The South, ancient martial arts.
Tang Jia and Tantai are holding a meeting.
Because Lin Yu killed Long Ming and others, the villainous families such as the Long family, Shen family, and Shangguan family were now leaderless, and the resources and territory of the ancient martial arts in the south were gradually divided and occupied by the Tang family and Tantai family.
Since the Battle of Bashu, although the Tang and Tantai families have not openly expressed their support for Lin Yu, their actions have always been in line with the Emperor's.
However, as an ancient martial arts family, they are inherently proud. Moreover, they mostly consider their own interests when dealing with matters.
Now that the Divine Blood has set the tone, whether they should follow suit is a question worth discussing.
"Divine blood cannot represent the Human Emperor. The Human Emperor's life or death is currently uncertain, and the future is unpredictable. Moreover, the female lead and Feng Wuhen are watching us closely. It would be unwise for us to take sides at this moment!"
“That’s right! Whether the lizardmen are good or bad is still uncertain. Humans are like beasts, subject to survival of the fittest. No matter how great the storm, with the strength of my ancient martial arts, I will surely be safe and sound. Why should I live under the sway of divine blood and be at the mercy of divine blood!”
“We control the resources of the south. Even if the so-called lizardmen came to the surface, they would not dare to underestimate us. I think it is really unnecessary to take such a risk, and we should not deliberately make enemies of the lizardmen!”
"Agreed! In my opinion, the Divine Blood is nothing more than a means to maintain its rule. The Lizardmen have always been controlling the West, so what does it have to do with our great Eastern nation? Even if the Lizardmen were to come out in full force, the world order would not be broken. It's better to wait and see!"
Most ancient martial arts practitioners are conservatives and do not agree with responding to the call of the divine blood to fight against the lizardmen.
In an uncertain situation, self-preservation is the safest course of action.
Moreover, there is no indication that the lizardmen will necessarily be their enemies.
Making a powerful enemy for no reason is the most foolish thing to do!
"Brother Tantai, what do you think of this matter?"
At this moment, Tang Peng spoke up. As the head of an ancient martial arts family and the current number one martial artist, he too was caught in a dilemma. From his position, his first consideration was his family, and his second was the overall situation.
Although Tantai Guanlan was the head of one of the four lower clans, he always stood with the Tang family and progressed together. Moreover, Tantai Guanlan was extremely intelligent and remained calm in the face of adversity, so Tang Peng always valued his younger brother's ideas.
Tantai Guanlan frowned, shook his head, and finally sighed, saying, "This matter is equally difficult for me to decide! The injury to the Heavenly Dao suffered by the Human Emperor this time is no small matter. If it were anyone else, they would have already been annihilated. Even if he survives this time, it is still unknown how much of his cultivation he will retain! As for the Divine Blood, it has suffered severe damage this time, and it will probably take more than a day or two to recover its vitality. It is undoubtedly unwise to place our hopes on them!"
"So you mean..." Tang Peng seemed to understand what Tantai Guanlan wanted to say.
"Second patriarch, why don't you reconsider?"
At this moment, two elegantly dressed and beautiful women walked in from outside.
It was none other than Murong Heshu and Tantai Mingyue, the eldest daughter of the Tantai family.
Those present were all taken aback, even though both women were relatives of the emperor and, in principle, were not qualified to attend such a gathering.
However, everyone knows that Lin Yu holds Murong Heshu in high regard. This woman has always been Lin Yu's representative in Shanghai's business world, overseeing all commercial activities. This status alone is not to be underestimated.
Tantai Guanlan frowned, glanced at Tantai Mingyue, and said, "Mingyue, this gathering is for the inner clan. When did it become your place as a relative of the outer clan to interfere?"
Tantai Guanlan could not reprimand Murong Heshu, but she took the opportunity to give him a warning through Tantai Mingyue.
"Master, please calm your anger!"
Tantai Mingyue pursed her lips, stepped forward, and said, "He Shu and I did not mean to offend any of you family heads, but this matter is of great importance, concerning the fate of our ancient martial arts for the next few hundred, or even a thousand years. Therefore, we earnestly urge you all to be extremely cautious!"
Tantai Guanlan sighed and said, "Brother Long and I understand the reasoning you're giving us, but given the current situation, for us ancient martial arts practitioners, self-preservation is the wisest course of action!"
"To protect oneself?"
Murong Heshu shook his head. "Born in a chaotic world, affecting all living beings, how can one possibly protect oneself? Besides, we ancient martial arts are also part of the world's population! Moreover, as a distinguished ancient martial arts clan, we should take the initiative to assume our responsibilities and obligations in the face of the world's turmoil, linking our clan's fate with that of the entire human race. Only in this way can we successfully protect ourselves in a chaotic world. This is the true meaning of protecting oneself!"
This impassioned speech was inspiring and thought-provoking, but its critical tone also made some people blush and feel ashamed.
If a woman possesses such insight, what about the others, all of whom are supposedly disciples of ancient martial arts of extraordinary status? How can one not feel ashamed?
"Hmph! That's a woman's view. When disaster strikes, what's the point of talking about grand principles? Being able to save your life is the real skill!"
"To turn the tide, you must first have the strength! What about the Divine Blood? It's now scattered and in its final days!"
"The saying goes, 'A wise man knows when to yield.' To risk one's life like a mantis trying to stop a chariot is the most foolish thing of all!"
The crowd began to rebuke them.
Murong Heshu swept his gaze over and said calmly, "Our ancient martial arts have existed for thousands of years, with countless talents emerging from the turbulent seas. Why do you all underestimate yourselves? This battle hasn't even started yet, so how can you all think it's like a mantis trying to stop a chariot!"
"You are all outstanding figures, leaders, and talents in ancient martial arts. You are the true pinnacle of the human race and the pillars of the martial arts world. Why don't you even have the courage to fight?"
Murong Heshu pointed westward and said loudly, "Western guns and cannons are already stationed outside the country's borders. The so-called wolfish ambitions of the Lizard Clan are obvious. If it weren't for the divine blood, the artillery fire would have spread throughout the entire land of China. When the barbarians invade this Jiangnan region, I ask you all, how will you protect yourselves?"
She coldly surveyed the faces of the crowd, shaking her head and saying, "For thousands of years, you have been too complacent! In my humble opinion, the reason why our ancient martial arts have always been subordinate to the divine blood is not because of insufficient martial prowess or strength, but because of a lack of responsibility and accountability! In critical moments, we have not put the well-being of the people first, but instead have been preoccupied with our own wealth and status, indulging in self-destructive behavior for the sake of petty gains! Although we have not engaged in any corrupt practices, we are still smack of selfishness. If this continues, our ancient martial arts will eventually lose its lofty aspirations due to petty gains and will be buried in the dust of history, never able to shine as brightly as the divine blood and endure for eternity!"
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