I Can See Your Combat Power

Chapter 709: Chapter 3: Not Shying From Responsibility

Just as the Third and Fourth Elders were about to start arguing again about the selection of the team leader, the silent Second Elder, Tang Hongjun, suddenly spoke, “In my opinion, apart from Yao and Qingshan, there is a better candidate for the team leader. That is Xiao Clan’s genius, Xiao Ziyu!”

The revelation from the Second Elder took Tang Zhenghao and Tang Shuo by surprise. Even Xiao Jinlin, who was sitting at the head position, was somewhat astounded.

“Xiao Ziyu is a strong contender at the Mortal Realm, recognized as on par with Qingshan. After using the Nirvana Sacred Fire to rebuild his body, he even obtained the Fire Spirit body’s characteristics. With the Fire God’s bloodline and eight different types of otherworldly fire, correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the only defeat Qingshan experienced after achieving the Sixth Rank Undying Body at the hands of Xiao Ziyu?”

As the saying goes, people should not favor relatives when making internal appointments and should not avoid enemies when making external appointments. Tang Hongjun, a martial arts enthusiast who studies martial arts, had a certain judgment of strength and weakness. If the leader were to be decided by someone’s martial arts skills, Xiao Ziyu would be his first choice.

Remaining unfazed despite having his only defeat being aired, Tang Qingshan solemnly said, “I can fight Xiao Ziyu again to determine who will be the team leader.”

After his Undying Battle Body broke through to the Fifth Rank, he comprehended the concept of a steel body. Although the otherworldly fire is strong, its power is ultimately limited by Xiao Ziyu’s cultivation level. At this point, Tang Qingshan was confident enough to fight and win. As for Tang Yao, he never considered him as a competitor from the beginning. As Third Elder said, without the bloodline, martial artists can’t be considered the best. As long as he can beat Xiao Ziyu, the team leader position would naturally fall into place.

Being young and full of vigor, Tang Yao arrogantly snorted and turned his head away, seeing Tang Qingshan ignoring him. If it weren’t for Xiao Jinlin being present, he would have challenged Tang Qingshan to test his martial arts progress over the past two years. This would also make this foolish worm that relies solely on bloodline ability realize that the strength of the Human Race comes from the continuous exploration in the martial arts ocean, not from clinging onto one’s bloodline.

Seeing the unyielding expressions of Tang Yao and Tang Qingshan, the Elders finally understand why the Clan Leader Tang Zhi wanted to select a team leader. The young ones were too prideful, believing themselves to be unrivaled. Especially for martial artists like Tang Qingshan and Tang Yao, who were always unwilling to submit to others. If a team of five were formed haphazardly, they would inevitably end up shattered and fighting their own battles.

You should know that what they are facing now is not just a small western region, but the elites from every house in Longzhou. They had no idea whether the “Longzhou Youth Martial Arts Tournament” would be a singles or team tournament. If there wasn’t a trustworthy team leader to coordinate, it would not be surprising to see their prideful but divided group defeated one by one.

It has always been the case that proud people are defeated by their pride. As the saying goes, “Two fists are hard to beat four hands”. Only those who have experienced it would know how frustrating it is. Even though each of them was not inferior in one-on-one combat, when they joined forces, they would pose a great threat. From the performance of Tang Qingshan and Tang Yao, everyone could see this future unfolding.

Angry, the strict Tang Zu looked at the two unruly youngsters and coldly said, “Insolent! The position of team leader is decided by the Elder’s Council. How can you youngsters interfere? Don’t think that being recommended by an Elder guarantees your selection. Sit down and stay put!”

When Tang Qingshan and Tang Yao heard the strictness in Tang Zu’s tone, they immediately subdued their arrogance and quietly sat down. After all, the strictness and respect that the strict Tang Zu commanded made him one of the most intimidating elders among the clan members.

Observing the two behave like frightened birds, Tang Zhu scoffed and turned to the Clan Leader, “In my opinion, no matter who is chosen as team leader, the most important thing is that the members must strictly obey the leader’s orders. They must not overstep their boundaries because they are talented youngsters. If they are scattered and disorganized, they will be looked down on by others. This is the first time the Tang Clan has been invited by the Martial Saint Mountain. If anyone causes us to lose face because of their short temper, wait and see how the law department handles it when we return!”

This speech was intended for Tang Qingshan and Tang Yao. As juniors, they have been notorious tough for the clan to discipline. Hearing the words of Tang Zu, the previously spirited young men, promptly adjusted their sitting postures, looking obediently.

“What Grand Elder said is quite right.” Clan Leader Tang Zhi looked at the frightened youngsters and chuckled, “So the position of team leader will be appointed to… ”

“I will gracefully accept the position of team leader.” The voice from outside the conference hall interrupted Tang Zhi’s announcement. A tall and handsome young man in a black training suit strode into the conference hall. Smiling at everyone, he apologized, “Oh dear, sorry for being late. I respectfully greet the Clan Leader and the Elders. Oh, the Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan is also here. Congratulations on achieving the position of Grandmaster!”

Clan Leader Tang Zhi, who had been interrupted, looked at the young man in amusement, a persistent smile in his eyes. In truth, when the Second Elder mentioned that Xiao Ziyu would be a better choice of leader, he and the Great Elder exchanged a glance, and silently thought of a name that had been absent for three years—Tang Luo.

Seeing the long-lost prodigy of the Tang Clan appear again, the worry over the invitation from Martial Saint Mountain disappeared. If there was any person in Xiling who could command the respect of all youngsters, it would undoubtedly be the person in front of them.

Tang Zhi looked around the room, all the Elders’ faces held uncontainable smiles, even the strict Elder did not take Tang Luo’s tardiness to heart.

Tang Luo looked around the hall, found a chair and sat down. He shuffled about in the chair, finding it uncomfortable after sitting on mats for so long. He chuckled, “I’ve been sitting on meditation mats for years, so sitting on a chair now feels so strange. Where were we in the conversation? You were about to appoint me as the team leader for the ‘Longzhou Youth Martial Arts Tournament’, weren’t you?”

Tang Yao and Tang Qingshan by his side glared at Tang Luo. They didn’t harbor any goodwill for this family member they hadn’t seen in years. He had just swooped in and asserted himself as the team leader. What’s more, the other elders and clan leader were smiling, pleased at the situation. This was incredibly unfair and they were deeply embittered by it.

But what happened next shattered their perception of fairness. Just moments ago, Second Elder Tang Hongjun – who was praising Xiao Ziyu as the best candidate – saw Tang Luo sitting down and suddenly coughed to interject, “I didn’t expect Minister Luo to make an appearance. In that case, there is no need for a second choice. You are the most suitable to be the team leader!”

Where did the compliment for Fire God’s bloodline and Fire Spirit Body go? It swapped to Tang Luo being the most suitable. Was that acceptable, Second Elder?

Tang Qingshan’s mouth twitched and he yelled internally. Just as he was about to find someone to speak for justice, the Third Elder beside him who had previously recommended him, started to speak.

“Having Minister Luo as the leader of this mission couldn’t be better. Qingshan, under Minister Luo’s leadership, I can rest easy!”

Just moments ago, the Third Elder was saying that he was more outstanding than Tang Yao. But now, he’s handing him over to Tang Luo. That wasn’t quite right, Uncle!

Tang Qingshan’s look of minor grief was dismissed by Tang Zhenghao. The way the Third Elder looked at Tang Luo was even more affectionate than the way he looked at his own grandson…