What is a Hooligan? To me, being a hooligan is a noble profession, one that defies convention, a calling that appreciates the finer points of beautiful women and then some, a career where I do precisely as I please. It is invincible. A true hooligan requires not only cultivation and taste but also the necessity of being thoroughly roguish when the moment demands it; let the world cast me out, I will carry my hooliganism to the very end. — The Memoirs of Yang Yi

“The new Sect Master?” Xuan Hao froze upon hearing this, then immediately reacted, cupping his hands respectfully toward Yang Yi. “Xuan Hao has been impolite.”

“Uh… there’s no need to be so formal,” Yang Yi truly couldn't muster the tone of an ancient man, so he could only reply with visible surprise.

“Let’s go inside and talk!” Mu Qingfeng chuckled inwardly. This time, he finally managed to regain some balance. After all, Yang Yi rarely got the short end of the stick in his presence, but seeing him look slightly deflated because of his disciple was quite comical.

Yang Yi was well aware of Mu Qingfeng's thoughts. He shot him a sidelong glance, a slight curl at the corner of his mouth, and said nothing further.

It was Murong Ang Lianxue, however, who addressed Xuan Hao at that moment. “Senior Apprentice Brother, long time no see!”

“Heh heh, Little Junior Sister, it has been a while!” Xuan Hao held a deep, ingrained respect for Murong Lianxue, whom he considered a monstrous genius—she had reached the Grandmaster level at the tender age of eight. Yang Yi merely smiled, knowing not what games the fellow was brewing in his mind now.

Mu Qingfeng led the group into the Martial Arts Hall. Its design was virtually indistinguishable from a modern hall, save for the few imposing armchairs set out. Yet, the sheer scale of the hall could not be ignored; the floor was laid with marble, and considering the wealth of the Xuan Gate, this was no ordinary stone. As Yang Yi stepped in, if not for the few massive red pillars and the intricate eagle crest displayed in the highest position, lending a touch of classical flavor, he truly wouldn't have believed these were ancient lineage sects.

“Xuan Hao, summon all Xuan Gate disciples immediately. They are to assemble at the training grounds within twenty minutes. Exempt those guarding the water sources—hurry along!” Mu Qingfeng settled into an armchair, turning to instruct Xuan Hao.

“Yes, Master!” Xuan Hao acknowledged and promptly left to gather the disciples.

“Old man, you aren’t actually planning to have me take over as Sect Master today, are you?” Yang Yi asked, staring at him with suspicion.

“Indeed. The inauguration ceremony is actually quite simple! It’s just that…” Mu Qingfeng shot Yang Yi a sly, ambiguous smile.

Yang Yi grumbled internally. My heavens, what trick is this old coot playing now? He smoothed his expression and inquired, “Just what?”

“Have you ever heard of the Shaolin Temple’s Eighteen Bronze Men Formation?”

“Never heard of it, though I’ve read about it in books. What does that have to do with Shaolin Temple?”

“Heh heh, nothing much. Our inauguration ceremony is just a little like the Shaolin Temple’s Eighteen Bronze Men Formation.”

“What?” Yang Yi was shocked. Was that what that ambiguous smile from the old man was about? He inwardly cursed Mu Qingfeng several times before declaring, “Then I’m not taking the position of Sect Master.”

“This…” Mu Qingfeng paused, his expression hesitant. He knew perfectly well how reluctant this fellow was to assume the mantle, and he sighed inwardly. He was completely in Yang Yi’s pocket now. “Alright, alright, don’t worry. We can postpone the ceremony, but this sect has its rules, and those must be followed. If you don’t abide by them, how can the disciples of the Xuan Gate ever submit to you?”

“I don’t need you to tell me that. Do you really take me for an idiot?” Yang Yi chided him with a sharp tone.

“Fine, I’ll keep everything streamlined later on.” Mu Qingfeng shook his head. He truly had no way around Yang Yi. After all, once this man took the position of Sect Master, he wouldn't just be the leader, but also a senior figure—a generational gap so vast it was nearly unattainable. For the sake of his own future comfort, Mu Qingfeng gritted his teeth and persevered.

At that moment, a commotion swept through the Xuan Gate following Xuan Hao’s summons. The reason was simple: word had spread that the Sect Master had returned, and he had brought a new prospective Sect Master with him. Since it was known that Mu Qingfeng only had two core disciples, and while all disciples in the lineage belonged to the Xuan Gate generally, they weren't directly subordinate to Mu Qingfeng but to the entire sect. Thus, the general consensus was that Xuan Hao would naturally be the next Sect Master. To discover that the new leader was someone else entirely became a hot topic.

The Xuan Gate’s training grounds were already packed shoulder to shoulder. Every single person was clad in long robes, fastened with cloth sashes, and wearing cloth shoes. If it weren't for the lack of long hair braided on their heads, they would have looked exactly like people from ancient times.

“Master, everything is prepared,” Xuan Hao rushed in to report after only twenty minutes.

Mu Qingfeng’s expression became solemn, radiating an astonishing aura that commanded respect without needing anger, projecting an immovable presence as he strode toward the training field.

A roguish smile played on Yang Yi’s lips. He glanced at Mu Qingfeng’s retreating back and thought, This old guy isn't completely heartless after all!

“Is Grandpa heartless?” Murong Lianxue asked sweetly.

“Uh, he’s not heartless, he’s shameless!” Yang Yi was surprised by her question but patiently began explaining the subtle difference between 'heartless' and 'shameless' to Murong Lianxue, demonstrating that Yang Yi certainly had a knack for sweet-talking children.

When the group reached the training grounds, the gazes directed at them were chillingly sharp. Yang Yi squinted as he scanned the crowd, inwardly marveling, As expected of a martial arts sect. These people are several tiers above my Black God Guards. Their eyes are fierce, and their very presence exudes the air of ancient martial practitioners—truly imposing.

“We pay respects to the Sect Master!” Upon seeing Mu Qingfeng, the assembled Xuan Gate disciples immediately knelt on one knee and cupped their fists in salute.

“Rise!” Mu Qingfeng waved his hand, his face hardening, and commanded sharply.

“Yes!”

“The reason I gathered you all here today, I believe you’ve heard part of it from Xuan Hao, so I won’t waste time with pleasantries,” Mu Qingfeng seemed quite dignified now, befitting his elder status. He glanced over the dense crowd and spoke, “The Xuan Gate has stood for more than three hundred years since its founding. Within our ranks once appeared a genius who, relying on the martial arts of the Xuan Gate, reached the ultimate echelon of martial arts: the Great Grandmaster level. I believe you are all familiar with this revered ancestor!”

“It is Ancestor Senluo!” the group called out in near-reverent unison.

“Correct. Back then, our Ancestor, unsatisfied with the cultivation of the Great Grandmaster level, left to travel the world and never returned. Because of this, the position of Sect Master in the Xuan Gate has always been inherited by the most outstanding disciple of the succeeding generation. However, today I can tell you all that I have found the direct lineage disciple of our Ancestor while outside, and I have received the Ancestor’s final decree. I hereby appoint his senior disciple, Yang Yi, as the new Sect Master of the Xuan Gate, to lead you all in bringing glory to the Xuan Gate.”

“Whoosh!” Mu Qingfeng’s words exploded among the crowd like a timed detonation. An immediate murmur of discussion erupted.

But Yang Yi felt far less comfortable. He was still cursing inwardly, That damned old coot is indeed shameless. Damn it, using this method to set me up! Heh heh, let’s see who’s really the stronger player. You’re still too green to play games with me!

For reasons unknown to the onlookers, Yang Yi felt this way. It was precisely because Mu Qingfeng had sealed the issue so completely. Yang Yi had originally intended to postpone taking the position, letting Mu Qingfeng continue as Sect Master for the time being—after all, being a figurehead was much more comfortable, while still commanding the power of the Xuan Gate. But now, with Mu Qingfeng draping such a weighty mantle over him, Yang Yi was forced to shoulder the responsibility of 'glorifying the Xuan Gate.' The old man truly had a way of shirking responsibility without any shame.

After all, it had been previously agreed: if Yang Yi were to take the position of Sect Master, Mu Qingfeng would manage things first, allowing Yang Yi to enjoy an easy life while still possessing the Xuan Gate’s influence. Now, with Mu Qingfeng’s proclamation, Yang Yi, who wished to remain uninvolved, felt a sudden, intense urge to strike him.

“Enough! Everyone be silent!”

Hearing Mu Qingfeng’s voice, the Xuan Gate disciples immediately ceased their discussion. However, they all looked upon Yang Yi with expressions of profound respect. They were simple-minded folk, lacking the complexities of modern society; they respected strength and the disciples of the strong equally. Therefore, these people were evidently far easier to persuade than those in the outside world.

It wasn't just the Xuan Gate disciples; even Xuan Hao looked at Yang Yi with immense deference. After all, in terms of seniority, they should have been addressing him as Ancestor. Unbeknownst to him, it was precisely this sincere look that convinced Yang Yi of his honesty and solidified a plan in his mind: Heh heh, I’ll play the long game and reel in a bigger catch!

“Now, as the one hundred and fifty-seventh generation Sect Master of the Xuan Gate, I announce the transfer of the Sect Master position to the one hundred and fifty-eighth generation Sect Master, Yang Yi!” Mu Qingfeng held aloft a blue ring taken from his own hand.

“Wait a moment—!” Yang Yi shouted loudly, a broad smile spreading across his face as he walked towards Mu Qingfeng.