The situation within Balak City had always been closely monitored by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Thus, they maintained secret outposts within the city.
Shortly after the Shrek Five Monsters entered the city, Hilton inquired, "Gentlemen, do you need any assistance? The Hilton Chamber of Commerce is willing to lend a hand to Lord Ning."
The Shrek Five Monsters had deliberately revealed their identity, which Hilton interpreted as some kind of signal from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
If he could please the Shrek Five Monsters, the future benefits for the Hilton Chamber would be substantial.
Tang San's earlier statement had been made up on the spot, so he naturally avoided elaborating further to prevent exposing any inconsistencies.
After brushing off Hilton with vague responses, Tang San asked, "President Hilton, do you happen to know if the Long She Family is still in the city?"
Hilton was somewhat surprised.
The Long She Family had been exceptionally low-key over the past few years. Their once arrogant family members had long disappeared from the streets of Balak City, and many people had even forgotten about their existence.
After a moment of thought, Hilton replied, "The Long She Family is still in the city, but I don't know why their gates have remained closed for years, and no one from the family has been seen walking around the city."
"Do you want to gather intelligence on them? Our Hilton Chamber might..."
Tang San waved his hand. "President Hilton, there's no need for you to know anything else. Just tell us where the Long She Family resides, and we hope you won't interfere with the rest."
"Yes, yes, yes," Hilton quickly agreed.
The location of the Long She Family wasn't hard to find—it was on Dragon Snake Street in the eastern part of the city. The largest mansion on the street belonged to them.
With the route in hand, the Shrek Five Monsters quickly removed their guard uniforms.
Although martial law was enforced in Balak City, residents were not prohibited from going out onto the streets.
Though the bustling commercial streets weren't as lively as before, there were still quite a few pedestrians.
Not long after, they arrived at the residence of the Long She Family.
The gate and signboard of the mansion showed no signs of decay, but the fallen leaves in front of the gate hadn't been swept away.
During dinner time, smoke rose from within the mansion, clearly indicating that someone was living there.
But such a large family—how could they neglect sweeping the leaves in front of their gate? Didn't they care about losing face?
Tang San's expression suddenly changed, and an ominous suspicion arose in his mind.
The foundation of the Long She Family's influence rested on the Peerless Dragon and Snake couple.
Considering the sudden low profile of the entire family and the current situation, it was highly possible that one of the Dragon Duke or Snake Lady had perished, forcing the entire family to retreat inward.
Tang San refrained from making assumptions before seeing it with his own eyes—he didn't want to jump to conclusions.
After a long silence, he stepped forward and knocked on the mansion's gate.
Despite knocking several times, there was no sign of anyone opening the gate, nor did any servants come to inquire.
"Could they be eating and didn't hear us?" Dai Mubai wondered aloud.
Yu Tianheng stroked his chin and analyzed, "It's also possible that the number of people in the family has drastically decreased, leaving no one to guard the gate."
Looking at the long-uncleaned leaves in front of the gate, his guess seemed likely.
As they spoke, everyone's gaze turned to Tang San.
Given the significant turmoil the Long She Family had faced, whether or not to recruit them needed to be reconsidered.
After pondering for a moment, Tang San still held onto a sliver of hope. "Keep knocking and ask for clarification first."
"I'll do it," Tai Long volunteered.
As a disciple of the Strength Clan, Tai Long's fists were incredibly powerful.
The loud knocking soon drew attention from within the mansion.
Not long after, an impatient voice called out, "Coming, coming! Stop knocking!"
This voice was familiar to Tang San—it was Meng Yiran.
Compared to a few years ago, Meng Yiran's voice had shed its youthful innocence and taken on a more mature tone.
When the gate opened, Meng Yiran poked her head out and scrutinized Tang San from top to bottom.
Since awakening his Blue Silver Emperor spirit, Tang San's appearance and demeanor had undergone a dramatic transformation, so Meng Yiran didn't immediately recognize him.
However, when her peripheral vision caught sight of Dai Mubai and the others, she confirmed their identities. "Aren't you those from Shrek Academy?"
Yu Tianheng waved with a smile, "Miss Meng Yiran, we meet again."
Tang San had once been wanted by the Tian Dou Empire, and his portrait had circulated throughout the empire.
But as time passed, people had long forgotten him. Recalling the face from the portrait, Meng Yiran immediately recognized Tang San standing before her.
Compared to a few years ago, Tang San now appeared much more mature and handsome.
Meng Yiran quickly waved them in. "Come in."
Before closing the door, she carefully scanned the entire street to ensure no one was watching, then shut the gate tightly.
Inside the mansion, Tang San voiced his doubts. "Isn't your family supposed to be a large clan? What's going on here? Is there no one home?"
As he spoke, he observed her expression closely.
Meng Yiran didn't answer immediately but instead countered with a question. "Do you know that King Kundra of Balak has secretly aligned with the Spirit Hall?"
"What?"
At this revelation, the Shrek Five Monsters all wore expressions of disbelief.
The King of Balak was Emperor Xue Ye's younger brother. After failing to compete for the throne, he was sent to govern the Balak Kingdom.
Such a person, with imperial blood flowing through his veins, how could he betray the imperial family and collaborate with the Spirit Hall?
Had Xue Qinghe decided to eliminate this uncle?
Even if he wanted to, under Ning Fengzhi's regency, it wouldn't be allowed to succeed.
Meng Yiran couldn't answer the doubts of the Shrek Five Monsters.
After all, Meng Yiran never participated in family affairs.
The Long She Family, having long established itself in Balak City, naturally knew high-ranking officials within the kingdom.
Like ducks sensing the warmth of spring waters, the Long She Family was the first to learn of the shift in the Balak Royal Family's stance—earlier than even the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Over the past few years, the Long She Family feigned weakness while covertly relocating their family members.
But Meng Shu's subtle movements were eventually discovered.
The Spirit Hall naturally sought to recruit the Long She Family, but on the surface, they hadn't yet openly declared their control over the Balak Kingdom. Under these circumstances, the Long She Family managed to survive precariously.
Meng Shu had long intended to send Meng Yiran away, but fate was unkind. The Spirit Hall kept tightening the screws, making it clear that if Meng Yiran left, they would launch a full-scale attack against the Long She Family.
This was understandable—the spirit fusion technique of the Dragon Duke and Snake Lady possessed immense power, rivaling that of Title Douluo-level opponents.
Once they had relocated all their family members, only the couple would remain. At that point, Balak City would inevitably descend into chaos.
Only by keeping Meng Yiran could they ensure that the Peerless Dragon and Snake couple wouldn't act rashly.
…
Meng Yiran didn't understand the intricate details and shrugged. "That's the situation. Though it hasn't been exposed, many major powers are aware of it."
Tang San's expression darkened, and for a moment, he felt at a loss.
After a brief silence, he urgently asked, "Meng Yiran, are your grandparents here? Back then, the Dragon Duke and Snake Lady saved our Shrek Academy. We've come today to repay that life-saving debt."
With that, his heart raced to his throat.
If the Peerless Dragon and Snake couple no longer existed, he would turn around and leave immediately.
Meng Yiran seemed to be expecting something and quickly said, "Grandpa and Grandma are in the main hall. Follow me."
In the main hall of the Long She Family, Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang were filled with worry.
The remaining family members couldn't be sent away, especially Meng Yiran. Once the Spirit Hall fully seized control of Balak Kingdom's military and political power, their family would be the first to suffer.
The Spirit Hall had destroyed even the upper-tier sects—what chance did their family stand?
While the couple was contemplating countermeasures, Meng Yiran's voice came from outside the door. "Grandpa, Grandma, Tang San and the others are here."
"Tang San?" Meng Shu's expression shifted between light and shadow.
Tang San was a disciple of the Hao Tian Sect, which had already been destroyed. He had lost his greatest backing.
During the Soul Master Tournament, Meng Shu had intended for Meng Yiran to approach Tang San, naturally aiming to gain the support of Tang Hao.
Now, Tang Hao hadn't appeared on the continent for a long time—it was unclear whether he was alive or dead.
"Old man, let's test them first. If I'm not mistaken, Tang San was once relentlessly hunted by the entire Tian Dou Empire. The fact that he's still alive suggests he has quite a few hidden cards up his sleeve."
"Our family is standing at the edge of a cliff—whether we live or die depends on today."
Chao Tianxiang's words resonated deeply with Meng Shu.
Tang Hao had long been expelled from the Hao Tian Sect, and it was uncertain if he had been present when the sect was destroyed. Now, hiding in the shadows, he was likely preparing to resist the Spirit Hall.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend—if this were true, Meng Shu felt it was necessary to make contact.
the Shrek Five Monsters entered the main hall and bowed respectfully to the Peerless Dragon and Snake couple.
Upon seeing Yu Tianxin and Yu Tianheng, Meng Shu inwardly sneered.
When the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family still existed, they were the heirs, holding a position of great prestige.
But now, without the backing of their family, who would give them any respect?
After withdrawing his gaze, Meng Shu asked Tang San, "May I inquire about the well-being of Lord Hao Tian recently?"
Tang San thought to himself: As expected.
His father's reputation was renowned across the continent, and everyone had to show some deference.
"My father is doing well. However, he has withdrawn from the world to seclude himself in cultivation and currently cannot meet outsiders."
"Oh?" Meng Shu was no fool.
He was the type to hold back until he saw clear evidence. The more Tang San concealed Tang Hao's situation, the more Meng Shu suspected something had happened to him.
Of course, Meng Shu didn't dwell on this matter further—he needed to understand Tang San's intentions for visiting so he could plan accordingly.
"Yiran, you may leave for now," Chao Tianxiang waved her hand.
After Meng Yiran excused herself, Tang San finally spoke. "Lord Dragon Elder, I've come this time to recruit the Long She Family."
"The Spirit Hall has successively destroyed the Hao Tian Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, their power swelling uncontrollably. If we don't unite, sooner or later, they will devour us completely."
"My Tang Sect is built upon the disciples of the Strength Clan and is steadily developing within the Star Luo Empire. I believe Lord Dragon Duke should recognize Mubai's identity."
Meng Shu turned to Dai Mubai and carefully recalled Tang San's words. Suddenly, he understood. "Are you trying to use the Tang Sect to help this Dai Mubai compete for the position of crown prince?"
Tang San smiled and nodded.
Chao Tianxiang sneered. "With your strength, even with Tai Tan added, do you really think you can influence the selection of the Star Luo Empire's crown prince? In my opinion, you're dreaming."
Tang San shook his head and revealed the truth. "With our strength alone, it's impossible. But behind the Tang Sect stands my uncle, the former leader of the Hao Tian Sect."
Meng Shu became interested and, after thorough questioning, finally understood the situation regarding Tang Xiao.
"Lord Dragon Elder, don't forget about my father. The combined strength of the once-renowned Hao Tian Twin Stars gives us the qualifications to help Mubai compete for the crown prince position."
Tang San already had a lead on his father's injuries. When the time was right, there was a chance he could recover.
At that point, their faction would have two powerful Title Douluo-level experts.
Meng Shu's thoughts stirred again at Tang San's words.
Joining the Tang Sect might indeed be an opportunity for their family.
However, both he and his wife were advanced in age and couldn't protect the family forever. After their deaths, their descendants in the Tang Sect would inevitably face oppression.
To ensure the long-term stability of the family, Tang San would have to pay a corresponding price.
"Lord Dragon Elder, we're all intelligent people. You should know that only by uniting can we face the upcoming challenges," Dai Mubai urged.
Meng Shu smiled and said, "Joining the Tang Sect isn't impossible. Moreover, I can assure you that the Long She Family isn't as small as it appears. As for where the others are and how to find them, we'll discuss that after this conversation."
Tang San understood—the next step was negotiating terms (an exchange of interests).
Recruiting the Long She Family would undoubtedly send a strong signal, showcasing the Tang Sect's growing strength.
Thus, he would have to concede some benefits and likely agree to the Dragon Duke's conditions without objection—that was the cost.
Who would have thought that the Dragon Duke's next words would shock him.
"I don't care whether you have feelings for Yiran, but if you marry her, the Long She Family will unconditionally join your Tang Sect. This is my bottom line and is non-negotiable."
"If you agree, draw up the marriage contract with Yiran. Once the Long She Family relocates to the Tang Sect, you can hold the wedding ceremony."
Whether Meng Yiran liked Tang San or had any feelings for him was irrelevant in Meng Shu's eyes.
What mattered was that through this union, the Long She Family would have a connection with Tang San, ensuring that their descendants wouldn't be bullied within the Tang Sect in the future.
"Xiao San," Dai Mubai's heart grew heavy.
He knew about Tang San's feelings for Xiao Wu, but if he didn't make a change, not only would they fail to recruit the Long She Family, but they might also fail the divine trial.
If they left angrily today, the next time they tried to recruit the Long She Family, the Dragon Duke would surely demand an exorbitant price.
Tang San didn't respond immediately but instead bowed and said, "Lord Dragon Elder, I need time to think. May I give you my answer tomorrow morning?"
The Dragon Duke wasn't in a rush and waved his hand. "There are many empty rooms in the family estate. You may choose any room to stay in tonight. Tomorrow morning, I await your response."
As he exited the main hall, Tang San ran into Meng Yiran.
They exchanged only a fleeting glance, and without saying a word, he quickly departed.
In one of the side rooms of the Long She Family estate, the Shrek Five Monsters gathered together that night to discuss strategies.
"Third Young Master, such a life-changing decision requires careful consideration," Tai Long earnestly reminded him.
Dai Mubai hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back.
Recruiting the Long She Family would greatly benefit him. However, he didn't want to pressure Tang San into doing something he didn't want to do.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the room grew heavy.
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