Lin Yuan did not continue the transmission. He waited for Yun Shan to digest the information and steady his emotions.
At the same time, he looked at Qinglin and asked, "Qing'er, according to the perception of the Purple Jade Scale Snake, how is Yun Shan's emotional state?"
Qinglin sensed it for a moment, then covered her mouth and chuckled softly. "It's quite complicated. Young Master, you'd better see for yourself."
As she spoke, her eyes lit up faintly. She activated the high-tier Black-class Dou Technique Illusory Pupil, and a vast stream of information flowed into Lin Yuan's mind through the illusion. It was as if, through the Purple Jade Scale Snake, he could directly observe Yun Shan's current condition.
After processing the information, Lin Yuan smiled lightly. "Looks like my friend Yun Shan still needs a bit more time."
At the same time, he thought to himself, Once Qing'er's mastery over illusion techniques improves further, the Sky Network will gain even more functions.
Before long, Yun Shan finished digesting the information, calmed his thoughts, and resumed the transmission.
"Alchemist friend, thank you for the intelligence. Is there anything you wish to know?" Yun Shan asked.
"Friend Yun Shan, let me ask, according to Protector Wu's latest plan, what tasks are you required to participate in?" Lin Yuan inquired.
"At present, there are two matters," Yun Shan replied. "First, I am to prepare to move with him soon to intercept someone. Second, I am to assist in dealing with someone during the Three-Year Agreement. Judging from the current situation, the target he intends to deal with is likely the soul form of Yao Chen."
"Intercept someone?" A sharp glint flashed in Lin Yuan's eyes. "Who is the target, and when will this take place?"
"As for the target, he has not informed me. However, the timing is clear, three days before the Three-Year Agreement," Yun Shan answered.
After receiving this information, Lin Yuan rubbed his forehead and sent a brief "Wait a moment" before carefully analyzing Protector Wu's intentions and arrangements.
At present, Protector Wu has two objectives. First, the Xiao Clan, this is likely a mandatory task assigned by the Soul Hall. Second, Yao Lao this is driven by his personal greed, wanting to claim the benefits for himself.
Three days Lin Yuan took out a map and examined it. At the flying speed of an average Dou King, it takes about two days to travel from the Xiao Clan to the Misty Cloud Sect. For a Dou Ancestor, less than half a day.
In other words, if something happens to the Xiao Clan at that time, Yao Lao and Xiao Yan won't receive the news before the Three-Year Agreement, nor will it affect their trip to the Misty Cloud Sect.
From Protector Wu's perspective, once they step onto the Misty Cloud Sect, with Yun Shan and the Misty Cloud Overarching Formation assisting, Yao Lao will have no chance to escape.
First deal with the Xiao Clan, then capture Yao Lao. This guy's calculations are quite meticulous.
But that works in my favor. This way, the time window when the Xiao Clan is left unprotected is fixed, I can determine when to act.
That day also happens to be the Alchemist Grand Meeting of the Jia Ma Empire. A faint smile appeared on Lin Yuan's face. As insurance, perhaps I should also show up at the venue. Let Yao Lao and Xiao Yan serve as my alibi proving that I have nothing to do with the Ancient Jade.
Having finalized his strategy, Lin Yuan resumed the transmission.
"Friend Yun Shan, I understand the situation now."
"Alchemist friend, you seem to have a clearer grasp than I do. How do you view the current situation? What should I do?" Yun Shan asked.
"You've probably already guessed that the first matter is related to the Xiao Clan, haven't you?" Lin Yuan said.
"Indeed."
"If my guess is correct, your role in that matter is to help intercept the Gu Clan's guardian of the Xiao Clan, and afterward, have the Misty Cloud Sect assist in cleansing and capturing members of the Xiao Clan."
"That aligns with my thoughts," Yun Shan agreed inwardly.
"As for capturing Yao Chen's soul during the Three-Year Agreement, your assistance is likely due to Protector Wu's desire to monopolize the credit," Lin Yuan continued.
Yun Shan nodded slightly. "Then what strategy do you propose?"
"My suggestion is to handle the two matters separately."
"You may assist him in intercepting the Xiao Clan's guardian, but you must not help him involve the Misty Cloud Sect in the cleansing and capture of the Xiao Clan, nor assist him during the Three-Year Agreement," Lin Yuan said seriously.
"Please elaborate," Yun Shan replied gravely.
"For the interception, you can accompany him that day. He has prepared for this for a long time, so there should be minimal risk."
"Moreover, I need you there to relay real-time information to me. After all, I cannot help you without asking anything in return," Lin Yuan stated frankly.
Hearing this, Yun Shan did not feel displeased. He had already expected that the alchemist was not someone who offered help unconditionally.
"Your honesty reassures me more," Yun Shan replied. "I will fulfill your request in this matter."
Lin Yuan nodded inwardly. Working with someone as experienced and pragmatic as Yun Shan made cooperation much smoother.
He continued, "During the process, I will arrange for someone to intrude. When the time comes, I will notify you—you cooperate and create the appearance of being lured away."
"I understand. What comes next?" Yun Shan asked.
"Next, you will head directly to the Magical Beast Mountain Range. There, I will remove the Soul Hall's soul restriction placed on you and arrange a staged death."
"This will allow you to avoid participating in any actions against the Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan, or Yao Chen."
"I see." A look of realization flashed in Yun Shan's eyes. "Faking my death at that time is indeed optimal. Once I 'die,' the Soul Hall will lose its leverage over the Misty Cloud Sect. This will prevent the sect from offending forces it cannot afford to provoke."
"At the same time, with me gone and Yun Yun already absent, the Misty Cloud Sect will lack top-tier combat strength. It will no longer stand out within the Jia Ma Empire, and thus will not be a desirable partner for the Soul Hall."
"Exactly. That is my line of thinking as well," Lin Yuan affirmed. Then he added, "For greater safety, I suggest eliminating part of the Misty Cloud Sect's core forces, making it appear even weaker and less valuable."
Yun Shan responded, "Thank you for the suggestion. I will consider it carefully."
After exchanging additional intelligence, the two ended the transmission.
On a cloud peak of the Misty Cloud Sect, Yun Shan stood silently, gazing at the sea of clouds.
At this moment, a figure arrived at the peak, looking at him with reverence and bowing respectfully.
"Yun Leng greets Sect Master."
"Has Yanran descended the mountain?" Yun Shan asked calmly.
"Reporting to Sect Master, the Young Sect Master has gone down with Liu Ling. She plans to return home, while Liu Ling intends to participate in the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Grand Meeting."
"I see so the time has come." Yun Shan's calm voice carried a hint of nostalgia. "I still remember, sixteen years ago, at that very same Alchemist Grand Meeting, I took a liking to Gu He and made him an honorary elder of our sect."
Yun Leng cupped his hands respectfully. "Sect Master's foresight was extraordinary. Though Gu He was only a Fourth-Grade alchemist at the time, you already recognized his potential to reach the Sixth-Grade. It is precisely because of your vision and decisions that the Misty Cloud Sect has prospered to its current status."
"Then tell me," Yun Shan turned around, fixing his gaze on Yun Leng. "Do you truly believe I am a good sect master? That my decisions have been the right ones?"
Is he thinking about Yun Yun? Yun Leng wondered inwardly.
He replied respectfully, "Sect Master, you are the finest leader in my heart. Your decisions are naturally the best."
Yun Shan nodded slightly, turned back again, and closed his eyes. His calm voice now carried a distant weight.
"I see then it seems I am still a qualified sect master."
However, when his eyes opened again, they now held a trace of resoluteness and ruthlessness.
"That is right. I am the Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect. No matter what happens, the sect's legacy must come first. I will not—nor can I betray the foundation passed down by our ancestors. It must continue to endure and prosper."
"For that, some sacrifices are necessary—and worthwhile."
Yun Leng cupped his hands and praised, "Sect Master is wise!"
A strange glint flickered in Yun Shan's eyes. He waved his hand lightly and said, "Speak. Why have you come?"
Yun Leng replied respectfully, "Sect Master, for the Three-Year Agreement in half a month, should we invite guests from all sides to witness the event?"
Yun Shan pondered briefly, then said meaningfully, "Invite them. Invite everyone. Let them witness that moment witness Yanran, and witness the Misty Cloud Sect."
"Go and make the arrangements."
"Yes, Sect Master!" Yun Leng responded, his face filled with delight.
Thinking of Nalan Yanran's strength as a four-star Dou Grandmaster, Yun Ling could already envision the unprecedented, awe-inspiring spectacle that would shock all in attendance. He bowed and took his leave, his figure gradually disappearing into the sea of clouds, leaving Yun Shan standing alone at the peak.
Before long, a faint sigh echoed across the mountaintop.
"Yun Ling you are loyal, but your disposition makes you unfit to steer the Misty Cloud Sect through the difficult times ahead. There is no choice, you will be the first to be dealt with."
"If there is blame, let it fall on me. For the survival of the sect, I will spare no cost…"
Meanwhile, within the Mittel family estate, Lin Yuan, having ended the communication, was contemplating how to deal with Yun Shan.
"Yun Shan…" His fingers lightly tapped against the table as a trace of indifference flickered through his deep eyes. "After this matter concludes, should I silence you… or…"
After a long pause, Lin Yuan finally made his decision and muttered, "I'll handle it that way. It may be troublesome, but it's the safer option."
Having settled the matter, Lin Yuan turned to Qing Lin. A hint of gentleness flashed in his eyes. Noticing her slightly puzzled expression, he pulled her over to sit facing him.
Then, using his powerful Soul Strength, he carefully scanned the surroundings to ensure no one was watching. Following that, he enveloped the area within a few meters in his Soul Power, creating a sealed space that isolated them completely from outside interference.
Sensing his seriousness, Qing Lin couldn't help but grow tense as well.
Seeing this, Lin Yuan gave a reassuring smile. "Qing'er, don't be nervous. I'm just going to tell you everything, what I've been doing, what I intend to do, and how I plan to do it. Then we'll discuss it together and refine the plan."
"I understand, Young Master!" Qing Lin replied crisply.
Lin Yuan then laid out his entire plan without holding anything back, matters concerning the Ancient Jade, the Xiao family, the Hall of Souls, the Misty Cloud Sect, and more.
After listening, Qing Lin's eyes flashed with shock, yet she also felt a sense of happiness and fulfillment. Being able to assist Lin Yuan in something so significant, something others could not accomplish gave her an indescribable sense of satisfaction.
"I didn't expect Young Master's goal to be something so important. Qing'er will do her utmost to help," she said excitedly, her cheeks flushed faintly with a mix of tension and exhilaration.
Lin Yuan nodded slightly. "Thank you, Qing'er. You'll have to work hard during this period. There's something you can start preparing right away."
"What is it, Young Master?"
Lin Yuan spread out a map of the Jia Ma Empire on the table and pointed to the Yunlan Sect.
"Send out some reconnaissance-type familiars, ones with strong perception but low visibility and deploy them along this route."
As he spoke, his finger traced a straight line on the map, connecting the Misty Cloud Sect to Wu Tan City.
Then he took out another map of Wu Tan City obtained from the Mittel family. Pointing to a concealed location within the city and another outside it, he drew a connection.
"Have earth-attributed familiars construct several hidden underground tunnels between these two points, in case they're needed."
"Also, place some informants within Wu Tan City to ensure we can keep track of developments there in real time," Lin Yuan added.
The two continued discussing for quite some time, refining every detail of the plan.
Once their discussion concluded, Qing Lin immediately set to work. Based on Lin Yuan's requirements, she began selecting suitable familiars to carry out the plan.
At that moment, a Dou King and a Dou Emperor aura entered Lin Yuan's perception. He smiled faintly, as if he had already anticipated this.
"Decisive indeed. To have made your choice so quickly Hai Bodong, Mittel Tengshan…"
With that, he walked out at an unhurried pace. By the time he arrived, the two were already waiting in the front courtyard.
Seeing Lin Yuan approach, Mittel Tengshan bowed respectfully. "Lord Tian Shu."
"It seems you've made your decision," Lin Yuan said calmly.
"Yes. From this day forward, the Mittel family will be your subordinate force and will serve you wholeheartedly, Lord Tian Shu," Tengshan replied respectfully.
"Very good. Trust me, you won't regret today's decision." Lin Yuan nodded slightly. "Then, Patriarch Tengshan, relax your mind. I will place a restriction within your soul."
"Yes, Lord Tian Shu." Mittel Tengshan complied without hesitation.
At this moment, Hai Bodong spoke from the side, "Tian Shu, place that soul restriction on me as well."
"Elder Hai, you?" Tengshan was startled and turned toward him.
Hai Bodong smiled faintly, his gaze carrying both complexity and relief. "Old friend, how could you be the only one? Besides, as you said, as long as there is no betrayal, this is merely a mark of trust."
Tengshan's expression grew moved. "Elder Hai…"
Lin Yuan clapped lightly and sighed with satisfaction. "I'm pleased to hear that. In that case, Elder Hai, relax your mind as well."
Soon, with Hai Bodong's cooperation, Lin Yuan smoothly placed the restriction within his soul.
"Now that you are my own people, I won't be stingy." Lin Yuan looked at the two with satisfaction before taking out two scrolls from his storage ring and handing one to each of them. "Consider these a gift."
"This is an ice-attributed Earth-class low-tier cultivation technique, the Profound Ice Heart Art! Excellent!"
"And mine is a Earth-class low-tier earth-attributed Dou Technique, Earthshatter Palm! Thank you, Lord Tian Shu!"
The earth-attributed Dou Technique had come from Han Feng's collection, while the ice-attributed cultivation method was spoils obtained from the destruction of the Earth Flame Sect.
Watching their delighted expressions, Lin Yuan smiled lightly. "Although the Mittel family has become my subordinate, we can continue to interact as before."
"However, I expect both of you to increase your strength as quickly as possible and expand the Mittel family on a large scale. I need more resources of all kinds. As it stands, the Mittel family's scale is still insufficient for my purposes."
"Yes, Lord Tian Shu. I will make arrangements for the family's expansion immediately."
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