Xie Yue knew that in the original work, Ning Fengzhi didn't subdue the four single-attribute clans.
It wasn't that Ning Fengzhi didn't try—he must have used many methods, given his character.
But perhaps all of his efforts were long-term plans, similar to what Xie Yue had suggested in the end. Before those plans could succeed, Tang San must have interfered and taken everything for himself. Or maybe Ning Fengzhi's plans completely failed due to the unity of the four single-attribute clans.
There was also the possibility that Ning Fengzhi didn't try too hard to subdue them to avoid offending the Clear Sky Sect. After all, the Clear Sky Sect might have still intended to reclaim the four single-attribute clans after emerging from seclusion. In that case, they could have hinted to Ning Fengzhi not to interfere in their affairs.
"But all of this is just my speculation. I'm not sure why Ning Fengzhi didn't subdue them in the original work. If it was due to hidden reasons, as I guessed, that's good. After all, I don't want Ning Fengzhi to subdue them either," Xie Yue thought to himself.
Xie Yue had his own reasons for not wanting the STGT Sect to take control of them.
If the four single-attribute clans were annexed into the STGT Sect, they would belong to Ning Fengzhi's lineage. That had nothing to do with Xie Yue.
Even though Ning Fengzhi was currently teaching him political skills and showing kindness, there were limits to that kindness.
Ning Fengzhi would never allow Xie Yue to become the sect master or rule over the sect just because he had adopted him. Even if Xie Yue's talent was exceptional, he had no chance of gaining true power within the sect.
Though Xie Yue's status in Ning Fengzhi's heart had risen from being a loyal adopted dog to a valued adopted son, the fundamental reality had never changed.
At first, Ning Fengzhi had adopted Xie Yue and Hu Liena only to raise them as the sect's watchdogs.
His intention was to gradually brainwash them, instilling a deep sense of loyalty. However, after certain unexpected events—such as his wife's death—Ning Fengzhi changed. In memory of his late wife, he softened and began giving Xie Yue and Hu Liena the fatherly love they needed, treating them as his closest people and deciding to raise them as sect guardians instead.
But despite this shift, the essence of their roles remained the same—Xie Yue had merely gone from being a sect-guarding dog to a sect guardian. Even now, nothing had fundamentally changed. He had no chance of ruling the STGT Sect.
Although Xie Yue could eventually attain a status similar to that of Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo in the future, he found it meaningless.
Once he reached the Title Douluo level, would he really need to stay in the sect for such a trivial amount of power? Since the sect would never truly belong to him, he had no intention of allowing the four single-attribute clans to fall into its hands.
He had his own plans for the four single-attribute clans. There was a reason why Xie Yue openly shared his ideas with Ning Fengzhi—it was to gain easy access to the 4 clans himself.
Although he didn't want Ning Fengzhi to completely take control of them, he needed him to make contact so that Xie Yue could interact with them freely, increasing his chances of subduing them in the future.
Unlike Ning Fengzhi, who was unaware of what lay ahead, Xie Yue knew that things would not play out the same way as before.
Now that he existed in this world, Tang San would never be able to gain the acknowledgment of the four single-attribute clan leaders so easily. Becoming their master would be an uphill battle for him.
If Xie Yue took away Tang San's opportunities, his growth would slow significantly. He might not be able to gain their allegiance for even the next twenty years. There could still be unexpected situations—such as Tang San revealing his Clear Sky Hammer to Tai Tan—but as long as Xie Yue handled those small encounters, everything would fall into place.
"At the end of the day, I still need to build my own force. Only then can I gain true freedom and security. Unlike here… Although almost everything I wanted is falling into my lap because of Ning Fengzhi and the others' care, I still don't have the freedom I need," Xie Yue understood his priorities clearly.
Now that he had a safe environment to grow within the sect, his next step was to create a safe environment outside—one that would allow him to act freely and protect him when he ventured beyond the sect's reach.
But he knew that wouldn't happen anytime soon. He needed strength to make it a reality.
"And that can only be achieved once I find a powerful subordinate…" Xie Yue's thoughts were interrupted as he overheard the discussion between Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin.
"Fengzhi, what Moon suggested is indeed a good idea. We should go with this plan. It would be best if we can assist them without anyone knowing," Chen Xin voiced his opinion.
"Yes, Uncle Sword, I'll handle it. If we can get them to relocate near our sect, it will be beneficial. But I need to plan it carefully so as not to arouse suspicion," Ning Fengzhi concluded.
Afterward, they discussed Xie Yue and Hu Liena's cultivation and several other matters.
"Father, tomorrow I plan to leave the sect to visit Teacher Tang Yuehua. I also want to stay in Heaven Dou City for a few more days for sightseeing… Is that okay with you?" Xie Yue asked for permission.
"Haha, why are you asking me about something so trivial? You can explore the city for a few more days. Take Lihua and Rongrong with you this time. Just be careful about what you reveal and return within ten days," Ning Fengzhi allowed him to go without hesitation.
Xie Yue and Hu Liena had already grown up, and they were intelligent children. Ning Fengzhi had no concerns about letting them go out and enjoy themselves.
Upon hearing that they were going out together, Ning Rongrong cheered, and Hu Liena smiled beautifully, clearly delighted.
"Thank you, Father. Don't worry, I'll be careful," Xie Yue assured him.