I Can See Your Combat Power
Chapter 1750 - 185: Ten Thousand Beasts Manor

Chapter 1750: Chapter 185: Ten Thousand Beasts Manor

People can never know which will come first—tomorrow or an accident.

It’s like how some seemingly unshakable forces collapse in an instant, while some obscure peaks suddenly turn into towering giants when no one is paying attention.

It’s like the former Longxi Alliance and the current Unparalleled Academy. But unlike the Alliance, whose downfall stemmed from scandal, the Academy’s rise unfolded right under everyone’s noses.

Its reputation is so straightforward that even Outer Continent forces in Xiehe are familiar with it, and so unsullied that sects vie to imitate it.

Such a force might one day decline, but it could never experience the kind of catastrophic upheaval that befell the Longxi Alliance. To speak plainly, given Unparalleled Academy’s current reputation in Xiehe, even if sects or sacred lands wanted to design schemes against it, they could only resort to minor suppressions.

For instance, by criticizing its outdated martial philosophies or inadequate foundations, though even those spreading such claims know that as long as the Academy refuses to take the bait, its rise remains unstoppable.

After all, Xiehe has far too many cultivators—so many that even the most powerful sects couldn’t possibly corral them all. Surely there’s room for Unparalleled Academy to survive.

Faced with a rival set to rise unimpeded and with no effective means of suppression, sects naturally aren’t pleased. Hence the rumors in Longzhou, and the enrollment of Zhu Huolong and Lei Dong.

And this situation isn’t apparent only to the sects. Many powerful aristocratic families in Longzhou see it too. Hence, Unparalleled City now receives unprecedented treatment throughout Longzhou, even if it is hated to the core by many. Most moves against it can only be made covertly.

No one wants to openly clash with this martial sanctuary revered by Longzhou’s lone cultivators, lest they end up with a mess on their hands.

Everyone thinks this way, and everyone acts accordingly. Yet, the Shi brothers from Ten Thousand Beasts Manor stormed in furiously demanding dragon beasts.

Dragon Continent Calendar, Year 1796, Ninth Day of the First Lunar Month

Shi Muzhi, Manor Lord of Yancang Beast Mountain, arrived ceremonially at Unparalleled Academy with a hundred wild beasts in tow. Shi Ganhai, as an envoy, swaggered into the city and made his threat in the city hall of Unparalleled City.

"Those two dragon beasts escaped from my Ten Thousand Beasts Manor; they bear the manor’s emblem. Out of respect for your esteemed headmaster, a virtuous and renowned teacher in Xiehe, I won’t pursue accountability for Unparalleled. Return the two beasts, and this matter will be resolved."

Wearing a fitted dragon-hide shirt, Shi Ganhai showcased his tough, muscular physique, with his stout arms flexing as he spoke. Though his words included "respect," neither his expression nor his demeanor revealed even an ounce of deference—only layers of threat.

Had anyone else dared to act so brashly in Unparalleled City’s hall, Du Ting would’ve long ordered the city guards to dismantle them. But when faced with Ten Thousand Beasts Manor, he could only suppress his rage and reply diplomatically, "Please, Mr. Shi, take up residence in the city guesthouse first. I will inform the headmaster, and we will promptly provide you with an answer."

"A matter this trivial requires informing someone? What use is your position as elder?"

Shi Ganhai frowned and said, "Or are you deliberately stalling for time, treating me like a fool?"

Since the Du Family pledged allegiance to Tang Luo, Du Ting’s encounters had grown increasingly high-profile. Clan leaders previously known only through legends, noble families, and even sects frequently appeared before him.

And most of the time, these figures showed no regard for him, yet Du Ting dared not resist in any way.

Even when rebuked so openly, Du Ting forced a conciliatory smile and said, "How could I deceive Mr. Shi? The matter is significant, and I can’t make the decision alone. The headmaster must weigh in."

"Tch, what a waste of time."

Shi Ganhai sneered and said, "Then prepare a grand feast and fetch five thousand pounds of fresh meat! These precious wild beasts are bound for Long Valley, and if hunger drives them to storm the city and feast on people, don’t blame me for not warning you."

"Certainly, certainly. Mr. Shi, please move to the guesthouse. I’ll send people to arrange everything immediately. It will be handled perfectly," Du Ting replied anxiously.

Watching Shi Ganhai’s departing figure from the city hall, Du Ting exhaled two long breaths.

...

Top floor of Unparalleled Academy’s tower

"Headmaster, Shi Ganhai’s stance is staunch, and they claim the dragon beasts bear Ten Thousand Beasts Manor’s emblem. The Shi brothers are unquestionably truthful on this matter."

Pale-faced and visibly distressed, Du Ting paced the Headmaster’s office like an ant on a hot pan. "The Headmaster has previously said that the commerce department is merely a resource-gathering tool for the Academy. Disciples in the commerce department aren’t true students of the Academy, merely guests. Once they graduate, they settle their accounts. Since they’re no longer connected to us, handing them over to the Shi brothers wouldn’t matter....."

"Oh?"

Effortlessly leaning back into his chair after rising from his writing, Tang Luo smiled at Du Ting and asked, "So, Elder, you believe we should hand over Lu Zhongyan and Fu Yuanshan to Shi Ganhai?"

"I think... I think doing so would benefit both the Academy and Unparalleled City," Du Ting gritted out.

"Everyone knows Yancang Beast Mountain operates as an affiliate of Dragon Valley Mao Zong, serving as Beast Taming Sect’s breeding ground for wild beasts. Many sects are bearing down fiercely, treating the Academy as their imaginary adversary, desperately seeking leverage. If evidence of Ten Thousand Beasts Manor’s mark on those dragon beasts comes to light, it would hand them a perfect weapon."

"Additionally, the brothers from the Shi Family arrived today merely claiming to pay respects. If we offend them, the Academy won’t just alienate Ten Thousand Beasts Manor but provoke the Dragon Valley Mao Zong backing them. For two insignificant commerce department disciples, to deliver such crucial leverage to outsiders and antagonize this region’s sacred land—it’s simply not worth it. I believe it’s better to turn a blind eye and hand over the dragon beasts to the Shi brothers!"

Du Ting may fall short in skill, but his absolute loyalty—having tied the entire Du Family to Tang Luo’s agenda—made him trustworthy.

Thus, all his considerations focused entirely on benefiting the Academy and Unparalleled City, while omitting any mention of Shi Ganhai’s arrogance or the humiliation he endured in the city hall, for fear of clouding Tang Luo’s judgment.

On one side, two inconsequential disciples; on the other, Dragon Valley Mao Zong. This kind of dilemma wasn’t difficult to resolve, was it?

After laying his thoughts bare, Du Ting stood quietly, awaiting orders from his leader.

"The larger the scope, the more considerations arise. Elder has thought this through wisely, and this academy appreciates your voice," Tang Luo said with a faint smile. "But beyond the Elder’s perspective, I’d like to hear other opinions. Please go and invite Madam, Mr. Du Sha, the Nong Family Chief, Elder Nian, and Feng Shixing as well. Include them in the discussion."

"Understood! I’ll handle it at once!"

Eagerly acknowledging with enthusiasm, Du Ting promptly exited the tower of the Academy.