The passing of Li Chengying was far from simple.
On the surface, countless people were immersed in the news of Li Chengying's illness and death. In reality, a storm was brewing beneath the calm.
After all, Li Chengying was no ordinary man.
As the Second Elder, he held immense power and authority.
His demise meant that the power flowing from his hands was undoubtedly a coveted prize, with everyone eager to get a piece. This was especially true for those among the Ten Great Families who had the best chance of ascending to an elder position.
Even before the funeral arrangements could be made, many were already making their moves. Perhaps only a select few truly mourned his passing.
Even if the Third Elder were to replace the Second Elder, and the Sixth Elder were to become the Fifth Elder, filling the vacant positions sequentially, the position of Sixth Elder would still remain open, a coveted spot that countless individuals desired.
Rumors had already begun circulating in the capital during Ye Longlin's two days of unconsciousness.
It was rumored that the group most likely to become the Sixth Elder was already preparing to purge the subordinates that the Second Elder had placed in various departments.
This was not all; it was even rumored that someone intended to cause trouble at the funeral itself.
The atmosphere in the capital instantly chilled to an icy point, a feeling that could only be truly grasped by those caught within it.
"To make a move at the Second Elder's funeral? What are these people thinking, are they truly not afraid of Marshal Ye's wrath? Or do they genuinely believe that after Marshal Ye's retirement, he can no longer deal with them?"
"Who knows? It has nothing to do with us anyway. We are just ordinary folk. These matters are not for us to worry about; they are for the big figures."
"That's true. We should just watch. The Second Elder contributed so much to Great Xia, and we should send him off, even if it's just from afar."
Many were caught in discussions, their gazes fixed on the day of the Second Elder's funeral.
The funeral was scheduled for the day after tomorrow.
Only one more day, tomorrow, remained.
Countless people were observing. Since the Second Elder's departure, many had been making their rounds, all vying for the position of Sixth Elder.
However, there was a crucial issue: the Second Elder had risen through the ranks of the military and primarily oversaw the military. Who had the capability to become an elder? Could the Third Elder, by succeeding the Second Elder, truly understand the affairs of the military?
Currently, people were also divided into two factions. One faction supported the idea of sequential succession to the previous position. But the problem lay here: the Third Elder belonged to the Political Alliance and had no understanding of military matters.
Finding someone else to fill the role seemed inappropriate, leading to the formation of another faction.
Of course, these matters had little to do with Ye Longlin. As he stood outside an unpublicized mourning hall, lost in thought.
Looking at the portrait of the Second Elder hanging on the wall, his heart felt hollow.
For many years, he and the Second Elder had been like master and disciple, a tale often recounted within the Hall of Honor. Yet, facing such circumstances, he had no choice but to accept.
Birth, aging, sickness, and death were natural aspects of life. No one on this earth could escape experiencing these things; everyone in this world would go through them, their fate predetermined from birth.
"The Second Elder left with regrets. Before he passed, he desperately wanted to see you, but ultimately said nothing. However, I know this was his wish. No one can be blamed for this; one can only blame the unfairness of fate."
The First Elder approached, placed a hand on Ye Longlin's shoulder, and spoke with a sigh.
What else could be done? Everything had unfolded as it had; all they could do was let nature take its course.
"After the Second Elder's funeral, I will leave the capital. I am tired, and I have no more attachments here."
After a long silence, Ye Longlin uttered these words.
Uncharacteristically, he was wearing a Zhongshan suit.
Solemn and respectful.
The First Elder watched Ye Longlin's departing back. Standing on the steps, he had words to speak but ultimately could not voice them. After touching the letter in his pocket, he walked towards Ye Longlin's car.
"This is a letter the Second Elder asked me to give you. I haven't read it."
Ye Longlin took the letter, his heart heavy. He nodded slightly and said nothing more.
Mu Hanqi sat in the back seat of the H9, silent, her heart also filled with unease.
"Woody~"
Mu Hanqi called out tenderly.
Ye Longlin raised a hand to interrupt her. He reached out, opened the envelope, withdrew a letter, and began to read it with great care.
"Longlin, I hope this letter finds you well..."
More than ten minutes later, Ye Longlin, having finished reading the letter, let out a long sigh and gazed out at the scenery, his eyes distant.
"He asked me not to let you down, or he would come to settle the score with me."
Mu Hanqi tightly clasped his hand. He didn't know what to say, only instinctively feeling that being by his side was enough.
Upon returning home, Mu Hanqi went to the kitchen to prepare dinner, while Ye Longlin stood on the balcony on the second floor, gazing into the distance, lost in thought.
"The list has been finalized."
"All the individuals on this list have been active in recent days. Additionally, the King of Nanshan is involved. After an investigation, it was found that he was once your mentor."
Ye Longlin looked at the photographs, remaining silent.
King Nanshan, Yue Ziping, the current commander of the Southern Military region.
His dealings with the military were in the south, and he had some distant connections to the Southern Military region. The person who left the deepest impression on him was this Yue Ziping.
Yue Ziping, a true southerner, was the captain of the Southern Special Forces Brigade when Ye Longlin was first entering the military. He had served under him for a period, though not for long, as he soon moved to the Northern Frontier.
Regarding Yue Ziping, Ye Longlin recalled him with high regard. He hadn't expected him to be involved in this.
"Yue Ziping, what did he do?"
Yuan Gang produced a document and handed it to him.
After Ye Longlin finished reading, a deep killing intent flickered in his eyes.
"People change. No matter who it is, after coming into contact with power, ambition becomes unrestrained. Not everyone is like us, and not everyone can see through it."
Yuan Gang nodded deeply, deeply resonating with these words.
When everyone else is white, and you are black, you are the sinner.
But when everyone else is black, and you are white, they will not allow an anomaly to survive. This is the law of survival.
"I understand, but boss, I think this matter still requires considerable deliberation. After all, this is not a simple matter. You have already stepped down and no longer hold an official position; at most, you are a martial arts titan. This matter..."