At the table, a glint of amusement flashed in several people’s eyes.

Cao Rong had made a proposal, clearly wanting to be the leader. By questioning him so pointedly, Yun Feng was obviously refusing to accept Cao Rong as his superior.

"Naturally, whoever is strongest will be the leader. Would you be willing to let someone weaker than you lead you?"

Cao Rong’s gaze swept across the people at the table. "I don’t think anyone has an issue with this point. If any of you can defeat me, the position of leader is yours.

In the future, once we’re in the Purple Sun Sect, it will be the same. The strongest will be the leader of our faction."

The surroundings had fallen silent.

Although it was only Cao Rong’s table talking, everyone present was a master at Qi Gathering Great Success. They could hear every blade of grass stirring within a thirty-foot radius, so they had naturally overheard the conversation.

"The strongest serves as leader. That’s a great principle. How could anyone object?"

"I don’t care who the leader is, as long as they’re stronger than me."

"I’d be completely convinced if Senior Brother Cao Rong were the leader."

...

Many people immediately voiced their agreement, but some others looked displeased, unwilling to join such a faction.

But if Cao Rong and the others joined forces to form a faction, even the unwilling would have to hold their noses and accept it. Otherwise, there would be consequences.

Fortunately, Yun Feng didn’t seem to get along with Cao Rong. If he objected or started a conflict with him, this whole affair might just fall apart.

Yun Feng snorted coldly. "You only beat me by a single move that day. Nearly two months have passed. Do you really think you can still defeat me?"

Cao Rong smiled. "Simple. That last fight wasn’t satisfying enough. Let’s have another match. Whoever wins becomes the leader. How about it?"

"That’s exactly what I was thinking!" Yun Feng stood up.

"We’re about to depart for the Purple Sun Sect. It wouldn’t be good if either Brother Yun or Brother Cao got injured in a fight. I see that your strengths are comparable. Why not both serve as leaders?" Gu Haoming said.

As soon as he said this, another group of people immediately agreed, thinking it would be better for the two Bone Marrow Cleansing Masters, Yun Feng and Cao Rong, to serve as joint leaders.

Both were Bone Marrow Cleansing Masters and young masters of the Four Great Clans of Qingyuan. They would surely be able to lead everyone to prosper in the Purple Sun Sect.

’So they’re putting on a show,’ Xu Yang realized.

With Cao Rong and Yun Feng joining forces and building up this momentum, who would dare oppose the formation of their faction?

"Brother Yun’s strength is indeed on par with mine. I agree with this proposal," Cao Rong said.

Yun Feng’s expression softened. "As long as I’m not beneath you, I agree as well."

"Then it’s settled," Cao Rong said with a smile.

In the blink of an eye, the leaders had been decided. Many people didn’t even have a chance to voice their opinions.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched the corners of Gu Haoming’s mouth.

Qin Ze’s face was dark!

Kong Yu also looked uncomfortable.

Han Xing’s expression didn’t change as he smiled. "Gentlemen, hold on a moment. First, let’s clarify if joining is voluntary or mandatory. With so many people here, shouldn’t you discuss a proper charter before announcing it to everyone?"

Cao Rong said, "Of course, joining is voluntary. But I can’t imagine anyone would be unwilling. We’re doing this for everyone’s benefit. Otherwise, with Brother Yun’s and my strength, who in the Purple Sun Sect would dare to bully us?"

Immediately, another wave of agreement rose up, with people exclaiming that Cao Rong was righteous and thinking of everyone’s well-being.

Of course, there were also those who remained silent. Everyone knew deep down what kind of "righteous" person the young master of the Cao Family truly was.

Few were foolish enough to believe that Cao Rong genuinely wanted to protect them.

It was just that, at a time like this, few dared to openly oppose Cao Rong, apart from someone like Han Xing.

Han Xing spoke again. "Then what is the purpose of this faction? Is it simply to unite against external enemies and avoid being bullied? Or is it like a city gang, meant to fight, kill, and compete for resources?"

Cao Rong replied, "For us Martial Artists to grow strong, we must naturally compete for resources. Competing for resources naturally involves fighting. If you don’t even have the guts to fight to the death, I suggest you just stay obediently in Qingyuan."

His words swayed many. Martial Artists were hot-blooded and pugnacious by nature; many of them didn’t care about such things.

Han Xing shook his head. "If its nature is like that of a city gang, then please allow me to refuse."

A flash of displeasure crossed Cao Rong’s eyes, but he maintained his smile. "Brother Han, please, do as you wish. Our faction will not force anyone to join."

"It is also inconvenient for me to participate!" Qin Ze said, rising to his feet.

Another genius named Yue Gui, who had also comprehended Hidden Strength, stood up as well and stated his unwillingness to join.

Following him, Kong Yu also rose and cupped his hands, stating that he already had a prior alliance and could not conveniently join.

As for Lu Ren, he had been raised by the Gu Family and naturally moved in lockstep with Gu Haoming.

And Gu Haoming had clearly been in league with Cao Rong from the start.

Cao Rong forced a smile and said it was no matter, then announced in a loud voice, "Brother Yun and I wish to establish the Sharp Wind Hall. The name comes from the idea of being sharp and enterprising, rising with the wind. Those of you who wish to join may come over now to register.

From now on, whether in Qingyuan or at the Purple Sun Sect, you and I, Cao Rong, will be brothers who face life and death together."

"Young Master Cao thinks so highly of us! What is everyone hesitating for?"

"It is our honor to become brothers with Young Master Cao and Young Master Yun."

"Brother Cao is so righteous! Given his status, we’re the ones who are benefiting."

...

WHOOSH! A large group of people immediately stood up and walked over to Cao Rong.

Li Shun and the others sitting at the same table as Xu Yang stood up without hesitation.

Zhang Yong hesitated for a moment before standing up as well. He had long since joined Gu Haoming’s camp, so naturally, he had to help build momentum for Cao Rong’s Sharp Wind Hall now.

Zhao Zhifei and Jiang Ping also stood up.

Of all the people at the table, only Xu Yang and Sun Tao hadn’t moved, making them stand out conspicuously.