I Can See Your Combat Power
Chapter 1766 - 199: The Heavenly Dao Lies Within Me

Chapter 1766: Chapter 199: The Heavenly Dao Lies Within Me

Being entrusted with someone’s life by a stranger of great power—this was an experience Mi Bai had never encountered before.

He had no doubt that even if he commanded the man in front of him to march to his death, the other would comply without hesitation.

He also understood clearly that this unwavering obedience came solely because he held the Dean’s token. Such extraordinary authority left this lifelong academic, who had taught no more than orphaned children in times of war, somewhat flustered.

But the composure honed by years of study calmed him quickly, allowing him to carefully contemplate the entire situation’s context and implications.

The council chamber was so silent that only the even rhythm of Mi Bai’s breathing could be heard, while the others waited quietly. They all understood that this was nothing more than a formality.

Even a quick sideways glance at the battle reports on the table and the war-game sand table bristling with flags of various colors would reveal the dire situation Unparalleled City now faced.

If one life could quell the flames of war, most warriors devoted to Unparalleled City would willingly lay down their lives. What’s more, the current proposal didn’t even require a true sacrifice—just a public concession to the Beast Taming Clan, with the warrior retreating into the shadows.

Such a decision shouldn’t have been difficult at all. Du Ting, watching Mi Bai deep in thought, felt a trace of smug satisfaction in his eyes.

He didn’t believe there was any better option than compromise, nor did he believe that this young scholar the Dean had somehow found could devise any miraculous solution to break through the impasse.

Even with the Dean’s token in hand, Unparalleled City’s city council was ultimately a place where competence spoke louder than credentials.

Just as Du Ting indulged in his smug thoughts, Mi Bai looked up, their eyes meeting.

It was only for a moment before the scholar shifted his gaze, calmly addressing Meng Jiao, "When Unparalleled City was humiliated, Commander Meng stood at the gates of the city. Now that the Commander faces hardship, Unparalleled City stands as your shield."

As his words fell, the expressions of those in the council chamber varied widely. The representatives of Marshal Star Pavilion, the garrison, and Wind Media Department had their eyes practically glowing, while the faces of the city council members turned pale.

As for Meng Jiao himself, he was visibly stunned, his one eye scanning the scholar back and forth in disbelief, wondering inwardly if this man wasn’t overstepping boundaries.

Although he too felt aggrieved, the overwhelming disparity in strength between the enemy and themselves, compounded by the current public opinion in Longzhou, made him unwilling to drag Unparalleled City into a confrontation he doubted they could win.

"With those words of yours, Mr. Mi, Meng Jiao’s heart feels much lighter. In truth, Elder Ling’s strategy is sound: first we make a public gesture to satisfy Longzhou’s factions, then I will devise a way to escape and go into hiding. Minimizing Unparalleled City’s losses is already enough."

The blunt warrior grinned as he chose the path of concession. It didn’t take much thought to realize that while the Poison Spirit Body was indeed unusual, the Ten Thousand Beasts Manor, having suffered once before, would surely be prepared this time.

And breaking free from the hands of the Holy Land’s kin—it wasn’t as easy as one might wish. A single misstep and it would be like throwing meat buns to dogs, never to return.

Yet Meng Jiao’s carefree demeanor made it seem as though he were merely heading out for a casual stroll.

The city council members, upon hearing this, hurriedly chimed in. Especially the three Du Family elders whose faces had just turned pale—they rushed to persuade Mi Bai.

"Sir, even Commander Meng agrees. Why must you act as an obstinate meddler?"

"Elder Ting is absolutely right; this is already the least detrimental option for Unparalleled City. Please, just agree."

Fearing any unexpected twists, some council members even furtively transmitted their concerns to Mi Bai, laying out the consequences.

The scholar simply listened quietly. Only when they had exhausted their arguments and silence fell once more did he speak: "If we sacrifice Commander Meng to the Ten Thousand Beasts Manor, it might save Red Cloud for the time being. But when faced with future affronts, who will stand up for Unparalleled City’s justice then?"

This scholar is dead set on opposing us!

The three Du Family brothers exchanged glances and saw the dissatisfaction in one another’s eyes. Du Ting furrowed his brow and said irritably, "This method, though lacking in morality, is a pragmatic compromise. Why do you insist on fearmongering, Sir?"

"If I may," Mi Bai said respectfully, "this so-called pragmatic compromise is far from an ideal strategy; its harms outweigh its benefits."

"Far from ideal? Then I must ask, Sir: how do you propose we handle this matter?"

Du Ting asked disdainfully, convinced that most critics excel only at nitpicking and are useless when it comes to action.

The scholar invited by the Dean seemed no exception, and it was about time to teach him a lesson. Carrying the Dean’s token was no license to do as one pleased.

"Our decision was right. Though our initial approach was flawed, there’s still time to correct it," Mi Bai responded earnestly, seemingly unbothered by Du Ting’s tone. "Announce the truth to the entire city, and begin preparations for war."

"Prepare for war? Are you insane!?"

Du Ting rose abruptly, pointing furiously at the map table. "Look at these flags! We can’t even stop the force from Ten Thousand Beasts Manor, let alone the many other powers. Do you want Unparalleled City obliterated?"

"War will not destroy Unparalleled City. Betraying justice to avoid war—that is what will truly harm it," Mi Bai replied with a shake of his head. "The city council may adopt pragmatic strategies, but it must also uphold its principles."

"What do you mean by that, Mr. Mi?!"

Du Ting bristled like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, his fury palpable. "Are you accusing me of lacking principles? Everything I’ve done is to protect the foundation of Unparalleled City!"

His overreaction made it seem as though he might pounce on Mi Bai at any moment. His brothers, Du Ling and Du Wei, quickly grabbed his arms to hold him back.

Mi Bai, however, showed no sign of fear. He met Du Ting’s enraged gaze directly and said with calm conviction, "Capitalizing on circumstances and maneuvering with finesse—such masterful tactics should not be used here."

The fury in the room reached a boiling point before condensing into an eerie stillness.

Du Ting’s face was as cold as frost, his killing intent palpable as he demanded, one heavy word after another, "The city council drafted the proposal, and the Dean himself reviewed it. What exactly are you suggesting, Sir?"

Faced with Du Ting’s menacing presence, the middle-aged scholar responded mildly, "If it were truly acceptable, then why would I be here now?"

With that single retort, Du Ting was momentarily stunned, and the onlookers in the council chamber were left pale with fear.

The garrison and Marshal Star Pavilion representatives, oblivious to the veiled exchanges among the council members, cared only about whether the scholar truly intended to prepare for war.

Nongman Valley’s commander rose and asked directly, "Given the overwhelming disparity in strength, where do we find any hope of victory if we go to war?"

"The Art of War speaks of five factors: the Way, the Heaven, the Earth, the Commander, and the Law," Mi Bai replied seriously to Nongman Valley. "Announce the truth, prepare for war. As of today, the Heavenly Dao stands with us, so this battle will be won!"

For scholars, the greatest frustration when dealing with warriors was their incompatible ways of thinking, as if speaking entirely different languages.

Nevertheless, the garrison, Marshal Star Pavilion, and Wind Media Department representatives might not have understood what Mi Bai meant by "the Heavenly Dao stands with us," but they knew to obey the one entrusted with the Dean’s token.

The logic of capitulating to a stronger enemy was scoffed at by warriors. Unparalleled City’s fighters had long yearned for a clash with Ten Thousand Beasts Manor!

Preparing for war entailed countless tasks, and the representatives from combat-related departments left the council chamber in haste to organize their efforts. Many city council members, needing to coordinate as well, also departed with Mi Bai.

This left only the three Du Family elders, their faces ashen, exchanging uneasy glances in the quickly emptying chamber.

Meanwhile, news of Unparalleled City’s dual approach—relinquishing the captive but steadfastly preparing for war—spread far and wide.