Chapter 588: A Young Master!

“Master!”

When Xiao Yufan appeared, loud voices erupted in unison. Some faces were filled with excitement; being able to see this legendary man gave them something to brag about…

Xiao Yufan himself was quite taken aback by the grand reception. Previously, he had only intended to inform the senior members about the Shadow Gate’s affairs without making a public appearance, but now it seemed unavoidable.

He slowly walked to the open space in front of the Shadow Gate members, a relaxed smile on his face. This smile brought a warm feeling to everyone present. Many who had never seen the young master before suddenly realized that this legendary figure wasn’t as unapproachable as they had imagined.

“I am very satisfied with the growth of the Shadow Gate!”

Facing the crowd’s adoring gazes, Xiao Yufan could only shake his head with a smile. These people were passionate souls of the underworld, naturally holding a deep respect for their young master. If in the past he might have secretly felt fortunate, now after experiencing life and death, he had grown indifferent to fame and fortune.

“For our young master, we would die a thousand deaths; for the Shadow Gate, we have no regrets even in death!”

Hearing Xiao Yufan’s praise, the Shadow Gate members became even more excited. There was no doubt that receiving Xiao Yufan’s recognition had already proven their worth.

“This kid, he’s learned how to do these formalities now!”

Xiao Yufan didn’t even need to think to know that these words must have been taught by Xiao Dao. He hadn’t expected that the honest Xiao Dao would also learn such formalities, but perhaps it was for the better.

If previously Xiao Yufan had some concerns about whether Xiao Dao was too blunt to possess the demeanor of a leader, then now such worries were no longer relevant…

“Hehe, Boss, are you satisfied?”

Seeing Xiao Yufan’s expression, Nie Xiaodao sheepishly approached, the joy in his eyes genuine. During the time Xiao Yufan had been absent, Nie Xiaodao had almost exhausted the Shadow Gate’s resources to pressure the Hidden Guo family, though with little effect.

“Satisfied? Cut the crap! From now on, brothers shouldn’t bother with these formalities. Besides, you will be taking over the entire Shadow Gate in the future…”

Of course, Xiao Yufan, driven by a sense of vanity, was somewhat satisfied with Nie Xiaodao’s arrangements, though he didn’t show it. Upon hearing Xiao Yufan’s words, Nie Xiaodao couldn’t help but tremble—so the young master truly intended to hand over the Shadow Gate to him.

Tianyi, Wang Wei, and Qinglong also simultaneously turned their gazes toward Nie Xiaodao. The bond between the four of them was naturally strong. If the young master truly intended to hand over the Shadow Gate to Nie Xiaodao, they would surely follow him to the death, for they all shared the same young master.

Other powerful figures within the Shadow Gate also felt a sudden clarity. They knew they would always be members of the Shadow Gate, always belonging to the young master. As for who would eventually take over the Shadow Gate, they would unquestionably follow the young master’s decision.

“The reason I gathered everyone here today is to announce one thing. Because I have many things to attend to, I no longer have the energy to manage the Shadow Gate. Therefore, from now on, the Shadow Gate will be handed over to Xiao Dao, who will become the future leader of the Shadow Gate!”

His gaze sweeping across everyone present, Xiao Yufan’s expression became serious, and his aura suddenly erupted. Even Xiao Dao and the others who had reached the cultivation realm of self-cultivation felt a deep, soul-shaking intimidation.

He did this only to prevent anyone from harboring discontent toward Xiao Dao’s ascension. Although he was handing over the Shadow Gate to Xiao Dao, Xiao Yufan still needed to ensure its continued development, for it would remain a powerful force behind him.

“Follow the young master, follow the leader!”

As Xiao Yufan’s aura gradually receded, many slowly regained their composure, though cold sweat had already formed on their backs. They were all intelligent men who understood why the young master had suddenly exerted pressure.

The “Killer Trio” Xiao Dao’s status within the Shadow Gate was second only to the young master. In their eyes, it was only natural for the young master to hand over the leadership to Xiao Dao.

“Master…”

Although Nie Xiaodao knew Xiao Yufan had made up his mind, he couldn’t help but speak up. He had the potential to become a great warrior, but he was far from being a suitable leader. He lacked the unique charm and approachability that Xiao Yufan possessed.

“My decision is final. Unless you want me, an old man now, to keep fighting on this path, wouldn’t going home to be with my wife be the more sensible thing to do?”

The seriousness melted away, and Xiao Yufan said jokingly, causing Tianyi and the others to roll their eyes. The young master was actually younger than them, yet he spoke as if he were an old man.

“If the young master has decided, then Xiao Dao has nothing more to say. But in my heart, you will always be the Shadow Gate’s young master!”

Nie Xiaodao’s eyes glistened with emotion. Even a hardened warrior had a tender side. The debt of gratitude he owed Xiao Yufan was something he would never forget. Even if he became the leader of the Shadow Gate, he would always regard Xiao Yufan as the young master.

“Brothers shouldn’t say such sentimental things. I think, Brother Wei, Tianyi, and Qinglong won’t have any objections either…”

Turning his head to look at the other three most important figures in the Shadow Gate, Xiao Yufan’s lips curled into a smile. As long as the core members of the Shadow Gate remained loyal, the Shadow Gate would never fall.

“No objections!” The three of them spoke almost in unison. Even Qinglong, who rarely smiled, showed a hint of a grin. They were not men who pursued personal gain; in their eyes, the bond of brotherhood was far more important than self-interest.

“You truly are my brothers. I believe the Shadow Gate will surely grow stronger under Xiao Dao’s leadership, consolidating the north and advancing into the south!”

Xiao Yufan could sense that their words carried no hesitation, their eyes filled with sincerity. It was clear their hearts held no ulterior motives.

“Young master, rest assured. We brothers will never disgrace you. Moreover, you have more important matters to attend to. We won’t hold you back, but the Shadow Gate will always have only one young master!”

A surge of heroism welled up in Nie Xiaodao’s heart. Since the young master trusted him so much, he naturally would not let him down. The Shadow Gate becoming the underground emperor of the north was far from enough. What he wanted was a transcendent force that could rival the hidden aristocratic families.

Nie Xiaodao clearly knew that Xiao Yufan would definitely seek revenge against the Hidden Guo family. If the Shadow Gate possessed enough strength to annihilate the Hidden Guo family, then those arrogant people would not dare to act so brazenly. However, what he didn’t realize was that if Xiao Yufan truly mobilized the Heaven Alliance’s forces through his father and grandfather, the Hidden Guo family would have only one fate—total destruction!

“Old dogs of the Hidden Guo family, and Guo Junyu, soon I will make you pay the price!”

“Young Master!”

As Xiao Yufan appeared, a chorus of enthusiastic voices erupted. Many faces were filled with excitement. To meet this legendary man was already a bragging right for them…

Xiao Yufan himself was slightly overwhelmed by the scene. Initially, he had only intended to brief the higher-ups about the Dark Gate’s affairs, not to make it public. But now, it seemed unavoidable!

He walked calmly to an open space in front of the Dark Gate members, a gentle smile on his face. This smile warmed the hearts of everyone present. Many who had never seen the Young Master before suddenly realized that this legendary figure wasn’t as unapproachable as they had imagined.

“The growth of the Dark Gate has been very satisfying to me!”

Facing the many admiring gazes, Xiao Yufan could only smile and shake his head. These people, with their underground world fervor, naturally held a certain reverence for him as their Young Master. In the past, he might have secretly rejoiced, but after experiencing life and death, fame and fortune had lost much of their allure.

“For the Young Master, we would die a thousand deaths without regret! For the Dark Gate, we would die without hesitation!”

Hearing Xiao Yufan’s praise, the emotions of the Dark Gate members surged even more. Undoubtedly, receiving Xiao Yufan’s affirmation had already proven their worth!

“This kid, now he’s even playing these superficial games!”

Without thinking, Xiao Yufan knew that these words must have been taught to them by Xiao Dao. He hadn’t expected the honest Xiao Dao to slowly learn these superficial tricks, but perhaps it was for the best.

If before, Xiao Yufan had some concerns about whether Xiao Dao’s lack of finesse might hinder his rise as a formidable leader, now such worries seemed trivial…

“Heh, boss, are you satisfied?”

Seeing Xiao Yufan’s expression, Nie Xiao Dao sheepishly approached, a genuine smile in his eyes. During the time Xiao Yufan had been absent, Nie Xiao Dao had almost exhausted the Dark Gate’s resources to pressure the hidden Guo family, but with little success.

“Satisfied my foot! Between brothers, let’s not have these superficial things in the future. Besides, you’ll be taking over the entire Dark Gate soon…”

Of course, with a bit of vanity at play, Xiao Yufan was somewhat satisfied with Nie Xiao Dao’s arrangements, though he didn’t show it. Hearing his words, Xiao Dao’s body trembled slightly—it seemed the Young Master truly intended for him to take over the Dark Gate.

Tian Yi, Wang Wei, and Qing Long also turned their gazes to Xiao Dao. The bond between the four was naturally strong. If the Young Master really handed the Dark Gate to Xiao Dao, they would undoubtedly follow him to the death, for they all shared the same Young Master.

Other strong members of the Dark Gate also had a moment of realization. They knew they would always be part of the Dark Gate, always loyal to the Young Master. As for who would take over the Dark Gate, they would unquestionably follow the Young Master’s decision.

“I’ve gathered everyone here today to announce one thing. I have too many matters to attend to and cannot focus on the Dark Gate anymore. Henceforth, the Dark Gate will be managed by Xiao Dao, who will also be our future Gate Master!”

Xiao Yufan’s gaze swept over everyone present, his expression serious. The aura emanating from him was so powerful that even Xiao Dao and the others, who had reached the cultivation realm, felt a deep, soul-shaking force.

He did this to prevent any discontent from those who might oppose Xiao Dao’s rise. Although he was handing the Dark Gate to Xiao Dao, he still needed to ensure its growth, as it would remain a significant force behind him.

“Follow the Young Master, follow the Gate Master!”

As Xiao Yufan’s aura subsided, many slowly regained their composure, though a cold sweat had already formed on their backs. They were smart enough to understand why the Young Master had suddenly exerted such pressure.

In the Dark Gate, Nie Xiao Dao’s status was second only to the Young Master. In their eyes, it was only natural for the Young Master to pass the Gate Master position to Xiao Dao.

“Young Master…”

Though he knew Xiao Yufan’s decision was final, Xiao Dao couldn’t help but speak up. He had the potential to be a great warrior, but he was far from being a qualified leader. He lacked the unique charm and affinity that Xiao Yufan possessed.

“My decision is final. Do you really want me, at this age, to keep fighting and killing on this path? Going home to be with my wife is the real deal!”

Xiao Yufan’s serious expression melted into a playful one, causing Tian Yi and the others to smirk. The Young Master was younger than them, yet he spoke with such an old-fashioned tone.

“Since the Young Master has decided, Xiao Dao has nothing more to say. But in Xiao Dao’s heart, you will always be the Young Master of the Dark Gate!”

A hint of moisture appeared in Xiao Dao’s eyes. Even the toughest man has a soft side. The gratitude he felt towards Xiao Yufan was something he would never forget. Even as the Gate Master of the Dark Gate, he would always revere Xiao Yufan as his Young Master.

“Between brothers, let’s not say such sentimental words. I believe Brother Wei, Tian Yi, and Qing Long won’t have any objections either…”

Turning to the other three key figures of the Dark Gate, Xiao Yufan’s smile widened. As long as the core of the Dark Gate remained united, the Dark Gate would never fall.

“No objections!” The three spoke almost in unison. Even Qing Long, who rarely smiled, showed a hint of a grin. They were not driven by personal gain; to them, brotherhood was far more important than profit.

“Truly my brothers! I believe the Dark Gate will thrive under Xiao Dao’s leadership, solidifying the north and advancing into the south!”

Xiao Yufan could sense the sincerity in their words and the honesty in their eyes. It was clear that their hearts were free of any ulterior motives…

“Young Master, rest assured. We brothers will never let you down. You have more important matters to attend to, and we won’t hold you back. But the Dark Gate will always have only one Young Master!”

Xiao Dao’s heart swelled with pride. Since the Young Master trusted him so much, he would not disappoint. The Dark Gate had become the underground ruler of the north, but that was far from enough. He aimed to build a force that could stand unafraid against even the hidden families.

Nie Xiao Dao knew that Xiao Yufan would seek revenge against the hidden Guo family. If the Dark Gate could amass enough power to crush the hidden Guo family, those arrogant individuals would never dare to act so brazenly. However, he didn’t realize that if Xiao Yufan truly mobilized the strength of his father and grandfather from the Tian Alliance, the Guo family’s fate would be sealed—utter annihilation.

“Old dogs of the hidden Guo family, and Guo Junyu, soon you will pay the price!”

After all this, Xiao Yufan visibly relaxed. Looking at the dimming sky, a trace of madness flickered in his eyes. From the moment the old dogs of the hidden Guo family had tried to assassinate him, the hidden Guo family had been marked on his blacklist…