Chapter 332 - Three Hundred Twenty-Eight: Xu Lao’s Little Trouble (1)
In Zen, there is a concept known as “clinging to appearances,” meaning that one becomes attached to external forms, illusions, or concepts and strays from its true essence.
Faced with the impeachment, Tang Luo had various methods to fight back, but he didn’t. Instead, he gladly accepted it.
He came here to resign from his position as a clan elder. Although he did not like the way it happened, at least the goal was the same.
For he knew what was most important, even if the way was not what he had expected, he would not deviate from his original intention due to the attitude of Tang Feizhou.
So, Tang Luo boldly took off the golden robe that represents the identity of the clan elder, left it on the case, and then turned and left with ease.
Everyone in the Secret Arts Pavilion watched Tang Luo’s retreating figure, their eyes filled with complexity.
In just half a day, rumors of Tang Luo being stripped of his position as clan elder were rampant. While Tang Feizhou was still gleefully celebrating, he was unaware of the extreme anger that beset the Tang Clan’s upper echelons.
The Residence of the Great Elder
“This is outrageous!” Great Elder Tang Siyuan, listening to Sixth Elder Tang Gaomin’s account, said furiously, “This child has just lost his cultivation, and he has served the clan greatly! The position of clan elder given by the Secret Arts Pavilion is already far more than a researcher’s contribution. What is Tang Hongtao thinking?”
“Exactly! Tang Gaomin was also furious, “These spirit armours and weapons, and the crystal mineral materials are continuously being transported from the Minor Spiritual Realm to fill the warehouse. We hadn’t finished moving all the resources before they stripped Luo of his cloak. This is too much!”
“I’m going to the Secret Arts Pavilion!”
The Clan Hall
Clan leader Tang Zhi and Clan Elder Tang Zu were discussing important matters when they heard that Tang Luo’s elder position had been removed. They were both extremely shocked.
“It doesn’t make sense!” Clan Elder Tang Zu murmured. He knew Tang Hongtao well, and his fondness for Tang Luo was evident, especially considering the connection with Tang Sen. Even when Tang Luo didn’t show his potential, he treated him as a junior. Why would he remove Tang Luo’s elder identity now when he’s stepping into the center of the Tang family’s power?
Even if he is worried that Tang Luo, due to his success at a young age, would be arrogant, this method of punishment is too harsh.
Clan leader Tang Zhi smiled at the Clan Elder, saying, “Clan Elder, there’s no need to worry. If Tang Luo were unwilling, do you think anyone could force him to take off his elder robe?”
“What do you mean, Clan Leader?”
Tang Zhi rolled up his sleeves, revealing five silver divine patterns on his left arm, and said calmly, “Before entering the Minor Spiritual Realm, I heard that Elder Luo had dropped all his inscription research and applied for seclusion. By the time he entered the Minor Spiritual Realm, Luo’s physique was not weaker than that of those in the Fierce Realm. I believe he will entirely focus on body refining. There’s no shortcut for body refining; it requires severe cultivation. If he is distracted, he won’t be able to perfect his physique. Our Luo is young but determined. The future of the Tang Clan is promising.”
The smarter one is, the more they like shortcuts; the more capable one is, the more they like to take responsibilities. Tang Zhi was always worried that Tang Luo, due to his high position, will be distracted by these duties, halting his cultivation progress.
It’s always the same in the world. Once you get your hands on something, endless trivial matters will find you. The more capable you are, the more trivial matters there will be. Eventually, they will take up all your time, leaving you no time for cultivation.
The Tang Clan doesn’t need an elder that is good at developing new directives, nor a young prodigy with outstanding research ability. The Tang Clan needs a formidable Martial Arts Grandmaster, a King Realm powerhouse, a standout that can deter all sides.
Tang Luo is only fifteen this year, yet he could easily give up the position of elder to focus on his goals. Tang Zhi was filled with gratification. He, who seldom praised others, once again confirmed that Tang Luo is the future of the Tang family.
Hearing the words of Clan Leader Tang Zhi, Clan Elder Tang Zu agreed, “The Clan Leader speaks sense; it’s just unfortunate for Elder Luo.”
“There are countless people in the clan who care about Elder Luo, so he won’t be wronged.” Tang Zhi shook his head, recalling how during the month of Luo’s disappearance, he had received so much criticism as the clan leader. Such a darling of the masses wouldn’t be wronged.
Tang Luo, who had taken off his golden robe and put on a black training uniform, was planning to return home to greet his mother before secluding himself. He unexpectedly ran into Xu Laoying with an exceptionally complex expression.
“You’re not guarding your position, what are you doing home?” Tang Luo was particularly puzzled. He didn’t understand how this guy could be coming out of his house. Could it be that all the noble families in Longzhou had backed down? Xu Laoying put away his complex expression, and his peach blossom eyes were filled with seriousness. He patted Tang Luo’s shoulder and said angrily, “Your Tang family is really shameful!”
“???” A face full of baffled Tang Luo frowned, “What do you mean?”
“Don’t play dumb! I know everything. They are draining the donkey after milling. They’ve taken your eldership! These people must be blind. You were able to reach such a high realm at fifteen under the condition of a constant decline in spiritual power. Just because you fell back to the Mortal Realm today for re-cultivation, they took your position. So short-sighted! It’s good to leave such a family!” Xu Laoying said with a face filled with indignation, comforting Tang Luo, “Just quit the Tang family and follow your cousin! When I become Saint Lord, I’ll give you an army to lead. Then, you will lead the holy army back and show these short-sighted people what a pride of heaven looks like.”
Good news doesn’t go beyond the gate, while bad news spreads a thousand miles. Yet it’s just been less than half a day since the incident, and even Xu Laoying has heard of it. Tang Luo also felt some chills, “Where did you get this news?”
“Humph! The names of your Tang Clan’s elders are all carved on the stone pillar at the Clan Hall. This morning, your name was crossed out!” Xu Laoying said resentfully, “This morning, when your white-haired housekeeper came to deliver the message, if it weren’t for me, your aunt would have gone to the Clan Hall to argue with the clan elder.”
“Thank you.” Tang Luo smiled and asked, “You still haven’t answered me. Why aren’t you in the arena, but at home?”
“Don’t you know?” Xu Laoying looked smug, “I have already defeated all the representatives of the noble families in Xiling. Soon, I will be going to the next city.”
“Oh?” It had only been a month since he entered the Minor Spiritual Realm, and this guy had already defeated all the representatives of the noble families in Xiling. That was impressive. But Tang Luo still had doubts, “Did any of the warriors leave a deep impression on you?”
“Heh!” When it comes to fighting, Xu Laoying became excited and raised his eyebrows, “You are right, there are indeed a few impressive ones. I thought Xiling’s warriors were just so-so, but it turned out there were a few surprising ones.”
“Tang Qingshan from your Tang Clan, Mi Chu from the Mi Clan, and Xiao Ziyu from the Xiao family, they are all pretty good. They are not less than some noble sons from Yuanzhou..”