The Sea Witch gulped down the food in her mouth with effort, her lips forming an "O" shape in amazement as she looked at Dan Heng.
As expected of the brother she acknowledged.
Even the strongest sect on the Douluo Continent wanted to follow him.
Dan Heng quickly stood up, his expression turning serious. "Don't say such things again. The Clear Sky Sect has no need to do this, and I don't need any faction to follow me."
He was afraid that if he didn't make his stance clear, he wouldn't be able to shake them off!
Tang Xiao looked awkward and glanced at Tang Yuehua.
Tang Yuehua said, "Mr. Dan Heng, we're not trying to cause you trouble. It's not a passing fancy either — this benefits both sides."
"If the Clear Sky Sect follows you, we can help you clear some obstacles in life. We'll act in secret and won't disturb your day-to-day."
"And you don't have to do anything in return, Mr. Dan Heng. Just letting us say we follow you is enough."
Tang Yuehua said sincerely.
Her words utterly trampled the dignity of the Clear Sky Sect into the mud.
Tang Xiao's face turned as dark as soy paste as he listened, but he still didn't object.
The Sea Witch didn't dare make a sound. Watching this scene, stars sparkled in her eyes.
Dan Heng thought for a moment and immediately realized the trouble hidden in the offer.
Free things are the most expensive!
If he agreed now, there would be all sorts of "accidents" in the future.
"No, I don't need this. Don't bring it up again," Dan Heng said sternly.
"Mr. Dan Heng…"
Tang Yuehua's eyes reddened, her expression pitiful.
But Dan Heng remained unmoved. Seeing this, he turned to leave.
Tang Yuehua quickly chased after him and blocked his way, wiping her tears as she said, "Alright, Mr. Dan Heng, we won't insist anymore. But at least let us finish this meal properly."
"Otherwise, we siblings would truly lose all face."
Tang Yuehua looked pleadingly at Dan Heng.
Dan Heng nodded silently and returned to his seat.
The Sea Witch looked a little saddened by the scene and whispered, "Brother, why did you make Sister cry?"
Dan Heng slightly shook his head without explaining.
Since he had decided not to get involved in trouble, he would never draw any factions to his side.
Taking in the Clear Sky Sect might sound tempting, but in reality, it was a hot potato.
Tang Xiao seemed relieved rather than disappointed after Dan Heng rejected them. He even opened a jar of wine and poured drinks for Dan Heng and the Sea Witch.
"Mr. Dan Heng, we've already established contact with Xue Beng. We've installed officials in the court and formed a political faction…"
Tang Yuehua began reporting their progress.
Dan Heng had the urge to cover his ears. Great, so much for having a peaceful meal.
"Even if Emperor Xue Ye covets us now, we're publicly part of the Heaven Dou Empire. Just like the other nobles, he can't annex us as easily as before."
"What should we do next?"
Tang Yuehua looked at Dan Heng with hopeful eyes, asking respectfully.
The Sea Witch looked surprised, as if she had overheard some incredible secret.
Dan Heng shook his head. "I don't know the full picture, so I can't offer better advice. Just follow your own plan…"
He made it clear he didn't want to get further involved.
Tang Yuehua and Tang Xiao exchanged helpless looks.
They had hoped to use this opportunity to owe Dan Heng more favors.
A few exchanges and the relationship would deepen, right?
But Dan Heng gave them no chance at all.
Tang Yuehua turned her eyes toward the Sea Witch and smiled slightly. "Earlier today, I heard that a soul master from Sea God Island visited the imperial palace…"
The Sea Witch's eyes immediately lit up.
Dan Heng simply continued eating, as if none of it concerned him.
Now that the spotlight had shifted to the Clear Sky Sect and Sea God Island, it really didn't have much to do with him.
He was more than happy to stay out of it.
The Sea Witch tilted her head. "That happened?"
"…"
Dan Heng and the others couldn't help sighing.
Did this Titled Douluo really have the mental maturity of an adult?
She didn't even know what her own faction was up to.
For any other group, a Titled Douluo would be the highest of high-level members.
Tang Yuehua looked slightly embarrassed and said, "Yes, sister. The 'sister' you mentioned must be a powerful soul master from Sea God Island, right?"
The Sea Witch covered her mouth, looking at Tang Yuehua in shock.
She didn't understand how Tang Yuehua knew.
"We from the Clear Sky Sect want to establish contact with Sea God Island… Sister, could you introduce us?"
Tang Yuehua asked directly.
"!!!"
The Sea Witch blinked and looked toward Dan Heng for help.
"…" Dan Heng shook his head slightly. He wasn't from Sea God Island — why look at him?
"Brother says no."
The Sea Witch apologized politely.
"???" Dan Heng coughed a few times, patting his chest — he nearly choked on her response!
Tang Yuehua and Tang Xiao both looked at him with strange expressions.
He wouldn't accept the Clear Sky Sect's allegiance, but he had some kind of thing going on with Sea God Island?
The Sea Witch explained earnestly, "Don't ask me — I don't understand any of this. I just listen to Brother. Whatever he says, I do… Because Brother is so smart!"
Dan Heng's mouth twitched slightly. He looked at the Sea Witch.
Thankfully she said that last line, or he'd have no clue how he suddenly had so much influence over Sea God Island.
Tang Yuehua giggled, raised her cup, and asked gently, "Mr. Dan Heng, could you grant us this small request?"
Tang Xiao also smiled and raised his cup toward Dan Heng.
The Sea Witch looked at Dan Heng and nodded. "Brother, do you think I should do it? I'll listen to you!"
"…" She really trusted him way too much!
Dan Heng said helplessly, "Sea Witch, let me explain again — I'm not as capable as you think. You need to learn to make judgments and handle things on your own."
"For a situation like this, since they already know your identity, even if you don't introduce them, they'll find a way to contact Sea God Island. So you can go back and ask."
Dan Heng sighed after this long speech.
Since meeting this unreasonable Sea Witch, he had sighed and been speechless more than in the past ten days combined!
The Sea Witch looked like she suddenly understood and then gazed at Dan Heng with admiration.
"Brother, you know so much! You're amazing!"
She clapped enthusiastically.
Most people would think she was being sarcastic.
But with this girl, you could tell from her clear ocean-like eyes that she truly thought Dan Heng was amazing.
Dan Heng pinched the bridge of his nose. He felt like even drinking wine would be considered "awesome" by the Sea Witch!
"Then I agree! Leave it to me!"
The Sea Witch patted her chest happily.
"Thank you, little sister…"
Tang Yuehua smiled and toasted her.
The Sea Witch took a sip — and her face immediately scrunched up. She looked at Dan Heng's half-empty cup.
"Brother, you're so strong! This water is too spicy, I can't drink it at all!"
Tang Yuehua and Tang Xiao couldn't help but smile warmly.
Dealing with someone this naive — if you spoke harshly, you seemed petty. If you spoke too complexly, she wouldn't understand.
The most important part? She genuinely thought Dan Heng was incredible.
Tang Yuehua's eyes sparkled. If she wasn't already older and too self-conscious, she would've tried to act cute herself!
"Mr. Dan Heng, in the future, we might have conflicts with the Spirit Hall. Would that make things awkward for you?"
Tang Yuehua asked again.
Dan Heng shook his head. "I have no ties to the Spirit Hall."
…
Meanwhile—
On a rooftop not far away, a gray-robed figure watched the banquet from afar.
His robe was ragged — he looked like a beggar.
It was Tang Hao. As he looked at Tang Xiao and the others inside, his expression grew complicated.
"So much happened to the Clear Sky Sect, and I didn't even know… How shameful."
"But… why is big brother paying so much attention to a librarian? At a time like this, instead of plotting revenge on the Spirit Hall, he's drinking with a girl and this guy — what's the goal?"
Tang Hao frowned in confusion.
He had some impression of Dan Heng, having seen him a few times while secretly observing Tang San.
But he didn't know Dan Heng's true abilities — he assumed he was just a nobody.
"Could it be that he and Yuehua…?" A guess suddenly struck Tang Hao.
Dan Heng was extremely handsome, and Tang Yuehua was still unmarried.
If they were planning to match them, then Tang Xiao's presence here made sense.
Tang Hao clenched his fist, his face darkening further.
His sister was getting married?
He even wanted to burst in and assess Dan Heng properly.
"A librarian? How is he worthy of Yuehua?" Tang Hao punched the chimney beside him.
Boom…!
A hole appeared where his fist landed.
Suddenly—
Tang Hao's expression changed as he looked in another direction.
Several figures were quickly approaching. One of them wore a golden robe and, though he appeared to be strolling casually, flashed and appeared a hundred meters away.
As soon as he saw the man, Tang Hao felt the urge to flee!
Because that man… was Qian Daoliu, the Grand Priest of the Spirit Hall!
"Damn! They must be here for my big brother!"
Tang Hao's face turned anxious.
They were too close — he didn't even have time to give a warning.
…
In the courtyard.
Dan Heng was about to get up and take his leave.
This banquet could be considered the end of this phase of their relationship.
What happens next—how the Clear Sky Sect maneuvers with the Heaven Dou imperial family—was no longer Dan Heng's concern.
As soon as Dan Heng stood up to leave, the Sea Witch also began clamoring to go.
Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua had no choice but to walk them out together.
Just as they stepped out of the room and were about to reach the gate—
A flurry of hurried footsteps rang out.
Tang Xiao's expression suddenly changed, turning grim. He quickly shoved Dan Heng and the Sea Witch back into the room.
At the same time as he shut the door, the main gate of the courtyard burst open.
Qian Daoliu entered, accompanied by dozens of soul masters, completely surrounding the place.
Tang Xiao faced them alone, yet he showed no fear. He stood proudly and said:
"The Spirit Hall really has some skills, managing to find our location like this? Qian Daoliu, things have come to this—there's nothing left to explain. Let's settle it with our fists..."
But Qian Daoliu waved a hand and interrupted him.
"I'm not here to eliminate you all."
"On the contrary, I came to propose a deal…"
Tang Xiao's face darkened. He clearly didn't believe a word.
Inside the room.
Tang Yuehua listened nervously to the sounds outside.
When she heard Qian Daoliu's words, her expression relaxed noticeably.
If Qian Daoliu wasn't here to kill them, then there was still room for negotiation!
The Sea Witch, sensing the danger, bit her lip and hid behind Dan Heng.
Clutching his sleeve, she whispered:
"Brother… that guy's really strong… I… I can't beat him…"
Dan Heng was speechless at this point.
He couldn't understand—how could such a coincidence happen? Why did Qian Daoliu have to show up now?
Outside the door, Tang Xiao suddenly burst out laughing.
"Qian Daoliu! Have you gone senile? You think we'll just let go of our hatred?! Spirit Hall has committed so many atrocities, killed so many of our clansmen—and now you want to call it quits and make peace? You're full of shit!"
"My second brother killed your son—can you really forgive him? Stop pretending to be virtuous!"
Tang Xiao outright cursed, refusing to play along with Qian Daoliu's attempt at reconciliation.
Even the Sea Witch muttered, "Is he stupid or something?"
Bang!
Tang Yuehua suddenly shoved the door open.
"Wait! Grand Priest, I have something to say!"
She rushed outside.
If she didn't, with Tang Xiao's current tone, he might just trigger a full-scale war—and then no one would leave alive!
Just as she stepped out, a gray-robed figure descended from above.
It was Tang Hao, who had been hiding in the shadows observing the situation.
He walked up to Tang Xiao, eyes brimming with tears, and shouted:
"Big Brother! Well said! Today, if we have to die fighting here, so be it—we will never be threatened or humiliated by Spirit Hall!"
Tang Xiao was stunned at first when he saw Tang Hao, then gave a heavy nod:
"Good!!!"
…
Tang Yuehua's face turned pale.
Just a moment ago, there was still a chance to talk things out.
But now that Tang Hao had shown up—any hope of a peaceful resolution was gone.
Everyone present was doomed!
And her two dear brothers—were still clueless about the current situation, caught up in their righteous fervor!
Tang Hao turned to look at Tang Yuehua and smiled:
"Sister, once again, your second brother's gotten you into trouble. This was supposed to be a good thing for you, but now it can't go on."
"But Qian Daoliu, your grudge is with us brothers. Our sister is just a woman, and her man is just an ordinary guy. Let them go, can't you?"
As he spoke, the Haotian Hammer appeared in his hand. He pointed it at Qian Daoliu, his voice rising.
Tang Yuehua blinked. Her man?
Qian Daoliu was also momentarily stunned, but his eyes didn't focus on them. Instead, his gaze fell upon Dan Heng at the doorway.
"Mister Dan Heng…?"
His voice was soft, but no Title Douluo present could miss it.
Tang Hao roared:
"Let them go, Qian Daoliu, and we'll face you to the end! We won't run! I'm tired of hiding!"
Tang Xiao turned to glance at Dan Heng, then looked again at Qian Daoliu. He suddenly had a strange feeling.
Qian Daoliu frowned at Tang Hao and said:
"Tang Xiao just said I wouldn't let go of the grudge of my son being killed. But what if I said—I have let it go?!"
Qian Daoliu's words shocked everyone present into silence.
Tang Yuehua's mouth opened slightly. Was this a dream?
The Sea Witch looked at Dan Heng again, her gaze filled with even more admiration.
(End of Chapter)