Chapter 296: Yang Zhentian and Niu Jinfeng
Seeing his parents' lingering expressions of guilt over their fallen clansmen at the hands of the Spirit Hall, Yang Potian decided to share his deeper plan. "Though the Spirit Empire's strength is undeniable, the soul beasts won't let this go easily, especially Di Tian. His personal power surpasses even Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu. He may very well launch a counterstrike for Tang San's sake. The Spirit Empire will certainly pay for their actions then."
"I also planted a small trap for Bibi Dong. With her suspicious nature, she might create some trouble for herself. I deliberately mentioned the Dark Devilgod Tiger and the Three-Eyed Golden Lion to Bibi Dong, knowing her wariness toward me. If she tries to capture the Three-Eyed Golden Lion to keep me in check, things could get interesting."
Yang Zhentian, puzzled, asked, "Since Tang San is a threat, why not eliminate him early? You're strong enough to do so, aren't you?"
Yang Potian sighed. "I considered killing him at Tianxing Academy after defeating Tang Hao and Tang Xiao, but Di Tian intervened. During the coup at the Heaven Dou Palace, Qian Daoliu also had a chance to kill Tang San, but again Di Tian appeared. Killing Tang San would require taking down Di Tian first."
"Right now, Di Tian and I are about evenly matched; I can't be sure of defeating him. In the assault on the Clear Sky Sect, the Spirit Empire's dozen or so Titled Douluo also clashed with Di Tian. They barely held him off due to their numbers. Had they been fewer, they might have paid a heavy price."
"Father, with your strength now at level ninety-eight, reaching ninety-nine will be exceedingly difficult. You'll need an additional spirit core to break through. I plan to research methods to help you and Mother develop second spirit cores. Mother should also absorb spirit bones of at least fifty-thousand-year quality."
"Those spirit bones from Tang Chen's time are particularly well-suited for Mother. If either of you needs additional spirit bones, just let me know; I'll do my best to acquire them."
Both Yang Zhentian and Niu Jinfeng felt heartened, appreciating their son's foresight and meticulous planning.
"By the way, Potian," Yang Zhentian asked, "I heard that the Heaven Dou imperial family was eradicated. What happened to the Min and Power Clans? Were they wiped out as well? What if some of their members seek refuge with us?"
Though the four clans had split, the old bond of brotherhood hadn't been entirely severed.
Yang Potian thought for a moment. "The battle in Heaven Dou City was chaotic, so I couldn't pay close attention. However, given the Spirit Empire's approach and Bibi Dong's temperament, it's unlikely they survived unscathed. I sensed that Titan escaped with some of his clansmen, though I didn't see Bai He in the city."
"Even so, the Power and Min Clans have likely suffered significant losses, and their numbers may now be under one hundred each."
"If Titan truly seeks refuge here, it's best we don't take them in. We can offer material aid if they're desperate, but they're still loyal to Tang San and may become a future threat. Their stance is nothing like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's."
"Plus, they chose to support the Clear Sky Sect's ambitions to reclaim past glories; they should bear the consequences of that choice. Sparing them is already a gesture of goodwill given our past alliance."
Throughout the fall of the Heaven Dou Empire, Yang Potian had focused on Di Tian and the other soul beasts, paying no attention to minor players. Moreover, he had kept his hands clean in appearance.
After contemplating this, Yang Zhentian finally nodded. "Alright, I'll speak with Father and Grandfather. If the two clans come seeking shelter in desperation, we'll keep our distance as best we can."
But then Niu Jinfeng suddenly smiled. "Potian, about that girl who visited—what's going on? She seems quite unusual. What's your connection with her?"
Yang Potian's expression turned awkward. "Her name is Qian Renxue, also known as the 'fake prince' Xue Qinghe. I borrowed her Angelic Holy Sword to complete my third Asura God Trial in the Rakshasa Realm. Our transaction is over, and we have no relationship."
But Yang Zhentian gave a knowing smile. "Potian, we understand. Besides, it's normal for a man to have multiple wives."
He was interrupted by a sudden tug on his ear from Niu Jinfeng. "Oh? 'Multiple wives'? So, are you planning on it?"
Panicked, Yang Zhentian stammered, "Honey, you know I'm content with just you. I would never think of such things!"
"Then why say that? Are you trying to lead our son astray?"
"I only meant to offer a bit of guidance—he looked a bit lost."
"Lost? I think your 'guidance' is only causing trouble!"
"Mom, Dad—I just remembered something urgent!" Yang Potian seized the opportunity and made a quick escape.
However, upon reaching Ye Lingling's residence, he found himself turned away for the first time.
Standing outside her door, he protested, "Lingling, you have to believe me—there's nothing between me and that young lady!"
From inside, Ye Lingling's calm voice replied, "I never said there was. I'm just training. Give me some space."
Left with no choice, Yang Potian retreated, dejected, to his own home.
No sooner had he returned than Qian Renxue appeared, gripping her golden sword and looking furious. "What did you say to your little girlfriend? That there's 'nothing' between us? And what about everything that happened in the Rakshasa Realm? Who knew you were so fickle!"
Yang Potian was stunned. "Qian Renxue, I've told you—I never even touched you! There's absolutely nothing between us."
Enraged, Qian Renxue nearly swung her sword at him, but Yang Potian dodged, vanishing in an instant. Moments later, he was hiding on a remote snow-capped mountain, muttering to himself, "Is this some kind of romantic curse or just plain bad luck? All I did was borrow a sword! I think I'll lie low for a while."
Meanwhile, back at Tianxing Academy, Qian Renxue stood fuming after his abrupt disappearance. She stomped her foot in frustration but refrained from chasing him further.
For the next few days, a tense calm settled over Tianxing Academy. Yang Potian remained out of sight, Ye Lingling stayed in seclusion, and Ning Rongrong frequently shot Qian Renxue suspicious glares. The others also kept their distance from Qian Renxue, making things somewhat uncomfortable. If not for the academy's neutrality, it's likely a fight would have broken out.
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