I Can See Your Combat Power - Chapter 231
Chapter 231: Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty-Seven: Strategy First
Translator: 549690339 |
“Sect Head, what do you think of allowing Left Hall Master to arrange the contenders for the tournament?” Clan Leader Tang Zhi asked Tang Sen.
Compared to Tang Luo’s indifference, Tang Zhi preferred Tang Zuo’s passion. Although he knew the vast gap between the clan’s martial artists and the sons of Saint Lord, he hoped it wouldn’t be taken for granted that they will lose without putting up a fight.
This was not just about profits, but also a demonstration for all the houses of Xiling; even if they were to lose, they must do so uniquely. That was his baseline requirement.
The First Head of the Martial Hall, Tang Sen, in his usual calm manner, replied: “I’ve no objections.”
The world of the Grands only understood by themselves. Although he had never seen old Xu fight, more than a decade ago, in Yuanzhou he saw Xu Changfeng’s tactics.
Everyone claimed him to be invincible in the Mortal Realm, but Tang Sen knew that even though he defeated a lot in Yuanzhou, his battle with Xu Shuhui’s brother was a draw.
Moreover, Xu Changfeng was not the Xu Clan’s world walker of the previous generation. Just from this, it seemed that Old Xu’s combat strength now is stronger than Xu Changfeng’s of the past.
Such a martial artist couldn’t be defeated with mere all-out attacks. But since Tang Zuo was obstinate, Tang Sen didn’t mind letting him try.
The task of facing Old Xu was officially assigned to Dark Thunder Hall. The Clan Leader turned his head and said to Tang Hongtao, “Elder, please cooperate with the Left Hall Master. Study the tactics for dealing with the son of Xu Clan these days and formulate strategies. Try not to lose disgracefully.”
For the noble families, this public challenge needs planning and rehearsing, which are synonymous with preparation.
Most martial arts in the world have countermeasures, some attribute-based, others type-based. Formulating tactics before a battle is truly an art.
The three martial artists, A, B, and C. A specializes in boxing, but will lose to B who specializes in leg techniques. B, in turn, will lose to C who excels in flexible techniques. However, C is no match for A. Hence, the counterbalance of martial techniques makes strategic deployment more crucial.
This is where the researchers in the Secret Arts Pavilion come in. They know hundreds and thousands of martial arts by heart and can effortlessly simulate the optimal combatant, creating the most effective war plan.
The Secret Arts Pavilion will organize a study group to observe Old Xu’s combat habits, martial arts strength, preferred techniques, and establish the most reasonable combat method. Then, this set of tactical core ideas will be imparted to the martial artists who will take the stage.
This will ensure that the fighter who takes the stage is prepared and can break through the opponent’s moves.
Victory always belongs to the most prepared side. Outsiders only see the victory or defeat on the tournament stage, oblivious to the real combat that began before stepping into the ring. From a certain perspective, the contest between martial artists on the stage is merely a collision of tactics designed by martial arts researchers.
Preceding with strategic planning is the most common modus operandi of the clan, but Tang Luo isn’t optimistic about it.
Tactics are only useful when the strength gap isn’t vast. But where can the Clan find a martial artist with a minimal strength gap?
After the clan meeting, Tang Luo followed his father, Tang Sen, back to their mansion. The lights in the dining hall were still on from afar.
Xu Shuhui was waiting for them, with a table full of mouthwatering food still steaming hot.
Early the next morning,
“Tap Tap Tap-”
Old Xu was holding a paper-wrapped cake, gently knocking on Tang Luo’s door.
When the door opened, a puzzled face appeared. Tang Luo looked up and down at Old Xu, a thousand warnings in his heart.
“What do you need from me?”
Old Xu pushed his cake inward and repeatedly waved his hands, “Hey, hey! What do you take me for? Didn’t I just bring this delicious smelling cake here for you to try?”
If I believe you, then I’m a fool. Tang Luo declined: “I don’t like cakes, thank you!”
“Come on, try it. It’s delicious!” Old Xu stubbornly shoved the cake into Tang Luo’s arms.
With no other choice, Tang Luo had to take the cake and hold it in his hand.
Seeing Tang Luo take the cake, Old Xu immediately coughed, “cough…Actually, I do have something to discuss with you-”
“Huh-” Tang Luo twitched his mouth, looked at the cake in his hand, and said speechlessly, “Just say what it is.”
“Do you have any ideas on how to make money these days, cousin? I’m really short on cash,” Old Xu pleaded.
This time, Tang Luo held the cake in one hand and covered his forehead with the other: “Didn’t the Tianxiang Building stop charging you? How can you be short of cash?”
“Ah- The Tianxiang Building doesn’t have any new girls coming in. I’m not going there anymore, and your plaque is useless anywhere else!” Old Xu complained bitterly, apparently quite dissatisfied that Tang Luo’s plaque couldn’t be used at other brothels in Xiling.
Well, just because you think you can get free services at other brothels with the plaque, my reputation must have been ruined. Tang Luo was genuinely impressed with this guy. He stretched out his hand and said, “Give me the plaque back. I’ll get you a box of gold bars.”
“Hey, hey!” Old Xu had an unsatisfied look on his face: “What kind of person do you think I am? How can I just take your money.”
Why are you being so proud at this moment? Tang Luo was speechless,
“Consider it a loan. You can pay me back when you have money.”
“No.” Old Xu was stubborn: “The Xu family has a rule, no lender, no borrower.” “Doesn’t the Xu family have a rule against visiting brothels at night?” Tang Luo asked coldly.
Old Xu smiled, giving a thumbs up, “There really isn’t!”
It’s such a hassle to give him some money. Tang Luo raised an eyebrow and asked, “What do you have that’s worth selling? I’ll buy it.”
Old Xu was overjoyed: “Do you want the Room Divination Technique?” “Scram!”
In the end, Old Xu still took a box of gold bars from Tang Luo, under the guise of funding the future cultivation of the Xu Clan’s Saint Lord.
Although he had eaten a cake, Tang Luo still had to have breakfast with his mother. So long as he doesn’t leave the mansion, he always does this.
Known for having already eaten, Old Xu also resided. Based on Tang Luo’s judgment, he probably spent the last bit of money he had on buying the cake to please himself. Otherwise, the distinguished son of the Xu Clan, wouldn’t wolf down a meal.
Since marrying Tang Sen, Xu Shuhui has gotten used to men gobbling up their food. Even when this person turned out to be her own nephew, she didn’t find it unusual. Instead, she was all smiles.
Her happiness did not come from watching her nephew enjoying his food but from the fact that the Xiao family’s caravan was returning.
Ever since Tang Mi’s two clans acquired the Wancheng Treasure Ship, the business has stagnated; compared with raiding, the profit from trading has obviously been trivialized by the two powerful clans.
But most of the Xiao clan’s income still comes from their caravans. Unlike Tang Mi’s two clans, who trade mainly in cities along the river, the Xiao family’s caravans mainly travel to the hinterlands of Longzhou, bringing back exotic treasures to Xiling.
Every time Xiao Clan’s caravan returns, it’s time for the biggest auction in Xiling..
