I Can See Your Combat Power
Chapter 1790 - 223: Rare Opportunity

Chapter 1790: Chapter 223: Rare Opportunity

After leaving the Phoenix Tree Divine Wood, Cao Yanran lowered his head, pondering the words of the Old Master. The more he reflected, the more profound the meaning became. Many judgment standards that had once been unclear now seemed crisply defined, and many hesitations in weighing choices gradually found their proper balance.

This choice may feel quite unfamiliar to him, but once the decision was made, he felt a surprising sense of inner peace. And just like that, the eyes of this true disciple of the Mao Sect grew brighter, his steps lighter.

On the other hand, Cao Changqing, who was escorting him out, appeared entirely unaffected, merely rambling on beside him, offering comfort.

"Yanran Senior Brother, don’t be too upset. That grumpy old man is both lazy and greedy, always showing off. Last time the Great Commander came back to beg for his help, he even threw peanuts at his head. At least the Beast King is straightforward—went immediately without a second thought."

"As for health, Senior Brother, don’t worry too much. The old man is tough as nails. I think he was just feigning illness to avoid helping. Even when he was coughing his lungs out, the rhythm of his trembling seemed unnaturally precise—it’s all fake! He just doesn’t want to lend a hand!"

"But that old man is hopelessly gluttonous. I know of a shop that sells the absolute best peanut brittle! You can buy some and bribe that cranky man; he’ll definitely change his mind."

"Originally, this was supposed to be my secret weapon for the next time I borrow the Golden Plate. But seeing how anxious you are, Senior Brother, I’ll let you use it first!"

Cao Changqing, oblivious to subtle cues, assumed that Cao Yanran was drowning in sorrow and thus revealed all his cards. After mentioning the peanut brittle shop, he even smacked his lips.

As Cao Changqing’s chatter grew increasingly ludicrous, Cao Yanran, snapping back to reality, halted his steps and looked at his Naked Sect junior brother with a complicated expression.

Unable to interpret his Senior Brother’s gaze accurately, Cao Changqing thought it was because of his lip-smacking movement earlier and quickly explained, "Senior Brother Yanran, please don’t mind. Feel free to use it. If that shop’s gone, I’ll go find another. Yeah, I’ll search again—I’m sure I can find one!"

Listening to Cao Changqing’s words, Cao Yanran’s expression grew even more complex. "Junior Brother Changqing, Senior Brother truly envies you..."

"Envy? Nothing to envy here..."

Scratching his head, Cao Changqing replied somewhat sheepishly, "Well, I’ve got a lot of free time. If Senior Brother wants, next time I head out, you can come along. It’d be nice to have company for the journey."

"Together, huh..."

Faced with such a simple-hearted invitation, Cao Yanran couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head. "In such matters, traveling together wouldn’t change anything."

"Hmm? How could it not? If Senior Brother is willing to put aside external Mao Sect duties and make time, we’re sure to find a good peanut shop!"

Cao Changqing was baffled.

"Junior Brother Changqing, there are many things in life that time alone can’t achieve."

Patting the shoulder of the person beside him, Cao Yanran spoke with a smiling gaze, "Just like how everyone in Long Valley knows the Ancestor resides under the Phoenix Tree Divine Wood. All disciples are aware the Ancestor loves peanuts. Yet, why is it only Junior Brother who dares to steal the nuts from him?"

"Hmm? You all knew?"

Suspicious, Cao Changqing rubbed his chin. "Then why does the valley keep saying they can’t find the old man? Even if they can’t find him, the Phoenix Tree Divine Wood is still there, isn’t it?"

Unable to fathom it, Cao Changqing turned to look at the mountain. The towering Phoenix Tree Divine Wood at the Peak of Dragon Valley stood impressively tall, visible even from miles away!

"Perhaps... meeting a sacred figure requires certain conditions."

Cao Yanran followed Cao Changqing’s gaze toward the mountain peak, staring at the vacant cloud plateau, void of both the Ancestor and the Divine Wood—a scene all too familiar to most disciples of Long Valley.

After all, with someone like Cao Changqing as precedent, who wouldn’t dream of ascending to greatness by simply offering peanuts?

Yet no matter how fragrant their food baskets were, no matter whether they sought deliberately or stumbled upon it by chance, disciples of Long Valley consistently failed to find the Ancestor—or even catch sight of the Phoenix Tree Divine Wood.

After repeated disappointments, many disciples began harboring resentment toward Cao Changqing in secret, believing his initial success had blocked their chance to approach greatness.

After all, the world operates on simple logic: one spot filled, others naturally go wanting.

Although Cao Yanran had never considered relying on the Ancestor’s favor to ascend rapidly, he occasionally found himself envying the fact that even high-ranking figures like Dao Child or the Sect Leader struggled to see the Old Master, yet Cao Changqing always managed to meet with him. A part of him felt this brat was outrageously lucky.

But after hearing the Old Master’s words earlier, Cao Yanran suddenly realized: in the eyes of the sacred, luck and fate perhaps don’t exist the way most mortals believe. What they seek is something governed by conditions far more stringent than ordinary understanding.

Why is it that Long Valley disciples—unable to find the Ancestor—see this young man scooping peanuts from their sacred figure with impunity?

Because this lad genuinely loves peanuts!

The funniest thing in the world might be this: all the exhausting flattery and efforts pale compared to a simple, genuine heart.

Gripping Cao Changqing’s shoulder tightly, Cao Yanran’s expression transformed into one of affectionate helplessness.

Everyone in Long Valley claims to love peanuts—and truly, such a delicious snack does have its fair share of admirers. What’s so strange about that?

But one can deceive the world, deceive their friends—but not their own heart.

Even those who truly love peanuts will find their feelings shifting upon glimpsing the pathway to transcendence and accompanying benefits hidden behind this love.

Only this young man—only this young man here!

Despite cozying up to the Old Master and being able to obtain heritage treasures like the Ghost King Golden Plate, he remains steadfast in his swordsmanship, undeterred. Behind his back, countless voices label him as oblivious to his blessings, foolish beyond belief.

But looking at the carefree and resolute Cao Changqing before him, Cao Yanran felt the real fools were likely themselves.

...

Peerless—yet there is a king!

Faster than that sudden eclipse was the rotation of the Wind Media system.

Each new king’s emergence signifies shifts and turmoil in domains, and even entire provinces.

Only the presence atop Red Cloud Mountain sparked no alarm beyond the Wind Department in Pingshan City.

Everyone tacitly attributed the king of Red Cloud Mountain to Yuanzhou’s Xu Clan.

A sacred site earns its name by inspiring assurance and calm, wielding unmatched power without sparking fear.

Though some reckless young bloods may foolishly antagonize a sacred site, established clans understand the respect such places demand.

Especially those families who withdrew students and disciples before the Battle of Red Cloud—they now regretted their decision deeply.

What’s done is done, however, leaving them scrambling to appease the situation. Flashing ingratiating smiles, selecting talented disciples, and organizing caravans or fleets, they embarked on the path to paying homage to the new king.

If one could craft a geopolitical map of Longzhou, countless intricate lines would be visible converging toward Red Cloud Mountain in Longzhou West.