C16 Deputy Core Disciple

The core disciples were essentially the heirs apparent to the Ye family's leadership.

Should Ye Xiangyang ascend to the role of core disciple, he would become the most influential figure in the Ye Family, second only to the patriarch himself. He would be on par with the five Grand Elders and the four Captains, his stature even surpassing that of the patriarch's three sons.

Ye Xingyue's face darkened as he realized his years of relentless effort had been for naught, including the nefarious deeds he had committed.

He would be forced to carry sins that the world could not forgive, and he would reap no benefits from them.

For years, he had dreamt of becoming the patriarch. Was Ye Xiangyang about to shatter that dream?

"Ye Xiangyang must die; only then will he cease to be a threat to me," Ye Xingyue concluded in his mind.

Ye Xiangguang, on the other hand, felt a sense of relief rather than disappointment. Surely Ye Xingyue couldn't fault him now, could he? At the very least, Ye Xingyue couldn't deem him guilty. He had genuinely put forth his best effort.

Yet, failing to complete his task was beyond his control.

He had sensed that the red glow on Ye Xiangyang's body acted as a conduit, channeling the energy from his own strikes directly into Ye Xiangyang's fists. Each of Ye Xiangyang's punches felt as though they were indirectly landing on him.

He had never anticipated Ye Xiangyang possessing such extraordinary martial prowess.

Amidst resounding applause, Ye Yongqing declared the day's selection competition a resounding success.

The seventy-eight newly promoted courtyard disciples joyously received their family rewards—thirty Level Two Profound Qi Pills and twenty silver coins. Going forward, they would receive the privileges accorded to Profound Warriors of the courtyard.

Their parents were now eligible to join them in the Inner Courtyard, and Ye Xingyue would oversee their future employment.

With the conclusion of the ceremony, the crowd dispersed, their spirits lifted.

The name on everyone's lips was Ye Xiangyang.

Ye Xiangyang had become a future talking point for the Ye Family, a subject for casual conversation over tea and meals.

Once the crowd had departed, Ye Yongqing, accompanied by the five Grand Elders, the four Leaders of the Profound Warrior Regiment, Ye Xiangyang, Ye Wentian, and his wife, proceeded to the Ye Family's council hall.

They traversed the thousand steps of the training grounds and entered the Ye family's grand compound through a side entrance. Ye Wentian couldn't help but think that he would surely lose his way if he were to navigate these grounds alone.

Upon reaching the council hall, they found themselves among the remaining thirteen members present. Ye Yongqing directed the staff to prepare two tables with the finest meals.

Seated at the head of the grand table, Ye Wentian and his wife were struck by a profound sense of awe. Sharing this space with the ten most influential figures of the Ye family was a scenario beyond their wildest dreams.

Thanks to Ye Xiangyang, they were now sitting upright and proud with the family's ten stalwarts in the Ye's council chamber.

Over dinner, the conversation turned to the possibility of elevating Ye Xiangyang to the status of a core disciple. The elders shared their thoughts, and ultimately, it was decided that Ye Xiangyang would be appointed as a deputy core disciple, with a monthly allowance of resources on par with those of the three sons of the family patriarch, Ye Yongqing.

Deep down, Ye Xiangyang reflected on his journey. Once powerless, he felt like mere mud underfoot, easily trampled. Now, with potential on his side, he was held in high esteem by his clan.

He understood the Ye family's predicament. True equality was an impossibility; striving for it could ironically lead to greater inequity.

Regarding Ye Wentian and his wife, the Patriarch had chosen to bestow upon them a generous and comfortable position. He had arranged for Ye Xiangyang's family to reside close to the training grounds.

Overwhelmed by the gesture, Ye Wentian was at a loss for words. Such generosity was beyond anything he had ever dared to hope for in his life. His eyes brimmed with tears as he earnestly advised Ye Xiangyang, "My child, our family has been good to us. Henceforth, even at the cost of your life, you must honor and repay our clan."

Ye Xiangyang nodded in agreement. Providing a peaceful life for his parents was his utmost aspiration. Their contented settlement further solidified his allegiance to the family.

"Father, rest assured," he promised, "I will diligently pursue my cultivation and reclaim the title of Marquis Zhenhai for our family. We shall restore the honor of the true Marquis Zhenhai's estate."

Ye Yongqing and his companions burst into hearty laughter. "Kid, that's exactly what we wanted to hear from you."

Ye Xiangyang's rewards were generous: fifty silver coins, fifty second-level Profound Qi Pills, and an opportunity to select a weapon from the armory. Additionally, he was entitled to choose a martial arts technique from the Martial Arts Pavilion and a treasure from the treasure vault.

Upon hearing this, Ye Wentian felt his heart nearly leap from his chest. These were riches they could never hope to earn in several lifetimes.

They arrived at a quaint courtyard situated near the training grounds, complete with eight houses and a vibrant garden blooming with a spectrum of flowers. Residing here was not just a matter of comfort, but a mark of prestige and privilege, something Ye Wentian had never even allowed himself to dream of.

Watching the elders' faces light up with excitement, Ye Xiangyang's eyes brimmed with tears. They had endured a lifetime of hardship. He vowed to ensure that from now on, their lives would only get better.

"Child, it feels as though I'm living in a dream," Ye Wentian remarked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Chunhong, the young maid, and Xiaocheng, the servant, both in their mid-teens, were astute and capable beyond their years. They gazed at Ye Xiangyang with eyes filled with reverence, fully aware that he was no longer someone the average person could hold a candle to.

They knew that their own fortunes and future happiness hinged on their ability to serve these three well.

They respectfully greeted Ye Wentian, Tang Waner, Ye Xiangyang, and the others, who received them warmly.

Tang Waner observed the two with a pleased smile, nodding her approval at their demeanor.

Addressing them, Ye Xiangyang said, "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."

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

Chunhong and Xiaocheng knelt gratefully. "Thank you, Young Master. We will do our utmost to manage the household affairs to your satisfaction."