C22 That Person Is Me

The Ye Family's grand banquet was orchestrated by the current head, Ye Shouzheng, specifically to honor Ye Zonglei's recent triumph.

This gesture elevated Ye Zonglei to a celebrated status within Luoshui City, a level of recognition not even the once-rising star, Ye Chengfeng, had experienced.

Ye Chengfeng, after all, was merely a cultivator akin to a roving knight, with only the Lin family as his backing. He couldn't hold a candle to a disciple of Zuo Qiu.

Upon hearing Ye Chengyun's words, Ye Chengfeng's already pallid complexion turned even more ghastly. Accustomed to being the target of jibes, the scorn he now faced was beyond any previous measure.

While he took solace in his son Ye Tian's ability to unblock his meridians and pursue cultivation, the prospect of Ye Zonglei, leveraging his status as Zuo Qiu's disciple, to figuratively lord over Ye Tian was an all too likely, and normal, future indignity.

"Oh, Chengfeng, there's no need for sorrow. You were always meant to drift through life in a daze. If that's the case for a father, what hope does Ye Tian have?"

Ye Chengyun's sneer grew more pronounced, his regard for Ye Chengfeng having long since eroded to mere disdainful amusement.

"Enough, both of you," interjected Ye Shouzheng. "Chengfeng, be aware that Zonglei's status has shifted. Henceforth, the proper respect must be accorded to him."

Ye Chengfeng was cut off before he could retort, as Ye Shouzheng swiftly silenced him.

To Ye Shouzheng, the family patriarch and elder, Ye Zonglei was pivotal to the Ye Family's resurgence, with the family's fortunes likely to be reflected in this young man's success.

Ye Tian, by contrast, was inconsequential. Even with newfound cultivation abilities, the time lost was too great, rendering him without worth.

From this point forward, regardless of one's seniority, anyone who wasn't the family head would be expected to defer to Ye Zonglei. Ye Shouzheng had made up his mind; he would hand over the reins to Ye Zonglei at the year's end.

Ye Chengfeng was ridiculed mercilessly, and not being allowed to retort was what truly irked him. Fuming, he felt so enraged he almost spat blood.

"Father, as soon as Zonglei returns, let's just announce he'll be the next family head. It's time the whole Ye family knew!"

Ye Chengyun was eager for this to happen. With Ye Zonglei as the head of the Ye family, he could wield power unchallenged, a prospect he had long coveted.

While speaking, Ye Chengyun cast a challenging glance at his brother, Ye Chengfeng, whose only option was to silently endure the taunt.

Ye Shouzheng's silence, as he sat there unperturbed, seemed to give silent consent to the plan.

Under the table, Ye Chengfeng's hands were balled into fists, his nails digging into his palms, yet he felt no pain. His concern wasn't born of jealousy, but worry for his son, Ye Tian, and how he would fare in the family in the days to come.

As the appointed time drew near and Ye Zonglei had yet to return, Ye Chengyun hastily sent someone to check outside. Then, at last, Ye Zonglei appeared, his demeanor far from triumphant.

"Look at the kid; he's definitely come to his senses, showing more maturity and introspection than before," Ye Chengyun said with a chuckle, patting himself on the back quite blatantly.

"Lei, come here quick and tell Grandfather about today's impressive apprenticeship ceremony!"

Regardless of Ye Zonglei's mood, Ye Chengyun was keen to flaunt his son's newfound status, pulling him over to speak with Ye Shouzheng.

The entire Ye family, driven by curiosity, gathered around, eager to hear about the events they had missed.

Ye Shouzheng himself looked on intently, awaiting his grandson's account, but Ye Zonglei could only shake his head in disappointment.

"Everyone, Zuo Qiu did not take me on as a disciple. Please, let's not dwell on this subject any longer!"

The thought alone was enough to irritate Ye Zonglei, and seeing the elaborate banquet the Ye family had prepared only added to his frustration.

"Impossible! You've got quite the sense of humor, kid! Well, it's all in good fun, especially since today's event was organized just for you," Ye Chengyun said with a dismissive wave of his hand, though he didn't believe a word Ye Zonglei had said. Noticing that Zonglei's expression remained troubled, a wave of panic washed over him.

"Zonglei, what in the world is happening here?"

"Zuo Qiu didn't choose you as his disciple, so who did he pick?"

"You have to tell us what's going on!"

The Ye family members swarmed around Ye Zonglei, bombarding him with incessant questions. They had all come together for this very news!

Ye Zonglei's patience was wearing thin under the barrage of inquiries and the persistent concern etched on their faces. The fact that Zuo Qiu had passed him over to take Ye Tian, whom he considered worthless, was infuriating enough. Now, the relentless pestering from his family was the last straw, igniting his simmering anger.

"Enough! Zuo Qiu didn't choose me, okay? Are you happy with that answer?" Ye Zonglei burst out, then spun on his heel and stormed back to his room, shutting himself away from the world.

The crowd was left agape, without any clear answers. Ye Zonglei, the man at the heart of the matter, had locked himself away and was even skipping the feast.

Now, everyone was left to wonder: who had Zuo Qiu actually taken on as a disciple?

"Look no further. Zuo Qiu has accepted me as his disciple..."

Just then, a voice rang out at the entrance to the Ye residence. It was Ye Tian, back from his journey.

But as soon as Ye Tian made his announcement, the crowd erupted in derisive laughter. With Ye Tian's meager abilities, he wasn't even qualified to polish Zuo Qiu's shoes, let alone be his disciple.

"Ye Tian, you must be out of your mind. My son, a prodigy, wasn't even noticed by Zuo Qiu. And you think you stand a chance? The idea of you becoming Zuo Qiu's disciple is laughable!" Ye Chengyun lashed out in anger. His son's mood was still unsettled, and here was Ye Tian, causing a commotion. For a moment, he was so furious he could have throttled his own nephew right there.

Ye Chengyun and the other members of the Ye family were all skeptical, but Ye Chengfeng, observing Ye Tian's demeanor, sensed an underlying mystery to the situation.

Since his son had begun to subtly change, he had never once lied. It seemed this matter might not be a mere jest after all.

At that moment, informants from Spirit Feather Academy had returned to the Ye household and reported directly to Ye Chengyun, recounting the day's events at the school.

"Ye Tian is not just Zuo Qiu's disciple; Zuo Qiu has declared that from now on, Ye Tian will be his sole disciple."

The informants delivered the news, which struck like a thunderbolt, nearly knocking Ye Chengyun off his feet.

The gap between a mere disciple and the sole direct disciple was vast. The status they had envisioned for a disciple paled in comparison to what Ye Tian had now achieved!

"Alright, I'm feeling a bit under the weather. I'll take my leave now. Chengfeng, could you please handle the guests? I appreciate your efforts..."

Upon hearing the news, Ye Shouzheng's face contorted, and his wine glass slipped from his grasp, shattering on the floor.