Chapter 80: Regret? Tai Tan, I Am the Sect Master!
Angering a Titled Douluo possessing a 100,000-year soul ring was clearly not a wise move.
Moreover, Ning Fengzhi was not only a Sect Master but, in essence, a shrewd businessman to the core.
After sensing that terrifyingly immense Aura, Ning Fengzhi's expression changed rapidly several times. He instantly reined in all his shock and calculations, reverting to his previous refined, amiable, and pleasantly mild demeanor.
He slowly rose and performed an extremely standard Soul Master salute towards Jiang Li,
"If that is the case, then this Fengzhi has been presumptuous. I ask Your Excellency Jiang Li not to take offense."
"Since what follows are internal matters of the Tang Sect, it is indeed inappropriate for an outsider like Fengzhi to remain here."
A smile of apology graced Ning Fengzhi's face as he said with sincere sincerity, "I have given offense in today's matters. I shall respectfully request Mister Jiang Li and Young Friend Tang San to visit my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect at your convenience. I will prepare to welcome you and make amends for today's discourtesy."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Li merely gave a thin, insincere smile and replied lightly, "Naturally. Sect Master Ning, take care on your way. I won't see you out."
As the saying goes, when Masters cross swords, they know when to stop. That was precisely the situation between Ning Fengzhi and Jiang Li now.
Based on Jiang Li's understanding of this old fox, if the other party truly recognized his mistake, he should have offered the apology gift right then, not just spout such formal pleasantries.
He simply didn't believe that the Sect Master of the famously wealthy Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect carried nothing of value on his person.
'It seems my strength at rank 96 still invites underestimation, "
'I wonder when I'll next encounter suitable, predestined individuals to enter my Human Emperor Banner."
Jiang Li sighed inwardly.
After these outsiders left, the tense, standoffish atmosphere in the main hall dissipated considerably, but it became even more delicate.
The gazes of everyone present shifted in unison to Tang Yuehua, who still stood in place with a slightly awkward expression.
"Little San."
Jiang Li slowly withdrew his gaze, sat back down in his seat, picked up his teacup, and gently blew on the floating leaves. He spoke in a leisurely tone,
"The Tang Sect is, after all, a Sect you founded with your own hands. You are the Sect Master. I, your Master, will not interfere in subsequent matters. You may decide as you see fit."
Having said that, he took a sip of tea and added,
"But you need not worry. Whatever decision you make, your Master stands behind you."
These words undoubtedly gave Tang San the greatest confidence. They also told everyone present that as long as he, the Silver Emperor Douluo, was still here, no one could force Tang San to do anything against his will—not even the Clear Sky Sect!
Warmth blossomed in Tang San's heart. He nodded respectfully towards Jiang Li's direction, then took a deep breath, turned around, and looked calmly at Tang Yuehua.
Facing this nominal aunt, Tang San was currently feeling quite displeased.
The vile Clear Sky Sect Bloodline, disrespect towards his Master, coveting his Tang Sect, and especially seeming to have connections with that unfilial father of his?
Therefore, Tang San's tone was unprecedentedly firm!
"Madam Yuehua, the Tang Sect is an independent Sect established by my Master, myself, and the several Clan Chiefs. It possesses absolute sovereignty."
"The Tang Sect has never been, and will never become, a vassal of any other Sect. I ask you to understand this clearly."
"If such disrespect for my Sect's sovereignty ever comes from your lips again, do not blame Tang San for disregarding that trace of kinship."
Hearing these words, Yang Wudi and Niu Gao, who had been on tenterhooks, both let out a heavy sigh of relief almost simultaneously.
After a mental struggle and hearing Tang San's words, Bai He's gaze also regained its firmness.
They exchanged glances, their eyes filled with relief.
Fortunately, although this young Sect Master was youthful, his mind was clear, and his backbone was strong!
This time, they truly hadn't followed the wrong person!
However, while some rejoiced, others worried.
Tang Yuehua was utterly bewildered.
Not only was her Eldest Nephew unwilling to lead the Four Single Attribute Clans back to the Clear Sky Sect, but his address for her had changed from the initially somewhat distant 'Aunt' to 'Madam Yue'?!
This... this... this was simply unacceptable!
"Little San... you..."
Tai Tan, standing nearby, grew frantic. His old face flushed crimson. Even forgetting his place, he jumped up from his seat and loudly urged, "Sect Master, you cannot do this! You are, after all, the Master's own flesh and blood! Blood is thicker than water!"
"The Clear Sky Sect is the number one Sect under heaven, your roots! Only by returning to the Sect can you obtain the best resources, can you..."
"Tai Tan!"
Tang San's brow furrowed sharply, a flash of impatience and cold light in his eyes.
He swept a frigid, piercing gaze over this old servant who didn't know his place, his voice icy and bone-chilling,
"Was what I said just now not clear enough?"
"In this hall, I am the Tang Sect Master! If you still acknowledge me as your Sect Master, then sit down!"
Stared down by Tang San's authoritative gaze, Tai Tan's Aura instantly faltered.
But the deeply ingrained servility in his heart made him utterly incapable of understanding Tang San's choice.
In his view, Tang San speaking to Tang Yuehua, the Third Young Miss of the Clear Sky Sect and his own aunt, in such a tone earlier was profoundly unfilial.
And not leading them back to the Clear Sky Sect was profoundly disloyal!
In his extreme anxiety and disappointment, Tai Tan's face contorted into a knot. Finally, he pointed at Tang San and let out a lament so ridiculous it was laughable,
"Sect Master! You will regret this!!"
His tone, his expression, were eerily reminiscent of a certain old fellow who had exhausted himself for his village yet remained misunderstood.
"Tai Tan, I am the Sect Master!"
Jiang Li, sipping tea nearby, almost couldn't stop himself from spitting out his mouthful of tea. Such a coherent exchange was finally satisfying.
Seeing that matters had reached this point, with Tang San's attitude so unyielding and the unfathomable Jiang Li watching like a tiger from the sidelines, Tang Yuehua understood clearly in her heart that she had indeed acted rashly today.
Not only had she failed to win them over, but her earlier impatience had instead stirred up even greater resentment among these affiliated clans.
"It seems matters concerning Little San acknowledging his ancestors and returning to the clan, as well as incorporating the Tang Sect into the Sect's domain, still require careful, long-term planning."
Tang Yuehua sighed inwardly. This matter likely required returning to discuss in detail with her second brother Tang Hao and eldest brother Tang Xiao. It might even necessitate some substantive concessions from the Sect itself.
"Since Little San, your mind is made up, this Aunt will say no more."
Tang Yuehua took a deep breath, reassuming her noble bearing, though her smile held a touch of strain. "Regardless, the doors of the Moon Pavilion are always open to you. If you have time, remember to visit your Aunt."
After a brief exchange of formal pleasantries, Tang Yuehua didn't spare another glance at the Clan Chiefs with their varied expressions. She turned and left the Tang Sect with a somewhat desolate air.
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