Soul Emperor Martial God

"The young man doesn't understand the meaning of the Hall Master." Xiao Yi immediately restrained the astonishment that had revealed itself between his brows.

He then calmly shook his head and said.

The Hall Master smiled and said, "Indeed, being able to restrain yourself so quickly shows extraordinary wisdom."

"However, the moment you received the message to cancel the Demon Hunting Order, you left the Demon Hunting Hall immediately."

"Even disregarding that I was about to come out of seclusion and urgently needed to find you."

"You were in such a hurry, don't tell me you issued that Demon Hunting Order on behalf of someone else,"

"Rather than for your own family."

"Did the Hall Master investigate me?" Xiao Yi's expression turned stern and even a bit unsightly.

"Not at all." The Hall Master shook his head.

"That staff member, he was merely following protocol in reporting your matters to me."

"But such an obvious matter is easy to deduce."

For other Branch Hall Masters, the cancellation request for Xiao Yi's Demon Hunting Order was a secret.

That staff member wouldn't mention it.

But for the Hall Master, this was no secret, so naturally the staff member would report it.

After the Hall Master came out of seclusion, he became aware of this information.

There was no need to investigate further, he could guess right away.

Then, the Hall Master continued, "As for your family in the background, you can be at ease, I didn't pursue an investigation."

"After all, that is your private affair."

"Moreover, I've stated before that the Demon Hunting Hall does not interfere with or involve itself in any power disputes."

"Of course, because of this statement, I must delay your evaluation."

As he spoke, the Hall Master's tone grew somewhat grave.

"If it were just minor scuffles, it would have been fine."

"But, given your current reputation, identity, status, and strength as Purple Flame Yi Xiao."

"Having to constantly wear a mask and not being able to reveal your identity with your real face,"

"Proves that your private grievances are no small matter."

"The issues or rather the characters and powers involved in these grievances are also not to be underestimated."

After saying this, the Hall Master said gravely, "You are not suited to be the next Hall Master until these grievances are resolved."

"Heh." Xiao Yi chuckled upon hearing this, the sternness in his heart completely dissipating.

As long as the Hall Master hadn't uncovered anything about the Xiao Family.

As long as his identity wasn't linked with the Xiao Family.

It didn't matter.

The Xiao Family, being a minor family, was too fragile in the face of real powerful forces.

It was not suitable to be involved with matters at this level, whether the involvement was good or bad.

As for becoming the next Hall Master.

Xiao Yi cared even less.

He believed more firmly that power was everything.

Instead of serving as the Hall Master, dealing with mountains of paperwork daily, it was better to gain more experience or cultivate.

At this point, it was the Hall Master's turn to frown.

"Kid, what does that nonchalant laugh of yours mean?" the Hall Master said discontentedly.

"Ugh." Xiao Yi cupped his hands and replied, "It means nothing."

"Just that, since the Hall Master said the evaluation is to be postponed, I will comply."

"If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

"Brat." The Hall Master scolded, "Do you really dismiss the position of Hall Master so triflingly?"

Without a doubt, the Hall Master was a formidable character.

From the two interactions he had had with Xiao Yi, both guesses were nearly completely accurate.

It was effortless now to discern Xiao Yi's thoughts.

"The Hall Master misunderstands." Xiao Yi cupped his hands and said, "The position of Hall Master of the Demon Hunting Hall is of such vital importance."

"Only a fool would not covet it."

"Of course, I too desire to hold that position."

"However, I have other grievances to settle, hence I am unable to accept the Hall Master's kind intention."

"Hmph." The Hall Master huffed.

"If I'm not mistaken, you'd rather be a fool with no interest in the position of Hall Master."

Xiao Yi was about to say something.

The Hall Master said earnestly, "I have decided you are the successor, so it shall be you."

"Resolve your grievances as soon as possible, I will wait for you."

The Hall Master looked directly at Xiao Yi, his expression extremely serious.

Xiao Yi was stunned, not speechless by the Hall Master's words,

But because of the Hall Master's gaze, he could not speak.

This kind of look directed at him was all too familiar.

He had only seen it from a few elders like Xiao Chong and Elder Yi.

It was true recognition, affirmation, and regard.

Perhaps it could be said that it was an earnest exhortation from the heart.

Xiao Yi put away his previous disdain and spoke seriously, "The grievances of the young are not likely to be resolved quickly."

The Hall Master smiled and said, "That's why I asked you to resolve it as soon as possible, just do your best."

"And I didn't ask you to resolve it within a short period of time."

Xiao Yi nodded and said, "I'll do my best."

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

"Wait," the Hall Master said, pulling something out from his robe.

It was a Token.

"Take my Token later and go to the treasury, take half of the reward first."

"Hm?" Xiao Yi frowned and said, "But my assessment is not yet complete."

"You have already completed two," the Hall Master said with a smile.

"The first one needs no further explanation."

"For the second one, although you haven't reached the Heavenly Origin Realm, your strength and standard have met the requirements."

"In the Flame Dragon Continent, strength is respected, not just Cultivation."

"Strength is the most compelling proof, above Cultivation."

"Thus, you are considered to have completed the second assessment."

"The third assessment is still incomplete."

"Take half of the reward first."

"This…" Xiao Yi hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded.

"Thank you, Hall Master." Xiao Yi bowed seriously.

He knew this was the Hall Master's kindness.

Taking the Token, Xiao Yi bowed once more and then turned to leave.

He had just reached the door.

Behind him, the Hall Master's voice, tinged with care, rang out again.

"If it's impossible, come back to me."

Xiao Yi's steps came to a sudden halt, and the next second, he grinned understandingly.

"Okay," Xiao Yi uttered just one syllable.

Then, he left without looking back.

...

Xiao Yi left.

Inside the room, the Hall Master also revealed a knowing smile.

Soon, a Branch Hall Master entered.

"Hall Master," the Branch Hall Master greeted with a bow.

"Mm," the Hall Master nodded and asked, "Is everything arranged?"

"Yes," the Branch Hall Master responded, "As per your command, I have relayed the orders."

"From today, Yi Xiao Branch Hall Master will have his requests fully met, no matter which branch hall he visits."

"But, are you truly sure, Hall Master?"

"This act is essentially the same as indirectly announcing to the outside that Yi Xiao Branch Hall Master is the successor you have chosen."

The Hall Master chuckled and asked, "Ji Fan, do you remember how long I've sat in this position?"

Ji Fan? If Xiao Yi were here, he would definitely be shocked.

Because the name `Ji Fan` was as renowned as Duan Yun in the Flame Martial Kingdom.

Indeed, this was one of the two peak Sword Dao Experts of the previous generations, alongside Duan Yun.

Except that Duan Yun came from the Sky-splitting Sword Sect.

While Ji Fan was a lone Demon Hunter.

Branch Hall Master Ji Fan was taken aback.

The Hall Master chuckled and said, "Can't remember, right? Or perhaps, you don't know."

"When I became the Hall Master, you hadn't yet joined the Demon Hunting Hall."

"Indeed, I was dissatisfied when I learned that the young man had hidden some extremely serious grievances."

"But when I declared him as my successor."

"And saw the surprise that crossed his face, I suddenly realized."

"He's still just a young man, even if he has great grievances, it may not be by his choice."

"Such an incredibly proud Supreme Heavenly Talent naturally invites enmities, it's only expected."

"His name, Purple Flame Yi Xiao, shocked the Flame Martial Kingdom, making all other so-called Supreme talents look dim in comparison."

"Such a talent, yet forced to hide his true identity and wander aimlessly."

"I've been looking for a successor for so many years, and finally found someone whom I truly acknowledge."

"How could I possibly give up."

"And since he is the successor I acknowledge, why should he suffer these injustices?"

Towards the end, the Hall Master's tone became rather forceful.

The Demon Hunting Hall does not intercede in any factional disputes.

The Hall Master also wouldn't investigate Yi Xiao's affairs.

But this act would protect Yi Xiao thoroughly.

...

Second release.