Apart from Xiao Wu and his mother, soul beasts were ultimately soul beasts - those not of our kind must have different hearts.
But now was precisely the time when he needed to utilize their power.
A cold intention flashed through Tang San's heart, yet he revealed a bitter smile on his face: "Senior, the Heaven Dou Empire's strength is too powerful. If we allow them to unify the continent, it will bring no benefit to any of us."
"Although they wouldn't let soul beasts go extinct, when the empire's power consolidates to a certain extent, do you think they would spare soul beasts like you?"
"The human desire for 100,000-Year Soul Rings is beyond your imagination. By then, even if they only mobilize half of the empire's experts, neither you nor the few beside you could withstand the overwhelming assault."
Bi Ji fell into contemplation upon hearing this.
She had to admit Tang San's words held some reason, but he seemed to have mistaken one thing - what they feared had never been humans, and he had miscalculated their side's strength.
What they truly feared was only drawing the God Realm's attention by going too far.
Although humans had their experts, their side had the Beast God's protection, with Bear Monarch and Ten Thousand Demon King being formidable fighters. Humans simply couldn't do anything to the core area of their Star Dou Great Forest.
"I must admit, your words do hold some reason." Bi Ji noticed Tang San's pleased expression and changed her tone: "However, we have our own considerations."
Tang San's smile stiffened, his brows gradually furrowing.
This response was something he hadn't anticipated before coming. After all, soul beasts' lives were still lives - no one wanted to be hunted by humans.
"Senior, why not reconsider? If you agree, I can guarantee that the Star Luo Empire will develop peacefully with Star Dou Great Forest, and the empire can even cede a territory to establish a soul beast sanctuary."
"By then, 100,000-year soul beasts will receive protection, and Star Luo citizens will never target you."
"Senior, I'm truly considering the soul beast community when I say this. Da Ming should know how cruel the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School can be." After speaking, Tang San turned to look at Sky Blue Bull Python.
The current situation of Star Luo Empire was not optimistic, and as the empire's pillar, the Clear Sky Sect's authority was second only to the Star Luo Emperor.
What Tang San was saying now was definitely not empty talk. To avoid being annexed by Heaven Dou, he believed the Star Luo Emperor would agree to these terms.
As for the issue of soul beasts after successfully resisting Heaven Dou's attack or counter-annexing Heaven Dou - that would be a matter for the future...
Sky Blue Bull Python had been listening quietly nearby, but Tang San's words stirred up those unpleasant memories in its heart.
Thinking of Xiao Wu, Er Ming, and Xiao Wu's mother, anger gradually rose in its heart: "Those humans are indeed despicable. My loved ones all died by their hands. Lady Bi Ji, are we soul beasts destined to be slaughtered and turned into Spirit Rings?"
Sky Blue Bull Python's words were precisely the result Tang San wanted. He looked at Bi Ji with grief and indignation: "Senior, my mother was driven to death by humans, and she was a soul beast who had taken human form!"
"If the special zone is established, soul beasts who take human form will finally have a safe place to reside!"
It had to be said, Bi Ji was somewhat moved by the beautiful picture Tang San had painted.
Transforming into human form has always been a perilous endeavor for 100,000-year Soul Beasts, yet it remains a method to elevate their potential and temporarily preserve their lives.
Humankind is uniquely favored by nature, not only cultivating at a far quicker pace than Soul Beasts but also holding a sliver of possibility to attain godhood.
This is why most Soul Beasts, aware they cannot withstand the Heavenly Tribulation, opt for this path.
Bi Ji's eyes flickered uncertainly: however, this matter was not hers to decide.
A wisp of mental energy slowly penetrated the lakebed, rousing Di Tian from his healing slumber.
She would not typically resort to this, as Di Tian's injuries from the Heavenly Tribulation were severe. If he did not recover swiftly, he would likely perish in the next tribulation.
After a long while, a message flowed into Bi Ji's mind: ["This human's gaze is shifty, his tone feigns submission yet is perfectly calculated. His mind is overly intricate, and his words are not entirely truthful. Refuse him."]
Having conveyed his thoughts, Di Tian sank back into deep slumber.
Having overseen the Soul Beasts for hundreds of thousands of years, he had witnessed countless schemes and intrigues, though he seldom bothered with them.
Bi Ji was momentarily stunned.
The Divine Beast would never deceive her. Collecting herself, her gaze toward Tang San turned considerably colder: "The terms you describe are indeed appealing, but we are quite content with the current Star Dou Great Forest and require no assistance from you."
With a sweep of her wing, Bi Ji vanished from the spot.
This left Tang San utterly bewildered, soon replaced by profound disappointment and anger.
Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he turned to the Sky Blue Bull Python: "Da Ming, do you wish to avenge Xiao Wu and Er Ming? If we miss this chance, we may never have another opportunity for revenge."
Star Luo Empire, Anthony City.
The atmosphere in the city lord's manor conference hall was intensely strained.
"Why wasn't it you who died?"
The Seventh Elder's face was flushed with rage as he pointed at Tang Hao, berating him harshly: "If not for you, would our Clear Sky Sect have come to this?"
"And I've heard you've been protecting your son all these years. You had so many chances to strike—why didn't you kill that Li Xun earlier?"
"Moreover, where were you when we were fighting desperately on the front lines?"
A torrent of insults mixed with accusations rendered Tang Hao momentarily speechless.
He, too, was astounded, never imagining that the youth from back then could have grown to such heights.
Twin Spirits, five 100,000-Year Soul Rings—compared to him, Tang San seemed almost ordinary.
The Seventh Elder was right; he had indeed had two clear opportunities to easily eliminate him.
When Li Xun obtained his second Spirit Ring and clashed with Yu Xiaogang in Suotuo City, Tang Hao felt a twinge of regret.
"You've been feigning muteness since returning to the sect, and you're still at it. I've heard your son has always been at odds with that Li Xun. It seems you and your son are nothing but bad omens for the Clear Sky Sect."
"And where is that bastard son of yours? Wasn't he supposed to help the sect overcome this crisis? Where is he? Did he abandon his useless father and the sect when he saw the situation turning sour?"
Faced with such a barrage of insults, even the most patient temper would snap, let alone Tang Hao, who was never known for his forbearance.
Though physically disabled and his strength diminished, if he fought with his life on the line, an ordinary Title Douluo would be no match for him.
Tang Hao glared coldly at the Seventh Elder.
This old man had been humiliating them since he and his son returned to the sect. For Xiao San's sake, he had endured it, never expecting this wretched elder to push his luck further.
Must every death in the Clear Sky Sect be blamed on him and his son
Tang Hao slowly rose to his feet, a pitch-black hammer materializing in his hand. Nine Spirit Rings emerged beneath his feet, though the final crimson ring appeared dim and lackluster, clearly unable to function properly.
"Haha, I never expected you to take offense at a few words."
"I shall cleanse our sect of its disgrace today!" The Seventh Elder sneered coldly, springing to his feet as he summoned his own Martial Soul. Two yellow, two purple, and five black Spirit Rings materialized in sequence beneath him, his aura surging forth like raging tides.
"Enough, Old Seventh. No amount of words will bring the dead back to life—save your breath." Just as the Seventh Elder prepared to unleash another tirade, Tang Ming cut him off.
"Sect Leader, what should we do now? I believe remaining here serves no purpose. Though some scattered soldiers have yet to return, they hold no significance for the larger situation."
Tang Xiao's face was as dark as still water. "All of you, sit down!"
The deaths of the Fifth Elder and over a dozen Clear Sky Sect disciples had driven the sect's resentment toward Tang Hao and his son to its peak. Beset by internal strife and external threats, he felt utterly drained and weary.
(End of Chapter)