The Tao Clan had offended the Sand Dragon Sect, one of the most powerful factions in Taoyuan Prefecture.

The sect master's only son, the sole heir produced across three generations, had taken an interest in Tao Shen's daughter. Relying on his status, he harassed her openly. A clash followed, and amid the chaos, one of the Tao Clan's guards struck too hard and killed the sect master's son.

With his only heir dead, the sect master naturally refused to let the matter rest. Rather than launching a direct assault, however, the Sand Dragon Sect chose a slower and crueler approach. They applied pressure bit by bit, deliberately driving the Tao Clan toward collapse. 

Unable to endure the mounting trouble and pressure, Tao Shen's father passed away.

Yun Haitang's gaze sharpened. "There must be a reason the Sand Dragon Sect didn't immediately destroy the Tao Clan. They want the Tao Clan's assets."

"That's correct," Tao Shen nodded. "They intend to take everything."

It all made sense to Yun Haitang now. The Tao Clan's assets...