Behind the Qingyu Society stood not only Shen Hong but also Ye Qingyu. If Qingyu Society was truly in danger, it meant Ye Qingyu was likely in grave peril as well.
But Ye Qingyu was currently in an ancient tomb relic, working for Xia Kingdom, with the full support of the North Star organization. Who could possibly threaten her?
This question seemed complex, but the answer was simple.
As the saying goes, no traitor is harder to guard against than one from within. Su Mo suspected that someone inside North Star was targeting her.
Of course, this was merely his speculation—the truth remained unknown.
Yet before one storm could pass, another arose.
According to Shen Hong, the Elder Council had retrieved Nangong Xuan’s remains from a foreign power and would hold a memorial service in seven days. This was also the main reason Yang Jie urgently summoned Su Mo back to Jing City.
If it were just a memorial service, there’d be no issue. But given everything that had happened over the past month, it was impossible not to question the true purpose behind this event.
The terrorist attack in Chu Zhou, the handling of Yang He, the Hundred Immortals Sect’s relocation to America, the mass rebellion in Star City—and Nangong Xuan’s death just before it all unfolded.
All signs pointed to one conclusion: the Great Xia Kingdom might truly be on the brink of upheaval.
Just as Su Mo bid farewell to Shen Hong and prepared to visit Qingyu Society again, Yang Jie called.
“Be careful. Elder Liu has arrived in Jiangcheng—likely for the legacy you carry.”
Su Mo was startled. He suspected this Elder Liu wasn’t just after the legacy but also seeking justice for his daughter and grandson.
Not that Su Mo feared him.
“Thank you for the warning, Commander Yang. I’ll stay alert.”
Yang Jie had hinted before that the Elder Council had no authority to command the Twenty-Eight Constellations to act on their behalf. It seemed he had anticipated this day.
“Mm, but don’t be too tense. As long as you don’t admit to anything and they can’t pin evidence on you, they won’t dare openly threaten you—at least not at this stage.”
Yang Jie’s words carried heavy implications, especially the phrase “at this stage.”
After the call, Ye Qingyi asked, “What’s your plan? Wait for Elder Liu to come to us?”
“No. I’ll strike first.”
“What can I do?”
“Protect me.”
“Okay.”
“Aren’t you going to ask for details?”
“You’ll handle it.”
Su Mo sighed. “Such a clever girl—how’d you become so unwilling to think for yourself?”
Ye Qingyi muttered under her breath, “You spoiled me this way.”
“And I’d do it again.”
…..
Qingyu Society, Conference Room
All the council members were present, their attention fixed on the day’s central figure—Su Mo.
The atmosphere was hostile, with two factions locked in confrontation.
“Vice President Ye called this emergency meeting. Does she have something important to announce?” A council member aligned with Liao Yu spoke with open disdain.
Su Mo glanced at the empty seat meant for Liao Yu and replied calmly, “No rush. Let’s wait for President Liao to arrive.”
The council member scoffed. “You’re the one who called the meeting. Why insist on waiting for the president? A mere vice president has no right to order the president around.”
Ye Qingyi, standing behind Su Mo, suddenly interjected, “Qingyu Society doesn’t play by bureaucratic rules. Titles like ‘president’ and ‘vice president’ are just roles—when it comes to major matters, there’s no hierarchy.”
“Kid, I’ve had enough of you! Vice President Ye is the younger sister of our society’s founder—we respect her for that. But you? Hmph! A nobody riding on coattails, daring to sit among us?”
Wang Er slammed the table. “Watch your mouth!”
“Am I wrong?” The man sneered. “I can tolerate Ye Qingyi throwing her weight around because of her sister. But what right does this brat have to challenge me?”
The moment those words left his mouth, the previously silent room erupted into chaos as council members began arguing.
Su Mo said nothing. Instead, he placed his Tetanus Blade on the table and watched them quarrel.
“What’s this? Trying to intimidate us?” Another council member stood abruptly.
Su Mo swept his gaze across the room before letting out a cold laugh. “Gentlemen, I think you’ve forgotten one thing—I’m the vice president now.”
“Oh really?” Someone mocked. “Your little lackey just said there’s no hierarchy, and now you’re throwing your title around? Isn’t that shooting yourself in the foot?”
“Ah, but here’s the thing,” Su Mo said, tapping the rusted blade. “You disagreed with the ‘no hierarchy’ idea, so I’ll play by your rules instead.” His aura intensified. “Back then, my sister founded Qingyu Society with nothing but a blade—what a sight that was. This young lady may lack talent, but today, I’ll follow her example and… reorganize things a little. Who’s first?”
The room fell silent as council members exchanged uneasy glances.
Let’s be real—after the battle in Star City, everyone knew Ye Qingyi’s combat prowess was monstrous. None of them stood a chance…
Unless President Liao stepped in.
“So it’s all bark and no bite? No wonder Qingyu Society fell apart the moment my sister left.” Ye Qingyi continued provoking them.
Finally, someone snapped. “You little—! That’s it! I challenge you to a duel!”
“Perfect.” She smirked. “Let’s see who here actually has skill and who’s just bluffing.” Her goal was simple: bait the dissenters into stepping forward, then crush their arrogance.
This was all part of Su Mo’s plan—she was just following instructions.
“My, what a lively meeting.”
Liao Yu’s voice drifted in from outside, and the room instantly quieted.
He took his seat and smiled at Su Mo. “Apologies, Vice President Ye. I’m late—hope I didn’t cause any trouble?”
Though young, Liao Yu’s cunning rivaled that of seasoned veterans. While some disliked him, his authority in Qingyu Society was second only to Ye Qingyu’s.
Su Mo met his gaze without flinching, then lifted his blade. “Care to give it a try, President Liao?”
Liao Yu waved his hands. “No, no—I’ll pass. Not my thing.”
“Honestly, it’s not mine either,” Su Mo said lightly. “But they won’t listen. As the old saying goes, ‘Spare the rod, spoil the child.’ Seems accurate.”
Being mocked by a teenage girl was too much for some. Several council members stood, demanding a duel.
Just then, Tang Hu stormed into the room. “If you want to fight the boss, you go through me first!”
His opponents had all lost to him before. Now, with his recent power surge, Tang Hu was even stronger.
By the unofficial rankings, Tang Hu was the fourth strongest in Qingyu Society—after Ye Qingyu, Liao Yu, and Ye Qingyi.
So when he appeared, the challengers hesitated.
Unlike others who might bluff, Tang Hu actually fought—and it hurt.
“Vice President Ye, you’re tearing Qingyu Society apart! Is this how you repay your sister?” someone shouted.
Su Mo ignored the outburst, waiting instead for Liao Yu’s stance.
After a long pause, Liao Yu suddenly laughed. “Hahaha! So just because I was a few minutes late, we’re talking about splitting the society? Fine, fine—I admit my mistake, alright?”
He stood and bowed slightly to the room. “This was my fault. Next time, I’ll be punctual.”
Then, with a finger, he carved the character 早 (early) into the table.
The room erupted in shock.
President Liao… had just bowed to Ye Qingyi?