The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2666 - 2641: Young Master Tang Yang!

"Naturally, my perspective differs!" Tang Yang directed a sneer at Lin Bai, speaking directly to him. "Kid, you don't appear to be much older than I am. What merit or capability do you possess to warrant becoming a Guest Official of the Tang Family?"

"My offer to you now is simple: return to wherever you came from!"

"Otherwise, should your facade crumble later, it will be quite embarrassing for both you and Uncle Tang Long!"

At this precise moment, Tang Yang was thoroughly convinced in his heart that a clandestine arrangement definitely existed between Lin Bai and Tang Long, which was precisely why Tang Long had permitted Lin Bai to pass the assessment without even lifting a finger!

Lin Bai, upon hearing these words, let out a scoff, "And what if I refuse?"

Tang Yang responded with a haughty sneer, "If you are determined to persist in becoming a Guest Official of the Tang Family, very well. However, the prior assessment will be nullified. You must undergo a new one, and I shall handpick the individual tasked with assessing you!"

Tang Long's expression chilled as he declared, "Tang Yang, while I ordinarily tolerate your various misdeeds within the Tang Family, the Guest Quarters fall under my purview, and your interference is unnecessary!"

Tang Yang proclaimed with feigned righteousness, "Uncle Tang Long, this affair touches upon the Tang Family's reputation, and I cannot simply stand aside!"

Witnessing Tang Yang's unwavering resolve to escalate the conflict, Tang Long felt a surge of anger course through him.

Meanwhile, the contingent of sycophants trailing behind him erupted into a chorus of joyous acclamation, "Ah, Young Master Tang Yang is truly an exemplar of the Tang Family's younger generation! His profound sense of duty in defending the family's honor shames many a Tang Family Martial Artist!"

"Precisely! Young Master Tang Yang is destined to become a cornerstone of the Tang Family in the future!"

"How fortunate the Tang Family is to possess Young Master Tang Yang!"

"It is truly heart-stirring to see such an exceptional young descendant as Young Master Tang Yang within the Tang Family!"

Moved to tears by their own pronouncements, even a few of the lackeys became visibly emotional as they spoke.

These words filled Tang Yang with elation, reinforcing his deluded sense of noble sacrifice for the Tang Family's integrity!

Tang Long irritably exclaimed, "Tang Yang, you..."

Lin Bai interjected, cutting off Tang Long's words, "Protector Tang Long, there is no need to say further. Since Young Master Tang Yang wishes to re-evaluate me, I shall readily accept this assessment!"

"Might I inquire whom Young Master Tang Yang intends to appoint as my assessor? Will it be Young Master Tang Yang himself?"

"I mean no offense, but with Young Master Tang Yang's current level of cultivation, I frankly do not hold you in high regard!"

Lin Bai remarked with a light chuckle.

Tang Yang stated with a cold demeanor, "I am aware that my cultivation is not exceptional. Therefore, I have no intention of personally conducting the assessment. Instead, I have already dispatched someone to summon the designated assessor!"

"You will simply have to endure a brief wait!"

Tang Yang declared indifferently.

Scarcely had he finished speaking when an elderly man clad in black garments hastened into the Martial Arts Arena. He approached Young Master Tang Yang and, with a respectful clasped-fist salute, announced, "This old servant greets Young Master Tang Yang!"

"May I ask if there is any service this old man can provide to Young Master Tang Yang?"

Upon glimpsing this elder, Ban Ye and Uncle Fatty exchanged startled glances.

Tang De and Tang Long, however, maintained their composure, their faces unreadable.

"It's him!"

"Soul Hooking Hand, Mo Qian!"

"He's one of the senior Guest Officials of the Tang Family!"

Ban Ye and Fatty exclaimed in unison, their surprise evident.

Lin Bai observed the elder in black; he was gaunt, attired in a dark robe, possessed a stern countenance, and emanated a subtle aura of malevolent Qi, exuding an air of aloofness.

This individual's cultivation resided within the Death Reversal Realm, marking him as a formidable master!

Tang Yang, upon seeing the elder in black, offered a slight smile and stated, "It's nothing significant, Mo Qian. My purpose in summoning you today is merely to gauge this brat's capabilities and ascertain his suitability for the position of a senior Guest Official."

Mo Qian looked up, his gaze falling upon Lin Bai, and he remarked with surprise, "Him? This young fellow, barely in his twenties? A senior Guest Official? Hahaha, the very notion is laughable!"

Mo Qian erupted into boisterous laughter, casting a look of utter disdain upon Lin Bai!

Tang Long's expression turned glacial as he stated, "I have already decreed that he shall be appointed a senior Guest Official. Mo Qian, do you harbor any objections?"

Mo Qian's laughter ceased abruptly upon hearing these words. He quickly adopted a fawning smile, replying, "Oh, if it is Protector Tang Long's decree, then naturally, this old servant has no objections whatsoever!"

Mo Qian found the situation perplexing; if Tang Long had already decided on Lin Bai's status as a senior Guest Official, why then did Tang Yang insist on him testing Lin Bai's skills?

Although Mo Qian held the rank of senior Guest Official himself, he was adept at navigating the complex dynamics of power; he desired to curry favor with Tang Yang yet simultaneously wished to avoid offending Tang Long!

Tang Yang declared, "Very well, Mo Qian, proceed and assess his abilities. Should he prove incapable of serving as a senior Guest Official, then break his legs and cast him out from the Tang Family!"

Tang Yang's voice was icy.

Having spoken, Tang Yang took a seat, casually enjoying fruit, and paid Mo Qian no further mind.

Upon hearing this, Mo Qian ascended the Martial Arts Competition Arena, a peculiar expression gracing his features, and murmured to himself, "Young Master Tang Yang's directive... implies I should prepare to shatter this individual's legs?"

It was evident, from his century of life experience, that Mo Qian detected the frigid undertone in Tang Yang's decree.

Tang Yang had neglected to specify the consequence should Lin Bai possess the requisite strength to become a senior Guest Official; his sole stipulated outcome was the breaking of legs if Lin Bai proved insufficient!

Comprehending Tang Yang's unspoken intent, Mo Qian entered the Martial Arts Competition Arena and addressed Protector Tang Long, "Protector Tang Long, this is Young Master Tang Yang's wish, and I..."

Tang Long, cutting Mo Qian short, waved his hand dismissively and turned away, stating frigidly, "Hmph, do as you see fit!"

With that, Tang Long rejoined Tang De, Ban Ye, and the others, disengaging from the proceedings within the Martial Arts Competition Arena.

Noticing Tang Long's approach, Tang De whispered, "Eldest Brother Tang Long, Tang Yang's conduct grows increasingly outrageous. Following his year of confinement, these past months of freedom have seen no moderation; he has become even more audacious, plunging the Tang Family into disarray!"

"What can be done under such circumstances!"

"Now he even seeks to interfere with the Guest Quarters affairs!"

Tang De voiced his concerns in a hushed tone.

Tang Long replied with a sigh, "Forget it. If we cannot afford to provoke him, can we not at least avoid him?"

Tang De softly remarked, "Ha ha, indeed, but it is truly a shame for this Guest Official named Lin Bai. He might have become a senior Guest Official, yet now, not only is it unlikely, but he might face the grim prospect of his legs being broken by Mo Qian!"

Tang Long chuckled, "That may not necessarily be the case!"

Hearing this, Tang De's brow furrowed, and he glanced at Tang Long with suspicion.

"Speaking of which, Eldest Brother Tang Long, you never did explain why you held back when your fist and sword were near Lin Bai earlier. Had your strike landed, even if not fatal, he would have been severely wounded, correct? Why did you not commit to the blow?"

Tang De inquired with evident curiosity.

At this question, Ban Ye and Fatty also turned their gazes toward Tang Long, their eyes reflecting identical queries!

"Because..." Tang Long's eyes sharpened, a flicker of recollection igniting within them. He slowly replayed the encounter with Lin Bai from earlier, the memory still causing him to break into a sweat!

"Because I have never witnessed such potent killing intent emanating from a... Sword Cultivator!"

Tang Long stated, his voice cold.