I Can See Your Combat Power-Chapter 638 - Six Hundred Thirty-Four: The Icing on the Cake
Chapter 638: Chapter Six Hundred Thirty-Four: The Icing on the Cake
Li Huangxuan and several others thought their covert departure had gone unnoticed, but were already under the watchful gaze of Tang Zuo on the stage. The group from Fuling Mountain could only sheepishly nod in acknowledgment, as if in greeting, their hearts even more convinced that the Tang Clan must be plotting something big.
If they were merely strong and composed, and didn’t even have time to panic in the face of the sudden chaos, how could they have the composure and confidence to keep an eye on the whole situation?
It has to be said that because of the appearance of these thirty-six top experts, the evaluation of Tang Zuo by the people in the hall had undergone a complete 180-degree shift.
As warriors from the Fierce Realm, how could they not understand the significance of the existence of thirty-six top experts?
Those who initially thought Tang Zuo was bluffing looked at the stage once again, feeling that the other party was unfathomable.
Just as in the early and peak stages of the Mortal Realm, the difference in strength between warriors within the same realm may be as vast as heaven and earth. The same is true for the powerhouses of the Fierce Realm.
The top-level of the Fierce Realm is almost overwhelming when facing ordinary Fierce Realm warriors. If these thirty-six from the Tang Clan appeared on the battlefield, they would be more formidable than the current so-called two hundred martial ancestors of the Mi Clan’s allied army.
At least the warriors present were daring enough to charge into the encircling ranks of the Mi Clan’s allied army, but they didn’t want to face off against that group of old men on the stage.
However, since the Tang Clan had such a decisive group of powerful allies, why would they allow the Mi Clan’s allied army to break through North Mountain and let their clan members evacuate?
Although they no longer thought that Tang Zuo was bluffing, a strong sense of confusion was still evident in their eyes.
“You must all be wondering why my Tang Clan, with our considerable power, allowed the Mi Clan’s allied army to invade North Mountain.” Tang Zuo, wearing a dark purple python robe, with hands behind his back, looked regretful and sighed. “In fact, we prefer doing things for our fellow Longzhou compatriots than violence. Seeing Longjiang change its course and the ancient city swallowed up in a single day, countless families and commoners displaced by the flood, our clan cannot bear to witness it. We thus dedicated a large amount of our resources to aid in the disaster relief throughout Longzhou. Unexpectedly, Mi Clan took advantage of this and, in collusion with seven other wicked clans, broke through North Mountain. Thus came the calamity of the siege of Lucky Valley.”
Having heard Tang Zuo’s explanation, everyone suddenly understood. It turned out that the Tang Clan had dispatched all their resources to aid in disaster relief, which allowed the enemy to take advantage of the situation.
All of the families present have benefitted from the Tang Clan’s mercy, hence they harbored no doubts. They had seen the martial ancestors on the ships take action before and were incredibly impressed with the Tang Clan’s strength. They believed that if there was such a group of martial ancestors guarding the place, the Tang Clan could prosper worry-free for a hundred years.
However, a few smart clan leaders, upon hearing Tang Zuo’s words, immediately changed their expressions. If the Tang Clan, with a significant amount of its power dispatched, could still hold off the onslaught of the Mi Clan and the seven allied clans, just how strong must the clan be in its prime?
Thinking back to Tang Zuo’s invitation to discuss important matters, the clan leaders changed their mindset immediately. They wanted to make a deep impression on Tang Zuo, and immediately cleared their throats and shouted.
“Who would have thought that there are such shameless people in the world. Clan leader Tang cares so much about Longzhou that he shares massive resources of his clan to save the people of Longzhou from disaster, not expecting anything in return. To think that the Mi Clan would alliance with others to attack the benefactor’s clan, this is unbearable. Without the assistance of the Tang Clan, how could our Cui Family of Lanshan City endure this winter? Today, when the benefactor’s clan is in trouble, it is our time to repay our debts!” Cui Ying of Lanshan city was the first one to stand up and voice his support, capturing everyone’s attention.
If he remembered correctly, Cui Ying had just declared that his family was struggling to recover, and he didn’t have the resources to help the Tang Clan. But now, with the situation changed, no one would make untimely sarcastic remarks. Everyone present cried out their own comments without wanting to lag behind.
“Brother Cui is right, those on the path of righteousness will receive ample assistance, and those who deviate will find help scarce. Our Lan Family from Clear Water County will never forget the benevolent act of the Tang Family in Xiling!”
“The Ye Family of Shen Ping City will surely help our benefactor reclaim their clan’s territory.”
“…The Ma Family of Andong City…”
“…The Yang Family of Qutang City…”
Most of those who were able to speak out at this time were clans from major cities. These were generally families with medium or above clan power and formed the backbone in the hall. With their endorsements, the atmosphere in the hall changed drastically.
With a smile on his face, Tang Zuo watched the performance of the crowd until everyone had spoken, then raised his hand to quiet them down: “I see and appreciate the good intentions of everyone here. But the Mi Clan’s allied army is just a rabble, and we can defeat them single-handedly. The reason we have let them cause trouble is out of kindness, to spare the people of Xiling further suffering after their inundation. However, our forbearance has become a capital for these clowns to overstep. So, we have no choice but to take action!”
After a slight pause, Tang Zuo added: “As for your intentions, I appreciate it. But at the moment, the flood has not receded, and the famine is not over. Your presence here on Qianyun Peak is a show of great trust to me. How could I ask you to put aside your duties to assist my clan?”
Rich people speak truths, poor people don’t. Just look at the wine served at the feast, every cup is first offered to the rich.
Backed by thirty-six top-level martial ancestors, no one thought Tang Zuo was bluffing at this moment. However, with the change in mentality, how could various clans give up this opportunity to add icing on the cake.
If they initially believed that the Tang Clan was irreplaceable, upon seeing the current scene on the stage, they reset their mindset and remembered the initial intention of their journey to Qianyun Peak.
Why were they gathered here, surely not just to assist the Tang Clan? In their eyes, it isn’t just about repaying a debt, most of them are here to find food for their clans to survive this barely spring weather.
Upon hearing Tang Zuo’s words, as if he wanted to leave everyone behind, even seeming as he doesn’t want to discuss the matter at hand, people panicked. Naturally, they felt Tang Zuo was upset with everyone’s performance and was now asking them to leave. They all tried to make amends:
“Clan leader Tang, what are you talking about? The Tang Clan is the source of good deeds in Longzhou, a clan of benevolence and righteousness. Who amongst the holy lands, clans, noble families of Longzhou is as willing as the Tang Clan to distribute grains and save people during the flood without expecting anything in return? It is an honor for us to assist such a benevolent clan!”
“Indeed, such a disaster, such a prolonged famine, not a single person of my Liu Clan from Boma has died. Even the servants in my clan have a bowl of rice porridge to fill their stomachs every day, all thanks entirely to the Tang Clan’s benevolence. At this moment, the benefactor is being taken advantage of by others, how can I sit idly by?”
It is easy to add flowers to brocade, but it is difficult to deliver coal in snowy weather. This is not just about human nature, but also cost.
At this moment, everyone wanted to cling tightly to the Tang Clan’s thick legs. How could they allow the Tang Clan to cast them aside?
As for the kind deeds and benevolent clans, those were just flattering words. Facing the Tang Clan, they were merely more willing to speak such words. After all, they indeed relied on the Tang Clan’s grain to survive this winter.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the Qianyun Peak stone cave had once again become lively, a stark contrast to the solemn scene just before.
“Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!” On the high stage, Tang Zuo seemed to be dizzy with delight from the crowd’s enthusiasm, his face flush with excitement!
