Chapter 284: Chapter 284: The Unspoken Pain
Douluo Continent (Anime) World
Two months had passed since Dai Mubai successfully brought the Power Clan under his banner. The long-awaited gathering of the four clans was now imminent.
This time, the event was hosted by the Power Clan, which meant Dai Mubai and Titan didn't have to travel to the other clans. Instead, the remaining three clans would come to them, providing Dai Mubai a chance to recruit them on his home turf.
During these two months, Titan observed something that bolstered his loyalty to Dai Mubai—he showed no intention of seizing power over the Power Clan, leaving all decisions in Titan's hands.
"Master," Titan began confidently, "the patriarch of the Defense Clan is a close friend of mine. We're like brothers. If I intervene, convincing the Defense Clan to join us shouldn't be a problem."
Dai Mubai's mouth twitched slightly.
He's your "good brother," and this is how you treat him?
If Niu Gao had such a "good brother," it was a wonder he hadn't keeled over already.
Still, Titan's motivations were clear—it was all for Dai Mubai's benefit.
Seeing Dai Mubai nod silently, Titan continued, "The patriarch of the Breaking Clan, Yang Wudi, is a different matter. Their hatred for the Clear Sky Sect runs deep. But if we appeal to their emotions and reason, persuading the Breaking Clan to join us isn't out of reach. Yang Wudi's strength is unparalleled among us old men."
Titan couldn't help but admit this point.
The Breaking Clan had suffered heavy losses in the infamous battle. The reasons were clear:
Relentless Attackers: The Breaking Clan excelled in offense but lacked defensive strategies. They were unmatched among their peers in raw attack power but fell short against overwhelming numbers.Blind Trust in the Clear Sky Sect: They had placed too much faith in the sect. While the Breaking Clan fought valiantly on the front lines, the Clear Sky Sect retreated, abandoning them. The betrayal fueled their deep-seated hatred.
Ironically, the Sensitive Clan, with its lack of offensive capabilities, suffered the least. Their unmatched speed allowed them to escape unscathed when things went south. If you can't win, at least you can run.
As for the Power Clan and the Defense Clan, their losses were roughly equal. The Breaking Clan, however, had poured their entire strength into the fight and paid dearly for it.
Hearing Titan's assessment, Dai Mubai nodded thoughtfully.
In the original story, Yang Wudi was the only member of the four clans who had fought a Titled Douluo and emerged victorious—thanks to Tang San's domain boost. At just the rank of Spirit Douluo, Yang Wudi had defeated a Titled Douluo, an extraordinary feat.
While the other three clan leaders claimed to match Titled Douluos in certain aspects, none could truly contend with one in direct combat. Only Yang Wudi earned the title of "Invincible."
At Spirit Douluo rank 82, he was already a fearsome opponent. Had his martial spirit been flawless, he might have become a Titled Douluo, standing undefeated against anyone below rank 95.
If the Breaking Soul Spear hadn't had its flaws, it could have rivaled the Clear Sky Hammer as the top tool martial spirit.
"Master, to be precise, the only clan that might pose a challenge is the Sensitive Clan," Titan said, frowning.
He and his brothers had decades of history together and knew each other's circumstances inside and out.
Bai He, the patriarch of the Sensitive Clan, was Tang Hao's uncle. How could he ever be convinced to turn against the Clear Sky Sect? Getting him to remain neutral would already be a victory.
"The Sensitive Clan."
Dai Mubai understood Titan's concerns.
"It's simple. If the Sensitive Clan wishes to join us, we'll welcome them. If not, so be it. As long as they don't turn against us, they'll remain friends," Dai Mubai said flatly.
Titan nodded. Between loyalty to a good friend and ensuring the clan's future, the latter was the priority.
And honestly, aside from reconnaissance, what could the Sensitive Clan offer? Their speed was unparalleled, but this wasn't the era of mail or food delivery services. Reconnaissance was a task others could handle just as well, diminishing the Sensitive Clan's overall value.
"Perhaps we could approach them from another angle," Titan mused. "The Sensitive Clan is struggling financially. We might leverage that."
In truth, the four clans often convened to assist the Sensitive Clan.
The Power Clan thrived on blacksmithing, earning a steady income.The Defense Clan excelled in construction, also faring well financially.The Breaking Clan, however, specialized in pharmaceuticals, crafting pills beneficial to spirit masters—a lucrative trade that made them the wealthiest of the four clans.The Sensitive Clan… their situation was best left unspoken.
"Report! Master, Patriarch! Patriarch Niu Gao of the Defense Clan has arrived!"
The announcement came from a direct descendant of the Power Clan.
Titan and Dai Mubai exchanged glances and nodded.
The Defense Clan was the closest geographically to the Power Clan, so their early arrival was expected.
"Let's go. Your good brother is here," Dai Mubai said with a smirk.
Titan's expression froze. Something about Dai Mubai's tone felt… off.
Shortly after, they arrived at the reception hall, where Niu Gao was enjoying a cup of tea.
Physically, Niu Gao was even more imposing than Titan, his tall, muscular frame radiating strength. His clan's legacy martial spirit, the Armored Rhinoceros, boasted unmatched defensive capabilities, surpassing even the Diamond Mammoth.
Behind him stood a middle-aged man, significantly smaller in stature—Niu Gao's son, Niu Ben.
Goodness, that name sounds casual, Dai Mubai thought, amused.
"Uncle Titan!"
Niu Ben greeted Titan warmly, showing a hint of shrewdness in his demeanor.
Niu Gao's gaze lingered on Titan briefly before something seemed amiss.
Normally, Titan would have been accompanied by Tai Nuo and Tai Long. Who was this young man beside him?
"Titan, where are Tai Nuo and Tai Long?"
Niu Gao asked with a smile, genuinely happy to reunite with his old friend.
But his innocent question struck a nerve.
Titan's expression froze, his entire demeanor darkening. Tai Nuo and Tai Long's deaths were wounds that had never healed.
Realizing his mistake, Niu Gao's smile vanished, and he stood abruptly.
"What happened?"
Though the four clans were no longer affiliated with the Clear Sky Sect, their bond remained strong. If one faced trouble, the others would step in to help however they could.
"Tai Nuo and Tai Long fell to evildoers," Titan finally said, his voice heavy with grief.
(Chapter Ends)