Chapter 963 - 929: Hidden Motives

Huang Wanglin pondered for a moment and then replied, "To be honest, Sect Leader, Xu Chunliang and I have a friendship beyond years. He is quite talented and capable. What enmity does he have with Wu Yuanyi, and why does Wu Yuanyi want to assassinate him?"

Xu Chunliang said, "It is said that his planting base in Xia Pi was destroyed by Xu Chunliang and Hua Zhuyue working together, so Wu Yuanyi bears a grudge."

Meng Huaiyi said, "I mentioned there must be a reason for this incident."

Xu Chunliang sneered, "Old Meng, you seem to be defending Wu Yuanyi. Do you know why they targeted his base? It was because Wu Yuanyi set a trap first, intending to kill them, which prompted retaliation. The reason my tired sect has been passed down to this day is an important principle that we only seek wealth, not to harm lives."

In fact, principles are principles, and actions are actions; many tired sect members also resort to moneymaking and killing.

Zhai Pingqing said, "Although I haven’t interacted with Xu Chunliang, I’ve heard about this person. Despite being young, he’s quite capable. Previously, he was in a relationship with Elder Qiao’s granddaughter, Mei Ru Xue. Later, somehow he became Elder Ye’s adopted grandson, having a very powerful background."

Huang Wanglin nodded, "This is true. Elder Ye’s granddaughter, Ye Qingya, is his adopted sister, and she has visited Linzheng Hall several times. Whether Qiao Family or Ye Family, they are not entities our tired sect can afford to offend." He was deeply friends with Xu Chunliang and naturally wanted to protect him, but couldn’t be too obvious. So, he emphasized Xu Chunliang’s background to deter the others.

Xiahou Mulan listened on the side, feeling a bit sour. This man’s romantic history is indeed rich; before her, he must have had many women. It was clear from his skillful maneuvers that he was an experienced player. Bah! Scumbag, a complete scumbag!

Xu Chunliang said, "It is exactly because of this reason that I decided to expel him from the tired sect, to prevent everyone from being dragged down by him in the future."

He sighed, "You all know my friendship with him; we are sworn brothers, and I am unwilling at heart. But for the sake of the entire tired sect’s interests, I must tearfully cut ties, like Yang Ban standing Ma Su. Others may say I’m heartless, but I can only endure."

He sounded righteous, as if he suffered great injustice for the tired sect.

Xiahou Mulan sighed inwardly as she looked at Xu Chunliang; this man excelled at this kind of trick. Clearly, he got the better deal, yet acted as if he suffered great losses. She herself was tricked by him, letting him take advantage and he acted like he sacrificed greatly.

First, he said it was to save her; the second time, he claimed the previous treatment work was only half done; and the third time, he didn’t even bother with excuses, directly revealing his intentions, shameless trickster. But the key was she knowingly boarded the pirate ship.

Zhai Pingqing said, "Sect Leader willingly bears the name of unrighteousness for everyone’s sake; it’s truly moving. Rest assured, Sect Leader, our support for you has never changed and will never change. Anyone opposing the Sect Leader opposes us."

Huang Wanglin nodded, "I also support the Sect Leader’s decision. Our tired sect will not tolerate a black sheep." Anyone can say this kind of flattering comment.

Seeing them firmly supporting Xiahou Zun, Meng Huaiyi didn’t oppose any further, but being cunning, he noticed Cha Youliang had remained silent throughout, so he deliberately asked, "What does Elder Cha think?"

In the eyes of the three elders, Cha Youliang wasn’t qualified to be on equal footing with them; someone truly on par with them was Cha Enxuan, but Cha Enxuan was said to have gone mad and mentally unstable. Cha Youliang was considered his spokesperson.

Cha Youliang originally planned to remain silent, but now being named by Meng Huaiyi, he had to speak, coughing lightly, "I support the Sect Leader’s decision."

Meng Huaiyi sighed inwardly; this man was just an echoer. Wu Yuanyi’s expulsion was already a fact, and prior to deciding this, Xiahou Zun had not consulted them. It was evident he didn’t consider the four elders at all.

Meng Huaiyi had some friendship with Wu Yuanyi, but it hadn’t reached the point of risking life for him. The reason for defending Wu Yuanyi in front of others was because he felt a bit like the fox grieving for the rabbit. What business has the tired sect dealt in since ancient times? Honestly, it was using the banner of saving lives to deceive, putting profit above all.

When the Sect Leader spoke of legal principles, followed by two elders agreeing, Meng Huaiyi felt something amiss. If the tired sect abandons its traditional business, what will he do? What about the counterfeit drug business? Or expired drug recycling? If he insists on doing these gray-market businesses, will he be the next to be expelled from the tired sect?

Meng Huaiyi said, "We must comply with the Sect Leader’s decisions. But there’s one thing I must say — what has the tired sect relied on to be passed down till now? I believe everyone is clear. I want to ask who here dares guarantee they’ve never dealt in unsavory business? Of course, some earned money and began cherishing their reputation, speaking of law and rules. When treating themselves as high society, shouldn’t they also consider fellow members struggling at the survival line?"

Zhai Pingqing and Huang Wanglin exchanged a glance, recognizing that Meng Huaiyi implied something.

Xu Chunliang sighed inwardly; the division within the tired sect was indeed severe. Meng Huaiyi’s thought represented the majority within the tired sect. Not everyone has Zhai Pingqing and Huang Wanglin’s intelligence, and not everyone has the luck to become a billionaire. If the tired sect fully transitions, not engaging in self-serving Jianghu schemes, how will its members make a living? Will they compete with hospitals in offering medical services?

Xiahou Mulan said, "Elder Meng, please refrain from discussing irrelevant matters."

Meng Huaiyi said, "Irrelevant? Miss Mulan believes that what I’m proposing is irrelevant to the fate of our sect?"

Xu Chunliang said, "Old Meng, shouldn’t you wait for me to finish before expressing your opinion?"

Meng Huaiyi might not show face to Xiahou Mulan, but he couldn’t disregard the Sect Leader’s face; otherwise, he would be seen as disrespectful.

Huang Wanglin said, "Is the reason the Sect Leader called us here this time just about Wu Yuanyi?"

Xu Chunliang said, "Wu Yuanyi’s matter is settled, now I’ll talk about the second issue. I’ve been focused on my cultivation these years, leaving most of the sect affairs to Mulan. Now that I have made some progress in cultivation, advancing further will make it hard to balance other matters. After much consideration, it is time to hand over the position of Sect Leader."

The four elders simultaneously fell silent; this was the crux of why they were gathered today. In truth, Xiahou Zun’s presence has been weak these past few years, he hasn’t been diligent as a Sect Leader. In the view of the four elders, willingly withdrawing to focus on cultivation is a wise choice, but they wonder who he plans to choose to succeed him as Sect Leader?

Even though the sect has declined during the day, it doesn’t mean no one is interested in the position of Sect Leader. In fact, almost every sect disciple covets this position because sitting in this seat means being able to control the sect’s secrets and inheriting the six martial arts directly from the previous Sect Leader.

The position is not important; the resources and wealth the position can bring are what’s important.

Meng Huaiyi and Huang Wanglin are advanced in years and fully aware they likely have no chance. Huang Wanglin is uninterested in worldly affairs; his primary focus is on his collection, and he doesn’t want to wade into this muddy water.

Cha Youliang is only a successor in the elder position; what qualification does he have to be Sect Leader? He is the first to be ruled out.

Among the four elders, Zhai Pingqing is the most promising—wealthy, influential, and not yet fifty, making him age-appropriate.

They also considered Xiahou Mulan, but there’s no precedent for a woman being Sect Leader in the sect. Even though Xiahou Zun has been in seclusion these years and has had Xiahou Mulan manage the sect, major decisions were made by him, with Xiahou Mulan only relaying them.

Huang Wanglin said, "Who does the Sect Leader intend to appoint?"

This was what the others were most concerned about.

Xu Chunliang said, "The sect has declined during the day; it needs a talented young person to meet the challenge, unite everyone, and restore the sect’s former glory."

The four elders pondered silently: the phrase ’talented young person’ essentially excludes them. Currently, no one in the sect has the ability; everyone fights for their benefit. Even among them four, none submit to another.

Xu Chunliang turned his gaze towards Xiahou Mulan: "I’ve decided to pass the position of Sect Leader to Mulan, allowing her to succeed me and lead the sect and guide the disciples."

Zhai Pingqing was the first to object: "Sect Leader, there’s never been a woman serving as Sect Leader in the sect’s history, and she’s your daughter." His meaning was clear; you’re breaking the rules, treating the sect as your family business.

Xu Chunliang thought to himself: you, Zhai Pingqing, already have a fortune in the billions, yet you still covet the Sect Leader position, greedy beyond measure.

Xu Chunliang said blandly: "What era is it? You still have such outdated ideas of male superiority over females? Aren’t you afraid of sounding ridiculous? I don’t need to list examples of women leading throughout history, do I? So what if Mulan is my daughter? Does that mean she can’t be Sect Leader? Merit should not exclude one’s kin. During my years of seclusion, Mulan’s ability to handle affairs has been evident to all."

Zhai Pingqing thought to himself, this old man is determined to pass the Sect Leader position to his daughter, keeping it within the family, and as the Sect Leader, he calls the shots.

Huang Wanglin said, "I think the Sect Leader’s words are very sound. Times are changing; we cannot stubbornly stick to bygone practices. Only by adapting to contemporary trends can the sect thrive."

Cha Youliang nodded along; in any case, the Sect Leader position won’t fall to him. His father had mentioned that whatever choice the Sect Leader makes must be supported. His ability to become Law Enforcement Elder was thanks entirely to the Sect Leader’s kindness, hence he should uphold the Sect Leader’s leadership.

Meng Huaiyi said sourly: "Since the Sect Leader has already decided, why gather us for this meeting? I have no objections to Miss Mulan assuming the role of Sect Leader, but our forefathers set the rules: to become Sect Leader, one must master the sect’s six martial arts and pass the elders’ inspection. I wonder if Miss Mulan has mastered them?"