vstars Chapter 191 Helpless
Chapter 191 Helpless
The Eastern Region is the most prosperous territory on the entire continent, but the Ye family, one of the major super families in the Eastern Region, is now shrouded in gloom.
The huge conference hall was packed, yet so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
All eyes were drawn to the middle-aged man, who was rather overweight and had a worried expression on his weathered face.
This person was Ye Xiao, the head of the Ye family. He glanced at the crowd below.
He wanted to say something, but after a long while he could only sigh.
The old woman sitting in the head seat on the left below had a hunched back, her white hair was neatly tied up, and her yellowish old eyes were narrowed into slits, revealing a hint of shrewdness and authority.
When he opened his mouth, his voice was like a broken bellows, dry and grating. "Our Ye family has stood tall in the Eastern Region for thousands of years! Back then, our ancestors devoted countless efforts to leading the Ye clan from an unknown small family to the ranks of the super families we are today."
"However, now, the entire family has been plunged into a difficult situation due to the actions of the young master alone. The Demon Alliance said that as long as the young master is handed over, they will no longer pursue the rest of the Ye family. This matter is of utmost importance. For the sake of the legacy left by our ancestors, we hope that the family head can uphold justice and handle this matter properly."
This old woman was highly respected in the Ye family and held a very important position. Her words truly reflected the worries and discontent in the hearts of most people.
Immediately, someone chimed in: "The patriarch has always been known for his strict self-discipline and meticulousness in handling clan affairs. In this incident, the patriarch will certainly not show favoritism or disregard the interests of the clan just because the young master is his own flesh and blood."
Ye Xiao clenched his fists, suppressing his anger. These people kept talking about "for the sake of the family business," but in the end, they were just afraid of losing their own interests.
The truth can sometimes be so cruel and merciless.
Even someone like Ye Xiao, who has weathered countless storms and seen through the coldness and warmth of human nature, couldn't help but feel a chill and helplessness in the face of this scene.
Despite his reluctance, Ye Xiao had to admit that what everyone said was an undeniable fact.
Family interests are far-reaching, and the slightest misstep could lead to total defeat.
But... that was his own son after all, and as a father, Ye Xiao was not without selfish motives.
At this moment, another person stood up, cupped his hands, and looked worried. He sighed and said, "It is not that we are pressuring the patriarch, but this matter is far more serious than we think. We do not know why the young master has offended the Demon Alliance, which has led them to press our Ye family so relentlessly. As the head of the clan, the patriarch bears the heavy responsibility of the family's millennia-old legacy. Surely he is unwilling to see the legacy left by our ancestors destroyed in an instant."
"Yes! How could we possibly stand against the Demon Alliance?"
"Some time ago, an informant reported that the entire Li Clan of Nanling has been brought under the command of the Demon Alliance, and they are now the largest force in Nanling, unmatched by any other. Even the Demon Sect is no match for them!"
"What's most unbelievable is that the Azure Emperor of the Demon Alliance is actually the legendary ancient divine beast, the Azure Phoenix. His cultivation is immeasurable!"
"Alas, why did our young master have to provoke such a terrifying being..." The man shook his head and sighed with worry.
The whispers below were like sharp blades, piercing Ye Xiao's heart. His body swayed precariously, like a pine tree bent under the weight of wind and snow.
These people are not wrong, whether they acted out of self-interest or for the sake of their family's legacy. They certainly don't need to pay the price for other people's mistakes.
Ye Xiao understood perfectly well!
He knew that there had only ever been one true overlord of the entire Eastern Region—the Demon Alliance.
The Ye family was powerless to resist them; the difference in strength was too great! They were simply not even qualified.
The five super families might be able to resist the Demon Alliance if they joined forces, but why would the other four families do something that would result in mutual destruction for them?
After all, the interests of powerful families have always been paramount.
On one hand, there are the responsibilities she should bear as the head of the family, and on the other hand, there is her most beloved only son.
He had no choice in any way!
Ye Xiao closed his eyes in pain, and in that instant he seemed to have aged several years.
The corner of the table beneath his palm was gripped so tightly that it developed cracks.
"Everyone, I, Ye Rufeng, will take full responsibility for my actions! I will absolutely not implicate my family in the slightest."
The council chamber doors were suddenly pushed open from the outside with a dull thud.
Ye Rufeng strode in, and as soon as he finished speaking, he arrived at the center of the hall.
He glanced indifferently at the people around him, his eyes calm as still water.
“My father has devoted himself to the family for so many years, as all of you here know! I will take full responsibility for any consequences of my actions, so please stop pressuring an old father who has worried himself sick over his son.”
Ye Rufeng bent his tall frame and bowed deeply to everyone.
"Ru Feng, you..." Ye Xiao, standing to the side, stood up with trembling lips, wanting to say something in defense of his son. But the words stuck in his throat, and in the end, he could only let out a helpless sigh.
As the head of the clan, he bore too many responsibilities and burdens for the benefit of the entire clan. Even his own son was beyond his control.
"Since the young master has made such a statement, we naturally will not say anything more! Alas... all of this is for the sake of the legacy left by our ancestors. We have no choice but to do this. If the young master wants to blame someone, then blame this old woman alone."
After saying a few polite words that sounded somewhat helpless, the old woman got up and left the meeting room.
People started leaving one after another! Soon, only Ye Rufeng and his son remained in the entire conference hall.
"My son... it's because your father is useless, he can't even protect his own flesh and blood!" Ye Xiao's eyes welled up with tears, and he swayed and slumped back in his chair.
Sending Ye Rufeng to the Demon Alliance to plead guilty would mean that the father and son might never see each other again in this lifetime.
He only had one son; how could it not break his heart?
Ye Rufeng quickly stepped forward and took his father's arm.
The next moment, he knelt heavily in front of him. "No, Father, it is your unfilial son who has caused you so much worry. It is my actions that have put the family in crisis. Their actions are understandable."
At this moment, in front of his father, Ye Rufeng no longer had his usual arrogance.
Even so, he still doesn't regret what he did.