Tang Sect!
Zhao Song gazed at the Tang Sect, which was beginning to show signs of revival, and sighed, "At last, our Tang Sect has returned to the right path. If the old Sect Leader were still here, he would surely feel gratified!"
Liang Xiaoyu nodded slightly, "Indeed. However, in the past few years, our Tang Sect has been so quiet and low-profile that I fear people may have nearly forgotten us."
Guo Xiaoxu waved his hand dismissively, "Not at all. Our Tang Sect, as one of the major powers today, has never lacked prestige!"
"That said... it's time to recruit new disciples for the Tang Sect. Only with the influx of fresh blood can the Tang Sect continue to thrive indefinitely!"
As the current Sect Leader, Zang Xin pondered for a moment upon hearing this, then said, "Hall Master Guo's words are reasonable. It's indeed time for the Tang Sect to recruit new disciples. I'll leave this matter to you!"
Liang Xiaoyu immediately nodded and replied, "Yes, Sect Leader!"
Just then, a Tang Sect disciple suddenly entered the room, bowed respectfully, and reported, "Sect Leader, Hall Masters, the head of the Dou Spirit Empire Branch, Li Yunzhe, has arrived at headquarters!"
At these words, the expressions of the three Hall Masters revealed traces of displeasure...
"Hmm? Li Yunzhe? Why is that guy here!"
"Hmph, when our Tang Sect was mired in a crisis, we didn't see him return. Now that we're finally back on track, he suddenly shows up so diligently!"
"If you ask me, he's probably just like the folks from the Xingluo Empire Branch, here to mock our headquarters."
Zang Xin said expressionlessly, "Let him in."
The Tang Sect disciple straightened his figure and clasped his fists, saying, "Understood! Sect Leader!"
Shortly after the disciple left, a man walked in...
Upon seeing Zang Xin and the three, he immediately spoke, "Yunzhe greets the Sect Leader and the Hall Masters!"
Zhao Song crossed his arms, showing no hint of warmth, "Well, isn't this the Tang Sect head of the Dou Spirit Empire? Who would've thought you still remember us!"
Li Yunzhe froze momentarily, confused about why Zhao Song harbored such animosity toward him!
"I wonder, how has Yunzhe offended Hall Master Zhao?"
Before Zhao Song could reply, Liang Xiaoyu sneered coldly, "Do you even dare ask? When the Tang Sect was bombed into rubble by a God-killing soul-guided missile, you were nowhere to be seen, let alone offered any assistance!"
Li Yunzhe opened his mouth, intending to rebut, but he found the facts undeniable...
He had no choice but to patiently explain, "This matter is indeed my responsibility; I didn't return to headquarters promptly. However, the old Sect Leader had tasked me with developing the Dou Spirit Empire Branch of the Tang Sect!"
He, too, was contributing to the Tang Sect!
Could it be that only headquarters counted as the Tang Sect, and branches did not?
Guo Xiaoxu shot him a glance and sarcastically remarked, "Heh, do you think your explanation holds even a shred of credibility?"
Li Yunzhe clenched his fists, his pride deeply stung, for he had never been subjected to this level of difficulty!
Realizing the situation was becoming contentious, Zang Xin said calmly, "That's enough. It's not entirely fair to blame Yunzhe for this matter. Under his leadership, the Dou Spirit Empire Branch of the Tang Sect has indeed developed quite well!"
Upon hearing this, the three Hall Masters finally stopped pressing the issue...
Zang Xin shifted his gaze to Li Yunzhe and inquired, "Alright then, you must have other reasons for returning to headquarters this time, correct?"
Li Yunzhe nodded slightly and replied softly, "Yes!"
"Just yesterday, the Tang Sect Branch received an invitation from Dou Spirit Empire's Emperor Xue Yuntian. As the branch head, I visited the imperial palace to hold discussions!"
"During our talks, Xue Yuntian proposed purchasing the core technology for manufacturing soul tools from our Tang Sect. He offered an enormous amount of rare resources in exchange as well."
Zhao Song became visibly agitated, "No way! The core technology for our soul tools must never fall into outsiders' hands!"
Liang Xiaoyu furrowed his brow, "Indeed, that is the foundation of our Tang Sect's survival. No amount of resources could justify such a trade!"
Guo Xiaoxu crossed his arms and scoffed, "Selling soul tools is fine, but selling the core technology for soul tools? They sure have some nerve!"
Zang Xin's cloudy eyes flickered with traces of sharp light, "Then, did you agree to it?"
Li Yunzhe shook his head, "No, which is why I've returned to seek your opinion, Sect Leader!"
"However, I personally think there's room for consideration. Xue Yuntian is only asking for manufacturing techniques below Fifth Grade soul-guidance devices. It wouldn't pose any harm to our Tang Sect."
...
Xingluo Empire, inside the imperial palace!
One of the guards bowed deeply and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, the head of the Tang Sect Branch, Li Yunzhe, the Spirit Pagoda Branch Tower Master, and members of the Federation Investigation Team have requested an audience!"
At this statement, the faces of the Daijin were clouded with anger, "The three major powers sending representatives simultaneously—it seems they suspect our Xingluo Empire is in collusion with the Holy Spirit Cult!"
"Despicable! That cursed Holy Spirit Cult dares frame us. Do they truly think we're mere pushovers?"
"The more things escalate, the calmer we must remain. We absolutely cannot fall into the traps set by the Holy Spirit Cult!"
Dai Yueyan, seated on the throne, spoke in a deep voice, "Let the representatives of each major power enter. This incident shall be clarified in one sitting!"
At that moment, an elderly figure emerged from the shadows and leaned closer to him, solemnly whispering a few words...
Upon hearing the elder's report, Dai Yueyan's pupils shrank sharply, "What?? Are you saying... Yun'er has been captured by the Holy Spirit Cult?"
The elder nodded, "Indeed. The Holy Spirit Cult has ordered that you head to the specified location now, or else they will..."
Dai Yueyan clenched his fists and roared in fury, "Damn it! And at a time like this!"
Yun'er, didn't I tell you never to return to Xingluo Empire on your own?
If something happens to you, how will I ever face Father?
The elder hesitated and asked, "Your Majesty, what should we do?"
Dai Yueyan struggled with reluctance and countered, "Are you certain Yun'er was taken by the Holy Spirit Cult?"
The elder affirmed resolutely, "Yes, her appearance is unmistakable—there's no doubt it's Her Royal Highness the Princess."
Realizing the urgency, Dai Yueyan immediately stood up, his face grim, "Daijin, I must leave for urgent matters. You will receive the representatives of the three major powers in my absence."
Though he was aware the Holy Spirit Cult had deliberately orchestrated this to lure him away, he had no other choice but to comply for Dai Yue'er's safety!
In the next moment, the two figures vanished from the hall...
Not long after, the representatives from the three major powers entered the imperial palace...
Upon noticing the absence of Dai Yueyan, the Emperor, subtle changes appeared on their faces...
Leading the charge, one of the Daijin sensed the situation's tension and explained, "Representatives, His Majesty the Emperor has urgent matters to attend to and has just departed. Please wait for a short while."
The Federation officials responded with a harsh and unreserved tone, "Urgent matters? What matters could supersede the attack on our Federation detachment?"
"Could it be, as rumors suggest, that the Xingluo Empire has already fallen under the Holy Spirit Cult's control?"
The statement instantly provoked wrath among the Daijin...
They erupted in furious rebukes, "Federation representative, mind your words!"
"Even as a member of the Federation, you have no right to slander our Xingluo Empire!"
"The Holy Spirit Cult could never control us Xingluo Empire!!"
Still unyielding, the Federation official retorted sharply, "Hmph, regardless, the Xingluo Empire must provide a reasonable explanation today."
...