**Chapter 160: How Dare That Fellow Do That?**
After two hours of soaking in the hot spring, Zhao Ling dressed and carried Liu Erlong out of Sunset Forest.
Fortunately, the coachman had remained as promised. If he had left, Zhao Ling would have had to carry Liu Erlong all the way back to Tiandou Imperial City.
Once inside the carriage, Zhao Ling sat down with Liu Erlong still cradled in his arms. She settled on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her head against his chest.
She appeared drowsy, likely from spending too much time in the hot spring. Despite her fire-element martial soul, the Immortal Dragon Phoenix, even she had limits.
Lazily, Liu Erlong shot Zhao Ling a sideways glance. "You lying husband... you said you wouldn't mess with me today, yet you couldn't help yourself."
Zhao Ling chuckled and rubbed her nose affectionately. "I promised I wouldn't bother you in your room. The hot spring isn't your room."
Hearing this, Liu Erlong huffed in frustration.
But what could she do? He was her husband, and she could only indulge him.
"You took advantage of me, and now you're playing innocent. You're such a scoundrel."
As they exchanged playful banter, the coachman suddenly cleared his throat.
"Ahem… dear guests, I'm still driving. Please don't forget I'm here."
Zhao Ling and Liu Erlong exchanged amused glances, stifling their laughter. The flirting subsided, replaced by gentle cuddling as the carriage swayed along the path, filled with the lingering sweetness of their affection.
Meanwhile, at nearly the same time, another carriage carrying Yu Yuanzhen and three elders approached the mountain gate of Haotian Sect.
Unlike in later years when Haotian Sect relocated three hundred miles east of Tiandou Imperial City, the sect's current location was in a small town just a few dozen kilometers away.
Most of the residents in the town had close ties to the Haotian Sect, as the sect was still a dominant force, second only to Spirit Hall.
Haotian Sect's power extended beyond its main clan, with several affiliated clans under its banner. This included the four single-attribute clans—Strength, Defense, Speed, and Attack—totaling around five to six thousand people.
On the Douluo Continent, a town of this size was remarkable. In contrast, towns on Blue Star typically housed tens of thousands, with larger towns reaching populations exceeding 100,000.
But this wasn't Blue Star—this was the Douluo Continent. Here, a town with several thousand residents stood out significantly.
Yu Yuanzhen observed the bustling streets below and couldn't help but sigh.
"Haotian Sect lives up to its reputation. Our Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex Clan only has around 1,700 to 1,800 members, yet they have so many... truly enviable."
The second elder scoffed. "Clan Leader, there's nothing to envy. Haotian Sect's core members barely number 300—not much more than our direct lineage.
"The rest are from affiliated clans. And let's be honest, outsiders may pledge loyalty, but when danger comes, who knows if they'll stay by your side or turn against you?"
The first elder frowned. "Second Elder, watch your words. If the affiliated clans hear you, it could cause unnecessary trouble."
The third elder grinned, glancing at the first elder.
"Relax, Elder. It's just the four of us here. No one's running back to snitch."
"Exactly," the second elder nodded in agreement.
Yu Yuanzhen let their banter slide, silently stepping forward toward the mountain gate. The three elders promptly followed, ending their discussion.
Upon arrival, they were stopped by several guards.
"Halt! Who are you, and why have you come to Haotian Sect?"
Yu Yuanzhen, proud and dignified as the leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex Clan, didn't bother acknowledging the guards.
He spoke in a commanding tone, "Yu Yuanzhen, Patriarch of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex Clan, requests an audience with the Sect Leader of Haotian Sect."
Though he didn't raise his voice, his words echoed through the sect grounds, reaching even the furthest corners.
In the main hall, Haotian Sect's current leader was in the middle of a discussion with Tang Xiao, Tang Hao, and the seven elders. Upon hearing Yu Yuanzhen's voice, he immediately rose and hurried out, leaving the others puzzled.
Outside the gate, Yu Yuanzhen spotted the approaching sect leader and smiled warmly.
"Old friend, it's been too long. You're looking as robust as ever."
The Haotian Sect leader reached the gate, gently nudging aside the guards before lightly punching Yu Yuanzhen's chest with a laugh.
"You old dragon, still standing strong yourself! What brings you to Haotian Sect today?"
As they walked into the sect grounds, the three Blue Lightning elders followed closely behind, ensuring they weren't left at the gate.
Yu Yuanzhen's expression grew serious.
"To be honest, I'm here to discuss something important," he admitted. After a brief pause, he continued, "Have you heard of Demon Suppression Douluo?"
The Haotian Sect leader's smile faded.
"Demon Suppression Douluo... Zhao Ling?" he asked carefully.
"I recall hearing he had some conflict with your clan. Didn't he give your nephews, Xiaolong and Xiaogang, a hard time?"
Yu Yuanzhen's eyes lit up.
Ah, old friends are indeed the best allies.
Unlike the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, which sought to mediate with Zhao Ling, Haotian Sect clearly leaned toward supporting him.
"Exactly! That Zhao fellow went too far. He beat my sons senseless—Xiaolong has practically lost his mind because of him. It's tragic..."
Yu Yuanzhen sighed heavily, exaggerating his grief now that he sensed Haotian Sect's sympathy.
Seeing his friend's sorrow, the sect leader's expression hardened.
"Xiaolong suffered that much? Outrageous. How dare Zhao Ling do such a thing?"
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(End of Chapter)