Chapter Twenty-Five: Conspiracy

The Luo family gathered in a spacious and brightly lit hall. Seated inside were many people, all dressed in a manner that clearly marked them as high-ranking members of the Luo clan. Luo Shao'an, who had recently fled in defeat, was among them, occasionally glancing nervously at the grim faces of the family elders seated at the front. A stifling, oppressive atmosphere filled the hall, its source unmistakable: the silent presence of Mo San's corpse lying quietly in the center.

At the right hand of the main seat sat Luo Sen, head of the Luo family, his expression equally dark as he gazed at Mo San's body, lost in thought. To his left lounged a mysterious figure shrouded in a black robe, leaning carelessly against the back of his chair. A glint of malice flickered in his exposed eyes, and his withered hand tapped rhythmically against the armrest, disturbing the suffocating silence.

"Shao'an, are you certain that the boy from the Ye family is only at the minor stage of the Blood Qi Realm?" Luo Sen's voice was tinged with doubt as he finally shifted his gaze from Mo San to Luo Shao'an.

"Yes, Father," Luo Shao'an replied truthfully. "I saw it with my own eyes. Ye Cheng has only ten blood lines, so he must have just reached the minor stage of the Blood Qi Realm."

"To think someone at the minor stage could stand against a peak Blood Qi expert for several exchanges—it's truly hard to believe," commented the Luo family's elder, Luo Huo, his words heavy with concern. "It seems that boy from the Ye family must be eliminated as soon as possible, lest he grows stronger and becomes a real threat to our Luo clan."

The rest of the Luo elders nodded in agreement. Indeed, a genius with limitless potential—especially one who stood firmly on the side of their enemies and could not be won over—had to be removed before he could become a problem.

Luo Sen nodded grimly. "He must be dealt with, but after this incident, the Ye family will surely tighten their protection around that boy. Taking him out won't be easy. Although Ye Shan, their strongest, has been missing for years, that old man Ye is not to be underestimated."

He paused, then turned respectfully toward the mysterious black-robed guest. "However, if Protector Yan and the force behind you are willing to lend us your strength, all these troubles will be resolved. Not just the boy—even the Ye family's entire domain will soon belong to us."

At these words, the mysterious figure's lips curled into a cold sneer beneath the hood, and his raspy voice filled the hall. "Heh. Since we have already agreed to join forces with you to destroy the Ye family, we will not go back on our word. It is simply that, for now, my sect cannot spare the manpower. Once we have resources to spare, we will certainly assist your Luo family."

"Then we must thank Protector Yan in advance," Luo Sen replied, elation washing over his face at the promise. "With your sect's support, the Ye family is doomed."

The others in the hall also looked delighted. If the mysterious force behind this man agreed to intervene, the day when the Luo clan ruled over Luoyang Town alone was not far off, and the Ye family would find it hard to resist.

"Of course, I trust the clan master will not forget the terms we agreed upon?" the black-robed man reminded.

A twitch flickered at the corner of Luo Sen's eye. He took a deep breath, forcing a fervent smile, though it was tinged with insincerity. "Naturally. So long as the Ye family is destroyed, every condition your sect has laid out will be fulfilled as promised."

Satisfied, the mysterious man nodded and said no more.

"Father, Ye Zhan has sent word: if our Luo clan tries any underhanded tricks again, the Ye family will not show mercy," Luo Shao'an ventured carefully, seeing the conversation draw to a close.

"Hmph, that battle-madman dares be so arrogant?" Luo Sen's face twisted with malice at the message, but recalling the promise of support from the mysterious guest, he allowed a cruel smile to spread across his lips. "Let him jump around a few more days. When the time comes, I'll show him the true meaning of death."

...

In the Ye family courtyard, beside a pond, a stone table was set with several delicate medicine bottles for treating injuries. Two middle-aged men and a youth were seated nearby. One of the men was tending the youth's injured right leg, apparently setting it back into place. As the man's hands twisted, a cracking sound echoed, and pain flickered across the boy's face, but soon faded. Testing his newly mended leg, the youth stood up and bounced lightly a few times.

"Well, Cheng, do you feel any discomfort?" Ye Hong asked with a smile.

"Thank you, Uncle," the boy replied gratefully. "My right leg feels a little sore, but it's nothing serious."

Ye Hong nodded, then spoke with earnest concern. "From now on, try not to go out unnecessarily. Here in the Ye family, I doubt the Luo clan would dare try anything. But if you leave and encounter their people, avoid conflict if possible. Your talent already makes you a threat in their eyes; if they find an opportunity, they will not show mercy."

"I understand," Ye Cheng said, nodding. He knew well the danger that came with standing out.

Suddenly, he recalled what Elder Mu had mentioned about soon having to enter the Demon Forest for training. He had already prepared an explanation and turned to Ye Hong. "But, Uncle, in a few days, I must leave Luoyang Town for a while."

"Leave Luoyang Town?" Ye Hong's brows knitted with concern. "Cheng, unless it's absolutely necessary, you shouldn't go out. This is no trivial matter—your very life could be at risk. The Luo clan is just waiting for you to be alone, so your uncle hopes you'll stay put."

Ye Zhan, seated nearby, shared the same grave expression and tried to dissuade him.

"No matter the danger, I must go," Ye Cheng replied with unshakable determination. "This concerns my future as a martial artist."

"Oh? What is so important that you insist on going?" Ye Hong pondered, then asked.

"Uncle, you know I was only able to make such progress thanks to the generous gift of a certain master," Ye Cheng said.

Ye Hong nodded. He had already learned this from the old patriarch, knowing that even a grade-three elixir like Green Spirit Liquid could not have produced such a transformation alone. He had long suspected Ye Cheng had encountered a stroke of fortune, a fact the patriarch had confirmed.

Ye Zhan also nodded, clearly aware of the matter.

...

End of Chapter 25—Conspiracy Complete!