Chapter 042 The First Glimpse of the Traitor

Chapter 042: The Traitor Reveals Himself

In the afternoon, the grand meeting of the Justice Sect was convened. Huang Shan had initially wanted to stay, but an urgent matter had arisen in the provincial capital that required her immediate return, without which nothing could be accomplished. Huang Wei persuaded her sister to go back, assuring her that everything would be fine, especially now that Ye Feng was present.

“Wei’er, you must be careful on your own. If anything happens, tell me at once!” Huang Shan said, looking at Huang Wei with reluctance. She then turned to glance at Ye Feng, the man who always radiated an air of mystery. “You must protect Wei’er well!”

“Of course. Please rest assured, Sister Shan. With me here, I guarantee that the young lady won’t suffer the slightest harm.” Ye Feng had just checked with Ma Long; preparations on that side were nearly complete. Though Ye Feng still didn’t know who the mastermind was, he was confident that the culprit would be exposed before the day was over.

“That’s good. With you helping, I can rest easy.” Huang Shan couldn’t explain why she trusted this young man so much. It felt as though a mysterious force guided her to believe in him. And whenever Huang Shan looked into Ye Feng’s captivating eyes, she felt that old sensation of falling in love return to her.

Draped in a simple black gauze coat, Huang Wei stood at the center of the conference room, Ye Feng at her side. The four hall masters sat on either side, each flanked by their most trusted deputies or vice-masters. With a solemn expression, Huang Wei addressed them, “Uncles, my father’s sudden accident caught us all unawares. Thankfully, you’ve all helped to take care of things, and for that, I’m truly grateful.”

She finished speaking, then slowly rose and bowed three times to the assembled men. They all stood to return the gesture, appearing very courteous. Yet beneath the surface, each harbored their own secret agendas; some even allowed a cold smile to curl at the corners of their lips.

“Due to my father’s untimely passing, I will now lead the family’s enterprises and the Justice Sect. Though I am young and inexperienced, I believe that with your support, the Justice Sect will flourish.”

At last, she had touched upon the heart of the matter. The room grew tense; everyone now held their breath.

“No need for formalities, young lady. This is our duty. We will fully support you,” Chen Hao declared, the first to speak. Huang Tianba’s death had left Chen Hao feeling deeply unsettled, so he promptly pledged his loyalty to Huang Wei.

“Thank you, Third Uncle. With your help, I’m certain I’ll lead the Justice Sect well. May I ask what the other uncles think?” Huang Wei sought to test Hua Qiang’s intentions, but he seemed in no hurry to respond, instead idly toying with his teacup.

Seeing this, Huang Wei did not become angry; instead, she smiled. “It seems you all agree. Thank you for your support. I, Huang Wei, shall shoulder the responsibility and lead our brothers to avenge my father together!” His lack of response was just what she hoped for.

“Wait!” Suddenly Hua Qiang called out and slowly rose, his gaze filled with contempt as he looked at Huang Wei. “Huang Wei, what qualifies you to be the leader of the Justice Sect? Our sect has always been led by those with ability, but you’re just a woman, inexperienced, and ignorant of sect affairs. What makes you think you should take on this role?”

“So, Third Uncle, you mean you are qualified to be sect leader?” Huang Wei countered sharply. Everything was proceeding according to Ye Feng’s plan—she merely needed to recite her lines. Her curiosity about Ye Feng deepened; how could he know so much?

“Hah, I’m not qualified, but are you? You run wild outside every day and never care for the sect’s affairs. Besides, as the saying goes, a daughter will eventually marry and become someone else’s. The Justice Sect belongs to us brothers—it can’t just be handed over to outsiders. You shouldn’t even be at this meeting, but for Huang Tianba’s sake, you were shown some respect. Don’t mistake courtesy for weakness!”

“Hua Qiang, what do you mean by that?” Chen Hao was furious. He had never suspected Hua Qiang much, and according to his subordinate Hu Chunlin’s intelligence, Hua Qiang had always seemed above board. Thus, Chen Hao hadn’t investigated him deeply. But now he was openly making such statements.

“What do I mean? Chen Hao, I mean the position of sect leader should be mine, and all Justice Sect assets must be transferred to me. Don’t you understand?” Hua Qiang shot Chen Hao a glare, his tone surly.

“You—Hua Qiang, how dare you!” Chen Hao immediately drew his weapon and aimed it at Hua Qiang. “Listen up, Hua Qiang. As long as I, Chen Hao, am here, I won’t let your selfish ambitions succeed. And now that the young lady inherits everything from her brother, it is the will of the people.”

“Hah, is that so, Chen Hao?” Hua Qiang responded, producing his own weapon. At that moment, Wu Xiaoyu, Zuo Huan, and others followed suit, aiming their guns. Hua Qiang’s subordinate Wang Tianhu pointed his gun at Huang Wei, while Wu Xiaoyu, Zuo Huan, and their confidants Li Ming and Xu Shan aimed theirs at Hua Qiang.

“Hua Qiang, what are you trying to do—staging a rebellion? I warn you, the Justice Sect won’t tolerate your antics!” Chen Hao glared at Hua Qiang, ready to fire at the slightest provocation. He believed that if he opened fire, he could kill Hua Qiang instantly.

“Hah, I’m just taking back what’s mine!” Hua Qiang laughed. “And Huang Wei, all of this belongs to me. Don’t even think about it. Sign this agreement, and everything will be settled. Otherwise, I’ll make sure you die a miserable death!” Despite the many guns aimed at him, Hua Qiang showed no sign of fear, speaking with righteous indignation.

“Hah, Hua Qiang, at last you reveal your true nature!” Ye Feng, grinning, watched Hua Qiang closely. His judgment had been correct. But Ye Feng knew Hua Qiang wasn’t acting alone. He needed to push further, to flush out the remaining conspirators. If any were left inside the Justice Sect, there would be trouble.

“Kid, I know you’re capable, but don’t get too cocky. Soon enough, I’ll teach you a lesson you won’t forget.” If not for this brat, his plans would have succeeded long ago. If he didn’t kill Ye Feng, he wouldn’t be Hua Qiang!

“Oh? Is that so? I’d like to see the might of Hall Master Hua!” Ye Feng replied with a smile, unconcerned by Hua Qiang’s threats. Hua Qiang, meanwhile, grew even more arrogant, and with a wave of his hand—