Yang Wudi couldn't help but feel astonished upon hearing this.
This child, seemingly no more than twelve or thirteen, had quietly built such a powerful force on the continent. Before
their power was officially established, they already had two Douluo lords.
Furthermore, Poison Douluo had reached Level 95, and Ye Renxin had been promoted to Titled Douluo—news that could shake the continent, yet the outside world hadn't even heard a word.
This hidden power was simply terrifying.
Aside from a slight shortage of core combat power and overall numbers, this configuration was undoubtedly the prototype of a top three sect.
Perhaps even surpassing it.
Yang Wudi looked at Lin Xiao with a complicated expression.
This young man had big ambitions.
The allure of the Youxiang Qiluo immortal item was immense; it was practically the ultimate dream of generations of his Po Yi Clan.
Yang Wudi's heart pounded, and he was tempted to agree immediately.
But then, thinking back to the tragedy twelve years prior that nearly wiped out his clan, and the betrayal of the Haotian Sect, he hesitated again.
A cloud clouded his sharp gaze.
He spoke in a deep voice, a tinge of bitterness and resignation.
"Young friend Lin Xiao! You must have heard how our Poyi clan has fallen to this point."
"Your offer... I truly cannot agree to it."
"Now, our Poyi clan only has a few hundred or so members left."
"I can't, and it's not easy to risk their lives."
Lin Xiao seemed to have anticipated this response, having already prepared his words for Yang Wudi.
The smile on his face slowly faded, replaced by an almost piercing scrutiny.
"I used to admire the Poyi clan's spirit of 'fighting forward, invincible with us.'"
"Now that I've seen Clan Leader Yang in person, I realize that reputation is somewhat unworthy."
These words were like a cold knife, piercing Yang Wudi's heart.
Yang Wudi looked up sharply, a flash of anger in his eyes.
Lin Xiao, unfazed, continued speaking, his voice low, but every word piercing his heart.
"After experiencing betrayal, have you completely lost your fighting spirit?"
"After enduring suppression from the Spirit Hall for over a decade, you haven't even dared to harbor a single thought of resistance?"
"You've only managed to lead your people into hiding in this desolate village, languishing in limbo."
"You've no ambition, only a way to escape."
Lin Xiao's gaze swept over Yang Wudi, then to the sullen-faced elders nearby.
Yang Wudi and the elders were instantly speechless.
Their heavy breathing was especially clear in the silent cabin.
Rage, like a volcano about to erupt, seethed within their chests.
Shame, like an invisible whip lashing their faces, seared with pain. And
then there was deep thought: that unbearable past, that deep-seated resentment, ruthlessly unearthed by this young man.
Yang Wudi clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white from the strain, and the veins in his arms bulged slightly.
But he didn't lash out. Because what Lin Xiao said was the truth.
It was a truth they had deliberately avoided for over a decade, yet one they could not deny.
Lin Xiao took in their complex expressions, his tone growing colder.
"Tell the truth. You! You are no longer worthy of possessing a martial spirit with unparalleled attack power like the Soul-Breaking Spear."
Lin Xiao's words were like an invisible hammer, hammering down on Yang Wudi's heart.
The words, "You are no longer worthy of possessing the Soul-Breaking Spear," shattered the last of his pride.
A deathly silence fell within the wooden house
Only the heavy, suppressed breathing of Yang Wudi and several elders rose and fell.
Shame and anger intertwined, leaving complex traces on their aged faces.
A long moment passed, a pause that felt like a century.
Yang Wudi finally raised his bloodshot eyes, his voice hoarse and filled with despair.
"But...but how do we know if you'll be the next Haotian Sect?"
"When faced with difficulties, you become cowards and betray your comrades."
These words were like a fuse, instantly igniting the nearby powder keg.
Dugu Bo took a sudden step forward, dark green soul power surging out like a tide, a terrifying pressure instantly filling the entire wooden house.
The air seemed to freeze, filled with a cold, poisonous aura.
"How dare you! I, Dugu Bo, am no match for those softies of the Haotian Sect!"
"If you dare to speak nonsense again, don't blame me for being rude to you!"
The surging momentum crashed down on Yang Wudi like a mountain.
Yang Wudi's face paled suddenly, his chest tightening, his breathing becoming labored.
He stared at Dugu Bo in horror.
Rumor had it that this Poison Douluo was at the bottom of the Titled Douluo's power charts. He'd even been confident that, with the sharp edge of his Soul-Breaking Spear, he could barely hold his own.
But now, this almost suffocating pressure, how could he be considered at the bottom?
The cold, eerie aura seemed to penetrate his very bones, making it impossible for him to even think of resisting.
Yang Wudi's throat churned, but he dared not speak again. Instead, he concentrated his resentment and determination in his eyes, staring intently at Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao immediately soothed Dugu Bo, saying,
"Clan Leader Yang, it was only a casual remark. Senior Dugu, please don't get angry."
Dugu Bo snorted coldly, then slowly subsided, but his emerald eyes still lingered on Yang Wudi with a warning.
The oppressive atmosphere in the cabin eased slightly.
Lin Xiao turned, his gaze calmly meeting Yang Wudi's.
"You choose your own path, and you walk it yourself."
"I won't make empty promises."
"But I can tell you, once you agree to join, the sect's rules will be the first iron rule, and no one can violate them."
"Our next target is the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect."
"In the future, we might even face direct opposition from the Clear Sky Sect and the Spirit Hall."
"This path is incredibly difficult and dangerous, a life-or-death struggle."
"So, Clan Leader Yang, please think carefully. I won't force anyone."
Lin Xiao's gaze was open, without a hint of pressure, simply outlining a cruel yet alluring future.
Yang Wudi looked at the young man before him, so young yet so courageous and ambitious.
His heart began to beat violently again.
The allure of the fragrant and beautiful immortal treasure. The possibility of revenge against the Clear Sky Sect.
Even the chance to challenge the Spirit Hall, which had suppressed the Po Yi Clan for over a decade.
And then there was the composure and potential displayed by this young man, far beyond his peers.
And then there was the unfathomable strength of Poison Douluo.
All these factors intertwined, breaking down the last line of defense in his heart.
The shattered spirit seemed to begin to gather again at this moment.
Yang Wudi took a deep breath, and the hesitation and struggle in his eyes faded, replaced by a determination to burn his boats.
He suddenly knelt on one knee, his hard knee hitting the wooden floor with a dull sound.
"I! The Po Yi Clan, Yang Wudi! I am willing to join."
(End of this chapter)