Chapter 544: Sinister Intentions
The scene instantly descended into chaos. The Guardian Clans and Prince Mansions that supported the Yun Family—or more accurately, remained loyal to Xiao Yaohou—were fewer in number, but not by much. Moreover, they stood firm on the side of the Demon Emperor lineage, their backs straight and their momentum far stronger than those who harbored guilty consciences or even shame.
At the very center of this turmoil, the Yun Family remained completely calm, especially the family head, Yun Qinghong, who sat there without uttering a single word from start to finish.
But just because he hadn't spoken didn't mean he hadn't said anything. While the two sides were locked in bitter confrontation, he had repeatedly used condensed profound sound transmission to communicate with Xiao Yaohou.
"Xiao Yaohou, please control your emotions. Now is definitely not the time for you to step forward... and above all, do not forcibly protect my Yun Family. Huai Wang and his ilk would welcome nothing more than for you to do so."
"Leave this matter entirely to my Yun Family!"
Yun Qinghong understood Xiao Yaohou's temperament better than most... Even back then, a single beating from Xiao Yaohou had left him bedridden for a full month. After she became Xiao Yaohou, her personality had changed even more drastically. Under these circumstances, her nature would have driven her to kill someone on the spot—if Yun Qinghong hadn't been the first to stop her with his sound transmission.
Just as Yun Qinghong had prepared his response and was about to stand up, Huai Wang suddenly spoke with a chuckle: "Everyone, please calm down first. Regarding the matter of whether the Yun Family can remain a Guardian Clan, it's clear that the majority favor removing the Yun Family from the list."
"What does the majority count for?" Mu Yubai said sternly. "Prince Huai Wang, do you really think that just because you've rallied enough people, you can cover the sky with one hand? Heh, a bunch of ingrates who have forgotten their ancestors and abandoned their clan—even if you multiply them ten or a hundred times, you'll still be nothing but a pile of despicable trash no one respects!"
Mu Yubai's words caused the murmuring in the great hall to grow louder. Mu Feiyan jabbed him with his elbow and shot him a sharp glare. Mu Yubai snorted coldly and turned his face away.
Huai Wang's expression remained unchanged, and he said unhurriedly: "Brother Mu, I'm afraid I can't quite understand what you're saying. But one thing you said is true: quantity alone doesn't mean much. After all, in our Huan Yao Realm—in any world—what ultimately decides everything isn't quantity... but strength!"
"What trick are you trying to pull now?" Yan Zijing asked warily. None of them naively believed that Huai Wang's remark about "quantity not meaning much" was on their side. He must have an even more sinister scheme in mind.
"What I mean is quite simple," Huai Wang said. "In terms of sheer numbers, our side has nearly thirty percent more support than yours. But just relying on numbers, you certainly won't be convinced—and neither will many of the major overlords gathered here from all directions. So, on behalf of those who support expelling the Yun Family from the Guardian Clans, I propose a method that is fairer, more just, and far easier for you to accept... At the same time, consider it a gift from me—a chance for the Yun Family and all of you!"
"In previous Demon Emperor Centennial Grand Ceremonies, the various Guardian Clans and Prince Mansions would traditionally take the stage to showcase their skills, displaying their respective strengths and prestige. Since this is Xiao Yaohou's first Centennial Grand Ceremony, it's even more indispensable! So how about this..." Huai Wang raised his hand and snapped his fingers with a smile: "Each of us will select twelve individuals for a duel. Of course, the competitions at past ceremonies have always involved the younger generation—after all, the strength of the youth determines a faction's standing for the next century. This time will be no exception! The age range for selection will be under thirty-five!"
"If, in the end, we happen to emerge victorious, then you should have nothing more to say, right?" Huai Wang's face was full of smiles.
"Excellent! Prince Huai Wang, an excellent proposal!" Zhong Wang praised.
"In terms of numbers, we've already won, but deciding the outcome through a contest of strength will make it more convincing. I have no objections!" Helian Kuang echoed loudly.
Huai Wang's proposal brought mocking smiles to the faces of those seated on the eastern side, while everyone on the western side suddenly changed expression.
They all knew full well that the western side was not only outnumbered in quantity but also suffered a huge disadvantage in "quality."
On the eastern side were seven Guardian Clans, and if each clan sent their number one talent of the younger generation, that would mean seven individuals who stood at the very peak of the younger generation across the entire Huan Yao Realm—fully confident and brimming with arrogance, leaving all the heroes of the realm momentarily speechless.
"Yun Qinghong, this matter is the result of your Yun Family, and the outcome will decide your family's fate. Do you not even have the courage to express your stance?" Huai Wang turned his gaze to the silent Yun Qinghong. "Tell me directly: will you accept this perfectly fair competition, or not?"
"Brother-in-law, you absolutely must not accept!" Mu Yubai said in a low voice. "Only Xiao Yaohou has the authority to command and decide your Yun Family's fate. There's no need to pay any heed to those petty villains!"
Mu Yubai's words reflected the thoughts of everyone on the western side, but before he even finished, Yun Che stood up before Yun Qinghong and declared loudly: "Accept! Of course we must accept! As if my Yun Family could be afraid of anyone!"
"Nonsense!!"
Mu Feiyan's beard stood on end. "This is a major family affair—what are you, a junior, babbling about! Qinghong, Yubai is right. Your Yun Family doesn't need to pay any attention to this. I'd like to see who dares to strip your Yun Family of their Guardian Clan title!"