Tang Xiao was speechless for a long while, staring blankly at Lin Fan, his heart filled with a storm of emotions.
The boy who once had only the innate soul power of six… had now become someone far beyond his reach.
Tang Yuehua, who had seen Lin Fan's ninth spirit ring before—black in color—didn't quite understand why it had now turned scarlet red. Still, she stood firmly by Lin Fan's side, smiling as she said to her elder brother:
"Brother, how about it? Shocked? You used to look down on Lin-ge, but now you see for yourself."
Tang Xiao gave an awkward laugh, straightened his seat, and sat down again.
Lin Fan withdrew his martial spirit and spirit rings.
At that moment, a knock came at the door, relieving the awkwardness in the air.
"Clan Master, Eldest Miss, we've brought the dishes." Three servant women stood respectfully at the doorway.
"Come in."
"Little sister, Lin Fan, sit. Let's eat and talk."
Tang Xiao, now showing some warmth, began to host them.
After a few bites, Tang Xiao suddenly asked, "Lin Fan, just now you said coming here to propose marriage was only part of your purpose. Does that mean you have another reason for returning this time?"
Lin Fan smiled lightly. "Yes. But let's finish eating first. It's not something I can explain in a few words, and I'm afraid that if I tell you now, you'll lose your appetite."
Tang Yuehua's expression grew serious. "Brother, just as Lin-ge said, it's best we speak after the meal. This matter concerns the future of the entire Clear Sky Sect."
Seeing their solemnity, Tang Xiao became even more curious. "What? More important than your wedding?"
Lin Fan chuckled. "For me, nothing is more important than my wedding. But for you… It is of utmost importance."
"Brother, stop asking. After we eat, we'll tell you everything," Tang Yuehua added with a helpless smile.
"Fine, fine. Then I won't ask. Let's eat quickly." Tang Xiao shoveled his food down like a starving man.
In less than ten minutes, he set his bowl down. "I'm full. You two should hurry up."
"Go away! Who eats like that?" Tang Yuehua scolded with a laugh.
"Lin-ge, ignore him," she said to Lin Fan.
Lin Fan was a little surprised—he hadn't expected Tang Xiao to be such a curious, impatient type.
Tang Xiao scratched his head sheepishly and went to make tea at the table.
Half an hour later, the three of them gathered around the tea table.
"You can tell me now, right?" Tang Xiao poured tea, his eyes full of anticipation.
Under his gaze, Lin Fan drew out a small golden hammer.
"This is…!" Tang Xiao shot to his feet, snatching it from Lin Fan's hand with trembling fingers. He examined it carefully, his expression filled with shock. "The token of the Sect's Grand Elder!"
"I remember this token disappeared along with Grandfather when he went missing. How did it end up with you, Lin Fan?!"
Tang Yuehua explained calmly, "Brother, didn't I just tell you? Lin Fan passed through the Slaughter City. It was there that he discovered traces of Grandfather."
"The Slaughter City… No wonder! All these years, he never returned—so he was trapped in that land of no return."
"But wait," Tang Xiao frowned, "didn't our second brother also enter the Slaughter City? Why didn't Hao recognize Grandfather?"
The "second brother" he referred to was naturally Tang Hao.
Back then, when Tang Hao passed through the Slaughter City, Tang Chen had faintly sensed a familiar aura. But at the time, Tang Chen had been under heavy corrosion by the Blood-red Nine-headed Bat King, his mind nearly devoured. He was no longer himself.
"That's because your grandfather was parasitized by a strange beast—the Blood-red Nine-headed Bat King. His appearance, aura, and even his very nature had completely changed. Normally, Tang Hao couldn't recognize him," Lin Fan said calmly.
"Tell me everything, Lin Fan! With Grandfather's strength, how could he end up like that?" Tang Xiao urged anxiously.
Lin Fan then recounted the battle in which he slew the King of Slaughter and awakened Tang Chen's true self.
"When I realized who he was, I told him my identity—that I was his granddaughter's husband-to-be. Afterward, he entrusted this golden hammer to me, along with two final requests."
"So that's how it is…" Tang Xiao sighed, his face full of grief. "All these years, I should have guessed Grandfather was trapped somewhere. I never thought it would be the Slaughter City… nor that he suffered so greatly. We descendants truly failed him."
"Lin Fan, what did Grandfather entrust to you? Whatever it is, we will support you." Tang Xiao spoke with resolve.
"The first task," Lin Fan said solemnly, "is that Tang Chen wants me to represent him in negotiations with Spirit Hall—to dissolve the hatred between the two sides."
"That's impossible!" Tang Xiao slammed the table and roared before Lin Fan could finish.
"Brother, calm down. Let Lin-ge finish," Tang Yuehua quickly pulled his sleeve.
"My apologies. Continue," Tang Xiao said, taking a deep breath.
"The second request is for me to bring you three siblings to Sea God Island. All three of you must go together—no one can be missing."
"That's all. Those were Tang Chen's last instructions to me." Lin Fan's tone was steady.
"Then let's go! What are we waiting for? Let's gather Tang Hao and head to Sea God Island immediately!" Tang Xiao exclaimed.
"No. Not yet," Lin Fan shook his head. "Tang Chen was clear—the first task must be completed before going to Sea God Island. Otherwise, we won't even be able to set foot on the island. I'm sure you've heard of the Sea God Douluo who rules there."
"Why? As long as we bring Grandfather back, why should we fear Spirit Hall?" Tang Xiao asked, bewildered.
"If Tang Chen still had the strength to return, why would he entrust these wishes to me? The truth is, after awakening, his days are numbered. That's why he seeks to meet those he owes on Sea God Island."
"Brother Tang," Lin Fan continued gravely, "this is also for the Clear Sky Sect's survival. Right now, standing against Spirit Hall is unwise. Do not forget—the Angel Douluo who once forced your sect into seclusion still lives."
"That Angel Douluo spared your sect only out of respect for Tang Chen. Without him, the Clear Sky Sect would already have been annihilated."
"Let me put it this way—the Spirit Hall today has over twenty Titled Douluo. Among them, seven are Super Douluo above rank 96. And that's not counting the countless Soul Douluo and Soul Saints."
Lin Fan's words carried a grave weight.
Tang Xiao was stunned, as if doused with cold water. "Impossible… Spirit Hall has that many Titled Douluo? And seven above rank 96?"
"I wouldn't lie about this," Lin Fan said firmly. "Tang Chen's golden hammer is the only key to negotiating with the Angel Douluo. Miss this chance, and there may never be another. As the saying goes—Preserve the green mountain, and there will always be wood to burn. Negotiation doesn't mean bowing down. If not even the Angel Douluo presses you, then surely the Pope will."
If it weren't for Tang Yuehua and the Asura Demon Sword, Lin Fan would never have wasted so much effort persuading them. After all, whether the Clear Sky Sect lived or died had little to do with him.
"To negotiate with Spirit Hall… As Sect Master, I cannot decide this alone. It must be discussed with the five Elders. But…" Tang Xiao looked at the token in his hand, conflicted.
You now hold the Grand Elder's token. That alone grants you a say in the sect's decisions, he finally said, with no other choice.