As the Yue Family Siblings looked at Xia Wuyang again, their eyes filled with awe and gratitude.
They knew Xia Wuyang was formidable, but they had never imagined he could be *this* powerful.
This was the infamous Cao Bang, one of the most prominent Gangs in the land, on par with the Renowned and Righteous Sects that had stood for a thousand years. Yet, before Xia Wuyang, they were utterly defenseless.
’Who is this expert, this old acquaintance of Father’s? How can he possess such astonishing power?’
But the man before them remained unwilling to reveal his identity. They had secretly speculated on who he might be, but they dismissed every possibility themselves.
Xia Wuyang seemed to notice their speculation. He smiled, nodded at them, and sent a message via Secret Transmission. "The Confusing Skill isn’t omnipotent. You must seize true control of the Cao Bang as quickly as possible, cultivate trusted subordinates, and purge any opposition. Most importantly, you must use the Cao Bang’s resources and wealth to rapidly advance your Cultivation Realms. Having sufficient Cultivation Power is what’s truly critical."
"We will take your words to heart, Senior." Overwhelmed with gratitude, Yue Yufeng pulled Yue Yulong, intending for them to kneel.
With a flick of his sleeve, Xia Wuyang held them up. "There’s no need for such ceremony. Given our connection, it isn’t necessary. I know you’re both still wondering about my identity. It won’t be long—a year or two at most—and I will tell you everything. In the meantime, simply focus on your cultivation and on establishing yourselves."
"Remember, controlling the Cao Bang is only the beginning. Reaching the Upper Three Grades of cultivation is also just the beginning. Grandmaster, Great Grandmaster, Celestial Human... and even higher realms. *That* is what you should be pursuing. Forge the Cao Bang into a monolithic force as quickly as you can. It will be a vital asset for your future endeavors, and it will be helpful to me as well. Funds and supplies, intelligence, transport routes, precious resources... you must keep all of these firmly in your grasp."
"Yes, we understand." The siblings promised solemnly, breathing a small sigh of relief. ’It seems this Senior really did have a deep connection with our father. Why else would he say such things?’
’In any case, it won’t be a long wait. We’ll know everything then. Besides, with this Senior’s power, he has no need to play mind games with two juniors like us.’
’Since he’s unwilling to say, we’ll just have to wait. If he hadn’t saved us, we’d both be dead by now. Even if we had to repay him with our lives, it would be worth it.’
Having finished instructing the siblings, Xia Wuyang turned to Hong Zhenhai. "Gang Leader Hong, from now on, you will assist Yulong and Yufeng. If a problem arises that you cannot handle, have them notify me. I will personally resolve it. As for Elder Wu and the others, they should serve loyally. If any... incidents... occur, Gang Leader Hong, you will discipline them accordingly."
"Rest assured, Milord. I understand," Hong Zhenhai said, nodding with a bitter smile.
He knew with bitter clarity that from now on, he was merely a puppet. ’But compared to losing my life, or even my entire family being destroyed, this is the best possible outcome.’
He also had a growing suspicion. ’The identity of this lord before me must be extraordinary. And his Cultivation and power... they seem to be far beyond that of a simple Body Refining Martial Artist.’
’If my suspicion is correct, then this man’s true identity and power will shake the world.’
The rain began to subside, as if in celebration.
The eastern sky began to lighten. The long night was ending. Several hours had passed in the blink of an eye.
Xia Wuyang stood atop a high tower at the Cao Bang Headquarter, gazing out at White Jade City in the light of dawn.
The city had just undergone a silent, momentous upheaval, yet most of its people were still lost in dreams, utterly oblivious.
The Princes and Princesses, so intent on bringing the Cao Bang into their fold, would never have guessed that in just a few short hours, the Gang would experience such a drastic turn of events.
Yue Yulong and Yue Yufeng stood behind him, watching the back of this mysterious Senior, their hearts swirling with a thousand different emotions.
They too could never have imagined that in the span of a single day, events would take such a turn. They had become the new leaders of the Cao Bang. It was simply astonishing.
Yue Yufeng asked softly, "Senior, when will we be able to see you again?"
Xia Wuyang turned. Looking at the pair of siblings who had endured so much, his eyes softened. "When the time is right, I will come find you. It won’t be long. Until then, stay alive and manage the Cao Bang well. Your father’s blood cannot have been shed in vain. And in your hands, the Yue Family must continue to grow and prosper."
He paused, then added, "Moreover, your enemies aren’t limited to just Zhao Tianxiong. There are still quite a few even within the Cao Bang; you can deal with them gradually. Then there are those in the imperial court who helped frame General Yue all those years ago. Many of them are still at large. I will leave them to you. As for the main culprit, the Third Prince Xia Wuchen, I will deliver him to you myself when the time comes. You need not concern yourselves with him."
Yue Yulong and Yue Yufeng nodded firmly. "We will wait for that day. Thank you, Senior."
Xia Wuyang gave them one last look, and his figure began to fade, dissipating like morning mist in the faint light.
"Take care, Senior!" the siblings called out, cupping their fists. They watched as the dark figure vanished at the end of the alley, their gazes lingering long after he was gone.
At some point, the rain had stopped.
A red sun burst over the horizon, casting a cascade of golden light over White Jade City.
The waters of the White Dragon River sparkled, and the banners of the Cao Bang Headquarter snapped in the morning breeze.
Yue Yufeng clenched her fists. Looking at her brother, she said in a resolute voice, "Brother, we must gain full control of the Cao Bang and reach the Upper Three Grades as soon as possible. Not only to avenge Father, but also to become a true asset to our Senior."
"Yes," Yue Yulong said, gazing into the distance, his eyes shining with resolve. "Our Senior’s kindness is immeasurable. As Father used to say, a drop of kindness must be repaid with a gushing spring. Without him, we would have lost our lives. We must repay him in the future, no matter what."
By this time, Xia Wuyang had already returned to Wenhua Hall. He had been away for some time. After leaving the Practice Room, he swept Su Ling’Er into his arms, refusing to let go as he carried her eagerly toward the bed.
He had now shed his Disguise, reverting to his true, aged appearance, looking as if he were drawing ever closer to death.
Birds chirped outside the window as the Palace Attendants began their daily bustle. The day seemed no different from any other.
But no one knew that this white-haired elder Crown Prince was the one who had set such world-shaking events in motion the night before.
The infamous Cao Bang had a new master. The children of his old friend, once forced into hiding, now possessed astonishing power, status, and resources. He had finally put one old matter to rest.
This greatly improved Xia Wuyang’s mood. Still, he was more than willing to do a few more things to improve it even further.
For instance, thoroughly punishing one of his late mother’s greatest enemies—one of the key figures instrumental in her death.
The Empress... Murong Wan!

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