**Chapter 161: He is Simply Not Human**
The third elder stepped forward, his expression dark with anger.
"Zhao Ling's actions go beyond excessive – he's simply not human! It's one thing to beat Dalong so badly that he became stupid, but Xiaogang is still bedridden, struggling to recover. How pitiful..."
The sudden display of grief and indignation from the third elder left the first and second elders momentarily stunned.
This was the same man who had been the most ruthless toward Yu Xiaogang, even going so far as to break his leg. Now, he was passionately speaking on the boy's behalf. If they hadn't witnessed him punishing Yu Xiaogang firsthand, they might have been fooled by his performance.
Yu Yuanzhen, however, felt genuinely moved by the third elder's apparent empathy. Gathering his composure, he addressed the leader of the Haotian Sect.
"Master Tang, to be frank, I came to the Haotian Sect today hoping to unite with you against Zhao Ling. This man may be a powerful Titled Douluo, but he has no principles.
"In order to curry favor with Spirit Hall, he brutalized my two sons. If we don't act now, who's to say he won't target other disciples of the upper three sects in the future? We must strike first."
Yu Yuanzhen deliberately twisted the narrative, implying that Zhao Ling's assault on his sons was driven by a desire to please Spirit Hall. By framing Zhao Ling as a threat to all three major sects, he hoped to garner sympathy and spur the Haotian Sect into action.
The leader of the Haotian Sect Tang Zhen, easily saw through Yu Yuanzhen's manipulations. Still, there was truth in his words.
For years, Spirit Hall and the upper three sects had been at odds, maintaining a delicate balance of power. If Zhao Ling's presence tipped the scales in Spirit Hall's favor, the threat of annihilation could loom over the three great clans.
For the sake of their survival, Tang Zhen silently acknowledged the need to eliminate Zhao Ling.
Rumors had already reached the leadership of Haotian Sect – Zhao Ling was said to be engaged to the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall. When news broke that the Tiandou royal family had appointed him as a royal priest, discussions within the sect had turned to whether he should be dealt with.
After all, a lone Titled Douluo without Spirit Hall's full protection had wandered deep into their territory. Was this not a provocation?
Eliminating Zhao Ling would send a clear message – the upper three sects were not to be trifled with. However, doubts lingered.
How powerful must this Zhao Ling be to enter our domain so fearlessly? If they miscalculate his strength, they could suffer heavy losses.
Testing him first seemed prudent. If he proved too strong, more Titled Douluo could be mobilized to ensure success.
Haotian sect leader furrowed his brow and looked at Yu Yuanzhen.
"Have you consulted with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? They've shown unexpected goodwill toward Zhao Ling without notifying us.
"Surely, they understand his connection to Spirit Hall's Saint. Or… could it be that they know and simply don't care?"
The second elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex Clan stepped forward, his voice tinged with frustration.
"Of course we consulted them. Sect Master Ning and the two guardian Douluo not only refused to take action but also advised our clan leader to apologize to Zhao Ling and seek reconciliation. Can you imagine?
"That man viciously attacked our young masters, yet they expect us to apologize to him. How absurd!"
Tang Zhen's eyes widened in disbelief.
"They want Yu Yuanzhen to personally apologize to Zhao Ling?"
His expression darkened as he continued.
"And did Sect Master Ning or the guardian Douluo offer any further explanation?"
Yu Yuanzhen exchanged glances with the elders before responding cautiously.
"I recall Bone Douluo mentioning that it would be unwise to offend Zhao Ling. He said that while Zhao Ling might not have a grand background, he himself is his greatest backing.
"Bone Douluo seemed reluctant to elaborate further, but his tone suggested deep respect – perhaps even fear. Both he and Sword Douluo were unusually cautious when discussing Zhao Ling."
Silence followed Yu Yuanzhen's words.
As they reached the Haotian Sect's reception hall, Tang Zhen invited them inside and ordered tea to be prepared. Once the servants left, the room fell quiet once more.
After several minutes of contemplation, Tang Zhen finally broke the silence, his voice measured and serious.
"It's likely that Bone Douluo has already tested Zhao Ling's strength. If he's this wary, the results were surely beyond expectation.
"Bone Douluo may not have the experience of some of us, but he is still a formidable Titled Douluo – at least level 92 or 93. If even he shows such restraint, then Zhao Ling's power must be exceptional."
Tang Zhen's eyes gleamed with sharp intensity.
"And let's not forget… Spirit Hall's Pope would never allow the Holy Maiden, her most prized disciple, to marry someone unworthy.
"If Zhao Ling wasn't incredibly strong, would the Pope tolerate such a match?"
Yu Yuanzhen and his elders exchanged uneasy glances. Until now, they hadn't considered this possibility.
Their minds had been clouded by anger and frustration, especially after the perceived betrayal by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Tang Zhen's insight cast everything in a new light.
Could it be that Bone Douluo had already faced Zhao Ling – and lost decisively?
The thought was sobering.
No wonder Bone Douluo had warned against confrontation. If even the mighty Sword Douluo held Zhao Ling in such regard, then the Demon Suppression Douluo's strength was likely beyond anything they had anticipated.
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(End of Chapter)