"Haha, someone bring fruit wine for our three guests!" Niu Gao laughed as he gave the order.
Such strong liquor wasn't something young people like Ning Tianchen could handle.
Switching to sweet and palatable fruit wine clearly showed his hospitality.
After a pause, Niu Gao turned his gaze to Ning Tianchen. "Young friend, it's been many years since we last met. To be honest, I've kept an eye on the Seven Treasures Mall's operations."
He raised his thumb. "Compared to us, you're far superior. Haha, I heard that Seven Treasures Academy is also thriving now. And all of this is said to be your achievement."
Ning Tianchen shook his head humbly. "I don't deserve such praise. These accomplishments are the result of everyone's collective efforts."
"If my proposal hadn't been approved by Uncle Ning, it wouldn't have been implemented. And without the hard work of the Defense Clan in construction, neither the Seven Treasures Mall nor Seven Treasures Academy would have been completed so quickly."
"On behalf of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, I thank Elder Niu Gao and the disciples of the Defense Clan for their efforts back then."
With that, Ning Tianchen downed his drink.
Niu Gao burst into laughter. "Your personality suits me well. Come on, don't just focus on drinking. This spirit beast meat was hunted by our clan members just two days ago—it's very fresh. Give it a try!"
After much small talk, it was already late at night.
Niu Gao was thoroughly drunk, draping his arm over Ning Tianchen's shoulder and calling him brother.
Ning Tianchen smiled. "Elder Niu Gao, please rest early. We have important matters to discuss with you tomorrow."
As he spoke, he signaled to a disciple of the Defense Clan, who promptly escorted Niu Gao back to rest.
Having only drunk fruit wine, Ning Tianchen and the others were not intoxicated.
Back in their room, Oscar couldn't help but say, "Tianchen, at this rate, securing the Defense Clan is practically guaranteed. It seems we can relax a bit."
Ning Tianchen shook his head. "Don't let your guard down."
Niu Gao's actions might be an attempt to use him—or even the reputation of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—to intimidate the Elephant Armor Sect.
In short, until everything was settled, they couldn't afford to be careless.
"Xiao Ao, stop worrying. Boss has his own plans," Chen Huayu said with a laugh, patting Oscar's shoulder.
The night passed without further discussion.
Early the next morning, Niu Gao sent disciples to deliver breakfast to Ning Tianchen and the others.
"Has Elder Niu Gao woken up?" Ning Tianchen asked the disciple delivering the meal.
"The elder is having breakfast and will meet with you shortly."
---
Meanwhile, Niu Gao sat at the dining table, lost in thought.
The four great single-attribute families had maintained correspondence through letters. The news of the Hao Tian Sect's destruction had long reached his ears.
Without the Hao Tian Sect, the title of the continent's top sect would inevitably fall into the hands of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Niu Gao vaguely guessed that Ning Tianchen and the others' purpose in coming here was likely to recruit the Defense Clan.
Joining the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would mean returning to the way things were before.
What difference was there between becoming an affiliate of the Hao Tian Sect and becoming an affiliate of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? Not to mention, the Elephant Armor Sect was always watching them closely.
Yesterday's feast for Ning Tianchen and the others was simply out of appreciation for them. Now that the drinks were finished, they would surely reveal their intentions.
The Defense Clan was small. If they offended both the Elephant Armor Sect and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, they wouldn't even have a chance to survive in the cracks.
After a long silence, Niu Gao hadn't touched the breakfast on the table. He called out to a disciple outside the door. "Send the three guests to the main hall."
What was meant to come would eventually arrive—it was better to face it sooner.
---
In the main hall, Niu Gao got straight to the point. "Three young friends, if you've come to persuade me to make the Defense Clan a vassal of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, then forget it."
"The Defense Clan may not be strong, but we don't want to live under someone else's roof!"
Upon hearing this, Oscar and Chen Huayu were initially surprised. They hadn't expected Niu Gao to guess their intentions.
Thinking about it, it made sense. Niu Gao was the head of a family after all. Without some degree of insight, the Defense Clan would have long been divided among various factions.
Ning Tianchen calmly replied, "Elder Niu Gao has misunderstood. The purpose of our visit is not to persuade you to join the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, but to invite you to join my sect."
"Not joining the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?" Niu Gao sighed in relief.
Recalling Ning Tianchen's words carefully, he suddenly asked, "Wait, you're inviting me to join your sect? Aren't you a disciple of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? How did you establish a sect?"
After some explanation, Niu Gao finally understood the other party's intentions.
Moreover, Ning Tianchen made a promise: the Defense Clan would be part of the new sect, and Niu Gao would serve as an elder.
Most importantly, this new sect had a Title Douluo-level expert guarding it and had no subordinate relationship with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Their cooperation was based on equal status.
Niu Gao stroked his chin, deep in thought.
Such generous conditions—if he said he wasn't tempted, it wouldn't be realistic.
Besides, he had great faith in Ning Tianchen's personal abilities. With his talent, it was inevitable that he would become a powerful individual in the future, possibly even one of the continent's peak experts.
Without the constraints of the Hao Tian Sect, the Defense Clan was free.
However, their current situation was somewhat precarious. The Elephant Armor Sect was lurking in front, and the continent's impending turmoil was behind them.
If they didn't find a powerful ally, it would be difficult for them to remain unscathed.
Having made up his mind, Niu Gao asked, "Young Sect Leader Ning (Ning Tianchen), how strong is your sect, and what is its future direction?"
"And these two friends of yours—are they also part of the sect?"
Chen Huayu stepped forward. "Elder Niu Gao, I am the vice-sect leader. My martial soul is the Giant Black Bear Rock, and I'm a Level 62 power-type battle soul emperor."
Oscar laughed. "My martial soul is sausage—a Level 63 food-type and power-type battle soul emperor."
"Food-type soul masters can become power-type soul masters?" Niu Gao was greatly shocked.
Niu Gao had already expressed interest in joining Ning Tianchen's sect, so there was no reason for the latter to deceive him.
After Oscar demonstrated his abilities, Niu Gao was convinced that he truly had the potential to become a battle soul master.
"What about Young Sect Leader Ning's strength?"
Ning Tianchen smiled faintly, revealing seven soul rings beneath his feet—six black and one blood-red.
"A hundred-thousand-year soul ring!" Niu Gao abruptly stood up from his chair, rubbing his eyes to confirm he wasn't seeing things.
"Wait, during the Soul Master Tournament, your first three soul rings weren't ten-thousand-year rings. What's going on here?"
Ning Tianchen explained with a smile. "Elder Niu Gao, these are all due to fortunate encounters. For certain reasons, I can't disclose the specifics. But you can feel it—these ten-thousand-year soul rings aren't illusions; they're real."
Indeed, the pressure emanating from the soul rings couldn't be faked.
Especially the blood-red hundred-thousand-year soul ring, which made Niu Gao feel a chill.
He remembered Ning Tianchen's age—less than twenty years old, yet already a Soul Sage with a hundred-thousand-year soul ring.
Such a genius was exceedingly rare throughout history.
Even Tang Hao and Tang Chen, at this age, didn't possess a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, let alone reach Soul Sage level.
With such a sect leader, given time, the sect was bound to soar to greatness.
As one of the founding members, he and the Defense Clan would undoubtedly hold significant influence within the sect.
With that in mind, what was there to hesitate about?
Niu Gao walked up to Ning Tianchen, knelt on one knee, and bowed. "Niu Gao pays respects to the sect leader."
Ning Tianchen's face lit up with joy, and he quickly helped Niu Gao up. "Elder Niu Gao, please rise. From now on, we're all part of the sect. Let's work together to build it."
Niu Gao gestured with a smile. "You're the sect leader—please take the high seat. I have a few things I need clarified."
"No problem," Ning Tianchen chuckled.
Niu Gao had agreed to lead the Defense Clan into Ning Tianchen's sect.
According to continental customs, it was entirely reasonable for Ning Tianchen, as the sect leader, to sit in the high seat.
After taking his seat, Niu Gao eagerly asked, "Sect Leader, what is the name of our sect?"
"Heaven Sword Sect." (Tian Jian Sect in full Chinese)
The sect's name was derived from one character each from Ning Tianchen's name and his martial soul.
Of course, he had also considered naming it the "Seven Kill Sect," but ultimately abandoned the idea.
The name "Seven Kill Sect" was too sensitive. Most importantly, if the sect were named that, Sword Dao Chen Xin's position would become awkward.
As the wielder of the Seven Kill Sword martial soul and Ning Tianchen's grandfather, if he didn't join the Seven Kill Sect, he would be criticized. Yet, as a guardian of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, "betraying" the sect would also invite scorn.
Ning Tianchen wasn't a "filial grandson" who would set traps for his own family!
Naming the sect the "Heaven Sword Sect" was also a good choice.
"Not a bad name. Sect Leader, where is the sect's base?"
Ning Tianchen explained, "The sect has just raised funds, and construction of the base hasn't started yet. I plan to entrust the construction task to the Defense Clan. I trust you completely with this responsibility."
Niu Gao was extremely pleased.
Just after joining the sect, he had already gained the sect leader's trust. In the future, their clan would undoubtedly reap many benefits.
---
Next, Ning Tianchen and Niu Gao discussed many details and finalized the architectural plans for the sect.
After the main matters were settled, Ning Tianchen asked, "Elder Niu Gao, I heard that your four great families gather periodically. This year's gathering is said to be held at your residence?"
Niu Gao wasn't surprised and nodded. "That's correct. There's still over a month until the gathering of the four families. If the sect leader isn't in a hurry, you can wait a bit longer?"
Ning Tianchen shook his head. "Elder Niu Gao, the Heaven Sword Sect plans to recruit your families. Could you write letters asking them to arrive earlier?"
Without hesitation, Niu Gao replied, "That's no problem. However... regarding the Strength Clan, I'm worried they won't join the Heaven Sword Sect."
Ning Tianchen hadn't brought up the Strength Clan directly, but Niu Gao had mentioned it voluntarily, showing that he was genuinely joining the Heaven Sword Sect and not trying to deceive them.
Niu Gao continued, "The Strength Clan has always been a loyal supporter of the Hao Tian Sect and even served as Tang Hao's family servants. Although the Hao Tian Sect has fallen, Tang Hao and his son are still alive. That stubborn old ape is as inflexible as ever. They absolutely won't join the Heaven Sword Sect."
"As far as I know, not long ago, the leader of the Hao Tian Sect visited the Strength Clan. The old ape sent us a message saying that the Spirit Hall destroyed the Hao Tian Sect. With this enmity, even if they were to join the Heaven Sword Sect, they wouldn't settle down easily."
Niu Gao's words were entirely from the perspective of the sect.
Ning Tianchen was very satisfied with this and responded, "Then don't notify the Strength Clan. After the Breaking and Agility Clans join the Heaven Sword Sect, you should immediately move to Tiandou City."
"The Strength Clan is also in Tiandou City. We can approach them later. If they're willing to join the sect, it would be a win-win situation."
Niu Gao nodded firmly.
It would take a few days for the letters to reach the Agility and Breaking Clans, and it would take several more days for their members to arrive in Longxing City.
During this time, Ning Tianchen and his companions stayed at the Defense Clan's residence, discussing more details with Niu Gao and preparing the disciples mentally.
---
Behind the Seven Treasures Department Store
Tai Tan and Tang San arrived here to meet Yu Xiaogang and the others.
Not seeing any trace of Xiao Wu, Yu Xiaogang immediately sensed something was wrong. "Xiao San, did you encounter an attack in the Star Dou Forest?"
Tang San solemnly confirmed and recounted everything that had happened in the forest.
Seeing the hundred-thousand-year soul ring beneath his feet, Tang Xiao let out a bitter laugh. "If the five elders were still alive, they'd surely be astonished by your current achievements."
"Not even twenty years old and already possessing a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, along with dual martial souls. Xiao San, your accomplishments surpass even those of our grandfather."
Among those present, Yu Xiaogang was undoubtedly the most excited.
A hundred-thousand-year soul ring could significantly raise a soul master's potential. Tang San was his disciple, and the higher his future achievements, the more his teacher would benefit.
Tang San anxiously asked, "Uncle, what exactly happened? Why did the Spirit Hall attack the two major sects but spare the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"
Tang Xiao believed there could be two reasons why the Spirit Hall targeted the Hao Tian Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family.
The first was that the influence of the two sects on the continent had been waning, and the Spirit Hall wanted to use this opportunity to reshuffle the top three sects and support pro-Spirit Hall forces to occupy positions among the seven great sects.
The second reason was that Bibi Dong was simply insane, attacking anyone she encountered.
Tang Yuehua, who understood the situation in Tiandou City well, explained, "The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect hosted an academic exchange conference and enjoys high prestige on the continent. Additionally, their close relationship with the imperial family means that if the Spirit Hall were to attack them, it would immediately spark public outrage against them, which would be detrimental."
Tang San remained silent, lowering his head.
Tang Xiao placed his hands on Tang San's shoulders and asked, "Xiao San, where did Uncle Hao go?"
"With the sect facing such misfortune, we need to unite and fight the Spirit Hall together."
Tang San replied, "Father's movements are restricted. He's currently in seclusion and won't interfere in continental affairs anymore."
Tai Tan trembled and quickly pressed, "Young Master, what happened to Master?"
Tang San didn't elaborate, only stating that Tang Hao had been injured and needed a long period of recuperation.
Yu Tianxin, standing nearby, urgently suggested, "Since Tang San has returned, let's go find Elder Ning together?"
"The top three sects have always been interconnected. Only by uniting our three sects can we resist the Spirit Hall."
"It might not work," Tai Tan shook his head. "Previously, this old servant and the young master visited the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. It seems Ning Fengzhi only wants to guard his own territory and doesn't wish to get involved in other matters."
Tang Yuehua added, "I remember now. Once, a reclusive sect sent people to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and their cooperation was quite close."
"Yuehua, do you know the situation of that sect?" Tang Xiao asked.
Tang Yuehua didn't know much about it.
She only knew that the reclusive sect was very powerful, and their cooperation with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was a perfect match.
With such a strong and reliable ally, why would the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect bother allying with them, who were like stray dogs?
Taking the opportunity, Tang San proposed the idea of establishing the Tang Sect.
"The four great single-attribute families..." Tang Xiao murmured softly and sighed. "It's the Hao Tian Sect that owes them."
"Xiao San, if you can gather them together, it will greatly help our upcoming actions. However, you need to carefully consider the sect's base location and its primary source of income."
Tang Yuehua added, "Emperor Xue Ye is gravely ill, and the power transition in the Tiandou Empire is imminent. It's best not to build the sect within Tiandou City. If possible, we should go to the Star Luo Empire."
It should be noted that the Hao Tian Sect once supported the Star Luo imperial family.
Emperor Dai Tianfeng of the Star Luo Empire emerged victorious in the previous competition for the crown prince position, thanks in large part to the efforts of the Hao Tian Sect.
Going to the Star Luo Empire, they wouldn't face malicious targeting from officials, and the Spirit Hall's influence within the Star Luo Empire was weak, giving them enough time to regroup.
Yu Xiaogang's eyes lit up, and he agreed. "Xiao San, let's go to the Star Luo Empire. Don't forget about Mubai's identity. Once he recovers, we might gain the support of the Star Luo Empire in the future."
Tang San understood his meaning.
If Dai Mubai recovered, he would have the capital to compete for the throne.
With Tang Xiao, a Super Douluo, secretly supporting Dai Mubai, it wasn't impossible to secure the throne of the Star Luo Empire.
Tai Tan added, "Young Master, there's about a month left until our four-family gathering. In previous years, we'd arrive a bit early. Let's set off sooner so we can return earlier to deal with the upcoming troubles."
---
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
Bai He led the disciples of the Agility Clan and was the first to arrive at the Defense Clan's residence.
Upon hearing the report from the family's disciples, Niu Gao came out with a smile to greet them.
"Haha, Old White Bird, you've finally arrived."
Bai He stroked his beard and smiled in response. "Old Rhino, what urgent matter made you start the gathering early? The old goat will likely arrive tomorrow. Have you checked on the progress with the old ape?"
Niu Gao avoided the main topic and talked about some trivial matters before leading Bai He to the main hall.
In the main hall sat a young man.
This young man's appearance and physique clearly didn't resemble a member of the Defense Clan.
Bai He was puzzled. According to tradition, the high seat was reserved for the family head.
Could this young man possibly be Niu Gao's secretly groomed successor?
Before Bai He could continue guessing, Niu Gao laughed and explained, "Come, come, Old White Bird, let me introduce you. This is the leader of the Heaven Sword Sect, who possesses strength comparable to yours and mine despite his youth."
Bai He, unsure of what to make of it, clasped his hands and said, "Greetings, Leader of the Heaven Sword Sect."
Ning Tianchen returned the gesture. "Elder Bai He, please take a seat."
Bai He looked at Niu Gao with surprise. Seeing that the latter didn't object, his doubts deepened.
First, he had never heard of the Heaven Sword Sect.
And this was the Defense Clan's territory, yet Niu Gao treated the young man with great respect, which was quite unusual.
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