Urban Martial Saint

The sudden appearance of the Purple Robe Lama caused the balance of the scene to shift once again.

Earlier, the strength Liu Mubai displayed indicated that he already had the qualifications to become an Elder. A top-level master being able to defeat a peak master—if given more time, should he become a peak master, who could contest him then? Therefore, Liu Mubai’s strength is certainly sufficient.

Many people were actually somewhat dissatisfied with Liu Mubai’s entry into the Elders Council. Firstly, those present were all senior experts, while Liu Mubai was quite young, belonging to the youngest of juniors. That a junior would enter the Elders Council while those seniors could not naturally left them feeling disgruntled. Secondly, although Liu Mubai was powerful, he stood alone, unlike the Bloody Monk who had the Sha Men behind him, or the Wolf Monk with support from the Xiaolin Temple. Hence, given Liu Mubai’s background, he really wasn’t qualified to become an Elder.

However, when both Shijia and the Purple Robe Lama endorsed Liu Mubai for the Elder position, the situation took a turn. Shijia represented the Xiaolin Temple and was one of the beyond peerless masters. People dared not ignore his words. The Purple Robe Lama, representing Brahmanism, generally wouldn’t interfere in the affairs of Huaxia’s martial artists. As a protector of Brahmanism, the Purple Robe Lama must be aware of these matters yet chose to support Liu Mubai, indicative of Brahmanism’s stance, aligning with the Reincarnated True Buddha’s will. Put simply, the Reincarnated True Buddha showed support for Liu Mubai.

In the present situation, two significant figures and powers of the Buddhist Sect both stepped forward to support Liu Mubai. Shijia, being the top expert of the current Buddhist Sect, represented the Xiaolin Temple. The Reincarnated True Buddha, as the most revered figure of the present Buddhist Sect, represented Brahmanism. With both major powers backing Liu Mubai, what more was there to be said among the people?

After a moment of silence, a man in the crowd suddenly shouted, ”I also support Liu Mubai joining the Elders Council!”

Ye Qing glanced at the man named Lü Anyi. According to the Wolf Monk, this person was a part of a Xiaolin Temple branch, having been taught by the temple, thus always standing on Xiaolin Temple’s side. With Shijia supporting Liu Mubai, it was certain that Lü Anyi would back Shijia as well.

With Lü Anyi speaking up, a few others on the scene immediately followed suit. These individuals either had good relations with the Xiaolin Temple, had received favors from Brahmanism, or were close to Ye Qing’s ally Fu Qingping. With their support, it naturally created an impression that many were in favor of Liu Mubai becoming an Elder.

As for those who didn’t want Liu Mubai to become an Elder, they found no choice left. Both major powers had shown their support for Liu Mubai, and so many present had opportunistically come to back him. Even if they wished to oppose Liu Mubai becoming an Elder, it was now utterly impossible. On the contrary, should they obstruct Liu Mubai in this matter, it would mean confronting the Xiaolin Temple and Brahmanism, the outcomes of which were foreseeable. Hence, although they were reluctant, they had to express support and agree to Liu Mubai’s entry into the Elders Council.

With everyone expressing their support for Liu Mubai to become an Elder, Ye Qing was extremely pleased and decisively declared Liu Mubai as the tenth of the Top Ten Elders.

Thus, the Top Ten Elders were firmly established. Out of the Six Great Families, one person from each became an Elder. On Ye Qing’s side, the Bloody Monk and Wolf Monk each occupied a spot. Bai Li Xi took another position. The final spot, which Ye Qing originally intended for Huangfu Ziyu, ended up being taken by Liu Mubai. Yet this situation was even more advantageous for Ye Qing, as he really didn’t want Huangfu Ziyu to become an Elder unless absolutely necessary. With Liu Mubai taking the role, Ye Qing breathed a sigh of relief.

In the end, everything was still within Ye Qing’s plan. Among the Top Ten Elders, the Bloody Monk, Wolf Monk, Bai Li Xi, and Liu Mubai were definitely on Ye Qing’s side. Additionally, among the Six Great Families, one family stood with Ye Qing. This meant Ye Qing had control over five of the Elders. Even if the Elders Council were to discuss matters, Ye Qing’s side held more influence. Besides, the remaining five Elders, although not aligned with Ye Qing, acted independently and could not shake Ye Qing’s ruling position. In essence, with the formation of the Elders Council, Ye Qing had transitioned from being an empty figurehead Alliance Hierarch to wielding real power. While he might not govern the World Alliance directly, he could certainly control the Elders Council.

After the formation of the Elders Council, Ye Qing didn’t announce the meeting to be over, but continued, ”Although the Elders Council is established now, some matters of the World Alliance still need to be discussed with everyone. The Elders Council exists to deliberate on decisions of the Alliance Hierarch and major matters of the World Alliance. However, the execution of these decisions still requires someone to carry them out.”

The crowd looked at Ye Qing, all trying to deduce his intentions. Some sharp individuals already guessed that Ye Qing might be planning to set up additional positions. They could see through Ye Qing’s maneuvers, but they could no longer stop the momentum.

Some among the Six Great Families indeed understood, yet each family held a spot in the Elders Council, equating to having power in hand, thus they had no reason to oppose Ye Qing’s decision. As for others, although they had their grumbles, they lacked the strength to resist. Therefore, at this point, they could only follow Ye Qing’s arrangements.

”Originally, the execution of these matters should be my responsibility. However, relying solely on myself isn’t entirely safe. After all, I can’t always remain here indefinitely. Should I have to leave for any reason, the World Alliance must continue its development,” Ye Qing said, sweeping his gaze across the crowd. ”Therefore, I propose establishing two Vice Alliance Hierarch positions under me, to handle matters of the Seven Steering Committees of Hong Alliance when I’m unable to.”

Upon these words, the crowd erupted in astonishment. Two Vice Alliance Hierarchs would hold significant powers, and whoever filled these positions would essentially control Hong Alliance’s Seven Rudders.

Some among them, originally unhappy with Ye Qing’s arrangements, were now distracted by the prospect of the Vice Alliance Hierarch roles, each hoping to secure such a significant position for themselves.

”I must ask...” Amidst the excitement, an elder in the crowd suddenly shouted, ”Can those already appointed as Elders be eligible to become Vice Alliance Hierarchs?”

At this, silence fell over the crowd, all eyes fixed on Ye Qing. This was a critical point after all. If those already Elders could also become Vice Alliance Hierarchs, then these roles would likely go to the Six Great Families. What chance did they have then?

Ye Qing took a deep breath and said, ”In the interest of fairness and to ensure no single family monopolizes power within the Alliance, Elders and Vice Alliance Hierarchs cannot be from the same family!”

His words unleashed a clamor throughout the audience, bringing joy to some while distressing others. Those who had yet to become Elders rejoiced, while naturally, the Six Great Families were disgruntled. They not only wanted control over the Elders Council but also aimed to become Vice Alliance Hierarchs. Yet, Ye Qing’s decision had quenched their hopes entirely, leaving the Vice Alliance Hierarch positions out of reach.

Facing the uproar, Ye Qing remained calm, waving a hand slowly as he said, ”I made this decision for the betterment of the Alliance’s development. If any of you have objections, feel free to discuss it with me later. However, today, let’s first elect the two Vice Alliance Hierarchs. Does anyone have suggestions?”

The crowd immediately engaged in a flurry of recommendations, just as they had when selecting the Elders, each proposing their own allies. In reality, the results held no meaning as this was precisely what Ye Qing intended.

Watching the endless disputes, Ye Qing couldn’t help but silently chuckle. These people, with their diverse motives, were too disunited, ultimately providing him the opportunity to gradually seize control.

Amidst the ongoing argument, the previously silent Bloody Monk suddenly spoke aloud, ”I propose the Green Reed Swordsman to be Vice Alliance Hierarch!”

His words left the quarrelsome crowd in stunned silence, eyes turning towards the Bloody Monk. Who would’ve anticipated such a nomination? Should Fu Qingping take the Vice Alliance Hierarch role, who could rival him? The Battle of Mount Tai already made Fu Qingping renowned, and the crowd held him in reverence. Who would dare to defy him?

Ye Qing offered a slight smile, scanning the assembly, and said, ”The Blood Robe Sect Leader proposes Senior Fu Qingping for Vice Alliance Hierarch. Are there any objections?”