491: Chapter 491 This boy has the potential to be a leader

"Illuminati?"

As soon as these three words were spoken, everyone instinctively repeated them, inexplicably feeling that the name was both ancient and mysterious.

Professor Ye Zhiren was slightly taken aback, and the gaze behind his lenses flickered.

He chewed on those words carefully, whispering thoughtfully:

"The... Illu... minati... To illuminate the world with light and dispel the endless darkness..."

Lin Chuqiao's eyes flickered slightly, and her gaze towards Fang Cheng became even brighter.

It was as if she instantly associated him with the man that night at the Haoting Hotel, burning with golden flames and suspended in the night sky like a blazing sun.

The Illuminati—this name seemed more than fitting.

Seeing that everyone's gazes were focused on him, Fang Cheng had already made up his mind in his heart, so he continued to introduce:

"The meaning of this organization's name is very simple."

He spoke in a deep voice, his voice not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

"'Light' represents knowledge, truth, and reason, which is the cornerstone of our understanding of the world."

"And 'Illuminating' is our action, using light to illuminate the truths that are deliberately covered up, dispelling the darkness entrenched in the corners, and finally clearing away decay to rejuvenate vitality."

"My original intention in founding this organization was to deal with those monsters hiding in the dark, endangering society, and treating human lives as worthless grass."

"At the same time, it is also to shelter all anomaly peers like us who yearn to enjoy a normal life but are not accepted by the secular world."

Fang Cheng's gaze slowly swept across every person present.

From Bailing's excited face to Li Dingjian's complex expression, then to Lin Chuqiao's gentle gaze, and finally resting on Professor Ye Zhiren's deep eyes.

"Although we walk on the edge of darkness, our hearts still yearn for the light. The goal of establishing the organization is not to fight for power, nor is it to seek private desires."

"Rather, it is to seek common ground while reserving differences, and to unite the strength of more like-minded people."

"Each of us has our own past and our own secrets, but this should not become a reason for us to be alienated from each other."

"There is too much injustice and darkness in this world, and too many people are rejected and persecuted because of their unique traits."

"Perhaps we cannot change the whole world, but at least we can provide shelter for those who need help, letting them know that they are not alone."

Seeing that everyone looked thoughtful, Fang Cheng deliberately paused for a moment to let them digest it, and then his voice suddenly raised a bit.

"The Illuminati will never become a second Utopia! We will not treat ordinary people as ants like them, nor will we abuse our abilities to bully the weak."

"On the contrary, we want to become a lighthouse and a beam of light in the darkness, to illuminate those who have lost their way, and to give them hope and strength."

"The Illuminati is to unite all like-minded forces and re-establish an order belonging to anomalies in a chaotic and dark world."

"Use the absolute power we hold to protect everything worth protecting, whether it is innocent lives or the companions by our side!"

Fang Cheng fully expounded the philosophy he had discussed with Xiaosa at the teahouse back then, combined with his own understanding of the "Dao of the Sun".

These words were full of a sense of mission, like morning bells and evening drums, striking at everyone's heart.

It seemed to transcend mere revenge and self-preservation, rising to a higher level.

Especially Bailing and Li Dingjian, they felt it even more deeply.

One of them was an orphan who used to be a "monster" that everyone shouted at to beat, and the other had witnessed the tragedy of sudden disaster and the separation of relatives.

The vision described by Fang Cheng struck the softest part of both of their hearts.

Bailing bit her lip, her eye sockets slightly red.

She thought of the days of hiding here and there in the past, and the experiences of being discriminated against and driven away when she was a child.

Li Dingjian took a deep breath, looking at his nephew with complex eyes.

Over the years, he had lived in constant fear, afraid of exposing his identity, and afraid that his nephew would follow in his father's footsteps.

Now hearing Fang Cheng's words, that long-suppressed emotion in his heart seemed to have finally found an outlet for release.

Fang Cheng took in everyone's expressions and continued:

"Right now, the Illuminati has just been founded. Except for me, there are only two members, and we are lacking manpower."

"If you agree with what I just said, you can consider joining this organization."

As soon as his voice fell, Bailing raised her hand, shouting for fear of lagging behind others:

"As long as it's an organization founded by you, Boss, I'll join first!"

"Count me in too."

Li Dingjian immediately nodded and said.

Such a big thing as his own nephew founding an organization, yet not a single whisper had been leaked, which left a somewhat bitter taste in his heart.

But now was not the time to quibble over these things.

It was rare for Fang Cheng to step forward voluntarily and want to achieve something great.

As a relative, he had to express his support unwaveringly at the very first moment.

Lin Chuqiao's eyes turned gracefully, looking at Fang Cheng, then at the two excited performances, and smiled and said:

"The ready-made organization is already here. There is no need for us to set up another kitchen. It's better to just join the Illuminati directly. Everyone trusts Fang Cheng's strength and character."

After speaking, she gazed intently at Professor Ye Zhiren sitting opposite, handing over the final decision-making power to him.

After all, the Professor had once been the nominal leader of their small team.

Many of their previous action plans, including coming to Tiannan Province this time to hunt down Xuanzhen, had been planned single-handedly by him.

His opinion was very important, and would even directly affect the choices of Dachui and Monkey far away in Dongdu.

What's more, the proposal to create the organization was also first put forward by the Professor, but now Fang Cheng had "overshadowed the master".

Lin Chuqiao's words just now were both to persuade the Professor and to smooth things over for Fang Cheng.

Professor Ye Zhiren frowned slightly, as if he were still savoring Fang Cheng's remarks just now, or as if he were carefully weighing the pros and cons.

He was silent for a moment, and finally slowly nodded:

"I have no objection."

Lin Chuqiao felt her heart relax upon hearing this, and smiled brilliantly:

"Since everyone agrees, starting today, the four of us are officially joining the Illuminati, and from now on we are comrades fighting side by side."

"That's great, we are also people with an organization!"

Bailing immediately clapped her hands happily and said:

"The name Illuminati is well chosen. It sounds domineering and meaningful, and you can tell at a glance that it can accomplish great things. When it grows and expands in the future, we will be veteran bosses!"

Li Dingjian also showed a smile and let out a long breath.

The corners of Professor Ye Zhiren's mouth raised slightly, and the gaze behind his lenses revealed a trace of relief.

He actually didn't have much interest in power.

His hesitation before was just worrying that Fang Cheng was too young, lacked experience, and could not shoulder the heavy burden of being an organization leader.

However, judging from those words just now, the young man in front of him not only possessed super-strong martial arts, but also a Heart-Nature that surpassed his age and a broad perspective.

Therefore, his impression of Fang Cheng changed drastically, and he no longer regarded him merely as a pure hired thug, but rather recognized his potential as a leader.

As his thoughts turned, Professor Ye Zhiren picked up his teacup and took a light sip.

Furthermore, several people present were obviously completely convinced by Fang Cheng.

One was a relative connected by Bloodline, and the other was an intimate partner.

As for Bailing, she might as well have written "I am the boss's number one fan" on her face.

Even if he wanted to raise a different opinion, I'm afraid it would be meaningless and instead make him look out of place.

Everyone looked at each other and smiled, their expressions relaxed.

A certain emotion called "sense of belonging" quietly spread in the lounge.

At this moment, an unharmonious voice rang out abruptly.

"Wait... how is it four people?"

Pan Wendi pointed at himself, with a grievance of being left out on his face:

"Hey, hey, hey, don't forget me. You all joined the organization, what about me? I want to join too!"

Lin Chuqiao glanced at him and said ungraciously:

"Go back and be your chaebol young master. Why join an organization that fights and kills? Aren't you afraid that auntie will find out and fix you?"

"As long as you don't tell, how would my mom know?"

Pan Wendi retorted righteously:

"Anyway, I must join. How can I be missing from such an interesting—no, such a meaningful thing?"

The scene right now looked very much like the underground party secretly founding an organization, making his blood boil, and he was unwilling to miss it no matter what.

Professor Ye Zhiren looked at Pan Wendi, the gaze behind his lenses flickered slightly, and he said:

"This little brother is also someone targeted by Utopia. It is best to advance and retreat together with us to ensure safety."

"Moreover, his family background is deep, and perhaps it can provide unexpected help for our future actions."

The Professor's words could be considered giving Pan Wendi a way out.

He immediately climbed up along the trend and proudly puffed out his chest:

"Hear that, cousin? Don't look down on me. With my ability, in the future within the organization, I will definitely be considered a core member, and being a leader will be more than enough."

Hearing this, Lin Chuqiao sighed helplessly and no longer opposed it.

Fang Cheng scanned everyone, and seeing that everyone had reached a consensus, he said in a deep voice:

"Good, then starting today, the first batch of core members of our Illuminati is officially gathered."

He paused, his gaze becoming sharp and firm:

"The days ahead might be very dangerous, but as long as we are united as one, there is no hurdle we cannot cross."

"Our Illuminati will definitely dispel all darkness and defeat all enemies!"

"Good!"

Bailing clapped her hands hard immediately, her face flushing red.

Lin Chuqiao and the others subsequently clapped to congratulate, their expressions brimming with excitement and expectations.

Looking at these people in front of him, a surge of hot blood welled up in Fang Cheng's heart.

Starting today, he would no longer face the enemy alone; by his side were true companions who could fight side by side in the true sense.

A few bird chirps came from outside the window, as if celebrating this important moment.

Even the morning light casting in seemed to become warmer and brighter.

An organization destined to influence the future and stir up winds and clouds was quietly born on this morning in a secluded lounge of the Chen family's mansion.

Although it was still young at this moment, like a seed, it would eventually take root and sprout on this land, growing into a towering tree.

The applause gradually subsided, and the excitement on everyone's faces had not yet faded.

"Like this... are we considered to have joined the organization?"

Bailing blinked and asked somewhat unexhausted:

"Don't we need to hold some kind of ceremony, like taking an oath together and reciting some words or something?"

Li Dingjian laughed in spite of himself and said:

"You girl, do you think this is a party admission oath?"

Lin Chuqiao smiled and nodded:

"A gentleman is judged by his actions rather than his heart. As long as we are willing to entrust our backs to each other in future actions, that is already the firmest oath."

"Chuqiao is right."

Professor Ye Zhiren nodded in agreement, and then added:

"However, as a formal organization, it will indeed need some ritual norms in the future to enhance members' sense of belonging and cohesion."

"As the founders right now, keeping everything simple is fine."

As he spoke, his gaze looked at Fang Cheng with a consultative meaning, having already switched to the role of "strategist":

"As for the organizational structure, personnel arrangements, action guidelines, etc., after returning to Dongdu, I will assist President Fang in carefully planning and perfecting them together."

Professor Ye Zhiren appeared clear-headed in handling affairs, virtually posing as the organization's second-in-command.

Hearing this, everyone nodded slightly and had no objection to this.

After the excited atmosphere in the room subsided slightly.

Professor Ye Zhiren pushed his glasses, and then spoke in a deep voice again:

"There is one more matter that must be handled properly as soon as possible."

Hearing this, a flash of understanding crossed Lin Chuqiao's eyes:

"Is it about the Chen family? I have already instructed Second Young Master Chen Xuan to keep his mouth tight and clean up all loose ends."

"Not enough."

Professor Ye Zhiren shook his head, the gaze behind his lenses revealing sharpness:

"Utopia targeting the Chen family is by no means accidental. There must be some intention behind it that we do not yet know."

"Although Xuanzhen is dead, their plan may still be ongoing. We must grasp the movements here at all times to prevent trouble before it happens."

Speaking of this, he looked at Fang Cheng and proposed solemnly:

"President, our Illuminati has just been founded and is waiting to be revived. Whether it is establishing safe houses, purchasing weapons and equipment, or collecting intelligence, a large amount of financial support is needed."

"The Chen family operates a jewelry business, with strong assets, which can be said to be wealthier than a state. If they can be developed into our stable supporters in the secular world, many things will be much easier to handle in the future."

Although these words were spoken bluntly, they also hit the nail on the head, pointing out the most realistic dilemma of this newborn organization at present.

Fang Cheng's eyes were calm, and he nodded slightly.

Then he turned his head to look at Lin Chuqiao beside him and instructed:

"Chuqiao, go call that Young Master Chen over and say we have something to discuss with him."

Lin Chuqiao understood tacitly, nodded in agreement, then stood up and opened the door of the lounge.

A moment later, Second Young Master Chen Xuan walked in following Lin Chuqiao.

He had changed into a well-fitting suit, and his hair was meticulously groomed, making him look much steadier than before.

But when he saw the serious expressions of everyone in the lounge, his heart still couldn't help but jump slightly, feeling somewhat uneasy.

Lin Chuqiao casually closed the door, cutting off the sounds from the outside world.

Second Young Master Chen Xuan first smiled apologetically at Professor Ye Zhiren and Li Dingjian, expressing regret for his deliberate concealment behavior earlier.

Only then did he look at Fang Cheng, his expression carrying a hint of worry:

"Mr. Bai, what is the matter you are looking for me for? Is it... related to the Chen family's current situation?"

His thinking was quite sharp, directly pointing out the core of the problem.

Fang Cheng looked at him, didn't beat around the bush, and said straight to the point:

"The evil spirit residing in your grandfather's corpse has already died. For that organization, this is a serious plan setback, and they might make a comeback."

"Because of this matter, your Chen family will definitely not be at peace in the future, and it is very likely to incur retaliation."

"If you want to protect yourselves, you must make a choice now."

"What choice?"

Second Young Master Chen Xuan asked nervously, a trace of cold sweat unconsciously seeping from his palms.

Fang Cheng looked at him with sharp eyes and said in a deep voice:

"Cooperation."

(End of chapter)