Chapter 326: Tang San, You'll Never Forget Me Even in Your Next Life
At the Yu Clan's estate...
The grand building was constructed entirely of stone, radiating a rugged, unbreakable aura. The towering guards at the gate, all clan disciples, looked imposing and strong, giving an impression of unwavering defense.
Just then, a Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan carriage slowly entered the street leading to the estate. The Yu Clan disciples guarding the gate gaped in surprise as the carriage halted right outside.
"Hurry, inform the clan leader!" a quick-thinking guard urgently ordered his stunned companion, who immediately sprinted off toward the main house. Such a prominent visitor could only be greeted by the clan leader himself.
The carriage's curtain lifted, and Dai Yao stepped out first, offering a hand to help Ning Rongrong down. He then reached to assist Feng Wutong, who was about to step out, only for her to refuse. Dai Yao frowned slightly and firmly took her hand to help her down. He refused to treat the two women any differently.
Observing this interaction, Sword Douluo remained silent, as if he had seen nothing.
As the four stepped down, the previously quiet estate erupted in noise. A tall, robust man, roughly fifty years old, dashed out of the main building, calling loudly, "Where? Where are they? Where's the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"
His booming voice echoed like a drum, drawing the gaze of Dai Yao's group. The man was huge, with broad, muscular shoulders that looked as solid as a fortress, giving off an aura of unbreakable strength. His ruddy face and bright eyes showed no sign of age or weariness.
Ning Rongrong and Dai Yao exchanged a quick glance. She stepped forward gracefully, hands folded in front of her, and said with a polite smile, "You must be Niu Gao, the leader of the Yu Clan. I am Ning Rongrong, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's vice leader. I apologize for arriving unannounced."
"Unannounced? No need for apologies! The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's visit is an honor to us!" Niu Gao laughed heartily.
At the words "vice leader," his eyes narrowed slightly, and he glanced over at the hooded figures beside Ning Rongrong, lingering on the slim figure with silver hair that radiated like a sharp blade. His eyes widened with recognition as he quickly bowed, "Please forgive me, Sword Douluo; I didn't realize it was you!"
Sword Douluo said calmly, "There's no need for formality; I'm only here to support Rongrong today. Let her handle this."
Everyone felt a surge of awe at Sword Douluo's presence. Titled Douluos were few in number, but here, in front of them, stood one of the most renowned attack-type soul masters in the world. They were lucky to witness such a figure.
Niu Gao gestured respectfully and said, "Please, come inside!"
Dai Yao smirked beneath his hood. This was the benefit of a strong alliance—had he come alone, he might have been thrown out. After all, Tang San had only been able to stay thanks to Titan's introduction and guarantee amidst the clan's hostility.
Inside the grand reception hall of the estate, Niu Gao took the central seat and instructed his son, Niu Ben, "Quickly! Serve our guests."
Niu Ben nodded, placing large cups resembling small barrels before each guest. Then, he filled each with the clan's potent, aromatic wine. The strong smell made Ning Rongrong wrinkle her nose.
Niu Gao immediately got up and smacked Niu Ben on the head, exclaiming, "You fool! I told you to serve tea, not wine!"
Rubbing his sore head, Niu Ben muttered in protest, "But, Father, we don't have tea here. You're the one who says we should always serve wine to guests."
Niu Gao hesitated, realizing the estate indeed had no tea. Awkwardly, he smiled at Ning Rongrong, slightly embarrassed.
Ning Rongrong and Dai Yao exchanged a quick look and stifled their laughter. Feng Wutong couldn't help but chuckle softly as well. The Yu Clan's straightforward nature was apparent from its leader and his son, and their loyalty would undoubtedly be invaluable if they joined their cause.
Despite his rough appearance, Niu Gao was sharp, noting that Ning Rongrong frequently glanced at the hooded man beside her. Curious, he turned to Ning Rongrong and asked, "And who might this be?"
Before she could answer, Dai Yao raised a hand, stopping her. "Clan Leader Niu Gao, I'll reveal my identity soon enough, but not now. I need to wait for one more person. Once they arrive, I'll explain everything."
Ning Rongrong and Sword Douluo looked at Dai Yao in surprise, wondering who he was waiting for. However, they trusted him and didn't press him further.
Niu Gao didn't seem bothered by this, laughing heartily, "Of course! As esteemed guests of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, I'll respect your decision."
As Niu Gao resumed his seat, Ning Rongrong struck up a conversation. Niu Gao laughed and chatted back with ease, but he couldn't help but feel a bit of awe. She was a sharp negotiator, subtly extracting valuable details about the Yu Clan's current state. It was only then he realized how much she was gleaning.
"This vice leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan isn't someone to be underestimated," he thought.
Finally, after some light conversation, Ning Rongrong revealed the purpose of their visit. She smiled and said, "Clan Leader Niu Gao, we've come with a proposal."
Niu Gao's eyes brightened as he composed himself to listen. He had been waiting eagerly for her to reveal her intentions.
"Please, go on."
With a gentle smile, Ning Rongrong explained, "As you know, the situation on the continent grows more volatile by the day. The Spirit Hall is already showing signs of hostility toward the two empires. It's evident that, sooner or later, the Spirit Hall will make its move. When that day comes, every force on the continent will be forced to choose a side, or they'll be swept away in the turmoil."
"We, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, wish to support the creation of a neutral sect, one that can unite and protect the independent forces. By banding together, we can survive the coming storm. Our clan will be the first to join this alliance once it's established."
Niu Gao's gaze shifted, pausing briefly on Sword Douluo before he gritted his teeth and said, "The two empires and the Spirit Hall are both bent on unifying the continent under their rule. And now, it seems the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan also has a grand ambition. Aren't you just recruiting smaller forces like ours to be your cannon fodder?"
"You were the first to join, so why bother with all this? Won't the sect you establish end up being under your control?!"
His fiery temper flared up, and even with Sword Douluo nearby, he had to voice his true thoughts—keeping it in would have been unbearable.
Hearing this, even Sword Douluo looked at Niu Gao with slight surprise. He smiled, shook his head, and closed his eyes again.
Ning Rongrong wasn't angry. She understood Niu Gao's concerns and explained with a smile:
"Senior Niu Gao, please don't worry. First, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would never do something like that. Our reputation on the continent has always been impeccable."
"Second, this sect we're talking about establishing won't have anything to do with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's affairs. That's because the idea of establishing it didn't come from us—it was proposed by the person beside me."
"All matters regarding the sect will be handled by him."
Niu Gao couldn't help but look again at the black-robed Dai Yao, his expression filled with suspicion.
He didn't understand what kind of ability this man could possibly have to warrant the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's young leader promising not to interfere and to even provide unconditional support.
Could it be that the young sect leader liked him? But even if that were the case, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect wouldn't indulge her whims so easily. Supporting a sect unconditionally, even for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, would be no trivial matter.
In truth, establishing a sect had always been one of his dreams.
Bringing together Old Gorilla, Old White Bird, and Old Mountain Goat—those fellows—and forming a union just like twenty years ago would be worth it, even if it cost his life.
However, ever since the four single-attribute clans split up years ago, everyone had been nursing their wounds separately, a far cry from their former glory. The once-common bond of the Clear Sky Sect had become a painful memory no one wanted to bring up.
Another issue was the absence of a sufficiently prestigious figure to unite them all.
If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was willing to step into that role, he might reluctantly accept it. But if it was some unknown kid serving as the sect master, there was no way he'd agree.
Niu Gao tapped his thick fingers against the stone armrest, staring intently at Dai Yao. After a long pause, he finally spoke:
"If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were leading this, I, this old bag of bones, would be willing. But having some unknown brat as the sect master? I can't accept it!"
"Kid, if you tell me your identity, this old man might reconsider."
"Moreover, the four single-attribute clans will be meeting in the next few days. By then, I can even introduce you to them if need be."
From under the black robe came a faint chuckle:
"Clan Chief Niu Gao, you might as well wait. When a certain someone arrives, you'll naturally learn my identity. If you agree now, you might regret it once that person shows up."
After all, he was from Spirit Hall, which had a blood feud with the four single-attribute clans. While he hadn't personally been involved in the past conflicts, he couldn't guarantee he wouldn't be caught in the crossfire.
If he revealed his identity now, he'd undoubtedly be driven away. Even if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect vouched for him, he wouldn't receive a warm welcome.
But Tang San wouldn't fare much better. Back then, the Clear Sky Sect had abandoned the four clans too.
In truth, the four clans bore grudges against both Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect.
When Tang San arrived, the contrast between them would make him look much better in comparison.
Dai Yao's words left Niu Gao puzzled, but since Dai Yao insisted on waiting, Niu Gao decided to bide his time. Meanwhile, his curiosity only deepened.
For now, the group chatted casually.
As the sun began to set, commotion arose outside the estate. An excited disciple rushed in. Upon seeing the members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he offered an apologetic look before whispering something into Niu Gao's ear.
Niu Gao's bull-like eyes widened in astonishment as he asked excitedly:
"Really?"
The disciple nodded emphatically.
Niu Gao stood up and apologized to the group, "The Titan of the Strength Clan has arrived. I'll go greet him first. Kid, you can keep waiting for that person you mentioned."
Hearing the impatience in his tone, Dai Yao stood as well and said with a smile, "No need to wait. That person has already arrived."
Niu Gao froze, realizing what Dai Yao meant, and hurried toward the entrance. Dai Yao and the others followed.
Before reaching the gate, they heard a booming voice outside, laughing and calling Niu Gao "Old Rhino" repeatedly.
Niu Gao quickened his pace and laughed heartily:
"You old gorilla! I haven't even left the sect, and I can already hear your loud mouth. How dare you call me that nickname, hmph!"
Stepping outside, a figure even taller and burlier than Niu Gao appeared before them.
Titan grinned broadly when he saw Niu Gao and teased, "Feeling feisty, huh? How about a strength contest? If you beat me, I'll stop calling you Old Rhino. How about that?"
The two elders immediately embraced each other with a shared understanding, though their bulging muscles and strained veins made it clear this hug was anything but simple.
While the two were locked in their contest of strength, Dai Yao's gaze shifted to the people behind Titan.
Tang San, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun.
Tang San looked the same as he had back in the Star Dou Forest, but Oscar and Ma Hongjun's demeanor was markedly different from the original story.
Unlike before, both carried an air of frivolity. Their reddened eyes and pale lips suggested they had been living indulgently.
At this moment, Oscar spotted Ning Rongrong behind Dai Yao and called out with delight, "Rongrong!"
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong turned her attention away from the two elders. She was momentarily stunned upon seeing Oscar and Tang San, but her expression soon turned cold and distant.
"Hello."
Back then, after Ning Rongrong refused to contribute the Zhuge Divine Crossbow during their academy days, she had faced exclusion from the other six Shrek members. Though it hurt, she didn't regret her decision and ultimately chose to leave Shrek Academy.
Over the years, she'd learned of Oscar and Ma Hongjun's debauched lifestyles, which only deepened her disinterest in them.
"Five years apart, and Rongrong has become a real beauty!" Ma Hongjun said, his previously dazed gaze sharpening slightly at the sight of her. Despite his usual lewdness, he restrained himself out of respect for their past friendship.
"Thank you," Ning Rongrong replied indifferently.
Oscar, oblivious to Ning Rongrong's cold attitude, eagerly said, "Rongrong, Tang San is forming a sect and needs some funding. Join us, and the Shrek Seven Devils can reunite!"
Hearing Tang San was establishing a sect, Ning Rongrong's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't help but glance at the black-robed Dai Yao.
Could Tang San be the person Dai Yao was waiting for?
But how did he know Tang San was planning to establish a sect? And why would Tang San show up here at the Strength Clan?
Tang San followed Ning Rongrong's gaze toward Dai Yao. When he saw the black-robed figure, his brow furrowed deeply.
For some reason, this person made him extremely uncomfortable.
"Rongrong, aren't you going to introduce us to this person?" Tang San asked coldly, his gaze fixed on the black-robed figure.
Ning Rongrong wanted to scold Tang San for acting as though they were still close, but Dai Yao stopped her with a small gesture.
Meeting Tang San's dark expression, Dai Yao chuckled softly and slowly removed his hood, revealing a face that Tang San would never forget and loathe for the rest of his life.
"I don't think I need an introduction, do I, Tang San? I'm afraid you couldn't forget me even in your next life."
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