In the eyes of others, this title carried immense prestige; inheriting it meant inheriting a portion of Cheng Hai's reputation and influence.
But Ye Cangtian cared not for these. Along with reputation and power came notoriety, and he certainly did not want to be branded an old lecher!
Beyond that, he failed to understand Xing Yuan's intentions.
Knowing Hong Mo's feelings for Cheng Hai, as well as his personal feud with him, Xing Yuan was now making Ye Cangtian inherit Cheng Hai's title. Wasn't this asking for trouble?
It could even be surmised that everything was a facade, and Xing Yuan intended to use Hong Mo to have him killed.
However, Ye Cangtian found this suspicion somewhat hard to believe. After all, the Dark Association did not have many Earth-level powerhouses; losing even one would be a significant blow.
As the person in charge, Xing Yuan would surely not wish to see such a thing happen.
For this reason, Ye Cangtian found Xing Yuan's intentions somewhat inscrutable.
Hmm?
Seeing both Hong Mo and Xuan Qi object to the matter of Cheng Hai's title, Xing Yuan felt a degree of regret.
He glanced at Ye Cangtian and let out a soft scoff, saying, "Since you are unwilling to accept it, then decide upon a title for yourself!"
What the...?
Hearing the scoff, especially after being glared at by Xing Yuan, Ye Cangtian began to ponder internally.
Xing Yuan's reaction seemed to imply, "A dog biting the hand that feeds it." Had he misjudged the situation?
Thinking this, Ye Cangtian still quickly bowed and expressed his thanks. Then, after a moment of contemplation, he said, "I have decided. My title from now on shall be—Dawnbreaker!"
At these words, Huang Shan, Lü Luo, and Hong Mo all looked at him with strange expressions.
Dawnbreaker, a simple meaning of dispelling darkness.
Of course, they would not condemn Xuan Qi as a traitor based solely on a title, especially since they had witnessed Xuan Qi's performance in recent days.
They simply felt the title was inauspicious.
"Why choose this title? Does it have any special meaning?" Xing Yuan asked, frowning.
Ye Cangtian quickly explained, "The three factions have been in a stalemate for years, with none able to overcome the others. Your subordinate wishes to become the sunlight that dispels the night, to break this deadlock and lead the Dark Association to achieve its grand ambitions."
"Good! Ambitious!"
Upon hearing this, Xing Yuan clapped his hands, his eyes filled with approval. "This is an excellent meaning! It is settled then, your title from now on is Dawnbreaker!"
"Thank you for your graciousness, Lord Xing Yuan."
Ye Cangtian hurriedly thanked him. However, as he reached for the golden mask, he hesitated, saying, "Lord Xing Yuan, your subordinate has another humble request: I hope to retain my identity as Xuan Qi."
Although an Earth-level Steward held much more authority than a Xuan-level Attendant, Ye Cangtian could not easily abandon the identity of Xuan Qi.
Firstly, too many people knew of his identity as Xuan Qi, both friend and foe.
If someone within the Dark Association were to inherit the identity of Xuan Qi, it would be easy for friends to mistake him for Ye Cangtian, leading to severe consequences.
Secondly, Xuan Qi's identity was merely the peak of Xuan-level. In certain situations, he could still employ the tactic of playing the pig to eat the tiger, unlike the conspicuous identity of the Earth-level Steward, 'Dawnbreaker'.
"Yes, I will ensure your promotion to Earth-level Steward is kept confidential."
Xing Yuan seemed to have seen through Ye Cangtian's intentions and agreed.
Then, after a brief silence, Xing Yuan spoke again, "Now, let's discuss the second matter. I intend to send Dawnbreaker to Youming City."
Huang Shan and Lü Luo had no objections to this decision, but Hong Mo was clearly displeased.
He had previously volunteered for the assignment, only to be rejected by Xing Yuan. Now, Xing Yuan was bestowing this benefit upon Xuan Qi.
"Hong Mo, I know you are displeased."
"However, Dawnbreaker has just become an Earth-level Steward and has no prior merits. It is likely that no one will be convinced of his authority, so he needs to establish his prestige. I hope you can understand."
On the other side, sensing Hong Mo's gaze, Xing Yuan preempted Hong Mo's words with a statement, effectively silencing him.
"May I ask, Lord Xing Yuan, what has happened in Youming City?"
Seeing Hong Mo remain silent, Ye Cangtian stepped forward to inquire.
He was also completely bewildered at the moment. Having just emerged from seclusion, he was unaware of anything that had transpired.
Upon hearing this, Xing Yuan patiently explained the situation in broad strokes.
Only then did Ye Cangtian realize that the affairs within the ruins were far more complex than he had imagined.
Besides external infiltrating forces, many factions had also been established and risen within the ruins over the past few decades.
These factions outwardly obeyed the leadership of the Dark Association.
They not only cooperated with the Dark Association's actions but also served as informants.
The dark forces knew they could not control the entire ruins on their own, so they allowed certain affiliated forces to exist.
The Heavenly Remnant Tower was one such example.
Having understood everything, Ye Cangtian quickly said, "Thank you for clarifying, Lord Xing Yuan. Your subordinate shall depart immediately and guarantee the completion of the mission."
"No rush. You have just broken through, and we shall have a celebration for you afterward before you depart," Xing Yuan said calmly.
Uh...
Ye Cangtian was slightly taken aback. The convergence of various factions presented a considerable danger. If they were to jointly rebel, the branch and the Heavenly Remnant Tower might not be able to resist.
Given such a situation, Xing Yuan was not in a hurry and was even planning a celebration. Ye Cangtian found this perplexing, unable to fully grasp this Lord Xing Yuan.
However, in the next moment, Ye Cangtian seemed to understand.
Although the Heavenly Remnant Tower was affiliated with the Dark Alliance, they were not entirely trusted allies.
Xing Yuan likely intended to use this opportunity to suppress the Heavenly Remnant Tower, preventing them from growing too strong too smoothly.
With this thought, Ye Cangtian agreed and said no more.
"Good, you may leave."
"First, get acquainted with Mandara. She is the notorious enchantress of the Heavenly Remnant Tower, possessing remarkable strength and talent."
"However, be cautious and do not fall under her spell..."
Seeing Ye Cangtian agree, Xing Yuan waved him away, offering a word of caution.
It was evident that he still appreciated Ye Cangtian and did not want him to fall due to certain matters, thus affecting his future prospects.
Mandara?
Ye Cangtian responded with an "En" and withdrew from the great hall, pondering internally. The name alone suggested she was no ordinary person!
...
Celebration banquet.
Xing Yuan gave a brief opening speech, shared a drink with everyone, and then departed.
It was said that Xing Yuan always behaved this way, disliking similar gatherings.
Ye Cangtian did not comment on this. However, to his surprise, Huang Shan and Lü Luo, with whom he had little prior interaction, approached him.
They raised their wine glasses, offered a toast, and began to chat.
The three of them found common ground. Huang Shan and Lü Luo did not put on airs despite their seniority, nor did they discuss any secrets.
They conversed about all sorts of trivial matters.
Since the banquet was prepared for Ye Cangtian, he couldn't leave prematurely and thus engaged in idle chatter with them.
As the banquet neared its end, Huang Shan's expression turned serious, and he spoke earnestly, "Be very careful when you go to Youming City this time."
"Hmm?"
Ye Cangtian looked at Huang Shan quizzically and asked, "Lord Huang Shan, do you know something?"
Huang Shan glanced around, ensuring no one else was paying attention, and then said, "The one managing Youming City is Xuan San Qi. He is a disciple of Cheng Hai and has a very close personal relationship with Hong Mo."
At this, Ye Cangtian frowned. Everything became clear.
Hong Mo had always been displeased with him. This time, it was highly likely that Xuan San Qi would cause trouble and prevent him from completing his mission smoothly.
It was even possible that Xuan San Qi might snatch his credit.
"Thank you for informing me, Lord Huang Shan," Ye Cangtian cupped his hands.
"Let this matter be known only to heaven and earth," Huang Shan said with a slight smile. He then departed the banquet with Lü Luo.
Ye Cangtian glanced at their departing figures, then at Mandara on the other side, who was fawning over Hong Mo. He mused internally.
It was likely that the troubles he would face on this trip were not limited to Xuan San Qi alone!
...