"Wu Ji has challenged me?"
The next day.
Upon receiving the news from Yuan Gang, Ye Longlin was also stunned, clearly caught off guard.
Yuan Gang nodded, "Yes, news from the Martial Arts Association came out yesterday afternoon. According to their response, it's true. Wu Ji personally issued the order. Those we have within the association reported that after the meeting, Wu Ji announced he would go into seclusion."
Did Wu Ji challenging him represent his own stance, or the stance of those behind him?
The challenge from the Martial Arts Association had already stirred up quite a storm in the capital. By this morning, many people were already gossiping.
Since the news broke yesterday, the entire capital had been in an uproar, especially with no word of acceptance, leading to widespread speculation.
"Even if he's given two months for seclusion, it won't do much. Unless he relies on external forces, or the passage of time, or faces the immense terror of life and death to break through at the last moment. He won't be able to reach the Dao realm in this time."
To him, this was an unfair fight.
He was already at the peak of the Dao realm, a martial giant of the Great Dao to Simplicity. Wu Ji, on the other hand, was merely a superior-grade Dragon Elephant. They were separated by an entire major realm, making this fight unnecessary.
He could suppress Wu Ji with ease!
"Send out the message, say I accept."
Ye Longlin's tone was calm, then he continued, "Yesterday, the nomination for the second Dragon Pavilion Master was submitted. The inner court vote was three against three. Now the documents are being transferred to the Military Department. The Military Department will vote today, and I need to head over there shortly. If the Military Department's vote is tied or in favor, it will be directly submitted to the Supreme.
Because the position of Dragon Pavilion Master is crucial, it's unlikely they will directly appoint a Master. It will likely be an acting Master, with the final appointment depending on performance. The results should be released by tomorrow at the latest."
The matters concerning Hetu and Hedao had also been very troublesome during this period. Or rather, because of these matters, the Supreme would also expedite the review of this document. Once this document was released, Ye Longlin would officially be relieved of his Dragon Master status, retaining only his Heavenly King title.
And by the end of the month, after relinquishing his Heavenly King title, he would truly be an ordinary person, free to do as he pleased.
"Before the end of the month, I want all the Ye family's detailed information, as well as detailed information on the few families aligned with the Ye family."
Ye Longlin spoke slowly. Hearing this, Yuan Gang understood what he meant.
The Ye family's security was extremely tight. At least, up to now, they still didn't have a clear picture of the Ye family's detailed personnel. Therefore, they had to investigate quickly, especially concerning the Ye family's hidden forces.
"Understood."
Ye Longlin sat in the courtyard. Seeing Yuan Gang, Mu Hanqi asked, "Have you eaten?"
Yuan Gang scratched his head and grinned, "Not yet, Sister-in-law."
"Sit down, let's eat together."
He didn't expect to get a free breakfast, hehe.
"Slap."
Mu Hanqi unceremoniously slapped Ye Longlin's hand with her chopsticks and said sternly, "Go wash your hands."
Ye Longlin gave a dry laugh and stood up to wash his hands.
Seeing this, Yuan Gang quickly followed Ye Longlin, running to wash their hands together.
"Boss, how did you become henpecked?"
This sudden, risky question made three black lines appear on Ye Longlin's forehead. He gave Yuan Gang a displeased look.
"Head to the Hall of Glory in half an hour."
Yuan Gang grinned, "Alright, I'll get the car ready now."
As the saying goes, a cigarette after a meal is like being an immortal.
"Don't smoke anymore. You're always doing things that aren't good for your body."
As soon as Mu Hanqi heard the lighter, she strode over, snatched the cigarette from his mouth, and said sternly.
Yuan Gang watched from the side, amused, and said nothing, but his eyes betrayed him.
"I'm going out for a bit. If you want to go out and play, have Xuan Niao accompany you."
Ye Longlin gave an awkward yet polite smile, patting her head.
"Got it."
...
The Military Department in the Hall of Glory.
This was the highest command center of the military.
The last time such a large meeting was held was when Ye Longlin was conferred the title of Heavenly King and awarded the five-star military rank.
"Esteemed colleagues, since I, Ye Longlin, took office as Heavenly King, I have never convened a meeting with you. All meetings were presided over by Marshal Qin. I apologize for this.
Due to many reasons, I have spent years stationed overseas leading the Dragon Pavilion in resistance operations, not within the country. Military matters have been under Marshal Qin's leadership. The purpose of today's Military Department meeting is not only to discuss the transfer of the Dragon Pavilion but also to deliberate on the succession of the Heavenly King position.
Today, there are only two agenda items: First, whether the appointment of Comrade Yuan Gang as the second Dragon Pavilion Master is feasible. Second, the proposal to appoint Comrade Qin Hanlie as the fifth Heavenly King. Please raise any questions you may have."
In the building-shaped conference hall, Ye Longlin sat in the center and spoke into the microphone before him.
The Dragon Pavilion was established under his leadership. There was no issue with him proposing the nomination for the second Dragon Pavilion Master.
As for Qin Hanlie taking the position of Heavenly King, that was still under discussion.
In this era, the position of Heavenly King was by no means simple. There were no large-scale wars, nor were there many avenues for meritorious service.
"Well, I think this agenda item should be shelved. You brought this up when you first took office, and the Supreme rejected it. There's no need for a Heavenly King at the moment. Normal military affairs can be handled by everyone present. There's no need for me."
Qin Hanlie quickly waved his hands, refusing Ye Longlin's good intentions. He knew Ye Longlin wanted to give him a good send-off.
If he had a fifty percent chance of ascending to this position now, with Ye Longlin's recommendation, it would at least reach eighty percent.
But he didn't want to occupy this position.
Occupying this position meant shouldering the responsibilities he ought to bear and taking on certain risks.
He was old and just wanted to retire peacefully from his position.
"No matter what position one holds, it's about contributing to the strength of the Great Xia military, isn't it?"
Ye Longlin chuckled and patted his shoulder.
"Since that's the case, everyone will now cast their votes. The voting will be anonymous, and the voting will take place at the voting box outside the entrance. The votes will be counted collectively later."
The votes, along with the recording of today's meeting, would all be submitted. The purpose of the meeting recording was to let the Supreme know that this matter was not conducted deceitfully but was a result of fair voting.
After speaking, Ye Longlin stood up.
"Everyone, the mountains are high and the rivers are long. My mission as Ye Longlin is complete, and I am retiring with honor. Next, it is up to everyone present."