“Master!”
When Xiao Yufan appeared, a chorus of high-pitched voices rang out simultaneously. Some faces were filled with excitement; they had the capital to boast about having seen this legendary man…
Xiao Yufan himself was quite shaken by this grand reception. Previously, he had only intended to inform the senior members about the Shadow Gate’s affairs without wanting to make a public appearance. However, it now seemed unavoidable.
Slowly walking to the open space in front of the Shadow Gate members, Xiao Yufan wore a relaxed and amiable smile. This smile brought a sense of warmth to everyone present. Many who had never met the young master before suddenly realized that this legendary figure wasn’t as unapproachable as they had imagined.
“I’m very satisfied with the growth of the Shadow Gate!”
Faced with so many admiring gazes, Xiao Yufan could only smile and shake his head. These people were passionate about the underworld, naturally holding a degree of reverence for their young master. If in the past he might have secretly felt fortunate, having gone through life and death, he had now become indifferent to fame and fortune.
“For the young master, we would die a thousand deaths; for the Shadow Gate, we would not regret death!”
Hearing Xiao Yufan’s praise, the Shadow Gate members became even more excited. Undoubtedly, receiving Xiao Yufan’s approval had already proven their worth.
“This kid now knows how to play these formalities too!”
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 gradually learn such formalities, though it was probably for the better.
If previously Xiao Yufan had some concerns about whether Xiao Dao’s inexperience might make him less of a formidable leader, now those worries were irrelevant…
“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 away, 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 should avoid these formalities. Besides, you will be taking over the entire Shadow Gate in the future…”
Of course, with a bit of vanity at play, Xiao Yufan was somewhat satisfied with Nie Xiaodao’s arrangements, though he didn’t show it. Hearing Xiao Yufan’s words, Xiaodao’s body involuntarily trembled; it seemed the young master truly intended to hand over the Shadow Gate to him.
Tian Yi, Wang Wei, and Qing Long also simultaneously turned their gazes toward Xiaodao. The friendship among the four was naturally strong. If the young master indeed handed the Shadow Gate over to Xiaodao, they would certainly follow him to the death, as they all shared the same young master.
Other powerful figures within the Shadow Gate also had an epiphany. They knew they would always remain members of the Shadow Gate and loyal followers of the young master. As for who would ultimately take over the Shadow Gate, they would unquestioningly follow the young master’s decision.
“This time I gathered everyone here because I have only one thing to announce. I have too many responsibilities now and no longer have the energy to manage the Shadow Gate. Therefore, from now on, Xiaodao will take over the management of the Shadow Gate, and he will also be the future leader of our Shadow Gate!”
Sweeping his gaze over everyone present, Xiao Yufan’s expression became serious, and his aura instantly surged. Even Xiaodao and the others who had reached the realm of self-cultivation felt a deep, soul-stirring intimidation.
He did this solely to prevent anyone from harboring discontent toward Xiaodao’s ascension. Although the Shadow Gate would be handed over to Xiaodao, Xiao Yufan still needed to ensure its continued development, as it would remain a formidable force behind him.
“Follow the young master, follow the leader!”
When Xiao Yufan’s aura finally 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 Star” Xiaodao’s position within the Shadow Gate was second only to the young master. In their eyes, it was only natural for the young master to entrust the leadership of the Shadow Gate to Xiaodao.
“Master…”
Although he knew Xiao Yufan had already made his decision, Xiaodao couldn’t help but speak up. He had the potential to become a great warrior but was far from being a suitable leader. He lacked the unique charm and approachability that Xiao Yufan naturally possessed.
“My decision is final. Unless you want me, an old man now, to continue fighting on this path, wouldn’t going home to be with my wife be the proper thing to do?”
Xiao Yufan’s serious expression melted into a playful one, causing Tian Yi and the others to roll their eyes. The young master was actually younger than them, yet he spoke with such an air of age and authority.
“If the young master has decided, then Xiaodao has nothing more to say. But in my heart, you will always be the young master of the Shadow Gate!”
A touch of warmth appeared in Xiaodao’s eyes. Even a tough man had a soft 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 speak so sentimentally. I think, Brother Wei, Tian Yi, and Qing Long won’t have any objections either…”
Turning his head to look at the three most important people in the Shadow Gate, Xiao Yufan’s lips curled into a smile. As long as the main pillars of the Shadow Gate had no intentions of betrayal, the Shadow Gate would never fall.
“No objections!” The three responded almost in unison. Even Qing Long, who rarely smiled, showed a hint of a grin. They were not men who pursued personal gain; in their eyes, brotherhood was far more important than personal interests.
“You truly are my brothers! I believe the Shadow Gate will surely grow stronger under Xiaodao’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 that there were no ulterior motives in their hearts…
“You can rest assured, Master. We brothers won’t disgrace you, and 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 passion rose in Xiaodao’s heart. Since the young master trusted him so much, he naturally wouldn’t let him down. The Shadow Gate becoming the underground emperor of the north was far from enough. What he sought was a transcendent force unafraid of the hidden aristocratic families.
Nie Xiaodao clearly understood that Xiao Yufan would definitely seek revenge against the Hidden Guo family. If the Shadow Gate had sufficient power to annihilate the Hidden Guo family, those arrogant people wouldn’t dare to act so brazenly. However, he didn’t realize 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!
“Hidden Guo family’s old dogs, and Guo Junyu, soon I will make you pay the price!”
After settling these matters, Xiao Yufan visibly relaxed. Glancing at the slightly dim sky, a flicker of murderous intent flashed in his eyes. Ever since the Hidden Guo family’s old dogs had attempted to assassinate him, they had already been marked on his blacklist…
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage