Once the Shrek group was settled, Flender summoned Tang San privately.
He did not waste time on pleasantries. The parchment he handed over was creased from repeated handling, its contents clearly studied more than once.
"The situation is worse than expected," Flender said, voice heavy.
Tang San lowered his gaze and read.
"In the last few months," Flender continued, "Haotian Academy registered only one hundred and twenty-nine new applicants. Eleven passed the assessment. Meanwhile, one hundred and thirty-seven teachers and students have withdrawn."
His lips pressed into a thin line.
"At this pace, the academy will collapse within half a year."
Zhao Wuji scratched his head irritably. "And it's not just the numbers. Ordinary students only make up about thirty percent now. The rest are Clear Sky Sect disciples or members of affiliated sects."
Oscar added quietly, "More than eighty percent of the teachers are tied directly to the Clear Sky Sect."
The imbalance was blatant.
Tang San looked up, eyes steady. "Which is exactly why the structure must change."
Flender studied him. "And how do you intend to do that?"
"Tang Wei will adjust resource allocation soon," Tang San said calmly. "When he does, we win the undecided teachers and students. The affiliated sects will follow. His decision-making is… short-sighted."
Before Flender could respond, a sharp bell rang outside the window.
Tang San's brows lifted slightly.
"Emergency summons," Flender said, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Clear Sky Sect."
"So he's rushing," Tang San replied. He rose smoothly. "Let's see what this new Sect Master plans to announce."
Tang Wei moved faster than anyone expected.
Within hours of the bell, a Clear Sky Sect deacon publicly announced that Tang Wei—former Great Elder—had secured the joint support of seven elders and would ascend as Sect Master.
That very afternoon, a stripped-down succession ceremony was held. No invitations. No observers from other sects.
By evening, Tang Wei convened the elders again.
He sat high in the main seat, posture relaxed, authority assumed rather than earned.
"Effective immediately," he said lightly, "disciples bearing the Tang surname at Haotian Academy will receive a fifty percent increase in monthly resources."
Murmurs stirred.
"The resources for affiliated sect teachers and students," he continued, "will be reduced by twenty percent."
Silence followed.
Tang Wei smiled faintly. "As for outsiders—reduce their allocation by forty percent."
The hall went still.
No one spoke.
"Of course," Tang Wei added, almost as an afterthought, "the three guest elders' will increase by fifty percent."
One elder finally stood. "Sect Master, this may be too abrupt. A gradual—"
"Too abrupt?" Tang Wei's voice snapped cold. "The Clear Sky Sect bears the Tang name. This academy exists to cultivate Tang blood, not to feed outsiders."
He slammed the armrest.
"Those dissatisfied may leave. Immediately."
The message spread like wildfire.
Non-Tang teachers swallowed their anger. Those with connections resigned overnight. Those without endured in silence.
Oscar watched it unfold and exhaled slowly. "No wonder he avoided inviting other sects. If they saw this resentment, they'd be recruiting on the spot."
In the distance, outer court disciples clustered around a Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School deacon, speaking urgently. The man nodded repeatedly, surprise clear on his face.
"It won't take long," Dai Mubai said coldly.
Tang San had already begun moving.
Dai Mubai quietly contacted ostracized noble disciples under the banner of the Star Luo Empire. Oscar spoke to promising commoners. Xiao Wu approached affiliated sects—her identity doing more than words ever could.
Within days, an invisible web formed.
Elite students began gravitating toward Dai Mubai. Guards assembled without orders. Salutes followed him through the academy.
Tang Long, by contrast, walked with fewer and fewer followers.
The academy grew tense. Oppression settled into its bones.
A Clear Sky Sect deacon reported privately, "Sect Master, Tang San is consolidating influence under the Tang Sect's name."
Tang Wei listened, hands behind his back. "Let him. He can't overturn the sky."
Later that night, he summoned Tang Yuehua.
"You didn't tell him," Tang Wei asked slowly, "that his leash is still in my hands?"
"I did," Tang Yuehua replied evenly. "He begged for mercy."
Tang Wei's gaze sharpened. "Then why is he still acting?"
"He believes exposure now would fracture the academy faster," Tang Yuehua said carefully.
Tang Wei snorted. "Warn him. Three days."
As she turned to leave, he stopped her. "The recording stone."
"I will deliver it personally tomorrow," she said.
After leaving, Tang Yuehua went directly to Tang San.
Instead of warning him, she told him everything.
"There's no time," she said. "Act tomorrow."
Tang San laughed softly. "Tang Wei overestimates himself."
The next morning, hundreds gathered before the Clear Sky Sect's main square.
Tang San stepped forward. "Tang Wei! Come out and explain yourself!"
Tang Wei appeared above with the elders, fury twisting his face. "You dare storm forbidden grounds with outsiders?"
"We seek explanation," Tang San replied coldly. "Why are non-Tang disciples punished?"
"The Sect's resources belong to the Tang clan!"
"There was no such rule," Tang San said, spirit power surging. "You are unworthy."
"Traitor!" Tang Wei roared. "You betrayed your adoptive father!"
"Evidence," Tang San said calmly, Clear Sky Hammer manifesting.
Tang Yuehua stepped forward and activated the stone.
The truth rang through the square.
Tang Wei attacked.
He never finished.
Purple flames. A soul-shattering shock. Claws through chests.
Tang Wei burned to ash.
Days later, Tang San stood atop the platform.
"I assume control."
The Clear Sky Sect merged into the Tang Sect.
Equality was declared.
Those who refused left.
Silence followed.
Oscar asked quietly, "What now?"
Tang San looked ahead. "We rebuild."
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