226: Chapter 226 The crowd was excited; I must be the sect leader!

Xu Ruyu's emotions seemed somewhat stirred. He took several deep breaths before barely calming down, his tone becoming low and sincere:

“So, today, in front of all the Elders, I... I would like to implore everyone.”

He stood up and bowed deeply to the crowd below.

This action caused many Elders to show expressions of surprise.

Although Xu Ruyu’s 'cultivation was low,' he was, after all, the Sect Master 'personally appointed' by the Old Ancestor and Ancestral Master. Theoretically, he held the highest status, so lowering himself like this was truly rare.

Xu Ruyu straightened up, his face showing a mix of determination and supplication. His voice echoed clearly through the hall:

“I, Xu Ruyu, admit that my abilities are insufficient and I am not up to this great responsibility!

This position of Sect Master is, for me, truly... a case of virtue not matching the position, and the power being beyond my reach!”

“For the future of the Hehuan Sect, and to prevent the Sect from falling into greater crisis and chaos because of me...”

He paused, as if using all his strength to utter that crucial sentence:

“This position of Sect Master... I ask the Elders to choose someone wise and capable to take charge of the overall situation!”

“I... am willing to voluntarily abdicate in favor of someone more worthy!”

As his voice fell, the entire Council Hall sank into a brief silence so profound that a needle drop could be heard.

Almost everyone was stunned, including those who were already dissatisfied with Xu Ruyu or harbored ulterior motives.

They had thought Xu Ruyu might be at a loss, might seek support, or might even act with borrowed authority and treat a chicken feather as a command arrow... but they never expected that the first formal meeting after this 'new Sect Master' took office, the very first thing he would do, was actually... to voluntarily resign?!

This was too... too cowardly, wasn't it?! Too much of a joke?!

However, after the brief shock, an indescribable emotion mixed with wild joy, excitement, greed, and contempt spread like wildfire through the hearts of some Elders!

An opportunity! A heavenly opportunity!

Although the Old Ancestor and Ancestral Master had appointed him, he was giving it up voluntarily! Doesn't this mean... the position of Sect Master is vacant again?!

Wouldn't those of them with 'ability,' 'seniority,' and 'prestige' have a legitimate chance to compete?!

The first to react was a tall, thin Elder at the Mid-Nascent Soul Stage with a sinister expression and a goatee.

He was precisely Elder Wang (Wang Tiexin), who had led the questioning of Xu Ruyu on the Law Execution Platform earlier. He was in charge of the Sect's Punishment Hall and was known for his ruthless and impartial methods. Privately, however, he was ambitious and had long coveted the position of Sect Master, only having been suppressed by Xiao Nianyin's dominance before.

A sharp light flashed in Elder Wang's (Wang Tiexin) eyes. Without hesitation, he was the first to step out from the crowd and cupped his hands toward Xu Ruyu—a formality, though his back remained ramrod straight—as he spoke in a booming voice with a sense of 'righteous' praise:

“Little... Little Friend Xu!” He still avoided the title of Sect Master. “That you can have such awareness, actively recognize your own shortcomings, and consider the overall situation of the Sect by being willing to abdicate... is truly... noble! It is admirable!”

His words undisguisedly positioned Xu Ruyu as a 'Little Friend' and an 'abdicator,' directly excluding him from the candidates for Sect Master.

“Elder Wang is absolutely right!”

Another Elder, slightly plump with a pleasant smile but eyes narrowed into slits, stepped forward immediately after.

This person was Elder Li (Li Wancai), who was responsible for the Sect's external properties and trade. He was at the Golden Core Peak, had extensive connections, and was filthy rich. He also had a strong desire for power.

“The Hehuan Sect is currently in a period of turmoil, facing internal and external troubles. It truly needs a wise and capable person with ability, courage, and responsibility to take charge and turn the tide!”

“Little Friend Xu being able to understand the situation so well, care for the big picture, and take the initiative to step down is truly a blessing for the Sect!”

“It has avoided potential upheaval!”

With these two taking the lead, it was as if a sluice gate had been opened.

“Yes, yes! Little Friend Xu is so young, yet can show such responsibility; it is truly not easy!”

“Sect affairs are indeed no joke; the position must be held by someone with both virtue and talent!”

“Although Little Friend Xu is favored by the Old Ancestor, self-awareness is even more precious!”

“The future of the Hehuan Sect truly needs a real powerhouse to lead it!”

For a time, voices of agreement rose one after another. More and more Elders stood up, at least a dozen of them.

Their faces bore expressions that were either sincere (feigned), excited, or eager. They spoke high-sounding words, but the central theme was only one: Xu Ruyu did well to step down! He was right to step down!

The Hehuan Sect needs a change! It needs a capable person—like me, or someone from our faction—to be the Sect Master!

These voices converged into an invisible wave, nearly drowning out Xu Ruyu, who sat at the head of the hall with a 'pale' face, looking 'isolated and helpless.'

Meanwhile, Lady Qingli, standing behind and to the side of Xu Ruyu, watched the performance of this group of clowns with a calm face and slightly cold eyes, a faint, mocking smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

She didn't speak, just stood there quietly, like a jade statue guarding Xu Ruyu's back.

Further back, Xiao Nianyin, standing like a shadow, had a flash of extreme irony and coldness in her ice-blue eyes beneath lowered lids.

See, this is human nature.

When you lose power and support, even with the title of 'appointed by the Old Ancestor,' you are nothing more than a stumbling block that can be manipulated at will or even kicked aside with haste in the eyes of these profit-driven and ambitious fellows.

Xu Ruyu... do you think showing weakness can protect you? It will only make these wolves even more unscrupulous!