Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 133: Preparing to Take Action

After these words, a heavy silence fell over the hall. Everyone present belonged to powerful clans, and each knew that any outsider attempting to steal their clan's secrets would face swift and ruthless punishment.

Breaking the silence, Tang San finally spoke up. "Why are we all so guarded? Wouldn't more open communication between us help advance the world of soul masters?"

Yu Xiaogang quickly chimed in, "Knowledge should be shared to benefit everyone, just like my theories on spirit ring age limits and the core principles of martial spirits."

Yang Potian smiled coolly at Tang San. "Tang San, I've watched you in battle—you have quite the unique skill set. That jade-colored hand technique, the method you use to accelerate, the purple technique for your eyes, and of course, the Chaos Wind Hammer Technique and Haotian Nine Absolutes of the Clear Sky Clan. Since you're advocating for open exchange, how about we start with these?"

"And then there's the matter of those weapons you've been trading with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Perhaps their crafting methods could also be shared for the benefit of the public?"

Tang San's mouth snapped shut. Everything Yang Potian mentioned was a tightly guarded secret of the Clear Sky Clan or Tang Sect—he could never reveal them, nor did he have any authority to offer them up.

Ning Fengzhi's expression shifted, intrigued by Yang Potian's words. Tang San's ability to fight above his level depended on precisely these techniques and resources. Considering how Tang San now sought the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's multi-tasking skill, it only seemed fair for him to reciprocate with some secrets of his own.

Feeling the weight of everyone's gaze, Tang San hesitated before mumbling, "These techniques are Clear Sky Clan secrets. Any sharing of them would require the clan leader's approval."

Ignoring Tang San, Yang Potian continued, "Though the Potian Clan is small compared to the great Clear Sky Clan, we've dedicated ourselves to the art of medicine for generations. Our medicinal knowledge is our clan's foundation, and it's not something we give away freely."

"As for whatever's happening with your team, I'm not involved. But if your overtraining has led to injuries, I'd suggest seeking a healing-type soul master. Our medicinal baths can't help."

Yang Potian's stance was crystal clear—he had no intention of providing medicinal materials for free or of associating with Yu Xiaogang's group.

Just then, Ning Fengzhi cleared his throat, intending to speak. But before he could, a voice from outside interrupted, "Hold on a moment!"

The doors opened, and in stepped a towering figure draped in a worn, black cloak. It was Tang Hao, whom they had last encountered at the Min Clan gathering. Despite his disheveled appearance, he exuded even more force and authority than before.

Tang Hao strode straight in, ignoring everyone else, and glared at Yang Potian. "Boy, were you just now coveting the Clear Sky Clan's secret techniques?"

Yang Potian let out a low chuckle and shook his head. "I only mentioned them as an example. Every major clan has techniques they hold sacred and don't share with outsiders. Like the Haotian Nine Absolutes and the Chaos Wind Hammer Technique of the Clear Sky Clan, the Dragonification Technique of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and the Multi-Tasking Control of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."

"These secrets are why the great clans remain powerful, allowing their heirs to be unmatched among their peers."

He continued calmly, "The Potian Clan, though modest, has also built its foundation on our expertise in medicine. There's no way we would part with such knowledge easily."

Tang Hao's eyes narrowed. "And if I were to force you?"

Before Yang Potian could reply, his grandfather, Yang Wudi, clenched his fists and spoke. "Tang Hao, I know your strength. In single combat, our Potian Clan might be no match for you. But we are not cowards; if forced, we would fight to the last breath."

"As long as a single Potian breathes, I don't think you could handle the consequences. Not just you, but your descendants, and even the Clear Sky Clan would feel them."

Tang Hao's expression darkened. "Are you threatening me?"

Yang Wudi sneered. "It's you who's relying on brute strength, coming here with no room for discussion. Tell me, who's threatening whom?"

"Clan Master Ning, Yu Xiaogang—you're the leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and you," he said, looking at Yu Xiaogang, "are the son of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's patriarch. Just what is it you all want? Are you here as the great three clans to strongarm us?"

Ning Fengzhi chose silence, understanding Yang Wudi's unyielding resolve. Though the three great clans professed unity, they knew that any direct conflict would be costly. The Potian Clan was close with the Yu Clan and had ties with Poison Douluo. To eliminate them completely would invite massive retaliation, and should even one of them or Poison Douluo infiltrate the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the loss would be staggering.

Yu Xiaogang, despite his family background, had been cast out long ago, so speaking up could bring trouble to his clan.

Before Tang Hao could respond, a voice outside called out, "Old Goat, since when are you so fired up? Why don't we sort this out together?"

Two figures entered the hall: Ox Douluo Niu Gao and Poison Douluo Dugu Bo.

Seeing them, Yang Potian breathed a sigh of relief. With his grandfather and Poison Douluo present, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan wouldn't act recklessly, and even Tang Hao would hesitate to resort to violence with Tang San here.

As for Yu Xiaogang, no one here considered him seriously. Just a mere Spirit Grandmaster; disregarding him wouldn't offend his family.

Ox Douluo and Poison Douluo seemed oblivious to the tense atmosphere and took seats on either side of Yang Wudi. They poured tea, wearing expressions of detached amusement. Yet, both men sat poised, their muscles tense, ready to spring up at a moment's notice.

With a sour expression, Tang Hao held his tongue, and the room sank into silence.

Ning Fengzhi was the first to break it, smiling amiably. "Everyone, there's no need for this tension. I only came here to discuss business; even if we disagree, let's keep things cordial."

Turning to Yang Wudi, he said, "Clan Leader Yang, about my daughter joining your team—what do you think?"

Yang Wudi thought for a moment before replying, "I have no objections to the children's arrangements. However, we are a humble clan; it may be hard for us to match the standards of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."

Ning Fengzhi continued smiling and nodded politely. "Understood. If business can't be arranged, we'll part amicably. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will still consider the Potian Clan's medicinal supplies as our top choice. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't take up more of your time."

With that, Ning Fengzhi signaled to Sword Douluo and Ning Rongrong, and the three quietly departed, as if nothing had happened.

Tang Hao, however, remained, his gaze coldly fixed on Yang Wudi and Niu Gao. "We were once all under the same banner—do we truly have to bring things to this point?"

Yang Wudi's response was a harsh laugh. "Tang Hao, are you still dreaming? We've said it before: we want no part of you or the Clear Sky Clan. Did you think we'd still consider you kin after what you said today?"

"All you or the Clear Sky Clan ever wanted was a dog to serve your interests. But the Potian Clan will be no one's dog again."

He looked Tang Hao over with sharp eyes. "Don't think you can fool me. I know the extent of your injuries. I'd advise you not to fight anyone again unless you're prepared for the consequences."

Tang Hao stood silent for a moment before he finally turned and left, bringing Tang San and Yu Xiaogang along with him.

Not long after they departed, Yang Zhentian and Niu Jinfeng arrived, both looking serious and ready for battle.

Poison Douluo Dugu Bo cast a bemused glance at Yang Potian. "Well, kid, you just got threatened in your own home. Don't you have anything to say about it?"

Yang Potian shrugged dismissively. "What's there to say about a dead man walking? Tang Hao's end is coming soon enough; we won't need to lift a finger."

Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And why do you say that Tang Hao is as good as dead?"

Yang Potian shook his head slightly. "If Tang Hao had stayed hidden, no one could have reached him. But here he is, gravely wounded and drawing attention in Heaven Dou City. Do you think Spirit Hall will let him walk free, knowing he killed their former Supreme Pontiff, Qian Xunji?"

"Aren't you concerned Tang Hao will come for you if he's pushed?"

"What's there to fear? If he dares harm a single hair of the Potian Clan, I'll kill his son. And if he truly attacks, I'll make my way into the Clear Sky Clan and poison his entire family."

Dugu Bo tilted his head. "The Clear Sky Clan's ancestral ground is one of the most fortified places in the world. Not even Spirit Hall dares enter lightly—especially given that Clear Sky Ancestor Tang Chen might still be alive. Where are you getting this confidence?"

Everyone was now curious about Yang Potian's bold assurance. After all, Tang Chen was rumored to be an unbeatable force on land, a legend among the top-tier Douluo.

Yang Potian gave a cold laugh. "Tang Chen may have been powerful, but he's now nothing more than a half-dead monster. Spirit Hall has been intimidated for years by the reputation of a man who's nothing but a husk. It's their own fault they've let this threat fester."

Yang Wudi's expression grew serious. "Potian, do you have information on Tang Chen? What's happened to him?"

Yang Potian scanned the room. All present were family and could be trusted. "Tang Chen is trapped in the City of Slaughter, lost to madness. He's nothing but a mindless monster now, and he'll never escape."

Yang Wudi was stunned. "The City of Slaughter? That can't be. Tang Hao fought his way out of the City of Slaughter and even gained the Killing God Domain—surely he would have noticed something?"

Yang Potian shook his head. "Tang Hao probably did see him, but didn't recognize him. Tang Chen's appearance is so altered that even you wouldn't recognize him."

Ox Douluo Niu Gao looked uneasy. "Potian, is there no chance of Tang Chen escaping? If he ever gets out, he'd be a grave threat to us all."

"Don't worry, Grandfather. Tang Chen's never getting out."

Yang Potian hadn't planned to make a move against Tang Hao so soon, but Tang Hao's repeated provocations left him little choice. It was time to strike first, at the very least to keep Tang Hao too occupied to trouble the Potian Clan. All he needed was the right blade to wield against Tang Hao and the Clear Sky Clan. The only question was whether Spirit Hall had the resolve to act decisively against them.

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