Chapter 274: Decision
After explaining the situation with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Tang Hao went on to describe his suspicions that Spirit Hall had developed a method to rapidly enhance a person's strength. Then, he turned to look at Tang Xiao.
"Brother, times have changed. The Clear Sky Clan must adapt. I happen to have the Bone Replacement Secret Method, and this may be our last opportunity."
After hearing Tang Hao's words, Tang Xiao's expression was unpredictable.
He hadn't expected that in just over a decade of the clan's seclusion, so much had changed without their knowledge.
He glanced at Tang Yuehua, who was equally shocked.
However, he didn't blame her her strength was too low.
Ordinary intelligence was one thing, but these high level secrets were beyond her ability to gather.
"Can you confirm the accuracy of this information?" Tang Xiao asked seriously.
"Of course. I witnessed it with my own eyes and experienced it firsthand."
As he spoke, a faint flush of unnatural color crossed Tang Hao's face.
His injuries had yet to heal.
The spirit ability from Ah Yin's spirit ring only prevented his condition from worsening it couldn't heal him.
Tang Xiao frowned, reaching out toward Tang Hao.
Instinctively, Tang Hao wanted to dodge.
But realizing it was his brother, he forced himself to stay still, allowing Tang Xiao to examine his injuries.
Just one touch, and Tang Xiao's face darkened.
Tang Hao's injuries were far more severe than he had imagined.
It was hard to believe that a human body could sustain such extensive internal damage.
"Was this the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?" Tang Xiao asked, letting go.
"No, it's mainly my old wounds from back then. They never fully healed, and I also forced myself to break through to Rank 95. The recent battle only reignited my injuries."
Tang Hao honestly answered his brother's question.
"You need immediate treatment," Tang Xiao sighed.
Tang Hao's talent was far superior to his own.
Even with such devastating wounds, he had managed to reach Super Douluo.
"It's not urgent. With my spirit ability, my injuries won't deteriorate any further in the short term. But opportunities like this won't last forever."
Tang Hao wasn't interested in discussing his health he was more concerned with convincing his brother.
Both Tang San and the Clear Sky Clan were in similar predicaments.
They had strength but couldn't reveal it. They were forced into hiding.
For a genius or a powerful clan, this was an extremely dangerous state.
It could lead to stagnation even downfall.
After losing Ah Yin, his son and his clan became Tang Hao's only remaining obsessions.
He couldn't bear to lose either.
So he would become their salvation.
And now was the best moment to act.
His son and the Clear Sky Clan were meant to stand at the pinnacle.
That was their destiny.
So he had to act.
Even if his plan failed, he could always leak the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's hidden secrets.
This would divert Spirit Hall's attention elsewhere.
With them acting as the main target, any fallout would be controlled.
But if things went as he planned…
The Clear Sky Clan could emerge from the shadows once more.
With the Bone Replacement Secret Method, they would have the power to compete.
Tang San would receive better training and resources.
And one day, even if Tang Hao himself couldn't reclaim his past glory,
Tang San would grow strong enough to avenge him.
"How exactly do you plan to have Tang San test the waters?" Tang Xiao asked, still hesitant.
"Isn't it too dangerous to expose him?"
Hearing this, Tang Hao was overjoyed.
The fact that his brother was asking questions instead of outright rejecting him meant he was interested.
That meant Tang Hao had won.
"No, the risk isn't as high as you think, Brother."
"My plan is for Tang San to reveal his second spirit Clear Sky Hammer during the competition."
At that moment, Tang Hao's eyes shone with determination.
"That's all we need to do.
We don't need to reveal that he's my son.
We just need to see how Spirit Hall reacts."
"If they don't respond too aggressively, then, Brother, I hope you can show up before the finals."
"Express your intention to spectate the tournament."
"The Star Luo Empire will not oppose this."
"As for the Heaven Dou Empire, Tang San is still the captain of their second team."
"As long as they don't explicitly reject you, we can just act as if nothing happened."
"Once the first step is taken, the Clear Sky Clan can rightfully return to the world."
Tang Hao had clearly rehearsed this speech.
As he spoke, Tang Xiao's eyes began to gleam with anticipation.
He had to admit, Tang Hao's proposal was tempting.
Within the Clear Sky Clan, there was already strong support for re entering the world.
He had only managed to suppress the younger generation's demands through sheer force of will.
But that was not a permanent solution.
If things went according to Tang Hao's plan, the Clear Sky Clan wouldn't face too much pressure.
Even if they failed, Tang Xiao would only suffer personal embarrassment as the clan leader.
That was a price he was willing to pay.
Or rather, even if they cared, there was nothing they could do about it.
The Clear Sky Clan had already lost enough face what difference did a little more make?
As for Tang Hao and Tang San, aside from Tang Xiao, most of the Clear Sky Clan still saw them as traitors and the cause of their downfall.
Even if they died, some elders might even celebrate their demise.
But if the test proved successful, the Clear Sky Clan could step out of hiding and return to the public eye, reclaiming its status among the top powers of the continent.
The temptation was immense.
With Tang San's talent as the foundation, the Bone Replacement Secret Method as the catalyst, and the lure of reclaiming their former glory, even the most stubborn elders who despised Tang Hao might not refuse this opportunity.
If this worked, Tang Hao and Tang San's return would also be secured.
Tang Xiao couldn't find a reason to reject it.
"Tang Hao, it's impressive that you came up with this plan. I doubt the clan would refuse."
Tang Xiao didn't agree immediately, but he gave his assessment.
"Is that so? That's good to hear."
Tang Hao didn't press further.
He knew his brother's personality.
For Tang Xiao to say something like that, it was already an indirect confirmation.
"Let's wait a bit longer. I still need to discuss this with the elders. The secret method…"
Tang Xiao hesitated.
"The secret method is here. You can take it back."
Tang Hao cut him off, pulling a small booklet from his robe and handing it over.
"Regardless of whether you agree today or not, I intended to submit this to the clan.
Consider it my atonement."
Tang Xiao accepted the booklet but didn't put it away immediately.
Instead, he looked at Tang Hao solemnly.
"This method alone… whether this plan succeeds or not, you will be the pride of the clan."
Tang Hao's eyes stung.
He blinked rapidly, forcing himself to hold back his emotions.
Lifting his cup, he downed the contents in one go using the burning sensation to mask the turbulence in his heart.
Then, he heard Tang Xiao's voice again.
"If things don't go as planned, take Tang San to the place where we first met.
When the time comes, I'll personally bring you both home."
Tang Hao's hand stiffened.
He knew exactly what Tang Xiao was referring to
The place where the three of them first met Ah Yin.
After a brief pause, Tang Hao nodded.
He would remember it.
Beside them, Tang Yuehua smiled in relief.
Finally, they had reached an agreement.
She stood up to pour another round of drinks for her brothers.
For the first time in a long while, the three siblings sat together again, sharing food and wine.
Only after they had eaten and drank their fill, as she was about to take them to their rooms,
Tang Xiao suddenly stood up.
"Tang Hao, take me to see this Xiao Wu.
This is too important. I need to confirm it myself."
With a surge of soul power, the alcohol in his system instantly evaporated.
His eyes, now sharp and sober, locked onto Tang Hao.
Across from him, Tang Hao did the same, burning away his intoxication with a surge of power.
Nodding, he gestured for Tang Yuehua to stay behind.
Then, the two brothers left Moon Pavilion in silence.
At the window, Tang Yuehua watched their figures disappear into the night.
She then turned her gaze to the bright full moon.
Her eyes curved into the shape of a crescent.
Merchant Guild Mansion – Main Residence.
Han Li had watched the entire exchange through his spiritual perception.
Exiting his mental space, his expression was odd.
Tang Xiao had actually come to Heaven Dou City.
That was unexpected.
Even more surprising both matters Tang Hao and Tang Xiao discussed were tied to him.
So, could he count this as his butterfly effect?
Did he just flap his wings a little and accidentally pull the Clear Sky Clan out of hiding?
More importantly, from their perspective…
If they truly intended to emerge now,
it was actually a very good time.
Qian Renxue was about to seize the throne.
Qian Daoliu wouldn't make any major moves for now.
Spirit Hall itself was divided, with Bibi Dong causing internal conflicts.
If things got chaotic enough, they might not even bother responding to the Clear Sky Clan.
Star Luo Empire?
They'd love for the Clear Sky Clan to return.
It would take some of the pressure off them.
As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan…
Frankly speaking, their opinions didn't matter.
Heaven Dou Empire?
They'd ally with whoever benefited them the most.
Han Li himself?
He didn't mind.
He originally planned to force the Clear Sky Clan out through Tang Hao and Tang San anyway.
But now, they were jumping out on their own.
That saved him the trouble.
Warm. Considerate. Very thoughtful.
After a moment's thought, Han Li sat down at his desk, picked up a pen, and began writing.
He needed to inform Qian Daoliu.
More importantly, he needed Qian Daoliu to pacify the temperamental elders of the Worship Hall.
A few minutes later, he sealed the letter in an envelope.
Tomorrow, he'd have Salas send it through the fastest channel.
By the time of the finals, all the major forces of the continent would be gathered in Spirit City.
Han Li's gaze lifted toward the sky.
That would be the moment he finally revealed some of his cards.
Hopefully, everything would go smoothly.
As he stared at the vast night sky, he noted something else.
The gaze from the Divine Realm had been absent for quite some time.
(End of Chapter)
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