Ning Liu did not respond immediately, but looked at the painful man calmly.
That calmness formed a sharp contrast with Tang Xiao's grief and indignation.
He didn't mean not to reply, but he was also thinking about it.
It took a long time before Ning Liu spoke.
"The decline of Haotian Sect did not happen overnight."
"It did not start when you took over the position of sect leader."
His words were like a cold knife, accurately cutting open the wound Tang Xiao had just torn.
"The turning point of everything was the death of your father, the previous leader of the Haotian Sect."
"And the top-secret incident that was blocked by Wuhun Palace twelve years ago."
Tang Xiao's body froze.
He raised his head suddenly and his breathing stopped for a moment.
Ning Liu met his gaze and said even more cruel words.
/>
"It was his impulsiveness and willfulness that pushed the entire sect off the cliff with his own hands."
"No!"
Tang Xiao almost blurted out.
"It's my incompetence, it's me who failed to protect the sect, it's me..."
"You?"
Ning Liu interrupted him, with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
“What did you have at that time?”
"Tang Hao inherited the Haotian Sect's most core secret technique, the Great Sumeru Hammer, and took away the inherited soul bones passed down from generation to generation." "Du Wai."
"Has he ever thought about the heavy price the Haotian Sect will pay for his departure?"
Every word Ning Liu said was like a heavy hammer, hitting Tang Xiao's heart hard.
"He made you, and the entire Haotian Sect, bear all the consequences for his love and his choice."
"And for the next ten years or so, he did nothing!"
Ning Liu slowly stood up from his chair and walked to Tang Xiao step by step.
"The sect was forced to close the mountain, its resources were cut off, and the future of countless talented disciples was ruined. The elders of the sect were filled with resentment."
"Isn't he the source of all this?"
"You, Tang Xiao, have neither inherited the title of Haotian Douluo, nor do you have the secrets of Haotian and the soul bones of the sect in your hands."
"In such a situation of internal and external difficulties, your ability to keep the Haotian Sect's strength and bloodline intact is the limit of your ability."
"At least, to this day, Haotian Sect is still the leader of the three upper sects!"
Ning Liu's voice suddenly dropped.
"So, the real culprit for causing the Haotian Sect to lose its "soul" is not you, the sect master who has devoted all his efforts and bowed to the essence."
"It's him, your younger brother who is known as a century-old wizard, Tang Hao!"
Hearing this, Tang Xiao's body shook violently.
His tall body trembled violently, and the blood on his face faded at a speed visible to the naked eye, leaving only paleness.
Pain, struggle, and a sense of confusion as the truth was forcibly torn apart, intertwined in his eyes.
He never thought about it.
He never dared to think about it.
There would be someone who would point all faults so directly and pointedly at his brother Tang Hao.
He is the eldest brother.
Protecting and taking responsibility for his younger brother has been an instinct engraved in his bones since he was a child.
The sect fell into this situation, and he believed that it was because of his incompetence as the sect leader, because he failed to handle the relationship with the elders well, and because he failed to revive the sect's glory.
This self-blame was like a huge mountain, weighing him down for more than ten years.
But now, Ning Liu's words were like a thunderstorm, splitting the mountain apart.
Yeah...
Ahao...he took away everything from the sect.
Secret method, soul bone...
He never came back even once.
Does the resentment of those elders and the despair of those disciples... really have nothing to do with him?
Tang Xiao's eyes gradually changed from a fierce struggle to a state of near collapse.
Every word Ning Liu said was true.
He thought he was carrying the future of the sect.
It turned out that what he was burdened with was more of the mess left by his father and younger brother.
The depression that was so heavy that he couldn't breathe was ruthlessly shattered by Ning Liu at this moment.
An unspeakable sourness and grievance came to my heart.
Ning Liu looked at the change in Tang Xiao's expression and softened his tone slightly.
"Friendship is a dilemma."
"You also know what happened that year."
"Now, as the sect master, you certainly have your responsibilities, but more importantly, you are shouldering a burden for others that should not be borne by you."
"If the Haotian Sect is to be revitalized, the first thing to do is to clear up the source, understand clearly the problems left by history, and form a consensus among the sect!"
Tang Xiao took a deep breath, his chest heaved, but the chaotic look in his eyes became much clearer.
He was about to say something.
Ning Liu changed the topic and raised his hand to point out the window.
"However, before that, we still have some small things to do."
His voice returned to its previous calmness.
"The place you are at now is an auction."
Tang Xiao was stunned for a moment. He followed Ning Liu's fingers and then noticed that outside the crystal window of the room, there was a huge venue with bright lights.
"You must take a photo of this thing."
Ning Liu pointed in the direction of the auction table.
"No matter how high the price is, I will pay for it. Just increase the price."
"Yes, Sect Leader Ning."
Tang Xiao responded immediately, and the confusion in his heart was temporarily suppressed by this specific thing.
Ning Liu nodded and added.
"After this auction is over, I will take you to meet someone."
"He may be able to help you better understand the past and future of the Haotian Sect."
At this moment, the lights in the auction room outside the box suddenly dimmed slightly, and then turned on again.
On the auction stage in the center, the sweet voice of the auctioneer Doudou was clearly heard throughout the entire venue through the amplified soul guide.
"Distinguished guests, the exciting moment has arrived!"
"Next, what will be presented is the ninth lot of this Tiandou auction!"
"At the same time, it is also the finale of our evening!"
"Doudou's voice paused, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, and his arms waved violently.
「Please!」