by Fang Xiang
At that time, he would be the true master of Xi Xuan, the true sect leader of Xi Xuan!
But this hope that came from the hope was smashed ruthlessly by Zhong De, that bloodthirsty madman.
"Sect Leader, this is a rare opportunity!" A confidant of the sect leader, Ban Xia, came forward and said, "Use the death of Mo Cloud Sea to buy ten years of peace for us, what is there to hesitate about? If we form the alliance, we can buy shen equipment from Tian Huan. Tian Huan and us will ally against Kun Lun, this is a true equilibrium of three powers."
Ban Xia was a true confidant who had grown up with him. He had gone to Ban Xia to plot and commit many schemes.
The sect leader said dispiritedly, "The madman will not agree, what is to be done? If we rebel, he will kill us!"
Ban Xia lowered his voice. "We cannot deal with him, but other people can."
"You mean?" The sect leader suddenly raised his head and said in a trembling voice.
"Since Zhong De is the biggest problem, then we will eliminate this problem!" Ban Xia's tone was dark as he made a cutting motion with a vicious expression. "Tian Huan's intentions are clear, they have finally acted. Mo Cloud Sea is their biggest enemy. For Mo Cloud Sea, they are willing to do anything."
"This … …" The sect leader's mind shook and his expression wavered.
"We can imply to Tian Huan, they will naturally think of a way. We only need to give them some secret aid. Once the head is cut off, Sect Leader can step forward to take control of the situation and it will stabilize." Ban Xia said gravely, "Also, we can push this onto Mo Cloud Sea."
It had to be said that Ban Xia's plan had a high possibility of success. If Tian Huan sent out a top expert, and with them working from inside, the possibility of success was high.
Hesitation flashed across the sect leader's face. "But if Zhong De is dead, what do we do if Kun Lun and Tian Huan go back on their word and attack us?"
A matter like this could not be written down. If this was leaked, he would be overthrown as sect leader! Also, Zhong De was one of his greatest bargaining chips. Tian Huan and Kun Lun were wary because of Zhong De's existence.
Once Zhong De was gone, Xi Xuan would become a piece of fat meat without any ability to defend itself. It was unknown if Tian Huan would hold to their previous agreement at that time. If Tian Huan did not abide by the agreement, then Xi Xuan would be in danger.
Ban Xia was also flummoxed by this problem. After some thought, his eyes suddenly lit up. "We can have Tian Huan's Li Xian Er be our hostage! Li Xian Er is the granddaughter of Tian Huan's sect leader, and the leader of the younger generation of disciples. She is equivalent to Kun Lun's Lin Qian. Tian Huan will definitely not allow anything to happen to Li Xian Er. If Tian Huan is willing to send us Li Xian Er as a hostage, it means that they are sincere."
The sect leader's expression eased. This was a good plan. But he thought of another problem. Shaking his head, he said, "Which of us can match Li Xian Er's strength? It is too dangerous to have someone like this be a hostage!"
Ban Xia was full of intelligence. He smiled and said, "Sect Leader, you forgot we have a wondrous place."
"What place?" The sect leader stilled.
"Fiend Abyss Jail!" Ban Xia said a term that had long been forgotten.
The sect leader's eyes suddenly lit up.
———
Receiving the message that the sect leader of Xi Xuan had secretly sent, the higher levels of Tian Huan were stuck in a dilemma.
Xi Xian's demand was simple. They wanted a hostage, and they wanted Li Xian Er. This was not something that they could decide. Li Xian Er was the granddaughter of the Sect Leader, and the most talented disciple of the younger generation. Her future was limitless and it was very likely that she would become the next sect leader.
This was not the only factor. Mu Shuang, one of the ten great battle generals and a significant person in the sect, and Gongye Xiao Rong who was also thought to possess top battle general level strength, opposed this fiercely.
This party could not be dismissed.
But there were those that agreed, for example, one of the ten great battle generals, Mi Nan.
Mi Nan was ranked third among the ten great battle generals, under only Xue Dong and Zhong De. He ranked even above Mu Shuang at seventh. He was one with real and great power in Tian Huan. Also, the Mi Family was a traditionally powerful family within Tian Huan. In almost every generation, they had someone in a position of power.
The Mi Family had a near monopoly on Tian Huan's materials business and was extremely wealthy. Due to this, the Mi Family wanted to kill Mo Cloud Sea more than everyone else. In these years as Mo Cloud Sea had risen, the Mi Family's business had suffered greatly.
Mi Nan was influential within Tian Huan. He was sixty eight this year, at the prime of his life. The battalion he led was the strongest battalion of Tian Huan, the only battalion with [Tian Huan] in the name, the [Heaven Fate Hoop]!
Mi Nan was extremely skilled and a group of able people gathered around him. He could be considered the sect major power inside Tian Huan.
The biggest faction in Tian Huan was, of course, the Tian Huan's Sect Leader's faction. The sect leader was peaceful in personality but fair in his conduct. Everyone respected him. Adding on that he had the support of the Chief Elder, a supreme existence, behind him, no one dared to oppose him.
Mu Shuang was one of the ten great battle generals, but the faction behind him was not as strong as Mi Nan's. Mu Shuang was usually concerned with battles, and didn't have any interest in the affairs of the sect.
Gongye Xiao Rong had influence among the disciples. While he was not as respected as he had been before he had been defeated by Gongsun Cha, he was still respected for struggling and returning from the deadly situation.
So when Mu Shuang and Gongye Xiao Rong were united in opposition, their voices could not be ignored.
The two sides fought fiercely.
Mi Nan's side thought that Xi Xuan would not dare to harm Li Xian Er. Li Xian Er would be a hostage but not in danger. If she could complete Tian Huan's alliance with Xi Xuan, Tian Huan would be in an undefeatable position. Otherwise, with Mo Cloud Sea competing with them in forging, and being weaker offensively than Kun Lun, Tian Huan's future was in danger."
The opposition claimed that Tian Huan had not reached the point that it needed to send a core member of the sect, like Li Xian Er, to act as hostage. It would be good to eliminate Mo Cloud Sea but there was no need to pay such a great price. Also, they thought that Tian Huan was stronger than Mo Cloud Sea and they should not fear competing with Mo Cloud Sea. Like right now, when Tian Huan moved, they had the upper hand. In terms of overall strength, Mo Cloud Sea wasn't on the same level as Tian Huan.
The two sides fought. Because it was concerning his granddaughter, the sect leader could not express an opinion. The chief elder who could make the decision was resting with his eyes closed in silence.
Suddenly, Li Xian Er stepped out and said calmly, "I am willing to go."
The hall immediately quieted.
Gongye Xiao Rong's expression was panicked. He was about to speak when Li Xian Er gave him a comforting expression.
"I'm willing to go. Actually, everyone knows that the risk is not high. Also, even if there is risk, I still think we should agree to Xi Xuan's demand. Because Mo Cloud Sea was more dangerous than Xi Xuan and filled with more life."
Li Xian Er's beautiful face was as calm as water. Her usual mischievousness had disappeared, and her voice echoed in the hall.
"I've seen Zuo Mo, I have interacted with them, I know how strong they are. An opponent like this should not be underestimated. This kind of chance is rare. If we can grab it, we can eliminate a great problem forever. Also, do not forget about Kun Lun."
"We all know that we are a level below Kun Lun in terms of offensive power. If we and Kun Lun are the only ones left, the ones to fall in the end will be us."
The hall was silent. Everyone was stunned by Li
Xian Er's words. Mi Nan, Mu Shuang, and Gongye Xiao Rong did not have good expressions. What Li Xian Er was saying were things that people usually discussed in secret but no one had ever talked about it publicly.
"What is our advantage? Money! We are richer than Kun Lun! This is our greatest weapon. We should spread our money to buy and recruit other factions. We need allies. If we have to fight against Kun Lun, we need allies. Xi Xuan is the most suitable ally. They have vast territory, and a great population. Once Zhong De is eliminated, there will not be any person in control with any real power. They can only rely on us. We will provide them with shen equipment, with all kinds of fluff. They can outfit enough battalions to help us fight against Kun Lun. An enormous amount of cannon fodder. This is what Tian Huan needs. Also, Mo Cloud Sea's existence will only weaken us. We have to fight them for materials, for market share. This will make Tian Huan poor. Without money, we cannot recruit other factions. We will lose our greatest weapon, we will be in danger."
Li Xian Er's words were firm.
Chief Elder opened his eyes at this time and showed admiration. He slowly said, "All of you do not think as clearly as a little girl. After returning from this mission, you will become the next sect leader."
The chief elder announced his decision.
Editor's Note:
For those of you keeping track:
Battle General Ranking:
1st Xue Dong from Kun Lun
2nd Zhong De from Xi Xuan
3rd Mi Nan from Tian Huan
4th Gongsun Cha from Mo Cloud Sea
5th Yang Yuan Hao from Thunder Sound Temple
7th Mu Shuang from Tian Huan
8th Mu Xuan from Kun Lun
10th Bie Han from Mo Cloud Sea
Gongye Xiao Rong from Tian Huan
Gu Liang Dao from Gu Liang Dao Faction
Translator Ramblings: Tian Huan is in favor of the "smash your enemies to death with money" strategy.
Chapter 815: Yang Yuan Hao's Dilemma
Zuo Mo was very surprised when he received the message.
Zhong De sent a message inquiring about the shen equipment and also sent along a large shipment of materials.
This message did not mention Tian Huan at all but expressed Zhong De's thoughts. Zhong De had not agreed to Tian Huan! Zuo Mo had to say that he was very shocked when he received the news. He really could not think of why Zhong De had chosen him.
Even the stupidest person could see that the benefits of choosing Tian Huan were far greater than choosing Mo Cloud Sea.
But Zhong De made an unexpected choice.
Zuo Mo thought hard about why Zhong De had made this choice but after thinking for a long time, he could not think of anything. After asking Pu Yao and confirming that Mo Cloud Sea had received a shipment of materials from Xi Xuan, Zuo Mo's anxiety finally settled. While he did not know what Zhong De was thinking, but it appeared that Zhong De had refused Tian Huan.
Zhong De's refusal of Tian Huan was the best news that Zuo Mo had heard in recent days.
Zuo Mo threw away his puzzlement and started to consider the effects of Zhong De's unexpected choice on Mo Cloud Sea.
Zhong De was the true holder of power in Xi Xuan. His refusal of Tian Huan meant that Tian Huan's strategic intentions were destroyed. Mo Cloud Sea's situation was not as bad as it was previously.
But had the danger been resolved?
Zuo Mo had to admit that Tian Huan's moves had hit Mo Cloud Sea in their weakness. He could feel it, how could Tian Huan not feel it?
Tian Huan's scheme only had one obstacle Zhong De. Zuo Mo put himself in Tian Huan's position and thought. If it was him, what would he do?
Go around Zhong De? Impossible. Zhong De was in control of Xi Xuan at the moment and could not be skirted around.
If Zhong De could not be avoided, there was only one solution, eliminate Zhong De!
Eliminating Zhong De would be eliminating the only obstacle.
Zhong De was a great battle general and heavily protected. How could he be eliminated?
Send an army? Zuo Mo shook his head. The price was too high to start a war with the second ranked battle general and was famed for his viciousness and bloodthirstiness. If Tian Huan was not dumb, they would definitely not do such a thing.
Then there was only one choice, assassination!
Zuo Mo was startled, his eyes suddenly widening. It definitely would be an assassination! Tian Huan had top experts, and from the information he obtained, the sect leader of Xi Xuan clearly was in agreement to ally with Tian Huan, and would likely act as a spy.
Zhong De was in danger!
Zuo Mo's heart beat wildly!
———
Yang Yuan Hao had not had a good rest in the past few days. This was very rare for him. His calm and steadiness were his most outstanding traits. He understood himself. No matter what kind of battle it was, he could maintain his calm and stability. The choices he made would never surpass the limits of his ability. He never tried to do anything outside of his abilities.
He was always measured and unhurried. It was as though nothing could disturb his peace of mind.
His strategic vision was not as good as Xue Dong, he was not as decisive as Zhong De, not as experienced as Mi Nan, not as sharp as Gongsun Cha, and compared to Bie Han, his explosiveness was lacking … …
Of the ten great battle generals, the one that did not have any unique trait was Yang Yuan Hao.
He seemed to not have any trait that was outstanding yet he could always win. His fighting style was just so. All of his skills were strangely equal, and none were better than any other. Of course, being as well-rounded to such a degree was special in itself. He was the only one.
However, only people that studied Yang Yuan Hao's fighting methods would understand his terrifying nature. What was scariest about Yang Yuan Hao was that he would always make the appropriate choice at the appropriate time.
These choices may not be the best, but they would not be bad. Countless choices formed countless small advantages that would accumulate and, in the end, turn into victory.
Yang Yuan Hao's victories would cause other people to feel hopeless. People that were trapped would not detect when they had started to lose. Steadiness, a hope-robbing steadiness. He almost didn't have a weakness.
But such a calm and steady mind was thrown into chaos by Zuo Mo's words.
What should he do?
He could not disguise his disappointment with the present state of the Nine Great Dhyana Sects. While he knew that this alliance would have a short honeymoon, but he was still disappointed when this day came so quickly.
Zuo Mo's words caused some things he did not want to face to surface in front of him.
This was really a dislikable person!
He could not refute Zuo Mo's words. Both Kun Lun and Tian Huan would definitely welcome him. No matter if it was because of the Nine Great Dhyana Sects or himself who was the fifth ranking battle general.
But he also knew that if he sided with Kun Lun or Tian Huan, he could receive good treatment but would definitely be unable to enter the inner circles of the two sects. Kun Lun and Tian Huan were full of talent, and their inner competition was fierce enough. If he, an outsider, tried to squeeze in, he would be unanimously rejected.
The best result would be leading his battalion to guard a base that was not important and live an idle life. The worst case result would be that he and the Nine Great Dhyana Sects would be turned into cannon fodder and sent into the battlefields with the most fighting.
None of these were things that he wanted. For any battle general, a chance to fight all kinds of factions like right now was a rare chance. Who did not want to accomplish something? Also, Yang Yuan Hao had the ability.
As to cannon fodder, no one was willing to be cannon fodder.
Yang Yuan Hao was not dumb. He naturally understood Zuo Mo's intentions of recruiting him.
Based on the situation, Mo Cloud Sea was actually the most suitable. Mo Cl
oud Sea had only been founded for a short time, they did not have any well-established local powers. Zuo Mo himself was a reliable person. Also, Mo Cloud Sea was strong but had a small territory. They would definitely expand. This way, he did not need to worry that there would be no wars to fight.
However, Mo Cloud Sea's situation was dangerous right now. If they were the least bit careless, they would lose it all.
Joining Mo Cloud Sea at this time meant that he needed to take on this danger as well. The future was unknown. Even if he was willing to take on the risk, other people may not.
He was not Zhong De, one person who could decide the fate of all of Xi Xuan. He had power, but the one in charge of Thunder Sound Temple was still the sect leader. Would Sect Leader be willing to ally with Mo Cloud Sea right now?
He shook his head. Everyone would want to avoid at this time.
He decided to go and ask the sect leader.
When Yang Yuan Hao saw the sect leader, he did not conceal any of his thoughts and reported everything to the sect leader.
After the sect leader heard this, he closed his eyes and remained silent.
Yang Yuan Hao was silent. He knew that Sect Leader was thinking.
"If Tian Huan succeeds, what do you think the result is?" The sect leader opened his eyes and asked Yang Yuan Hao.
Yang Yuan Hao thought and said, "If Tian Huan succeeds, Mo Cloud Sea will be danger, they will be surrounded and attacked on three sides … …"
"Mo Cloud Sea's territory is not connected to them," the sect leader said coolly.
Yang Yuan Hao stilled and his expression changed slightly. "Then they will first get rid of us!"
"How does our Thunder Sound Temple compare to Kun Lun and Tian Huan?" the sect leader asked.
"As weak as a baby,"Yang Yuan Hao responded.
"In other words, even if we join Tian Huan and Kun Lun, we are not needed, and unimportant," the sect leader seemed to say to himself.
"Yes." While he did not want to admit it, Yang Yuan Hao knew that this was the truth.
"How do we compare to Mo Cloud Sea?" the sect leader asked.