Chapter 86: Inner Conflict—Illusion God Tang Lie
If Qian Xunji knew that Tang Chen had once indulged these elder uncles, hoping to ensure the sect leadership stayed within his lineage, he might sigh at how the seeds of internal conflict in the Clear Sky Sect had been planted by Tang Chen himself.
Because of that indulgence, after Qian Xunji utterly crushed the current Clear Sky Douluo and proved the sect was no longer hidden but still claimed to be number one, the uncles grew complacent, and the seeds of apathy took root.
Their thoughts were simple: Tang Hao was destroyed by Qian Xunji. Before the next Clear Sky Douluo could rise to challenge Angel Douluo, they would just keep a low profile and try to maintain their rank. Or maybe, Tang Chen would return.
By then, they would be too old to matter. Tang Chen would still be alive and ruling while they were buried in the ground.
So, their thinking aligned perfectly with Qian Xunji's: lay flat, enjoy life, raise kids, and leave everything to the rising stars. But to live well, one needed money—lots of it.
Inside the Clear Sky Hall.
Seeing the six elders walk in together, Tang Xiao had a bad feeling. "Uncles, what brings you here?"
Second Elder stepped forward and smiled as he noticed Tang Yuehua's restored beauty. "Wonderful. Yuehua, your appearance has returned."
"Mm." Tang Yuehua nodded. Seeing he hadn't answered Tang Xiao, she asked, "Second Uncle, are you here about something?"
He nodded gently. "Yuehua, now that your looks have recovered, you can reopen Moon Pavilion. Don't worry about the nobles; the sect will back you fully."
Her unease grew. "Yes, Second Uncle. I plan to return to Heaven Dou City tomorrow to reopen the pavilion."
Second Elder sighed. "Yuehua, we appreciate your efforts. You know that Tang Hao's actions have ruined our reputation. The sect's income has suffered, so we hope you can recruit more noble students and increase our profits."
"I understand, Second Uncle."
His brow twitched slightly. He'd hinted enough. As an elder, he couldn't blatantly ask for a cut of her earnings.
But Tang Lie had no such restraint. He waved his hand like delivering a royal decree. "Yuehua, of your Moon Pavilion income—10% goes to each of us six uncles, and 30% to the sect!"
Watching from above, Chrysanthemum Douluo was stunned. This guy's shameless! Ten percent each? That's sixty percent gone, thirty to the sect, leaving only ten for Tang Xiao, Tang Yuehua, and Tang Hao's branch.
Getting equal pay without lifting a finger—and saying it like it was nothing? Shameless.
If Tang Lie had heard his thoughts, he'd have snapped, I did nothing? Without the Clear Sky Sect's name, could Yuehua even open Moon Pavilion? We lent her our reputation! I'm an elder!
Second Elder added, sounding righteous, "Seventh Brother, we can't covet Yuehua's hard work. Her success helps the sect."
His words were just for show.
In a normal society, everyone would be outraged. But on the Douluo Continent, where feudal thinking reigned—especially in the Clear Sky Sect—elders could do no wrong. Tang Xiao might be sect master and strongest, but he was still one man. The six elders together were a real threat.
That's why Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua's expressions turned ugly. Especially Tang Yuehua's.
"I… I don't think I can do that," she said with difficulty.
All six elders frowned. Why not? We only asked for sixty percent! She still gets a share!
"I paid a great price for my treatment. That person wants thirty percent of Moon Pavilion's income yearly."
"Outrageous! Who would dare demand that much?! Does he think he can extort the number one sect in the world?!"
"Does he think my Clear Sky Hammer is hollow?!"
They were livid. Healing from the best healers should cost maybe tens of thousands. But thirty percent of Moon Pavilion's millions in annual revenue? Insane!
Second Elder narrowed his eyes. "Who was it that treated you? I want to have a word with him."
"It was Qian Xunji."
"Who?"
"The Pope of Spirit Hall, Qian Xunji."
The moment his name was uttered, all six elders felt like cold water had been poured over their heads. Their anger vanished.
Qian Xunji? The man who crippled Tang Hao? Who the six of them together couldn't touch? The man protected by Qian Daoliu?
They had no leg to stand on. Tang Chen wasn't around. The sect had no right to challenge Spirit Hall.
"I encountered Qian Xunji and his family while leaving the sect. He and Ah Yin healed my scar, but the cost was thirty percent annually."
Hearing this, the elders grew uneasy.
Second Elder asked, "So you've been with Qian Xunji these past few days?"
Tang Yuehua nodded, about to continue—when a furious voice rang out.
"Traitor!!"
A palm struck Tang Yuehua hard, sending her flying. A bright red handprint appeared on her face, and her nose bled. It was Tang Lie. She tumbled across the floor, disoriented, tears streaming down her face in pain and shame.
"YUEHUA!!"
Tang Xiao hadn't expected this. His sister had just returned, and now she was slapped in front of him by Tang Lie, a Title Douluo-level elder. His tiger eyes widened in fury. "Seventh Elder, what are you doing?!"
"Teaching this backstabbing wretch a lesson! Let her remember her surname!"
"She spent days with Qian Xunji—clearly fell for him! That's why she agreed to pay so much! Disgraceful!"
"Seventh Uncle, I respect you as an elder. But say one more word, and I'll lose my temper!"
Tang Xiao knew the truth. Yuehua hadn't "stayed" with Qian Xunji. She was exploited and humiliated—forced to follow them for her own safety. If she had returned alone, she might have met the same fate as with those thugs.
Magnificent! Qian Xunji watched from afar, amused. It was playing out exactly as he predicted—cowardly with outsiders, ruthless to their own.
The hot-tempered Tang Lie, upon learning who treated Yuehua and how much it cost, exploded—blinded by his martial soul's influence.
This slap was perfect. With the right manipulation, Qian Xunji could secure a full "Bibi Dong-level" investment for half the price.
Suddenly, Qian Xunji felt a familiar soul power surge from one of the buildings. Tang Hao, sensing Tang Xiao's intense energy, awoke—believing the sect was under attack—and rushed toward the great hall, killing intent in tow.
Yes! Make it worse! Blow it all up!
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