Chapter 60: The Young Master is Wise

The next day.

Luo Residence, on the way to the main hall.

“Are you sure this will work?” Luo Chen frowned, glancing at Luo Yuanshan beside him.

“Young Master, trust me. With such a big occasion today, he’ll definitely take the bait,” Luo Yuanshan said confidently, patting his chest.

The “big occasion” was the Luo Clan’s annual family meeting.

Every year, the clan discussed resource allocation among its branches and solutions to current issues.

And Luo Yuanshan, having received Luo Jiutian’s new script, was ready to perform in this new act.

“But you know, offending Luo Jiutian is one thing—his backer is the real trouble,” Luo Chen said, still uneasy.

Luo Yuanshan lowered his voice. “Young Master, you don’t know the half of it. I suggested this because I’ve noticed Luo Jiutian loves to overshadow you in public. He’s obsessed with face.”

Luo Chen’s interest piqued. “Oh? Go on.”

“Young Master, remember the Qingyun Secret Realm?” Luo Yuanshan leaned closer.

Luo Chen’s face darkened. That incident was his worst memory ever.

Luo Yuanshan continued, “When you accused him of killing Su Zimo’s group, didn’t he immediately deny it? Went on a whole tirade, terrified of taking the blame.”

Luo Chen nodded. “Yeah, that happened.”

“Why’d he do that?” Luo Yuanshan said confidently. “Because he didn’t want his reputation tarnished.”

Luo Chen frowned. “Wait, wouldn’t anyone deny being accused? Plus, he did kill Su Zimo’s group. If he didn’t shift the blame, he’d be done for.”

Luo Yuanshan shook his head. “Young Master, that’s the key. It’s not strange he had an escape route, but think—he didn’t just dodge the accusation, he argued with you publicly, even turned the tables to pin the conflict on you. It wasn’t just about clearing his name—it was about stepping on you to elevate himself.”

He paused, his expression meaningful. “Craving fame and deliberately humiliating you—what’s that for? Isn’t it obvious?”

Luo Chen’s eyes lit up. “He’s after my Young Master position! He wants to drag me down!”

Luo Yuanshan gave a thumbs-up. “Young Master, you’re sharp as ever. You got my point right away.”

“No wonder, no wonder,” Luo Chen nodded repeatedly.

Luo Yuanshan’s words woke him up, revealing the true intent behind Luo Jiutian’s actions.

To think he’d orchestrate such a grand scheme for this position… Luo Jiutian, you…

But sorry, this Young Master knows the truth now. Your plans are about to fall apart.

Seeing Luo Chen lost in thought, Luo Yuanshan pressed on. “In short, Young Master, just target those people—especially Skinny Ghost’s branch. I’m sure you see the purpose.”

Luo Chen nodded slightly. “I get it. If Luo Jiutian wants to be Young Master, he needs allies. If I claim the clan’s resources are tight and cut those people’s shares, he’ll jump in to defend them.”

His lips curled into a smirk, more crooked than a dragon king’s. “Then I’ll bring up—‘If Luo Jiutian had handed over the Tempering Origin Persimmon, the clan wouldn’t have lost so many resources’—put pressure on him, and keep pushing to cut.

If he wants support, he might use his own spirit stones to fill the gap, taking a loss for nothing.

If he doesn’t, those people will resent him. They may not dare act, but planting that seed is enough.”

Luo Yuanshan gave another thumbs-up. “Young Master, brilliant. I’m no match for you.”

As he spoke, he stared at Luo Chen with a King Kong-like intensity.

Mainly because he could barely hold it together thinking about what was coming.

Luo Chen suddenly asked, “By the way, I’m curious—how’d you get so scheming lately? Like you’ve had an epiphany.”

Luo Yuanshan froze, then put on a pained expression.

He beat his chest dramatically. “Young Master, do you know what I was thinking when you were vilified by everyone?”

“Tell me.”

“I hated it! Hated my powerlessness, unable to clear your name!” He tilted his head 45 degrees, staring at the sky as if reliving the humiliation. “So, back at the Luo Residence, the first thing I did was scour every strategy book in the clan, just to one day be useful to you.”

He turned to Luo Chen, eyes teary. “Now, I can finally be your right-hand man and earn your praise. I… have no regrets!”

Luo Chen was deeply moved.

What a loyal subordinate!

He gripped Luo Yuanshan’s shoulders, solemn. “Having you, Yuanshan, is like a steed gaining plains, an eagle soaring in the sky!”

“Pfft—” Luo Yuanshan nearly broke, quickly lowering his head.

Taking a deep breath, he said, “I swear to follow you to the death, Young Master.”

Luo Chen laughed heartily. “Good, good, good.”

And so, they continued to the main hall, one leading, one following.

…

The scene shifted to the Luo Clan’s main hall.

The hall was already packed, including Clan Head Luo Changqing.

Unlike other clans, the Luo Clan’s meeting wasn’t just for elders—disciples were required to attend and provide feedback.

Luo Chen stood prominently, his voice steady. “Everyone, the Clan Head has entrusted me with today’s proceedings. I’ll be presiding over this family meeting.”

Luo Changqing, at the back, nodded slightly in approval.

The crowd murmured but kept their voices low.

Luo Yan, in the crowd, avoided Luo Chen’s gaze, like a student dodging a teacher’s call.

Of course, it was an act.

Luo Chen’s eyes scanned the room, seeing familiar faces but not the one he sought.

He raised a brow, saying deliberately, “Since not everyone’s here, let’s wait a bit. But… the family meeting happens once a year. It’d be a shame if someone missed it.”

He meant to jab at Luo Jiutian, but before he finished, footsteps echoed outside.

All eyes turned to see Luo Jiutian and Luo Yunlan enter, calm and utterly unselfconscious about being late.

Luo Jiutian glanced at Luo Chen, smiling. “Sorry, the weather’s so nice today, I accidentally overslept.”