Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 55: Gathering & Drinking

After Yang Potian and his two siblings greeted the elders, his grandfather Niu Gao called for everyone to split up into their designated groups.

The hall held three tables. At the large center table sat the five patriarchs—Grandfather Yang Wudi, Second Grandfather Yang Wushuang, Niu Gao, Titan, and Bai He—all of whom seemed close-knit and served as the respective heads of their clans.

The left-hand table was for the middle-aged generation. Potian's father and mother, Tainuo of the Strength Clan, his uncle Niu Mang of the Defense Clan, and Bai Tianyu of the Speed Clan—all direct descendants of the patriarchs—sat there. Potian's mother, Niu Jinfeng, had brought his little sister, Yang Tianyue, who was near in age to Bai Tianyu's young daughter, likely Bai Chenxiang.

The right table was reserved for the younger generation, which included Yang Potian, Yang Ping'an, Niu Meng, Tailong, and Bai Xiaofei.

As Potian and Ping'an approached, Tailong spoke up: "Potian, Ping'an, you two are so late! Showing up this late calls for three penalty drinks!"

The others immediately chimed in, eager to see them drink.

"Tailong, Niu Meng, Xiaofei, come on now. We had to travel the farthest distance—it couldn't be helped! How about we skip the penalty and all just drink together?" Potian suggested with a grin.

But Niu Meng objected: "No way! We're rarely all together like this, so if you're late, you drink first. That's the rule!"

"Alright, alright," Potian agreed. "I'll have one drink first, then let's all toast together. Deal?" Exchanging a look with Ping'an, he downed his drink in one gulp before sitting down, ignoring their continued teasing.

Seeing that Potian wasn't about to budge, Niu Meng begrudgingly followed suit, muttering, "Cousin, this just isn't fair! You clearly owe us three!"

"Relax, cousin," Potian replied with a grin. "Let's focus on having a good time tonight! A toast to the Four Single Attribute Clans—may we prosper more each year!"

Everyone raised their glasses, drinking together as the atmosphere warmed. Niu Meng leaned over to Ping'an and whispered, "So, how do you manage to keep up with Potian every day? I'd be exhausted just trying."

"It's tough sometimes, but I've learned so much from him," Ping'an replied with a chuckle.

The younger generation of the Four Clans got along well, especially after several friendly sparring matches. Niu Meng and the others had quickly gained respect for Ping'an, who'd earned his place in the group, even becoming like a younger brother to the others.

Over the course of the evening, the five of them shared stories, laughed, and drank with gusto, all determined to enjoy the rare chance to be together.

Bai Xiaofei suddenly turned to Ping'an. "So, what's your spirit power level now? Last time we saw each other was over a year ago at my place, I think."

"Just recently reached level 26!" Ping'an announced, to the surprise of his friends.

"Already level 26?!" Bai Xiaofei, Tailong, and Niu Meng gasped.

Tailong couldn't help but ask, "So, is it because your big brother pushes you so hard?"

"Not really," Ping'an replied. "Training with Big Brother has been great; he teaches me a lot. We practice our spear techniques every morning and usually spar after. Why don't you guys join me in training with him at the Breaking Clan?"

Niu Meng waved his hands, horrified. "No way! Potian's training methods are brutal—I'd never survive it!"

Tailong and Bai Xiaofei nodded in quick agreement, vividly remembering their attempt to train with Potian. The entire group had barely lasted two days before calling it quits.

Tailong then commented, "Still, Ping'an, you're way ahead of me. I've only reached level 21."

"Me too," said Bai Xiaofei.

Niu Meng gave a triumphant laugh. "Ha! I'm at level 22!"

Tailong shot him a look. "Don't get too cocky—I'll be at level 22 myself in a month."

Bai Xiaofei looked silently determined; he was likely also close to leveling up.

"Wait," Ping'an interjected, "why don't you guys ask about Big Brother's spirit level?"

Niu Meng shrugged. "Why bother? The only thing it would do is depress us, so we don't even ask anymore."

"To keep our spirits up, let's all drink instead!" Tailong suggested, raising his glass, and the five of them downed another round.

Suddenly, Niu Meng had a bold idea. "How about the four of us team up and challenge Potian? Surely, all of us together can take him down!"

Ping'an quickly shook his head. "I don't think so, Meng. All four of us still wouldn't stand a chance against Big Brother."

"What? That can't be! We're all Grand Spirit Masters—if we combine our skills, I'd defend, you and Tailong would be our main offense, and Xiaofei would use his agility to harass. I don't see how anyone at our level could beat us."

"Yeah, but Big Brother is already a Spirit Elder. Can you really block one of his attacks?"

At this revelation, Niu Meng nearly spat out his drink. "Wait—he's already a Spirit Elder? Forget it. Pretend I never said anything."

Right on cue, Potian approached, clapping a hand on Niu Meng's shoulder. "Cousin, I hear you wanted to challenge me? I'm ready whenever you are."

"You misheard, Cousin!" Niu Meng laughed nervously. "I meant a drinking challenge! You might beat me in combat, but drinking is my specialty. Just ask the others!"

The others nodded vigorously in agreement. Even if they were skilled fighters, Potian's power as a Spirit Elder was far beyond their combined abilities. Any such "challenge" would only result in a swift defeat.

Potian's grin widened. "Actually, I heard you're the best drinker of the five of us, Cousin. So maybe it's time for the four of us to challenge you."

Niu Meng raised his chin. "Bring it on! I'm not afraid of a drinking contest."

"All right, one glass each to start, and then we'll go one by one, taking turns."

"Four against one?" Niu Meng protested. "How is that fair?"

"Didn't you just say you could outdrink all of us?" Potian countered with a smirk. The others eagerly raised their glasses, joining Potian in his "challenge" against Niu Meng.

By the end of the night, Niu Meng had passed out under the table, while the remaining four, though swaying slightly, managed to stumble back to their rooms.

(End of Chapter)

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