I Can See Your Combat Power
Chapter 1825 - 256: Cunfu’s Qingming

Chapter 1825: Chapter 256: Cunfu’s Qingming

The faint yellow halo dissipated, the divine eye restored the disordered corneal layers to order. Faced with the man who had devoted his entire life to the family, Tang Luo hoped his final journey would be tranquil and peaceful, not painful and tortuous.

Using King’s Will to sever the toxin’s corrosion on the nerves and soothe all painful memories, Tang Luo withdrew his King’s Will, adjusted his disguise, and bowed deeply before the man lying on the Cold Jade Heating Bed.

His forehead lightly touched the ripples emerging on the water’s surface, as if some spirit was being transmitted, projected into his body.

After rising, the sorrow receded, leaving him standing solemnly before the Cold Jade Heating Bed for a long while.

"He was a remarkable man."

Another voice echoed in the Rejuvenation Cave; a spirit dragon floated to the surface of the water and transformed into the form of Fire-Stealing Grandmaster Xiao Jinlin.

"These past years have been troublesome for Elder Xiao to look after him."

"The Xiao Family and Tang Family are close kin through marriage. This old man benefited greatly from the Tang clan leader—this is as it should be."

The spirit, standing a ruler’s height tall with a solemn expression, said deeply, "In recent years, Lingxiao Sect has repeatedly failed its research on Void Body Refinement, and their resentment toward the Tang Family has grown heavier. My son has also been subjected to numerous probing and subtle threats. Beimang is no longer a place to linger, Minister Luo should make early preparations."

"I came precisely for this matter."

Tang Luo said calmly, "Later, I will visit Master Ji Shang to explain the situation. Afterward, I hope Clan Leader Xiao can assist in escorting the disciples of the Tang and Xiao clans to Red Cloud Mountain."

"The Longxi Alliance hid in the Spirit Realm with tens of thousands of people. Now that Lingjiang has been carved up by the three major noble families, if we relocate, conflicts will arise—has the Grandmaster considered this?"

Xiao Jinlin said deeply, "Moreover, I’ve gathered some information suggesting an internal Ji Family faction intends to use Chengzhou clansmen as hostages to pressure the Grandmaster. Getting Ji Shang to agree might not be easy."

In recent years, Xiao Jinlin had retreated into seclusion within Lingxiao Sect, ignoring worldly matters. Thus, he wasn’t aware of how far the man before him had advanced in just a few short years.

Regarding these matters, Tang Luo naturally had no need to show off in haste. Everything would become clear in time—there was no urgency.

As for Lingxiao Sect’s attitude, well, truth be told, it wasn’t surprising.

A family in prolonged poverty has no virtuous wife, a patient bedridden for years sees no filial children.

Sons, wives, and concubines are like this; how could Tang Luo demand better from Lingxiao Sect? After all, this was a mutually beneficial transaction from the beginning.

If Void Body Refinement had succeeded, attitudes among Ji Clan’s various branches might have softened. But now, with no returns on investment, it was inevitable that short-sighted individuals would criticize Lingxiao Sect’s decisions.

Such matters are understandable; they aren’t worth anger or resentment, but today—unfortunately—they crossed paths with Tang Luo.

The Martial Arts Monarch’s mood wasn’t good. If Ji Shang really used this cheap excuse to create obstacles, then he’d have picked the wrong opponent.

...

On Lingxiao Peak

After years apart, Tang Luo once again faced Ji Shang.

All these years, it was the first time the Master of Lingxiao Sect felt regret rise within his heart.

At that time, the entire martial arts world of Xiehe knew Tang Luo’s talent was unmatched. Naturally, the Ji Family was among the first to realize this because Ji Fu had insisted on forming an alliance with the Tang Family, not just due to coercion but also out of recognition of Tang Luo’s potential.

To their elders, as long as Tang Luo could grow smoothly, he would at least become a Grandmaster-level genius.

Not just him—the entire Ji Family’s martial arts masters had evaluated him this way.

This assessment wasn’t merely rooted in pride over their holy grounds—it was also common sense.

After all, how strong could a clan noble’s child possibly become?

That was what the Ji Family thought back then. Someone of his caliber didn’t even warrant a second glance.

But how much time had passed...

Ji Shang gazed at the man before him, his expression strikingly complex. He suddenly realized that back when Tang Luo showed fear on the Reflection Wall, it was likely a calculated act to lull them into complacency—only to shock them now at this very moment: "Had I known your potential, I should have risked disgrace to ensure you married into the Han Family."

"Even if time were reversed, what is rejected will always remain rejected."

Tang Luo smiled and said, "Master is overly attached to illusions."

"It seems the new king finds this amusing."

Ji Shang shook his head and said, "Looking back, it seems Ji Fu had more foresight than us old folks."

"Had it not been for the Ji Clan, during Longzhou’s catastrophe, the Tang Family wouldn’t have been able to protect so many clansmen. For these past events, future retribution will surely be substantial. However, Tang Luo has now ascended beyond, though his wings are still young, they can shelter the clan to some extent. I wish to bring some clansmen back to Longzhou."

"The leader in charge of the Spirit Realm’s Boundary Breaking Stone already handed it to Tang Family Elder Tang Hongtao back then. These matters can be discussed directly with him—there’s no need for a special trip up the mountain."

Ji Shang spoke eloquently; his actions were even more adept.

Regardless of whether it stemmed from genuine intent or pressure, it left Tang Luo at ease: treat others with courtesy, and they will repay you generously.

Since Ji Shang did not exploit the clansmen for schemes, Tang Luo was happy to grant him practical benefits.

"Much gratitude to the Master for caring for the clansmen these years. Tang Luo is immensely grateful. I wonder, how far has the research on Void Body Refinement progressed in your sect? Are there any critical aspects I might assist with? Please speak freely."

What does it mean to conduct oneself? It means understanding each other’s needs without nitpicking over minor gains. After agreeing on reasonable terms, the relationship naturally becomes clear.

Opening connections with the Lingxiao Sect’s master is very beneficial for upcoming decisions.

After years apart, when he met his elder Tang Hongtao again, the old man’s cloudy expression cleared immediately due to Tang Luo’s arrival.

Though Lingxiao Sect indeed handed the Boundary Breaking Stone for Chengzhou’s Minor Spiritual Realm to him, under the guise of protection, they limited his freedom. Calling it seclusion atop Lingxiao Peak was more akin to being held under guard.

This constant suppression left a lingering gloom between his brows, but today—for some reason—all the guards departed completely, offering extraordinary reverence.

Upon seeing Tang Luo arrive, he needed no further explanation.

No matter how much hope he had harbored, he never imagined the tides would turn so swiftly. In just a few years, the oppressed clansmen could see the light of day.

He almost suspected it was a dream. But upon observing the realm exhibited by his young successor, a martial artist who had managed the Secret Arts Pavilion for many years knew—the Tang Family was rising!

...

In Chengzhou’s Minor Spiritual Realm

The one responsible for selecting clansmen for migration was still Tang Cunfu, the man who had nearly ousted Tang Zhi from the clan leader’s position with thunderous methods. Now, he had become the most trusted individual within the Tang Family.

Amid the barren land of the Minor Spiritual Realm, he delineated sections, finding areas suitable for spiritual plants and livestock growth. Under extremely harsh conditions, he bore the livelihood of tens of thousands, forcing even disciples raised in luxury to abandon their prideful tempers.

Today, Chengzhou’s Minor Spiritual Realm resembled an idyllic utopia. Paths stretched across fertile fields, chickens and ducks roamed by fences, men and women ploughed and sowed dressed in coarse linen, their hair varying in length, carefree and content.

Martial artists wielded scythes and hoes, tilling earth and gathering harvest, some leapt sky-high, fertilizing and watering crops; human labor exceeding the efficiency of beasts.

Without asking, it was evident—there was only one man in the Tang Family who could persuade martial artists to abandon their pride and become farmers: Tang Cunfu.

Thus, Tang Hongtao and Xiao Jinlin ventured deeper into this utopian realm to meet the acting clan leader and explain their purpose.

"Tang Luo wants to bring the clansmen back to Red Cloud?"

Standing barefoot in the mud, leaning on his spade, Tang Cunfu hesitated and said, "Not much time has passed. If the clansmen are exposed as the targets of many, their lives will be difficult to preserve."

"Cunfu, there’s no need to worry. Tang Luo has now achieved King Realm status—no petty enemies will dare offend him. You only need to select virtuous individuals to leave the realm and accompany Master Xiao to Red Cloud."

"Red Cloud Mountain?"

Upon hearing the location, Tang Cunfu was displeased: "Even if Tang Luo is now crowned king, this decision is far too rushed. Red Cloud Mountain is so narrow—it cannot sustain an eternal foundation for the Dao!"

"Well... perhaps Tang Luo has other plans. Now is not the time to discuss this."

Prompted by Tang Cunfu, Tang Hongtao and Xiao Jinlin also realized the geomorphological shortcomings of Red Cloud Mountain.

Compared to Tang Cunfu, who resided exclusively within the Minor Spiritual Realm, the other two were more informed—for instance, they knew Lingjiang Seven Cities had already become the territory of the three major noble families.

Relocating the Tang Family back to Red Cloud would not only appear unwise but also risk plunging them into a situation of being surrounded by the three families.

But martial artists have a simpler worldview. Tang Hongtao thought to himself: now that the Tang Family had produced a king, did they still need to care about other powers’ attitudes? "Now that Tang Luo has ascended to King Realm, the Tang Family will reclaim Lingjiang Seven Cities—who dares oppose us?"

"If without justification, a repeat of past calamities will ensue."

Tang Cunfu adjusted the grass hat atop his head, speaking calmly: "The sweeping momentum of the Justice Alliance isn’t concerned with the Longxi Alliance; their fear lies with Tang Luo, the unparalleled prodigy. Though he’s crowned king today, to the holy grounds and sects, he’s still immature. If given an excuse, every Xiehe power-holder will unite to suppress him."

"Unless Tang Luo can provide me a reason why the Tang Family won’t suffer calamity, I won’t approve the clansmen’s relocation, let alone begin selections."

He paused and added, "But as for the resources stored in the Minor Spiritual Realm, he can take them—all of them, if he wishes!"

Looking at the stubborn Tang Cunfu, Xiao Jinlin sighed, "The youngest king in Xiehe martial arts history—isn’t this reason enough?"

"Cunfu may not excel in martial arts, but youth itself is not considered an advantage among those of the same realm—especially not in the enigmatic realm of kingship."

Tang Cunfu replied indifferently, "The Pavilion Master of Yulin Pavilion possesses heavenly-grade bloodline yet remains low-profile and reserved; Minister Luo has merely broken through—why would he disregard every holy ground in Xiehe? When they seek to eliminate anomalies, they care little if it counts as bullying the weak or abusing power!"