I Can See Your Combat Power-Chapter 874 - One Hundred and Sixty-Eight: Gratitude and Reciprocation

Chapter 874: Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Eight: Gratitude and Reciprocation

When the Han Family unified Zhongzhou, although they accomplished the grand feat of standardizing the tracks, scripts, and measures, humanity’s ability to seek uniqueness always triumphed over the vision of unity.

Thus, there were dialects, there were colloquialisms, and there were distinct local cultures; some people were even too proud to use the script that had been passed down for a thousand years, opting instead for a different typeface.

Even some ancient families possessed their own clan language, which was only circulated and understood among their kin.

After a full thousand years, apart from Zhongzhou and Yuanzhou which still used the pure official language and script, the languages in other regions had all undergone significant changes.

Some clans even took pride in these changes, feeling that their uniqueness was a badge of honor. So when the crew of the Wancheng Treasure Ship butchered without a hint of conscience, their hearts bore no pressure.

Due to the change in languages, even as some begged for mercy, those warriors aboard the ship mistook it for bellowing challenges; they felt not cruelty, but pride in their actions.

...

They believed it was their dark methods that would secure a radiant future for the Tang family in Xiling.

Tang Luo did not approve of this barbaric means of development treated as a zero-sum game, but he also lacked the power to stop it, so he decided to issue the ‘five mu of land decree,’ to establish the Marshal Star Pavilion, and to build Unparalleled City, hoping to show the upper echelons of the Tang Family that there were many ways other than plundering to make a family strong.

Yet, accomplishing these goals would inevitably take time, a long time; even Tang Luo himself needed time to grow.

What was even more disheartening was that in the clan, one’s cultivation level did not necessarily equate to a high say in its affairs, so many things could not be changed overnight.

“I have no interest in defending the Tang Clan, and the murders they committed will not be atoned for by the good deeds they did later,” Tang Luo said calmly, “So, if those people seek vengeance, let them come. But to expect the Tang Clan to seek justice and meet their demise willingly, that, I regret, is impossible.”

“Though I would rather those individuals let go of their hatred and start anew, I know it may be difficult to achieve. Instead you could pass a message on to your friend.”

“Let those who hate the Tang Clan cultivate earnestly and wait patiently to see if there’s a possibility of the Tang Clan weakening in the future. Then, they can strike while the iron is hot, which is better than seeking death now.”

“Also, attacking merchant ships really serves no purpose. Those merchants and sailors, even the warriors aboard, are just commoners trying to earn money for their families. True members of the Tang Family wouldn’t venture out for trade during the bitter winter; they are all in their bright and warm estates in Lanshan City, as well as in the flower lanes, teahouses, and taverns—do not mistake your targets.”

“Lastly, if you truly can’t contain the urge for revenge, then come find me at the Sect Head mansion in Lanshan City.”

This chapter is updat𝓮d by freēnovelkiss.com.

“Even if they raid countless cargo fleets like that, it won’t make a dent in the Longxi Alliance. But if they kill me, it will pierce the Tang Clan’s heart. So, whether it’s one person or many, whoever holds a deep-seated hatred against the Tang Clan, feel free to seek vengeance with me—whether through a direct challenge or a stealthy assassination. I will withdraw all guards from the Sect Head mansion, so they might showcase their full capabilities.”

This was clearly an attempt to shoulder the Tang Clan’s karma alone. At this pivotal moment in Tang Luo’s martial journey, excessive killing could cloud his Dao Heart and hinder his realization of the other shore. Was it really worth it?

Old Xu Ying, looking distressed, said, “Why go to such lengths? These are the clan’s past mistakes. You could simply travel far away, out of sight, out of mind. Why not let the ancestors bear the burden of their own sins?”

“I could have left, but now I cannot. My cultivation today is all thanks to the clan’s nurturing. One must repay the kindness they’ve received,” Tang Luo spread his hands and continued, “One can’t always be at the forefront when there are benefits and then dissociate when troubles arise. Please, cousin, pass on my message.”

“Have you really thought this through?” Old Xu Ying, after a long silence, troubled, said, “Even if you do this, the Tang Clan will likely not repent; the Wancheng Treasure Ship will still rule the seas.”

“Give me a few more years,” Tang Luo said lightly, “I will find an alternative to plundering as a method of development, and then the Wancheng Treasure Ship will never activate the formation again to become the Ghost Weeping Warship.”

“Alright then.”

…

In the Xiang Fragrance Pavilion of Lanshan City

With his chest partially exposed, Wang Chan sat opposite Xu Ying, smiling, “What, changed your mind? Want another ring finger perhaps?”

“Not at all,” Xu Ying, with arms crossed, responded coolly, “I came to persuade you to stop harassing those poor sailors and merchants. They may have deep grievances with the Tang Clan, but they should not become pawns in your senseless slaughter.”

Brothels and willow lanes are the best-informed places, and the matter of Lanshan City’s merchant ships being attacked became a hot topic among the nobility. But such folks cared little for the life and death of sailors and stewards. To them, it was just an intriguing game, and as long as it wasn’t their own family’s ship sinking, they reveled, mocking the unlucky ones.

Any force like the Longxi Alliance unable to find the source of such incidents would not look past Wang Chan, the recently arrived Saint Child of the Wang Clan.

“It seems that the cloud-piercing sword must belong to the unparalleled prodigy of the Tang Family,” he mused.

Wang Chan picked up a wine pot, took a swig, and smacked his lips, “What a perfect scapegoat indeed.”

I’d advise you to think twice about targeting him,” Xu Ying said sternly, “I’ve already retrieved the Divine Sword Decree, and Dutian Heavenly King’s official business has also concluded. Why linger in Lanshan City?”

“Of course! It’s for pleasure, ahahaha,” Wang Chan pointed at the sky and laughed, “I just want to see how long it will take for that prodigy who shook Bifang Mountain with his fists to find me.”

How did you know he was tracking this?”

Dutian Heavenly King’s patrol is omniscient.”

“Hmm, let’s hope so,” Xu Ying sneered, already decided in his mind to reveal Wang Chan’s whereabouts upon returning. Standing up and walking to the door, he suddenly paused, turned back, and said, “Oh right, Tang Luo asked me to tell you, as well as those seeking revenge against the Tang Clan, he is willing to bear all this karma alone, right in the Sect Head mansion of Lanshan City. Whether it’s an open challenge or a stealth attack, he will remove all guards from the mansion, giving you free rein to apply your talents.”

“Ahahaha! What arrogance, but I like it! Tell him, if he can last three days, I’ll leave Lanshan City!” Wang Chan laughed uproariously.

“A deal then!”