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Tang Xiao glanced at the Seventh Elder. This elder was an unkempt old man who, despite breaking through to become a Title Douluo, still appeared aged and frail. His strength was only that of an entry-level Title Douluo.
However, this elder harbored the strongest hatred for the Spirit Hall among all the elders.
After all, shortly after entering their secluded hideout, his child had been discovered by the Spirit Hall while out purchasing supplies and was killed outside.
From that day on, the Seventh Elder devoted himself to rigorous cultivation, always wearing a face of deep resentment. Not only did he harbor extreme hatred for the Spirit Hall, but what left the deepest impression on Tang Xiao was that this elder also held an especially intense grudge against his younger brother, Tang Hao.
After all, everything had started because of those two brothers.
The Seventh Elder had simply lost the competition and returned to the sect earlier, while those who knew the truth had perished during that escape years ago. If this elder ever learned the full story, he might even rebel outright against the Hao Tian Sect.
After all, it's hard for anyone to bear having their superior as their enemy.
But outwardly, Tang Xiao remained calm, tapping his fingers slowly on the armrest of his chair. After a moment, he spoke.
"If the Spirit Hall hadn't invaded the Tian Dou Empire, I would have wanted to ignore the White Tiger Emperor's letter, as we don't stand much of a chance against the Spirit Hall.
But now, we can't afford to ignore it. If the Spirit Hall completes the unification of the Douluo Continent, there will be no place for our Hao Tian Sect to exist."
As soon as these words were spoken, the elders present nodded in agreement.
Most of them were part of the newer generation of elders and knew little about the sect's past secrets. They naively believed that their escape from the Spirit Hall's pursuit years ago was due to the overwhelming strength of the Hao Tian Sect, which had made the Spirit Hall hesitate, fearing mutual destruction.
This was the pride—and arrogance—unique to the Hao Tian Sect.
Even Tang Xiao himself knew little about the older generation's affairs.
He only knew that his grandfather's generation had some ties with Qian Daoliu, and that his father and Qian Xunji were of the same generation. His father had chosen to sacrifice his life to ensure the survival of the Hao Tian Sect.
As for the true strength of the Spirit Hall? Sorry, they had hidden themselves far too well. Tang Xiao assumed that the only truly formidable figure in the Spirit Hall was Qian Daoliu.
"But if we choose to enter this war, the future of the Hao Tian Sect—whether it leads to extinction or renewed glory—is uncertain and will unfold rapidly.
Though I am the sect leader, I cannot make such a critical decision alone. Let us vote.
Raise your hand if you choose to go to war."
With that, Tang Xiao closed his eyes, waiting for the vote that would decide the fate of the Hao Tian Sect.
The elders exchanged glances, then began quietly discussing Tang Xiao's words.
If they chose not to fight, the Hao Tian Sect could continue to survive—but if the Spirit Hall eventually unified the Douluo Continent, the sect would likely be eradicated in the aftermath, leading to its complete downfall or disappearance.
If they chose to fight, victory or defeat was uncertain, but there would undoubtedly be heavy casualties. However, it would also give them a chance to restore the glory of the Hao Tian Sect.
The promises of status, wealth, and resources mentioned in the letter had calmed the initial excitement of the elders, prompting them to reflect on whether it was worth the risk.
Driven by his hatred for the Spirit Hall, the Seventh Elder was the first to raise his hand in favor of war.
Then, with hopeful eyes, he looked at the other elders.
Raise your hands! This is an opportunity for revenge and to restore the reputation of the Hao Tian Sect!
The first three elders, being older, no longer had any competitive spirit and simply wished for the sect's survival. They unanimously chose not to fight.
The Fourth Elder, reflecting on the disparity in strength after his earlier embarrassment, ultimately decided against fighting as well.
However, the five middle-aged and older elders, who were more inclined toward aggression, slowly raised their hands.
The Seventh Elder's face lit up with joy. With this, their side now had five elders in favor of war—4 to 5.
War it is!!!
At this moment, Tang Xiao opened his eyes and looked around at everyone present.
"Four to five. It seems we'll have to confront the Spirit Hall after all."
Tang Xiao muttered these words, unsure whether he was speaking to himself or to those in the room.
But now that the decision had been made, there was no turning back. Having chosen to fight, arrangements needed to be made. Tang Xiao spoke.
"This battle will be perilous. We cannot hold back against the Spirit Hall. Therefore, all the sect's elders, including myself, must take to the battlefield."
Upon hearing this, the first four elders' faces darkened—they truly didn't want to set foot on that accursed battlefield.
"However, the younger generation's role will be limited. Thus, I've decided that all clan members below the rank of Soul Sage will be led by my younger brother, Tang Hao, to take refuge on the Sea God Island. Even if we lose in the future, that sacred land should be able to protect the descendants of the Hao Tian Sect."
This plan was highly prudent. While restoring the glory of the Hao Tian Sect was important, they couldn't risk wiping out the entire family line.
However, the Seventh Elder was extremely displeased and immediately stood up to protest.
"Lord Sect Leader, I have no objection to protecting the young ones, but why Tang Hao?!"
"Seventh Elder, I know you hold a grudge against Tang Hao because of what happened in the past. But Tang Hao's strength is something the entire Hao Tian Sect has witnessed. When he unleashes his full power, he is no weaker than any of you five newly promoted elders," Tang Xiao said calmly.
But to his surprise, the Seventh Elder tore off the mask of civility.
"Tang Hao is only stronger than us because of his self-detonating soul rings and the Great Rukh Hammer! Without those two techniques, who among us doesn't know the nine ultimate techniques of the Hao Tian Sect?!
And since Tang Hao possesses the strength of a Title Douluo, he shouldn't be doing logistical work! He should fight alongside us on the battlefield, shedding blood and sacrificing for the Hao Tian Sect—it's his duty!"
At this, Tang Xiao's brows furrowed, and he glared at the Seventh Elder, releasing a surge of oppressive aura.
"You've gone too far, Seventh Elder!"
Although Tang Xiao's pressure made the Seventh Elder uncomfortable, the stubborn elder refused to back down and glared back defiantly.
"Am I wrong?! In this life-or-death moment for the Hao Tian Sect, who cares about all those useless rules!"
"You!" Tang Xiao, enraged, prepared to intensify his pressure.
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