A white crane descended gracefully from the tiled, pagoda-like rooftop above.
Without even activating his spiritual power, the white crane’s presence was so utterly concealed that it failed to alert the brother and sister.
[...His movement speed is too fast. By the time I was about to warn you, he had already arrived.]
The system’s voice, tinged with a hint of helplessness, echoed in Tang Sui’s mind. She mentally replied that it was fine.
After all, as a system symbiotically linked with her, it was aware of the original destined trajectory. In this world where lineage and background were paramount, etched deep into one's very bones, Bai He, as their maternal granduncle, would not harm them.
“Senior Bai He?”
Tang San blinked in surprise, and neither he nor Tang Sui stood up.
Bai He did not seem to mind. He closed the distance, settling down on Tang Sui’s left with an approachable demeanor. He said with a faint smile, “You two are the most diligent young people I have ever met.”
“You flatter us, Senior,” Tang San said, feeling somewhat overwhelmed and puzzled by Bai He’s unexpectedly friendly attitude.
Tang Sui looked at Bai He, who smiled kindly at them, and said, “Xiao San and Sui Sui, may I call you by these names in private?”
“Of course, you may. You are our elder,” Tang Sui replied with a friendly smile.
Observing the amiable brother and sister, Bai He sighed, a flicker of remembrance appearing in his eyes. “Actually, your grandmother was my own sister. By seniority, you should call me maternal granduncle.”
Tang Sui, who already knew, blinked. Tang San, however, was startled by this sudden familial recognition, finally understanding why Bai He’s attitude had changed so drastically.
“My sister passed away young. Her children, all of them, grew up under our watch. Including your father,” Bai He sighed.
Tang San paused slightly and asked cautiously, “Maternal Granduncle, that year…”
Bai He interrupted, “I know. Your father would never have incurred such a bloody feud with the Spirit Hall out of mere impulsiveness. That’s why we never truly blamed him. But that doesn’t mean Old Goat would honor this past friendship.”
He looked at Tang Sui, “Just as Sui Sui said, with Old Goat’s temperament, a confrontation was inevitable.”
Upon hearing this, Tang Sui glanced at her brother, as if to say, “See? I told you so.”
Tang San pondered for a second before raising his head and asking, “What kind of person is Senior Yang Wudi?”
“His strength is the greatest among us four clan leaders,” Bai He’s face showed a hint of gravity. “Whether it’s Old Gorilla’s power, Old Rhino’s defense, or my agility, none are enough to withstand his ‘Break’ ability. Coupled with their alchemy skills…”
This hit the nail on the head.
Tang San seemed enlightened, a spark flashing in his eyes. “Maternal Granduncle, you mean?”
“Old Goat is obsessed with alchemy, to the point of neglecting sleep and food. With your and your sister’s strength, you are still far from his level. To persuade him, you can only approach him through medicine,” Bai He said meaningfully.
Tang San paused, then looked towards Tang Sui.
Tang Sui pondered for a moment and asked, “Maternal Granduncle, if either my brother or I were to challenge Senior Yang Wudi, would he truly go all out against us?”
Bai He choked slightly and replied, “Of course, he wouldn’t go all out. But he would certainly make you two youngsters suffer dearly. What, do you intend to throw yourselves into Old Goat’s path?”
Tang Sui nonchalantly shifted her gaze, feigning a pensive expression. “How will we know if we don’t try?”
Bai He looked again at Tang San, who was sheepishly averting his eyes, his expression one of astonishment. “You truly intend to…”
“Maternal Granduncle, please trust us. We will handle the affairs of the Breaking Clan properly,” Tang San said earnestly to Bai He, avoiding a direct answer.
Bai He’s forehead twitched. “You don’t understand. Although Old Goat is a Soul Douluo like us, his offensive power is comparable to a Titled Douluo! You two children are no match for him!”
“It seems Senior Yang Wudi is also a rather stubborn and self-willed individual, isn’t he?” Tang Sui smiled, observing Bai He’s anxious demeanor. “If he is truly that headstrong, then only someone even stronger can truly make him submit. Using medicine to bribe him would only achieve temporary results, but would never truly earn his respect. Brother, do you think I’m right?”
Tang San nodded, his gaze calm. “Yes, my thoughts are the same as Sui Sui’s.”
A slap followed by a sweet date.
It seemed their sibling’s thoughts were in perfect unison.
“You… you two…” Bai He looked at the stubborn siblings and exclaimed, “Ah!” “But what right do you have to defeat Old Goat?! Xiao San, your soul power is vastly inferior to Old Goat’s. Sui Sui is a support soul master; even with amplification, there’s still a huge gap!”
“Maternal Granduncle, just you watch.”
Tang Sui sensed the abundant power within her and had already made her plans.
…
To Tang Sui’s and Tang San’s surprise, Yang Wudi arrived two days later than expected.
After waiting for a considerable time without seeing anyone, Tang Sui yawned as the night deepened once again outside.
Titan pondered for a moment and advised Tang Sui and the others to rest, as it seemed Yang Wudi wouldn’t be coming today. He wondered if the latter had encountered some unforeseen circumstances that caused his delayed arrival, two days late.
Tang Sui did not refuse. To conserve her energy, she uncharacteristically skipped her usual moonlit stroll and went straight to bed.
When Tang Sui was finally awakened by Ma Hongjun and Tang San knocking on her door, bright sunlight was already bathing the land.
“Sui Sui, you’re awake.”
Seeing Tang Sui emerge from her room after freshening up, Ma Hongjun immediately flocked to her, his mouth babbling, “Sui Sui, you have no idea! The chief of that so-called Breaking Clan looks incredibly difficult to deal with. Ever since he arrived, he hasn’t said more than a few words, as if everyone owes him money! He’s just been wearing a sour expression!”
“Fatty, don’t speak carelessly. This isn’t the academy,” Tang San whispered.
Fortunately, Ma Hongjun had spoken his complaints in a low voice. Hearing Tang San’s reminder, he pursed his lips and fell silent.
“It seems the Breaking Clan might be experiencing some issues. I wonder if the problem is internal or external,” Tang Sui mused.
Tang San gently ruffled Tang Sui’s hair. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Your brother is here. There’s always a way.”
They had spent the past two days making several plans targeting Yang Wudi during their free time. However, this unexpected delay was something they hadn't anticipated.
The three soon arrived at the reception hall.
Stepping into the hall again, they found that an elder had indeed arrived.
Beside him stood two youths, one on each side, appearing to be around Tang Sui’s age.
In the main seat between the two youths sat a tall, slender old man. He had raven-black hair, and his forehead, cheekbones, and even the bridge of his nose bore shallow pink scars, appearing to have healed not long ago.
The man’s expression was somber, with an unyielding fierceness in his eyes. His aura was chilling, clearly indicating that something significant had happened.
Tang Sui’s gaze flickered. Her steps faltered slightly, and she stopped diagonally behind Tang San, forming a formation with Tang San at the lead, Tang Sui at his flank, and Ma Hongjun behind the siblings.