I Can See Your Combat Power

Chapter 703: Chapter 699: No Argument (Extra updates, asking for recommendations and monthly tickets~)

Tang Luo accepted the secret letter offered by Cui Dayou both amused and bemused, and glanced it over. The list contained the most influential families in Lanshan City, many of them part of the new alliance.

Setting the letter aside, Tang Luo appraisingly looked at the respectfully waiting Cui Dayou. He had recognized Cui’s abilities during the grain purchasing incident in Da Lin. However, the promises he obtained from so many families in Lanshan City as a foreign commoner was surprising. The information the letter represented was deep and intriguing.

The natural disaster barely passed, and the Tang clan had just stabilized their position within the Longxi Alliance at Lingjiang. However, numerous ambitious noble families have already appeared, and before the citizens could hope for the autumn harvest, these noble families had already set their sights on the next leader of the Tang clan.

He had received over a dozen investment offers from noble families. He assumed Tang Yao in Qutang city would have no less than him. What piqued Tang Luo’s curiosity was that the directive arrived at Lanshan City’s Sect Head mansion only today, but the noble families seemed to have been prepared to pledge their allegiance. Had news of the Tang’s inner activities leaked to such an extent?

Compared to other irrelevant matters, Tang Luo was more interested in the source the rumors originated from. He asked Cui Dayou, “Where did these rumors originate from?”

To the Sect Leader, after the North Mountain conferment ceremony, the rumors began to spread, initially amongst the clans. Upon seeing that Tang Luo’s focus was more on the source of the rumors rather than the offers of investment from the clans of Lanshan City, this made Cui Dayou suddenly nervous, fearing he had done something wrong. He quickly disclosed the origin of the rumors,

In big families, there were barely any secrets. With the Tang Clan as an example, it was rare for them to accomplish anything by a single person, and teamwork meant substantial communication.

Nothing could tighten the bond of cooperation more than sharing secrets. It was cheap, effective, and efficient. A bit of gossip could bridge the gap between people.

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Virgin tales concerning the Tang’s existed in abundance, most relating to forbidden relations. For instance, it was rumored that the once-reputable Yun Music House in Xiling was a secret Wind Media headquarters of Mi Clan, with Yun Piaopiao being an assassin who had run rampant for nearly two decades in Xiling. Similarly, the well-known Zhao family of Xiling was left untouched by Tang’s representative, Tang Cunfu, amidst claim about his good fortune. It was said he managed to keep two generations of beautiful women from Xiling which sparked envy among many commentators.

Rumors such as these were widespread, a mix of the true and false. Privately spread, the control was next to impossible, but many provided valuable information, like the rivalry between Tang Luo and Tang Yao which was of concern to numerous noble families.

For the noble families, their understanding of the two only came from past analyses. Regardless of family background or achievements, Tang Luo, known as Xiling’s foremost transcendent, undoubtedly had the edge. Yet at some point, a rumor from the Xiao family began to circulate, claiming Xiao Jinlin highly appreciated Tang Yao and touted him as the future star of Tang Clan.

This rumor dramatically shifted the odds in the underdog Tang Yao’s favor. People preferred the company of a smart individual who could handle any situation, rather than an arrogant and fierce youth.

As the rumor spread, Tang Yao’s supporters grew, old stories excavated. The genius spanning several schools of thought, the once-in-a-century peer-acknowledged Head of the Sect of Tang Clan, the image of the young prodigy sprung to life on paper, Tang Yao was suddenly in the limelight.

After hearing Cui Dayou’s explanation, Tang Luo expression turned eerie. He felt that the rumor was strange as it seemed purposefully circulated as propaganda supporting Tang Yao.

Having been away from Xiling for several years, the Sect Head needed a substantial background to return to higher positions. Being the strongest in Xiling, coupled with the title of a young genius, would immediately grant Tang Yao the position as the rising star of the Tang Clan. In the shadows of these rumors, Tang Yao was deemed fit for any position in Qutang City.

Basing on this result, either Tang Yao himself propagated the rumor, or it was done by the Wind Media Department. In either case, it implied the clan intended to give Tang Yao extensive support, his current position as the overall in-charge of the Martial Hall and advisor of the Secret Arts Pavilion was merely transitional.

It seemed that the Elder Council had chosen their candidate for the position of the young clan leader.

Tang Luo always felt the Elder’s Council’s attempt to force the position of young clan leader onto him was annoying. If Tang Yao had greater support and was unanimously elected, the elders would presumably be not as insistent.

The young genius stroked his chin, a strange gleam in his eye, suddenly wanting to give the young man a helping hand.

“Cui Dayou!”

“At your service.”

“You’ve worked hard these days, but I’m going to stop pursuing the position of Young Clan Leader,” Tang Luo said as he crumpled the letter, sprinkling it around like snowflakes.

Cui Dayou did not seem perturbed, choosing to ignore the wasted effort and responding, “I understand.”

From the start, his primary objective was to win greater trust and favour from Tang Luo. Whether Tang Luo would contend for the rank of young clan leader did not significantly impact him. What he had now surpassed his original expectations. Moreover, Cui Dayou was certain that Tang Luo would become an important figure in the clan in the future. The clan’s representative might hold high status within the clan, but they did not solely dictate the clan’s action. If he followed the right person, he would make the leap to the next social class.

Watching Cui Dayou, who was steadfast in his loyalty, made Tang Luo nod secretly. He found this steward quite useful and considerate, and he felt his efforts in protecting Cui Dayou’s family were worth it.

“Issue a notice saying I have rejected the Elder Council’s directive. I will be in seclusion at Aran Mountain for the next few years and will not involve myself in worldly affairs.” Tang Luo stated his decision, leaving his subordinates quite shocked. They could understand him giving up the competition for Young Clan Leader, but turning down the Elder Council’s directive left them utterly puzzled.

Any discerning person would see that the head of the Martial hall was a perfect role to build personal connections. With the new Martial halls across six cities, housing young talents from commoners to most gifted, being the head of all the Martial halls would put one in an extraordinary position with unrestricted access to secret techniques of the clan, an enviable position for any warrior.

The two were shocked and wanted to advise against it, but looking at Tang Luo’s expressionless face, they knew his decision was already made. They did not dare to question the decision of the person who had shown them great favor. Despite feeling awkward, they simply carried out the orders, left the Sect Head’s mansion, and started spreading the news.