"Welcome, senior! When we return to the sect, I will hold a grand welcoming ceremony for the Speed Clan. I also recommend you as deputy of our Intelligence Hall, second only to Grandpa Eagle, the Thunder Hawk Douluo." Tianlin was overjoyed. The Speed Clan's joining would greatly enhance their intelligence-gathering abilities.
The happiest of all was Ma Hongjun. With the Speed Clan joining, that meant he could spend every day with Bai Chenxiang—being close, he'd get the first chance!
But Bai He shook his head. "No need, Vice Sect Master. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect accepting us is already a great favor. We shouldn't ask for more."
"This isn't a benefit, it's about ability. The Speed Clan is unrivaled on Douluo Continent in intelligence work. I think Grandpa Eagle will also welcome you!" Tianlin replied.
"Then I shall accept respectfully!" Bai He no longer declined. Any affiliated family joining a great sect needed to show their value to gain more say—this was only natural.
Seeing this, Yang Wudi smiled in relief. "Now, old White Bird, with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's protection, I can leave without worry. Take care!"
"Wait, Old Goat!" Bai He flashed in front of Yang Wudi. "You should know, Spirit Hall and the Lower Four Sects won't let my clan go, and they won't let your clan go either. Your clan is already small, and you're the only Soul Douluo. If a strong enemy comes, how will you defend yourselves?"
"Why not come with me to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and let us two brothers fight side by side again?"
"Yes, Grandpa Yang, join us! Otherwise, Grandpa will never be at ease," Bai Chenxiang pleaded, holding Yang Wudi's arm.
"Go to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?" Yang Wudi considered, then shook his head. "Sorry, old White Bird, Xiangxiang. The Breaking Clan doesn't want to rely on any big sect anymore. As for Spirit Hall and the Lower Four Sects—better to die with honor than live in shame. Every member of my clan is a true, iron-blooded man. Even if we die, we'll take a bite out of our enemies."
"Senior, are you seeking revenge on Spirit Hall?" Tianlin asked suddenly.
"No. Whether it's the Clear Sky Sect or Spirit Hall, I hate them, but if they don't bother me, I've never thought of revenge," Yang Wudi immediately denied. "In the past, the Clear Sky Sect abandoned us to preserve their strength, but our clan thrived initially thanks to them. That's a debt and grudge, which cancel each other out."
"As for Spirit Hall, we were already mortal enemies. In battle, many Spirit Hall soul masters died to my Breaking Soul Spear. This is war. I can't ask them to show mercy, then let us kill them in return."
Yang Wudi's attitude was far more open-minded than Tang Hao's. He understood that, from both the Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall's perspectives, neither side was wrong. He hated them but didn't seek revenge.
Besides, his Breaking Clan was already few in number. If he started another war for vengeance, they really would be exterminated.
"But while I don't seek revenge, I will never serve Spirit Hall if they try to subdue me!"
After Yang Wudi finished, Tianlin couldn't help but applaud. "Well said, Senior Yang Wudi! Today, I truly see you with new eyes. Not only is your temperament excellent, but your attitude and stance are unshakeable. I admire you greatly, and wish even more to have you join my sect."
"Senior Yang, I've heard that you joined the Clear Sky Sect out of admiration for the Clear Sky Hammer's unmatched power. I'd like to challenge you and prove that our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's swords are no weaker than the Clear Sky Hammer!" Tianlin said with a fighting spirit.
He knew that earning Yang Wudi's recognition wasn't as simple as with Bai He. Even if he offered the precious immortal-grade Aromatic Silk Beauty, it might not win his loyalty.
What would convince him was power. In the original, Tang San also first proved his strength, then presented the immortal herb, winning him over completely.
"Oh, you want to challenge me?" Yang Wudi was intrigued. "Sword Prince, you may have killed two Spirit Hall Titled Douluos, but I'm guessing it was with help, right? Otherwise, as a mere Soul Sage, how could you defeat a Titled Douluo?"
"But I'm different. In terms of pure attack power, I've long surpassed ordinary Titled Douluos. If I fight with my life, I can even die together with a Titled Douluo. Are you sure you want to fight me? I won't hold back."
Tianlin smiled. "Whether I killed them with help or alone, you'll know when we fight. Let's make a bet: if you win, I'll drop the matter of inviting you to join us, and I'll give you three million gold spirit coins as your spoils. Under Spirit Hall's oppression, your clan probably isn't doing well, right?"
Yang Wudi fell silent. Tianlin was right. Although his Breaking Clan was good at making medicine, those in power were afraid of Spirit Hall and didn't dare buy from them. Their income had already dried up. If not for their small numbers and some savings, they'd have been finished like the Speed Clan.
If Tianlin now gave them three million gold spirit coins, not only would it solve immediate problems, it would greatly improve their lives. Even if they sold no medicine for ten years, they'd be fine.
"All right, I agree. But if I lose, what then? Will you force me to join your sect?" Yang Wudi asked.
Tianlin shook his head. "If I did that, you wouldn't join with your whole heart. I won't do that."
"If I win, I only ask for a chance. I'll give you a treasure. If you like it, you can join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. If not, you can leave—and I, Jun Tianlin, will never try to stop you again."
Yang Wudi was stunned. No matter how he looked at it, this bet was entirely in his favor—even to the point of him taking advantage.
"All right, young Tianlin, I accept your sincerity. I'll accept this wager. Come!" Yang Wudi summoned a blood-red spear into his hand. On its shaft were two yellow, two purple, and four black rings—the ideal eight-ring configuration.
"Yang Wudi, level eighty-two assault system Battle Soul Douluo, Martial Soul: Breaking Soul Spear. Please advise!"