Chapter 186 - 185: Speaking Frankly

Five years ago, Jiang Kun was nothing more than a lowly Marshal. To think he had managed to climb to the position of Deputy in just a few short years. Back then, Jiang Kun wouldn’t have dared to speak to him in such a tone. In Ye Xuan’s eyes, the man was merely a petty lackey. It seemed the mastermind pulling his strings was quite formidable.

"Cyan Dragon Chief, you flatter me too much. How would I ever dare to throw my weight around in front of you? I sincerely wanted to host a welcome banquet for you," Jiang Kun said, looking at Ye Xuan with a wide grin and deliberately playing dumb.

"A welcome banquet for me? There’s really no need for that. We aren’t that close," Ye Xuan said coldly, walking right up to Jiang Kun.

Jiang Kun’s expression faltered. He hadn’t expected Ye Xuan to show him absolutely no respect. A flash of ruthlessness flickered in the depths of his eyes. When he was just a Marshal, Ye Xuan had completely disregarded him. Now that he had risen to the rank of Deputy, Ye Xuan still acted just as arrogant and insufferable as before. It was utterly infuriating.

"Ye Xuan, don’t be ungrateful! It is your honor that Deputy Jiang is willing to host a banquet for you. Do you think you still hold the same status you did five years ago? Deputy Jiang is your superior now!" The man who had struck the member of the Four Palaces earlier jumped out and shouted upon seeing Ye Xuan speak to Jiang Kun with such a tone.

Ye Xuan narrowed his eyes. Without a word, he delivered a swift kick that sent the man flying.

"When I am talking to Jiang Kun, is it your place to interrupt?" Ye Xuan said haughtily, looking down at the man groaning in pain on the floor.

Jiang Kun’s face darkened even further. Ye Xuan was clearly giving them an eye for an eye. Just moments ago, they had used the exact same words to rebuke the members of the Four Palaces. Now, Ye Xuan was returning the favor in kind.

Seeing Ye Xuan take action, the people of the Four Palaces felt an indescribable thrill of satisfaction. Ever since Jiang Kun had taken the position of Deputy, he had constantly suppressed them, always finding fault over the most trivial matters.

The Black Tortoise Chief had suffered such severe injuries that his Martial Arts were completely crippled. The Old Leader’s original intention was to let him continue serving as the Black Tortoise Chief. Although his Martial Arts were ruined, his brilliant mind remained, making him more than capable of handling the role. But Jiang Kun had deliberately stepped in to stir up trouble, claiming that the Black Tortoise Chief ought to be adept in both pen and sword. He argued that a cripple was fundamentally unqualified for the position. In the end, the commotion forced the Black Tortoise Chief to resign.

Before Vermilion Bird’s Martial Arts were restored, Jiang Kun had also frequently targeted her position as the Vermilion Bird Chief. She had almost been replaced as well. Fortunately, Professor Zhang and his team were highly capable. After four and a half years of relentless effort, they had finally cured Vermilion Bird completely.

But even though she had recovered, she was the only one left of the Four Chiefs at the time. Moreover, as a woman, she was constantly marginalized by Jiang Kun and his faction in the military department. Every step she took was fraught with difficulty.

It wasn’t until the news of Ye Xuan’s return broke that the tide began to turn. The once-hopeless members of the Four Palaces instantly regained their confidence upon learning that Ye Xuan was still alive. They no longer had to spend their days treading on thin ice, overly cautious of other people’s moods.

"Ye Xuan, are you trying to oppose Deputy Jiang?" Jiang Ping, acting as Jiang Kun’s strategist and brother, furrowed his brows and barked sternly.

"Tsk, what is your status? Are you even qualified to speak to me?" Ye Xuan raised an eyebrow at Jiang Ping, his eyes brimming with thick mockery.

Jiang Ping was rendered speechless by his fury, his hands curling tightly into fists. Although he was Jiang Kun’s strategist, his status and rank were still one tier below Ye Xuan’s. Strictly speaking, he truly did not have the qualifications to speak to Ye Xuan in such a tone.

"Enough, Jiang Kun. Stop putting on this hypocritical act in front of me.

"I know exactly what kind of person you are, and you are fully aware of where we stand with each other.

"Drop the pretext of throwing a welcome banquet. You only came here today to test my attitude.

"I can tell you very clearly: as long as I, Ye Xuan, draw breath, you will never sit in the Leader’s seat. And the Qilin Hall will never replace the Cyan Dragon Hall as the head of the Four Palaces."

Too lazy to waste any more breath on Jiang Kun, Ye Xuan’s gaze hardened as he delivered these words with overwhelming dominance, making his stance crystal clear.

At this, Jiang Kun’s face completely darkened. He was truly choosing to do things the hard way.

"Ye Xuan, are you dead set on making enemies out of us?" Jiang Kun asked coldly, meeting Ye Xuan’s eyes.

"This isn’t about making enemies out of you. It’s about you coveting things that don’t belong to you.

"If you all stay honest and know your place, our Four Palaces naturally won’t stir up trouble over nothing.

"But if you fail to appreciate our restraint, don’t blame us for being ruthless."

Hearing Ye Xuan lay down the law so bluntly, the members of the Four Palaces standing behind him felt their blood boil with excitement. His aura was far beyond just being dominant. After suffering in silence for so many years, they had finally vented their frustrations. They had held their tongues for so long that people had truly mistaken them for weaklings.

"Good, good, very good." Looking at the united front of the Four Palaces, Jiang Kun was so furious he felt like his lungs were going to explode. He pointed a finger at Ye Xuan and repeated the word ’good’ three times.

"Ye Xuan, you brought this upon yourself by choosing the hard way. I hope you remember the words you said today. Make sure you don’t regret them later."

Throwing down that vicious threat, Jiang Kun turned and left with his men.

Watching their retreating backs, everyone in the Four Palaces erupted into cheers. It was incredibly cathartic!

"Cyan Dragon Chief, you were awesome! Look how angry that gingerbread man was—his face turned completely green."

"Haha! After all these years, we can finally hold our heads high. Let that gingerbread man act smug; now that our boss is back, let’s see how arrogant he can be!"

"BOOHOO... I’ve finally waited until this day. All those years of suffering were worth it."

Some of the more emotional members even started crying as they spoke.

Looking at the highly emotional crowd, Ye Xuan felt an unspeakable sense of guilt. They had truly suffered great grievances over the years. If not for their uncomplaining sacrifices and steadfast waiting, the Four Palaces would likely have crumbled long ago.

"Brothers, I’m sorry. I came back late. With this cup of wine, I, Ye Xuan, apologize to you all!

"You’ve all suffered too much these past few years."

Ye Xuan raised his glass, toasting everyone present. Then, he tilted his head back and downed it in one gulp.

"Cyan Dragon Chief, we haven’t suffered!" The crowd looked at Ye Xuan, their eyes shimmering with tears. To hear those words from Ye Xuan made every ounce of their suffering completely worth it.

Ye Xuan’s eyes instantly grew damp as well. He locked eyes with his brothers, countless words tumbling in his heart. Everything was understood without needing to be said.

Ye Xuan thoroughly enjoyed the meal, downing glass after glass of wine. By the end, he was even a little drunk.

"Drink less," Vermilion Bird whispered gently, looking at the tipsy Ye Xuan.