Yang Wudi carefully observed the expressions and reactions of everyone present. After taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and asked in a steady voice,
"Since Spirit Hall wishes to resolve past grievances, may Your Excellency explain in full what truly happened back then?"
Golden Crocodile's gaze never left Tai Tan. His spirit pressure remained firmly locked, suppressing him without mercy, as he calmly recounted the past.
"Back then, Tang Hao was wandering the continent alongside a transformed Spirit Beast of one hundred thousand years. He treated her as his wife—and she later became pregnant.
"Normally, once a Spirit Beast transforms and its cultivation exceeds level seventy, it becomes indistinguishable from a human. No abnormalities can be detected.
"However, pregnancy caused her aura to leak. That fluctuation could be sensed by Titled Douluo and high-level Spirit Douluo alike.
"Tang Hao was aware of this, yet he did not take her to a remote location to recuperate and await childbirth. Instead, he openly brought her through major cities. Even when facing Spirit Hall bishops, he made no effort to conceal her presence.
"When Supreme Pontiff Qian Xunji learned the truth, he personally led Gui Mei and Yue Guan to intervene. Out of respect for the Clear Sky Sect, he showed restraint at every turn and had no intention of killing Tang Hao.
"But that Spirit Beast knew her fate was sealed. She chose to sacrifice herself directly, allowing Tang Hao to break through the level ninety barrier.
"Empowered by the sacrifice and the Ring Explosion Technique of the Clear Sky Sect, Tang Hao exploited a moment of carelessness. He gravely injured the Supreme Pontiff and fled, vanishing without a trace."
A heavy silence fell.
Yang Wudi and the others were visibly shaken. What Golden Crocodile was implying had already become clear.
Tang Xiao's fingers dug into his palms until blood seeped between them. The physical pain was insignificant compared to the turmoil in his heart.
"After the Supreme Pontiff's death," Tang Xiao said hoarsely, "Big Brother went alone to the Clear Sky Sect to give an explanation. Tang Hao never returned, nor did he appear anywhere on the continent.
"In order to force him out, Big Brother sealed the Clear Sky Sect and led us into seclusion. Yet Tang Hao never showed himself.
"Later, after Bibi Dong ascended, Big Brother withdrew from Spirit Hall entirely and entered seclusion within the Offering Hall.
"Once Bibi Dong consolidated power, she began purging the Four Single-Attribute Clans and Clear Sky Sect disciples. That persecution continues to this day."
He lifted his head.
"Are there any further questions?"
Tai Tan attempted to speak several times, desperate to defend Tang Hao, but Golden Crocodile's spirit pressure crushed his throat. Not a single word escaped.
"Then why does Spirit Hall wish to lift the ban now?" Yang Wudi asked. After learning the truth, he sighed deeply toward the sky before lowering his gaze.
Golden Crocodile relayed Qian Daoliu's words without embellishment.
Yang Wudi and Niu Gao exchanged glances, both clearly surprised by the High Priest's stance.
"If the High Priest truly holds that one bears responsibility only for one's own actions," Yang Wudi said slowly, "and he upheld this principle back then, then the Clear Sky Sect should indeed remember this favor."
Tang Lie had endured long enough. He stepped forward, his voice sharp with restrained fury.
"Then what about Bibi Dong? How should she answer for implicating the innocent, suppressing our clans, and killing our disciples?"
"Bibi Dong is already dead," Golden Crocodile stated flatly.
The words struck like thunder. The entire hall fell into chaos. Even Saras visibly paled.
"Her spirit power was abolished. Her Spirit was destroyed. Her meridians collapsed, and her body failed."
Silence followed.
Neither the hot-blooded Tang Lie nor the stubborn Yang Wudi could speak. Their long-held hatred dissipated in an instant.
A Titled Douluo with twin spirits.
The former Supreme Pontiff of Spirit Hall.
Dead—by such a brutal end.
They had assumed Qian Daoliu was responsible. Golden Crocodile sensed the misunderstanding but did not correct it. After all, the outcome he described was the truth.
Seeing no further objections, Golden Crocodile reiterated coldly,
"Tang Hao must die."
Yang Wudi's heart trembled. Both the current Supreme Pontiff's father and Qian Daoliu's son had died, yet Spirit Hall sought vengeance only against Tang Hao—no one else.
If they continued to resist, once the truth spread, even the extermination of their clans would earn little sympathy across the continent.
Without hesitation, Yang Wudi drew a dagger from his spirit tool, sliced his palm, and plunged the blade into the floor.
"I, Yang Wudi, swear by blood—the Breaking Clan vows to kill Tang Hao!"
Niu Gao followed immediately.
"I, Niu Gao, swear by blood—the Defense Clan vows to kill Tang Hao!"
Bai He stiffened and looked toward Tang Xiao. Tang Xiao's arm trembled, his head lowered in silence.
Tang Lie and Tang Wei felt their hearts turn cold.
Golden Crocodile's expression darkened. Tang Lie could wait no longer. He seized Tang Xiao's arm and pulled him back, while Tang Wei dragged him behind them.
"I, Tang Lie, swear by blood—the Clear Sky Sect vows to kill the despicable Tang Hao!"
"I, Tang Wei, swear by blood—the Clear Sky Sect vows to kill the despicable Tang Hao!"
Tang Xiao collapsed inwardly, tears streaming down his face, yet he remained silent.
Yang Wudi snorted coldly.
"As expected of the head of the Upper Three Sects. Sect Master Tang truly cherishes his brother and stands united with his clan. Such harmony—how enviable."
Saras silently raised a thumb in approval.
Yang Wudi then turned to Bai He.
"Old White Bird, your Speed Clan has struggled for years. As Tang Xiao's brother-in-law, surely he has supported you generously?"
Bai He said nothing. Instead, he bent down, picked up the bloodstained daggers from the ground, cut both palms, and drove them into the floor before standing beside Yang Wudi.
Tang Lie and Tang Wei trembled with fury, but no words came.
Finally, Tang Xiao spoke, his voice hollow.
"I have failed my ancestors, my sect, my clan, and my kin. I am unfit to remain Sect Master.
"From this day forward, Tang Lie shall inherit the position. I will retreat to the Ancestral Master Pavilion to atone for my sins."
He handed over his spirit tool, bowed to Tang Lie and Tang Wei, cupped his hands to Golden Crocodile, bowed to Yang Wudi and Niu Gao, and knelt before Bai He.
"I have no face to remain here," he said quietly. "I ask permission to return and guard the Ancestral Master Pavilion."
Tang Lie accepted the spirit tool, remained silent for a moment, then nodded.
"Go."
Tang Xiao exhaled deeply, as though a crushing burden had finally lifted. Without looking back, he turned and left.
At last, he was free—no longer torn between blood and duty.
Behind him, Yang Wudi and the others noticed that his rigid posture had finally relaxed.
No one spared Tai Tan a glance. It was as if he no longer existed.
_____________________
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