai Weisi no longer carried the arrogance he had during the tournament. He calmly took a sip. "The three single-attribute clans leaving the Star Luo Empire involves over a thousand soul masters. My father sent me to investigate , after all, they're still Star Luo Empire soul masters."
Yang Xiong smiled. "I wouldn't say that. They were once affiliated with the Clear Sky Sect, which came from the Heaven Dou Empire. You could say they're just returning home."
Dai Weisi's face darkened. "Yang Xiong, you know very well the hatred between the two empires. We cannot allow over a thousand soul masters to just join the enemy. Especially since the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has always supported the Heaven Dou Empire , you'll become our enemy."
Yang Xiong shook his head. "That's meaningless talk. There's been no war between the empires for decades, and we both know why. Instead of focusing on us and the three clans, maybe you should look inward."
Dai Weisi was silent for a while before saying, "Regardless, with so many soul masters involved, even if they do go to the Heaven Dou Empire and work with your sect, we need an explanation."
Yang Xiong said, "There's nothing to explain. If the emperor wants a statement, tell him the three clans won't interfere in any war between the empires. They may even help you against future threats. You know what I mean."
Dai Weisi's face grew solemn. "You're talking about the Spirit Hall. Why let them go? They could help resist Spirit Hall right here in our empire."
Yang Xiong laughed. "Dai Weisi, instead of worrying about them, worry about your own backyard."
"Let me give you some news , aside from the three upper sects, the four lower sects have already secretly sided with Spirit Hall. Black Tiger Sect, Holy Dragon Sect, and Wind Sword Sect are all within your empire. Soon, you may face enemies on all sides."
Dai Weisi was shocked. "That's impossible. These sects have ties to the royal family. How could they secretly join Spirit Hall?"
Yang Xiong replied, "Believe it or not, go investigate for yourself. You'll find out soon enough."
Dai Weisi's expression shifted. Finally, he said, "This information is critical. I need to verify it."
Yang Xiong smiled. "Of course I wouldn't make something like this up. I also know that Fire Leopard Sect, Hornet Sect, Rock Antelope Sect, and Elephant Armor Sect have all sided with Spirit Hall too , not to mention other smaller factions. You'll need to look into that yourselves."
Dai Weisi's face darkened. "What is Spirit Hall planning? Why are they secretly drawing in so many sects? Are they plotting something?"
Yang Xiong said, "That I don't know. Politics and power struggles aren't my concern. I only care whether the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is safe and strong."
At that moment, Yang Xiong understood why Dai Weisi came. The defection of a thousand soul masters to an enemy nation was a major issue.
This was five years earlier than in the original story. In the original, Tang San could easily bring the three clans to the Heaven Dou Empire because Dai Mubai was the crown prince. And it happened only after Spirit Hall began its soul-hunting operations.
After a lengthy conversation, Dai Weisi finally said, "Fine. If those clans are truly no longer loyal to us, I can't stop you from taking them. But make sure they don't appear on the battlefield between our two empires."
Yang Xiong nodded. "Of course. I didn't bring them to fight in a war, especially not against the Star Luo Empire."
Dai Weisi hesitated before asking, "How are Mubai and Zhuqing? Are they still studying at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?"
Yang Xiong studied him closely. The hostility he had during the Soul Master Tournament was gone. He no longer looked like someone holding a grudge.
"Dai Weisi, you're a bit out of date. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing have already left the academy to train. I imagine they'll grow stronger after their journey. Are you afraid they'll challenge you for the throne?"
Dai Weisi's face turned cold. "You know our empire's method of choosing successors. Even Zhu Zhuyun and I have no say in it."
Yang Xiong shook his head. "Your royal family is something else. With your power and position, it wouldn't be hard to eliminate Dai Mubai early, would it?"
"And I heard you once sent people to kill Zhu Zhuqing. At the time, she was just a regular Soul Master. How did she escape? Were your people that incompetent, or was she just that strong?"
Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun exchanged a glance. Their faces looked somewhat bitter.
Yang Xiong sighed. "I don't know your plans, but I hope you don't fight each other to the death. Your empire's situation isn't as secure as you think. One more ally is still an ally."
Dai Weisi nodded. "I understand. If I see Mubai and Zhuqing again, I'll tell them not to return to the empire. It's better they live as ordinary people outside."
After they left, Yang Xiong began thinking about the four lower sects. In the original, Spirit Hall sent 10,000 soul masters to attack the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect , a force that included a thousand soul masters from the lower four sects.
Now that he had warned Dai Weisi early, perhaps the Star Luo Empire would act to reduce the threat.
Maybe he needed to act first against the four lower sects to eliminate future dangers.
But the lower four sects weren't easy targets. Each had at least five Soul Douluo and over a thousand soul masters. Their legacies ran deep. For example, Elephant Armor Sect was said to have the best defense in the world. The Wind Sword Sect's leader, Feng Bailong, was considered the second-best sword user on the continent. The Holy Dragon Sect's leader was even an elder of Spirit Hall , the only Title Douluo among the lower four sects.
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