Ye Xuan glanced at the Great Seal in Ye Zeyun’s hands.
However, instead of taking it, he addressed the clan members.
“I appreciate everyone’s high regard for me, and I know you sincerely want me to become the Patriarch of the Ye Family.
But I can’t accept the Great Seal right now because there are a few things I must make clear first.
“As you all know, I was away for thirteen years and don’t fully understand the current situation in Hongtu Town.
Even if I become the Patriarch, I will still need your support.
Furthermore, I might not have the time to handle the family’s trivial matters.
For me, improving my cultivation is the absolute priority.
I cannot afford to be delayed by minor family affairs.
“Therefore, I believe Grandfather should continue to hold the position of Patriarch.
As for me, I will focus on my cultivation and silently protect the Ye Family.”
Ye Xuan’s words caught all the elders present by surprise.
“Is Ye Xuan rejecting the position?”
“This kid has an excellent mindset.
He’s actually willing to decline the position of Patriarch.”
On the steps, Ye Zeyun also gave Ye Xuan a surprised look before a dawn of realization washed over his face.
“I understand.
You’re worried that becoming the Patriarch will distract you and reduce your cultivation time, right?”
“Yes, Grandfather.
I’m still young, and I must make improving my cultivation my main priority—not just for myself, but for the Ye Family as well.
Everyone should understand that to live well in this world, your fists must be strong enough.
Otherwise, you’ll live like a dog.”
Hearing Ye Xuan’s words, the members of the Ye Family instinctively bit their lips.
That phrase about living like a dog…
wasn’t that exactly the Ye Family’s previous state of existence?
They had been nothing more than dogs to the Fang Family!
“Good!
For you to have such awareness at such a young age is truly a great blessing for our Ye Family!
Ye Xuan, I wasn’t wrong about you.
But don’t worry, I can guarantee that even if you become the Patriarch, you won’t need to look over any of the trivial household matters.
Your grandfather and uncles will handle those problems for you.
Unless a major event occurs, we won’t bother you with minor issues.
You can take up the position of Patriarch with absolute peace of mind.”
Ye Xuan was dumbfounded.
He wondered, “Can it really work like this?
Isn’t this just being a hands-off boss?”
But it suited him perfectly!
“Grandfather, will this work?
Even if you agree, will the clan members agree?” Ye Xuan asked somewhat weakly.
As soon as he spoke, the clan members chimed in one after another.
“No objections!
Absolutely no objections.”
“Just leave the family’s trivial matters to us.”
“Ye Xuan, from this moment on, you are the new Patriarch of the Ye Family!
Everyone, kneel with me!” his eldest uncle, Ye Yiwei, suddenly roared.
As his voice fell, he unexpectedly took the initiative to drop to one knee before Ye Xuan.
“Uncle Yiwei!” Ye Xuan jumped in fright.
He was just about to reach out and stop him when Ye Zeyun held him back.
“When a new Patriarch takes office, it is only right for the clan members to kneel in reverence.”
Ye Xuan said in a troubled tone, “But I’m a junior.”
Ye Zeyun replied firmly, “You are a junior, but more importantly, you are the Patriarch!”
As they spoke, more and more people fell to their knees.
Even Ye Ling’Er knelt on the ground, a proud smile gracing the corners of her lips.
Who would have thought that her brother would actually become the Patriarch of the Ye Family?
She was genuinely happy for him from the bottom of her heart.
Beside Ye Ling’Er, Ye Yizhou’s face was also full of smiles.
He shifted his body, preparing to drop to one knee as well.
Right at that moment, a streak of golden light shot out and propped up his knees.
Naturally, the one who took action was Ye Xuan.
It was one thing for everyone else to take a knee, but having his own father kneel to him went entirely against human ethics.
No son in the world would let his own father kneel to him, right?
Except for an unfilial bastard!
Unable to kneel, Ye Yizhou didn’t force it.
Instead, he bowed deeply.
Ye Xuan shook his head helplessly and said, “Dear family members, please get up.
I will be the Patriarch.
I accept.
Since I am now the Patriarch, I will change a rule right here and now.
From today onward, no matter who inherits the position of Patriarch, kneeling is no longer required.
A simple bow will suffice!
Grandfather, I have the authority to change the rules now, right?”
Ye Zeyun chuckled and said, “You are the Patriarch now, so naturally you do.”
“That’s good.
Everyone has been exhausted these past two days, so please go back and rest.
Don’t throw any celebratory ceremonies for me, either.
I still need to go into seclusion for a few days.”
During his last seclusion, Ye Xuan had chosen to cultivate the Divine-Demonic Overlord Body rather than the Hidden Dragon Technique or any other Divine Secret Techniques.
That was because when his ancestor used Dragon Blood to improve his body, he had conveniently cleared the Cultivation Route for the Divine-Demonic Overlord Body.
It took him the shortest amount of time to cultivate the Divine-Demonic Overlord Body!
Facts proved that his choice was correct.
If he had chosen any other Divine Secret Techniques, there simply wouldn’t have been enough time.
That day, just as he had grasped the basics of the Divine-Demonic Overlord Body, his sister had crushed the Twin Jade.
Now that the crisis was resolved, he had enough time to cultivate the Hidden Dragon Technique.
He had to at least master the basics of the Hidden Dragon Technique; otherwise, he wouldn’t even dare to use his Dragon Soul Power.
“You’re going into seclusion again?
You truly are a cultivation maniac.
Go on, then.
I will handle the ensuing trivial matters.
Once everything is settled, I’ll let you know the results.”
“Grandfather, wait.
Come with me; I have a few things to give you.”
“What is it?”
“Martial Techniques.”
Ye Zeyun’s eyes lit up.
This was finally the main point!
Was the sole reason he passed the Patriarch position to Ye Xuan just because of the boy’s formidable strength?
There were definitely other factors involved.
He knew that only by letting Ye Xuan become the Patriarch would the boy generously impart all that he knew to the family.
And here it was!
However, just as Ye Xuan was about to turn around, Ye Yizhou’s alarmed cry rang out from the crowd.
“Ling’Er!”
Ye Xuan turned his head and saw that his sister had collapsed on the ground at some point.
Startled, he quickly rushed to Ye Ling’Er’s side.
At this moment, Ye Ling’Er’s eyes were tightly shut, and her normally fair skin had actually turned fiery red.
“Father, what’s wrong with her?”
“It’s acting up again!
Her illness must be acting up again.”
“Illness?” Ye Xuan looked completely baffled.
In his memories, his sister had never suffered from any illness.
“Xuan’Er, there is something you don’t know.
Ever since you went missing, Ling’Er was utterly heartbroken.
Perhaps it was because she missed you too much, but during that time, she contracted a strange illness.
She would constantly faint for no reason, and then her body would burn up.”
“Burn up?
She’s incredibly hot!” Ye Xuan touched Ye Ling’Er’s forehead.
Sure enough, his sister’s body was feverishly hot.
“Is she getting hotter?
We must take her to the ice cellar immediately.” Ye Yizhou frowned, scooped Ye Ling’Er up into his arms, and hurried away.
Ye Xuan knitted his brows and quickly followed after him.
“Everyone, disperse for now and get a good night’s rest.
Tomorrow, I want all of you to head to the ruins of the Fang Family’s estate!
We must strive to rebuild it as our own within seven days!
I will also have the major subordinate families contribute manpower and resources,” Ye Zeyun instructed the clan members before also heading toward the ice cellar.
Three minutes later, in an underground vault.
The entire place was filled with blocks of ice.
In Ye Xuan’s memories, this place had never existed.
It was likely built by his father after his sister’s illness began.
The ice cellar was freezing cold, yet Ye Yizhou directly placed Ye Ling’Er on a bed of ice.
SIZZLE!
SIZZLE!
SIZZLE!
The moment her scorching hot body made contact with the ice bed, clouds of steam immediately billowed into the air.