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At this moment, Tang San was not in Spirit City. Instead, he had been warmly invited by Xue Qinghe to return to Tian Dou City. The two engaged in conversations spanning various topics: governance, spirit theory, and cultivation methods.
Their discussion was only interrupted by the arrival of Yang Wudi, the current Grand Commander of the Tian Dou Imperial Knights.
"Tang San, allow me to introduce you to the clan leader of the Po Clan, Yang Wudi. He is also the Grand Commander of the Tian Dou Imperial Knights and a Spirit Douluo of the eighty-ninth rank!" Xue Qinghe introduced enthusiastically. "Moreover, it seems there might be some connection between the two of you."
"Your Majesty..."
"Ahem, let's get to the main matter," Xue Qinghe interrupted with a cough, turning to Tang San. "Yang Wudi wishes to discuss something with you. If you know the answer, do be truthful."
Tang San glanced at Yang Wudi, noticing that, despite being over fifty, the man radiated vitality. His spirit power was exceptionally refined, and his physique was robust. Tang San secretly nodded in approval.
No wonder, in the original story, this Yang Wudi could hold his own against Snake Spear Douluo with the strength of a Spirit Douluo. Even without considering his spear techniques, his spirit power and life force alone rival those of a Titled Douluo.
"What does Senior Yang Wudi wish to discuss? If I know, I will certainly share," Tang San said with a respectful clasp of his fists.
"I wouldn't dare!"
Yang Wudi hastily returned the gesture. After all, in the spirit master world, strength commands respect. Tang San was already a Titled Douluo with unparalleled spirit power and an extraordinary spirit ring configuration. As a mere Spirit Douluo, Yang Wudi hardly felt qualified to accept the title of "senior," save for his greater age.
Though Tang San's demeanor was approachable, Yang Wudi still felt uneasy and spoke carefully. "It's like this: there was a young genius in my clan named Yang Long. I wonder if you've heard of him?"
"I do recall. He came to me once for a transaction, though, unfortunately, he didn't seem to have much money at the time..."
Tang San sighed, recounting the past in a calm tone. "Later, he encountered the Fallen Blood Sword Norman and was tragically killed."
Tang San adjusted the story slightly, replacing Xiao Wu's involvement with himself, explaining that he had heavily injured Norman and giving a different reason for the conflict.
After all, revealing the truth—that Yang Long was a transmigrator who wanted to capture Xiao Wu and trade her for the Xuantian Gong—was clearly out of the question. A more reasonable explanation had to be found.
Conveniently, there had indeed been a conflict between Yang Long and Tang San during their transaction—
"Honestly, part of this is my fault. Back then, I was just a Spirit Grandmaster, while he was a Spirit Elder... I didn't yet realize I could fight across ranks. When his attempt to strong-arm me failed, he grew enraged and came after me later. During the ensuing struggle, I was a bit heavy-handed..."
Yang Wudi winced as he listened. Yang Long's death, while shrouded in mystery, turned out to be somewhat different from what he had imagined. Being severely injured by Tang San before falling prey to Norman's ambush did fit the logic, though.
"At the time, I even tried to save him," Tang San continued, "but he was wary of me. He insisted he could only rely on himself, saying the Po Clan had plenty of healing medicine."
Yang Wudi felt an even greater pang of discomfort.
Trusting no one on the road and rejecting unsolicited kindness... This principle had long been a survival strategy for the Po Clan, especially while traveling across the continent. Who could have expected that this mindset would ultimately lead to Yang Long's demise?
Xue Qinghe sighed softly, "If only there were a bit more trust between people, Yang Long wouldn't have fallen prey to Blood Sword Norman's ambush."
Yang Wudi could only respond with a helpless sigh.
After all, there was no way to pin the blame on Tang San. What could he say? "Tang San, it's because you heavily injured Yang Long that he was vulnerable to the Fallen's attack, so you must pay with your life?"
If he dared say such a thing, he might not leave this hall alive.
In truth, this incident wasn't Tang San's fault. It was Yang Long who hadn't brought enough money and tried to strong-arm a deal. When that failed, he refused to let it go, leading to his confrontation with Tang San. Being in the wrong and losing in skill—he had no one to blame but himself.
Moreover, Yang Wudi believed Tang San had no reason to lie about the matter. If there were any doubts, a simple inquiry at the blacksmith shop in Nuoding City would verify the story.
What Yang Wudi didn't know was that even if he went to the blacksmith shop, the locals there would support Tang San. Tang San had once worked there, gaining a stellar reputation. The shop had thrived in his wake, and Su Yuntao himself had said, "If anyone comes to stir up trouble with Tang San on Yang Long's behalf, just tell them Yang Long was the instigator."
Furthermore, the quarrel between Yang Long and Tang San had been witnessed by the blacksmith shop's owner and apprentices. To their simple, straightforward minds, it was only natural that an arrogant noble like Yang Long would seek revenge.
It was just Yang Long's misfortune to encounter Tang San, a formidable opponent who left him grievously injured.
"Count Tang, I apologize on behalf of that wayward child. I spoiled him too much in his youth," Yang Wudi said with a long sigh. His figure seemed to age ten years as his vitality ebbed, though his eyes carried a hint of relief. The thorn of guilt over Yang Long's death had finally been pulled free.
Yang Long had been dead for years. It was time to let go. As the leader of the Po Clan and the Grand Commander of the Tian Dou Imperial Knights, Yang Wudi had to focus on the future of his clan.
This realization sparked a shift in Yang Wudi's aura. His spirit power began to surge, breaking through the bottleneck at rank eighty-nine and advancing to rank ninety, the realm of a quasi-Titled Douluo.
"Congratulations, Senior! You've reached rank ninety. Once you acquire a spirit ring, you'll become a true Titled Douluo!" Tang San congratulated him warmly.
"Haha! With Master Yang Wudi in Tian Dou, our empire is secure!" Xue Qinghe exclaimed with genuine joy. "Soon, I shall bestow upon you the title of Imperial Offering, with privileges equal to that of a prince!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Yang Wudi bowed deeply, though his expression was not particularly jubilant. The revelation of Yang Long's "true cause of death" still weighed heavily on his heart, and his mood hadn't fully lightened despite the breakthrough.
Turning to Tang San, Xue Qinghe continued, "And you, Tang San, for reclaiming Xiao Hai City for our Tian Dou Empire, deserve recognition as well. I confer upon you the title of Marquis."
However, Xue Qinghe noticed Tang San's gaze shift toward the hall's entrance, a hint of gravity in his expression.
Tang Chen has ascended to godhood and left the Haotian Clan. Tang San had sensed this extraordinary event.
"Apologies, I was momentarily distracted," Tang San said with a smile as he turned back to Xue Qinghe. "Regarding the marquis title, let's keep it simple. You know I don't like grand ceremonies."
Yang Wudi echoed his sentiment. "Your Majesty, there's no need to go to such lengths on my behalf either."
Xue Qinghe sighed. "Very well, we'll keep it simple. Though, I admit, I was looking forward to some liveliness..." After all, a grand celebration would have been an excellent excuse to set aside state affairs and relax.
But it seemed there were more pressing matters to attend to now—
(End of Chapter)