Chapter 118: The Yu Clan Surrenders!
Dragon Ascension City.
When Hu Bai and his group arrived here, they noticed something unusual.
It had been the second day since Spirit Hall issued its announcement, but many people were still gathered around the bulletin board.
This drew Hu Bai and his group over, and after reading it, they understood.
Yang Wudi whispered, "I didn't expect it. Your Spirit Hall actually implemented such a policy. Aren't you afraid of displeasing the Two Great Empires?"
Hu Bai scoffed and briefly recounted what had happened in the Heaven Dou Empire that day.
"This isn't the true intention of my Spirit Hall. Since Emperor Xue Ye is unwilling to hand over the subsidy amount, my Spirit Hall is merely satisfying their demands."
Yang Wudi shook his head helplessly. "No matter what, Spirit Hall has completely fallen out with the Two Great Empires. The future will likely become increasingly tense. Aren't you afraid that Spirit Hall will start fighting the Two Great Empires before you've even developed?"
Hu Bai shook his head. "Let them fight. As long as I can protect myself, that's enough. The Two Great Empires have millions of soldiers, and my Spirit Hall also has a Soul Master army. There's no fear. Moreover, in terms of high-level combat power, our Spirit Hall has the advantage."
"Senior Yang Wudi, you must have heard the saying, 'To catch a thief, first catch the king,' right? Emperor Xue Ye and the Star Luo Emperor are both not Titled Douluo in strength. Do you think they can withstand a sneak attack from my Spirit Hall? It's just that my Spirit Hall disdains doing so; it's easy to attract criticism."
Hu Bai and his group walked toward the Defense Clan, conversing in low voices.
Yang Wudi also felt that this was indeed true.
Most of Spirit Hall's actions are based on the principle of "courtesy before force," and it's the same for their sect. There's nothing to criticize about that.
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Defense Clan's Mansion
Compared to the Breaking Clan and the Speed Clan, the Defense Clan's mansion appeared much grander.
It was said that the reason the Defense Clan could settle in Dragon Ascension City was because Niu Gao led a group to help renovate the City Lord's Mansion, and with the City Lord's support, their construction business also flourished.
In terms of making money, the Breaking Clan ranked first, and the Defense Clan ranked second.
After all, this was not when Tang San's Hidden Weapons would emerge a decade or so later, and the Strength Clan's iron forging was not as profitable as imagined.
"Old rhinoceros, come out quickly! Old White Bird and I are here to see you!" Yang Wudi shouted directly at the entrance.
A moment later, a slightly rugged middle-aged man ran out. "What's wrong with you two today, coming to my place together?"
Niu Gao looked very happy to see them.
"Don't talk about it. It's midday. Let's eat and talk," Yang Wudi waved his hand.
Niu Gao glanced at Hu Bai and his group, said nothing, and smiled. "Alright, I'll have someone prepare food immediately. Since you're here, we must have a good meal!"
Soon, a long table was set up in the main hall of the Defense Clan. Yang Wudi, Bai He, and the others sat on both sides, with Niu Gao in the main seat in the middle.
Niu Gao raised his wine glass. "Come, brothers, let's have a drink first!"
After three glasses clinked and were emptied, Niu Gao finally said, "Old goat, Old White Bird, aren't you two going to introduce these new faces to me?"
Yang Wudi and Bai He exchanged glances and finally decided that Bai He would speak. "They are from Spirit Hall. Old goat and I have already decided to join Spirit Hall."
"What!" Niu Gao slammed his hand on the table, spilling the wine that had been poured.
Bai He looked at Niu Gao and said calmly, "Hmm, your reaction is normal. When Old goat first persuaded me to join, I was just like you."
Niu Gao: ...
Yang Wudi: ...
"Then why did you..." Niu Gao looked at Hu Bai, somewhat puzzled.
Subsequently, Bai He and Yang Wudi explained the entire story, and Niu Gao listened carefully.
A moment later, Yang Wudi said, "Old rhinoceros, you must have seen that announcement from Spirit Hall, right?"
"Of course, I saw it."
"Then what are your thoughts?" Yang Wudi asked.
"Spirit Hall is very confident, but I don't know where their confidence comes from. If a war breaks out with them like this, do they have the confidence to confront the millions of troops of the Two Great Empires?"
"Yes."
At this moment, Hu Bai spoke.
"Senior Niu Gao, I haven't introduced myself yet. Hu Bai, the newly accepted disciple of the Supreme Pontiff. Qian Daoliu is considered my foster grandfather. This lady beside me is my fiancée, Qian Renxue, Grandfather Qian's granddaughter."
Niu Gao: ...
Holy cow!
These few short sentences contained a lot of information.
Niu Gao's eyes widened. He looked at Yang Wudi and Bai He, and after seeing their nods, he realized something was amiss.
To be accepted as a disciple by Bibi Dong and acknowledge Qian Daoliu as a foster grandfather, this person must be extraordinary. And when did Qian Daoliu have a granddaughter?
Hu Bai watched quietly. He had already provided enough information; any more would be unnecessary and potentially reveal his strength.
If he said more, he would risk exposing his own power.
Exposing himself to the Defense Clan was acceptable, but if there were more, there might be more risks.
He was wary of the three sects, also "two"-ing the Strength Clan because of today's events. He just didn't like recruiting the Strength Clan; it was pointless.
Tang Hao's ultimate lickspittle—why recruit him?
He would become a traitor sooner or later!
Afterward, Hu Bai and Qian Renxue's group began eating on their own. These were all local delicacies, and it would be a shame not to enjoy them.
The rest of the group engaged in discussion with Niu Gao, openly speaking, not through sound transmission.
By now, Yang Wudi and Bai He also knew that the quiet woman beside Hu Bai was not a simple character; she was actually a Titled Douluo.
A Titled Douluo, if careful, could hear their sound transmissions.
So, Yang Wudi and Bai He spoke at length but dared not transmit sounds secretly.
Niu Gao was their good brother, who came to develop in the Star Luo Empire with them, so he absolutely had to join them!
As for Tai Tan, their feelings had changed. Originally, they didn't think much of him, but in recent days, with Hu Bai subtly speaking beside them, they also grew dissatisfied with Tai Tan.
They were no longer children, but they still listened to Hu Bai, which indicated that Hu Bai was not simply sowing discord.
The truth was the sharpest blade.
Ultimately, Niu Gao felt that what the others said made sense and decided to join Spirit Hall—on the condition that he could witness the talent of Hu Bai, the Supreme Pontiff's disciple and Qian Daoliu's grandson-in-law.
He also had a curious mind.
Of course, there was another reason: since these two old fellows had already joined Spirit Hall, how could he not join? Would they still be brothers if he didn't?
Moreover, he harbored deep hatred for the Clear Sky Sect. A large part of the sect's majestic buildings had been constructed by his Defense Clan, turning it into the best fortress. But the Clear Sky Sect disregarded their contributions and still abandoned them.
Detestable!
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End of Chapter