Back at the Strength Clan's residence...
With the arrival of Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and Bai He, the tension thickened.
After Niu Gao introduced himself and the other clan leaders to one of the Strength Clan's gatekeepers, instructing him to summon Tai Tan, the guard immediately rushed back into the compound to deliver the message.
"L-Lord Tai Tan, Clan Leaders Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi have arrived. They're waiting for you at the entrance," the Strength Clan's guard reported, gasping for breath, drenched in sweat after his frantic run.
"They're already here?" Tai Tan blinked in surprise, a bit taken aback.
The official gathering of the Four Great Clans wasn't due to start for another two days. Normally, the other three clans would arrive gradually once the meeting began, not before.
As the implications of the recent livestream weighed on him, especially the revelation of his unwavering loyalty to Tang Hao in the future and his role in helping Tang San subdue the other three clans, Tai Tan couldn't help but feel a sinking sense of dread.
"I see. You can return to your duties. I'll be there shortly," Tai Tan said with a deep sigh. His expression darkened as he dismissed the guard with a wave of his hand and began making his way toward the front gate.
From a hidden spot nearby, Tang Hao overheard the conversation, his brows furrowing with suspicion.
"The other clan leaders are already here for the gathering?" Tang Hao thought, his emotions swirling. Tai Tan had informed him about the scheduled meeting, so the timing made sense. But to be safe, Tang Hao decided to follow Tai Tan discreetly.
A few minutes later, Tai Tan reached the entrance of the Strength Clan's territory.
"Ha! Old Niu, Old Bai He, Old Yang, what brings you here so early this time?" Tai Tan called out as he walked toward the trio, laughing heartily in an attempt to lighten the mood.
Niu Gao, initially smiling, straightened his posture and was about to exchange their traditional chest bump with Tai Tan, as they had always done during their meetings. However, a glance at Yang Wudi's cold expression reminded him of the current situation. His smile quickly faded.
Tai Tan, noticing the uncharacteristic stiffness from Niu Gao, felt a heaviness settle in his chest, and he sighed inwardly.
"Come on in, Old Niu, Old Bai He, Old Yang. Let's not stand around. I've already got the kitchen preparing a feast. I picked up some fine wine from Heaven Dou City recently—I'd love to share it with you," Tai Tan offered, forcing a broad smile, gesturing for the three clan leaders and their people to enter.
"No need, Old Gorilla," Niu Gao said, stepping forward. "Let's set aside the gathering for now. We've come here today for a specific reason, and you must answer us truthfully."
Tai Tan's forced smile faltered slightly. He already had an idea of what was coming, but he braced himself and asked anyway.
"What's the matter?" he said, still trying to maintain his composure.
"Let's cut to the chase, Tai Tan. Tell us the truth—is Tang Hao and his son Tang San hiding here in your residence?" Niu Gao's tone was direct and firm.
As soon as Niu Gao posed the question, Tai Tan's body stiffened for a moment, and nearby, Tang Hao's heart sank as well.
Why are they asking about me and Xiao San? Could they be planning to betray me to Spirit Hall? Tang Hao mused, paranoia gnawing at him.
No, that can't be it, he reasoned. Spirit Hall was just as much the enemy of the Four Great Clans as it was his. They wouldn't ally with Spirit Hall, not after what happened. Could it be they're trying to convince Tai Tan to side with Lin Yu?
The possibility dawned on him, and Tang Hao's face darkened. His anger surged.
To Tang Hao, Spirit Hall was the embodiment of all that he despised, but Lin Yu had become his greatest adversary after causing Ah Yin to flee, leaving him and Tang San constantly on the run, hunted like animals by Spirit Hall.
Right now, Tang Hao hates Lin Yu even more than Spirit Hall.
If given the choice between attacking Spirit Hall or Lin Yu, Tang Hao wouldn't hesitate—he would strike at Lin Yu first. But despite his seething hatred, Tang Hao knew he wasn't strong enough to defeat Lin Yu.
Should he act now and take out these clan leaders before they could sway Tai Tan?
No. He suppressed the murderous thoughts swirling in his mind. Not yet. If he acted rashly, it would draw unwanted attention from Spirit Hall, making their precarious situation even worse. For now, he'd wait to see how Tai Tan responded.
"Ha! You three, why ask such a thing? There's no way Tang Hao and his son would be hiding here. We're in Heaven Dou City, for crying out loud!" Tai Tan laughed loudly, trying to dismiss the question with an air of incredulity.
But Niu Gao knew Tai Tan better than anyone. Over the years, he had learned to read his friend's subtle tells—whenever Tai Tan lied, his pupils would contract ever so slightly, and his right hand would unconsciously move behind his back.
As soon as Niu Gao spotted these familiar signs, he knew Tai Tan was lying.
Tang Hao and Tang San were hiding there.
However, Niu Gao wasn't foolish enough to call him out on the spot. If Tang Hao was nearby and discovered that they knew of his presence, there was a very real chance he would react violently. Tang Hao's notorious temper and unmatched strength made him dangerous.
Just as Niu Gao was about to speak further, a sudden whistling sound echoed through the sky. In the distance, ten streaks of light hurtled toward the Strength Clan's residence, each emanating a terrifying soul-power pressure.
Within moments, a wave of cold, pale light expanded outward, enveloping the entire Strength Clan compound in an instant.
"Tang Hao! You are indeed here!"
Above them, Bibi Dong descended from the sky, her Killing God Domain spreading out and locking down the entire area. As she sensed the presence of another Killing God Domain, her lips curled into a cold smile.
The authoritative voice of the Supreme Pontiff of Spirit Hall rang out like a tidal wave, rolling across the Strength Clan's residence with overwhelming power.
Hidden in the shadows, Tang Hao's expression grew grim.
Damn it! We've been found!