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Yang Xiong spoke with a faint, mocking smile: "If Mr. Yu Xiaogang has any objections, we could always give up Thunderclap Gorge. But I wonder—do you have the guts or ability to rebuild here?"
Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong's faces turned ashen upon hearing this.
When the Spirit Hall destroyed the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the entire family was plundered, and all their buildings were razed to the ground. It was only with the help of the Tian Dou Empire's army that they managed to bury the bodies.
To truly rebuild the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would require not only vast amounts of funding but also a large number of high-level soul masters to anchor the sect. Clearly, neither Yu Xiaogang nor Liu Erlong had such capabilities.
Yang Xiong continued: "By the way, our occupation of Thunderclap Gorge has already received support from the Tian Dou Imperial Family. The area within hundreds of kilometers around Thunderclap Gorge is now my territory. If you have any objections, feel free to report them to the Tian Dou Imperial Family."
Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong were at a loss for words. Yang Xiong's construction of the Body Sect was backed by both financial resources and strength, along with recognition from the imperial family. Moreover, he had the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's support. They simply couldn't challenge him.
Yu Xiaogang seemed to recall something: "Yang Xiong, did you covet Thunderclap Gorge long ago? Did you even foresee that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would be attacked by the Spirit Hall? After all, your Body Sect has existed for years, yet you've only now emerged in the soul master world."
Yang Xiong shook his head: "I'm unclear about that. When I first established the Body Sect, it was merely to ensure the safety of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and form an alliance with them. Who could have predicted that the Spirit Hall would strike so ruthlessly?"
Both Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong were lost in thought, burdened by the pain of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's downfall.
At the time, the Spirit Hall had attacked both the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. The attack on the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect involved more people and Title Douluos.
However, thanks to its strong foundation, hidden strength, and advance warning, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect inflicted heavy losses on the Spirit Hall's invading forces, ensuring the sect's survival.
The fate of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was far more tragic. The entire sect was wiped out, and all its former glory, strength, and wealth were reduced to ashes.
Lately, Yu Xiaogang could clearly feel that without the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and without his father, Yu Yuanzhen, navigating the soul master world had become increasingly difficult. No one gave him any respect anymore.
Though Yu Xiaogang had traveled extensively throughout his life, he had only faced verbal attacks. Everyone still respectfully addressed him as "Master."
Now, however, even prominent families in the soul master world—and even Yang Xiong, a younger generation disciple—showed him little respect.
Yang Xiong continued: "I understand that the two of you hail from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and are reluctant to let go of your past ties. But the soul master world is constantly evolving. Since Thunderclap Gorge became ownerless land, it's only natural that our Body Sect claimed it."
"Of course, I deeply admire the former Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. We have preserved their graves, which are now cordoned off and named the 'Dragon Tomb.' It stands as a testament to their former glory, and the two of you are welcome to visit and pay respects anytime."
Yang Xiong's words made the situation crystal clear. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was no more, and Thunderclap Gorge would remain the Body Sect's stronghold.
Tang Xiao finally spoke: "Yang Xiong, I never expected that in such a short time, your status would change so drastically. In just a few years, you've gone from being a core disciple of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to becoming the leader of such a formidable sect. Truly impressive."
Yang Xiong smiled: "Sect Leader Tang flatters me. Our Body Sect is but a humble establishment—we wouldn't dare act arrogantly before the Hao Tian Sect."
Tang Xiao shook his head: "I admire the strength of your Body Sect. However, there is something I wish to discuss with your three elders. I hope you'll permit it."
Yang Xiong nodded: "Of course. The Body Sect belongs to everyone, and it requires collective effort to build. I can't restrict anyone's freedom."
Tang Xiao turned to Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and Bai He, his face filled with bitterness.
"Elders, it's been a long time. I never imagined we'd meet under these circumstances."
Yang Wudi angrily barked: "Tang Xiao, stop pretending. Back then, the Hao Tian Sect abandoned our three single-attribute families. There's nothing left to discuss between us. We don't want any further ties with the Hao Tian Sect."
Tang Xiao bowed slightly: "The fault lies with the Hao Tian Sect. We sent messengers to warn you, but they were killed by the Spirit Hall, preventing the message from reaching you. That led to the tragedy of those days."
The three elders exchanged glances, unsure how to respond. They had long harbored resentment toward the Hao Tian Sect for abandoning the single-attribute families.
It now seemed that the Hao Tian Sect had been forced into their actions and had even taken precautions—but it was too late to change anything.
Yang Xiong watched Tang Xiao with admiration. Tang Xiao, a 97th-level Title Douluo and a rare powerhouse, had humbled himself to apologize to Yang Wudi and the others. His mindset and diplomatic skills were truly commendable.
Yang Wudi sighed: "We can say nothing about what happened back then. Even if your messengers had reached us, they arrived too late to undo the fact that the Hao Tian Sect abandoned our families."
"Moreover, you had countless opportunities to save us. Yet neither you nor Tang Yuehua ever cared about our losses or the hundreds of lives we lost."
Tang Xiao nodded: "No matter what, the fault lies with the Hao Tian Sect. We prioritized our own survival and neglected your safety. Over the years, I've wanted to make amends but never found the chance. I didn't dare leave the Hao Tian Sect's ancestral grounds or contact you, fearing the Spirit Hall would target you again."
Yang Wudi shook his head: "Let's not dwell on the past. We're living well now, and there's no need for you to do anything further."
Tang Xiao quickly interjected: "Elder Yang, Elder Niu, Uncle Bai, the Hao Tian Sect is willing to fully compensate you. Please give me a chance—and give the Hao Tian Sect a chance."
The three elders exchanged glances, unsure how to respond to Tang Xiao. Especially since Tang Xiao had grown up under their watchful eyes and had once been their spiritual pillar.
Yang Xiong observed Tang Xiao's demeanor and grew increasingly impressed. Compared to Tang Hao's impulsiveness, Tang Xiao displayed profound wisdom, charisma, and heroism—flawless in every way.
Finally, Yang Wudi reluctantly spoke: "Tang Xiao, there are many entanglements between us and the Hao Tian Sect—both gratitude and hatred. Without the Hao Tian Sect, our families wouldn't have risen to prominence. But similarly, without them, we wouldn't have suffered the calamity of those days."
"All of this can no longer be calculated. Let's sever ties and consider all debts settled."
Tang Xiao nodded: "Elders, in the future, should you ever need anything, I will spare no effort to assist you."
Bai He finally spoke: "Xiao'er, there's no need for more words between us. I only hope we won't have any further entanglements. We don't wish to have any ties with the Hao Tian Sect."
…
After some discussion, Tang Xiao turned to Yang Xiong.
"Sect Leader Yang, my purpose in coming here is to discuss an alliance. The Spirit Hall's power now dominates the soul master world."
"Your Body Sect has numerous grievances with the Spirit Hall—not only because you hail from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect but also because many members of your sect have personal grudges against the Spirit Hall."
"Your current strength rivals that of the former Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. You are undoubtedly worthy of being considered one of the top three sects. For us to resist the Spirit Hall, the top three sects must form an alliance."
At this moment, Yang Xiong began to truly grasp Tang Xiao's brilliance. Not only was Tang Xiao's cultivation talent astonishing, having reached the terrifying level of 97th-tier soul power, but his every word and action seemed to reflect a mastery of the broader trends and human psychology. To reject him outright might invite unforeseen trouble.
After careful consideration, Yang Xiong replied: "As Sect Leader Tang suggests, an alliance between the Hao Tian Sect, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and the Body Sect poses no issue."
"However, you know our current situation. Our sect is newly established, and it will take time to develop true combat strength."
"Of course, if the Hao Tian Sect or the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect comes under attack, our Body Sect will provide full support. We won't retreat at a critical moment."
Before Tang Xiao could respond, Yang Xiong quickly added:
"Since Sect Leader Tang has come all the way to Thunderclap Gorge, Yu Yuanzhen is someone we all respect deeply. He was also targeted and killed by the Spirit Hall. Why don't we pay our respects to Elder Yu Yuanzhen together?"
Tang Xiao nodded: "Back then, the top three sects stood united. Elder Yu Yuanzhen helped our Hao Tian Sect on multiple occasions. Coming to Thunderclap Gorge, I did intend to pay my respects."
…
Yang Xiong, acting as the host of Thunderclap Gorge, led Tang Xiao, Yu Xiaogang, and the others to pay their respects to Yu Yuanzhen.
Several times, Tang Xiao attempted to discuss the specifics of the alliance, but Yang Xiong deflected the conversations with various excuses, especially with others present. Tang Xiao couldn't press further.
Yu Xiaogang also hoped to unite the three sects to resist the Spirit Hall, but Yang Xiong used the excuse that the sect was still under construction and too busy internally to delay the discussion.
After the three departed, the members of the Body Sect appeared unusually solemn.
Yang Wudi hesitated before speaking: "Sect Leader, the Spirit Hall is our common enemy. This alliance seems to benefit us greatly, yet you deliberately avoided the topic. Do you have any reservations?"
Yang Xiong shook his head: "An alliance isn't the issue, but I don't want to attract attention too soon. The Spirit Hall's strength exceeds our imagination."
"Moreover, compared to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Hao Tian Sect, our strength is still too weak. We lack true top-tier experts. If the Spirit Hall decides to make an example of us, we'll be in trouble."
"Furthermore, our sect is newly established, and much remains to be done. Our focus should be on self-improvement. Time is running out for us."
Everyone immediately understood Yang Xiong's meaning. Yang Xiong was currently only a Soul Sage, still far from the realm of true top-tier experts. What they lacked most was time.
In terms of both foundation and strength, the Body Sect was still too fragile. A single misstep could lead to its destruction.
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