The corners of Tian Ya’s mouth twitched,
“The problem is, you didn’t just nauseate him. I’m equally sick.”
“Eh……”
……
The carriages rushed ten kilometers without Ma Hongjun calming down, from time to time leaning out the carriage window to vomit. He vowed never to see those three people again in his life.
Tang San was a bit better. After he and Tai Tan began to discuss hidden weapons again, the churning feeling in his stomach gradually settled.
Rising Dragon City was situated in the north of Star Luo Empire, less than two hundred li from the common border of the two great empires, it was truly a frontier city.
Rising Dragon City in itself wasn’t directly under the administration of the Star Luo imperial family, but rather the territory within the borders of a subordinate kingdom. Because of trade, this not at all large city was still flourishing, visitors coming and going endlessly.
Kingdoms and duchies, on the surface these powers belonged to the two great empires, but in truth they hadn’t been under imperial control for a long time, and moreover still controlled a lot of economically strategic towns, and behind them was the secret backing of Spirit Hall, competing with the empires as equals. Even though conflicts weren’t common, along with imperial authority gradually being undermined, especially after the recent destruction of the two great sects, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the kingdoms and duchies had also acted increasingly aggressive. Some had even started to openly expand their territory. Even though the scope wasn’t large, it could already reveal a great many problems.
But extraordinarily, the two great empires completely disregarded their restless stirring. Everything seemed very calm, even to the extent that there were no signs of military movement. Perhaps it was because those kingdoms and duchies lacked confidence, but the silence of the two great empires instead frightened them, and for the moment they didn’t dare be too unbridled.
The Strength Clan’s two carriages entered Rising Dragon City after passing a simple inspection at the gate. Of course, the taxes for foreign merchants entering the city were indispensable. The people were counted accordingly, but most astonishing was that even the horses counted as people. Each person was one gold spirit coin, the carriages three spirit coins, and further adding eight healthy horses, they had to pay tens of spirit coins.
Even though everyone were Spirit Masters, they didn’t belong to Spirit Hall, and in order to avoid trouble, they might as well pay and smoothly enter the town.
“Elder, what are our arrangements?”
Tang San asked Tai Tan. These days he and Tai Tan had always been talking hidden weapons, to the extent that they hadn’t even thought to talk about the four clan gathering.
Tai Tan carefully gathered up the blueprints in the carriage and placed them in his spirit tool,
“We’ll head directly to the Defense Clan’s place. Since they’re the hosts, naturally they’ll stand for the arrangements. Actually, each gathering is only everyone meeting again after a long time, chatting about what’s happened recently, looking out for each other. There are no fixed procedures.”
Tang San nodded at that. Softly caressing Xiao Wu’s soft fur, his face revealed a somewhat pondering expression. Having arrived in Rising Dragon City, he should start to consider how to confront the four single attribute clans.
Tai Tan didn’t disturb him either, he sat in the carriage resting with his eyes closed. After their exchange on this whole journey, if he only appreciated Tang San before, then now there was already a bit of admiration.
Tai Tan thought of himself as already being a peak level character in the forging world, but when talking with Tang San he would frequently sigh in admiration because of his intricate way of thinking and those elaborate hidden weapon designs. From his point of view, Tang San not only remembered the hidden weapons plans, but moreover had an extremely deep understanding of them. When the two disagreed, after careful analysis, it would frequently be Tai Tan compromising, and not this youngster.
In this period of exchange, Tai Tan grew increasingly convinced that his choice was correct. He understood that the Clear Sky Clan had perhaps produced another alarmingly talented genius. To the extent that he was even more talented than the one who had been called the Continent’s youngest Title Douluo, Tang Hao.
Even if Tai Tan was rough on the outside, his mind was meticulous enough, otherwise he couldn’t have had such a deep understanding of his forging art. He could of course guess Tang San’s objective in coming along on this trip. Originally he wasn’t a bit optimistic, but through his exchange with Tan San, he discovered the unique charm of this youth. Just as expected of a control type Spirit Master, he could frequently very easily control the overall situation. He basically wasn’t like a barely twenty youth.
The more one was polished on the grindstone, the sharper one got, perhaps this was related to his experiences. After enduring immeasurable pain and expending immeasurable effort, he had his present talent. That wasn’t something that could be obtained by just relying on talent.
Rising Dragon City was far smaller than Heaven Dou City, and the two carriages pulled by eight horses very soon reached their destination.
The carriages stopped outside of a large house. When Tang San stepped down from the carriage and looked towards the great gate of this courtyard, his face couldn’t help revealing a smiling expression. This unexpectedly seemed quite similar to the Strength Clan’s mansion, just that the inscribed board above the gate had the word ‘Defense’.
Tai Tan smiled:
“Our four clans’ buildings were designed by the Defense Clan. That’s why they’re very similar. Even though the construction seems quite crude overall, inside are actually concealed a lot of mechanisms suitable for defending. The Defense Clan’s position in the construction field isn’t a bit lower than our Strength Clan in forging. It’s said that this Rising Dragon City lord’s mansion was also remodelled by them. It’s also because of that project that they could lay their foundation here.”
When the two carriages stopped, two robust men were already running out from the great gate. Compared to the Strength Clan clansmen, they seemed a bit shorter, but gave people an even more massive impression.
One robust man hastily saluted deferentially,
“Hello, respected clan chief Tai Tan, the Strength Clan is welcome to our clan.”
Tai Tan waved his hand, laughing out loud,
“No need to be polite. Isn’t the old rhino at the clan?”
The two Defense Clan big guys responsible for greeting smiled wryly at each other, secretly thinking, ‘perhaps nobody other than you dares nickname our clan chief ‘old rhino’.’
Even though they silently cursed in their hearts, they didn’t dare show it on their faces, one of them saying:
“The clan chief is here, just waiting for all the seniors to arrive. We sent someone to report as soon as we saw the Strength Clan’s carriages.”
Before he had finished, a deep voice echoed from within the Defense Clan’s mansion,
“You old orangutan. I could hear that loud windpipe of yours without even leaving the house. You actually dare call me names, haha.”
Hearing this voice, Tai Tan immediately laughed heartily without restraint,
“Dissatisfied, huh, if you’ve got the skill we’ll compare strength. After you beat me, I won’t call you old rhino. How about it?”
Between the wide open gates, an old man half a head shorter than Tai Tan walked out. This person’s face was like a heavy date, steel needle like short hair already grizzled, his face ruddy, a pair of bell sized eyes bright and full of expression, extremely broad shoulders. Even though the robes he wore were very spacious, his build filled with incomparable power and grandeur was still visible in his movements. If Tai Tan was like a towering mountain, then he was like a wide and solid fortress.
When the two old men saw eac
h other, they spread their arms practically simultaneously, their solid chests firmly knocking together, issuing a loud thump. That noise was so loud it made Tang San jump, showing just how much effort they put into it.
Tai Long standing next to Tang San said in a low voice:
“It’s custom. Among the four single attribute clans, us and the Defense Clan have the best relationship. Grandpa and grandpa Niu are best friends, they grew up together. They’re like this every time they meet.”
Sure enough, after their violent collision, the two men tightly embraced each other, laughing loudly simultaneously. Judging by the veins on the terrifying muscles of Tai Tan’s arms, they didn’t seem to just be hugging.
“You old orangutan, you’ve grown a bit stronger again! Only, even if I’m not stronger than you, don’t even think about snapping these old bones.”
Tai Tan snapped:
“Who doesn’t know how thick your skin is? Tai Long, come here. Greet your grandpa Niu Gao[2].”
Tai Long hurriedly strode forward, deferentially saluting the Defense Clan chief,
“Hello, grandpa Niu.”
Niu Gao grabbed Tai Long’s arm,
“What greetings, we’re all one family, why so many customs? En, Tai Long, you’re quite robust, you have the bearing of your grandpa back then. Last time it was your dad and grandpa who came. I think that your future accomplishments will surpass your father’s. Tai Tan that kid is still a bit petite.”
Hearing this, Tang San couldn’t help inwardly wiping his sweat. Someone built like Tai Nuo was still considered petite? Then there was no justice!
Tai Tan didn’t introduce Tang San to Niu Gao, this was by Tang San’s own request. His identity as a child of the Clear Sky Clan could very easily cause trouble, he had to first observe the circumstances, then choose how to confront the other three single category clans.
Tai Tan said:
“Let’s go. We still haven’t gone inside. Don’t tell me we have to drink the wind here!”
Niu Gao grinned,
“Think I’ve forgotten in the excitement of seeing you? Let’s go, come inside. I’ve prepared you the liquor you like best, tonight us brothers won’t return without getting drunk, if you don’t dare, you’re a soft egg.”
“Dog farts, when wasn’t it you who got so drunk you crawled back. Come, I’m afraid you won’t succeed. Eh, right, old rhino, those two fellows aren’t here?”
Niu Gao said:
“Not yet, you’re the first. You’re so energetic every time. There’s still another two days till the gathering.”
Tai Tan laughed out loud, saying:
“Doesn’t matter, we’ll drink heartily first. Best is if all the wine is finished when they arrive, let them drink water.”
Tang San always observed coolly as he followed the two clan chiefs with Tai Long and Ma Hongjun. The four Strength Clan disciples as well as the two disciples acting as coachmen followed behind them.
Through observation, Tang San discovered that this Defense Clan chief Niu Gao really had a very good relationship with Tai Tan. If he was approached through this relationship, it should be a bit easier. He just didn’t know how to move this old man.
Just as Tai Tan said, the Defense Clan’s architecture was almost exactly the same as the Strength Clan, giving a familiar feeling on entering.
The old brothers Tai Tan and Niu Gao walked arm in arm, their cheerful laughter almost never stopping. Only when they reached a wide hall did they separate as host and guest. Of course, both Tai Tan and Niu Gao sat in the seat of honor.
Tai Long didn’t sit in the place of the first guest, but rather left this seat for Tang San, he and Ma Hongjun sitting below. This action immediately drew Niu Gao’s attention. People capable of becoming clan chief didn’t just possess great strength. Niu Gao’s character was somewhat similar to Tai Tan. Seeing Tai Long’s actions, he couldn’t help asking Tai Tan:
“Old orangutan, you didn’t introduce us, who is this young man who’s as pretty as a lady? Eh, and that fatty. This doesn’t seem like the style of your Strength Clan!”
Hearing Niu Gao’s interrogation, Tai Tan couldn’t help looking at Tang San, inwardly pondering deeply a moment, then saying:
“These two are my grandson’s friends from school. I brought them to have a look this time.”
“En?”
Hearing this, Niu Gao’s gaze instead grew even more questioning. In fact, the gathering of the four single attribute clans was an extremely secret affair, how could outsiders be allowed to casually participate? Judging by the expression with which Tai Long looked at Tang San, he clearly saw a respectful mood. How would that happen with youngsters of the same age?
Niu Gao wasn’t a person to mince words, snapping:
“Old orangutan, don’t tell me you still have to hide things from a brother? Just who is this kid? Why would you bring him to the gathering?”
Hearing Niu Gao ask this, Tang San knew that if he didn’t stand up now, even if his identity was revealed in the future, he would inevitably receive Niu Gao’s contempt. Confronting such an outspoken senior Spirit Master, it would be better to get it done with at once.
Immediately, Tang San stood up, saluting slightly to Niu Gao,
“Senior Niu Gao, hello. Myself am Tang San.”
Niu Gao stared blankly,
“Your surname is Tang?”
Tang San didn’t hide it,
“My father is Tang Hao.”
“What?”
Hearing this, Niu Gao couldn’t stay seated, fiercely shooting up to his feet, his original smile immediately turning gloomy. Turning his head he looked at Tai Tan to the side,
“Old orangutan, what’s the meaning of this? Don’t tell me the Clear Sky School hasn’t caused us enough harm? If not for that Tang Hao, how would we have fallen to this state?”
Tai Tan’s brows creased slightly,
“Old rhino, calm down a bit. Don’t tell me that Spirit Hall would have let the Clear Sky School off without my master’s matters back then? I hate the Clear Sky School just as much as you do for treating us subsidiary clans as disposable. But how is this related to Tang San? With your age, can’t you settle down a bit?”
* * *
[1] Phoenix Meteor Shower - (凤凰流星雨)
[2] Niu Gao - (牛皋) “Bovine Marsh”.
Chapter 172: Poised For Battle, Comparing Defense With The Armor Plated Giant Rhinoceros
Niu Gao’s expression was still very unsightly, glaring at Tai Tan:
“Old orangutan, if someone else had brought him, I would’ve kicked him out long ago. Have him hurry up and leave, I don’t want to see anyone related to the Clear Sky School. Otherwise, don’t blame me for not sparing your feelings.”
Tai Tan was also somewhat angry, he regarded Tang San extremely highly, even to the extent that he had entrusted the Strength Clan’s future to him. Shooting to his feet, he said angrily:
“Then fine, we’ll go together. Our Strength Clan doesn’t need to take part in the gathering this time. Young master, we’re leaving.”
Finished speaking, he headed towards the exit in big strides.
Niu Gao hadn’t thought Tai Tan’s reaction would actually be so fierce, and his face immediately changed. He and Tai Tan had been brothers for many years, so he naturally knew this old fellow wasn’t one to make decisions lightly. However, his words were already spoken, and as a clan chief, if he were to take it back now he wouldn’t be left with any face.
“Senior Tai Tan, wait a moment.”
Tang San pulled Tai Tan’s arm. If they truly left, perhaps there wouldn’t be any leeway to change the situation. He of course wouldn’t call Tai Tan ‘elder’ in front of outsiders.
Tai Tan looked at Tang San, and Tang San nodded at him, afterwards turned to face Niu Gao, giving him a deep bow,
“Senior Niu Gao, I apologize to you for the Clear Sky School and my father causing the four single category clans trouble back then. I know that such an apology
can’t mean anything. Following senior Tai Tan this time was in the hopes of finding a way to make it up to the four clans.”
Niu Gao glared at Tang San,
“Your Clear Sky School has lifted the seal?”
Tang San shook his head,
“I only represent myself and my father. Not the Clear Sky School. The sect is still sealed.”
Niu Gao snorted coldly,
“No matter whether the Clear Sky School has lifted the seal or not, there’s not a copper spirit coin of responsibility towards our Defense Clan. We’ve done very well, we have no use for any of your compensation. Nor is it something a kid still smelling of his mother’s milk can repay.”
Hearing Niu Gao’s words, Tang San instead of getting angry, smiled. He had already heard some margins for redemption in the meaning behind the counterparts words. Of course, this margin wasn’t something Niu Gao had set aside for him, but rather for Tai Tan’s sake.
Right now, Tai Tan had also turned around, standing next to Tang San.
Confronted with Niu Gao’s angry glare, Tang San seemed very leisurely. Embracing Xiao Wu, his graceful character not the slightest flustered. In fact, Niu Gao was also a Spirit Douluo level power, and even if he didn’t purposefully release his strength to pressure Tang San, his own aura as well as the aggression saved up over decades as clan chief wasn’t something an ordinary person could endure.
“Senior Niu Gao, of course I can’t swear that I can do anything for the four clans. You won’t believe empty promises, and even I feel that’s unconvincing. However, I hope you can give me one chance. Let me stay here to participate in the gathering. I don’t want the Defense Clan to regard me as an enemy.”
Niu Gao suddenly smiled, but his smile was even more frightening than his chill just now. A tyrannical pressure suddenly burst from him, oppressing Tang San just like a raging wave.
“Give you a chance? Back when the Clear Sky School declared themselves sealed, did they give us four clans any chances? Back when your father fought Spirit Hall, did he think of our interests? Why would I give you a chance? Fuck off, get out of here, otherwise don’t blame an old man for being blunt.”
Douluo Dalu - Volume 01-48 Page 304
