Chapter 145: Holding the Fort Alone

After finishing his words, Lin Hao radiated a powerful confidence.

Cao Yi raised an eyebrow in response to Lin Hao’s statement, neither denying nor expressing surprise, as if he had anticipated this all along.

Having been rejected by Lin Hao, Cao Yi said no more.

As expected, just as Cao Yi had predicted, many factions gradually returned—numbering around three to four hundred.

Upon hearing about the situation with the Qingfeng Sect, they all rushed back within two days.

However, upon their return, more than half of them refused to accept Lin Hao as the sect leader.

Especially the elder-level veterans who had been working hard for the Qingfeng Sect outside were even more discontent.

These individuals held positions equivalent to elders within the sect and had been independently managing affairs for years.

In the past, even the sect leader treated them amicably.

Now, suddenly seeing such a young and inexperienced boy assume the leadership, despite the sect’s drastic changes, they felt deeply dissatisfied.

No matter how much Xing Wei praised Lin Hao’s might, they refused to believe it.

Each person harbored their own secret calculations, but Lin Hao always repeated the same words to them.

By the third day, all the factions had gathered back.

That day, Lin Hao sent word to assemble everyone in the main hall.

Originally scheduled for noon, only the initial twenty or so supporters of Lin Hao, along with Xing Wei, arrived early.

The others trickled in over the course of an hour.

Xing Wei’s face darkened at their tardiness.

Several times during the interval, he wanted to send people to fetch them, but Lin Hao stopped him each time.

No matter what happened, Lin Hao remained calm, seated steadily in the main hall.

Once everyone was assembled, Lin Hao glanced over the hall before beginning to speak.

“Everyone, now that all members of the Qingfeng Sect are gathered here, these are all the connections we have left. Over the past two days, I believe you’ve all learned what truly happened.

I’ve also taken the time to understand the remaining resources of the Qingfeng Sect.

Does anyone have suggestions regarding the sect’s future?”

Before Lin Hao finished, Hong Wei immediately spoke up: “Sect Leader, everything else can wait. The most important thing now is to avenge our Qingfeng Sect. As the new leader, shouldn’t you lead by example and bring us to settle the score, rather than worrying about remaining forces and resources?”

Hong Wei’s words were met with immediate agreement.

“Yes, yes! Those other sects have bullied Qingfeng Sect; shouldn’t we fight back?”

“Exactly! As sect leader, show us your strength!”

“This is all so confusing—we return to find a new leader and a massive upheaval. The most urgent matter is revenge, isn’t it?”

“Right, revenge! Revenge!”

“Sect leader, lead the way for revenge!”

The crowd, led by Hong Wei, began to needle Lin Hao relentlessly, as if they had agreed beforehand—they wanted Lin Hao to take the lead in exacting vengeance.

This was also a test for Lin Hao.

Seeing the disrespectful tone from below, Xing Wei’s face flushed with anger.

Standing beside Lin Hao, he stepped forward and shouted indignantly, “Enough! The sect leader will decide this matter. Everyone should listen before speaking.”

But no one paid Xing Wei any heed.

Lin Hao remained composed, seated calmly, observing their discussion.

At first, the crowd shouted and urged Lin Hao on, but after speaking at length and finding no response—no words, no anger—gradually the noise died down.

Eventually, silence fell over the hall.

Seeing their silence, Lin Hao waited a moment before speaking.

“Is that all? No more words?

Since you have nothing to say, I’ll speak.”

With a sudden sharp clap, Lin Hao lightly flicked an armrest beside his seat, shattering it into fragments.

He rose to his feet, releasing a powerful aura that pressed down on the crowd.

Everyone staggered back several steps, their eyes wide with shock.

Lin Hao advanced a few paces, intensifying the oppressive energy until some weaker members collapsed to their knees with a loud thud.

Only then did Lin Hao speak again, his tone laced with displeasure.

“I, Lin Hao, as the sect leader of Qingfeng Sect, have never said I would not seek revenge.

I know some of you are dissatisfied with my position, but regardless, I am the rightful leader.

This is all the Qingfeng Sect has left.

I am aware of the schemes some of you harbor.

But let me make this clear: without the Qingfeng Sect, you have no standing.

Some of you should keep your petty thoughts hidden—if I find out, I will not let such scoundrels live.”

Lin Hao then withdrew his aura.

A collective sigh of relief swept through the crowd.

Yet the hall remained silent, all eyes on Lin Hao now tinged with fear.

Even Hong Wei did not expect Lin Hao to possess such profound strength.

Having been among the first to return, Hong Wei had spent these days gathering information about Lin Hao.

He had heard endless admiration for Lin Hao’s abilities, stories of how he could kill members from two sects on a whim.

He had thought these were exaggerations and had not believed them.

That was why he had led the charge to confront Lin Hao—to test his true abilities.

Moreover, after provoking Lin Hao that day, he was curious about Lin Hao’s temperament and character, as Lin Hao had not reacted with anger.

In truth, Hong Wei’s heart remained loyal to the Qingfeng Sect.

He was angry about the upheaval but not excessively opposed to Lin Hao’s leadership—he simply doubted Lin Hao’s suitability.

That was the purpose behind his challenge.

But Lin Hao’s blunt and forceful words today took him by surprise.

Still, Hong Wei’s eyes now held a measure of respect rather than anger.

At the same time, reflecting on Lin Hao’s words, Hong Wei felt a twinge of displeasure.

He had stepped forward to stir the crowd, but some had grown arrogant.

They resented the transfer of power to Lin Hao and had been whispering denigrating comments about him since their return.

Hong Wei despised such people, yet he lacked the authority to suppress them.

Today presented a perfect opportunity to see if Lin Hao could assert control.

After Lin Hao’s speech, silence engulfed the hall.

Though many still harbored resentment, no one dared to speak up.

Some wore expressions of displeasure and unease, as if Lin Hao had read their thoughts.

Yet among them, a bold middle-aged man with a scruffy beard suddenly stood.

His appearance was sleazy, and he arrogantly addressed Lin Hao.

“Lin Hao, I have heard of you, but this leadership position passed to you—I do not know if it is legitimate.

Who can prove you are the rightful sect leader?

You have yet to perform any great deeds for Qingfeng Sect, yet you demand leadership.

Isn’t that improper?”

Lin Hao grew interested upon hearing this challenge and looked at the man.

He saw arrogance and contempt in the man’s eyes and, judging by his expression, knew he was no good.

His heart sank.

With a slight mocking tone, Lin Hao replied, “Oh? And who might you be?”

“Hmph. I am Elder Feng, dispatched from the inner sect of Qingfeng Sect.

I have long managed Qingfeng’s secular affairs and businesses.

I, too, rushed back upon hearing of the sect’s upheaval.”

Elder Feng introduced himself with pride, as if he were some great figure.

Lin Hao’s expression shifted slightly upon hearing the name—he recalled Xing Wei’s introduction of Elder Feng.

He had been in charge of Qingfeng’s secular influence and trade, rarely returning to the sect.

Whenever he did, he acted arrogantly and looked down on everyone.

Most importantly, he was cowardly and self-serving.

Xing Wei had mentioned that Elder Feng was among the first to be called back but had sent disciples instead of coming personally.

Since then, no news had come from him.

He was still quite close to the sect then.

Upon hearing this, Lin Hao had quietly marked Elder Feng as a dubious character.

Now seeing him boldly provoke him, Lin Hao’s displeasure deepened.

A cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth, thinking the man absurd.

Still, Lin Hao composed his expression perfectly.

With a gentle smile and a tone tinged with respect, he said to Elder Feng, “Ah, Elder Feng, I have heard much about you—long have I admired your reputation.

However, I have also heard...”