I Can See Your Combat Power

Chapter 193 - 193: 189: Delivering the Letter

However, it ultimately concerns the dignity of Xiling’s martial artists. As one of the most representative families in Xiling, the Tang Clan cannot afford to ignore such issues without risking potential significant complications. Elder Xu can provoke disputes and then casually leave, but the Tang Clan must continue living in Xiling. When the other clans start hatred in such circumstances, handling such animosities would be particularly problematic.

Tang Gaomin proposed, “Great Elder, should we send some martial artists to investigate the situation at the Martial Arts Hall?”

Tang Siyuan understood all this, but he cared more about Tang Sen’s attitude. He replied, “There’s no need to rush. Let’s wait for the return of Sect Head Tang Sen and seek his opinion. After all, the person concerned is his nephew.” “That’s a good idea,” Tang Gaomin nodded, understanding the implications. Although every household in the Tang clan possessed martial artists, there were many at the top level of the Mortal Realm. But if they truly needed to dispatch someone for a showdown, it would be most appropriate to send a fighter from the Martial Hall, the gathering place of the Tang clan’s elite martial artists.

As they were discussing the Asura Martial Arts Hall, the housekeeper from the mansion of the Great Elder entered the hall. After giving his respects, he said to Tang Siyuan, “Ancestor, a steward surnamed Hua is requesting an audience outside.”

The sheer length of Tang Siyuan’s life resulted in six generations of his family residing together in the mansion. A dignified servant did not think it appropriate to address him as “Master,” so everyone simply referred to him as “Ancestor.”

Upon hearing the housekeeper’s report, Tang Siyuan raised his eyes slightly and asked, “Who’s subordinate is he?”

As the head of the thirteen elders in the Tang Clan, Tang Siyuan had many people seeking his audience every day, but most were turned away by the housekeeper. Therefore, those who could report to the hall were at least exemplary Sect Heads, so he needed to know whose envoy he was to make his decision.

“He’s the steward of the Star Pavilion, a servant of Tang Tianjiao,” the housekeeper replied.

“Oh?” A spark of curiosity flashed across Tang Siyuan’s otherwise indifferent eyes.

He had already made significant concessions in the council meeting yesterday, wondering what on earth Tang Luo intended by sending someone to visit him in his residence today?

Upon hearing the housekeeper’s report, Tang Gaomin’s eyebrows twitched. The confrontation between Tang Luo and Tang Siyuan was still fresh in his mind. Even though Tang Siyuan chose to step back and concluded the meeting with the unanimous approval of the elders, it did not mean that Tang Luo’s position had elevated above Tang Siyuan’s.

Youngsters are generally impulsive. If Tang Luo had made an erroneous judgment based on yesterday’s events, and sent a subordinate to provoke Tang Siyuan with mockery, the consequences would be unimaginable.

“What was the purpose of this Steward Hua’s visit, Housekeeper? Did you ask?” Tang Gaomin questioned. It was generally inappropriate for him to question the housekeeper directly at the mansion of the Great Elder, but to stifle the brewing storm, he took the initiative.

Upon hearing Tang Gaomin’s question, the housekeeper was taken aback and wasn’t sure how to respond, turning to Tang Siyuan for guidance.

Tang Siyuan glanced at Tang Gaomin and said nonchalantly, “Let him in, and we’ll find out. Housekeeper, bring the visitor in!”

“As you wish, Ancestor.” The housekeeper gave a courteous bow to Tang Siyuan and turned to leave the hall.

From Tang Siyuan’s expression, Tang Gaomin knew that the Great Elder was angry.

Despite his calm voice, the emphasis on the word “bring” induced a sensation of utter trepidation. Recognizing this, Tang Gaomin inwardly lamented: youngsters are typical for not knowing their place once they gain advantage, always trying to dominate to assert their dignity.

However, such a talent is rare in a thousand years and indeed represents the future of the Tang Clan, but Tang Gaomin had to reluctantly reason, “Great Elder, please don’t be angry. Tang Luo is still young and has a proud nature. If he offended in any way, it does not necessarily mean that he intentionally stands against the elder…”

Tang Siyuan raised his hand to silence Tang Gaomin, calmly commenting, “If the future of Tang Clan lies in a rash, arrogant, and reckless person, the higher his position, the greater the damage to our family. Gaomin, don’t you know this?”

Tang Gaomin didn’t have a proper response for a moment and could only acknowledge it with an awkward smile.

Then, Hua Ji was led into the hall by the housekeeper. The well-dressed Hua Ji wore a solemn expression on his face, giving his respects to Tang Siyuan and Tang Gaomin.

“I, Hua Ji, am a loyal servant of Elder Luo. Greetings, Great Elder, and greetings also to Sixth Elder!” Hua Ji took a low bow, waiting for the two elders’ responses.

Tang Siyuan, however, remained silent. He just looked calmly at the bowing steward. The absence of any words made this simple act of respect rather oppressive.

From the moment Hua Ji saw the two elders, his heart was pounding. Even though they didn’t exude any intimidating aura, the intense presence they emitted was like that of two beastly figures in front of him. For a steward with no martial arts skills to be able to speak clearly in the presence of two martial artists at the peak of the Fierce Realm was a remarkable feat, and to be able to hold his composure under an oppressive atmosphere was even more surprising.

Tang Gaomin inwardly nodded in approval. None of the housekeepers in his own mansion could stand up to him without stuttering in fear, let alone articulate their points; this servant of Tang Luo indeed had extraordinary courage.

Because the fear ordinary people felt towards the Fierce Realm arose from the deep recesses of their souls, and was a response to their difference in the hierarchy of life, ordinary people would be typically paralyzed with fear.

Hua Ji’s ability to articulate his thoughts did indeed showcase his courage, but it was more an act of grit, to prevent Tang Luo from losing face.

To him, Tang Luo was not just a typical Master, but a God, even a faith. If his own cowardice brought disgrace to his revered master, he would rather die!

So, he bravely held his bow and continued to give his respects. True bravery is not about the absence of fear, but about acting even in the face of fear, because there are things in one’s heart that are more important, capable of defeating fear.

After a long pause,

Tang Siyuan finally spoke, “Rise.”

After a stifling silence that made Hua Ji’s body rigid, he finally heard this command, “Thank you, Great Elder, thank you, Sixth Elder!”

Lifting his head, he looked at Tang Siyuan, neither overly humble nor exaggeratedly arrogant.

“What brings you here on behalf of Elder Luo?” Tang Siyuan asked lightly, holding up his tea cup.

Embarrassing a housekeeper was not his objective, he had only just adjusted his mentality to deal with Tang Luo’s sudden visit.

“I’m unaware.” Hua Ji replied earnestly, “The Young Master ordered me to deliver letters to each elder.”

Thinking back on the command Tang Luo had given, Hua Ji was just as bewildered. Tang Luo had merely handed him thirteen letters and told him to deliver them directly into the hands of each elder. However, he had no idea what the contents of the letters were.

Tang Siyuan and Tang Gaomin exchanged glances, and then asked, “Where is the letter?”

Hua Ji carefully retrieved a letter from his bosom and handed it respectfully to the Great Elder with both hands.

“Where is my letter?” Tang Gaomin timely asks.

Hua Ji respectfully replied, “The rest of the letters are in the war chariot. I will immediately go get the letter for Sixth Elder.”

Tang Gaomin looked at Tang Siyuan, who was opening the letter, and said to Hua Ji, “Then, you can directly deliver it to my residence.”

Hua Ji was slightly confused, and he insisted, “But, the Young Master said that

I should personally hand over the letters to each elder..”