Was Niu Gao wrong to distrust Tang San? Absolutely not!
Tang San, at his core, was a selfish and hypocritical individual with a deeply ingrained sense of vengeance. Although he presented himself well during the livestream, it was all just a façade.
Tang San's ability to hide his true nature was impeccable, and not just those around him were fooled. Even Lin Yu, the first time he watched "Douluo Dalu", had taken in Tang San's act. But as the story progressed through Douluo 2 and Douluo 3, Tang San's hypocrisy and double standards became painfully obvious.
In Lin Yu's view, Tang San's hypocrisy wasn't merely superficial—it was something far more insidious. It had become a part of his very soul, ingrained in his bones and subconscious. It wasn't just a tactic; it was an unconscious part of who he was.
At this level of deceit, even if the livestream broadcasted Tang San's inner thoughts, it's unlikely that his hypocrisy would be laid bare. Why? Because ordinary hypocrisy involves saying one thing and thinking another. But Tang San had refined his duplicity to the point where even his thoughts aligned with his outward actions, concealing his true nature.
When the situation didn't involve his gain, Tang San could play the gentleman with ease. But the moment his interests were at stake, his duplicity would surface in full force.
In the livestream, after delivering a light, almost perfunctory punch to Niu Gao, it was now Niu Gao's turn to strike.
Earlier, Tang San, as the junior, had held back from giving Niu Gao a face. As a senior, Niu Gao didn't feel comfortable delivering a full-strength blow in return. He planned to hit with just thirty percent of his strength.
Watching the live stream, the future Niu Gao was mentally screaming at his past self: "Hit him! Don't hold back! Strike this Tang San down with all your might!"
But of course, Niu Gao didn't go all out.
With only thirty percent of his strength behind the punch, Tang San effortlessly deflected most of the force, utilizing the martial techniques of the Tang Sect and his past-life mastery of redirecting power. He emerged from the exchange virtually unscathed.
After taking Niu Gao's punch, Tang San once again offered a humble remark, attributing his safety to Niu Gao's kindness in holding back. Then, it was time for Tang San to throw his second punch.
However, this time, Tang San wasn't planning to be as gentle as before. The first punch had been about giving Niu Gao a face, but now it was time to get serious.
With his Tang Sect techniques, other skills, and the boost from his Killing God Domain, Tang San's second punch landed with astonishing power. It forced Niu Gao, a man renowned for his defense, to stagger back three steps.
When it was Niu Gao's turn again, his patience was wearing thin. This time, he amped his power to seventy percent, determined to put Tang San in his place. He let out a roar and threw a furious punch at the young man.
Tang San managed to withstand the blow, but just barely. Luckily, his Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone came to the rescue. With its "Wildfire Burn, New Life Arises" ability, he recovered quickly.
According to the agreement, Tang San should have thrown the third punch next, followed by Niu Gao's final, full-strength punch. But judging by how much Tang San had struggled to withstand the second blow, it was clear that Niu Gao's full-force strike could seriously injure or even kill him.
But at this critical moment, Tai Tan intervened once again, stepping in to de-escalate the situation, saying it wasn't worth damaging their relationship over a few punches.
In the livestream audience, Niu Gao could barely contain his fury. "That damned old ape! Licking Tang Hao's boots and now he's trying to sabotage me again!"
In the livestream, the present-day Niu Gao naturally asserted that Tang San couldn't hurt him. But Tai Tan wasn't concerned about Niu Gao—he was worried about his young master, Tang San.
Seeing an opportunity, Tai Tan employed some light-hearted goading, suggesting that Niu Gao was underestimating Tang San. He teased that the third punch would be just as powerful if not more so, than the second, implying that Niu Gao might be in for a surprise.
Tai Tan knew Niu Gao well. As friends for many years, he was well-versed in his temperament. Sure enough, half out of a desire to mend their relationship and half out of anger, Niu Gao issued a new challenge: if Tang San's third punch could push him back as far as the second, he would allow Tang San to stay for the Four Clans Gathering. He also vowed that the Defense Clan would never become enemies with Tang San in the future.
With this wager in place, Niu Gao had effectively thrown away his last chance to get rid of Tang San. But perhaps that was what the current Niu Gao wanted—an easy way out that preserved his pride while avoiding enmity with Tang San.
Unfortunately, Tang San had mastered the Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique, using it to enhance the power of his third punch. Niu Gao was sent flying, just as the bet had stipulated.
Tang San won the wager, earning the right to stay with the Defense Clan.
In the livestream audience, the future Niu Gao clutched his side in frustration. He had, after all, invited a wolf into his home.
As the scene played out and Tang San was welcomed into the Defense Clan's headquarters, Yang Wudi of the Breaking Clan watched the live stream with increasing displeasure.
Now that Tang San had secured his place within the Defense Clan, what would happen when he eventually reached the Breaking Clan? Yang Wudi had no intention of bending the knee to Tang San. What would the boy do then?
The livestream continued. After Tang San's victory, Niu Gao fulfilled his promise and allowed him to remain at the Defense Clan headquarters. The scene transitioned to a few days later.
This time, the setting was still the Defense Clan headquarters, but now a new group had arrived. An elderly man with a slender build and crane-white hair, along with a tall and slender young woman, both dressed in white, led a group of eleven people into the headquarters.
Niu Gao and Tai Tan, along with Tang San, stepped forward to greet them.
The identities of the newcomers were quickly revealed: the old man was Bai He, clan leader of the Agility Clan, and the young woman was his granddaughter, Bai Chenxiang.
Seeing the Agility Clan's arrival, the future Niu Gao sighed and shook his head. He knew that just like the Strength Clan, the Agility Clan would soon fall in line behind Tang San, especially since Bai He's sister was Tang Hao's mother, making Tang San his great-nephew.
Sure enough, there was hardly any resistance from the Agility Clan. After reconnecting with Tang San and re-establishing family ties, Bai He bore no grudge for the losses the Agility Clan had suffered because of the Clear Sky Sect and Tang Hao.
Bai He even went so far as to gift Tang San a Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, a precious herb rivaling the immortal plants from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. This ginseng was meant to help Tang San win over the Breaking Clan's leader, Yang Wudi, known for his mastery of poisons.
But watching this unfold, Yang Wudi was filled with displeasure.
Among the Four Great Clans, the Agility Clan had been the hardest hit by the fallout with the Clear Sky Sect, barely surviving thanks to aid from the other three clans. Yet despite their destitution, Bai He had never considered selling the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng to ease their financial struggles.
Now, though, Bai He was willing to part with it just to win over Tang San, a man whose family had caused so much pain for the Four Great Clans.
Yang Wudi couldn't help but scoff bitterly.
"Bai He, you're living up to your role as Tang San's doting great-uncle, aren't you?"
Note: If you are interested, read up to chapter 260 at patreon.com/MythMosaic.