"Please keep my position as the sect leader of the Yan Huo Sect a secret from the three elders," Yu Daohen said after some thought.
"It's not time to reveal my identity yet. The influential figures I've offended by opening a shop in Jiangdu might implicate the Yan Huo Sect."
The three elders nodded. Although they didn't know Yu Daohen's intentions, he was now the sect leader, and they would follow his orders.
After discussing a few more matters, Yu Daohen got up to leave, with Hu Ting and the other two following behind to see him off.
As Yu Daohen and the three elders reached the main entrance of the temple, they saw Wen Jiao waiting outside.
Yu Daohen turned to Hu Ting and the other two and said, "Elders, you don't need to come any further."
The three nodded. Hu Ting instructed, "Sect Leader, please be cautious. If you need anything, inform us. The entire Yan Huo Sect will go through fire and water for you."
Yu Daohen nodded and bowed with a clenched fist, "I entrust the Yan Huo Sect to you, the three elders."
"We have spent our lives in the Yan Huo Sect. Protecting it is our duty," Hu Ting said with a smile.
Yu Daohen nodded with relief and walked towards the mountain with Wen Jiao.
Watching Yu Daohen's receding figure, Zhou Jingmin remarked, "His strength is extraordinary, and his character is upright. Within ten years, he will surely be on the Black List."
Wu Shanping nodded in agreement, "I see the shadow of the old sect leader in him."
Hu Ting did not reply, his gaze fixed on Yu Daohen's disappearing back. After a long while, he finally said, "I have a premonition that the Yan Huo Sect will return to its former glory under his leadership."
Once Yu Daohen's figure vanished from their sight, Wu Shanping suddenly asked, "What if it wasn't him who came with the Sect Leader's Token this time?"
"He would be killed!" Hu Ting's eyes turned cold.
Earlier, after learning that Yu Daohen possessed the Swallowing Flame Technique and was Master Tai's disciple, the three had made a decision. If the person who came with the Sect Leader's Token was not Yu Daohen, they would kill him and keep the token. After all, no one wanted to hand over the sect to a stranger of unknown origin.
If that person had a corrupt character, the Yan Huo Sect would be truly finished. Moreover, the rule that whoever possessed the Sect Leader's Token controlled the Yan Huo Sect was a rule imposed by so-called righteous sects through their own power. Otherwise, who would so easily hand over a sect to a stranger?
When they learned that Yu Daohen possessed the Swallowing Flame Technique, they had planned to send someone to invite him. However, there had been challenges from other sects these past few days, which delayed the matter.
Yu Daohen and Wen Jiao arrived at the foot of the mountain. Yu Daohen looked back, "Is this what Master protected?"
As Yu Daohen was thinking, his phone suddenly rang. He took out his phone and saw it was a text message.
(When are you coming back?)
A smile appeared on Yu Daohen's lips. Why was this guy suddenly asking when he would return?
(I'll be back soon. What's up?) Yu Daohen typed and sent.
(I need to go out. I need the Kang Long Halberd.)
Seeing the few words that came back, Yu Daohen's expression instantly turned serious. This guy only came out when he had something to do; otherwise, he always stayed in the well and never came out.
(What happened?) Yu Daohen quickly typed and asked.
The other side only replied with five words.
(You can't help.)
Yu Daohen didn't ask further. This guy always said "you can't help" no matter what the matter was.
Seeing Yu Daohen's solemn expression, Wen Jiao asked, "Master Yu, what happened?"
"There's a slight issue at the shop. I need to go back immediately."
Yu Daohen wanted to return to the shop as soon as possible, feeling uneasy.
Wen Jiao also realized something was wrong and quickly said, "I'll call for a car from the Supernatural Affairs Bureau to take us, and then we can go directly to the airport to catch the earliest flight."
Yu Daohen nodded, "Then I'll trouble you, Miss Wen Jiao."
Wen Jiao hummed and took out her phone, finding a number and dialing it.
Yu Daohen typed a few words back.
(I'm coming back now. Wait for me!)
Yu Daohen's brow furrowed. If this guy hadn't replied, it would mean he had already set off.
(Okay.)
After a few seconds, his phone vibrated. A text message was sent.
Seeing the word "Okay," Yu Daohen's tense heart finally relaxed. This guy never broke his word. As long as he said he would wait, he would definitely wait.
Yu Daohen put away his phone. No matter how much he asked now, this guy wouldn't say a word. The only way was to go to the shop and ask him in person.
About half an hour later, a white sedan drove over. The words "Xing Cha" were written on the side of the car.
Yu Daohen followed Wen Jiao to the car and opened the door to get in.
The driver was Xiao Ke.
Xiao Ke turned to look at the two who had gotten in, "Wen Jiao, what's the situation? Why did you call me in such a hurry?"
After speaking, Xiao Ke looked at Yu Daohen beside him. Seeing Yu Daohen's solemn expression, Xiao Ke realized something was wrong and quickly shut his mouth.
"To the airport," Wen Jiao said.
Xiao Ke hummed, turned the steering wheel, and stepped on the accelerator. The car sped away.
He could feel that if he had asked one more question, Yu Daohen might have drawn the Kang Long Halberd and struck him with it.