I Can See Your Combat Power

“You!!!¹¹ The weak are inherently fragile, let alone the now despondent Gong Zheng, who thinks himself ruined. Once the leader of three thousand warriors and the apex of transcendence, he is now being bossed around by a doctor. This hotshot who once ran amok in the rivers and lakes of Xiling River now has a fierce glint in his eyes, glaring hard at Tang Qingyi, feeling a cold shiver running down his spine. He had known early on about how uncaring the nobility could be, but it was one thing to know and another to experience the disregard firsthand, right after he had worked himself to the bone for them, only to be cast aside as if he were worn-out shoes at the first hint of injury. Oh, the nobility.

Gong Zheng, now desolate and despondent, dispels the fierceness from his eyes, managing a listless reply: “Once I gather some strength, I’ll leave.” “You’re already healed, what strength do you need to gather?” Tang Qingyi frowned, removing the silver needles from Gong Zheng’s acupoints all over his body, impatiently instructing, “Though your bones and meridians have healed, they’re not as strong as before. So don’t engage in any intense fights for a month, especially with those who practice a vigorous type of body-cultivation, best keep your distance. Got it?”

The war at Jianglin was incessant, many Wind Media hurt by the aftermath of fights between mighty warriors of the Fierce Realm who were scouting the battlefield. This left the Healing Hall in short supply of quiet rooms. Gong Zheng had been occupying one for two days, and now that he was awake, he needed to leave immediately, both to free up the room and because non-clan members couldn’t stay at the Martial Hall for too long.

Even so, he still had to make clear to Gong Zheng what to watch out for after recovery, lest he think he is good and get hit with a palm strike, causing his entire upper body’s meridians and blood vessels to burst.

Gong Zheng lying on the bed was completely baffled. As Tang Qingyi removes the silver needles, the man felt a surge of energy from his kidneys, spiritual energy circulating throughout his whole body. It felt as if his entire upper body’s shattered meridians had been completely rebuilt.

“I… I’ve actually… recovered?” Gong Zheng’s heart trembled. He couldn’t stop feeling his upper body with his right hand, as though he was afraid that it was all a dream.

Tang Qingyi frowned at the sight of the half-naked brute caressing his body dreamily, his face full of infatuation, and prompted, “You’ve recovered your strength, why aren’t you getting up yet? Do you think this place is your home!?”

“Uh… I’ll get up now.” Gong Zheng’s face flushed red in embarrassment. He quickly rose to get dressed. As if remembering something, he questioned, “Doctor, about the consultation fee…”

“You can’t afford it, so it’s not your problem.” Tang Qingyi raised her eyebrows. “Didn’t you look at yourself when you came? Your master will cover your medical expenses. Now, leave immediately.”

Even after being kicked out of the Martial Hall, Gong Zheng was still dazed, until he saw Tang Luo approaching.

Though he didn’t know the cost needed to salvage his health, he knew who had saved his life. The experience from death’s door to a new lease of life gave him a different feeling for this young master. His life wasn’t going to be discarded. Feeling settled in a way he had never felt before, an emotional Gong Zheng was about to say something to the approaching Tang Luo, only to be met with a string of orders.

“Perfect timing of your awakening. Immediately organize all Righteous Gang members to meet and wait in East City. Then, have the Righteous Business Group’s shopkeepers and assistants organize the families of the gang members. Take all the food, clothing, medicine, wooden basins, and barrels they can carry and head east.”

The string of tasks left Gong Zheng dumbfounded. His mind, still recovering from the disorientating experience, didn’t understand what the commands meant and he froze momentarily.

Seeing Gong Zheng standing there like an idiot, Tang Luo frowned, “What are you staring at? Did you hear what I said?”

Seeing the young master get angry, Gong Zheng came to his senses and hurriedly responded, “Young master, I heard you. You want my men to assemble in East City and the shopkeepers, along with their assistants, to organize the families to flee east.”

“Right, have them wait at the east gate.” Tang Luo gave his last instruction, passing Gong Zheng and walking straight into the Martial Hall.

Gong Zheng had a thousand words of gratitude he wanted to say but ended up just opening and closing his mouth, watching Tang Luo’s back. He clenched his fists regretfully and dashed towards West City as if flying.

Foot of Red Cloud Mountain

Red Cloud Village Council Hall

“A top-tier technique comprising killing techniques, a body-cultivation method not weaker than the Red Crystal Body, and twenty thousand body­forging spiritual medicines.” Mi Clan’s Third Elder, Mi Zhen, sincerity showing as he spoke to Du Sha, “Along with the opportunity to choose your tasks independently, and the freedom to refuse any task that you are not satisfied with. Are these conditions not enough to demonstrate the sincerity of the Du Clan?”

Du Sha’s facial features were deep and profound, possibly because of his awakening of the Stone Heart Bloodline, his features were expressionless and somewhat similar to a Buddha statue. Particularly his eyes, mostly closed but slightly open, devoid of sadness or joy, carried an aura of tranquility as if they were the true eyes of Buddha; they seemed to grasp everything yet were tolerant of all.

Even for a powerful person like Mi Zhen, it was hard not to be somewhat disturbed when faced with such eyes. Years of being in a high position allowed him to forcefully keep his expressions in check, trying his best to maintain sincerity and calmness.

They had a chance encounter which eventually led to their acquaintance. After Du Sha’s marriage to Liu Chan, the couple became renowned as a fairy-tale pair. Whenever bandits and robbers were rumored to be in the vicinity of Xiling, the couple would dash out to fight, ridding the area of sinners.

Once, a Mi Clan trade caravan encountered a formidable enemy. By a stroke of luck, the Du couple were nearby and valiantly lent a helping hand. That time, Mi Zhen was sitting inside the battle chariot and was impressed by Du Sha’s battle strength, thus beginning to harbor thoughts of befriending him – but the couple exited the rescue scene as quickly as they had entered.

It was only during Du Ziteng’s coming-of-age ceremony that Mi Zhen managed to become more acquainted with the couple. This time, what he sought was not just Du Sha, but also Red Cloud Mountain.

All of the northern mountains of Xiling were under the Tang Clan’s control, while the south was mostly plains with few hills. Besides North Mountain, the most majestic was Red Cloud Mountain, which ran ruggedly to the east of Xiling. This naturally formed open-air crystal mine, with its dozen or so peaks, could easily accommodate hundreds of thousands of people if developed into a city.

Therefore, Du Sha’s agreement was a must before the flood arrived.

But this protector of Red Cloud Mountain seemed to see through Mi Zhen’s urgency. Despite evidently being interested, he retained his poker face and was unwilling to commit.

“Third Elder.” Du Sha’s tone was calm. The Fierce Realm warrior, who was just thirty-nine this year, spoke with the gravity of an old man, “Considering your eagerness, are the Tang and Mi Clans preparing for war?”

The commotion outside of Jianglin was too big to ignore. Even the blind or deaf could feel the vibration from the earth. As the chief of a tribe, what Du Sha cared most for was whether the two clans would go to war, since it would affect the lives of millions of people in Xiling and disrupt the peace of the entire western Longzhou.

” If a war breaks out, would you be willing to lend us a hand, Du?” Mi Zhen didn’t deny it. It was clear that after the flood, the two clans would not stop fighting for control over the influence in Xiling. They desperately needed a formidable Fierce Realm warrior like Du Sha, who had an astonishing defence.

However, Du Sha’s reply was disappointing. The usually stoic warrior shook his head firmly, “No.”

His refusal was straightforward. Mi Zhen raised an eyebrow, “So, you favour the Tang Clan more?”

If this were the case, it would be a huge strategic blow to the Mi Clan. Red Cloud Mountain was a strategic location that they desperately needed and any connection to the Tang Clan would require preventative measures on their part.

“No, either.” Du Sha squarely refuted, “Red Cloud Village will not join the war between the two clans.”