Cave Network in the Far End of the Northern Mountains, Near the Demonic Sect’s Blood Valley City,
The atmosphere within the darkened cave was oppressive, the air thick with the chill of winter and the lingering effects of the powerful sleeping spell cast earlier by Chaoxiang Yuan’s mages. The faint light from the cracks in the stone above illuminated the scene in eerie fragments, casting long shadows over the still forms of Elder Yang’s warriors and Jinwo Yuan’s guards, all lying unconscious on the cold ground. Across from Elder Yang, Chaoxiang Yuan sat, his sharp features partially veiled in the flickering light.
Elder Yang studied the boy silently, his own thoughts racing. Chaoxiang had just presented a bold and audacious proposal, one that would shake the foundations of the Mount Hua Sect’s future plans and the Demonic Sect future. For what felt like an eternity, neither spoke, the silence broken only by the distant sound of water dripping from stalactites deep within the cavern.
Finally, Elder Yang broke the stillness, his voice steady but laced with skepticism. “So, what you’re suggesting is that the Mount Hua Sect abandon Jinwo Yuan and throw our support behind you instead. In exchange, you promise to aid us in our rebellion against the emperor once you claim the title of Supreme Leader of the Demonic Sect. Even if I personally detest Jinwo and have every reason to despise him after what his men did to my grandson, that doesn’t mean Mount Hua shares my grudge, boy.”
Chaoxiang leaned back slightly, his lips curling into a confident smile. “But you want to get rid of him, don’t you? After all, Jinwo Yuan’s men almost killed your grandson—the very same grandson who embodies the hopes of your sect’s future. You’re already halfway there, Elder Yang. Convincing Mount Hua to shift their allegiance to me should be a simple matter. I am, after all, offering you exactly what my elder brother did—only more.”
Elder Yang’s eyes narrowed, the young boy’s unflinching confidence unsettling him slightly. “You’re not wrong, but my sect’s trust isn’t so easily swayed. Even if I personally support your proposal, Mount Hua’s leaders might see this as me prioritizing a personal vendetta over the sect’s strategic goals. Our plans against the emperor are too critical to risk unnecessary division.”
Chaoxiang’s grin widened as if he had been expecting this response. “I understand your hesitation, Elder Yang. Your loyalty to your sect is admirable. But what if…” he paused, his tone becoming quieter, more menacing, “what if my eldest brother were no longer a factor?”
Elder Yang’s eyes widened at the implications of the boy’s words. His mind raced as he processed the possibility. Slowly, a knowing smirk spread across his face. “That would be... most unfortunate,” he said, his voice laced with dark humor. “Without Jinwo Yuan in the picture, Mount Hua would naturally need to find another candidate to use as a proxy for the Demonic Sect. A candidate favorable to our cause.”
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Chaoxiang chuckled softly, the sound carrying an edge of amusement. “Precisely. A most unfortunate accident, wouldn’t you agree?”
Before Elder Yang could respond, Chaoxiang rose gracefully to his feet. His movements were smooth and deliberate, belying his young age. From within his robes, he drew a small, ornate dagger. The blade gleamed coldly in the dim light, its razor-sharp edge reflecting the flickering shadows of the cave. He approached his elder brother, Jinwo Yuan, who lay unconscious among his guards, completely unaware of the fate awaiting him.
Chaoxiang knelt beside Jinwo, his expression a mixture of calm and ruthless determination. Without hesitation, he brought the dagger to his brother’s throat and, with a swift, decisive motion, slit it cleanly. The sound of the blade slicing through flesh was brief but chilling, echoing faintly in the cavern.
A surge of blood poured from the wound, pooling rapidly beneath Jinwo’s body. The sharp pain jolted him awake, his eyes snapping open in shock and terror. He tried to speak, to scream, but the wound rendered him mute. Desperately, he clawed at the ground, attempting to crawl away, but his strength faded as quickly as the life drained from his body. Within moments, Jinwo Yuan was still, his glassy eyes staring blankly into the void.
Chaoxiang stood, wiping the blade clean with a piece of cloth before tucking it back into his robes. He turned to Elder Yang, his expression once again calm, though the faint smile on his lips hinted at a cruel satisfaction. “Well, Elder Yang,” he said, his voice as light as if he were discussing the weather, “now there’s no longer any obstacle for Mount Hua to side with me, is there?”
Elder Yang couldn’t suppress a low chuckle. The boy’s audacity and ruthlessness were beyond anything he had anticipated. He leaned back slightly, his hands clasped behind his head as he considered the situation. Not only had this meeting brought him the satisfaction of seeing Jinwo Yuan punished for his grandson’s suffering, but it had also presented a perfect ally for Mount Hua’s plans.
“You’re a bold one, I’ll give you that,” Elder Yang said, shaking his head in amusement. “With Jinwo out of the picture, convincing my sect to back you will be considerably easier. But don’t think for a moment that I’ll let my guard down around you, boy.”
Chaoxiang’s smile widened, his sharp features giving him an almost predatory look. “I wouldn’t expect anything less, Elder Yang. But I assure you, our goals are aligned—for now.”
The two exchanged a brief, tense silence, their eyes locking as if assessing each other’s true intentions. Finally, Elder Yang stood, adjusting his robes and signaling to his men to prepare to leave. Though they remained unconscious, he knew they would awaken soon which they did, oblivious to the events that had just transpired.
“This has been an... enlightening meeting,” Elder Yang said as he turned toward the exit of the cave. “Chaoxiang. I’ll deliver your message to my sect, but know this: betrayal will not be tolerated.”
Chaoxiang inclined his head respectfully, though the glint in his eyes suggested he thrived on such risks. “Understood, Elder Yang. I look forward to our fruitful collaboration.”
As Elder Yang exited the cave, his mind churned with thoughts of what had just transpired. Chaoxiang Yuan was no ordinary boy—he was a calculated and dangerous force to be reckoned with. Yet, in this delicate game of alliances and rebellion, such a force might be exactly what Mount Hua needed. For now, Elder Yang resolved to play along, though he would keep a wary eye on the youngest son of the Supreme Leader of the Demonic Sect.
Inside the cave, Chaoxiang watched Elder Yang’s retreating figure with a smirk. “Well, that went better than expected,” he muttered to himself before turning to his mages. “Wake up my brother’s guards and tell them he fell victim to a sudden illness. We’ll need a convincing story for the sect.”
The mages nodded, and Chaoxiang left the cave with a spring in his step, the shadows of his schemes growing darker with every step.