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Chapter 973 - Chapter 973: The Rebellious Tang San

As the entire Hao Tian Sect united in defiance, Tang San took a single step forward and instantly appeared above the sect.

The moment Tang San appeared, he unfurled his eight pairs of wings, releasing an overwhelming divine might. In an instant, everyone except the Title Douluo Elders collapsed to their knees in worship.

Although Tang San's strength was incomparable to what it once was, those present immediately recognized him.

The seventh elder, who had always been at odds with Tang San's family, roared furiously:

"Tang San, what do you think you're doing! This is the Hao Tian Sect! Are you planning to rebel?!"

Before anyone could hear Tang San's response, he shot a cold glare at the seventh elder.

Instantly, the elder's face turned pale as he was violently flung backward, crashing into a nearby mountain peak. Dust clouds erupted, and cracks spider-webbed across the mountainside. Clearly, Tang San's seemingly casual glance carried devastating power.

This development left Tang Hao restless. He had worked hard to gain the sect's acceptance during this time, but now Tang San had attacked one of the sect's elders—wasn't this undoing all his efforts?

"Xiao San, you—"

But before Tang Hao could finish, Tang San, who had always respected him in the past, suddenly intensified his divine pressure, cutting off Tang Hao's words.

Standing mid-air, Tang San's expression was calm yet exuded a sacred and solemn aura. He spoke slowly:

"Father, I've broken through to level 100 and ascended to godhood. It's time for the Hao Tian Sect's rules to change.

You did nothing wrong in the past; there's no need to compromise with these cowardly individuals. They have no right to force us to yield anymore."

At this point, Tang San's gaze shifted to Tang Xiao, who was struggling against his divine pressure.

His eyes darkened with complexity. There were too many unanswered questions about his parents' past, and Tang San's naturally suspicious nature made him uneasy seeing the sect leader position that should have belonged to his father occupied by someone else.

"Uncle, over the years, you've worked tirelessly for the Hao Tian Sect. Look how your hair has turned white from worry. Now that I've become a god, the Hao Tian Sect no longer has anything to fear. Step down and enjoy your retirement."

Tang Xiao's expression turned grim, but he had grown somewhat accustomed to Tang San's divine pressure by now. With great difficulty, he replied:

"Xiao San, what you say makes sense, but please lift this pressure. We're all family here; there's no need to make things so tense."

Seeing that his display of power had achieved its purpose, Tang San eased up and descended gracefully, standing before the crowd.

Up close, the Hao Tian Sect members grew even more awestruck. The magnificent and imposing divine armor radiated an aura of divinity, evoking an irresistible urge to bow in reverence.

Just as everyone began to feel admiration, Tang Hao interjected:

"Xiao San, stop this nonsense! Who else but your uncle should hold the position of sect leader? And what you just did was completely excessive—apologize to your uncle immediately!"

Years of Tang San's obsequious behavior had spoiled Tang Hao, making him believe Tang San would comply with whatever he said.

However, after ten lifetimes of illusory dreams, Tang San's psychological age—if not a thousand, then at least six or seven hundred years old—had long diluted any filial piety. In fact, memories of good families only highlighted Tang Hao's failures as a father.

Now, Tang San's gaze turned icy toward Tang Hao.

Tang San: My future puppet dares to command me!?

Seeing Tang San's chilling gaze, Tang Hao felt an inexplicable panic. Tang San's drastic change left him bewildered—his son had never dared to look at him like this before.

At this moment, Tang San's eyes flickered with red light, and Tang Hao's expression froze instantly.

"Father, take your rightful place as the sect leader of the Hao Tian Sect," Tang San said indifferently.

Tang Hao's demeanor remained natural, but his tone was wooden as he responded, "Alright, from today onward, I am the sect leader of the Hao Tian Sect."

Watching this scene, Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua, standing nearby, immediately paled. Outsiders might not notice Tang Hao's abnormality, but as siblings, they were intimately familiar with each other's subtle expressions. Clearly, Tang Hao was not in his normal state.

The other elders, being powerful soul masters, quickly noticed Tang Hao's unusual condition. But under Tang San's oppressive divine might, none dared to disrupt this false leadership transition ceremony.

Why? Because Tang San was simply too strong. Without raising a hand, his mere presence suppressed any thoughts of resistance.

As for how Tang San controlled Tang Hao, the reason was simple: the Asura Domain. The authority and final interpretation of this divine domain naturally rested with the Asura God—and Tang San was now the Asura God.

While Tang San pondered how to train Tang Hao to cooperate instead of constantly expending effort to control him, his brow suddenly twitched, and he turned to look toward the entrance of the Hao Tian Sect's ancestral grounds.

"Uncle, we have distinguished guests. Please go to the main gate and greet them personally," Tang San instructed calmly.

Decades of hardship had smoothed Tang Xiao's sharp edges. Though he inwardly resented being ordered around by his young nephew, the current situation forced him to comply. He obediently went to the gate.

Soon, an elder dressed in official robes of the Star Luo Empire was brought directly to the Hao Tian Sect.

The visitor was none other than the fourth elder of the Star Luo imperial family. He looked around in confusion at Tang Xiao, wondering why the sect leader himself acted like a doorman, greeting him personally. Moreover, why were all these Hao Tian Sect members kneeling on the ground?

Though Tang Hao had become the sect's puppet leader, everyone instinctively looked to Tang San, the true mastermind behind the Hao Tian Sect.

Tang San stood at the top of the stairs, looking down at the fourth elder.

"Who are you, and what business do you have with the Hao Tian Sect?"

By now, Tang San already had some idea of the man's identity. Someone wearing royal attire and appearing so aged was likely an elder of the Star Luo imperial family. Furthermore, due to his ascension to godhood, Tang San's Purple Extreme Demon Eye had greatly improved, allowing him to see auras others couldn't—such as killing intent, death qi, and imperial majesty.

From the fourth elder, Tang San sensed a massive amount of killing intent. Such a high-ranking royal elder shouldn't have accumulated so much killing intent, leading Tang San to suspect something was amiss.

Star Luo… Something's wrong!

The fourth elder adjusted his robes slightly and bowed respectfully to Tang San. "I am the fourth elder of the Star Luo imperial family. I've come to seek the Hao Tian Sect's assistance."

The elder then launched into a lengthy explanation about rebellious nobles causing chaos within the Star Luo Empire. He described Zhu Zhuqing, a Title Douluo, in the most exaggerated and villainous terms—claiming she killed indiscriminately and devoured virgins.

Tang San listened with a growing headache. While he enjoyed being flattered by those who once looked down on him, he wasn't a fool.

Halfway through the explanation, Tang San couldn't bear it anymore and unleashed another wave of divine might, pinning the elder forcefully to the ground.

Instantly, the bricks beneath the elder cracked under the pressure. Tang San hadn't held back this time.

Still, the fourth elder, despite his slick talk, was no pushover. Though punished by Tang San, he didn't utter a word, only beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead as he praised:

"The sect leader's strength is truly remarkable. I never expected to be subdued so easily."

Thanks to the earlier flattery, Tang San had developed some immunity. His expression remained calm as he replied:

"Enough. Let's get to the point. The current sect leader of the Hao Tian Sect isn't me—it's my father, Tang Hao."

The fourth elder's expression turned incredulous as he subtly glanced at Tang Hao, who stood motionless like a statue.

'What nonsense is this? No self-respecting sect leader stands around like a guard!'

After a brief internal rant, the fourth elder's mind was struck with shock.

Tang San had openly revealed his identity. The fourth elder, having done his homework beforehand, knew Tang San was merely a young man under twenty. How could someone so young lead a sect with Title Douluos?!

By now, Tang San had lifted the divine pressure. The fourth elder slowly rose and discreetly glanced at Tang San's divine armor.

That single glance made him realize this seemingly ordinary young man was no ordinary individual. The sacred majesty he exuded far surpassed even the Super Douluos the elder had met before.

'What kind of luck did the Hao Tian Sect stumble upon to produce such a successor!' The fourth elder envied them deeply.

At the same time, Tang San's immense strength gave the elder greater confidence in defending the empire's legacy. He wasted no more time and directly explained the Star Luo imperial family's request.

After listening, Tang San stroked his smooth chin thoughtfully.

When inheriting the divine position, the Asura God King had explicitly warned Tang San to avoid unnecessary trouble and focus on cultivating to godhood.

But would Tang San listen?

If Tang San were truly obedient, he wouldn't have knowingly stolen secret manuals in his previous life.

Clearly, the Asura God King had misjudged him. Instead of vaguely advising Tang San to cultivate diligently, he should have outright warned him about the terrifying return of Ye Wen, the ancient god.

At this moment, Tang San's thoughts ran deep:

'As the ancients say, if the enemy can invade, so can I. Why should I obediently inherit Slaughter City's dark corner and gather limited faith energy?

According to the former Asura God King, that faith energy is enough to elevate me to a God King. But I'm tired of living under others' shadows.

I will ascend step by step to become the supreme God King of the divine realm. For that, I need more, more, MORE faith energy!'

A sinister smile crept onto Tang San's face. "So, you want the Hao Tian Sect to support the Star Luo imperial family, correct?"

The fourth elder nodded vigorously. Though the Star Luo imperial family wasn't sure how many Title Douluos the Hao Tian Sect concealed, Tang Xiao and Tang Hao—both Super Douluos—had returned, which would provide significant help. At any cost, the Hao Tian Sect's strength had to be secured.

"We can send troops to assist. I despise traitors as well," Tang San said indifferently.

Upon hearing this, the fourth elder felt the matter was settled.

But suddenly, Tang San changed his tone, causing the elder's heart to sink.

"However, feeding such a large sect requires resources. If the Star Luo imperial family only offers a noble title of 'Hao Tian King' along with territory and fifty million gold spirit coins, I'm afraid I can't agree. After all, this concerns not just me but also my sect members."

The fourth elder swallowed nervously and stammered, "Then what does Your Excellency require?"

Tang San smiled, believing it to be a benevolent expression. However, with his menacing armor and blood-red hair, he unintentionally broadcasted his villainous nature, making the elder even more uneasy.

"Don't worry. I just want you to increase the reward. If I intervene, I assure you the Star Luo imperial family will receive value for their investment."

As Tang San spread his Eight Spider Spear Blood Wings again, a faint divine might surged forth, leaving the elder deeply shaken. No further explanation was needed—he understood this person was no mortal.

"As you can see, I've ascended to godhood at level 100.

Once I cleanse the universe for your Star Luo imperial family, will your empire lead its people to worship me?" Tang San asked.

Joy flickered in the elder's eyes. 'This trip to enlist the Hao Tian Sect's aid was absolutely worth it!'

Without Tang San needing to act, the elder knelt and raised his hands in worship, shouting fervently:

"Dai Dikun pays respects to Your Holiness! Our imperial family accepts your conditions! As long as you restore order to the Star Luo Empire, our citizens will worship you as the one true god. To hell with the Spirit Hall's Angel God!"

Feeling the faint faith energy emanating from the elder, Tang San smiled smugly. With his current status as the sole level-100 god, he couldn't imagine anyone stopping him. His path to becoming the supreme God King seemed infinitely bright.

Meanwhile, the Star Luo Emperor and the three elders who had practiced Evil Soul Master techniques with him had all broken through to rank 90. Relying on the imperial family's intelligence network, they swiftly hunted suitable soul rings, temporarily halting Zhu Zhuqing's forces.

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