When Leader Shi's words fell, the expression on Yu Xiaogang's face faltered for a beat.
He looked at Leader Shi and gave a soft laugh.
"I didn't expect anyone to still call me Second Master instead of calling me trash."
Leader Shi took half a step forward.
"Those people were blind back then. A golden-scaled fish was never meant for a pond; once it met wind and cloud, it would become a dragon."
Yu Xiaogang watched him for a moment, then gave a slight nod.
Beside him, Yu Tianheng turned his head and glanced at Leader Shi.
Leader Shi stepped aside and gestured toward the path behind the stone platform that led into the island. "Second Master, Young Master Ye, Young Sect Master, please follow me."
Word traveled faster than they did.
Before they reached the great hall, people had begun gathering along both sides of the road.
Yu Xiaogang walked in front, his gaze straight ahead. He did not glance to either side.
Ye Lin followed half a step behind him.
Yu Tianheng brought up the rear, nodding now and then to people by the road in greeting.
The doors of the great hall were pushed open from within.
A tall, middle-aged man strode out in a dark teal robe with a jade belt. His face bore a striking resemblance to Yu Xiaogang's.
He crossed the threshold in a hurry, swept his gaze over the crowd, and froze when it landed on Yu Xiaogang's face.
Yu Xiaogang stopped too. He looked at the man, who stood half a head taller than him. His lips moved, and then he stepped forward.
"You fucking idiot."
The man's voice was rough and hoarse.
"Why did it take you so long to come back? Do you have any idea how Dad has spent