49: Chapter 49 Heroes' Gathering

After Tan Tian officially became the director of the East Depot, he instigated Jiang Biehe to reconvene the Heroes Convention to elect a new Wulin Alliance Leader. There were two main purposes: first, to push their own man, Jiang Biehe, into the position so they could better control the Martial Forest and earn merit.

Second, it was an opportunity to reorganize and regain control of the hidden pieces the East Depot had scattered throughout the Martial Forest.

These hidden pieces referred not only to East Depot agents planted within various Martial Arts sects but also to those who secretly collaborated with the East Depot for various motives.

The focus was primarily on the latter.

Because the former were originally from the East Depot, it wasn't difficult to maintain control over them even if the leadership changed.

The latter were different; they did not belong to the East Depot.

Even if the East Depot held leverage over them and had the upper hand, their relationship was still collaborative. To suppress and control them, leverage was one aspect, but a display of martial force was also indispensable; otherwise, a commoner's rage could lead to blood being spilled within five steps.

When Liu Xi was around, his Martial Arts couldn't be called invincible, but they were more than enough to suppress and deter those Martial Arts experts who collaborated with the East Depot.

However, besides Liu Xi, the East Depot had no other decent experts.

Firstly, experts are not that easy to train.

Secondly, Liu Xi practiced the Absorbing Qi Technique; he enjoyed absorbing others to increase his cultivation and heal his injuries, but he was unwilling to use the method of direct transmission to cultivate other experts.

This led to a massive gap in the East Depot's martial power distribution; the strong ones like Liu Xi were near the ceiling, while the weak ones were mere cannon fodder.

There were so-called backbone forces, namely confidants like Tan Tian, Say Earth, Witch Hand, and Witch Foot, but they were only on par with average Sect Head level figures and weren't particularly outstanding. They were fine for dealing with cannon fodder and weaklings, but there was a significant gap when compared to those who had made a name for themselves.

Therefore, once Liu Xi died, the East Depot no longer had enough martial force to hold down the fort.

Those hidden pieces who might already be out of control were very likely to make a move.

Tan Tian wanted to use this Heroes Convention to perform a screening and see which pieces were usable and which were not.

The usable ones would be kept, while ways would be found to eliminate the unusable ones.

Thus, besides taking the opportunity to rise to power, Jiang Biehe was also acting as an observer and screener.

Abbess Rusu's flattery was very pleasing to him, and he secretly labeled her as 'usable' in his heart.

And Abbess Rusu's subsequent performance did not disappoint Jiang Biehe.

After her flattery, she immediately nominated Jiang Biehe for the position: "Great Hero Jiang's character and reputation far exceed those of the previous Alliance Leader Tie Ruyun. This humble nun believes it is time for a change in the position of Wulin Alliance Leader. Great Hero Jiang should take the seat; only then can the masses be convinced."

Hearing this, the Beggars Sect Leader sitting next to Abbess Rusu immediately stood up and echoed: "Correct!"

"I am most in favor of Great Hero Jiang becoming the Wulin Alliance Leader."

Seeing this, Jiang Biehe was overjoyed. He quickly added a 'usable' label to this Beggars Sect Leader, but on the surface, he waved his hand in refusal: "Ah, Jiang's Martial Arts, character, and Jianghu experience are all inferior to yours!"

"The position of Wulin Alliance Leader should be given to a candidate whose Martial Arts and reputation can convince everyone."

"Jiang absolutely dares not accept it."

Just as he finished speaking, Mr. Hongye—that is, Little Hongye—arrived, holding a feather fan, his voice preceding his appearance.

"If Great Hero Jiang doesn't dare to accept it, who else would?"

Hearing this, Jiang Biehe immediately went to the door to welcome him, and everyone else stood up as well.

"Mr. Hongye."

"Mr. Hongye."

"I greet Great Hero Jiang and all the Sect Heads."

After a round of pleasantries, Little Hongye and Jiang Biehe sat together in the main seats at the head of the hall.

Before they could start praising each other again, the Disciple Jiang Biehe had arranged to guard the door walked in, cupped his hands, and reported: "Master, a man and three women have arrived outside. They claim to be Alliance Leader Tie's daughter and son-in-law and insist on seeing you."

Jiang Biehe was stunned, then wondered: "Raging Lion Tie Ruyun's daughter and son-in-law?"

He had never met Tie Ruyun, but he knew the man had a daughter and a son-in-law.

Since he intended to replace Tie Ruyun, it was impossible for him not to investigate the man's situation.

But what were these two doing here?

Even if Tie Ruyun had objections upon hearing the news, he should have come himself. Jiang Biehe and even Tan Tian had already prepared measures in case Tie Ruyun came to disrupt things.

But now, two juniors had arrived...

Though puzzled, Jiang Biehe was not slow to react and quickly had his Disciple lead them in.

Before long, Meng Li and the other three arrived at the Gathering Hall.

Meng Li and Tie Xinlan scanned the surroundings and quickly identified who Jiang Biehe was.

"Greetings, Great Hero Jiang."

Tie Xinlan and Meng Li cupped their hands to him, performing a Jianghu salute.

Jiang Yuyan and Xiao Xiao followed suit and cupped their hands.

Immediately, Jiang Yuyan's eyes flickered as she secretly sized up the Jiang Biehe before her.

So this was her scumbag father?

At that moment, Tie Xinlan took out the Alliance Leader Token: "This is the Alliance Leader Token held by my father."

Jiang Biehe stood up instantly and walked closer to look, instinctively wanting to take it for a closer inspection.

Tie Xinlan dodged backward, avoiding his movement.

Jiang Biehe had to stop and withdraw his hand; otherwise, he would be suspected of trying to snatch it.

Then, he asked with a smile: "Are you two really Brother Tie's daughter and son-in-law?"

Tie Xinlan said: "That's right."

Meng Li nodded with a smile.

Jiang Biehe looked away and praised them in the tone of an elder: "Good, Brother Tie's daughter and worthy son-in-law are truly outstanding in talent and appearance. The Martial Forest has gained two more young talents."

Saying this, he paused and added with a hint of testing: "And the Alliance Leader has gained two more candidates."

"Candidates?" Tie Xinlan's brow furrowed.

She knew her father intended to resign from the position of Alliance Leader, and she understood the purpose of these people convening the Heroes Convention. She also understood the concept of people moving on and the tea growing cold.

The problem was, her father hadn't even left yet!

They were already bringing up candidates? The tea was cooling far too quickly!

Displeased, her face turned cold as she said: "My father has not yet resigned from the position of Alliance Leader, and he is doing just fine. Where do these Alliance Leader candidates come from?"

Faced with these words, before Jiang Biehe could respond, Abbess Rusu said: "Tie Ruyun acts arbitrarily and never leaves room for discussion. He was only elected last time because his Martial Arts were superior. As for his character, I, Rusu, am the first to be unconvinced."

"Since he cannot convince the masses, he should step down and make way for someone more worthy."

Hearing this, the other Sect Heads echoed her one after another.

"Correct."

"That's right."

"Tie Ruyun's virtue does not match his position; he should step down."

...

Seeing this situation, Tie Xinlan couldn't help but feel anger rising in her heart.

After her father became the Alliance Leader, he spent the whole year traveling to handle Martial Forest affairs and helped various sects solve many problems. Yet these people claimed his virtue didn't match his position?

She finally understood why he wanted to resign.

Tie Xinlan said with a dark expression: "I came here to complete the task my father entrusted to me, not to listen to you criticize him."

Seeing her dare to show her anger and intent to contradict them, the Beggars Sect Leader slapped the armrest and stood up: "Hmph, what audacity! Everyone seated here is a Senior. Is there any room for a junior like you to talk back? Today, I shall teach you a lesson on your father's behalf."

Having finished speaking, he struck a palm toward Tie Xinlan.

At that moment, the faint sound of a lion's roar appeared on the scene.

Almost simultaneously, the Beggars Sect Leader was sent flying on the spot, crashing into a cabinet against the wall before falling to the ground, spitting blood.

"Raging Lion Iron Palm!?"

...