C16 The Core of Disciples

The title of The Core Of Disciples was a clear indicator of who would be the next patriarch of the Chu Family.

Should Chu Yangxiang ascend to the position of The Core Of Disciples, he would wield the second greatest authority in the Chu Family, second only to the Patriarch himself. He would be on par with the five The Great Elders and the four Profound Warrior Group Leaders. His status would even surpass that of the Patriarch's three sons.

Chu Yuexing's face fell. All his years of relentless effort were for naught, including the nefarious deeds he had committed.

At that point, he would reap no benefits for the sins he bore, sins so grave that even the heavens and earth could not forgive.

For years, he had harbored the dream of becoming the Patriarch. Was it possible that Chu Yangxiang would now dash that dream to pieces?

"Chu Yangxiang must die; only then will he cease to be a threat to me," Chu Yuexing resolved in his mind.

Chu Guangxiang, on the other hand, felt not disappointment but relief. Surely Chu Yuexing couldn't fault him any longer, could he? At the very least, Chu Yuexing couldn't find him guilty. He had truly put forth his best effort.

Yet, his inability to complete his task was an unfortunate reality.

He had recently perceived the red glow on Chu Yangxiang's body as a conduit, channeling all the energy he had directed at Chu Yangxiang into his fists. Each of Chu Yangxiang's punches felt as though they were indirectly striking him.

He had never anticipated that Chu Yangxiang possessed such extraordinary martial skills.

Amidst resounding applause, Chu Qingyong declared the day's selection trials a resounding success.

The seventy-eight individuals promoted to Great Courtyard Disciples jubilantly received their family rewards — thirty Level Two Profound Qi Pills and twenty silver coins. Henceforth, they would be afforded the privileges of Great Courtyard Profound Warriors.

Their parents could join them in moving to the inner courtyard, and Chu Yuexing would oversee their future employment.

Following this ceremony, the crowd dispersed, elated.

The buzz of conversation centered on Chu Yangxiang.

Chu Yangxiang had become a household name, a subject of conversation about the Chu Family for many gatherings to come.

Once the crowd had departed, Chu Qingyong, accompanied by The Great Elder, the four Profound Warrior Group Leaders, Chu Yangxiang, Chu Tianwen, and his wife, made their way to the Chu Family's council hall.

They made their way past the distant Training Hall and entered the Chu Family Courtyard through a side entrance. Chu Tianwen couldn't help but think that he would surely get lost if he tried to navigate this place on his own.

Upon reaching the council chamber, they found it occupied by only thirteen individuals.

Chu Qingyong instructed the staff to prepare the finest meals at two tables.

Chu Tianwen and his wife were deeply moved as they sat at the head of the table, surrounded by the ten most influential members of the Chu Family—a scenario beyond their wildest dreams.

Thanks to Chu Yangxiang, they were able to sit proudly among the family's ten helmsmen in the council chamber.

During the meal, the topic of elevating Chu Yangxiang to the Core Of Disciples was brought up for discussion.

The elders shared their thoughts, and ultimately, they agreed to provisionally designate Chu Yangxiang as a stand-in for The Core Of Disciples. His monthly allotment of resources would match that of the three sons of family head Chu Qingyong.

Chu Yangxiang reflected on how he was once regarded as nothing more than a clump of mud to be stepped on when he was powerless. Now, with his newfound potential, the family esteemed him so highly.

He understood the Chu Family's predicament.

True equality was an impossibility. Striving for absolute equality would ironically lead to inequality.

Regarding Chu Tianwen and his wife, the family head decided to grant them a generous and comfortable position. He arranged for Chu Yangxiang's family to reside near the Training Hall.

Chu Tianwen was speechless with astonishment.

He had never even dared to dream of such favorable treatment.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he earnestly advised Chu Yangxiang, "My child, the family has been good to us. From now on, you must repay their kindness, even at great personal cost."

Chu Yangxiang nodded in agreement. Ensuring his parents' well-being was his utmost wish. Their secure and comfortable settlement only deepened his loyalty to the family.

"Father, rest assured, I will diligently train and strive to reclaim the Marquis Mansion of Zhenhai for our family. We shall restore our rightful place as the true Marquis Mansion of Zhenhai."

Chu Qingyong and his companions burst into hearty laughter. "Kid, that's exactly the response I was looking for."

Chu Yangxiang's rewards were impressive: 50 silver coins, 50 second-level Profound Qi Pills, and the chance to select a weapon from the armory. He also had the privilege to choose a martial technique from the Martial Skill Pavilion and a treasure from the Treasure Vault.

At the mention of these rewards, Chu Tianwen's heart nearly skipped a beat. Such wealth was beyond what he and his wife could ever hope to earn in their lifetimes.

They made their way to a quaint courtyard near the Training Hall, which boasted eight rooms and a charming garden bursting with vibrant flowers.

Residing in this space was a testament to one's status and identity, a dream Chu Tianwen had never dared to entertain.

Upon seeing the elders' emotional reactions, Chu Yangxiang's eyes brimmed with tears. They had endured hardships all their lives, and he was determined to ensure their future would be filled with better days.

"Child, it feels as though I'm in a dream," Chu Tianwen remarked.

The young maid Chunhong and the servant Xiaocheng, both in their mid-teens, were shrewd and competent.

They regarded Chu Yangxiang with a sense of awe, recognizing that he was no ordinary individual.

They knew that by diligently attending to the needs of their three masters, their own well-being and prospects were secured.

They respectfully greeted Chu Tianwen, Hu Yewan, Chu Yangxiang, and the others.

Hu Yewan watched the pair with a pleased expression, nodding in approval.

Chu Yangxiang addressed them, "Chunhong, Xiaocheng, if you take good care of the master and Madam, I'll reward each of you with ten iron coins every month. Additionally, you'll be granted three days each month to visit your families."

"Here are ten iron coins, a token of appreciation from the master and Madam," he continued.

Chunhong and Xiaocheng knelt in gratitude. "Thank you, Young Master. We will certainly manage the household affairs to your satisfaction."