As a core member of the Clear Sky Sect, Blazing Sun Douluo (Tang Lie) was closely related to Tang Hao and the other main family members—he was practically Tang Hao's uncle.
However, due to Tang Hao's actions that had indirectly caused the deaths of Tang Lie's son and daughter-in-law, he harbored deep resentment toward Tang Hao.
But this grudge had nothing to do with Tang Hao's sister, Tang Yuehua. Tang Lie wasn't the kind of person who'd vent his anger on the innocent.
"Ah…"
Tang Yuehua sighed softly. She understood the complex situation. On one side was her elder brother, Tang Hao, and on the other was her uncle, Tang Lie.
"Seventh Uncle, is the sect running low on supplies again?"
Tang Yuehua asked gently.
She was well aware of the Clear Sky Sect's current state. With so many direct disciples needing to cultivate every day, the cost of food alone was staggering.
Sealing the mountain and sitting idle—how long could that last?
The Clear Sky Sect, despite being the number-one sect in the world, had never been as adept at making money as the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Hearing her question, Blazing Sun Douluo's face turned red.
The situation was deeply embarrassing for him, but for the sake of the young disciples in the sect, he had no choice but to swallow his pride.
Damn Tang Hao! If not for him, the Clear Sky Sect wouldn't have fallen to this point!
"Yuehua, you're right. The sect's food supply won't last another month. That's why I came…"
Tang Lie's voice trailed off, his face burning with shame. As the youngest elder, he had been the one sent out to handle this humiliating task.
"Seventh Uncle, I'll—"
Before Tang Yuehua could finish speaking, there was a knock on the door.
Knock, knock, knock…
Tang Lie's arrival had been discreet—no one else knew he was here—so Tang Yuehua hadn't given any orders to avoid interruptions.
"Director Aude, what is it?"
Tang Yuehua called toward the door.
Beside her, Blazing Sun Douluo sat silently, straightening his expression. Aude, the director, was also a member of the Clear Sky Sect, though he belonged to the outer sect.
"Third Miss, a young man with the surname Dai has come to visit you."
Aude said from outside the door.
His tone carried a hint of unease. This golden-haired youth with mismatched eyes gave him a strange sense of familiarity.
The surname Dai… golden hair… heterochromatic eyes…
Where had he heard that combination before?
Tang Yuehua and Blazing Sun Douluo exchanged a sharp glance.
Could it be that someone from the Star Luo Imperial Family had come knocking?
"Seventh Uncle, this…"
Tang Yuehua turned toward Tang Lie, uncertain how to proceed.
Blazing Sun Douluo's expression twitched slightly. He wasn't sure what to make of the situation either.
The Clear Sky Sect had once had a relationship with the Star Luo Imperial Family, similar to how the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect now supported the Heaven Dou Empire.
But here was the question: If the Clear Sky Sect had such close ties with Star Luo, why was Moon Pavilion located in Heaven Dou City instead of Star Luo City?
"Let's meet him and find out."
The events that had led to the sect's isolation had been too sudden. If they had held out longer, with the support of the Star Luo Empire, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the Clear Sky Sect might not have had to seal itself away.
"Director Aude, please invite the young man in."
Tang Lie spoke up, his voice steady.
"Understood, Third Miss!"
Before long, Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu were escorted into the room. As soon as the door opened, Aude caught sight of Blazing Sun Douluo and visibly stiffened.
Without saying a word, Aude stepped back, quietly closing the door and standing guard outside.
Dai Mubai entered the room and immediately noticed the presence of two individuals: a refined and beautiful woman—Tang Yuehua—and a dignified man with an imposing aura.
Who's this guy?
Dai Mubai's thoughts paused for a moment. He didn't know who Tang Lie was, but he quickly composed himself.
Tang Yuehua, meanwhile, was as stunning as he'd expected. Known as the "First Beauty of Heaven Dou City," she lived up to her reputation.
However, Dai Mubai couldn't help but inwardly critique her attire—especially the neckline. What's with that design?
After a brief silence, Tang Yuehua stood up gracefully, performing a perfect aristocratic salute.
"On behalf of Moon Pavilion, I welcome Young Master Dai and the two ladies. Please, have a seat."
Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing responded with the Star Luo Empire's noble greeting.
Xiao Wu, meanwhile, looked utterly confused and unsure of what to do.
Tang Yuehua and Tang Lie exchanged subtle glances, both inwardly startled.
This "Young Master Dai" truly is from the Star Luo Imperial Family.
And the young girl… her identity seems extraordinary as well.
"You are too kind, Pavilion Master."
Dai Mubai replied politely, while Zhu Zhuqing remained silent beside him.
Seeing Xiao Wu's awkwardness, Dai Mubai subtly guided her to sit down with them.
Once everyone was seated, Tang Yuehua smiled and asked,
"Young Master Dai, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit to Moon Pavilion today?"
Dai Mubai smiled faintly.
"I'm new to Heaven Dou City. I heard that Moon Pavilion's mistress is renowned as the most beautiful woman in the city. Curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to pay a visit."
His tone was calm and composed, but his words were clearly meant as polite flattery—standard etiquette before discussing business.
Blazing Sun Douluo's brow furrowed slightly.
You're telling me you came here just to admire Yuehua's beauty? Who are you trying to fool?
"Who is this gentleman?"
Dai Mubai's gaze turned to Blazing Sun Douluo, as though noticing him for the first time.
Tang Yuehua and Tang Lie hesitated briefly. Seeing no reason to hide, Tang Lie lifted his head and introduced himself.
"I am Tang Lie, Title: Blazing Sun."
"Greetings, Your Excellency Blazing Sun!"
Dai Mubai cupped his hands respectfully. Zhu Zhuqing followed suit.
"Greetings, Blazing Sun Douluo."
Xiao Wu: "…"
Oh, great. If not for the effects of the Lovesick Heartbroken Red, she would've been exposed on the spot.
The human world is way too dangerous! We just came for a casual look, and we've already run into a Title Douluo!
"Greetings, Blazing Sun Douluo!"
Following Zhu Zhuqing's example, Xiao Wu quickly copied the salute.
Dai Mubai hadn't expected to encounter the Clear Sky Sect's Seventh Elder here.
This was years before Tang San's reunion with his family, yet Tang Lie had already become a Title Douluo.
Tang Lie nodded slightly in return.
As a Title Douluo, he owed deference to no one—not even the Emperor of Star Luo. But he still observed basic social etiquette. After all, the Dai family had once been their "old employers."
"Well then, young man. Since there are no outsiders here, why don't you tell us your real reason for coming to Moon Pavilion?"
Tang Lie said bluntly. He didn't believe for a second that Dai Mubai had come just to admire Tang Yuehua's beauty.
Dai Mubai shrugged casually.
"Your Excellency jests. I'm just a disgraced prince who fled Star Luo City. What purpose could I possibly have in visiting Moon Pavilion?"
Pausing for a moment, Dai Mubai continued nonchalantly.
"Even if I wanted to ask for the Clear Sky Sect's help, I know you wouldn't agree. After all, the sect has sealed itself away."
Tang Lie and Tang Yuehua: "…"
Good grief. You say you have no purpose, but you've already figured out we're from the Clear Sky Sect!
Tang Lie's brow furrowed deeply.
A Star Luo prince seeking the Clear Sky Sect's support to claim the throne…?
(End of Chapter)