Niu Gao said:
“No matter what is said, afterwards we’re also a grasshopper on a string. After this gathering is over, I’ll go eat your food and drink your wine. Humph humph.”
Tai Tan smiled:
“As you wish, there’s enough. Anyway, hereafter the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will support the Tang Sect financially. With the skill you eat until they’re poor. Their sect is broken, but their wealth hasn’t waned. That is indeed the richest sect under heaven.”
Niu Gao stared blankly a moment,
“I feel more and more like this Tang Sect of ours has some prospects. Since it’s like this, it would be better if we also pulled the Speed Clan along. Their days have been very sad. Always receiving our material assistance. Since the finances aren’t a problem, and Tang San can even talk me into it, I think the old whitebird wouldn’t be much of a problem.”
Tai Tan smiled:
“That fellow most dislikes other people calling him old bird, be careful about his temper! Only, we can consider how to lure him. The two of us are both in the Tang Sect, with him it’ll be even more lively.”
The two wicked old men immediately began to excitedly talk in low voices. Tang San could naturally hear what they said, and for a moment he couldn’t help feeling a chill down his back. So when people got old, they wouldn’t be disturbed by sinister thoughts. Of course, their purpose was still benevolent.
Judging by how it had gone so far, everything was better than anticipated. Only one area made somewhat worried, the Breaking Clan. Judging by how Tai Tan and Niu Gao hadn’t mentioned them at all, clearly that wasn’t an easily convinced clansman. Due to losing more than half the clan from Spirit Hall’s attack, their hatred for the Clear Sky Clan was naturally the strongest. Moreover, they were also the one clan of the four single attribute clans that made the best living. What ways could move them in the end?
……
Next evening, still one day from the time of the four single attribute clan gathering, the Speed Clan arrived.
The Speed Clan fully brought more than ten people. Niu Gai and Tai Tan went out to meet them together, and Tang San, Ma Hongjun and Tai Long also followed behind.
Counting carefully, Tang San discovered that the Speed Clan had brought altogether twelve people, the old man leading them was slim, but seemed extremely well proportioned. His long hair hung across his back, but it was already snow white. If not for his face being as rosy as an infant’s, he would seem even older than Tai Tan and Niu Gao. But Tang San knew that he was really a year younger than Niu Gao. His spirit power was also around the eighty first or eight second rank. That was also the Speed Clan’s clan chief, Bai He[1].
Actually, the Speed Clan’s spirit wasn’t a crane, crane’s didn’t fly fast. The reason why they walked the road of speed was also greatly related to their spirit. Because the Speed Clan’s spirit was a bird with the fastest flight speed, called the Needle-Tailed Swift[2]. It was possessing such a spirit that led the Speed Clan down their cultivation route.
Following next to Bai He was a young woman about the same age as Tang San and Ma Hongjun. The young woman was tall and well proportioned, extremely beautiful. Even if she was a bit thin, her appearance was only slightly inferior to Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing and the others. The expression in her eyes seemed somewhat proud, holding Bai He’s arm, her beautiful eyes looked around hopefully, seemingly very interested in everything around her.
Ma Hongjun took one look at this young woman, and his eyes immediately straightened. He never had any resistance to beautiful women. Secretly swallowing, he stared fixedly at her without blinking, as if about to eat her.
The young woman very soon sensed Ma Hongjun’s gaze, shooting him a look. Turning her head, her beautiful eyes just fell on Tang San. However, what she looked at wasn’t Tang San’s handsome appearance, but rather Xiao Wu in his arms. Xiao Wu’s fur shone like silver, even starting to turn gold at the roots, further with the power she spread, her chubby body seeming extremely cute, she was a fatal killing blow at least to young women.
“Haha, old orangutan, I knew you’d definitely be here long ago. It really is so.”
Bai He laughed loudly and went to greet them, the three elders forcefully hugging.
However, Bai He clearly felt that Tai Tan and Niu Gao’s expressions were somewhat awkward. It seemed as if they meticulously kept their distance, and when hugging he didn’t get the feeling they were honestly happy.
Niu Gao looked at the young woman next to Bai He,
“Xiangxiang came too. Let’s go, we’ll speak inside.”
Bai He’s subordinates naturally had the Defense Clan’s people’s arrangements, and he brought the charming young woman to follow Tai Tan and Niu Gao into the drawing room with doubts in his heart.
“Tea.”
Niu Gao shouted, his expression appearing a bit more unsightly. To the side, Tai Tan also hung his head without speaking.
Bai He frowned,
“What’s up with you two old fellows? Such anxious expressions.”
Niu Gao smiled bitterly:
“You only just arrived, we shouldn’t speak to you about it. But you also know I can’t keep words to myself. Old whitebird, in the future we might not be able to help you again.”
Bai He’s heart shivered, him bringing so many people this time wasn’t just for prestige. The Speed Clan’s days really weren’t easy. The entire clan, from clan chief Bai He and down, everyone were proud, they always believed their Swift Spirit was extremely noble. That’s why they never agreed to join any sect. Coming this time, he originally planned to accept some assistance of the other three clans, supporting his clan. This had also become a tradition among the four clans.
“What’s happened?”
Bai He’s heart steadied a bit, and asked.
Niu Gao sighed, saying:
“You know the Elephant Armored School. Yesterday Huyan Zhen that fellow came. He came to enlist my clan.”
Bai He said:
“On behalf of Spirit hall?”
Right now he couldn’t even pay attention to Niu Gao calling him that name he disliked.
Noi Gao nodded wordlessly.
Bai He’s brows wrinkled,
“Old rhino, you wouldn’t have agreed?”
Niu Gao snorted coldly,
“How would that be possible? Even if my Defense Clan was destroyed, I still wouldn’t be Spirit Hall’s dog. Only, I refused them, I’m afraid the Elephant Armored School will retaliate. As for when, nobody can say. Therefore, I’ve decided to migrate the clan. Leave for Heaven Dou City, mixing with old orangutan. You also know, going to the old orangutan’s place, reopening business there, raising income, it’ll take time. Even the Strength Clan’s support is like a cup of water on a burning cart of firewood for our two clans. Not enough. Therefore, this time, I’m afraid we won’t be able to support you.”
Bai He’s expression clearly seemed a bit artificial. Shaking his head, he said:
“It doesn’t matter. Over these years, without your support, I’m afraid our Speed Clan would long since have ceased to exist. Now that your Defense Clan is in difficulties, I’m already very sorry I can’t help. How can I still ask for resources. I’ll think of a way myself.”
The atmosphere in the drawing room became somewhat depressed, the three clan chiefs didn’t speak up again. Niu Gao and Tai Tan glanced at each other and both saw the smile at the corners of each others’ eyes, and hastily rearranged their own facial expressions.
After a long silence, Tai Tan said to Bai He:
“Old whitebird, I’ll introduce you.”
It was Tang San’s turn.
Bai He looked somewhat blankly at Tai Tan. Tai Tan indicated Tang San to the side, saying:
“This little brother is a swiftly rising genius of a generation in the world of forging. He’s made some hidden weapons, I’ve taken a look, and they seem very suitable for your Speed Clan. I let him follow me so you could take a look. Little San.�
�
Tang San petted the already fast asleep Xiao Wu, first putting her inside the Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse, then once again pulled out the heroic workhorse Godly Zhuge Crossbow from his chest, walking over and handing it to Bai He with both hands.
Bai He took it with several questions, and the eyes of the young woman at his side were immediately filled with curiosity as she looked at the unassuming black box.
Tang San didn’t wait for him to ask, taking the initiative to say:
“This thing is called Godly Zhuge Crossbow, forty eight crossbow bolts are hidden inside, including the crossbow bolts, all of it is made from refined iron. Each time the mechanism on top is wound, it can instantly shoot sixteen crossbow bolts from the holes in front, tyrannically powerful. It can break defensive spirit abilities of the fortieth rank and below, and the crossbow bolts are furthermore poisoned. If used to sneak attack before the opponent raises his defense, even fiftieth and sixtieth level Spirit Masters will find it very difficult to escape. If matched with your noble clan’s speed, it’s might can inevitably increase enormously.”
Bai He was shocked,
“You’re saying this thing can break defensive spirit abilities of the fortieth rank and below? You’re certain?”
Sitting at the head, Niu Gao said:
“I already tried it last night. What he says isn’t a bit exaggerated. I heard that this thing is still only the basic version Godly Zhuge Crossbow, and it can still be provided with even stronger crossbow bolts. What do you think of that?”
* * *
[1] Bai He - (白鹤) “White Crane”, thus all the references to white birds.
[2] Needle-Tailed Swift - (尖尾雨燕) literally “needle tailed rain swallow” or white-throated needle tail, while other raptors might beat them in diving speed, the needle-tailed swift holds the record in vertical flight.
Chapter 175: Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps’ Pure Speed Battle
Tang San said:
“The improved Godly Zhuge Crossbow, since the crossbow bolts aren’t the same, will also have different power. The most powerful can threaten a sixtieth rank Spirit Master going all out on defense. The most ordinary is still a level of power above this basic one. Enough to make forty fifth ranked Spirit Masters hateful. Split into twelve types of crossbow bolts, they’re each Bone Piercing Bolts, Thunderflame Bolts, Armor Breaking Bolts, Edge Cracking Bolts, Devil Suppressing Bolts, Overlord Bolts, Deep Yin Bolts, Dragon Cutting Bolts, Extinguishing Lust Bolts, Dragon Beard Bolts, Meteor Destruction Bolts and Seven Killing Bolts. The most difficult to deal with among them are the Meteor Destruction Bolts and the Seven Killing Bolts. Just that since these crossbow bolts require extremely fine craftsmanship and uncommon materials, the cost is high.”
While speaking, Tang San took back the Godly Zhuge Crossbow, swiftly winding the mechanism,
“Senior please watch.”
While speaking, Tang San raised his hand and fired. Along with a series of sonorous cracks, sixteen streaks of shadow entered the ground in an instant. Bai He didn’t clearly see how they shot, but the granite floor already had sixteen small holes.
Bai He couldn’t help asking:
“How large is the killing range for this thing?”
Tang San said:
“The greatest killing power is guaranteed within fifty meters, further than that, the power gradually weakens.”
Drawing a deep breath, Bai He was unable to conceal the excitement revealed by his eyes,
“Good, I’ll buy this thing. How much? I want two hundred.”
Tang San smiled slightly,
“Not expensive, one hundred fifty gold spirit coins.”
Bai He pondered, then said,
“Can’t you make it a bit cheaper?”
Even though his character wasn’t willing to haggle, one hundred fifty gold spirit coins wasn’t a small sum to the entire Speed Clan.
Bai He never allowed his junior clansmen to go draw the Spirit Hall stipend. The level of poverty for the whole clan ranked among the top in the Spirit Master world.
Tang San pondered, then said:
“Since you’re friends with senior Tai Tan, I’ll give you a favorable price. One hundred twenty gold spirit coins. I can’t go lower.”
Bai He, slightly relieved, said:
“Good, then I’ll buy.”
While speaking, swiping the spirit tool bracelet on his wrist, he took out a pouch of precious and heavy gold spirit coins.
“Here is one hundred gold spirit coins. I’ll give you the remaining twenty after the Breaking Clan has arrived.”
Tang San didn’t accept it, somewhat awkwardly saying:
“Senior, you seem to have misunderstood. The one hundred twenty gold spirit coins I mentioned was for one. If you want two hundred Godly Zhuge Crossbows, then the price should be twenty four thousand gold spirit coins.”
“What did you say?”
Bai He shot to his feet. His face was already deep red. Originally he had suffered because of the poverty of his clan, but now hearing Tang San mention such an astronomical sum, the pride in his heart immediately turned into anger,
“Are you playing with me?”
An almost severe pressure immediately gushed out from within his body. Even if he cultivated in the direction of speed, no matter what was said, he was still a Spirit Douluo level power.
The young woman sitting by Bai He’s side also stood up with him, glaring at Tang San:
“Why don’t you go robbing?”
Tang San smiled calmly, as if he didn’t feel the pressure Bai He released. Equally being Spirit Douluo, the pressure Bai He gave him was a lot less than Niu Gao,
“Be calm, senior. When our Tang Sect does business, it’s absolutely without cheating either old nor young. One hundred twenty gold spirit coins is cheap rather than expensive. When I sell to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, the price is closer to one hundred eighty gold spirit coin for one. You already have completely favorable treatment. Don’t forget that my Godly Zhuge Crossbow is made from refined iron, according to the price you wish for, wouldn’t that be less than one gold spirit coin for each Godly Zhuge Crossbow? The manufacturing cost for the refined iron is more than this. Even more so the craftsmanship and technique, I dare say it’s unique and unmatched on the Douluo Continent. Before senior gets angry, please think clearly.”
While speaking, Tang San raised a foot and lightly stomped on the ground. Faint white light stealthily rushed from him. Bai He clearly felt the pressure he released being forcefully cut apart. And on the ground, sixteen black shadows shot up, caught in Tang San’s hand, then slowly and calmly returned the sixteen crossbow bolts to the Godly Zhuge Crossbow.
Tai Tan said:
“Bai He, I can prove this on his behalf. Selling this Godly Zhuge Crossbow for one hundred twenty gold spirit coins absolutely isn’t expensive. As far as I know, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is the Tang Sect’s long term client. This price for you is already very low. My meaning is, if you’re interested, you can buy one for self protection.”
Bai He disappointedly sat back in his seat,
“This thing is good, but what use is only one?”
Just as Niu Gao said, the greatest problem perplexing the Speed Clan was attack power. If they had sufficiently formidable attack power, then even going to specially hunt spirit beasts was enough to support the clan. The appearance of the Godly Zhuge Crossbow undoubtedly made Bai He’s eyes brighten, but, to him, this price really was a bit too difficult to accept.
Tang San smiled slightly, saying:
“Senior Bai he, trading can’t become charity. Since today is our first meeting, I’ll present this Godly Zhuge Crossbow to you as a gift.”
While speaking, he once again held the Godly Zhuge Crossbow in front of Bai He.
Bai He snorted,
“You want to give it to me? No unjustly deserved rewards. I can’t take it.”
In his heart, one hundred twenty gold spirit coins wa
s no small figure. Accepting the help of the four single attribute clans was one thing, accepting the gifts of other people was definitely something else. If he wasn’t so proud, the Speed Clan wouldn’t have reached its current state.
Tang San said:
“Then how about this. This young lady should be senior’s granddaughter. Junior has always been extremely interested in speed. I don’t know whether me and this young miss could compete in speed. If I win, senior gives me the one hundred gold spirit coins you hold. If I lose, this Godly Zhuge Crossbow will be regarded as the stakes for senior. How about it?”
Hearing this, Bai He’s heart immediately thumped. Speed was the greatest advantage of their clan. Even if the aura Tang San revealed just now wasn’t weak, he still absolutely didn’t believe his granddaughter would lose to him. Moreover, he assumed that Tang San himself was planning to give this thing to him, and this was just finding a justification. Even though Bai He had a very proper face, the lure of the Godly Zhuge Crossbow was just too large. He couldn’t help subconsciously looking to his granddaughter.
That beautiful young woman directly leapt up from her chair, in practically an a flash, she stood at the center of the hall,
“Fine, I’ll compete with you.”
Tang San put the Godly Zhuge Crossbow aside, strolling over in front of that young woman. Right now, looking face to face, he couldn’t help praising her inwardly. This young woman really was beautiful. Especially her harmonized figure. Only, he still only appreciated her. In his heart, besides Xiao Wu, there was no longer room for a second woman.
The young woman haughtily faced up, looking at the half a head taller than her Tang San,
“How do you want to compete?”
Tang San smiled slightly, saying:
“I have always admired the speed of the Speed Clan, we’ll do it according to nimbleness. We’ll be within this drawing room. As long as you can touch me anywhere, it will be your win. The time is one stick of incense. Conversely, I win.”
The young woman said without the slightest hesitation:
“Fine, then light the incense.”
Douluo Dalu: Volume 25: Single Category Clans Page 11