Shen Lang's words left everyone present stunned, taking a long moment to react.
Tang Jiutian, equally shocked, had no idea what had gotten into this young man's head to pull such a stunt.
However, as a formidable figure, Tang Jiutian quickly regained his composure and smiled at Shen Lang, "You wish to acknowledge me as your sworn father and then leave here safely?"
"Don't put it like that, it makes my intentions sound impure."
Shen Lang chuckled, "My aim is merely to fulfill the wish of the Tang Sect Master, to have an outstanding son, so that you may die without regret. Of course, for us to leave, and to take Shi Wuxie's sister with us, that would be even better."
"I am like a dragon among men, while Tang Zixuan and Tang Qubing are like pigs and dogs. If you lose a son who is like a pig and another like a dog, and gain a son like a dragon among men, no matter how you calculate it, you old man will not be at a loss, right?"
"If the Tang Sect Master agrees, you will be my sworn father from now on, and I am willing to go through fire and water for the Tang Sect."
Upon hearing this, Tang Jiutian fell into deep thought. Tang Wan'er, standing beside him, wanted to speak but hesitated, finally calling out in resignation, "Father…"
Tang Wan'er knew Tang Jiutian's nature. While he valued family and his children, the terms Shen Lang offered were simply too generous.
Tang Zixuan and Tang Qubing were two utterly useless scions. They truly could not be compared to Shen Lang.
Shen Lang was a thousand, even ten thousand times stronger than Tang Zixuan and Tang Qubing; to say they were not comparable to Shen Lang was putting it mildly.
Tang Wan'er feared that if her father pondered on it, he might actually agree, making Shen Lang a part of the Tang Sect.
Shen Lang was a dragon among men, but even more so, a tiger or wolf. If he were to join the Tang Sect, it would hardly be a good thing for the sect.
After all, Shen Lang's intentions for joining the Tang Sect were impure, and he would naturally not contribute actively. He might even drag the Tang Sect into an abyss of eternal damnation at any opportunity.
Tang Wan'er understood this, and as the Sect Master, Tang Jiutian naturally did too.
It was just that Shen Lang offered too much.
He could discern Shen Lang's martial cultivation, and thus his potential. If Shen Lang truly became his adopted son, it would indeed be a great boon for the Tang Sect.
However, the Tang Sect was no easygoing organization. Letting him join would be akin to inviting a wolf into the house, and he might end up devouring them.
After a long pause, Tang Jiutian seemed to have made a significant decision. He sighed and said, "Shen Lang, I must admit, you truly understand what others need. You are the strongest and most intelligent among the younger generation I have ever seen. Qi Tuojiang cannot compare to you, nor can that young man from the Ye family. And as for Kong Wudao of the Kong family, there's no need to even mention him."
"If I had an adopted son like you, it would be like having a sharp sword in my hand to expand our territory. One can imagine the Tang Sect sweeping aside all opposition and becoming invincible in the future."
"Alas, a sword is not like a saber; it has two sides. The front can be invincible and sweep aside all enemies, but the reverse can also tear flesh and blood apart, leading to ruin and a broken home."
"If I were to acknowledge you as my adopted son, I can foresee that within a few years, my remaining son and daughter would both meet with untimely deaths, followed by the loyal followers of the Tang Sect. In the end, the Tang Sect would likely have to change its name and become the Shen Sect."
"Sigh…"
Tang Jiutian lamented, "If I were ten years younger, I would certainly agree, because I am confident I could control everything. But now, I cannot. You should accept your fate and die with Shi Wuxie, as a sacrifice for my sons."
"Is that so?"
Shen Lang heard this and chuckled, "I thought the Tang Sect Master was broad-minded enough to accept me. It seems, however, that your vision is ultimately too narrow. The title of 'formidable figure' is merely nominal."
"Very well, since that is the case, I have no more to say. If you want my life, you can have it, but you will have to take it by force."
Shen Lang stood alone in front of Shi Wuxie, speaking softly to her, "I will hold everyone off. You find an opportunity to enter the tall building, rescue your sister, and then we will escape immediately."
"Understood—"
Shi Wuxie replied, "You must be careful. Don't get hurt."
Shi Wuxie was cold in nature but had not lost her humanity. She still cared about Shen Lang's safety.
After all, Shen Lang had come with her to save her sister. If Shen Lang died, even if she successfully rescued her sister, she would be plagued by guilt.
"Don't worry. With my martial cultivation and skills, even if I cannot slaughter everyone in the Tang Sect, I can still escort you in and out with ease."
Shen Lang said with a smile, then moved behind Shi Wuxie, shook his wrist, and his long sword let out a clear, resonant hum.
Without waiting for the Tang Sect disciples to make a move, Shen Lang struck first, charging towards the eight Tang Sect disciples behind Shi Wuxie.
"Kill—"
The eight Tang Sect disciples did not expect Shen Lang to attack first at this moment. The one-eared man leading them shouted, and then charged towards Shen Lang with his men.
The Tang sabers cut through the air with a whistling sound, exuding a palpable killing intent. In an instant, they were locked in combat with Shen Lang.
The martial cultivation of these men was no lower than the early stage of the Huang Realm, and their aura was not weak.
However, they were facing Shen Lang, a genius who had entered the Di Realm at the age of twenty-five.
"Crack—"
As two Tang sabers slashed through the air, Shen Lang swung his sword, and the two Tang sabers snapped in response. Then, Shen Lang followed up with another strike, tearing through the chest armor and the ribcage beneath.
"Bang—"
"Bang—"
Two Tang Sect disciples vomited blood, flying backward like kites with broken strings, crashing into the two disciples behind them, who then also spat out blood.
Seeing this, Shen Lang pressed forward and struck again.
This strike from Shen Lang was faster and more accurate. The sword light was like lightning. Just as the three Tang Sect disciples were about to unleash their sabers, Shen Lang's sword swept past their wrists, severing the meridians in their wrists.
"Ah—"
Before the three could even cry out after their meridians were severed by Shen Lang, Shen Lang used the flat of his blade to strike, sending them flying. They crashed heavily to the ground, their bones broken and their bodies severely injured, unable to rise.
Seeing Shen Lang's fearsome power, having injured seven of his companions in the blink of an eye, the remaining Tang Sect disciple's face changed drastically, filled with terror. Yet, he mustered his courage and thrust his saber.
But Shen Lang did not even look at him. He swung his sword, severing the opponent's wrist tendons, and then kicked him to the ground.
Shen Lang was here to rescue people, not to kill unnecessarily. Therefore, he would not kill if he could avoid it.
Seeing the eight Tang Sect disciples blocking him heavily injured, Shi Wuxie rejoiced, turned, and charged forward, rushing directly up the tall building in one go.
"She wants to rescue that girl. Stop her."
Tang Wan'er's expression changed when she saw this. She shouted to the Tang Sect disciples.
Upon hearing Tang Wan'er's words, the remaining Tang Sect disciples drew their sabers and charged towards Shi Wuxie, but Shen Lang stood in their way.
Tang Hongyao, witnessing the scene before her, could not help but recall the words from Li Taibai's poem "The Difficult Road to Shu": "One man holds the pass, and ten thousand cannot force their way through."