After Tang Zhen's complexion improved, everyone began conversing about his wellbeing. Tang Xiao, naturally, as a 'filial' son, maintained his outward appearance.
After a while, the topic inevitably returned to the main issue.
What to do with Tang Hao and Ah Yin.
In the end, since Tang Zhen and the seven Elders had already discussed this matter and devised a plan long ago, they decided to proceed with it.
That was, to let Tang Hao and Ah Yin hide within the sect for a while, concealing their return from the world. Then, once Ah Yin entered the mature phase—when she surpassed level 60 and could conceal her aura even from Titled Douluos—Tang Hao would be allowed to appear in the open.
Afterwards, the Clear Sky Sect would proclaim to the world that the soul beast had fled back to the Star Dou Forest after realizing Tang Hao was not under her charm.
It was all they could do… Though Ah Yin's heart ached when the elders mentioned bewitchment and seduction, she nevertheless understood this was the most sensible plan.
"If everything goes well, Spirit Hall will stop troubling us, and you two will be able to live peacefully."
"But Spirit Hall will only relent after stirring up a scene… After all, they have already seen you wandering together and know of your love. Still, if you hide, without evidence they cannot act too forcefully. Even if they announce it to the world, though it will bring more trouble, as long as we deny it firmly, there is little they can do."
"Yes, Father, I will listen to you." Hearing Tang Zhen's words, Tang Hao nodded solemnly.
Although his wife would have to remain concealed in the sect for years, and he too would be bound to accompany her, it was still far better than drifting through the world under the constant threat of being hunted down and losing Ah Yin forever.
"Just their wishful thinking…" Tang Xiao sneered inwardly as he listened.
Truthfully, Tang Xiao was not optimistic about this plan… hiding Ah Yin in the sect.
The chances of something going wrong were high.
He even suspected Spirit Hall had already learned of Ah Yin's and Tang Hao's arrival at the Clear Sky Sect.
If Spirit Hall possessed any brains, they must have stationed a Titled Douluo to keep watch over the Clear Sky Sect, right? In that case, they would have already discovered the soul beast's arrival.
Even if Tang Hao and Ah Yin wore hooded cloaks and slipped in quietly, how stealthy could they truly be?
But then again… Tang Xiao wasn't convinced Spirit Hall possessed that much foresight.
At least, with his sharpened spiritual sense, when he returned to the clan today, he hadn't detected any hidden Titled Douluos.
"Although I didn't deliberately scan for them, since I wasn't aware of Tang Hao's return beforehand… with Father here, it shouldn't be possible for them to escape his perception, right? Still, if a Titled Douluo really is lurking nearby… then I can only say these two are going to be unlucky. Even the sect will face a disaster…" Thinking this, Tang Xiao couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. If Spirit Hall truly came, his concerns would vanish—he wouldn't need to scheme further.
Yet, when his thoughts drifted to his wedding two weeks later, he could not wish for that outcome anymore.
His wedding was more important. He refused to become like those laughable villains from novels whose ceremonies were constantly disrupted. That would be far too absurd.
"And more importantly, if Spirit Hall comes now, it's uncertain whether we'll be able to keep Ah Yin… I don't want her soul bone to fall into their hands."
Thinking this, Tang Xiao decided to speak aloud:
"Father, did you sense any Titled Douluo-level powerhouses watching our clan or the vicinity of Clear Sky City? If Brother Hao and Sister-in-law Ah Yin weren't cautious on their way here and Spirit Hall discovered them, then trouble will soon descend…"
The hall instantly fell silent at his words.
Everyone's hearts leapt into their throats.
It was indeed possible, each of them thought.
After letting the weight of his words sink in, Tang Xiao continued:
"And Father… regarding my wedding, when the Ning family arrives in a week, Sword Douluo Chen Xin or Bone Douluo Gu Rong may also accompany them… so we must prepare countermeasures for Sister-in-law's safety."
"Alas… Xiao'er, only you have thought everything through so thoroughly. It is indeed possible. Though I sensed no one spying on our clan, we cannot gamble on that… Hao'er's and Yin'er's safety is paramount… And indeed… Chen Xin or Gu Rong will surely come in a week…" Speaking thus, Tang Zhen fell into heavy contemplation, while the elders began discussing among themselves.
Meanwhile, Tang Xiao moved closer to Tang Hao and Ah Yin, who appeared depressed and downcast.
"Brother Hao, don't wear that expression… Isn't it just my wedding? Compared to you being present, your safety matters far more to me." Tang Xiao spoke in a coaxing tone.
"Alas, Brother… everything is my fault. If I hadn't been careless that day, none of this would have happened…" Tang Hao said, regret evident in his voice. The main reason for his return to the clan was Tang Xiao's wedding. Now it seemed attending was impossible.
"Ah Hao, don't blame yourself… fate is not under our control." Seeing Tang Hao's sinking mood, Ah Yin, the devoted wife, immediately began comforting him softly.
"Yes, yes… Fate always has its designs. Nothing happens without reason. Perhaps this trial is heaven's way of preparing something better for you." Tang Xiao added, skilled in spouting hollow consolations.
"Alas… Big Brother, I can only wish you good fortune for your wedding in advance." Tang Hao sighed sorrowfully.
"Hey, hey Brother Hao, your blessings are accepted. But more importantly, I haven't yet held you accountable for marrying Ah Yin, my third sister, without informing me…
"Right, Ah Yin? How do you plan to apologize for this? When we became sworn brothers, you promised to respect me as your elder. Yet you and Brother Hao secretly married without my knowledge… it truly broke my heart." Turning toward the beautiful Ah Yin—who resembled a benevolent and kind fairy stepping out of a painting—Tang Xiao wore a look of heartbreak as he spoke.
But inwardly, his heart throbbed uncontrollably;
This unrequited love of his predecessor… he longed to taste her, to ravage her beneath him and humiliate her like a slave, bound to his desire…
"No, no… How can I think like this… She is my sister-in-law…" Tang Xiao shook his head forcefully. How could he harbor such thoughts? He was a good man… he would not allow perverted desires toward his sister-in-law.
"But… will Tang Hao truly be able to satisfy her?! After all, from my predecessor's memories… Tang Hao's snake is… not even half of mine…"
Since Tang Xiao and Tang Hao had grown up together, sharing their childhood, Tang Xiao knew Tang Hao's capabilities well. His snake… could hardly even be called a worm.
Thinking about it, Tang Xiao felt it was his responsibility to let this woman know how it felt to be taken by him…
"Alas… If I truly do something like this, I fear… Ah Yin would do anything to kill me… After all, this woman is already in love with Tang Hao… Although she is not like Bibi Dong, a complete love-brain and lunatic to the extreme, it is not impossible for her to turn a little dark…" Tang Xiao muttered inwardly, his heart heavy.
"My apologies, elder brother… Ah Hao and I truly wished to marry under your witness, but circumstances… To gain your forgiveness, I will do anything." Seeing Tang Xiao's heartbroken expression and hearing his pained words, Ah Yin—kind as she was—couldn't help but feel guilty. Tang Xiao was her sworn elder brother… It was indeed their fault to wed in silence. Thus, she did not hesitate to promise anything to earn his forgiveness.
Of course, the 'anything' she spoke of was subconscious, for she believed Tang Xiao, her elder brother, was a good man…
When Tang Xiao heard this, his heart began to pound faster… The thought he had forcibly restrained surfaced once more. What if—just what if—he could use that single word to take a small advantage of her? After all, if he maneuvered wisely, he could easily exploit Ah Yin's gentle and caring nature.
"Yes, big brother, only due to circumstances did we marry without telling you. Ah Yin and I will do anything to earn your forgiveness…" This time, Tang Hao also lowered his head, speaking with guilt and apology.
But Tang Hao also felt deeply grateful toward Tang Xiao. He knew his elder brother had liked Ah Yin at the same time as him… It was simply that Ah Yin chose him instead. Even so, Tang Xiao never contended with him and silently stepped aside. For that, Tang Hao felt grateful—but also guilty.
"Man… Does this fool even know what he's saying? I thought Ah Yin said 'anything' out of her innocent nature… But is this idiot serious too? If I were to ask him to send his wife to my bed, would he comply? Hehe… Do people in this world not know how to cherish their words?" Tang Xiao grumbled inwardly, his thoughts growing lewd. Since Tang Hao had also said Ah Yin would do anything for him, he no longer felt any guilt.
"Hmmm… Since you two are so sincere in your apology, I will consider it… I will tell you what you need to do to gain my forgiveness once I've thought it through." Resting his hand over Tang Hao's neck, Tang Xiao spoke in a joking tone.
"Hehe… I knew big brother would forgive me… Just tell us what we need to do, we will comply." Tang Hao smiled sheepishly.
At the side, Ah Yin also nodded with a pure smile—her smile like a blooming morning jasmine.