I Can See Your Combat Power

“Secondly, you are all probably aware that the growth of Tang and Mi Clans was largely due to our trade outside the Outer Continent via the Wancheng Treasure Ship. With our proposition to rebuild Xiling, we won’t keep the wealth only to ourselves. During our term as the alliance leader, we will see the Wancheng Treasure Ship as an alliance resource. We will choose the tribes with the highest contribution for joint shipping, allocating 50% of the profits to the alliance, 40% to the tribes involved in shipping, with only 10% kept by the Tang Clan.”

The hall was once again caught off guard. Although they had speculated that the Tang Clan would incentivize joining the alliance, no one expected such generous terms.

For hundreds of years, the legendary wealth of the Tang and Mi Clans has echoed throughout Lingjiang. The spectacle of the Wancheng Treasure Ship from Xiling has drawn the attention of many. Many families, due to their connection with the Tang and Mi Clans, tried to construct their ships and trade. However, try as they might, none could match the colossal profit of the Tang Clan.

Some argued it’s caused by a lack of familiarity with the sea routes, not identifying the most lucrative ones. Others said their ships weren’t large enough for long voyages. A lack of experience was also suggested, given the Tang and Mi Clans have been trading for centuries.”

Regardless of these explanations, they all indirectly depict the envy of various major cities up and down Lingjiang for the Treasure Ship. Now hearing that Tang Zhi is willing to share the profits from the Ship, many of those present could hardly contain their excitement. Many wanted to join the alliance immediately, barely able to hide their eager expressions.

If not for the restraint of being martial artists of the Fierce Realm and seeing that Tang Zhi had not concluded his speech, some could hardly withhold cries of joy.

Even Cui Ying, the usual critic, was shocked. Seeing Tang Zhi’s willingness to distribute 90% of the profits left him speechless.

“Lastly, given the initiative of mutual aid in this alliance is proposed by me, I will not allow it to be an empty promise. I know that all of you practice your clan’s specific martial arts techniques. However, a lot of these skills have lost essential components due to gaps in their inheritance. For instance, secret killing techniques and soul-forging combative skills. Many families have fallen into the predicament of having Fierce Realm strength but lacking Fierce Realm martial techniques.”

Loss of martial arts is unfortunately quite common in this current era where everyone cherishes their own possessions. The most elite clans might possibly have a department for research, but for these medium and small-sized families, if they lose a Fierce Realm practitioner, there would be a gap in their power.

Once descendants of the powerhouses are incompetent, the inherited arts would be lost. A complete set of martial arts can degrade in a thousand ways. Only those who have experienced this can truly feel the sorrow. With his words, Tang Zhi was definitely hitting a nerve with the people present.”

Yet, everyone’s eyes carried a glimmer of hope. As they gazed up at Tang Zhi, a voice inside them kept shouting out, only to be interrupted by reason over and over again.

“Don’t dream. No one would share their collected martial arts, especially those that include secret killing techniques. Such things simply can’t happen.”

Though their rationality constantly beat down their wild hope, its tenacity was unimaginable. Even when its strength dwindled to a sliver, it flickered in their hearts. They all were waiting for Tang Zhi’s final sentence. It seemed as if only after hearing the last sentence, would these hopes finally die willingly.

“Over these years, the Tang Clan has collected many martial arts techniques, which include all kinds of Xuan level arts. Once the alliance is formed, the first thing I will do is establish a Scripture Pavilion. These techniques will be shared for the alliance to learn and use. All the arts in the pavilion will be complete classics. With secret killing techniques and cooperative soul-smelting arts, nothing will be missed! I aim to let all the clans and citizens protected by the alliance have food to eat and techniques to practice!”

“If there’s anyone amongst you who believes their contribution is greater than these and should take the position of the alliance leader, please step forward now. I, on behalf of the Tang Clan, will gladly concede,” Tang Zhi said with a smile. As a clan leader, he understood the desires of people all too well. It’s not just about ability; the greatest obstacle is willingness.”

It would take hundreds of years for the Tang Clan alone to develop the hundreds of miles of connected land on North Mountain, which is why the first point is a magnanimous gesture.”

The Tang Clan had already surpassed the wealth accumulation phase to strengthen their clan. The income from the Minor Spiritual Realm alone had put the strength of the Tang Clan far beyond most powerful clans and nearing that of sects.”

The speech given at Tang Luo’s coming-of-age ceremony emphasized the importance of the Wancheng Treasure Ship to the Tang Clan. For the other clans, however, this was fatal temptation!”

As for the matter of martial arts, after obtaining the treasure trove of the Minor Spiritual Realm, the original Scripture Pavilion of the Tang Clan became redundant. It was tasteless but also too good to throw away, perfect for winning people’s hearts.”

The three measures combined would win the submission of these people completely. Obedience had its own momentum.”

When the notion of the alliance grows stronger, the concept of the clan will weaken. The impact might not be significant to the present generation of warriors, yet in twenty, fifty years, the alliance will attract countless likeminded warriors, forming an immense power capable of shaking the world.”

Only then, when the Han Family retaliates hundred years later, will the Tang Clan not scatter like a mound of sand. This is the strongest strategy Tang Zhi has planned for his clan!”

“So now, all of you heads of clans who are willing to join the alliance, please remain in the hall. Those who are unwilling can now leave with Captain Tang Zuo; he will arrange for your departure.”

Looking around, Tang Zhi saw an unmoving crowd, and laughed, “Since you all have made your decision, let me tell you the first matter that the alliance will undertake now – retaliate against the South Ridge!”

As Tang Zhi gradually voiced this goal, everyone could sense the overwhelming killing intent. Although it hadn’t started yet, it felt as if the scent of blood was already in the air.”

“Elder Tang, you had just said this alliance is not for the private desires of the Tang Clan, yet the first decision is to attack the Mi Clan’s alliance. Is this not satisfying private anger?” asked Cui Ying with furrowed brows, “Even if we don’t tolerate another’s snoring beside our bed, we should consider long-term plans before attacking the Mi Clan’s army. They’ve retreated to the beast valley of South Ridge, protected by the Mountain Protection Array, supported by numerous allied clans and countless wild beasts within the valley. It would be reckless to attack recklessly, don’t you think?”

“Moreover, isn’t it meant to be an alliance action? Shouldn’t it be passed by a resolution at a league conference? Although the alliance’s charter hasn’t been decided yet, the procedure for proposal and voting should not be neglected, right?”