Tang San had been listening outside the tent for a while, understanding his father's difficult position and struggles within the sect.
Moreover, this wasn't the first time such things had happened.
Though frustrated, his current strength had just reached level 78, making it impossible to change everyone's attitude.
Father, please endure a little longer. Once I've grown stronger, I'll definitely make these people take back their words...
Tang San thought to himself.
Although the Clear Sky Sect elders treated him differently from how they treated his father, Tang San understood that all this stemmed from his own talent and the sect's current lack of promising successors.
If he hadn't proven himself capable, he would likely be in the same position as his father—unable to hold his head high within the sect.
But these elders might have forgotten: what difference is there between insulting his father and insulting him?
"Xiao San, you're back."
Tang Xiao interrupted Tang San's turbulent emotions with a cheerful smile: "I can sense your aura has grown stronger again. It seems you've gained quite a lot from your trip outside?"
"I did gain some things from this trip, but I'm still far from being a true powerhouse." Tang San revealed a humble smile.
He held considerable goodwill toward this uncle, as the man not only treated him well but had also secretly assisted his father numerous times.
Otherwise, his father's situation within the sect would be even more difficult.
"Good..."
Hearing Tang San's response, not only Tang Xiao but all the present elders showed satisfied smiles.
Given Tang San's current cultivation progress, he had already far surpassed the previous generation's Clear Sky Twin Stars and could be called the new leading figure of the Clear Sky Sect.
"What exactly is this method you mentioned earlier?" After simple pleasantries, Tang Xiao asked with a smiling expression.
"Uncle, isn't your current difficulty that our high-end combat power is being restrained by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School? I can bring in some powerful experts." Tang San raised his head, confidence shining in his eyes.
"What?" Everyone was stunned.
"Xiao San, this isn't a place for jokes. Do you know what level of cultivation I'm hoping for in these experts?"
Tang Xiao's face showed displeasure, worried that Tang San might be overpromising and would make mistakes in front of the elders.
Even Tang Hao developed deep furrows on his forehead upon hearing this, but considering his son's character, he quickly calmed down, believing Tang San wouldn't speak without basis.
Seeing everyone's doubtful expressions, Tang San smiled faintly: "I naturally know this."
"Can you give me a hint beforehand?" Tang Xiao became somewhat interested seeing Tang San's certainty.
If experts from the Star Luo Empire joined at this time, it could potentially reverse the disadvantage in the battle situation due to the addition of high-end combat power.
"Uncle, I'm sorry but I can't reveal it in advance. Just rest assured, though you should also be mentally prepared—I'm worried you might be quite startled."
Tang San's eyes sparkled, radiating intense confidence.
Three hundred miles from Antonio City, the Heaven Dou Empire's army was busily setting up camp.
Unlike the gradually declining morale in Star Luo, most people here were filled with smiles and confidence.
At this moment, the main command tent was also discussing military affairs. Except for Ning Fengzhi who was managing the overall situation in the capital, basically all the core figures from both the Heaven Dou Empire and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School frontline were present.
"The Swift Clan and Control Clan have been of great assistance to the Star Luo Empire. Otherwise, we would have already entered Antonio City by now."
Dugu Bo snorted coldly, "Old Yang, have your communications with Bai He and the Rhinoceros yielded any results?"
Yang Wudi's expression turned troubled upon hearing this, clearly still harboring some special feelings for his former sworn brothers:
"Everyone says I'm stubborn, but in truth, Bai Niao has the most unyielding temper among us all.
No one but the Clear Sky Sect can change his mind. Otherwise, his clan wouldn't have to worry about where their next meal is coming from."
"As for the Control Clan, they're interested but still hesitating."
"Enshrined Yang, Poison Enshrined isn't targeting you. We understand the bond between the Breaking Clan and Swift Clan. With Heavenly Dou steadily advancing now, if the Swift Clan remains obstinate, they might follow in the Strength Clan's footsteps."
"This is something none of us want to see. Take your time with this." Sword Douluo said with a cheerful laugh.
Communication had always been one of the most crucial elements in war.
Although the Swift Clan wasn't particularly strong in combat, they possessed the fastest Martial Soul on the continent. Thanks to their clan, Star Luo had been able to respond promptly to Heavenly Dou's attacks.
"Sigh! There's no persuading him. Once Old Bai Niao sets his mind on something, not even ten oxen can pull him back."
Having known the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School members for ten years, Yang Wudi naturally understood that Dugu Bo wasn't targeting him. He just couldn't help but sigh when thinking about the consequences of Bai He's refusal.
The connection between the two clans ran deep - Yang Qianjun's wife was a daughter of the Swift Clan, which was why he had been reluctant to be as decisive with them as he had been with the Strength Clan.
Yang Qianjun was currently sitting slumped in a corner of the tent.
His wife had already written to him about this matter, but since it involved the war between the two great empires and sects, he hadn't replied.
"Old Yang, since you've already made your decision, that settles it.
You don't need to be involved in dealing with the Swift Clan and Control Clan. The same goes for you, young Yang. You should go back and properly comfort your wife. I'll play the villain."
Dugu Bo had met Bai He before. With decades of experience in judging people, he could tell at a glance that trying to win over that mixed bird and rhinoceros was a complete waste of time, especially since Bai He was related to the Clear Sky Sect.
Yang Qianjun looked at Dugu Bo with gratitude upon hearing this.
With two armies at war, each serving their own masters, casualties were inevitable. But as long as he didn't have Swift Clan blood on his hands, things would be manageable.
"Alright..." Yang Wudi sighed, slowly closing his eyes and falling into prolonged silence.
With internal obstacles and personal connections removed, the subsequent discussion proceeded much more smoothly. The only difficulty was that the Swift Clan was too fast - even Sword Douluo couldn't catch up with Bai He if he simply chose to flee.
Moreover, they would certainly face obstruction from the Clear Sky Sect.
Just as everyone was intensely discussing countermeasures, someone came in with a message saying several young people wanted to see the commander here, holding tokens from both the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and Spirit Hall.
The tent fell into complete silence for a moment, then the atmosphere grew even more excited, with someone leading the way out of the tent.
Throughout the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, there was only one person who held a Spirit Hall token and would dare to boldly come to a heavily guarded military camp - Heavenly Dou's young State Preceptor.
"It's been over a year since we last met. He seems to have grown taller and gained more masculine spirit."
Sword Douluo chuckled and patted Li Xun's shoulder, then his eyes lit up when he spotted Ning Rongrong behind him. "Three years apart, and our Rongrong has grown into a young lady."
During the trip to Seagod Island, Li Xun had returned occasionally, but Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Dugu Yan had been training on the island the entire time.
Now, all three of them had undergone a world of change in both figure and temperament compared to three years ago, shedding some of their youthful immaturity and gaining more maturity.
"Sword Grandpa, you're teasing me as soon as I return," Ning Rongrong said, her earlobes slightly flushed.
"If that old scoundrel doesn't dote on you, isn't there still Grandpa Bone?"
Bone Douluo strode over from a distance. "But Rongrong really has become more and more beautiful, and so has Zhu Zhuqing."
Seeing both of them say this, Ning Rongrong's eyes darted away, and she stole a glance at Li Xun.
But everyone present was sharp-eyed; aside from Sword Douluo, the bachelor, the rest had experience in such matters.
With one look at the expressions and subtle glances between Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Li Xun, they instantly understood.
Has this kid moved so fiercely and so quickly?
Everyone was inwardly startled.
Then, taking a closer look at the three girls' expressions, they noticed that the youthful innocence had faded from the brows of both Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong.
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