Tang San was not someone who could stay idle, and he had Tang Xiao's support behind him. Ning Tianchen believed that they didn't need to do anything—simply observe the situation and let things unfold naturally.
However, Tian Ruyang's idea was relatively more aggressive.
Tang San knew about the Tianjian Sect and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect but was unaware of the Snow Mountain Sect.
Tian Ruyang believed that they should secretly send sect experts to feign cooperation with the Tang Sect while subtly "pressuring" them into disrupting the Star Luo imperial court.
Simply observing passively would mean losing the initiative; only by cooperating with the Tang Sect could they maintain control over the situation.
Ning Tianchen opposed this idea. "Lord Tian, the Tang Sect is no pushover. If we cooperate with them and the Snow Mountain Sect gets dragged into trouble, it's very likely that both the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Tianjian Sect will suffer as well."
"The Hao Tian Sect was destroyed by the Spirit Hall, and so was the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. The higher-ups of the Tang Sect harbor deep hatred for the Spirit Hall. Their plans regarding the Star Luo Empire are undoubtedly aimed at leveraging its power to exact revenge."
"As long as they can infiltrate the Star Luo imperial court, the alliance between the Star Luo Empire and the Spirit Hall will face significant obstacles. In light of this, why should we take unnecessary risks?"
Ning Fengzhi added, "What Tianchen says makes perfect sense. However, I don't oppose Lord Tian's idea either. How about this: our three sects will each provide some loyal warriors to temporarily form a small sect. This sect will be the one to make contact with the Tang Sect."
"In the future, even if the Tang Sect tries to drag us into their affairs, we can simply deny any connection to this sect. At worst, we'll only lose some resources."
Ning Fengzhi's suggestion amounted to a compromise, which both sides found acceptable.
As for selecting loyal warriors, Ning Tianchen already had an idea. "Our sect's Zhang Erhe was once persecuted by the Star Luo Empire, and he has rarely appeared on the continent since joining the Tianjian Sect. His identity information has also been concealed. Why not have him serve as the leader of this new sect?"
Tian Ruyang expressed agreement but decided to assign an outer elder from the Snow Mountain Sect to assist him.
The disciples of this sect would come from both sects, while the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would fully fund the operation.
…
Once the matter was settled, Ning Tianchen quickly returned to the sect to discuss the plan with Zhang Erhe.
The newly formed sect would only cooperate with the Tang Sect—not join it. Therefore, Zhang Erhe could still secretly advise Dugu Bo.
Faced with Ning Tianchen's proposal, Zhang Erhe accepted without hesitation.
His identity as someone persecuted by the Star Luo Empire would undoubtedly make it easier for him to gain the trust of the Tang Sect.
Moreover, being cooped up in hiding all the time left him bored. Earning more achievements this way would pave the way for the two sisters' future.
Under the coordination of the three major sects, Zhang Erhe successfully established the Dragon Halberd Sect. Zhang Erhe became the sect leader, Zhao Wuji served as the vice-leader, and an outer elder from the Snow Mountain Sect took on the role of the sect's grand elder.
Initially, Ning Tianchen didn't plan to involve Zhao Wuji, but due to his strong insistence, he relented.
Zhao Wuji was originally Tang San's teacher, so having him join the Dragon Halberd Sect would make it easier for the Tang Sect to trust them.
A sect's history and background were easy to investigate, so there was no point in falsifying such details.
Ning Tianchen provided Zhang Erhe with the reasoning that most members of the sect had suffered persecution from various forces before coming together to establish the Dragon Halberd Sect.
Meanwhile, within the Tang Sect…
The Dragon Serpent Family publicly announced their high-profile joining of the Tang Sect, causing quite a stir across the continent.
Many factions were well aware of the Dragon Serpent Family's situation. The fact that the Dragon Duke and Snake Grandmother had arrived safely with their family members undamaged clearly demonstrated the Tang Sect's formidable strength.
In today's turbulent continental situation, smaller and mid-sized factions were all seeking powerful backers.
The seven great sects were indeed strong, but becoming their allies often yielded minimal benefits and carried the risk of being used as cannon fodder or swallowed whole.
The Tang Sect, however, was different—a newly formed sect with strength comparable to the seven great sects.
Many factions quietly noted the Tang Sect's name, intending to seek opportunities to join them.
Within the Tang Sect's main hall, after settling the Dragon Serpent Family's disciples, Tang San and the others gathered for a meeting.
"Xiao San, excellent work," Yu Xiaogang said with delight upon learning of Tang San's cultivation breakthrough.
With the Tang Sect's reputation rising, the Shrek Five Monsters had completed their fifth trial.
On the journey back, Tang San's strength had broken through to Level 80, and he absorbed a ten-thousand-year divine soul ring, officially entering the Soul Douluo realm.
Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang had just joined the sect and hadn't yet been formally appointed as elders, so they weren't eligible to attend this meeting.
"It seems the trip to the Sea God Island greatly benefited you. In just two years, you've achieved what others might take a decade to accomplish. Well done," Tang Xiao stroked his beard and chuckled happily.
"By the way, Xiao San, do you really intend to marry Meng Yiran?" Liu Erlong's tone carried a hint of sadness.
Xiao Wu was his adopted daughter. After her sacrifice, Tang San's change of heart made it hard for her to accept.
Tang San shook his head. "Aunt Erlong, this is merely a temporary measure. If I hadn't agreed, I wouldn't have been able to recruit the Dragon Serpent Family."
"We've already discussed this beforehand. Publicly, we'll acknowledge my relationship with Meng Yiran, but we won't have an actual marital bond."
This strategy had been devised by Yu Tianheng, so he explained it to everyone.
Upon hearing this, Liu Erlong finally managed a smile. Yu Xiaogang chided her, saying, "Erlong, I told you that Xiao San is a reasonable person. How could he be trapped by romantic entanglements?"
"Alright, everyone must keep this matter a secret and not leak a word. The addition of the Dragon Serpent Family has significantly strengthened the Tang Sect. Moving forward, we need to try to recruit as many small families as possible."
True to his title of "Master," Yu Xiaogang quickly outlined the Tang Sect's development direction.
Of course, strengthening the Tang Sect was only one aspect—the most important goal was to use this opportunity to support Dai Mubai's rise to power.
"Teacher, the task of expanding the sect will be entrusted to you. As for Mubai's matter, I'll leave it to Uncle to handle," Tang San instructed.
After completing the fifth trial, his sixth trial required him to return to the Sea God Island within a year.
This time, he could only stay briefly and couldn't personally oversee the progress of events.
Just as they were discussing, a disciple outside reported, "Master, there's someone outside claiming to be the leader of the Dragon Halberd Sect. They wish to discuss cooperation with the Tang Sect."
Dragon Halberd Sect?
Tang San and the others exchanged puzzled glances—they had never heard of this sect's name.
Yu Xiaogang smiled and said, "It seems the Tang Sect's reputation has truly spread far and wide. People are already coming to us seeking cooperation."
Tang San frowned and said gravely, "Teacher, we cannot rule out the possibility that someone is orchestrating this to probe our sect's internal situation. Uncle and Aunt, please hide for now."
...
Outside the Tang Sect.
Zhang Erhe and Zhao Wuji had been waiting for some time.
"Old Zhao, do you think they'll meet with us?" Zhang Erhe felt uncertain.
To keep their story consistent, they could only visit in this manner—they couldn't communicate with the Tang Sect beforehand.
Without prior notice, and given that the Dragon Halberd Sect was unknown, it was quite possible that the Tang Sect would ignore them.
Zhao Wuji chuckled. "No worries. If worst comes to worst, don't forget I was once Tang San's teacher."
Zhao Wuji had been tasked with guarding the Tianjian Sect, so he rarely left. Almost no one on the continent knew that he had joined the Tianjian Sect.
The identity of a teacher ensured that Tang San wouldn't take him lightly.
Not long after, several disciples led them into the Tang Sect's main hall.
Upon seeing who had arrived, Yu Xiaogang immediately grew puzzled. "Zhao Wuji?"
"Teacher Zhao?" The Shrek Five Monsters were astonished.
After Shrek Academy was shut down, Zhao Wuji had completely disappeared—no one expected him to return now.
"Master, and the children?" Zhao Wuji feigned delight and began chatting about recent events.
Yu Xiaogang wasn't clear about their purpose, so his words were relatively cautious. On the other hand, Zhao Wuji spoke openly and without reservation.
"Master, after the Soul Master Tournament, where did all of you go?"
"After the Spirit Hall and the Tian Dou Empire revoked the academy's operating license, we teachers were driven out."
"Lao Shao, Lao Li, and the others all returned to their hometowns. As for me…"
Zhao Wuji's life story was well-known to Tang San and the others.
In his youth, Zhao Wuji had fought against the Spirit Hall. To avoid endangering his hometown, he couldn't return there.
As he explained, after leaving Shrek Academy, he wandered the continent for a while before meeting Zhang Erhe. Together, they founded a security company and recruited many people.
With the growing tension on the continent, the security company became unsustainable, so they established the Dragon Halberd Sect.
The only flaw in their story was that Zhao Wuji had represented the Tianjian Sect during the re-selection conference of the seven great sects.
However, Zhao Wuji wasn't famous, and he hadn't made any notable moves at the conference.
The Tang Sect's spies at the time didn't recognize Zhao Wuji; their report only mentioned a Soul Douluo with a bear-type martial soul.
Bear-type martial souls were extremely common on the continent, so no one suspected it was Zhao Wuji.
Zhang Erhe clasped his hands together and bowed slightly. "Thirty years ago, I was framed as the murderer of Liu Lin Village, and because of that, the Star Luo Empire has been relentlessly pursuing me ever since."
Zhao Wuji and Zhang Erhe's backgrounds weren't clean—precisely the kind of people the Tang Sect sought to recruit.
After all, those with spotless backgrounds were either disciples of large sects or deliberately hiding something.
If these two joined the Tang Sect, Tang San wouldn't feel at ease.
"How can you prove your words are true?" Yu Xiaogang trusted Zhao Wuji but not Zhang Erhe.
Zhang Erhe was the father of Yu Die and Cai Die. There were bound to be similarities between a father and his daughters, so Yu Xiaogang instinctively remained wary of him.
However, the sisters had never revealed their surnames in public, so no one connected them to Yu Die and Cai Die.
Zhang Erhe let out a bitter laugh and retrieved the verification documents Ning Tianchen had given him from his spirit tool. "This document was obtained by a friend of mine from the Spirit Hall."
"According to the Spirit Hall's records, I was indeed wrongfully accused."
Yu Xiaogang had worked in the Spirit Hall before, so he naturally recognized the authenticity of the seals on the document.
At this point, he gradually lowered his guard toward Zhang Erhe.
"Teacher Zhao, after the academy closed, the teachers stayed in the back mountains. Didn't you go back to look for them?"
Tang San's question appeared casual, but it carried an undertone of probing.
Zhao Wuji explained, "We teachers all have feelings for the academy. Seeing its original location changed beyond recognition saddened us, so I decided not to return."
"Besides, I didn't know that Master and the others lived in the wooden huts in the back mountains."
Seeing that the questioning was nearly over, Dai Mubai brought up the purpose of their visit. "Teacher Zhao, what brings you here today?"
Zhao Wuji laughed heartily as he stepped forward. "Mubai, you've done well! After all these years, you've already become a Soul Sage, and the rest of you aren't bad either. It won't be long before you surpass me, haha!"
"I came here for two reasons. First, I heard of the Tang Sect's reputation and knew you were here, so I wanted to come see you. Second, our Dragon Halberd Sect is in a bit of a tough spot."
The Dragon Halberd Sect had only recently been formed. Most of its members were ordinary people who had suffered persecution from various powers and had banded together for mutual support.
Who would have thought that the situation on the continent would change so suddenly, and the flames of war would reach their city? In order to survive, they had no choice but to seek out the Tang Sect.
"Teacher Zhao, are you the vice-leader of the Dragon Halberd Sect?" Dai Mubai's eyes flashed.
Both Zhao Wuji and Zhang Erhe were Soul Douluos. If they joined the Tang Sect, its influence would further increase, which would also greatly aid Dai Mubai's bid for the throne.
After some discussion, Tang San considered recruiting the Dragon Halberd Sect.
However, the Dragon Halberd Sect was founded by Zhang Erhe and Zhao Wuji, and the sect's disciples only recognized them. Therefore, it was inconvenient for them to join any larger power directly—they could only form an alliance agreement with the Tang Sect.
Zhang Erhe also had a personal request: he hoped that once the Tang Sect gained a foothold in the Star Luo Empire, they would help clear his name.
Having demands meant leverage to control them.
Tang San took quite a liking to Zhang Erhe.
Zhao Wuji and Zhang Erhe were taken away to rest. Only then did Tang Xiao, who had been hiding in the shadows of the main hall, step forward.
"Lord Tang, did you notice anything?" Yu Xiaogang asked.
Back when they were at Shrek Academy, Zhao Wuji had always granted Yu Xiaogang's requests, leaving him with a relatively good impression. Now that Zhao Wuji had come seeking refuge, he had no reason to turn a blind eye.
Tang Xiao shook his head. "They didn't lie. However, I'm a bit concerned—they seem to know that we're supporting Mubai."
Tang San countered, "Uncle, it might just be a coincidence. Zhang Erhe managed to obtain materials from the Spirit Hall, so he must have sought help from many people to clear his name. Perhaps he was just speaking casually."
Tang Xiao didn't insist on his view. "I don't know them, so my opinion is only for reference. Since you know Zhao Wuji, I trust your judgment."
Yu Xiaogang laughed aloud. "Old Zhao is someone who understands the times. The Dragon Halberd Sect has two Soul Douluos and one Soul Sage—a force not to be underestimated. They're worth recruiting."
"I believe there are many factions on the continent like him—only willing to cooperate and not be swallowed up. Establishing cooperation with the Dragon Halberd Sect might be a good start for us. From now on, more and more factions will ally with us."
"Revenge against the Spirit Hall is within reach."
…
Zhao Wuji and Zhang Erhe didn't leave. Instead, they were arranged to rest in a side room.
Tang San had told them that he would contact them later to discuss an important matter.
The two weren't fools—they were careful with their words and actions while on someone else's territory.
They talked for a long time in the room, discussing the benefits they could gain by allying with the Tang Sect.
It seemed that the two were fully devoted to the Dragon Halberd Sect, considering the sect's interests in everything they did.
Meng Shu, who had been closely monitoring their movements outside the door, confirmed that they harbored no ulterior motives and promptly reported this to Tang San.
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