The referee loudly announced the victory of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and the entire arena erupted in applause.
Tang San stood below the stage, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, his knuckles turning white. He stared intently at Shen Yifeng's retreating figure as he walked off the stage, his chest churning with rage.
He had never lost so humiliatingly in his life; this disgrace was like a thorn, deeply embedded in his heart.
He gritted his teeth, with only one thought in his mind: this debt must not be left unpaid.
Over the next few days, the remaining qualifying rounds came to a close, with top academies emerging victorious and earning the right to travel to Spirit City for the finals.
The various academies began to pack their belongings, and the Spirit Hall also sent special personnel to meet them and arrange guards along the way. Ostensibly, this was to ensure the safety of the teams, but in reality, it was also to demonstrate the power and prestige of the sect.
The atmosphere at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy was relaxed. Shen Yifeng took his time to rest as usual, Lan Xuanyu and the others didn't take the finals to heart, treating it as just a formality.
The atmosphere inside Shrek Camp, however, was heavy.
Under the cover of night, Tang San found Yu Xiaogang and solemnly revealed his plan. "Teacher, the road to Spirit City is the perfect time to make our move. I plan to contact the Defense Clan, the Breaking Clan, and the Speed Clan. The destruction of the Strength Clan has already made them all feel insecure. As long as we point out Shen Yifeng's threat and offer them benefits, they will definitely be willing to join forces."
Yu Xiaogang pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded. "We must act discreetly and leave no evidence. Let the three clans lead the charge while we hide in the shadows. Even if we investigate later, they won't be able to trace it back to Shrek Academy."
"I understand," Tang San replied, a cold glint in his eyes.
He secretly resolved that not only would Shen Yifeng die on the way, but the rest of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy would also be prevented from making it smoothly to Spirit City. He would collect the debt from the qualifying rounds, with interest, before the finals began.
After the master and disciple finalized the details, Yu Xiaogang patted Tang San on the shoulder and said in a deep voice, "Be careful in everything, and don't reveal your whereabouts. I'll go and arrange another plan first."
"Yes, teacher." Tang San nodded in response.
He assumed that his teacher was going to contact other collateral forces, completely unaware that Yu Xiaogang harbored another plan in his heart. He intended to secretly meet with Bibi Dong and use the power of the Spirit Hall's Titled Douluo to eliminate her completely. He did not intend to tell Tang San this, firstly because he was too embarrassed, and secondly because he was afraid of causing unforeseen changes.
Yu Xiaogang wrapped his outer robe tightly and quietly left the camp under the cover of night.
As his figure disappeared into the darkness, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, quickly replaced by ruthlessness.
For Tang San's future, for Shrek's glory, what's wrong with bowing down once more?
Meanwhile, Tang San determined the direction and headed straight for the Defense Clan's encampment.
On the way, he had already planned out his words: first, he would use the destruction of the Strength Clan as a warning to others, and then he would promise Niu Gao great benefits. He was not worried that Niu Gao would not agree.
If the Defense Clan relents, the Breaking Clan and Speed Clan will readily switch sides.
With the three clans joining forces to ambush him, Shen Yifeng is doomed.
He tapped the Hidden Weapon in his sleeve with his fingertips, his eyes growing colder.
The camp of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy was peaceful and tranquil.
Shen Yifeng lazily rested his head on Gu Yuena's lap, closing his eyes to relax.
The evening breeze blew in through the window, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees.
Gu Yuena looked down at his relaxed brows and eyes, and said softly, " Yifeng, let me massage your temples. You must be tired from the matches these past few days."
"Thank you for your trouble." Shen Yifeng's voice was languid, his eyes still closed.
Gu Yuena gently placed her fingertips on his temples, the pressure just right.
A warm feeling quietly welled up in her heart. This close interaction was the best; she could protect him and gradually strengthen their bond.
Over the days, she could feel the connection between the two growing stronger, and the resonance of the Dragon God Origin becoming increasingly clear.
Gu Yuena brushed her fingertips through the stray hairs on his forehead, a faint smile curving her lips.
Such a quiet moment is more comforting than winning ten battles.
Meanwhile, Tang San traveled through the night and arrived at the territory of the Defense Clan at the crack of dawn.
The disciples guarding the mountain had previously received instructions from Tai Tan and recognized Tang San as a member of the Clear Sky Sect, so they dared not stop him and hurriedly ran back to the main hall to report.
Niu Gao was troubled by the secret report from the Strength Clan when he heard that Tang San had come to his door. He still waved his hand and said, "Let him in."
Tang San followed his disciple into the main hall, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Sect Leader Niu."
Niu Gao sat in the main seat, his gaze fixed intently on him. "Young Master, what brings you here?"
Tai Tan had mentioned Tang San to him many times before his death, expressing his intention to bring the four major clans back to the Clear Sky Sect.
Tang San rushed to the door of the Strength Clan, who had just suffered a devastating calamity, and he felt that something was amiss.
Tang San didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point, "I want to ask Sect Leader Niu to help me kill someone."
"Kill whom?" Niu Gao paused, his hand holding the teacup still.
" Shen Yifeng, the team captain of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy," Tang San's tone turned colder, "This person has a deep-seated grudge against Shrek Academy. I hope Sect Master Niu will lend a hand for the sake of the Clear Sky Sect. Afterwards, I will definitely report to the sect and bestow a generous reward upon the Defense Clan."
Niu Gao slammed down his teacup, the sound particularly jarring in the silent hall.
He stared at Tang San, and the whole story instantly flashed through his mind.
Tai Tan had previously said he would clear obstacles for Tang San, but then the Strength Clan was wiped out.
So, the old gorilla's failed assassination attempt on Shen Yifeng led to the extermination of his entire clan?
"So, Tai Tan died because he messed with Shen Yifeng, and that's why he ended up like this?" Niu Gao's voice was deep, with a hint of accusation.
Tang San was taken aback, not expecting him to react so quickly.
He quickly regained his composure and shook his head repeatedly. "Sect Leader Niu, you misunderstand. The death of the Tai Tan Clan Chief was purely accidental. The evidence found at the scene was Xiong Jun's claw marks, and it has nothing to do with Shen Yifeng. I came to see you only to settle a personal score with Shrek Academy."
He spoke frankly, but was secretly on guard.
Niu Gao was indeed not easily fooled; he almost revealed his true colors. It seems that if we want to bring the Defense Clan into the game, we'll need to add fuel to the fire.
Niu Gao leaned back in his chair, his fingertips tapping the armrest, his tone tinged with a hint of probing, "What if I refuse?"
Tang San chuckled lightly, took half a step forward, and spoke in a calm yet authoritative tone, "Refuse? Sect Leader Niu, do you really think Xiong Jun only has a grudge against Tai Tan? The Strength Clan is gone, and who knows who will be next? If you are willing to help me, with the Clear Sky Sect as your safety net, at least you'll have a way out."
He accurately predicted Niu Gao's weakness.
The four major families were already weak and powerless, and with Xiong Jun's shadow looming over them, everyone felt insecure.
At this point, by revealing the backing of the Clear Sky Sect and clearly explaining the advantages and disadvantages, the other party would have no choice but to be tempted.
Niu Gao indeed fell silent, his brows furrowed.
He pondered repeatedly in his mind. Xiong Jun's terror was obvious; if he really came knocking, the Defense Clan would definitely not be able to withstand it.
But Tang San's words weren't without merit; following the Clear Sky Sect at least provided some support.
As for killing Shen Yifeng, Tai Tan's death might have been due to the old gorilla's carelessness. With the three races joining forces, plus Shrek, they might not be without a chance of victory.
Since there are risks on both sides, it's better to take a gamble and at least do the Clear Sky Sect a favor.