Chapter 171: Scheming the Clear Sky Sect

Yang Xiong now began to grasp Tang Chen's real position in the Soul Master world.

Tang Chen not only used his strength to intimidate the entire the Spirit Hall, but also the whole Soul Master world, serving as the true leader of the top three sects against the Spirit Hall.

If the Spirit Hall truly confirmed Tang Chen's death, chaos would erupt instantly, and the Spirit Hall would immediately claim dominion over the world.

After thinking for a long time, Yang Xiong spoke: "Sect Leader, Tang Chen's life or death is unknown; should we make other plans?"

Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "All plans must be based on strength. Originally we hoped Tang Hao would become the next Tang Chen, but judging from Tang Hao's recent condition, much of his talent has already been wasted. Of course, Xiao Xiong, you have shown me new hope; if we could give you fifty years, perhaps you could truly reach Tang Chen's level."

A hint of bitterness appeared at Yang Xiong's mouth; not to mention fifty years—the Spirit Hall wouldn't even grant us ten years, and the most dangerous moment is already less than a year away.

The Spirit Hall's power is truly despairing; even if it now seeks to unify the world, there may be no one on earth capable of stopping it.

The scene remained silent for a long time; everyone stared at the information without a word, and even Ning Rongrong had lost her usual naivety.

Yang Xiong clenched his teeth: "Sect Leader, we living people can't be forced to die of holding our bladders; what are your plans?"

Ning Fengzhi's face appeared rather calm: "All these years the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has been on good terms with the Heaven Dou Empire. Though the Heaven Dou Empire's Soul Masters are average, it commands a hundred thousand elite troops; the Star Luo Empire also fields several million soldiers, which can barely deter the Spirit Hall."

Yang Xiong shook his head: "Sect Leader, I think people must rely on themselves; armies are ultimately inconvenient, and the true reliance should be Soul Masters, especially top‑tier Soul Masters."

Ning Fengzhi said: "Xiao Xiong, tell me what we should do; after all, the strength gap between the two sides is truly huge."

Yang Xiong's expression turned extremely serious: "Sect Leader, ultimately we must strengthen ourselves and increase our allies."

Ning Fengzhi suddenly became interested: "Specifically, what should we say? The entire Douluo Continent now has hardly anyone who could become our ally."

Yang Xiong said: "First, we must concentrate our strength so the enemy cannot find an opening. Our sect has many disciples handling affairs outside—up to forty percent, down to thirty percent—which amounts to a full two thousand Soul Masters."

"I suggest we limit the number of disciples going out; that way at least the sect won't experience internal emptiness."

Ning Fengzhi's face also froze at the words, and finally he said: "Xiao Xiong, you should know that the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is the richest sect under heaven; only enough disciples traveling outside can ensure the sect's business continues. If we reduce their outings, the sect's control over its business would likely drop significantly."

"Moreover, many disciples' external affairs are linked to the Heaven Dou Imperial Family; a rash withdrawal would likely cause a huge economic loss."

Yang Xiong suddenly had a flash of realization; no wonder the Spirit Hall could seize such a good opportunity—after all, the information had been leaked by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect itself.

After thinking carefully, Yang Xiong spoke: "Sect Leader, have you considered that the waters of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family run deep? Not all imperial disciples are as they appear. Even Crown Prince Xue Qinghe inherited the crown only because the Emperor Xue Ye lost two sons before he could ascend."

Ning Fengzhi's face flashed: "Xiao Xiong, do you have a misunderstanding about Qinghe? Though many rumors circulate, I believe Qinghe is not the type to harm his brothers."

Yang Xiong was speechless upon hearing that; the sect leaders of the top three sects, even boasting as the number one businessmen under heaven, had been duped for so long by the impostor Qian Renxue, who even gave careful instruction and poured massive resources. How could people in this world become so naive?

Nevertheless, Yang Xiong found it hard to expose the truth: "Sect Leader, what I mean is that any internal strife within the imperial family is extremely brutal and bloody; they will disregard everything for power. We cannot easily believe that the crown prince's position is so easily obtained."

Ning Fengzhi's expression changed: "Xiao Xiong, then what do you propose we do?"

It was evident that Ning Fengzhi was very displeased at this moment; it seemed he truly admired Xue Qinghe, for the two share very similar personalities and approaches, making their master‑disciple relationship feel like half a father‑son bond.

Yang Xiong helplessly said: "The real decision‑maker of the Heaven Dou Empire is Emperor Xue Ye. Whether it's Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, the Xue Beng Prince, even Xue Xing Qinwang or Xue Ke Princess, the actual succession hinges on a single word from Emperor Xue Ye. We should place greater emphasis on cooperating with Emperor Xue Ye; the crown prince's position is merely that of an heir."

"At least until Emperor Xue Ye passes away, they are the sole ruler of the Heaven Dou Empire, even the crown prince included."

Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "Emperor Xue Ye is deeply scheming and calculating; his mind is profoundly intricate. Though his demeanor appears gentle, prolonged contact reveals his ruthlessness. From a business standpoint, he is not a good commercial partner, and I dare not place the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's bets too heavily on Emperor Xue Ye."

Yang Xiong laughed: "Sect Leader, we are merely a sect; why over‑involve ourselves in Heaven Dou Imperial Family affairs? Rather than sending many disciples to assist the imperial family, it is better to fully support Emperor Xue Ye while focusing on our own development. How much impact does the Heaven Dou Empire's modest business truly have on our sect?"

"Even if we send only ten percent of our disciples to handle external affairs, thanks to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's prestige, the actual loss of profit would certainly not be great."

After a long silence, Ning Fengzhi finally spoke: "Jian Shu, Gu Shu, Rong Rong, what do the three of you think? Especially Rong Rong, you have recently begun dealing with our sect's business."

Jian Douluo remained silent upon hearing that, clearly uninterested in worldly matters. Gu Douluo, however, showed a hint of hesitation on his face and finally said: "Fengzhi, over the years you've cared too much about the sect's business. It may allow the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to amass massive wealth, but ultimately we develop within the Soul Master world; wealth is only secondary. Only strength provides true confidence."

"You also know the recent situation of the Elephant Armor Sect, and with the Spirit Hall now eyeing us, I think Xiao Xiong's point is valid; we must consolidate our strength."

Gu Douluo has always handled all the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's undisclosed matters, having encountered much darkness, and thus understands more clearly what the sect's key truly is.

Ning Rongrong thought for a moment before speaking: "Dad, actually our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is already wealthy enough. I recently examined the sect's situation; even if we have no business for decades, it wouldn't affect the sect's development."

"Moreover, according to Xiao Xiongzi, as long as the sect has ten percent of its disciples active outside, it would definitely be the most profitable sect on the entire continent."

Ning Fengzhi finally nodded: "Very well, I will recently re‑plan the sect's business situation, trying to keep disciples within the sect for cultivation, and will ensure everyone has sufficient cultivation resources."

Just as Yang Xiong expected, Ning Fengzhi is an absolute businessman; he understands even better how to choose between gain and loss.

Ning Fengzhi continued: "Xiao Xiong, what external support did you just mention?"

Yang Xiong now appeared extremely serious: "Sect Leader, do you still have any contact with the Clear Sky Sect?"

Everyone who heard the words was startled; the Clear Sky Sect had been in seclusion for nearly twenty years, and no one expected Yang Xiong to ask this question.

Ning Fengzhi's mouth showed a bitter smile: "Of course there is. If we weren't secretly supporting them, how could the Clear Sky Sect's over a thousand Soul Masters hidden in Zu Di obtain cultivation resources, let alone even basic living supplies? Relying only on the meager money earned by Moon Pavilion could never be enough."

Yang Xiong quickly asked: "Then, Sect Leader, do you know what strength the Clear Sky Sect currently possesses? How many Title Douluo are there?"

Ning Fengzhi said: "I'm not clear on the specifics, but over the years they should have produced Title Douluo. Though they haven't stated it outright, I've inferred it from various clues."

After careful thought, Yang Xiong spoke: "Sect Leader, we now need allies; regardless, we must find a way to bring the Clear Sky Sect out of hiding."

"I have once read some records of the Soul Master world: Tang Hao and Tang Xiao were once called the Clear Sky Twin Stars; their talents and strength were outstanding. Although Tang Hao is called the Clear Sky Douluo, in terms of talent Tang Xiao is probably not weaker at all, especially since his temperament is steady; his current strength is likely far greater than Tang Hao's."

Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "Xiao Xiong, you think too simply. If the Clear Sky Sect remains hidden, the Spirit Hall will still have some reservations; at least its offerings won't manifest easily. But once the Clear Sky Sect emerges, the original alliance between the two will be void, and then the Spirit Hall will likely reveal its true fangs."

Yang Xiong helplessly said: "Sect Leader, we ultimately must know ourselves and our opponent; regardless, we at least need to understand our ally's strength, otherwise rushing into war with the Spirit Hall could end terribly."

Even though Yang Xiong said that, Ning Fengzhi remained somewhat unmoved; clearly he regarded the Clear Sky Sect as an ally on one hand, yet harbored reservations about it on the other. If the Number One Sect truly emerged, it would likely affect the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's standing in the Soul Master world.

At this moment Yang Xiong was also helpless; compared to the Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's strength is still far lacking, while the Clear Sky Sect has been idling the whole time, only stepping in to clean up the battlefield when all sides are locked in life‑or‑death combat.

When the Clear Sky Sect finally emerged, it boasted seven Title Douluo, shocking the world and instantly becoming the Number One Sect under heaven.

It can be said the Clear Sky Sect both preserved its strength and secured the final victory, a masterful calculation; meanwhile, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan suffered—one annihilated, the other crippled.

Finally, Yang Xiong said: "Sect Leader, even if the Clear Sky Sect stays hidden, we still must know our ally's strength. Perhaps we should have Master Gu Douluo personally visit the Clear Sky Sect to discuss with its Sect Leader Tang Xiao about emerging. Otherwise, if the Spirit Hall continues to develop unchecked, even when the Clear Sky Sect finally appears, the Soul Master world will already be decided."

"Of course, if possible, I would also like to go to the Clear Sky Sect myself to witness the legendary Number One Tool Spirit."

Ning Fengzhi did not oppose Yang Xiong's suggestion; evidently he had also clarified the Clear Sky Sect's true strength.

Yang Xiong believed that once Gu Douluo makes a trip to the Clear Sky Sect and gains a rough understanding of its strength, Ning Fengzhi will certainly reassess both sides' positions and conduct.

Of course, Yang Xiong also offered another suggestion: the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect should try to communicate with Dugu Bo; even if it costs resources and treasures, they must forge an alliance with Dugu Bo.

Ning Fengzhi was very interested in this proposal; Dugu Bo is reputed to be invincible in group battles and could compensate for certain shortcomings of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.

In fact, since settling the original dispute over stealing Immortal Herb with Dugu Bo, Yang Xiong has been trying to bring Dugu Bo into the Body Sect.

Unfortunately, that old fellow Dugu Bo has always been extremely hostile toward Yang Xiong, even though he is very close with Yang Wudi; every time he meets Yang Xiong he blows his beard, glares, finds everything displeasing, and Yang Xiong has nothing to say.

(End of chapter)