In Mori City, at the Sword Sect.
Flender and Liu Erlong had set out early from Shrek Academy to the Sword Sect. By now, everyone knew about the cooperation between the two sects, so the pair were already quite familiar with the route.
As soon as they entered the main gate of the Sword Sect, they went directly to the Grand Hall. On their way past the reception room, they happened to see Oscar drinking tea with Tang Hao.
Tang Hao had already been staying in the Sword Sect for a day. Since Oscar needed some time to send a letter back to his ancestral home, Tang Hao simply decided to stay there.
Oscar, being warm and hospitable, invited Tang Hao to stay and personally accompanied him for meals and tea.
During that day, the two had talked about many things, though Tang Hao's words often carried an underlying intent to probe Oscar's attitude toward the Spirit Hall.
Tang Hao even asked about Oscar's relationship with Ailan, seemingly trying to discern Oscar's stance.
Of course, Oscar could not reveal that Ailan was actually his avatar. He only spoke about what was known publicly, leaving Tang Hao to make his own guesses and assumptions.
Their conversation eventually turned to Tang Hao's expulsion from the Clear Sky Sect. To outsiders, it had seemed impossible for the sect to abandon such a prodigious talent; many believed it was merely a gesture to appease the Spirit Hall and that secret contact had continued.
But Oscar knew better. Tang Hao had truly been expelled from the Clear Sky Sect, despite his extraordinary gifts. He had not appeared in public for more than ten years, and the sect had not been able to find him. In truth, his ties to the sect were nearly severed.
Moreover, among the five great elders of the Clear Sky Sect, the seventh elder still held a deep grudge against him. Even in the original story, when Tang Hao returned with Tang San,a genius even more gifted than himself,he had been turned away.
When asked about it, Tang Hao only smiled bitterly. "I did some foolish things when I was young and reckless. I never meant to bring trouble to the sect. Things as they are now may be for the best."
Oscar nodded. "You really can see things clearly."
Tang Hao shook his head helplessly, saying nothing more. He did not mention Ah Yin at all, even though Oscar did not seem particularly hostile toward spirit beasts in human form.
After all, it was Oscar who had helped conceal Xiao Wu's true identity, something Tang San himself might still be unaware of.
Even so, Tang Hao chose to keep that secret buried. The fewer people who knew, the better.
Though he was deeply grateful for Oscar's guidance and care for Tang San, that didn't mean he would tell him everything.
Since Oscar had asked about his plans, Tang Hao decided to share part of them,but he adjusted his story slightly to increase the chance of winning Oscar's support.
He told Oscar that during his years in hiding, he had not only raised Tang San but also quietly gathered strength. His hatred toward the Spirit Hall had never faded, not for a moment.
He had now reached level 95, and under his command was a small but formidable force. Yet he knew that one man alone was still too weak.
Oscar could hear the probing tone and the underlying hope in Tang Hao's words, but he had no intention of taking the bait.
Instead, he said, "Why not reconnect with the Clear Sky Sect? Back then, you stood alone. But now you're a Super Douluo, and you've built a force outside the sect. If you sincerely return, they wouldn't refuse you."
Seeing Tang Hao's expression change, Oscar continued, "No matter what, you're still a son of the Clear Sky Sect. With someone like you returning, they could hardly turn you away. And if Sister Ye can heal your body, wouldn't your return bring new hope to the sect?"
"Think about it carefully. Did the sect really seal its gates only because of you?"
Tang Hao fell silent. He had come here to win Oscar over, but now Oscar's words had struck something deep inside him.
In truth, if he truly wanted revenge against the Spirit Hall, neither the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect nor the Sword Sect could compare to the Clear Sky Sect.
Although it had closed its gates, the sect had suffered few real losses apart from severing ties with the four affiliated clans. Its overall strength had not weakened much.
After years of seclusion, the Clear Sky Sect might have grown even stronger. His best possible support was still his old home.
And Oscar's words made sense. He was no longer who he once was. His body still carried hidden injuries, but there was now hope of recovery.
If his body could be healed, and with the soul masters and secret army he had gathered over the years, the sect would likely accept him again.
Yuehua had told him that although the seventh elder still resented him, the eldest brother had never blamed him.
If he returned with such strength, a Super Douluo's power, and with Tang San,a twin martial soul genius with limitless potential,even the seventh elder would think twice before opposing him.
At that thought, Tang Hao couldn't bring himself to continue persuading Oscar. After all, Oscar was both teacher and friend to Tang San. If anything happened to Tang San, Oscar would never stand idly by.
To put it plainly, once Tang San matured, his achievements would not be beneath Tang Hao's,perhaps even surpass them. Having such a person as both friend and disciple was a priceless asset to any individual or faction.
That was why Tang Hao, confident in his relationship with Oscar through Tang San, had dared to come to the Sword Sect seeking the Nine-Heart Begonia Clan.
And because of that relationship, Oscar had immediately written a letter to his ancestral home on Tang Hao's behalf.
Without that connection, Tang Hao knew things would never have gone so smoothly.
Just as Oscar finished giving his advice, Flender and Liu Erlong arrived at the reception hall.
They were old acquaintances here, so they didn't need to announce themselves.
Seeing them, Oscar stood up to greet them. "Dean, Teacher Liu, what brings you here?"
Though Oscar hadn't attended their wedding, he later learned of their marriage and had sent a belated gift.
Flender looked at Oscar, then at Tang Hao. Due to Oscar's earlier interference in the timeline, they hadn't met Tang Hao before,this was their first true meeting.
They didn't recognize him, only feeling that his strength was immense. Even Flender, now a high-level Contra, couldn't see through him.
"Little Ao, we came to see the Grand Elder," Flender said. "Since you have a guest, we'll leave you to your talk and find him ourselves."
Oscar nodded. "Alright. Please go ahead, I'll come by later."
Flender and Liu Erlong smiled politely at Tang Hao, then left for the Grand Hall.
Oscar sat back down. "Uncle Tang, you must be quite familiar with the Dean and Teacher Liu by now."
Tang Hao understood immediately. Oscar was hinting that he knew Tang Hao had secretly been protecting Tang San all these years.
Tang Hao admitted openly, "The former Golden Iron Triangle,Sky, Flight, and Killing,Dean Flender has taken great care of Little San all these years. I've kept that in mind."
Oscar smiled. "Would you like to meet them properly? They've always admired you."
Tang Hao's expression changed slightly, perhaps embarrassed.
"Better not. I'm not ready to show myself on the continent again. I'd appreciate it if you and Dean Flender could keep today's meeting secret."
Oscar nodded helplessly. "Very well, I'll let him know."
"Please stay a while, Uncle Tang. I'll be right back."
Oscar left the reception room and went to the Grand Hall, where Gai Yue was already talking with Flender and Liu Erlong.
Whatever they were discussing had left Gai Yue's face slightly red,just like Tang Hao's earlier expression.
When Oscar arrived, Liu Erlong whispered something in his ear. After hearing it, Oscar's expression shifted, and he couldn't help but laugh.
"Teacher's wife," he said to Liu Erlong, "then I'll have to trouble you to help with this. Teacher has been so focused on cultivation these years that I haven't even seen your shadow near him. Now that there's someone suitable, it's time to play matchmaker."
Gai Yue glared at him. "You meddlesome brat!"
Oscar pouted. "Teacher, I think she's right. You should think about your own happiness. It wouldn't hurt to get to know her,maybe it's fate. Who knows, maybe you'll even have a kid someday, and I could babysit!"
Flender laughed. "See? Even Little Oscar agrees. Don't refuse this time. We'll let you know once Liu and Dean Xue decide on the time. Just dress well and meet her. You won't know if it works unless you try."
Gai Yue didn't know how to refute them and reluctantly agreed.
He had never given much thought to romance,his life had been devoted to cultivation. Now, with revenge fulfilled, Oscar as a proud disciple, and his position as Grand Elder of the Sword Sect, he felt content.
Still, since Flender and Liu Erlong had gone out of their way to arrange this, he couldn't just reject their goodwill outright. He could simply meet the woman, and if it didn't work out, so be it.
But Flender, sensing his hesitation, added, "Don't think you can just brush this off. Dean Xue of Tianshui Academy is a busy woman herself. You'd better take it seriously, alright?"
Gai Yue smiled helplessly. "Alright, I understand."
Flender laughed heartily. "Good! Then we'll head back. There's much to do at the academy with another class about to graduate. We'll let you know the time later."
They left swiftly, as always, not ones to waste time.
Watching them go, Oscar said, "Teacher, look at Dean Flender. Back then, Teacher Liu barely gave him the time of day, but he didn't give up. Now he's happily married."
At that, Gai Yue glared at him.
Inside the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Gai Yue summoned his Frost Moon Sword and faced Oscar's true body.
"I don't think sparring with your avatars helps anymore. Come at me yourself," he said calmly.
Oscar's eyes widened. Wait a second,he had only been looking out for his teacher's happiness! This was revenge!
Seeing no escape, Oscar summoned his Heavenly Azure Spirit Jade Sword and reluctantly began the duel.
He had already grasped his own Overbearing Sword Intent, but his journey down the path of the sword was still long, and Gai Yue remained his greatest guide.
Just then, Dugu Bo returned from refining pills with Yang Wudi and Ye Haitang. Seeing the two sparring, he grinned, grabbed a handful of melon seeds, and sat down to watch.
Among his peers, no one could push Oscar to his limits anymore,only these old monsters could truly suppress him.
But since Oscar was the young sect master, they rarely had reason to beat him up. It wasn't often he ended up on the losing side.
Seeing Dugu Bo, Oscar shouted, "Grandpa, help me! Teacher's bullying me!"
Dugu Bo crunched on his melon seeds and replied lazily, "A teacher teaching his student is only right. You're on your own."
Oscar's heart sank. He knew he couldn't escape this beating. Gritting his teeth, he raised his sword to continue.
As he parried Gai Yue's fierce strikes, he started talking to Dugu Bo about Dean Xue Qingluan of Tianshui Academy.
After listening, Dugu Bo chuckled. "Gai old brother, this time you're the one in the wrong. Little Ao deserves a beating, sure, but you can't just ignore something this important. At your age, finding someone suitable isn't easy."
Hearing that, Gai Yue's sword became even sharper.
When did his personal life become something for his disciple and these old men to worry about?
Clearly, Oscar was overdue for another lesson.
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