I Can See Your Combat Power
Chapter 1922 - 351: Infinite Joy

Chapter 1922: Chapter 351: Infinite Joy

Could someone really see through such great emptiness just because of good aptitude and disposition?

Tang Tianyu, who was unable to free himself from deep contemplation, naturally did not believe that Yang Fan was unaffected. He thought it was all a pretense, the same as many clan members who claimed to be untouched yet were visibly shaken.

But Yang Fan’s disguise was too convincing, even becoming a role model for everyone in the rear mountain.

This made Tang Tianyu even more displeased, wanting to expose the other’s facade.

So Tang Tianyu stepped forward with his sword and proposed a sparring match. Yang Fan, delighted to hear about a sparring partner, readily agreed.

No martial art, especially one as aggressive as swordsmanship, can be honed behind closed doors. The importance of an opponent is comparable to that of a mentor.

Whenever Yang Fan encountered difficulties in any sword technique, he would go down the mountain to seek advice at the corresponding sword pavilion.

The Xu Clan’s swordsmen taught in a rough manner, by putting forth a senior brother for mutual sparring. Sometimes, moves and joints that seemed unclear would become understood during combat. Even if there were still blockages, they would become clear after a few days, illustrating the importance of sparring for swordsmen.

However, most disciples in the rear mountain were adept at using weapons like sticks and knives. Although there were a few swordsmen in the Tang Clan, they were unwilling to spar with him, which Yang Fan regretted.

Now, Tang Tianyu had come to him on his own accord; Yang Fan naturally would not refuse. Seeing Tang Tianyu initiating a spar with the Eldest Senior Brother, many gathered around.

From the beginning, Tang Tianyu was regarded by the Tang Clan as the most promising talent to challenge Yang Fan’s status. He had been tirelessly helping disciples who lagged behind find their True Spirit, making him a prominent figure in the rear mountain.

In terms of popularity, he even surpassed the introverted and hardworking Eldest Senior Brother, Yang Fan.

Just when everyone expected a fierce battle, Tang Tianyu barely withstood a few exchanges before Yang Fan’s sword reached his chest.

"Uh, this..."

Yang Fan quickly withdrew his sword, surprised. During the spar, he clearly felt that although Tang Tianyu had foundational sword skills, they were quite ordinary—not even comparable to the two most outstanding brothers from the Tang Family or a few junior brothers in the inner court. He’d be better off using fists than a sword.

This sparring with him was less effective than practicing alone.

Looking at the defeated Tang Tianyu, who was bowing his head with dimmed expression, seemingly unable to bear the blow, he took a long time before finally raising his head.

"Tianyu Junior Brother, are you okay?"

After all, Tang Tianyu was the first Tang Family disciple to proactively seek him out for a spar. Yang Fan worried lest something befell Tang Tianyu and voiced his concern.

No matter what happened? Nothing, of course.

In the sparring match marked by restraint, even if the outer garment was pierced, what could happen?

But Tang Tianyu wasn’t concerned with the combat itself. His eyes were complex as he looked at Yang Fan in disbelief, saying, "You really have no problem at all!?"

Why challenge with lacking sword skills? Because words and demeanor can deceive, but moves and fighting spirit cannot lie.

Although it was only a few moves, Tang Tianyu sensed only genuine fighting intent and eager excitement from Yang Fan’s sword, without a trace of confusion.

This realization troubled him more than the defeat.

Yang Fan was unaware of Tang Tianyu’s inner turmoil, and thought his junior brother was concerned about him. He explained, "I have practiced swordplay to a level where I can control it freely, so there’s no need to worry..."

"How can you have no problems!?"

Looking at Yang Fan’s relaxed posture, Tang Tianyu’s emotions burst forth, "I don’t believe that with your intellect you can’t see the vastness of the universe, that Xiehe is but a speck in the ocean. I don’t believe that with your intellect you can’t understand that the path of martial arts is endless, difficult to master in a lifetime. Aren’t you the one who loves martial arts most? Knowing the inevitable failure in the art’s culmination, how can it not affect you!?"

Tang Tianyu’s outburst struck the hearts of the rear mountain disciples.

Although martial arts flourished for a millennium, there really hasn’t been any progress.

The destination across the shore remains those beings known as kings. Throughout history, countless brilliant sages have not stepped beyond.

That is the conclusion of the art’s path, and even for these four realms, people spend their lives striving but rarely achieve them. Even if they do, compared to the vast universe, what significance does it hold?

Can’t these people see it? Tang Tianyu clenched his fists tightly, his eyes fixated on Yang Fan.

"So all this time, you’ve been muddled because of this?"

Yang Fan looked at Tang Tianyu, who seemed ready to devour him alive, and then at his silent, grieving brothers. He retorted in a slightly teasing tone, "Just because people inevitably die, does it mean they shouldn’t live?"

"Easy for you to say!"

Clearly feeling his heart turn to dead ash, but Yang Fan’s words sparked Tang Tianyu’s indignation, turning his face red, "With endless martial arts and the unreachable shore, even if you reach it... then what?"

"You should question your own heart, not me."

With that, Yang Fan amusingly raised his sword high, the sunlight reflecting off the young man’s face more brilliantly: "Even though martial arts are boundless and the road ahead without end, advancing one inch brings one inch of joy, simple as that!"

Concise yet resounding, everyone looked at Yang Fan with a childlike heart, and suddenly experienced illumination.

Everyone suddenly understood a little of life’s true meaning.

Tang Tianyu, being at the forefront, was more intensely stirred. Seeing Yang Fan’s unembellished joyful expression, he suddenly felt his own ugliness.

From beginning to end, he thought solely of surpassing, as if the meaning of cultivation was to prove he was better than others.

If effort could achieve it, he would exert himself; if effort fell short, he’d find other ways.

Over time, he even forgot the joy cultivation brought him.

So that when confronted with the boundless universe, realizing cultivation couldn’t help him reach the shore, he even considered giving up.

What profound cultivation could one do with such a disposition?

He suddenly envied Yang Fan because his pursuit was so pure, so joyous.

How could he achieve such a state?

Lost in thought, the question inadvertently escaped his lips.

Yang Fan happen to hear, replied with a broad smile, "Practice diligently, eat well, rest well."

...

Meanwhile, on the summit of Red Cloud Mountain, seated cross-legged in contemplation of the laws of heaven and earth, Tang Luo’s mouth curved into another smile.

The power of role models is immense; it’s an unseen force that truly exists and carries far-reaching influence.

Just like Du Sha in Marshal Star Pavilion, Mi Bai in the city hall, and Yang Fan in the Unparalleled Inner Court.

People say that the young man from humble origins who could ascend to join the ranks of kings must have had tremendous luck, but having such a disciple with unparalleled disposition, wasn’t it fortune for him too?