Chapter 366: Chapter 365 Never Surrender
Looking at the somewhat timid Meng Xuanyi, Ye Fan sighed and said, "It seems your father was right. We met once, but it’s a pity he died at the hands of the Dongzheng Emperor."
"However, you don’t need to be so pessimistic. I’ve already killed the Dongzheng Emperor!"
Meng Xuanyi immediately started to kneel before Ye Fan. He had thought he would never have the chance for revenge in this lifetime, but unexpectedly, the Dongzheng Emperor was already dead.
But halfway down, he found he could go no further, as Ye Fan was supporting him with his Inner Strength.
He was shocked by Ye Fan’s power. After all, this was the man who had killed the Dongzheng Emperor. Unfortunately, he knew Ye Fan would not help him beyond this. If he could receive Ye Fan’s assistance, he could surely take firm control of the Yueshan Sect. However, Ye Fan had already done more than enough by helping him to this point.
At that moment, Ye Fan handed him the Jade Pendant. "Cherish everything your father fought to build for you. It wasn’t easy," he said. "Don’t let his death be in vain!"
Upon receiving the Jade Pendant, Meng Xuanyi broke down, crying with such heart-wrenching sorrow that even Ye Fan, standing beside him, found it difficult to watch.
"Father, I fear I’ve let you down!" Meng Xuanyi sobbed.
Although he wanted to carry on his father’s legacy, the Sect’s current situation made him feel utterly powerless.
Ye Fan couldn’t stand it any longer. "Show some manly courage!" he demanded. "Stop being so timid! A true man should stand tall and proud. Don’t be so weak—you are a man, not a woman!"
Spurred on by Ye Fan’s words, something seemed to shift within Meng Xuanyi.
He rose and said, "I want to, but sadly, I’m not strong enough!"
"And you think your strength is the only problem?"
Stung by the question, he looked at Ye Fan in disbelief.
"You lost from the very beginning because your spirit is weak. You’re not fit to be called a man. Did you think weakness could be a shield for everything?" Ye Fan continued. "You’re wrong. Weakness will only ensure you’re a lost cause forever."
Meng Xuanyi was rendered speechless, his face flushing crimson as he stood at a loss.
"So I was wrong in these aspects," he said, deflated. "I thought it was enough to live a quiet life and cause my father as little trouble as possible. I never knew I had such a great responsibility!"
Meng Xuanyi nearly collapsed. The pressure was immense, and the realization seemed to have come too late.
At this point, Ye Fan asked, "Do you want to change? Do you want to shed this cowardly, timid persona?"
"I do!" Meng Xuanyi said resolutely.
"Good. Since you want to change, I’ll make an exception and help you."
"You’re willing to help me?" Meng Xuanyi looked at Ye Fan in astonishment. He never expected Ye Fan to help him, especially since they had no real connection. If a man capable of slaying a Supreme was willing to help him, he could easily achieve his dreams.
"Of course," Ye Fan said. "But if I’m willing to help, you had better not disappoint me! Otherwise, what’s the point? Once I’m gone, you’ll just go back to being humiliated."
Hearing this, Meng Xuanyi clenched his fists. "Please, Supreme, enlighten me!"
Ye Fan nodded. "First, you must understand your position. Remember your identity: you are the Young Sect Master of the Yueshan Sect! Leading the Yueshan Sect is both your duty and your rightful inheritance! So, starting tomorrow, you must declare yourself the new Sect Master!"
Meng Xuanyi was stunned. He had never imagined Ye Fan’s plan would be so grand, so audacious. He had only ever dared to pursue impossible goals with his father’s backing, but now, a flicker of temptation ignited within him.
"But... what if Meng Buqun tries to kill me?" he asked, his persistent fear disappointing Ye Fan.
"It seems you really can’t change your cowardly nature. Farewell!" Ye Fan said, turning to leave.
"I’ll do it!" Meng Xuanyi immediately blurted out.
Ye Fan turned back.
"Good," he said. "If Meng Buqun really tries to force your hand, you absolutely cannot fear him. You must oppose him! Do you have the courage for that?"
"Yes!" Meng Xuanyi declared decisively.
"Very well. I’ll be watching your performance tomorrow. If you disappoint me, then I’m sorry, but I will not lift a finger to help."
As the words sank in, Meng Xuanyi’s heart pounded in his chest. This was something he would never have dared to even consider before. But now, he did. Ye Fan’s words today had been a great help.
「The next day.」
As soon as Meng Xuanyi arrived at the Yueshan Sect headquarters, he prepared to summon all the senior members to discuss the matter of the Sect Master’s position. He didn’t expect, however, that Meng Buqun had already beaten him to it.
Meng Buqun and the senior members were already waiting for him in the main hall.
"Xuan Yi," Meng Buqun began, "the Old Sect Master has died. We are all deeply saddened by his passing. Unfortunately, our Yueshan Sect is not strong enough to avenge him!"
Meng Xuanyi knew Meng Buqun was about to show his true colors.
"As the saying goes, a country cannot be without a ruler for a day," Meng Buqun continued. "Although the Yueshan Sect cannot be compared to a nation, we too cannot be without a leader. It would be perfectly appropriate for you to become the next Sect Master. After all, the Old Sect Master built this sect with his blood and sweat.
"However, given your young age and lack of decisiveness, and because the Yueshan Sect must continue to develop, how about I take the Sect Master’s seat in your stead for now? When you have matured, I will hand the position over to you. What do you say?"
He was undoubtedly pressuring Meng Xuanyi.
The crowd began to chime in. "The Deputy Sect Master has a point!"
"Wise words from the Deputy Sect Master!"
A large group voiced their agreement, siding with Meng Buqun. Only a few elders who had been loyal to Meng Zongshan stood with Meng Xuanyi. Their numbers were too small, not even a third of the opposition. The situation looked hopeless.
They all pinned their hopes on Meng Xuanyi to lead the way.
From Meng Buqun’s perspective, Meng Xuanyi’s submission was guaranteed. He had watched the boy grow up. He figured it wouldn’t take a minute for Meng Xuanyi to yield to his pressure. Then, he could smoothly become the Sect Master and find a suitable opportunity later to get rid of Meng Xuanyi for good. His subordinates had reported that Ye Fan had already left, which made him eager to force Meng Xuanyi’s hand.
The few loyal elders looked disappointed. It seems Meng Xuanyi hasn’t performed a miracle after all.
At that moment, Meng Xuanyi, who had been looking pale, suddenly clenched his fists. "What Martial Uncle says is right!" he declared.
Hearing this, Meng Buqun felt a surge of triumph.
But Meng Xuanyi wasn’t finished. "However, while Martial Uncle makes a good point, I am ready to take over the Yueshan Sect. No one is a born expert. I can temper myself and mature into the role. This is not something I need to trouble you with, Martial Uncle!"
At these words, Meng Buqun’s face turned to ice. He never expected Meng Xuanyi would dare to refute him. In the past, Meng Xuanyi hadn’t dared to talk back to him even when Meng Zongshan was around.
