Chapter 147

　　Inside the Ouyang family’s council hall, a special meeting organized by the elders was underway.

　　The president of the Elders’ Council, Ouyang Wukong, is the eldest son of Ouyang Wudi’s second uncle and is a cousin of the current Ouyang Sect Leader.

　　In order to balance the interests and delicate relationships among the different branches of the family, the council of elders is usually composed of the eldest sons of each branch.

　　Currently, Ouyang Wudi is facing the threat of his designated successor being murdered in a revenge killing, and he is also seriously ill and bedridden, with the possibility of dying at any moment.

　　Faced with a crisis, the elders must redefine the rules of the game.

　　This means confirming the next successor to the sect leadership, even if Ouyang Wudi is still alive. This is a right granted to the elders by the clan rules, and it is the only time they have the opportunity to exercise this power.

　　If you don’t use your rights, they expire. These elders are more than eager to use them. Especially since everyone is eyeing that position right now.

　　Ouyang Wukong sat in the president’s seat, glanced around at everyone, and coughed heavily.

　　When all eyes were on him, he said in a deep voice, “Brothers, you’ve all discussed this privately. Now, let’s hear your thoughts.”

　　The crowd looked at each other, their expressions varied, but none of them spoke first. They were all waiting, waiting for a suitable opportunity to speak.

　　Seeing that no one spoke, Ouyang Wukong continued, “Why is no one saying anything? Wu Hui, you tell us what to say.”

　　Sitting next to Ouyang Wukong was Ouyang Wuhui, an elder of the Wu generation.

　　He held a high position and wielded great power in the council of elders. He was thin with a small, slanted mustache and wore a red Tang suit. He appeared frail, but his temper was exceptionally fiery, a fact well-known throughout the family.

　　He glanced around the conference room with a cool expression, then said in a deep voice, “Brother Invincible hasn’t spoken yet. Isn’t it a bit premature for us to discuss this here?”

　　Everyone fell silent, and the meeting room was plunged into a brief silence.

　　”No regrets, you are mistaken. Our current concern is not about changing the sect leader, but rather preparing for the worst… In case something happens to Brother Invincible, who will lead such a large family? We need to be prepared, and we also need to cultivate talent. Not just anyone can sit in this position.”

　　Just then, a fat old man named Ouyang Wuyou, sitting in the middle, broke the silence and said in a cold voice.

　　”Even if something happens to Invincible Brother, there’s still the Elders’ Council, isn’t there? What’s the rush?”

　　Ouyang Wufa, sitting opposite Ouyang Wuhui, said sarcastically.

　　After speaking, he looked at everyone and continued, “Article 5 of the Ouyang family rules states that when the sect leader suffers an accident and there is no successor, the elders’ council shall temporarily take charge of family affairs and cultivate a new sect leader. Has everyone forgotten the family rules?”

　　As soon as he finished speaking, the people in the conference hall began to talk amongst themselves, creating a buzzing sound of discussion.

　　Some nodded, some shook their heads.

　　Ouyang Wukong, sitting in the president’s seat, had a complex expression flash across his eyes.

　　After serving as the president for so many years, he finally had the opportunity to lead the family. How could he not be happy?

　　If Ouyang Wufa’s proposal is approved today, the Elders’ Council will immediately exercise its power.

　　With a little maneuvering, the position of sect leader will be within easy reach.

　　Even if you can’t become one yourself, wouldn’t it be easy to arrange things for your own son?

　　Thinking of this, he and Ouyang Wuneng exchanged a meaningful glance.

　　”It’s still because my brother has always supported me. Once I take over, I’ll definitely give him the position of vice president.” He had already made up his mind.

　　Amid the commotion, Ouyang Wudi’s two sons, the second son Ouyang Yingke and Ouyang Yingcheng, exchanged glances, as well as various glances with the elders who supported them.

　　As the most likely successor to the position of sect leader, Ouyang Yingke was a little impatient when he saw this situation. However, when he saw Ouyang Wuyou’s stern eyes, he swallowed the words that were about to come out.

　　Inside the council chamber, everyone had their own thoughts. Those who had the ability to vie for the position were assessing the situation. Those who didn’t were analyzing who would bring them the greatest benefit if they came to power.

　　Interests and rights are often intertwined. Under such temptation, no one can remain unaffected.

　　While everyone was still discussing Ouyang Wufa’s suggestion, Ouyang Wuyou coldly stood up and said, “What a brilliant idea!”

　　He glanced back at Ouyang Wukong and then said, “President Wukong wants to become the sect leader, doesn’t he?”

　　His words caused an uproar in the conference hall.

　　Everyone understood Ouyang Wukang and his group’s intentions, but such things were best kept in mind and not openly discussed. This Ouyang Wuyou was truly determined to break off all pretense of civility.

　　Ouyang Wukong’s face flushed red, but it immediately darkened, a cold killing intent flashing in his eyes. He narrowed his eyes, staring at Ouyang Wuyou, and sneered, saying, “Wuyou, what do you mean?”

　　”Hmph, you know the answer in your heart,” Ouyang Wuyou replied fearlessly. Ouyang Wuyou was only holding the position of president; he wasn’t afraid at all.

　　Sparks flew as their eyes met. A knowing smile flickered across Ouyang Yingke’s face.

　　Seeing that the situation was getting out of control, Ouyang Wuhui slammed his hand on the table, stood up angrily, and roared at everyone, “What’s all the noise about? You people have turned an elders’ meeting into a complete mess. Brother Wudi has only caught a cold, and you’re all making a scene here.”

　　He’s notoriously short-tempered. This old man, despite his thin frame, has a lot of explosive power.

　　For a moment, no one dared to speak.

　　Ouyang Wukong and Ouyang Wuyou exchanged a glance, then simultaneously snorted and looked away.

　　“That’s right, my dad is just feeling unwell temporarily.” At that moment, Ouyang Yingke said weakly.

　　Ouyang Wu Hui turned around and glared at Ouyang Ying Ke, coldly saying, “You’re no better than me.”

　　Ouyang Yingke blushed and awkwardly turned his head away, but inwardly he sneered: Old man, I’ll get you one day.

　　For a moment, everyone fell silent.

　　The situation was a bit complicated at this point, and no one dared to stand up and express their opinion.

　　In a secluded house belonging to the Ouyang family, Ouyang Yingliang stroked the urn containing Ouyang Yu’s ashes on the table, a tear silently streaming down his face.

　　His wife, Li Shishi, sat listlessly on the sofa beside him, holding a photo album of their family of three in her arms.

　　She stroked her son’s photo, her face filled with sorrow and pain.

　　No matter how much the fighting went on outside, the two of them alone were immersed in the pain of losing their son.

　　After a long pause, Li Shishi seemed to have made up her mind. She bit her lip, stood up from the sofa, walked over and hugged her husband from behind. Her tone had become unusually cold as she said, “Yingliang, why don’t we fight back?”

　　Upon hearing his wife’s words, Ouyang Yingliang’s body suddenly trembled violently.