The atmosphere in the council chamber was heavy and solemn; every gaze fixed on Tang Hao.
Tang Hao's words were firm and resolute; clearly, he had already made up his mind to sacrifice everything for the sect.
Lin Fan slowly rose to his feet, his eyes sweeping across everyone present. His tone was steady as he said,
"Tang Hao, we all see your determination. But this negotiation isn't just about you personally—it concerns the future of the entire Haotian Sect. We cannot allow Spirit Hall to succeed so easily. We must secure the most favorable terms for ourselves."
The Second Elder nodded, speaking in a deep voice:
"Lin Fan is right. Tang Hao, your return has already shown your sincerity, but Spirit Hall's stance remains unclear. We must make every preparation in case they raise excessive demands during the negotiations."
Tang Xiao also stood up, patting Tang Hao on the shoulder and saying firmly:
"Second Brother, the sect will not let you face this alone. We brothers stand united—together, we are unbreakable."
Even Tang Yuehua, though a woman without great martial power, spoke up:
"Big Brother, Second Brother, though I don't have your strength, I've managed Tian Dou City for many years. I still have some influence. If I speak, Emperor Xue Ye will surely stand on our side."
A trace of emotion flickered in Tang Hao's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
He nodded and said in a low voice:
"I understand all this. But remember, the one I killed was Qian Xunji—their former Pope. Qian Daoliu and the current Pope, Bibi Dong, will certainly seize on that to make things difficult for us."
Lin Fan smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping over everyone as he spoke slowly:
"That's why we must be willing to make some concessions. If Spirit Hall makes certain demands, we can compromise to a degree—so long as it earns their trust and eases relations."
"Remember, our goal is only this: that the younger generation of the Haotian Sect can travel freely across the continent."
"Since the Haotian Sect was in the wrong first, we must be prepared to bear some loss."
The moment his words fell, the atmosphere in the room grew even heavier. The five Elders exchanged glances, clearly weighing Lin Fan's suggestion.
After a long silence, the Second Elder finally said slowly:
"Lin Fan speaks with reason. Though the Haotian Sect has deep foundations, Spirit Hall's power today is immense. If we clash head-on, both sides will be grievously harmed. We must retreat to advance, to buy time and space."
The Fifth Elder nodded in agreement:
"Yes. Spirit Hall's true goal isn't just Tang Hao—they want to force Haotian Sect into submission. If we can use this negotiation to secure a buffer of time, it might give our sect more opportunities in the future."
Tang Xiao frowned, his tone grave:
"But if we yield too much, won't Spirit Hall only grow more arrogant? They've always been domineering—why should they relent simply because we retreat?"
Lin Fan gave a faint smile, a glint of depth flashing in his eyes:
"Brother Tang Xiao's concern isn't without merit. But if Spirit Hall truly presses us step by step… then I am not someone to be trifled with."
As his words fell, Lin Fan released the aura of a Rank 98 Super Douluo. The overwhelming pressure made it difficult for everyone in the chamber to breathe, and even those outside were affected.
A moment later, he withdrew his aura, his tone cold:
"Besides, with Senior Tang Chen's strength, a single person is enough to hold off two Rank 99 Limit Douluo."
"Let me tell you—when I saw Senior Tang Chen regain his consciousness, he had already reached the level of a Half-God."
Hearing this, the Second Elder burst into hearty laughter:
"As expected of Uncle Chen—the greatest talent in Haotian Sect's history! Excellent, truly excellent!"
But Lin Fan's voice shifted, becoming solemn again:
"However, Senior Tang Chen has matters that require him to go to Sea God Island. He cannot attend the negotiations in person, and so he entrusted me with handling this on his behalf."
Tang Xiao's expression eased, and he said with a smile:
"Lin Fan, don't worry. This time we'll follow your lead. I trust both Grandfather's and Little Sister's judgment."
The Second Elder also spoke up:
"Indeed. You are acting as Chief Grand Elder in his stead, and your strength has already reached Rank 98. For this negotiation, we five Elders will take you as our commander."
Lin Fan nodded, his voice firm and commanding:
"Very well. Then let me arrange who will go to Spirit City for the negotiations."
He turned his eyes across the room:
"The Seventh Elder's son was killed by Spirit Hall. If the Seventh Elder goes, his hatred may spoil the talks. I recommend that he stay behind to guard the sect."
The Seventh Elder immediately spoke up:
"I agree. If not for the sake of the Haotian Sect as a whole, I would never agree to reconcile with Spirit Hall."
Lin Fan continued:
"And Tang Yuehua must also remain behind to manage the sect's affairs."
But Tang Yuehua immediately protested:
"No! I must go as well. How can I stay here and hide when the very future of the Haotian Sect is at stake?"
Lin Fan shook his head firmly:
"That will not do. No one knows how the negotiations will end. If Spirit Hall suddenly turns hostile, we may not be able to protect you. But we are different—though we may not defeat Spirit Hall outright, a group of us Title Douluo can at least retreat unhindered."
"Yuehua, you must remain here."
Deep down, Lin Fan was worried that if Tang Yuehua came along, she might notice the secret glances between him and Bibi Dong—and that would ruin the negotiations.
"But—!"
Tang Yuehua began to protest again, only to be stopped by Tang Xiao.
"Little Sister, Lin Fan is right. Spirit Hall has countless experts. If true conflict erupts, we won't be able to look after you."
Tang Hao also added:
"Indeed. We must prepare for the worst. Just us, Title Douluo will go—it's enough. The sect must still have someone to oversee and guard it."
Lin Fan continued:
"Yuehua, you and the Seventh Elder will take charge of the sect. You manage internal affairs, and he guards the defenses."
Tang Yuehua's expression dimmed. Seeing that even her beloved Lin Ge, along with her brothers, would not support her, she finally lowered her head and said softly:
"Very well…"
Seeing no further objections, Lin Fan pressed on:
"Then it's settled. Tang Hao, Tang Xiao, four of the five Elders, and I will go to Spirit City for the negotiations. The Seventh Elder and Yuehua will remain here to maintain stability within the sect."
The Second Elder nodded approvingly:
"Lin Fan's arrangements are thorough. Seventh Elder, the sect's safety will be in your hands. Yuehua, the internal affairs will need your careful attention."
The Seventh Elder spoke in a deep voice:
"Rest assured. I will guard the sect well—Spirit Hall will find no opportunity here."
Though Tang Yuehua still felt a trace of loss, she nodded firmly:
"I will take care of everything within the sect. Wait for your triumphant return."
Lin Fan smiled warmly at her, his gaze gentle as he said softly:
"Yuehua, your responsibility is just as great as ours. The sect is our foundation. Only if the rear remains stable can we go all out at the front."
Tang Yuehua took a deep breath, her eyes resolute:
"Lin Ge, I understand now. Go without worry. I will guard the sect."
Lin Fan looked around the chamber one last time, his expression solemn once more:
"Everyone, remember this. In our negotiations with Spirit Hall, Haotian Sect has only one demand—remove the enmity between us, so that the younger generation of Haotian Sect may travel the continent freely to temper themselves."
Understood, Acting Chief Grand Elder!