https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-568-Do-You-Know-Fang-Che-Part-2-/12982059/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-570-Heaven-s-Change-The-Beginning-of-Slaughter-Part-1-/12982061/
Chapter 569: Yan Nan's Masterful Move [Part 2]
Chapter 569: Yan Nan's Masterful Move [Part 2]
Throughout this entire process, many people were listening from the side hall.
Yan Nan never once used a soundproofing barrier from start to finish.
This in itself was a subtle hint, a statement of intent.
After over fifty people left and gathered again, they chattered amongst themselves, discussing the situation.
"What's going on today? I feel so confused."
"I'm a bit confused as well."
"Why did he suddenly bring up someone completely unrelated?"
"Yeah, suddenly asking about Fang Che, I'm truly baffled."
This person, who had clearly not investigated Fang Che, was now feeling anxious.
As everyone discussed, their gazes eventually settled on Yan Beihan, Chen Yun, Chen Yin, Feng Xing, Bai Di, and a few others.
Chen Yun and Feng Xing, who hadn't thoroughly investigated Fang Che, now understood the situation.
This was actually a test!
Both of them turned pale.
Who could have guessed that Yan Deputy Sect Master's question would be this? Not having investigated Fang Che meant they had lost points.
"What's going on here? What's Yan Deputy Sect Master trying to do?" they asked, perplexed.
Facing their confusion, Chen Yun and Feng Xing lost their enthusiasm for speaking.
Yan Beihan stepped forward, his face expressionless. "I have a vague guess, but I'm not sure if it's correct."
"Please enlighten us, Yan."
The crowd spoke in unison.
Among them were Bai Ye and Chen Yin, who also understood the situation, but due to their lower status, Chen Yun remained silent, and Chen Yin, fearing his older brother's backlash, hesitated to explain.
As for Bai Ye, he was suppressed by Yan Beihan's sharp gaze, causing him to fall silent.
In that moment, Yan Beihan took the lead, becoming the impromptu leader, directing the discussion. And his timing was impeccable.
As everyone's attention shifted to Feng Xing and Chen Yun, waiting for their response, and just as they began to feel disappointed in them, Yan Beihan spoke up.
Yan Beihan was certain: these two had failed, and they wouldn't expose themselves; Chen Yin lacked the qualifications to speak. By suppressing Bai Ye, he could calmly wait for the right moment.
All eyes were now on Yan Beihan.
This clarification was crucial, as it would further elevate Yan Beihan's status among the younger generation. Everyone present was well aware of the implications.
"Grandfather's intention, as I understand it, is to test our abilities and foresight. This unexpected ambush is an examination of our capabilities."
"That much is certain."
Yan Beihan's words earned nods of agreement from the group.
Indeed, this was an unexpected ambush.
What they didn't realize was that this situation was also an unexpected test for Yan Nan.
"The Protector's Fang Che possesses exceptional martial talent, cunning, and capabilities. He now holds the Life and Death Command in the Southeast, and it's clear to any discerning eye that he will be a formidable foe in the future!"
Yan Beihan added, "Especially for our younger generation."
"Perhaps I should say... in a few years or decades, it will be us, on the battlefield of the entire martial world, facing off against Fang Che, determining the outcome between the Protector and the Only Me Orthodox Sect."
"Therefore, understanding our opponents beforehand is crucial for us."
"So, when he suddenly called us here to ask if we had investigated Fang Che, he was testing our foresight. This is a significant assessment."
Yan Beihan explained, "So, for those who had already investigated Fang Che, they have passed this test. But for those who hadn't, some will be eliminated in the eyes of the higher-ups."
Yan Beihan's gaze swept across the group, and he said, "This assessment may very well influence our future assignments."
"Some may lead independently, while others may assist or be specifically trained for combat, perhaps even becoming the Protector's Guardian in the future..."
Upon hearing this, Chen Yun and Feng Xing, who hadn't investigated Fang Che, felt their hearts sink.
To be eliminated by Yan Nan meant...
Yan Beihan's eyes circled the group, and he said, "So, everyone... pay close attention to changes in the martial world, keep an eye on the Protector's personnel changes, and be mindful of ourselves... Understand? Such assessments may occur again at any time. If we are eliminated again... our future prospects will be ruined."
Everyone bowed deeply and expressed their gratitude, "Thank you, Yan, for your reminder."
Yan Beihan returned the bow, her smile calm and composed. "Hey, we're all of similar age, practically peers. Although I may be a bit older in terms of seniority, it's not like I had a choice in the matter, right?"
She made a joke, and everyone burst into laughter.
As they watched, Yan Beihan, without realizing it, had subtly established her dominance among this group of extremely important individuals, controlling the entire rhythm. A hint of envy flashed in Chen Yin's eyes.
He could have done the same.
He even had the confidence to do it better than Yan Beihan.
Because he was a man. In this kind of leadership competition, men inherently held an advantage! If a man and a woman of equal talent and leadership charisma were pitted against each other, the majority would side with the man.
This was an unchanging truth from ancient times to the present.
The issue of gender determined that women were at a disadvantage, and it was impossible to change this.
However, when it came to choosing a partner, even the most exceptional women often had to settle for one person due to societal norms. But what about the others? What about those who also loved, admired, and had crushes on her? How would their collective strength be affected by jealousy and envy?
Take the current situation with Yan Beihan, for example. With her intelligence, beauty, scheming, and charisma, she was naturally a leader. Although her seniority might have prevented many from taking action, how many in her inner circle secretly admired and had crushes on her?
This was something he dared not speak too much about, but it was undoubtedly true.
On the other hand, men in this social context could have multiple wives and concubines. Once they reached a certain level of strength, they would have daughters and younger sisters... wouldn't they? Wouldn't we all become part of the royal family, fighting for the family's cause...
However, when considering only this aspect, men's leadership was more stable than women's—not in a discriminatory way, but that's just how it was.
But this logic didn't apply to Chen Yin.
Because his status didn't match.
He wasn't the firstborn son!
With Chen Yin around, it would never be his turn.
So, despite his abilities, he could only sit in the audience, helplessly watching Yan Beihan rise to power.
Yan Beihan smiled and turned to Feng Xing and Chen Yin, saying, "But you two are exceptions. Although you haven't investigated either, your status and position here are such that Fang Che isn't qualified to be taken seriously by you. Moreover, your family background and status also determine that your opportunities won't be limited to just this once."
"So... there's great potential for the future. Don't be so glum. As a leader and a figurehead, don't let this minor imperfection make you anxious. Furthermore, I'll help you in the future. And everyone will help you, right?" Yan Beihan said with a gentle smile.
In the crowd, Chen Yin's pupils constricted.
He couldn't help but look up, seeing Yan Beihan comforting Feng Xing and Chen Yin.
This move by Yan Beihan was something Chen Yin hadn't anticipated. If he were in her position, he wouldn't have been able to pull it off, and even if he did, he would have offended people.
But when Yan Beihan spoke, she didn't offend anyone.
Just by seeing the instant relaxation on Feng Xing and Chen Yin's faces, he knew they were even grateful. Although her words contained a hint of suppression, most of it was acknowledgment.
But Chen Yin only felt a sense of sinking.
Yan Beihan's words were like a declaration to everyone: Feng Xing and Chen Yin hadn't investigated, and their abilities were ordinary.
It was as if she was standing on their shoulders, elevating herself to a higher level.
Moreover, the subsequent comfort she offered made everyone realize that these two even needed Yan Beihan's help.
While comforting them, she also made those who followed them see her ability and magnanimity... planting a seed for future annexation.
The most perfect part was that she wasn't annexing them now; she only needed to establish the existence of this seed.
In the future, there would be countless events where she could get involved, gradually making this seed more prominent.
And when the time came, when she called out to them, Feng Xing and Chen Yin would realize that the people around them... had already switched their allegiance to Yan Beihan.
Even they themselves would be brought over—because those people still called them their leaders!
The most impressive part was... during this process, they would rely on Yan Beihan to stabilize their position. In this situation, even reminders would be useless!
Your reminder... is breaking our alliance.
Especially for someone like Chen Yin, his reminder... hmph, what does the third son of the family want?
Chen Yin took a deep breath.
He felt a sense of powerlessness and loneliness.
No matter what he said, he had only entered the Yin-Yang Realm. Why had Yan Beihan changed so much after coming out of it?
Why had she become so formidable? Where had the straightforward, carefree, and seemingly guileless young girl gone?
What had she experienced in the Yin-Yang Realm?
"Today, since we're all gathered here, how about we go for a drink together?" Yan Beihan invited with a smile, his eyes curving into crescent moons.
The thirteen who had already passed the assessment immediately agreed with excitement.
The others followed suit, eager to join.
It was a rare occasion for Yan Beihan to extend such an invitation.
"I'll inform Yunyan right away and ask her to bring the women's army along. Let's have a grand time together."
Yan Beihan's smile widened, and he said to Feng Xing and Chen Yun, "You two, as the eldest brothers, need to keep an eye on these youngsters. Don't you dare harass my sisters, or you'll get a beating and don't come crying to me later!"
Feng Xing and Chen Yun's eyes lit up, and they patted their chests, "Of course, you can count on us. We'll take care of them."
As they spoke, they exchanged a hostile glance, clearly considering each other as rivals.
Chen Yin was speechless.
What are you two doing, big brothers? Have you lost your minds? Your opponents are not each other!
But at the same time, he once again realized the power of Yan Beihan: the group of young ladies and the women's army under her command were incredibly effective against this younger generation of men. This was a unique power that belonged to Yan Beihan alone.
Chen Yun spoke up, "Since Miss Yan is treating us, I'll pay for it. It's the least I can do."
Yan Beihan stretched out her fair hand and said, "In that case, I'll take the money."
Chen Yun laughed and generously took out a hundred top-grade spirit crystals, asking, "Is this enough?"
"It's more than enough!"
Yan Beihan burst into laughter and collected the top-grade spirit crystals. Then she said, "Let's go for a drink."
Chen Yin shook his head and smiled, unable to resist. He followed along, smiling.
He didn't dare to leave the group.
If he left now, he would offend everyone!
Chen Yin felt helpless as he watched his big brother, Chen Yun, follow along with a foolish smile. He had just been tricked out of a hundred top-grade spirit crystals, which wasn't a small amount. But... in everyone's eyes, he had been branded as a fool with money who couldn't pass the assessment!
For the first time, Chen Yin realized the terrifying power of the 'tide of the times.' No matter how wise or unwilling one might be, or how sober when everyone else was drunk, they could only be swept along by the current, unable to resist.
And at this moment, Yan Beihan had already seized the initiative among this group.
Yan Nan's eyes shone with relief as he listened to the group leaving at his granddaughter's invitation.
Yan Beihan's growth during this period was a delightful surprise to Yan Nan.
She had been steadily advancing, step by step, and had even demonstrated the qualities of a great general.
Her scheming and intelligence seemed to have skyrocketed, and she had been subtly influencing and creating opportunities for herself, leveraging various trends. Every move she made had few flaws, even in Yan Nan's eyes.
"Xiao Han will have great use in the future!"
After his moment of relief, Yan Nan's headache returned.
Too many people had investigated Fang Che.
"Fang Che's former master was Sun Yuan, a revered elder of the One Heart Sect."
This matter had almost become common knowledge.
Yan Nan deeply realized his own shortcomings. This was the first thing he had dismissed after hearing the report from Yinshen Palace, thinking it wouldn't be exposed.
Because there was no connection between the two.
But now, this issue had become the biggest hidden danger. It showed that his foresight was lacking! He was still no match for Dongfang Sansan in a confrontation.
Therefore, his current considerations couldn't be limited to the Only Me Righteous Sect's side. He had to consider the entire world, both allies and enemies!
Yan Nan rubbed his temples in distress.
He sat on his throne and closed his eyes, focusing his thoughts.
First, he considered that Fang Che's master was Sun Yuan, and the Protector had already conducted several Heart Reflection Paths and investigations on this matter, even deploying Yang Luoyu and Yan Wuzui.
Dongfang Sansan knew about this, first.
Sun Yuan had died at the hands of the Only Me Righteous Sect's family, and Dongfang Sansan was also aware of this.
Second, Fang Che would undoubtedly seek revenge for Sun Yuan, and Dongfang Sansan knew this as well.
So, Dongfang Sansan's cultivation of Fang Che might have this intention.
Fourth, Dongfang Sansan was also aware of the Only Me Righteous Sect's family and geniuses investigating Fang Che. In other words, Dongfang Sansan was well aware of Fang Che's dangerous situation.
Was this why there were so many experts gathered in the southeast?
If this was the case, Dongfang Sansan had already anticipated this move.
How should Yan Nan respond now? He was a bit dumbfounded. How could such a small matter involve him in a confrontation with Dongfang Sansan?
Because... if I react too strongly, it would directly prove that Fang Che is the mole I sent!
If Fang Che isn't a mole, you, Yan Nan, should abandon the control over the aristocratic families and let them assassinate Fang Che. This is the idea that stands on Dongfang Sansan's side.
But if I really don't do anything, with the methods of those aristocratic families, there are only two outcomes: One is that Dongfang Sansan is waiting for the rabbit, setting up Fang Che as a target, while we keep sending people over to die.
Kill one, kill a hundred, and continuously deplete our strength!
The second is that these guys' methods are indeed impressive, and they directly eliminate Fang Che.
"Damn it!"
Yan Nan was speechless. He couldn't help but slap the table, shattering a high-quality table into pieces.
Because he didn't want either of these outcomes!
Why am I hesitating again? What's going on here?
If Night Demon dies, it's my loss. If the high-level experts sent by the aristocratic families die, it's still my loss!
Why do I feel that no matter what, you, Dongfang Sansan, won't suffer any loss? What's the problem here?
Yan Nan was extremely troubled.
Because he found that every time he engaged in a battle of wits with Dongfang Sansan, he would eventually fall into this dilemma.
Just like this time, if Fang Che dies, will Dongfang Sansan suffer? That's definitely suffering, because as of now, Fang Che is a key chess piece he has been cultivating.
If he dies, will he not suffer?
But the problem is... this damn Fang Che is my man! No matter how much you, Dongfang Sansan, suffer, it won't be as painful as me. Moreover, one day in the future when you find out, you'll be overjoyed!
But I will continue to suffer! And I'll have to endure your ridicule.
Damn it...
Yan Nan paced back and forth with a dark face, wondering what to do. Then he suddenly realized that the best way to deal with this matter, knowing this major concern, was to ignore it!
But how could he possibly ignore it after finding out about it?
Yan Nan furrowed his brows for a long time.
Finally, he came up with a solution.
"Starting today, the aristocratic families on our side of the Only Righteous Sect will be evaluated, and their ranks will be re-evaluated. For those that have already formed, we will conduct assessments. Those that meet the standards will retain their ranks, while those with exceptional strength will be promoted, and those that fail will be demoted."
"Additionally, all aristocratic families with Imperial-level experts and above will be registered and recorded. Then, we will conduct another assessment, and the various departments and the Eight Great Departments will select the best candidates."
"At the same time, we will verify the contributions of the aristocratic families to the sect."
With these measures in place, he called for the personnel from the General Affairs Department: "Hurry up and draft the assessment regulations and the strictest punishment regulations, and implement them immediately!"
"Yes!"
That afternoon.
The headquarters of the Only Righteous Sect issued three major documents, known as the sect's most stringent rectification.
It was said that the atmosphere at the headquarters of the Only Righteous Sect became tense in an instant, with an unprecedented level of tension.
Because the punishment was too... severe.
Those who were demoted or failed the assessment, many people from their families faced imprisonment.
For example, a fourth-level family originally had twenty quotas, but this was reduced to fifteen.
Regardless of the level, the number of quotas was reduced by one-fourth! If you're demoted from the third level, you'll continue to compete within the fourth level. This made the competition even more intense.
If there were originally twenty third-level families and fifty fourth-level families.
Now, with fifteen third-level families, the remaining five will compete for the fourth level. The fourth level becomes fifty-five families, and one-fourth will be eliminated, which means fifteen families will be eliminated. So, fifty-five families will compete for forty spots.
The fifteen eliminated families will then compete for the fifth-level family rankings, further squeezing the fifth-level quotas, and so on, level by level... A large number of families below the tenth level will once again become commoners!
Generations of effort will be undone within a year, and the families will be demoted to their original state!
The intensity of the competition made every family feel like they were facing a formidable enemy, with a sense of impending doom.
A true life-and-death situation!
The families' experts rushed back to participate in the assessment to increase their contribution points.
At this time, seeking connections was of little use, as everything was decided by martial strength.
Even if you found the Deputy Sect Leader, it still wouldn't be enough.
When the aristocratic families reached this point, they no longer cared about the main or collateral branches; everything was based on the principle of promoting the capable and demoting the incompetent, selecting talents.
The ultimate principle was to 'maintain the family's rank.'
Even those with the strength to be promoted had to first pass the rank retention assessment and then apply for promotion, making it a two-stage process.
The aristocratic families started to take action.
Zhou Meier was meditating in her room. After returning home, her abilities had gained recognition from a portion of her family, and her cultivation resources had increased. Currently, she had reached the Imperial level.
In front of her on the table was a notification.
This was the notification for the aristocratic family assessment.
(End of Chapter)
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