Hearing Bai He's question, Tang San's thoughts cleared like a mirror.
In his view, his great-uncle still felt some familial affection for his rebellious father, Tang Hao. He also still had some goodwill toward the Clear Sky Sect, which had once mercilessly abandoned its affiliated clans—but not much.
Since that was the case, he could temporarily withdraw the death warrant he'd issued for his great-uncle.
The Swift Clan wasn't too stupid after all. They could still be saved.
Having grasped the key point, Tang San's expression instantly turned solemn and righteous. His eyes shone with a sincerity and conviction that inspired trust.
Though it felt a little awkward to call the old man before him "Great-Granduncle," he still spoke up,
"Great-Granduncle, you're worrying too much."
Tang San stepped forward, his voice ringing with force. "The Tang Sect I intend to establish will be a completely independent sect with absolute sovereignty! It will belong only to the disciples of the Tang Sect. It will never be subordinate to any other power, nor will it become an appendage of the Clear Sky Sect!"
"You can rest assured of that."
Seeing Bai He's expression ease, Tang San continued, laying out the pitch he'd prepared long ago. "In my plans, the Tang Sect will establish four halls: Strength, Defense, Swift, and Break. The heads of the four clans will serve directly as their respective hall masters, with a high degree of autonomy and a real voice in the sect!"
"We're brothers, family—not master and servant!"
His words were watertight. He had distanced the Tang Sect from the Clear Sky Sect's rotten system while giving Bai He all the respect he deserved.
Jiang Li's brow lifted. It seemed his dutiful disciple had picked up his master's knack for making promises over the years.
He refused