"What is your father's name?"
Tang San snapped out of his thoughts. He looked toward Tai Tan, whose whole body was trembling with barely contained emotion. Puzzled by the reaction, Tang San replied honestly,"…Tang Hao."
Thud!
Tai Tan suddenly dropped to his knees."Young master!"
The shout echoed across the area, stunning everyone. The moment Tai Tan heard that name, his master's name, he didn't hesitate for even a breath. He knelt deeply, without resentment, without pride, only respect for his master.
Seeing their clan leader kneeling, the surrounding Strength Clan members froze for a moment before following suit, dropping to their knees one after another. Only Tai Nuo remained standing, his face pale and trembling with disbelief.
Tang San's mind went blank. Father? What kind of person are you? The realization that his father's name alone could make such a towering figure kneel left him utterly dazed.
Before he could process anything, an angry roar broke through the stunned silence.
"Father! He poisoned my son, your grandson! And you kneel to him?" Tai Nuo's voice cracked with fury. Veins bulged across his forehead as he glared at both Tang San and his father. "Even if he's Tang Hao's son, is he more important than your own blood?"
"Tai Nuo!" Tai Tan turned sharply, his expression became serious. "The young master already explained that this matter has nothing to do with him. I believe his words."
Hearing this, Tai Nuo was left speechless. The rest of the clan members exchanged stunned glances, unable to comprehend their leader's sudden change in attitude.
Tang San seized the moment. He stepped forward calmly and respectfully, reaching out to help Tai Tan stand."Senior, please get up," he said softly. "I cannot bear to see you kneel to me."
After helping him up, Tang San turned toward Tai Nuo, his tone earnest."Senior, when Tai Long came to challenge me with the crowd, I threw stones only to distract them and escape. I truly did not poison anyone."
Tai Tan immediately nodded in agreement, supporting Tang San without hesitation."That's right. The young master wouldn't lie about such a thing."
"But..."
"Enough," Tai Tan said firmly interrupting Tai Nuo. "Yang Wudi is already on his way. He'll definitely find a cure for Tai Long. Don't trouble the young master anymore."
Tai Nuo's fists trembled as his chest heaved violently. He wanted to argue, to shout, but against both his father's authority and Tang Hao's name, he had no ground to stand on.
Tai Nuo gritted his teeth but finally lowered his head."…Understood, Father."
Deep inside, however, his anger burned hotter. He would not forget this humiliation. No matter what it took, he would uncover the truth behind Tai Long's poisoning.
With Tai Tan forgetting all about finding the culprit and instead licking Tang San, Tai Nuo nearly coughed blood in frustration.
Meanwhile, in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan
Ning Fengzhi sat in his study, reading the report sent by the spies following Tang San. His pupils shrank as shock filled his expression.
"Fengzhi, what happened?" Chen Xin, seated beside him, asked curiously.
"It's information about Tang San's background," Ning Fengzhi replied, his tone troubled. "Things have gotten complicated. We can no longer afford to force him."
"Oh? What kind of background could trouble you this much?"
"Clear Sky Douluo, Tang Hao." As Ning Fengzhi spoke that name, his voice trembled.
That name was not one to be taken lightly. The man's past feats were enough to make him a living legend.
Chen Xin immediately understood why Ning Fengzhi looked so unsettled. Even he wasn't confident that he could achieve what Tang Hao had done.
Ning Fengzhi knew that without force, Tang San would never hand over the techniques from the Xuan Tian Records. But if he tried to take them by force, Tang Hao or the Clear Sky Clan would surely retaliate, bringing disaster upon the sect.
As he pondered the dilemma, a thought from the report resurfaced, Tang San possessed twin spirits. That meant he had the potential to stand at the very peak of the world. If he could be tied to the sect before reaching that point, it would secure the future backing of both Tang San and Clear Sky Clan. The sect would gain Tang Hao's support, access to the Xuan Tian Record's techniques, and a powerful backing for generations to come.
The more Ning Fengzhi thought about it, the more perfect the plan seemed.
"Uncle Sword," he said suddenly, "I intend to marry Rongrong to Tang San."
"No." Chen Xin's refusal was immediate and absolute. "That Tang San's character is terrible. He's more like a clown."
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi's brow furrowed slightly as he also learned what happened in the capital.
Chen Xin also had clearly heard about Tang San's adventures in the capital, and the disgust in his tone made his position clear, he would never allow his precious Rongrong to marry someone like that.
"Uncle Sword, listen to me," Thinking about the future of the sect, Ning Fengzhi hardened himself and patiently beginning to explain the immense benefits such a union could bring to the sect.
"No matter what you say," Chen Xin interrupted stubbornly, "I will not allow Rongrong's happiness to be sacrificed for the sake of the sect."
"Uncle Sword," Ning Fengzhi pressed, "Tang San has twin martial spirits. If we can tie him to our sect, then in the future we won't need to worry about Rongrong or the clan. We can't protect her forever. We have to think ahead."
Chen Xin fell silent. After a long moment of thought, he sighed."Let Rongrong decide for herself. But if she doesn't agree, I'll never allow it."
"Okay, Uncle Sword. I'll go speak with Rongrong now." Ning Fengzhi finally exhaled in relief, satisfied that he had at least won partial consent.