Chapter 33 Departure for Slaughter City

Absolutely must not form a marriage alliance?!

Hearing his son's words, Tang Hao was somewhat confused. Marriage alliances were common among major sects, so why couldn't their Clear Sky Sect do it?

A faint glimmer flashed through Tang San's eyes as he explained: "Father, currently the power distribution across the continent is one hall, three sects, and two empires."

The one hall naturally referred to Spirit Hall, the three sects were the Upper Three Sects, and the two empires were the most powerful empires on Douluo Continent - the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire.

"That's correct, what about it?" Tang Hao nodded. Their Upper Three Sects had joined forces to prevent Spirit Hall from defeating them one by one.

Tang San continued: "But the problem is that these three forces don't form a traditional tripod balance of power. It's more like six states contending for supremacy, except Spirit Hall's strength is so overwhelming that it appears like a tripod balance. Although our Upper Three Sects are closely allied, our relationships aren't particularly intimate - we still each mind our own business."

"Spirit Hall's main city and Papal Hall are located at the border between the two great empires. Geographically, it seems Spirit Hall is sandwiched between two empires, but in reality neither empire has the will to oppose Spirit Hall and keeps making concessions. Spirit Hall's policies are also very shrewd - they publicly declare they won't become any faction's empire, won't interfere with the two empires' policies, and will only work for the development of Soul Masters."

"Now, the Star Luo Empire's strength has clearly surpassed the Heaven Dou Empire by far, with increasing border conflicts showing clear intentions to annex the Heaven Dou Empire. It's only because Spirit Hall stands between them that this hasn't escalated into full-scale war."

"If our Clear Sky Sect forms a marriage alliance with Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, outsiders will see it as our Upper Three Sects becoming even more closely connected. But to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon School, it would appear we're isolating them."

"Our Clear Sky Sect currently enjoys great prestige, almost ranking first among the Upper Three Sects. If we then ally with Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School through marriage, our combined strength would approach Spirit Hall's. I fear the result would be making Clear Sky Sect the target of all attacks. When trees grow tall in the forest, the wind will blow them down. If Spirit Hall then sows discord, not only might the Heaven Dou imperial family turn against us, even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon School might sever ties with us. If Spirit Hall truly moves against our Clear Sky Sect then, father, do you really think Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would advance and retreat with us?"

Tang Hao frowned, saying somewhat uncertainly: "From what I've seen, Ning Fengzhi doesn't seem like someone who would betray his word, and he dotes on his daughter Ning Rongrong."

Tang San shook his head with a somewhat icy smile: "Father, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is actually the weakest in strength among us, yet they've become the richest sect on the continent - wealthier than both great empires - while sharing our Upper Three Sects title. This isn't just because their Martial Soul can seek treasures. Our sect also has forging capabilities, yet our wealth is far inferior to Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's."

"Father, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda possesses no offensive capabilities. They must rely on others—this is the inherent nature of their Martial Soul. Take Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo, for instance. These two Peak Douluo powerhouses are essentially the pillars the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School leans on. Without them, the school would have long been carved up. Ning Fengzhi is a businessman holding capital behind the scenes. If real trouble arises, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School can always attach itself to another powerful sect or empire. They won't suffer losses."

"With my exceptional talent, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School seeks marriage alliance with us. Such an alliance is untrustworthy. Capital has no allegiance—this marriage is fundamentally profit-driven. Given our Clear Sky Sect's current strength, we're far from capable of dominating and absorbing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."

Tang San slowly sat down, smiling as he said, "If we're too wicked, they'll unite to destroy us. If we're too timid, they'll trample over us. If we're too strong, they'll grow wary and suppress or distance themselves from us. Only when we're on equal footing will they accept us with peace of mind."

He dipped his finger in water and wrote the characters for 'The Doctrine of the Mean' on the table: "This is the principle of moderation."

"Our Clear Sky Sect fears no trouble, but we absolutely must not provoke it—at least not now."

Tang Hao blinked in surprise. "Did Yuehua teach you this?"

He naturally knew that although his sister Tang Yuehua couldn't become a Soul Master, she was the Clear Sky Sect's most skilled instructor, specializing in teaching temperament, etiquette, and similar knowledge.

Tang San merely smiled without responding. His aunt had indeed taught him some things, but this was wisdom he'd gained over ten years in the Clear Sky Sect.

Through that Lotus Soul Guidance Device, he'd learned about the other Tang San who died jumping off a cliff—the one who invented the Wrath of Buddha Tang Lotus. That Tang San had thought his invention would make him famous and earn the sect's favor, only to be driven to suicide. Thus, this Tang San understood that excessive talent threatens others' interests and ultimately backfires.

"So, Father, a marriage alliance isn't feasible now. We can't let outsiders think our Clear Sky Sect harbors ambitions of domination." Grinning, Tang San added, "Of course, Ning Rongrong's temperament is truly awful. I don't want to compromise either."

Tang Hao rolled his eyes—so after all that talk, the kid just disliked the young mistress's temper!

Still, Tang Hao agreed with Tang San's reasoning. Especially since the Clear Sky Sect currently lacked an Ultimate Douluo at the ninety-ninth rank, while the Spirit Hall had one. If the Clear Sky Sect were ever isolated, they couldn't face the Spirit Hall alone. Others might even wait for the two powers to clash and reap the spoils.

"That said," Tang Hao chuckled, "our bloodline still needs you to carry it forward. You're the only male heir in three generations!"

Their lineage was peculiar—among three siblings, only one had married and produced a single child. And this was the main family line!

(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻

Three black lines formed on Tang San's forehead. He was only ten—just a child!

Changing the subject, Tang San said, "Father, I've won five consecutive matches. Probably no one else will challenge me, so we shouldn't need to wait another seven days."

Tang Hao understood immediately—his son wanted to go to Slaughter City.

Tang Hao nodded in satisfaction and said, "Your physique truly exceeds my expectations, far surpassing mine back in the day. I estimate it won't be long before you fully master the Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique and execute eighty-one consecutive strikes."

This wasn't just empty praise from Tang Hao—Tang San's current physical prowess was genuinely remarkable. Aside from the aid of the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, his own diligence played no small part.

"Three days. Prepare yourself. In three days, I'll take you to Slaughter City," Tang Hao said, patting his son on the shoulder.

"Understood!"

Watching Tang San's figure, Tang Hao's eyes shone with pride. The outside world still speculated whether Tang San could become the next him, but in his eyes, his son wouldn't just be the next Tang Hao—he would inevitably surpass him!

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.