When people reach the end of their lives, what they long for most is to return to their roots.
Especially those born into great clans—they carry a deep sense of belonging to their family.
Take Tang Hao, for example. Although he has wandered outside for years, in his heart, he has always longed to return to his sect.
It was only because of the calamity he brought upon the clan that he felt too ashamed to go back.
Though he never regretted what he had done, the Clear Sky Sect was still his foundation. Otherwise, in the original story, he wouldn't have asked Tang San to bring the sect's legacy spirit bone back to atone for him.
Even though Tang San later returned a second time and openly denied that so-called apology, it still proved one thing—deep down, Tang Hao yearned to return to the Clear Sky Sect.
If the elders were truly to erase Tang Hao from the clan genealogy, cutting away his very roots, then even in death, Tang Hao would not rest in peace. Being unable to return home would be his greatest regret in this lifetime and beyond.
"Erase him from the genealogy? That's unacceptable—such a punishment is far too cruel for Second Brother." Tang Yuehua quickly protested.
"Cruel?" The Second Elder said coldly. "If Tang Hao really cared for the sect, he should have come back long ago to confess his sins. But what happened? In nearly twenty years, has he returned even once? Has he ever bowed his head to apologize to the clansmen who died because of him?"
"Even if he had come back once, even if he had admitted fault once, we would still have regarded him as part of the Clear Sky Sect. But what did he do? For the sake of a spirit beast, Tang Hao abandoned the sect that birthed him, raised him, and nurtured him for over twenty years. Tell me, what place did he leave for the sect in his heart?"
"I'll say this plainly. If, within the next month after we spread word, he still refuses to show himself, then don't blame us old men for refusing to give face to the former Sect Master, or even to you."
The Second Elder's cold words carried no mercy.
The other four elders echoed him in support, and even many direct disciples agreed.
Tang Yuehua was stunned by his words, her body trembling. Lin Fan immediately stepped forward to steady her. She looked up at him briefly, then slowly calmed down.
Pulling Yuehua gently behind him, Lin Fan faced the Second Elder directly:
"Old man, don't go too far. This is supposed to be a discussion—why the cold hostility? Don't vent your anger at Tang Hao onto my wife. He's her elder brother. Of course she's worried—that's only human."
"Lin-ge…" Tang Yuehua whispered from behind him, touched by his words.
"That's right," Lin Fan continued firmly, "Elders, we are here to discuss, as one family. There's no need to be so aggressive. Besides, we don't even know where Tang Hao is right now. The continent is vast—one month is far too short."
Tang Xiao, helpless, also spoke up: "Yes, elders, please consider carefully."
The elder currently serving as acting Grand Elder shook his head and replied:
"One month will have to do. The other elders may have spoken harshly, but they are already being lenient. Their reasoning is sound. Since Tang Hao abandoned the sect first, removing him from the genealogy is not excessive."
Lin Fan added solemnly, "I agree with the acting Grand Elder."
The Third Elder immediately followed up: "That's right. Sect Master, even outsiders see the fairness of our decision."
"This…" Tang Xiao was left speechless.
"Lin-ge, how could you agree to this? One month is far too little!" Tang Yuehua tugged at Lin Fan's arm anxiously.
Lin Fan reassured her with a calm smile:
"Yuehua, don't worry. A month is enough. Have you forgotten my identity? I'm not only a Spirit Master, but also a Seer. I already know where Tang Hao is. I'll bring him back."
"Really?" Yuehua's face lit up with joy, though her expression quickly dimmed again. She murmured, "But I know Second Brother's stubbornness. If he refuses to return, he won't budge no matter what."
"Don't worry, Yuehua. If he dares to run, I'll break his legs and drag him back." Lin Fan smiled faintly.
"Go!" Yuehua lightly slapped his arm, rolling her eyes, but in her heart, she thought he was only joking.
She didn't realize that Lin Fan meant every word. If Tang Hao truly dared to flee, Lin Fan would not hesitate to cripple him.
After all, compared to inheriting the Shura God's position, what was Tang Hao?
If Tang Hao dared to run, Lin Fan dared to strike.
"Brother Lin, do you really know where he is?" Tang Xiao asked, excitement rising.
The surrounding elders also turned their eyes toward Lin Fan.
"Not certain," Lin Fan answered with feigned hesitation. "But I have several guesses where he might be." In truth, based on the original story, he strongly suspected Tang Hao was training Tang San somewhere near the Blue Silver Forest.
"Even a few guesses are better than blindly searching. I'll go with you—we must find him within this month!" Tang Xiao said urgently.
"Yes, Lin-ge," Yuehua added, "take Big Brother with you. For the sake of him and our grandfather, Second Brother might return."
"I'll go alone," Lin Fan replied calmly.
"Why?" Tang Xiao asked, puzzled.
The elders and Yuehua also looked at him questioningly.
"Don't forget," Lin Fan explained, "what we are discussing now is reconciliation with Spirit Hall. But at present, that's only our wishful thinking. What if Spirit Hall doesn't intend to reconcile with us? Reconciliation must be mutual."
"So, starting tomorrow, the Clear Sky Sect must show clear sincerity—spread word of our desire for peace, and let the world's spirit masters see that our intent is genuine."
"Within ten days, we must also send people to observe Spirit Hall's reaction. As the Sect Master, you must personally write a letter to the Pope. And let Angel Douluo know that your grandfather, Tang Chen, has resurfaced. Since the proposal for reconciliation came from Senior Tang Chen himself, if Angel Douluo knows he has appeared on the continent, she may speak to the Pope on your behalf. That would raise our chances greatly."
"So, Sect Master and elders, you will be very busy. As for Tang Hao, leave him to me."
Lin Fan's words laid out the situation clearly.
The Second Elder nodded. "He's right. Once that letter is sent, Spirit Hall will know where we are. Sect Master, the clan will still need your presence here. As for gathering information outside, we old fellows can handle it."
Tang Xiao lowered his head, falling deep into thought. After weighing Lin Fan's reasoning, he realized there was no better plan.
Indeed, reconciliation wasn't something that only one side could decide—it depended on Spirit Hall's attitude as well.
"Very well. Then we'll do it your way. I'll leave my Second Brother to you." Tang Xiao finally agreed.
"Rest assured," Lin Fan nodded, "I will find Tang Hao within one month."
After hours of discussion, night had already fallen. Tang Xiao personally arranged guest quarters for Lin Fan.
After all, Lin Fan and Yuehua weren't yet married. Even if they were, they couldn't sleep together at her maiden home.
The next day, Lin Fan met again with Tang Xiao and the five elders to finalize the plan. By noon, Tang Xiao had finished writing the letter and entrusted it to the Fifth Elder, instructing him to deliver it and remain in Spirit City to observe Spirit Hall's response.
The Second and Seventh Elders stayed behind in the sect, while the other two elders led disciples out to spread the news of reconciliation.
On the fifth day, Lin Fan finally set out to search for Tang Hao.