Lin Fan stood on the balcony of the room the Clear Sky Clan had arranged for him, his gaze deep and filled with countless thoughts.
Tomorrow, Tang Hao would emerge from the ancestral hall, and the clan council would convene, yet the Spirit Hall's stance remained unclear.
He silently calculated in his heart—if he could somehow establish contact with Bibi Dong, he might gain some valuable information. But now that he was within the Clear Sky Clan, his actions were heavily restricted.
He let out a faint sigh, his fingers tapping lightly on the railing as though weighing the pros and cons.
Sigh… In this negotiation, Tang Hao will be the main target. He's bound to suffer greatly this time, but so what? As long as the negotiations succeed, even if Qian Daoliu demands one of Tang Hao's arms and a leg, I would have no choice but to agree.
By then, the five elders of the Clear Sky Clan would surely stand on my side as well.
As the thought formed, Lin Fan's eyes grew firmer.
His goal had always been clear—gain the trust of the Clear Sky Clan's three siblings, use them as a bridge to reach Sea God Island, meet Bo Saixi, and ultimately obtain the Shura Demon Sword.
"Tang Hao, you'll just have to suffer a little this time." Lin Fan sneered inwardly, his eyes flashing with a trace of cold indifference.
He did not care whether Tang Hao would be heavily injured, lose his strength, or even become crippled—so long as Tang Hao stayed alive to accompany him to Sea God Island, it was enough.
As for Tang San… Lin Fan did not place him in his eyes at all. Even if he grew to the level of a Titled Douluo, or one day ascended to godhood, by then Lin Fan would already be the God of Shura.
And as the King of Shura, what god could he possibly fear?
"Brother Lin, you're still awake?"
Lin Fan turned toward the doorway, only to see Tang Yuehua gently pushing it open. She had clearly noticed his figure standing out on the balcony.
"Not yet. Just thinking." Lin Fan casually replied, then asked, "Yuehua, why are you here so late?"
"Brother Lin, I couldn't sleep either." Tang Yuehua crossed the room, stepping out beside him on the balcony.
"Sigh… Second Brother will emerge from the ancestral hall tomorrow morning. During the council meeting, I worry the five elders may still give him a hard time." Tang Yuehua leaned against the railing with a soft sigh.
"Don't worry, Yuehua. From the moment Tang Hao knelt his way back into the sect, the five elders had already accepted him." Lin Fan gently patted her shoulder in reassurance.
"During the council, we will only discuss how to negotiate with Spirit Hall, and how to secure the greatest possible benefit."
"That's for the best. After all, the Clear Sky Clan is one family." Tang Yuehua exhaled softly, relieved.
"Then, Brother Lin, what were you thinking about just now?" she asked curiously.
Lin Fan smiled faintly, his gaze soft as he looked at her. With a sigh, he voiced his concern.
"I was thinking—this negotiation with Spirit Hall is crucial for the Clear Sky Clan. Spirit Hall's stance remains unclear, and many old foxes within that palace will never yield easily. Tang Hao will be the main figure of the negotiation, and I fear he'll shoulder immense pressure."
"That's why I was pondering how best to handle the talks, how to secure more breathing room for the Clear Sky Clan. If we can achieve peaceful coexistence, that would be ideal."
Tang Yuehua's eyes flashed with gratitude. Her voice softened with warmth:
"Brother Lin, you've already worked so hard for us—bringing my second brother back safely, and now worrying for the clan's future… thank you."
"Yuehua, you're being too polite. Your family is my family too. After all, I've already gotten myself tangled with you." Lin Fan paused, his tone deepening slightly. "But Spirit Hall's power is immense. This negotiation won't be easy. Tang Hao is strong, yes, but his temperament is too unyielding. I fear he may suffer losses in the talks."
Tang Yuehua nodded, worry clouding her eyes. "Brother Lin, you're right. Second Brother's strength is undeniable, but sometimes he's too stubborn. This time, we'll be counting on you to mediate."
Lin Fan's voice grew firm and resolute:
"Rest assured, Yuehua. If Spirit Hall dares to use its power to oppress us, I will stand firmly at Tang Hao's side. Besides, I hold Senior Tang Chen's token. Even Qian Daoliu will hesitate to act recklessly."
"But looking long-term, regardless of how this negotiation ends, once it's over… we must journey to Sea God Island, and bring Senior Tang Chen back."
Tang Yuehua gazed at Lin Fan with gratitude, her voice gentle:
"Brother Lin, with you here, I feel so much more at ease."
Lin Fan smiled warmly at her, though deep in his eyes, a faint trace of coldness flickered unseen.
He knew full well—the negotiation was merely one step of his grand plan. No matter the outcome, his true goal remained Sea God Island and the Shura Demon Sword.
"Yuehua, it's late. You should rest now. Tomorrow's council meeting will demand our full energy." Lin Fan said softly.
Tang Yuehua nodded, her voice tender. "Alright, Brother Lin. You too, rest well."
She turned and left the room. Lin Fan watched her figure disappear beyond the doorway, the warmth fading from his face, replaced by a stern and icy expression.
He returned to the balcony, casting his gaze into the distance once more, his thoughts swirling:
Yuehua already trusts me completely. I hold the Grand Elder's token, and Tang Hao and Tang Xiao will lean on me during the negotiations. Once this council concludes, I can steer them toward Sea God Island. By then, the Shura Demon Sword will be within reach.
A faint ripple of guilt stirred in his heart toward Tang Yuehua.
The next morning, Tang Hao emerged from the ancestral hall, his expression somewhat weary.
"Father, are you alright?" Tang San, who hadn't seen him for three days, rushed forward with concern.
These past few days, Tang San had been wandering the Clear Sky Clan grounds with Tang Long and the others. Yet every time his gaze fell on Lin Fan, the killing intent buried deep within him threatened to surface.
Fortunately, recalling Tang Hao's stern instructions, Tang San suppressed it and acted as if nothing was amiss.
"I'm fine. Little San, how have you been these days?" Tang Hao asked with paternal concern.
"Not bad. Brother Tang Long and Brother Tang Hu have been taking care of me." Tang San replied truthfully.
"That's good." Tang Hao nodded with relief.
"Tang Hao, you have already shown repentance in the ancestral hall, but the negotiations with Spirit Hall cannot be delayed. I know you're still weary, but you must join us in the council chamber."
"After all, this negotiation revolves around you. Spirit Hall specifically demanded to face you directly." The Second Elder stepped forward, his tone solemn.
"Honored elders, I understand." Tang Hao now appeared far more humble than when he had first returned to the sect.
"Second Brother, now that you've officially returned, no matter how this negotiation ends, we will always have your backing. I'll face it with you together." Tang Xiao stepped forward, patting Tang Hao heavily on the shoulder.
"Alright then. As acting Grand Elder, I hereby declare the council in session. All others wait outside." Lin Fan's voice rang out.
Soon after, Lin Fan, the three siblings, and the five elders were seated within the council chamber.
Lin Fan's expression grew solemn as he looked around at them.
"For this negotiation with Spirit Hall, our Clear Sky Clan has only one demand—to dissolve the hostility between us, so that the younger generation of our direct line may walk the continent and temper themselves freely."
Tang Hao rose to his feet, his expression grave as he swept his gaze across Lin Fan and the five elders. His voice rumbled low:
"Honored elders, Big Brother, Lin Fan. This conflict with Spirit Hall stems from me alone. I am willing to bear all responsibility. If Spirit Hall makes excessive demands, I will shoulder them all myself—I will never allow the sect to suffer because of me."
Lin Fan gave him a slight nod, a flicker of approval flashing in his eyes… though inwardly, he sneered coldly.