LRAB Chapter 274 Secretly fanning the flames? Is Tang 3 going to be in trouble again?
Chapter 274 Secretly fanning the flames? Is Tang 3 going to be in trouble again?
Chapter 274 Secretly fanning the flames? Is Tang San going to be in trouble again?
Haotian Sect, on a treacherous mountain path.
Led by Tang Long, Ning Fengzhi, Bone Douluo, and a seemingly ordinary and inconspicuous attendant were walking towards the sect's council hall located at the mountain peak.
This attendant was none other than Tang Chuan, who had used a simulated soul skill to alter his appearance.
At that moment, he deliberately concealed all his aura, following closely behind Ning Fengzhi, his head bowed and eyes lowered, perfectly playing the role of a follower.
At the same time, his soul, nourished by the spiritual power of the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm for a million years, was like the most sophisticated radar, silently scanning his surroundings.
As Tang Chuan passed through a relatively secluded corridor leading to the side courtyard guest room area, his mental power keenly detected a faint yet exceptionally cold killing intent.
Although the murderous aura was suppressed with all its might, it still contained violence and evil.
Yet, it subtly matched the scent of someone in his memory.
"This is..." Tang Chuan's heart stirred, and he immediately sent a more condensed strand of spiritual power, like a tendril, quietly extending towards the direction from which the killing intent came.
Mental power can penetrate walls and obstacles.
In an instant, the scene in a secluded room not far away was projected into his mind.
Tang Yuehua stood in the room, her face showing undisguised worry and weariness. Standing before her was Tang San, his face pale and his eyes darting around nervously.
Tang Yuehua lowered her voice, her tone filled with urgency and confusion:
"Xiao San, you stay here for now. Don't go anywhere, and don't use your soul power."
She paused, her eyes filled with confusion and heartache, and couldn't help but ask:
"And...you...your Clear Sky Hammer, how...how did it become like that? That white spirit ring, and those...things, what exactly happened?!"
Upon hearing this, Tang San's body visibly stiffened. His eyes darted around, his lips trembled, and he stammered as if he wanted to explain, but couldn't come up with anything coherent. He could only vaguely evade the question, saying, "Auntie, I... I had some kind of accident while absorbing the spirit ring..."
Seeing his expression, Tang Yuehua, though filled with countless doubts, knew this was not the time to delve into them. She could only sigh helplessly and wave her hand, saying:
"Forget it, now is not the time to talk about this. Anyway, the news of your return, especially the situation of your martial soul, must not be leaked for the time being, especially not to the elders in the sect! After your elder brother finishes dealing with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's visit today, he and I will think of a way to help you cover it up and formally bring you back to your ancestral clan."
Hearing Tang Yuehua's words that she intended to handle the matter internally and even cover it up, he was shocked.
A barely perceptible smile appeared on Tang Chuan's lips.
"Trying to quietly suppress this matter?"
"It's not that easy."
Just then, led by Tang Long, they happened to reach a corner of a building structure, and their view was blocked by a wall.
A figure, identical in build, appearance, and even clothing to Tang Long, who was leading the way, emerged silently from the shadows behind them, like a ghost.
…………
A moment later, inside the Haotian Sect, a figure strode quickly under the eaves.
His appearance was none other than Tang Long, the sect leader Tang Xiao's capable assistant.
However, he was actually created by Tang Chuan using a simulated soul skill.
With a clear objective, the fake Tang Long went straight to the residence of the Seventh Elder, who was known for his fiery temper and harbored the deepest resentment towards Tang Hao from years past.
"Seventh Elder!" The fake Tang Long's face displayed just the right amount of anxiety and indignation, even slightly out of breath, as if he had run all the way here, as he said, "This disciple has important matters to report!"
The door creaked open.
The stern-faced Seventh Elder, his beard and hair standing on end, appeared at the door, frowning as he said, "Tang Long? What's the matter? Weren't you sent to receive the guests from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"
"Elder, this is indeed the matter!"
The fake Tang Long lowered his voice, but couldn't hide his excitement, and explained, "While I was arranging for our distinguished guest to go to the main hall to see the sect leader, I overheard someone returning. Can you guess who it was?"
"Who?"
"It's Tang San! Tang Hao's son, he's back!"
"What?!" The Seventh Elder's pupils shrank, and his voice suddenly rose.
The fake Tang Long continued to embellish the story, his face displaying just the right amount of disgust and disbelief, saying, "Moreover...moreover, this disciple witnessed with his own eyes that he released his Martial Soul! His Clear Sky Hammer...his Clear Sky Hammer actually...actually had a white ten-year Soul Ring wrapped around it!"
"The hammer itself was crawling with countless wriggling maggots! It emitted an indescribable stench! It has utterly trampled the glory of my Haotian Sect into the mud!"
"Is this true?!" Upon hearing this, the Seventh Elder was initially incredulous, but then an uncontrollable rage instantly overwhelmed his reason.
A white ten-year spirit ring?
A Haotian Hammer crawling with maggots?
This is no longer a matter of talent; it is a complete desecration of the Clear Sky Hammer martial spirit! It is an unprecedented disgrace to the Clear Sky Sect!
"Absolutely true! I saw it with my own eyes! He is currently being hidden by Lady Yuehua in the guest room on the west side!" the fake Tang Long said confidently.
"You scoundrel! Tang Hao's fine son! How dare he defile the sect's martial spirit like this! Do Tang Xiao and Yuehua still intend to hide this?!"
Upon hearing this, the Seventh Elder was instantly enraged and could no longer restrain himself. A powerful surge of soul power erupted from his body. He didn't care about Tang Long and, with a flash, charged towards the council hall like a furious lion!
Watching the Seventh Elder's departing figure, Tang Chuan, disguised, curled a cold smile at the corner of his mouth. Clearly, he had already ignited the fire.
…………
Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside the Haotian Sect's council hall was solemn and serious.
Sect Master Tang Xiao sat upright in the main seat. Although his heart was still churning with the matter of Tang San, his face had regained its usual composure.
Below, Ning Fengzhi sat calmly in the guest seat, with Bone Douluo standing quietly beside him.
"Sect Master Tang, my visit is out of necessity." Ning Fengzhi's voice was clear and he got straight to the point: "I'm sure you already know that the Spirit Hall harbors wolfish ambitions and launched a ruthless attack not long ago. My Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan... have suffered annihilation."
Nodding, Tang Xiao's expression turned solemn, and he said in a deep voice:
"I have heard about this matter and am deeply saddened. The Spirit Hall's actions are indeed defying the world's will, and are intended to eliminate all forces that hinder its unification of the continent."
"That's exactly right." Ning Fengzhi continued, his tone becoming extremely solemn. "Two of the three upper sects are already gone. As the number one sect in the world, the Haotian Sect is the strongest and will inevitably become the next thorn in the side of the Spirit Hall!"
"The principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold' is something that Emperor Tang must understand better than Feng Zhi."
"Your sect may be able to defend its strategic location by itself, but it may not be able to withstand the overwhelming power of the Spirit Hall."
As he said this, he leaned forward slightly, his gaze earnest.
"Therefore, entrusted by Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire, and also out of the common wish of us survivors, Feng Zhi has come to pay a visit to Sect Master Tang. We earnestly request that the Clear Sky Sect set aside past grievances and unite with us to fight against the Spirit Hall! Only by working together can we seize a glimmer of hope in this chaotic world, preserve our sect's legacy, and maintain the balance of the continent!"
After a moment of contemplation, Tang Xiao nodded again, knowing that Ning Fengzhi's words were true.
With the threat from the Spirit Hall looming large, forming an alliance is indeed a wise move.
After a moment, he slowly spoke, "Sect Leader Ning's words are all reasonable. The Spirit Hall is powerful, and our Clear Sky Sect also feels the pressure. An alliance is indeed necessary. However, the specifics of how to unite, how to allocate forces, and how to share intelligence still require careful consideration..."
However, at that moment...
"boom!!!"
The heavy doors of the council hall were suddenly kicked open from the outside with brute force!
The loud noise instantly interrupted all conversations inside the hall!
The Seventh Elder, his beard and hair bristling, his face contorted with rage, radiating a palpable fury, charged in like a whirlwind.
His gaze, sharp as lightning, locked onto Tang Xiao, who sat at the head of the table. Completely ignoring Ning Fengzhi and the others present, he launched into a thunderous interrogation:
"Tang Xiao! How dare you! Your good nephew Tang San is back, and he's turned the sect's Clear Sky Hammer into a filthy mess crawling with maggots! This scoundrel who has defiled the sect's martial spirit and disgraced the Clear Sky Sect, instead of immediately capturing and severely punishing him, you actually dare to hide him and try to protect him?! Do you have any respect for the sect rules?! Do you have any respect for our ancestors?!"
Upon hearing this, Tang Xiao's face instantly turned extremely ugly. He never expected that the Seventh Elder would expose this matter in such a drastic way at this crucial moment!
Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo exchanged a glance, seemingly already knowing something.
At this moment, the Seventh Elder's thunderous questioning echoed continuously in the hall, each word like a whip lashing at Tang Xiao's face.
Tang Xiao's face darkened abruptly, a flicker of panic crossing his eyes. However, his composure as a sect leader allowed him to quickly regain his composure, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure and feigned incomprehension as he spoke:
"Seventh Elder! What are you saying? With distinguished guests here to discuss important matters, how can you be so disrespectful, spouting nonsense and slandering the sect's disciples? What Tang San's return, what strange occurrences with the Clear Sky Hammer—I know nothing of it! Stop talking nonsense and disrupting our business. Get out of here!"
He tried to suppress the matter temporarily by using his authority as the sect leader and by feigning ignorance.
At the very least, we cannot deal with this family scandal in front of Ning Fengzhi and the others.
However, since the Seventh Elder dared to barge in directly, he must have been absolutely certain of success, or rather, he had been blinded by rage.
Seeing that Tang Xiao dared to deny it to his face, he was so angry that he trembled all over, and laughed in a fit of rage:
"Hahaha! What a fine 'I know nothing' attitude! Sect Master, even now you still want to protect that bastard and safeguard the seed of disaster left by Tang Hao?!"
He took a sudden step forward, unleashing his powerful soul force without hesitation, subtly clashing with Tang Xiao's aura. His voice rose even higher, almost roaring.
"You think I'm bluffing you?! Let me tell you, before coming here, I already sent someone to invite your good nephew! Judging by the time, he should have been here by now and is on his way to this hall! How long are you going to keep up this act?!"
These words were like revealing the true nature of a hidden agenda! Tang Xiao's face instantly turned ashen, and the Seventh Elder shattered his last shred of hope.
The Seventh Elder has actually taken action to bring people away?!
This means that the truth can no longer be hidden!
Taking a deep breath, Tang Xiao knew that continuing to pretend was pointless and would only make him appear more guilty. He glanced at Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo, who both looked astonished, with complicated emotions, and finally turned to the Seventh Elder with difficulty, his tone softening and carrying an almost pleading tone, saying:
"Seventh Elder! Even if... even if this is true, Sect Master Ning and Bone Douluo are here now, and we are discussing a major matter concerning the survival of our sect and our joint fight against the Spirit Hall!"
"This is the most important matter at present! Tang San's matter is an internal affair of our sect. Could we discuss it later? Once this matter is resolved, I will certainly give you and all the elders a satisfactory explanation!"
He tried to prioritize the bigger picture and hoped to buy Tang San some time.
But how could the Seventh Elder, who was in a fit of anger, listen to such words?
To him, this was clearly Tang Xiao's excuse to delay and cover up the wrongdoing!
"fart!"
The Seventh Elder rudely interrupted Tang Xiao, spitting almost onto Tang Xiao's face. His hair stood on end in anger, and he said in a resolute voice:
"In the future? There is no future! Today! Right now! The honor of our sect is above all else!"
"This scoundrel who tarnishes the spirit of martial arts and disgraces the reputation of our sect cannot be allowed to tarnish the honor of my Clear Sky Sect for even a moment! All matters of alliance must step aside!"
"Today, right here in this great hall, under the watchful eyes of our ancestors, this bastard must be dealt with immediately! No amount of pleading will change anything!"
His arrogant and domineering remarks, which showed no regard for the overall situation, made Tang Xiao tremble with anger, yet he was helpless.
…………
A dozen minutes later, the once solemn and dignified council hall was transformed.
At this moment, however, the place became bustling with noise, creating a sense of impending doom.
Upon receiving the news, almost all the disciples of the Haotian Sect, whether core direct descendants or outer disciples, rushed over, crowding the entire hall to capacity.
They whispered amongst themselves, their eyes filled with curiosity, scrutiny, and undisguised doubt and anger.
At the front of the hall, led by the Seventh Elder, the Second Elder, Third Elder, Fourth Elder, and Fifth Elder were all present. They all had solemn expressions, some glaring angrily, others closing their eyes to rest. However, the invisible pressure they exuded made the atmosphere in the entire hall so heavy that it was almost dripping with water.
Tang Xiao sat upright in the main seat, his face ashen, his fists clenched tightly on the armrests, his knuckles white.
Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo sat in the guest seats, their brows slightly furrowed.
As outsiders, they can only wait and see.
Just then, a commotion broke out among the crowd at the entrance of the hall, and a passage automatically opened up.
Tang Yuehua walked ahead with her lips tightly pressed together and her face pale. She tried her best to remain calm, but her slightly trembling fingers betrayed her inner tension and unease.
Behind her was Tang San, who had his head down, his face equally pale, and he didn't even dare to look directly at the people around him.
Silence, a deathly silence, like the calm before a storm.
However, this silence lasted for less than three seconds.
It was unclear which radical youth in the crowd couldn't hold back any longer, but he suddenly erupted into a roar filled with contempt and resentment:
"Tang Hao's family's trash, get out of the Clear Sky Sect! You don't deserve to be here!"
That sound was like the fuse that ignited a powder keg!
In an instant, the resentment that had been building up for years, the humiliation they had suffered because of the sect's retreat, and their anger at Tang Hao's actions back then, all poured out like a flood from a burst dam towards Tang San, who had just entered the hall and looked incredibly frail!
"Get out! The Haotian Sect doesn't welcome you!"
"It's all because of you, father and son, that we're forced to hide here like cowards!"
"You still have the nerve to come back? Look at the mess you and your son have made!"
"Everyone, attack together and kill him! Avenge our loved ones killed by the Spirit Hall!"
P.S.: This is a combined two-part article; the word count remains the same.
(End of this chapter)