It didn't take long for Tang Zhen to come out of his contemplation.
"It seems Hao'er and daughter-in-law genuinely can't attend Xiao'er's wedding… If anything goes wrong, we won't be able to pull ourselves out of the consequences…" Tang Zhen spoke with bitter realization, his weakened body letting out a tired sigh.
He wanted to celebrate at least Tang Xiao's wedding in a grand way, a day where all his relatives and descendants could be present together as one… After all, he was only going to live for four or five more years at most. It wasn't an unrealistic wish to hope for one final big festive day, shared with the people closest to him… But it seemed that even this small desire was difficult to achieve.
The elders quietly sighed, fully understanding Tang Zhen's mood.
In the end, it was decided that Tang Hao and Ah Yin would hide inside the underground chamber, located hundreds of meters deep at the back of the clan land, where their safety could be guaranteed.
While it would be better for them to leave the sect entirely and hide elsewhere… It was also just as dangerous. What if something went wrong while moving out?
Unlike other places, inside the sect they could at least ensure protection, and even make decisions if a situation turned bad… Though Tang Xiao thought the plan was weak and unimpressive, he didn't interfere and only let Tang Zhen and the elders decide.
Why the hell would he even get involved in this anyway? Their plan was beneficial for him regardless…
Whether enjoying time with Ah Yin when Tang Hao was away, or leaking her location to Spirit Hall when it felt necessary… Keeping Ah Yin's whereabouts under his control was important.
Of course, if he wanted to tip off Spirit Hall while she stayed inside the sect, then he would also need to harden his heart and accept that his own sect members might get caught in the aftermath… If a war broke out, expecting no casualties was unrealistic.
Once this matter was settled, the first elder stepped forward, speaking the words Tang Xiao had wanted to hear most…
"Everyone, now that we have decided on a temporary solution to the external risks, it's time to discuss and finalize what must happen—given that the clan leader is nearing his end…" The first elder spoke, his intention unmistakably direct.
He meant… Now that everyone knew Tang Zhen would pass soon, who would inherit the sect leader position? Was Tang Hao still the choice?
Everyone sat up straighter…
Tang Xiao also stood upright, but he made sure to quickly wear an innocent look—an expression that claimed he had no interest in power or status…
But in his mind, he already knew exactly what the outcome of this discussion would be…
Just as expected, before the elders could respond, another voice spoke first…
"Father, elders… My big brother should claim the seat. I know the errors I made—and how they put the sect at risk. I also understand that I am no longer fit to inherit the sect master position after all this… From today onward, I will support big brother in secret and protect the sect with all my strength." Tang Hao spoke with guilt and firm determination.
Tang Hao clearly understood the crossroads. He could only choose between Ah Yin… or becoming sect leader. Since he had chosen Ah Yin, he wouldn't be able to live openly for the foreseeable future, and could only move in the shadows.
Of course, he felt reluctant to step down. Who wouldn't? It was a sect master's position after all… But it was also the result of his own actions. He had to face it, even if unwilling.
When Tang Hao gave up the seat, Tang Xiao's heart finally eased. No threats. No trouble. No thorn… Not from his father, and not from his dear brother…
"So the sect master position is secured…" Tang Xiao laughed inside his heart, but showed nothing on his face. He only firmly tapped Tang Hao's shoulder, a gesture of brotherly support—followed by a warm bear hug that honored their bond…
Tang Zhen and the elders felt truly relieved. They assumed Tang Hao might refuse, and that the brothers could break into conflict.
Only now did they realize… They had heavily misjudged their brotherhood.
"Then it is settled. From this day on, my eldest son, Tang Xiao, shall be the heir to this seat."
"I feel exhausted as well… After Xiao'er's wedding concludes, I will step down, pass the role to him, and spend my remaining years in peace. First elder, please select an auspicious day for the succession ceremony."
The first elder nodded respectfully.
Tang Xiao didn't expect happiness to come one after another like this.
"Just a false alarm… Maybe Tang Hao showing up today wasn't so bad after all. Haha." Tang Xiao chuckled darkly to himself.
And just like that… A major decision regarding the continent's strongest sect's leadership ended in minutes. No chaos, no resistance, no emotional fights… Truly unexpected.
…
Inside the mansion hall…
Sitting on the sofa, Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua listened as Tang Hao and Ah Yin spoke about their recent journey.
Tang Hao: "Sigh… If only I had killed that Spirit Hall Titled Douluo that day, none of this would've happened… I shouldn't have left him alive with just a broken leg."
Tang Yuehua: "Brother, you're not to blame. You're kind by nature. It's that Spirit Hall Titled Douluo who repays kindness with hatred… If you meet him again, teach him a lesson—break every limb if needed."
Ah Yin: "Yes, Ah Hao. Yuehua is right. Don't punish yourself in your heart."
Hearing them speak, Tang Xiao rolled his eyes. Was_this even human language?
They called him merciful for sparing a Titled Douluo? What a joke.
Tens of thousands died during their fight. A whole city wiped from existence… And here they were, talking like only their feelings mattered. No sense of responsibility at all.
But what could he do? He just nodded along, saying yes and hm occasionally.
They didn't consider common mortal lives as real lives in the first place. A world ruled by strength—it was expected.
Though it made Tang Xiao feel uneasy for a moment, he pushed the feeling aside quickly. What point was there in thinking about it too much anyway?
He himself was a total hypocrite. Why pretend to care for ordinary people when he knew he couldn't live by that belief? As they say, we all know the condition of our own garden, so why bother?
While replying yes and oh in conversation, Tang Xiao's eyes mostly stayed on the soft body of Ah Yin, mind drifting into dirty thoughts...
"Hell no. I'm going to be a married man, with a wife arriving in two weeks… I shouldn't be thinking about my brother's wife in this way… No. No. No." Tang Xiao shook his head repeatedly inside his mind, trying to become a pure man again...
But who asked Ah Yin to keep showing those soft thighs? Every time he tried to turn a new leaf, desire swept it all away like an incoming flood.