Chapter 17 - 17 14 Enemies on a Narrow Road

17: Chapter 14: Enemies on a Narrow Road 17: Chapter 14: Enemies on a Narrow Road Two days quickly passed and as the morning sun broke through the clouds and shone upon the land, the expansive residence of the Ye family burst into noise, the atmosphere turning exceptionally lively. This year’s grandest event for the Ye family, the sect meeting, was finally about to commence. When Ye Xuan arrived at the training ground, it was already bustling, teeming with people as far as the eye could see. Present were not only the clansmen of the Ye family and some invited guests and servants but also some prominent figures from Tianyang County, who had come to gauge the strength of the Ye family’s new generation. After all, the younger generation is crucial for a great clan, for if they are mediocre, the clan itself would lack potential for growth. At this moment, the distinguished guest area was already filled with numerous figures, engaging in jovial conversation, while the elders of the Ye family were also chatting amiably with the guests, inevitably pulling some strings during this time. Occupying the most prominent seat in the middle was Ye Tianxiong, and beside him sat an elder that Ye Xuan recognized as the head of the Qi family, one of the three great clans of Tianyang County. This elder also held the position of the County Governor and maintained a good relationship with Ye Tianxiong, guarding the region for the Royal Family. Glancing casually at the seats, Ye Xuan’s gaze settled on a robust teenager—Ye Ba, currently the top talent of the Ye family. Beside him stood a sturdy middle-aged man, none other than Ye Ba’s father, Ye Tianhao. “Brother Tianhao, with young master Ye Ba already reaching the level of a Third Grade martial master at such a tender age, it seems this sect meeting’s champion title is destined for him,” a guest said to Ye Tianhao with a sycophantic smile, bending over as if he were a lowly servant. “Indeed, Brother Tianhao is second only to the Family Head in the Ye family. Who would have thought the son he fathered would be so outstanding? It seems the future of the Ye family will surely be in Brother Tianhao’s hands. We should definitely collaborate more in the future.” “That makes sense, we’ll have to rely on Brother Tianhao from now on.” Ye Tianhao was surrounded by the largest crowd, with many currying favor as he naturally became the center of attention. If Ye Ba were to become the Clan Leader’s successor, then Ye Tianhao would take control of the Ye family’s power—these people were merely establishing good relations in advance. “This sect meeting organized by the Ye family is said to include the participation of Ye Xuan, son of Ye Xiao who once dominated the Great Xia Kingdom. As the saying goes, ‘like father, like son’. It will be interesting to see how he performs.” Suddenly, a different voice rang out. “Ye Xuan the loser?” Upon hearing this name, many showed a sneering expression. “No, I heard that Ye Xuan is no longer considered a failure. Rumors say his cultivation has jumped four grades in a short time, and he has shed the name of a loser, though whether this is true or false remains to be seen,” someone previously shook their head and then looked towards Ye Tianhao and his son, inquiring. Hearing this, Ye Tianhao’s expression darkened somewhat. Back in the days when Ye Xiao was highly celebrated, he nearly felt suffocated by his rival, merely a minor character. Now that he finally had a chance to outshine, he harbored no affection toward his younger brother. “Just rumors. A loser, even with little progress, is ultimately a loser,” Ye Ba scoffed before Ye Tianhao could even respond. “Heh, indeed. With the strength of Young Master Ye Ba, the first place in this meeting is practically in the bag,” catching the implication, the previous speaker chuckled, shifting his words. There was no need to cling to a rumor and displease Ye Ba. After all, even if Ye Xuan was no longer a loser, he would not cross paths with the top three contenders of the clan meeting. While knowing these were flattering remarks, a smile couldn’t help but creep onto Ye Ba’s face. “Baer, if you encounter Ye Xuan later, hit him hard,” Ye Tianhao, still with a smile on his face, whispered with a hint of coldness in his eyes. “Father, rest assured, if I encounter him, I will make sure he spends a good ten days to half a month in bed.” Even without Ye Tianhao’s urging, Ye Ba had no intention of letting Ye Xuan off lightly since the latter had offended him during a council meeting. He saw this as a perfect opportunity to give him a harsh lesson. At this moment, at the other end of the guest area, sat an elder and a young woman. The young woman, draped in a black gown with her face veiled except for her bright, dark eyes, and beside her was the elderly Nangong Bo, his hair black despite his age. “Grandpa, today is the day of the Ye family’s clan meeting, has Brother Ye Xuan arrived?” The girl with the face mask glanced around, her bright eyes sweeping over the assembly area below. “There, isn’t it him? The one wearing black,” answered Nangong Bo, pointing to where Ye Xuan was located, then looked somewhat sympathetically at the masked girl beside him. “Recently, Yaoer, your illness has flared up more frequently. I told you not to come, but you insisted on following. As for Ye Xuan, once the Ye family’s clan meeting is over, I will grab him and ask him; if he has not given priority to treating your illness, I will skin him alive.” “If it is destined for me to die young, then perhaps no human effort can cure it, Grandpa. Please don’t trouble Brother Ye Xuan on my account,” the masked girl said, her gaze shifting to Ye Xuan, shaking her head afterward. “No, that won’t do; that boy promised he had a way to suppress your constitution. But everything will wait until after this big meeting of the Ye family’s sect. Let’s first see how this boy performs in the meeting; who knows, he might shed his reputation as a good-for-nothing and rise unexpectedly.” Nangong Bo’s gaze rested on Ye Xuan. He could not miss that now Ye Xuan had reached the level of a First Grade martial master, utterly different from the good-for-nothing he used to be. This clan meeting might indeed prove sensational. “As the son of Great Xia Kingdom’s top warrior, yet bearing the name of a good-for-nothing for so long, Brother Ye Xuan must have suffered greatly these years. I hope he can transform from the chrysalis into a butterfly.” Although Nangong Yao had not seen Ye Xuan for over a decade, she had never forgotten her big brother from childhood. Over the years, she heard rumors about him and truly hoped that he could pull himself together. At that moment, Ye Xuan, sensing someone watching him, subconsciously looked towards the VIP seats and his gaze landed on the masked girl. “Is that… Little Fatty?” Seeing Nangong Bo beside him, Ye Xuan guessed the identity of the masked girl. He hadn’t expected the scruffy little fatty from his memories to have grown so graceful. Sadly, born with the Xuanyin Body, she was destined to live a short life. Once the clan meeting concluded, he must immediately start suppressing the Xuanyin Body. Otherwise, if delayed, the consequences would be unthinkable, and even he would be powerless. Boom! Just as Ye Xuan was pondering this, a crisp bell toll suddenly sounded, abruptly quieting the noisy crowd. All eyes focused on one spot—the main seat where Ye Tianxiong was situated. The sect’s great meeting was finally about to begin! Under the watchful eyes of many, Ye Tianxiong also slowly stood up, bowed his hands towards all four directions, and laughed loudly, “Today is the day the Ye family convenes our sect meeting. Thank you all for attending; I am deeply grateful. The main part of this sect meeting is to select the finest member of the younger generation of the Ye family through martial arts competition.” Sёarch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. “The reason the Ye family could pass on for a hundred years and thrive in martial fortune is due to our emphasis on cultivation and nurturing the next generation. The resources in the clan can only be reserved for a few strong individuals, and the champion of this meeting might become a candidate for the next Clan Leader.” “I hereby declare, the clan meeting formally starts! All the young participants, come up to draw lots. Based on the number you draw, your opponents and matches will be determined. The competition should stop at the point of contact, and intentional injuries are strictly prohibited. Begin.” As the voice fell, numerous figures walked out from the training field. Ye Xuan recognized most of them, though there were still some unfamiliar faces among them—these were young masters from the branch families. Although the resources for cultivation available to members of the branch families were much less than those for the main family, this did not prevent some outstanding young people from emerging among them, who were also competitive candidates for the top three. “Those who drew numbers one to ten can start first. Number one will fight number two, and number three against number four, and so on, please proceed to the stage,” instructed Ye Hai, pointing to the five platforms set up behind him, his voice grave. Ye Xuan casually drew a number and saw a “six” conspicuously written on the wooden token. Without hesitation, he leaped onto the third platform. However, as he stepped up, a tall, formidable figure also jumped up opposite him. The moment this figure saw Ye Xuan, his eyes immediately turned blood red. “Ye Xuan, is it you? Ha ha, the heavens must be watching, to give me a chance to avenge myself against Ye Yan in the first match.” Ye Yan’s face looked somewhat fierce. Being defeated by Ye Xuan last time was like a nightmare to him, a double blow to his body and spirit. Since then, even if no one dared to mock him openly, he still felt deep humiliation inside. If he could not trample Ye Xuan beneath his feet, his disgrace could never be washed away.