Tang Chen's expression grew skeptical.
"Ridiculous! Even if I was away from the sect, the Clear Sky Sect is the number one sect on the continent. What kind of upheaval could force it into hiding?
Unless… that old fellow Qian Daoliu of Spirit Hall broke his promise and dared to strike against the Clear Sky Sect."
Lin Fan shook his head lightly.
"Senior, your guess is correct—it really was Qian Daoliu who made a move."
Tang Chen's face sank.
"Qian Daoliu truly attacked? No… that doesn't sound right.
Though timid at times, I've known him long enough to know his character. He's a man who distinguishes right from wrong, upright and principled, someone who keeps his promises without fail.
I've been trapped in Slaughter City for decades, cut off from the outside world. I don't know what has transpired, but I can't believe Qian Daoliu would act without cause. Can you explain the details to me?"
At once, Lin Fan recounted the events involving the Blue Silver Emperor, Tang Hao, and Chihiro Ji.
Of course, Lin Fan deliberately told the story in such a way that it was Tang Hao who directly killed Chihiro Ji.
"Senior, that was the truth. Qian Daoliu did not unleash a massacre—he only forced the Clear Sky Sect to retreat into seclusion. I believe, at that time, he remembered the promise he once made to you.
After all, nothing is more tragic than a white-haired elder burying a black-haired junior.
And with Qian Daoliu's strength—you know better than anyone—if he had truly wished to exterminate the sect, the Clear Sky Sect would not have simply gone into seclusion. It would have been wiped from history altogether."
Lin Fan spoke like an impartial bystander, fair and neutral, helping neither side.
Tang Chen fell into deep thought. He had met Chihiro Ji a few times before; if that man truly had been slain by his own grandson, then Qian Daoliu's reaction could indeed be understood.
Tang Chen admitted to himself that, were the situation reversed, he might not have acted any differently.
"Later… your son died. Not from Qian Daoliu's hand, but from anger—when Tang Hao fell in love with a soul beast, your son believed Tang Hao had brought disaster upon the sect.
After that, the Clear Sky Sect retreated into seclusion. But now, relations between the sect and Spirit Hall have already reached a point of no return."
Lin Fan's tone grew earnest, as though offering sincere advice.
"Senior, since you have reappeared, you should return and settle things."
But instead of relief, Tang Chen's eyes grew dim.
With a long sigh, he shook his head and closed his eyes in pain.
"The state of the sect… it is my responsibility. But I no longer have the time to return."
Lin Fan frowned.
"Senior, you've restored your true self and even passed the trial. Why not return? Could it be… you're about to ascend as a god, and depart for the God Realm of legend?"
Tang Chen shook his head bitterly.
"Quite the opposite. I can feel it clearly—my life will not last more than two days. Your strike shattered my body and annihilated much of my spiritual power.
I only survived because the Blood-Red Nine-Headed Bat King's evil thoughts dissipated first, allowing me to complete the Eighth Trial and regain clarity over my body.
But for so many years, the Bat King has been corroding my flesh, trying to seize my body and devour all my power. The immense energy I gained upon passing the trial… only hastened my body's collapse. I can no longer endure."
Tang Chen raised the Shura Demon Sword, his expression filled with helplessness.
Because he had completed the Eighth Trial, he had earned the recognition of the sword. Combined with Lin Fan's Slaughter Death Light and the backlash of wielding divine power, his mortal body was breaking apart.
Lin Fan lowered his head guiltily.
"Senior… forgive me. I didn't know you were Tang Yuehua's grandfather. Otherwise, I would never have attacked with such force."
Tang Chen lifted a hand to stop him.
"This is not your fault. In fact, I should be grateful. Thanks to you, I've regained myself, and now, I can die as a human being. That alone is enough.
If not for you, I would have fallen further and further into the abyss. That is why I thanked you earlier—it was you who gave me release."
Lin Fan could only sigh.
"Very well. But the conflict between the Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall… if it continues, war is inevitable.
Senior, you may not know this: two years ago, at the Continental Elite Tournament finals, Tang Hao shattered the angel statue above Spirit Hall's cathedral with a single hammer blow. I'm not exaggerating—the two sides are truly locked in a fight to the death.
Surely even you would not wish to see the Clear Sky Sect clash with an organization like Spirit Hall."
Tang Chen's face grew solemn once more. He knew full well what Tang Hao's action meant for Spirit Hall.
Before the continent, Tang Hao had publicly humiliated Spirit Hall. And Spirit Hall's faith revolved around the Angel God.
He asked in a low voice, "Then… did Qian Daoliu retaliate?"
Lin Fan replied seriously,
"No. Tang Hao fled with his youngest son, and Qian Daoliu neither acted nor revealed himself."
This time, Lin Fan did not distort the truth. After all, the entire continent knew that Qian Daoliu had not made a move.
Indeed, Qian Daoliu was too much of a gentleman. Otherwise, in all these years, he could have pursued Bo Saixi after Tang Chen's disappearance.
Or, two years ago, he could have used Tang Hao's insult as an excuse to destroy the Clear Sky Sect.
But he did neither.
Perhaps, as Tang Chen said, Qian Daoliu was simply… too soft.
Tang Chen studied Lin Fan quietly, then spoke again.
"Though nine parts of your words are true, and one part false… when you spoke of Tang Yuehua, I saw the love in your eyes. That cannot be faked.
This proves you truly are my granddaughter's beloved. In that case… I will treat you as family, as my grandson-in-law."
Lin Fan's heart trembled. So this is what they mean when they say 'the older, the wiser.' With just a few words, Tang Chen had seen through the truth and lies.
But Tang Chen did not press the matter further. Instead, he reached into his robe and drew out a small golden hammer. At both ends of the hammer were inlaid black gemstones, delicate yet radiating authority.
He extended it toward Lin Fan.
"Child, take this. It is my personal token, and also the insignia of the Clear Sky Sect's Grand Elder.
With this, you may speak directly with the Sect Master and the Elder Hall regarding sect affairs. At times, your word may even outweigh theirs.
If Qian Daoliu sees this token, he will know it is mine. I hope you can act in my stead to mediate the conflict between Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect.
Of course, this will not be an easy task. So, if you have any requests—anything you desire—speak them now."
Lin Fan's expression turned serious.
"Senior, you know I have already reached Rank 98. I came here for the same reason you once did—to seek the inheritance of a god.
So… my request, you may not be willing to grant."
Tang Chen said calmly,
"Speak."
Lin Fan did not answer directly. Instead, he released his martial spirit—the Slaughter Sword.
Tang Chen's eyes widened.
"Your martial spirit… it resembles the Shura Demon Sword in my hand!"
Lin Fan nodded firmly.
"That's right. My spirit is called the Slaughter Sword. I suspect it is tied to this very Slaughter City. That is why I came here.
So what I want… is the god's position you once pursued in your trials."
Tang Chen fell silent, deep in thought.
Lin Fan, meanwhile, stood quietly, waiting for his answer—though in the depths of his heart, a trace of killing intent was beginning to rise.