With Liao Yu’s public apology setting the tone, no one dared interrupt as Su Mo laid out his agenda.
He shared his suspicions—that Qingyu Society was in danger—but carefully omitted anything too sensitive.
This time, no one openly objected. Yet without Liao Yu’s endorsement, his faction remained silent.
The atmosphere grew tense again. Unfazed, Su Mo turned to Liao Yu. “President Liao, what do you think?”
Liao Yu glanced around. “Everyone, Vice President Ye is asking for your input. Why the silence?”
Then, to Su Mo: “You’re a leader too. It’s your call. I’ll be in seclusion these next few days—Qingyu Society is yours to command.”
With that, he stood and left.
Su Mo froze, baffled.
Liao Yu’s move had clearly put him on the spot—yet it also handed him real authority.
What’s his game?
After numerous encounters, Su Mo had realized Liao Yu wasn’t the power-hungry schemer he’d assumed. Despite controlling half the society, Liao Yu had never sidelined or suppressed him. Even past assassination attempts (like Hou Hua’s) felt staged—someone of Liao Yu’s caliber would’ve known about such disloyalty.
Everything he did seemed solely for Qingyu Society’s sake.
During the Star City mission, for instance, Liao Yu had secretly raided the Black Dragon Gang’s base, securing supplies and diverting enemy forces to aid Su Mo’s fight.
According to Yi Huoshe’s intel, every squad sent to capture Su Mo had been dismantled—by Liao Yu himself.
…This doesn’t add up for a villain.
Was he deliberately left by Ye Qingyu as both a whetstone and guardian for her sister?
Pfft—that’s straight out of a drama. Real life doesn’t work that way.
A tug at his sleeve brought him back. Ye Qingyi was gesturing at several council members following Liao Yu’s exit.
“Did I dismiss you?”
“We answer to President Liao. Since he’s gone, why stay?”
“You’re still Qingyu Society’s council members. Or did you miss the part where I’m coordinating critical operations?”
Su Mo strode toward the speaker, voice low. “I just warned of imminent danger to our society. Cooperation isn’t optional.”
Some faltered under his glare, especially with Tang Hu’s reputation for enthusiastic sparring. But the ringleader, Li San, scoffed.
“I recognize only President Ye Qingyu and Liao Yu. You?” He smirked. “A little girl who fights and talks big—what have you actually contributed?”
“Li San! Vice President Ye recruited new talent—that’s no small feat!”
“Feat? More like stacking the deck with loyalists. And thanks to her, we’ve got the Hundred Immortals Sect as enemies now.”
Wang Er, Tang Hu, and Ye Qingyi closed ranks.
“What, gonna kill me to vent? Fine—I’m no match for you all. Go ahead.”
Su Mo waved his allies back.
“Seems I’ve got quite the opposition.” His icy gaze swept the room. “Enough talk. Results will speak. But step through that door today, and I’ll strip you of your council seat.”
Li San laughed. “Even if Liao Yu handed you power, can you keep it?” He left without a backward glance.
Su Mo returned to his seat, expression unreadable. “Anyone else? Save me the trouble of dealing with you one by one.”
Silence.
“Good. Now listen carefully—next infraction won’t end with just dismissal.”
“Li San’s a founding member! You’d really…?” someone protested.
“Founding member or not, rules apply to all. He chose this.” With that, Su Mo formally expelled Li San before the assembly.
Wang Er frowned but stayed quiet.
The rest of the meeting proceeded unchallenged.
“Wasn’t that too harsh?” Wang Er sighed afterward.
Su Mo shook his head. “When killing the chicken to warn the monkeys, pick the fattest and loudest one.”
“But Li San’s C-rank, a veteran! The backlash—”
“I’ve accounted for it.”
Wang Er relented, though discontent simmered among other supporters.
Alone with Ye Qingyi, Su Mo arched a brow. “No questions?”
“Plenty. But I trust you.”
“I’m cleaning up your mess here. Show some concern!”
Ye Qingyi tilted her head. “Fine. Explain.”
“I’m gambling that Liao Yu isn’t truly against us.”
“You think he doesn’t want leadership?”
“Exactly. Why else yield power now? I suspect your sister orchestrated this—to temper you and solidify your authority.”
“That’s… ridiculously dramatic.”
“It’s strategic!” Su Mo covered her mouth. “Regardless, with Liao Yu’s mandate, removing Li San carries no risk. He’ll stay in the society. As for dissent? Results will silence it.”
Ye Qingyi blinked. “…Makes sense.”
Elsewhere, a Restaurant
Liao Yu and Li San clinked glasses, relaxed.
“Hah! ‘Vacation’ at last. Zhao Yi’s still stuck working—sucks to be him.”
Liao Yu rolled his eyes. “‘Vacation’ doesn’t mean idle. I’ve got assignments for you.”
“Figured.” Li San shrugged.
“Think the kid can handle things? Should we rein Zhao Yi in? If he overplays his hand…”
“True. With her temper, she might actually break him.”
Li San chuckled. “…Yeah, fair.”
Liao Yu drained his cup, savoring the aftertaste—until Ye Qingyu’s smiling face flashed behind his eyelids.
Qingyu… once your sister fully claims Qingyu Society, I’m coming for you.