Ling Tian and his group’s intention was clear: their appearance in Yang Yi’s villa signaled the submission of the entire Crown Prince Party to the Black God Gang. Yet, this single meal dragged on for over two hours. It was only natural that the three, who had already sensed something strange about the dinner, grew even more astonished.
“I know the objective of the three of you. Since I could invite you to dine, it means your objective for tonight has been achieved. However, I must make one thing clear in advance: although this is forced by the current situation, if I ever hear that the Crown Prince Party has done anything to offend the Black God Gang in the future, I believe you will understand the consequences!” Yang Yi spoke softly, his face fixed in a gentle smile.
This direct, almost unbelievable manner of expression startled the three of them momentarily; “My Dragon Lord, please rest assured on this matter. Since our Crown Prince Party has chosen to submit to your Black God Gang, we certainly will not commit any acts that violate righteousness.”
“My boss is right. Dragon Lord, though the three of us are the leaders of the northern Crown Prince Party, we have never harbored ambitions beyond ruling the North. So please, have no worries, Dragon Lord!” Fang Kai added.
“Hehe, it’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just that roads must be kept separate, and accounts must be settled clearly. It is always better to be clear-headed than muddled, wouldn’t you agree?” Yang Yi chuckled faintly.
“Yes, Dragon Lord, what you say is correct.” Ling Tian continued, “However, Dragon Lord, you must also be very aware that once the news of the Crown Prince Party’s submission to the Black God Gang spreads, our forces in the North will immediately come under attack. I wonder what your insights are regarding this matter?”
“I have considered this, but for now, the best we can do is meet them head-on for a while. Because the entire periphery of the North has been surrounded by Ye Han, it will likely take some time for my men to break through. Therefore, during this interim period, we must rely on the three of you to hold the line!” Yang Yi said, his demeanor unshaken, though a smile played on his lips.
“This…!” Ling Tian seemed to grasp something, but precisely what remained indistinct at that moment.
Seeing his hesitation, Yang Yi immediately inquired, “What is it, Prince Ling? Do you find this arrangement difficult?”
“No, this subordinate does not mean that. It’s just that Dragon Lord, you think too highly of me.” Ling Tian managed a slight smile, though it was tinged with bitterness.
“Hehe, as the saying goes: trust those you employ, and employ those you trust!” Yang Yi laughed.
“Very well, those words from you, Dragon Lord, are sufficient assurance. This subordinate and the others will take our leave now.” Ling Tian clasped his hands in a salute, then left the villa with Fang Kai and Mo Leng.
After they had completely departed, Xiu’er smiled, “Husband, won’t your actions potentially hurt their feelings?”
“Hurt their feelings? What makes you say that?” Yang Yi asked, puzzled.
“Perhaps they genuinely wished to submit to you, Husband, but your use of such an excuse…!”
“No, no, no! Since they came to see me, they must still harbor reservations. My intention in doing this now is precisely to inject them with a sedative,” Yang Yi said with a dark grin. “Only by appearing completely under my control will Ye Han believe that I, Yang Yi, am entirely in his grasp!”
“Dragon Lord, according to the latest report from the intelligence network, Ye Han has already sent out word: as soon as the Crown Prince Party formally joins the Black God Gang, they will immediately launch a full-scale assault!” Long Yi walked over at that moment and reported.
Hearing this, Yang Yi couldn't help but rejoice, crying out, “Good, good, good! This is the news I’ve been waiting for, hahaha!”
“Husband, so you were actually…?” Xiu’er finally understood a fraction of it. She truly hadn't imagined Yang Yi’s thinking could be so meticulous at this juncture. She instantly felt Yang Yi was someone to be looked at with fresh admiration.
“Exactly. I need this appearance of being easily manipulated!” Yang Yi waved his large hand. “Long Yi, allocate a small portion of our forces stationed in the North. Once you spot the Crown Prince Party engaging in conflict with Ye Han’s forces, send immediate support. But only allow them to lose ground; do not permit victory! Ensure Ling Tian and his core forces can retreat safely.”
“Yes!” Although Long Yi could not fully comprehend Yang Yi’s ultimate purpose, executing his commander’s orders was his paramount duty, so he agreed and left.
The next day, just as Yang Yi had predicted, the news of the Crown Prince Party’s allegiance to the Black God Gang spread throughout the nation, signifying the Black God Gang’s rise as the supreme power in the entire underworld. This announcement truly shook the nation, causing tremors among countless factions. Yang Yi’s immediate goal had been achieved: unifying the national underworld, and subsequently, the global one. Though this goal seemed distant, it was currently resting right in the palm of Yang Yi’s hand.
“Rong’er!” Yang Xuan entered from outside. Seeing Yang Rong fully prepared, he managed a wry smile, “Rong’er, are you truly set on…?”
“Grandfather!” Yang Rong smiled faintly, rising to her feet. “Things have reached this point; do you still believe there is a path of retreat?”
Indeed, every member of the Heavenly Dragon lineage was prepared, and the succession ceremony was set up, awaiting only Yang Rong’s appearance. Yang Xuan still felt deeply that he had failed his granddaughter, his face etched with guilt.
Seeing her grandfather’s sorrow, Yang Rong understood immediately and spoke gently, “Grandfather, please don’t be sad. Isn’t this state I am in very good? Look…!”
Hearing this, Yang Xuan looked up at Yang Rong. Dressed in simple, plain clothes, her hair tied back with a simple band and wearing light makeup, she possessed an aura reminiscent of ancient times. It was precisely this charm that made her presence striking—a true testament to how clothing shapes perception.
“Does this attire look good, Grandfather?”
Seeing his granddaughter’s bright, happy smile, Yang Xuan took a deep breath, as if momentarily suppressing his sorrow, and replied, “It looks beautiful!”
“Sect Master.”
“Come in!” Yang Xuan called out upon hearing the knock.
“Sect Master, the time has come. The Ten Elders of the Heavenly Dragon request that the new Sect Master and the former Sect Master proceed outside to conduct the rites!”
“Alright, I know. You may leave first!” Yang Xuan waved his hand. After the messenger departed, he turned to Yang Rong and asked, “Rong’er, are you absolutely sure about this?”
“Grandfather!” Yang Rong shot him a brief, playful look, took his hand, and said, “Let’s go!”
Yang Xuan shook his head helplessly and followed as Yang Rong led him out. The succession ritual for the Heavenly Dragon lineage was actually quite simple: one only needed to receive the secret lineage manual and the Sect Master’s jade ring. However, the ceremony itself was grand. A lavish banquet had been arranged in a nearby villa, gathering numerous members of the Heavenly Dragon lineage, their cheers filling the air.
Yet, they were keenly aware that outside their villa, the members of the Heavenly Ghost lineage stood guard, poised to attack at any moment. Consequently, the Heavenly Dragon members were armed, wearing swords at their waists and red headbands tied around their foreheads—certainly not festive attire.
The assembly area for the succession ceremony was filled with these armed clansmen. In front of them stood a large bamboo canopy where the Ten Elders of the Heavenly Ghost lineage and some of their followers were seated. Two seats, clearly designated, were reserved for the former and the new Sect Masters.
“The New Sect Master’s Succession Ceremony begins!” A middle-aged man shouted as Yang Xuan and Yang Rong emerged.
Dong, dong, dong! The sound of gongs and drums echoed across the grounds, accompanied by loud cheers, proving this was the customary rite for every new Sect Master. However, at that moment, an old man wearing a straw hat and carrying a bundle of medicinal herbs on his back stood at a vantage point, watching the girl led out by Yang Xuan, murmuring to himself, “She truly resembles Shishi so much!”
“Greetings, Elders!” Yang Rong dipped her head slightly.
“Rong’er, no need for formalities. Let us begin the ceremony first!” The Ten Elders of the Heavenly Dragon waved their hands in unison.
“Rong’er, take your seat,” Yang Xuan said with a heavy expression before stepping forward a few paces. Facing the assembled clan members below, he announced loudly, “Clan members, our new Sect Master has now been decided. My granddaughter, Yang Rong, shall assume the role. I believe she possesses sufficient qualification to lead you, enabling the Heavenly Dragon lineage to overcome the enemy currently surrounding us. I trust she will lead everyone toward an era of unparalleled glory. I ask that you all support her well—the new Heavenly Dragon Sect Master of the Heavenly Dragon lineage!”
“Heavenly Dragon Sect Master! Heavenly Dragon Sect Master! Heavenly Dragon Sect Master!” The clan members raised their hands and shouted in unison.
Seeing this, Yang Xuan nodded with satisfaction, then turned to remove the jade ring—the proof of the Heavenly Dragon Sect Master—and pulled out a secret manual, the technique for cultivating the third layer of Qi, known as the Arrogance Heart Method. He approached Yang Rong, offering them with both hands, “I hope you will cherish these dearly!”
“I will!” Yang Rong replied with firm resolve.
After accepting the tokens, Yang Rong immediately slipped on the jade ring and carefully stored the secret manual. She stepped forward a few paces and shouted loudly, “Clan members! Our Heavenly Dragon lineage has remained hidden in this place for a full several hundred years. Today, our sworn enemy, the Heavenly Ghost lineage, harasses us from the outside. Clan members, tell me, what must we do?”
“Kill! Kill! Kill!”
“Good.”
“Wait!” Yang Xuan suddenly interrupted what Yang Rong was about to say next. He seemed to have noticed something and whispered a few words into her ear. A flicker of immersion crossed Yang Rong’s eyes, and she took a deep breath before announcing, “I now declare that the Heavenly Dragon lineage enters Level One Alert status! Await my command!”
“Yes!”
After the succession ceremony, Yang Rong was led by Yang Xuan to a specific location. He kept looking around everywhere. Just as Yang Rong was about to ask him something, he suddenly frowned and said, “Old Yang, it’s time for you to show yourself, isn’t it?”
“Old Yang?” Yang Rong’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.
In that very instant, the figure carrying the medicinal herb bundle appeared before them. The old man looked at Yang Rong with an expression of excitement mixed with a deep, sorrowful tinge. Seeing the sudden appearance of the elder, Yang Rong felt a strange jolt in her heart; her mind seemed to go blank.