CHAPTER 556: CHAPTER 554 RESISTANCE_1

WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

As soon as Ling Chen set foot in the main hall, all eyes converged on him, every gaze fixed upon his form.

These gazes were filled with astonishment, indifference, goodwill, and hostility—a diverse mix.

The high-ranking members of the Cyan Robe Association were all gathered. All the Elders from various halls were present, and seven out of the eight Branch Masters had arrived. Practically everyone was there.

"Dustless Club Master, you’ve finally returned."

The white-haired elder sitting to the left showed a touch of delight on his face upon seeing Ling Chen.

Ling Chen recognized this white-haired elder. He was The elder of law enforcement in the Cyan Robe Association, a stubborn old man of uncompromising rectitude.

He then stood up from his seat, took out a Green Jade Token carved with unusual patterns, and presented it to Ling Chen.

Ling Chen’s gaze sharpened slightly. The token before him was undoubtedly a size larger than the one given to him by the Cyan-robed Guest. Moreover, its patterns were vivid, the material far superior, and it exuded a subtle, gentle fluctuation of Energy.

Having this item by one’s side might even help nourish one’s True Qi.

"This is the Qing Emperor’s Token, the symbol of the Sect Leader of the Cyan Robe Association. With this Qing Emperor’s Token, you can command anyone holding the Cyan Robes Token. I am now complying with the Sect Leader’s last wishes and handing it over to you," The elder of law enforcement affirmed solemnly.

"Hold on!"

Just as Ling Chen was about to reach out and take it, a sharp voice stopped him. The voice came from a man with a hooked nose. This man was a Top Sky Apex Strong and occupied the foremost seat on the right, a prestigious position second only to the Sect Leader.

This man was the Vice Sect Leader of the Cyan Robe Association, Linghu Yi.

Linghu Yi’s Cultivation had reached the Sky Apex Fourth Layer, positioning him second only to the Cyan-robed Guest in the Cyan Robe Association. He held considerable influence within the Cyan Robe Association, superior to many Elders and Branch Masters.

However, when the Cyan-robed Guest was present, Linghu Yi rarely had the opportunity to participate in decision-making because the Cyan-robed Guest’s word was law in the Cyan Robe Association; everyone had to comply unconditionally.

Now that the Cyan-robed Guest was gone, Linghu Yi had finally risen to prominence. But suddenly, Ling Chen appeared out of nowhere to inherit the position of Sect Leader, so Linghu Yi naturally sprang out to object.

What a joke! Considering position, seniority, and strength, *I* should be next in line, not Ling Chen.

"Oh, does Assistant leader Linghu have an issue? This is the Sect Leader’s command," The elder of law enforcement frowned, clearly vexed.

"I know this is the Sect Leader’s order."

Linghu Yi gave a faint smile. "But our Cyan Robe Association also has its rules. According to association regulations, if the Sect Leader is absent, the new Sect Leader must be approved by a majority vote from the high-ranking members. I suggest that all high-ranking members of the Cyan Robe Association present here vote. If more than two-thirds agree, it won’t be too late for Nephew Dustless to formally assume the position of Sect Leader."

"Is there such a rule?" Ling Chen frowned, turning to Liu Feiyue beside him.

"Assistant leader Linghu is right; there indeed is such a rule." Liu Feiyue nodded. Then, her tone shifted as she continued, "However, our Cyan Robe Association has always been under the Master’s sole leadership. His words are a Holy Command, and all members must obey. Since he entrusted the position to Ling Chen through The elder of law enforcement, then even you, Vice Sect Leader, and all the Elders, must comply."

Linghu Yi had thought Liu Feiyue was on his side, but his face turned gloomy upon hearing the second half of her statement. That girl, actually siding with a newcomer! What a heartless, ungrateful wretch!

Upon hearing Liu Feiyue’s words, Ling Chen no longer hesitated and stretched out his hand to accept the Qing Emperor’s Token.

Seeing Ling Chen take the token, The elder of law enforcement immediately knelt on one knee, bowing deeply towards Ling Chen, and declared, "Your subordinate pays respects to the Dustless Club Master!"

Seeing The elder of law enforcement take the lead in kneeling, several other Elders behind him also knelt. Additionally, Bai Xu’an and two other Branch Masters knelt to pledge their loyalty to Ling Chen.

But their number did not make up even one-third of those present.

The remaining people stood rooted to the spot. Some appeared hesitant, but ultimately, under Linghu Yi’s piercing gaze, none dared to make a move.

The most powerful figure in the Cyan Robe Association at present was Linghu Yi. If they dared to defy him, they would likely struggle to survive afterward; even their lives could be at stake.

"Assistant leader Linghu, what is the meaning of this?" The elder of law enforcement’s expression turned grim as he saw Linghu Yi remain unmoved. It seems he doesn’t intend to acknowledge Ling Chen as the Sect Leader.

"Heh, The elder of law enforcement, don’t be hasty," Linghu Yi, ever the sly fox, smiled unhurriedly. "We don’t intend to make things difficult for Nephew Dustless regarding his succession as Sect Leader. However, he is young. Never mind his prestige; his strength is severely lacking. In this world, strength is paramount. If he becomes Sect Leader, I fear it won’t be long before the Cyan Robe Association descends into discord and falls apart. I believe the former Sect Leader would not wish to see the Cyan Robe Association, which he founded with such effort, meet such a fate."

"Then what does Assistant leader Linghu propose?" Ling Chen, fully understanding the old fox’s intentions, gave a cold smile. "Perhaps I should cede the position of Sect Leader to you?"

"That won’t be necessary. I have no interest in the position of Sect Leader. I am merely thinking of the entire Cyan Robe Association and all its members." Linghu Yi waved his hand dismissively, feigning disinterest. However, inwardly, he was sneering endlessly. A man of his stature? The position of Sect Leader should have been his by right. Did he need this wet-behind-the-ears brat, Ling Chen, to offer it to him?

"Since Assistant leader Linghu deems Ling Chen unqualified to inherit the position of Sect Leader, then what qualifications, in your esteemed opinion, are necessary?" Liu Feiyue asked icily.

"Well, I won’t make it too difficult for him." Linghu Yi, looking as though he had anticipated this, suddenly raised his hands and clapped. As the applause echoed, a powerfully built young man stepped out from the crowd behind Linghu Yi.

This man stood eight feet tall, built like a bear with the back of a tiger. Every inch of his muscle seemed to ripple with immense strength. Clad in black light armor, his entire presence exuded a formidable aura.

Although this young man’s Cultivation was at the Great Master Ninth Level, his physique was like a dormant volcano. Ling Chen could sense an extremely fierce power contained within him; this young man was clearly no ordinary individual.

"That is Linghu Yi’s Disciple, Meng Qi. He is ranked fifth on the current Young Master List," Liu Feiyue transmitted to him quietly.

"Fifth?" Ling Chen’s pupils constricted slightly. To be in the top five of the Young Master List... this robust young man’s strength must far surpass the likes of the Gentleman of the Wind and Yin Zongli.

"Nephew Dustless, if you can defeat this disciple of mine, I will not say another word and will acknowledge you as Sect Leader!" Linghu Yi grinned, his smile exceptionally bright. "Naturally, if you lose, then you must willingly step aside. The position of Sect Leader will then be decided anew by us."

His words immediately caused an uproar. Yet, before the commotion subsided, a faint smile touched Ling Chen’s lips. His eyes flashed with a sharp light as he declared, word by word,

"Then it’s settled."