Yang Wei: The Firstborn's Strategy
Perched atop one of the jagged cliffs of the Thousand Layered Peaks, Yang Wei, the eldest of the Yang Family heirs, surveyed the chaotic battlefield below. The peaks had become a hotbed of violence and cunning, with every competitor seeking an edge in the Inheritance War. Unlike his more brash and reckless brothers, Yang Wei was a tactician, preferring to strike with precision rather than raw power.
His sharp eyes followed the movements of his brothers, Yang Ying and Yang Shen, who were locked in a fierce battle on the cliffs below. Each strike, each burst of energy, was a calculated move, designed to wear the other down. But Yang Wei wasn't interested in their immediate fight—he was watching for the moment when both brothers would be too weak to continue. That's when he would make his move.
"They're so eager to tear each other apart," Yang Wei muttered to himself. "It makes things easier for me."
He had no intention of engaging them head-on. Let them exhaust themselves. When they were at their weakest, he would step in and deliver the finishing blow—metaphorically speaking. He wasn't here to kill them, but he would ensure they were too damaged to continue in the war.
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Yang Ying and Yang Shen: A Battle of Pride
On the jagged battlefield below, Yang Ying and Yang Shen clashed with the intensity of brothers long accustomed to rivalry. Each strike was met with a counter, each burst of energy with a shield of defense. The air around them crackled with power as they fought for dominance, neither willing to back down.
"You always thought you were better than me, didn't you, Yang Shen?" Yang Ying snarled as he blocked an incoming strike. His eyes flashed with anger, his body tense with effort. "You'll find out today how wrong you are!"
Yang Shen, his face flushed with exertion, gave a bitter laugh. "You talk too much, Yang Ying. Let's see if you can actually back up those words."
Their blades clashed, sending sparks flying in every direction. Yang Shen was fast, but Yang Ying had always been the stronger of the two. As the battle wore on, the strain of the fight began to show. Both brothers were tiring, their movements slowing, their strikes becoming more desperate.
But neither was willing to surrender.
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Yang Wei's Calculations
From his vantage point, Yang Wei watched his brothers with cold detachment. He could see their exhaustion, their desperation. It wouldn't be long before both were forced to retreat, their bodies too worn down to continue fighting.
"They're playing right into my hands," Yang Wei murmured, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Once they're both on the edge, I'll move in."
He wasn't interested in killing them—not yet. The Inheritance War wasn't about death; it was about proving superiority, about demonstrating who had the power to lead the Yang Family. For Yang Wei, that meant weakening his brothers without crossing the line into outright elimination. If they retreated, licking their wounds, they'd still be a threat, but a manageable one.
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The Battle Continues: Yang Kang in the Shadows
Unbeknownst to Yang Wei, another set of eyes was watching the battle unfold—Yang Kang. Hidden in the shadows of a distant ridge, Yang Kang had been observing not just the fight between Yang Ying and Yang Shen, but also Yang Wei's patient waiting.
"Smart move, Yang Wei," Yang Kang muttered under his breath, watching his elder brother's calculated inaction. "But you're underestimating me."
Unlike his other brothers, Yang Kang thrived in the art of manipulation. He preferred to stay out of sight, pulling strings from behind the scenes. While Yang Wei was waiting for his chance to strike, Yang Kang was planning to turn the tables—on all of them.
His plan was simple: let his brothers wear each other out, then reveal himself at the perfect moment to force their retreat. He had no intention of fighting them directly; instead, he would set them against each other and force them into a position where they had no choice but to flee.
"Let them think they're in control," Yang Kang whispered to himself. "It'll make it all the more satisfying when they realize they've been playing into my hands the whole time."
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Yang Shen's Retreat
As the battle between Yang Ying and Yang Shen raged on, it became clear that both brothers were reaching their limits. Sweat dripped from their faces, their breathing labored as they exchanged blow after blow. Neither wanted to back down, but it was becoming apparent that the fight couldn't continue much longer.
With one final, desperate surge of energy, Yang Ying forced Yang Shen back, sending him stumbling toward the edge of the cliff. Yang Shen, gasping for breath, glared at his brother, his body trembling with exhaustion.
"I'll finish this next time," Yang Shen spat, his voice filled with frustration. But he knew he was outmatched—at least for now. With a final, bitter glance, he retreated, disappearing into the mist that clung to the cliffs.
Yang Ying, too tired to pursue, stood victorious for now. But he, too, knew his energy was spent. His victory over Yang Shen had come at a price. He couldn't afford to push further.
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Yang Wei Moves In
The moment Yang Shen retreated, Yang Wei saw his opportunity. With swift precision, he descended from his vantage point, appearing before Yang Ying just as his brother was catching his breath.
"Well done, Yang Ying," Yang Wei said coolly, his eyes gleaming with cold amusement. "But you've overextended yourself."
Yang Ying spun to face him, his eyes widening in shock. "Yang Wei! What are you—"
Before he could finish, Yang Wei unleashed a wave of energy, pushing his exhausted brother back with ease. Yang Ying staggered, barely able to hold his ground as Yang Wei pressed the advantage.
"Don't worry," Yang Wei said, his voice calm but filled with menace. "I'm not here to kill you. I just need you out of the way."
Yang Ying, realizing that he was too drained to fight back, growled in frustration. He knew he had no choice but to retreat, just like Yang Shen. With a final glare at his older brother, he turned and fled into the mist, disappearing from sight.
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Yang Kang's Next Move
Watching from the shadows, Yang Kang smiled. His brothers were weakening, retreating one by one. But he wasn't ready to reveal himself just yet. Let them think that Yang Wei was in control—his time would come soon enough.
"Enjoy your moment, Yang Wei," Yang Kang muttered as he turned away from the battlefield. "You're next."
With Yang Ying and Yang Shen both forced to retreat, Yang Wei remained the strongest contender for now. But Yang Kang had no intention of letting him hold that position for long.
The real battle was still ahead, and when it came, Yang Kang would be the one left standing.