Yu Gongzi paused, then turned to the shadowy figure before him. "Master, this game is becoming more and more interesting. When will the Nine Yin Saintess make her move?"
The shadowy figure gave a cold, eerie smile. "No need to rush, Young Master. There are still eight days until the Martial Arts Tournament. The Nine Yin Saintess is our final trump card—she won't be deployed until absolutely necessary. But I believe the game is nearing its end. Often, the most exciting part comes at the conclusion, wouldn't you agree? Perhaps we can allow her to make contact with Qin Ren sooner rather than later…"
Yu Gongzi nodded thoughtfully. "You're right, Master. But the game is beginning to slip from our control. Aren't you concerned about that?"
The shadowy figure's voice turned colder. "It's just a game. No need to worry too much. Conquering the world is not the same as dominating the martial world. No matter how powerful the Xiaoyao Mountain Manor is, with only three thousand disciples, it has little influence over the grand scheme of things. Their numbers are too great, and they may become a problem if left unchecked. If we cannot control them, we will eliminate them entirely. As for Qin Ren, the one with the 'Asura Devil Eyes,' what do you intend to do with him? Will you kill him or let him live?"
Yu Gongzi pondered for a moment. "The words of Taigong Wang still ring in my ears—'Those who possess the Asura Devil Eyes will conquer the world.' But no one has truly understood the meaning of this prophecy. Whether we kill him or let him live, there's great risk involved. I'm finding it difficult to make a decision. What do you suggest, Master?"
The shadowy figure's voice became more resolute. "In my opinion, it wouldn't hurt to keep him alive for now. As for the martial forces of Xiaoyao Mountain Manor, Ironblood Howl Fortress, and the like, those we can control, we'll keep. Those who resist, we'll wipe out. I've already brought along the 'Wind, Rain, Thunder,' 'The Most Sinister,' 'The 108 Misty Rains of the South,' and 'The 366 Blades of the North.' With your 'Heavenly Stars,' once the martial forces are weakened by mutual destruction at the tournament, we can sweep in, seize control, and destroy the remaining masters. Any disciples left without their leaders will have no chance to stir up trouble. As for Qin Ren, we'll bide our time. If his 'Asura Devil Eyes' prophecy proves to be the second interpretation, we'll kill him. But so long as we have control over him, we can decide his fate at any moment. I'm not afraid of him making waves."
Yu Gongzi's face darkened. "If Qin Ren participates in the tournament, he'll be the key. Without him, the situation would not escalate. But Qin Ren has gone missing. How do we find him?"
The shadowy figure's smile deepened. "No need to search for him."
His voice became ominously cold. "One of the four great traitors who defected from our sect, the infamous Jiao Qitian, has already appeared at Qin Ren's side. I sent men to negotiate with him, but those three useless fools disappeared without a trace after meeting with him. I'm certain they fell victim to Jiao Qitian's treachery. The reason I haven't moved against him yet is that I want to keep him close to Qin Ren, where he can manipulate him."
Yu Gongzi raised an eyebrow. "Jiao Qitian, the most dangerous of the four? How does he plan to influence Qin Ren?"
The shadowy figure replied, "Jiao Qitian is cold and cunning. He must have realized that Qin Ren is trapped in a scheme, and he'll certainly suspect that I'm the one behind it. With the hatred between Jiao Qitian and I, he'll undoubtedly seek to use Qin Ren and his forces to exact his revenge. There's no doubt he will try to influence Qin Ren. Jiao Qitian is an expert at manipulating hearts, and Qin Ren, being young and inexperienced, won't be able to resist his temptation. Therefore, I'm certain Jiao Qitian will find a way to have Qin Ren participate in the tournament. Once Qin Ren enters the arena, everything will be out of his hands!"
Yu Gongzi nodded with admiration. "Master, your calculations are flawless. But now, Du Gongfu's daughter, Du Xiaoyan, has become involved with Qin Ren. How do you propose we handle this?"
The shadowy figure sneered. "Du Gongfu is but a dog. He may bite, but there are plenty of dogs that can bite. We don't need to expose this; let him embarrass himself at the tournament. When he makes a fool of himself, he'll naturally turn his anger toward Qin Ren. He'll stir the flames of conflict without our intervention. That way, the effect will be even better. If we had him provoke the crowd without cause, it would only raise suspicions."
Yu Gongzi agreed. "That makes sense. But Qin Ren is not easy to control…"
The shadowy figure smirked. "Don't worry, Young Master. The Nine Yin Saintess will be a key piece to control Qin Ren. Regardless of whether he wins or loses the tournament, I will ensure his safety. Once the time is right, I'll have the Nine Yin Saintess inserted into Qin Ren's life. No matter how heartless or indifferent he is, there's no way he can resist the influence of the Nine Yin Saintess."
Yu Gongzi grinned. "Master's plan is naturally impeccable. My own charm with women can only go so far, but with your support, there is no reason we cannot succeed in this grand game."
The shadowy figure bowed slightly. "It is my honor to serve you, Young Master. I am fortunate to be of help."
Yu Gongzi's lips curled into a cruel smile, his finger pointing to the last remnants of red in the sky. "This endless empire—how could a fool like Ah Hai deserve it? This world of flowers, only I, Gongzi Yu, am fit to claim it! The martial world, the Jianghu, is merely the prelude to the greater game. Once the world's heroes are in our grasp, the real game will begin. Hahaha…"
The shadowy figure remained silent, standing beside Yu Gongzi. His eyes, hidden in the mist, revealed no emotion, and his face remained unreadable.
A Slight Shift in the MorningThe sky had started to brighten with the first light of dawn. A cool dew had dampened the grass in the courtyard, the rolling drops like pearls sliding down the leaves, breaking on the stones below.
The overcast day had brought a thin mist that shrouded the garden, adding a mysterious air to the scene. With the strange trees and vibrant flowers brought in from the mountains, the courtyard felt like something out of a dream.
This was the unassuming home of one of the four great traitors of the past—now known as the 'Phantom Demon True Lord,' Li Guding of the Yansheng Province. Few knew that the simple structure hid the residence of the infamous thief king.
Within the yard, a young man—Qin Ren, the so-called 'Third Young Master'—lay in a lavish, aristocratic bedroom, recovering from his wounds.
He was lying on a bed of exquisite materials, with bandages wrapped around his shoulders, his breathing steady and deep. He lay beside a woman, Qiu Ruomei, whose gaze lingered on him with a mix of tenderness and concern.
She reached out and gently caressed his head, before massaging his injured shoulder to ease his pain. As she did, she couldn't help but wonder at the strange vulnerability in the young man. A man like him, who had never known defeat, should not feel such uncertainty. Why was he so troubled?
As Qin Ren slept, she quietly rose and moved about the room, preparing to leave. But just as she reached the door, a soft voice called out from the bed.
"Mei Jie, are you leaving already?" Qin Ren's voice was faint but clear.