The City’s Strongest Son-in-law

Capítulo 1048: Chapter 1047: Tuo Shi Advancement Tournament

In Tuo Shi, there is a hierarchy divided by strength. The main levels are Green, Black, and White. Green is the lowest tier within Tuo Shi, representing the lower echelons. Members like Mu Tian and Wu Wen of the Shangguan Family are at this Green level.

Rising through the ranks in Tuo Shi requires immense effort, with some people taking decades to advance by a single tier. Naturally, the higher your rank, the higher your status in Tuo Shi.

Once you reach the White level, you become a true member of Tuo Shi. However, if you seek to understand the deeper meaning of Tuo Shi or become a prominent figure, you must achieve great feats like Yang Junming.

Take Guan Shan as an example. Though he’s broken many records in Tuo Shi, and despite being a Heavenly Level individual, he’s not a key figure in Tianqi. Thus, he’s unaware of many of Tianqi’s secrets.

“How long until the start of spring?” Elder Wu asked.

“It’s already the end of the year, probably less than a month,” Yang Junming replied.

“If Su Changfeng rises from the lowest Green level to the White level in just one month, what do you think those old folks’ expressions will be?” Elder Wu said, his smile particularly bright.

Yang Junming listened in shock, only now realizing what Elder Wu was plotting.

It turned out Elder Wu intended for Su Changfeng to participate in Tuo Shi’s annual elite tournament. From those words, it was evident he had great confidence in Su Changfeng.

Achieving such a feat in one month, leaping from the lowest Green Sub-level to the White Level, would certainly shock all of Tuo Shi. Even Guan Shan, despite his fame, would pale in comparison to Su Changfeng.

But… advancing through Tianqi’s levels requires progressing steadily one tier at a time. Is Elder Wu planning to break centuries-old rules to let a newcomer like Su Changfeng participate directly?

“Oh my, today I even get to see our master Yang so astonished!” Elder Wu reminded Yang Junming with a gleeful expression.

Yang Junming hurriedly composed himself, even though this maneuver shattered his understanding of Tuo Shi. Who in all of Tuo Shi would dare attempt such a thing? It’s no exaggeration to say that even if Lingxiao Pavilion’s members knew, they’d be as surprised as Yang Junming.

“Elder Wu, but if Su Changfeng were to participate in all three level competitions, could his body withstand it?” Yang Junming asked with concern.

“To gain fame in one battle, one must sacrifice something,” Elder Wu replied casually.

“Elder Wu, I don’t mean to dampen your spirits, but given my understanding of Lingxiao Pavilion, they might not be willing to let Su Changfeng participate in such an important tournament, much less all three levels,” Yang Junming cautiously suggested.

“Tuo Shi has always valued strength above all. If those old geezers see how powerful Su Changfeng is, they’ll certainly prize him dearly. I just want to see their amusing expressions then,” Elder Wu said in a tone lacking in friendliness.

Yang Junming blinked, realizing that although he had heard of Elder Wu’s conflicts with other elders of Lingxiao Pavilion, he had never seen any direct evidence or proof. But from Elder Wu’s recent remarks, Yang Junming now understood the deep-seated enmity between Elder Wu and the Lingxiao Pavilion elders.

“Elder Wu, you…” Yang Junming hesitated, unsure whether to continue because what he was about to say might anger Elder Wu. But holding it in felt uncomfortable. Gathering courage, he said, “Aren’t you worried that if Su Changfeng doesn’t meet your expectations, you’ll end up losing face?”

Elder Wu seemed taken aback, indicating he hadn’t considered this possibility. Yang Junming’s point was valid. If Su Changfeng underperformed, not only would he be observing others’ reactions, but it would also be Elder Wu himself who ended up embarrassed.

“Su Changfeng managed to make you, a master, exert the Heart Shattering Palm. Given his formidable combat prowess, becoming one of the top ten experts might be challenging, but rising to the White Level shouldn’t be a problem, right?” Elder Wu asked calmly.

A master?

Yang Junming, upon hearing Elder Wu refer to him in such terms, couldn’t help but smile bitterly instead of feeling pleased.

Ever since leaving Tuo Shi, he’s lived peacefully in the secluded mountains, no longer practicing martial arts. By his current standards, he hardly deserves such a title.

“Elder Wu, it’s not to dampen spirits, but do you really think I still have the combat strength of Tianqi’s top ten experts?” Yang Junming sighed. If he were at his peak, even with Elder Wu’s protection, he could have confidently defeated Su Changfeng before Elder Wu had to step in.

From this alone, it was clear his current combat capability paled compared to decades ago. Judging Su Changfeng’s martial prowess by this standard would be entirely inaccurate.

“Oh my, why are you always dampening my enthusiasm today?” Elder Wu coldly stared at Yang Junming.

Elder Wu’s icy gaze sent chills down Yang Junming’s spine, prompting him to take a few steps back instinctively. Only after ensuring a safe distance did he continue, “Elder Wu, I think this matter needs careful consideration. Given that I’m no longer who I once was, using my peak combat power to assess Su Changfeng is quite inappropriate. If Su Changfeng does lose, I’m afraid you’ll face ridicule from Lingxiao Pavilion elders and much of Tuo Shi’s people.”

Elder Wu’s eyes showed hesitation. Initially, he focused solely on surprising Tianqi’s elders with Su Changfeng’s prowess. But Yang Junming’s reminder made him realize how much he overlooked, particularly the considerable gap between Yang Junming’s current and past strength.

If they proceed with this plan, while Su Changfeng competing against the Green and Black tiers might be fine, ascending to the White Level would be quite challenging.

Moreover, only a month remains, and rapidly enhancing Su Changfeng’s abilities isn’t an easy task.