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Yang Kai Reveals Yang Bai's Scheme
Inside the shimmering protection of Meng Wuya's sanctuary, the atmosphere was tense. The heads of the Eight Families whispered among themselves, casting wary glances at Yang Kai as he stood at the center of the room, his expression calm but resolute. The proposal of surrender, brought by Shen Qing Luo in the previous chapter, had already begun to stir doubt and fear within the families. Whispers of survival versus resistance filled the air, but Yang Kai knew the truth.
Stepping forward, Yang Kai raised his voice above the murmurs.
Yang Kai: "Yang Bai thinks we're weak enough to turn on each other. That's why he offered this chance to surrender—so we'll tear ourselves apart from the inside."
The room fell silent, all eyes on Yang Kai. The elders exchanged uneasy glances, clearly still unsure of what to believe.
Elder of the Gao Family: "And how do you know this? You expect us to trust your word alone?"
Yang Kai met the elder's gaze with unwavering confidence. He had anticipated the doubt, and he knew exactly how to handle it.
Yang Kai: "Because I have someone within Yang Bai's ranks—a confidant who has been feeding me information. One of the Evil Kings stands with us."
Gasps filled the room, and the tension escalated. The notion that one of Yang Bai's own might be working against him was hard to believe for some, while others saw it as the only chance they had.
Elder of the Xie Family (skeptical): "You're asking us to believe that one of the Evil Kings is loyal to you? Which one?"
Yang Kai (shaking his head): "I won't reveal their identity. If Yang Bai discovers who they are, we lose our advantage. Trust me when I say this—there's no other way forward but to stand united."
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A Plan Takes Shape
For a moment, the silence stretched uncomfortably. Yang Kai could see the seeds of doubt still lurking in the eyes of a few elders, but he knew that most of them were on the verge of accepting his leadership. The sanctuary had bought them time, but time alone wouldn't save them.
Yang Kai: "Yang Bai is using our divisions against us. The moment we show weakness, he wins. That's why I've come up with a plan."
He began to lay out his strategy. Using the information he had received from his secret ally, Yang Kai devised a countermeasure to turn Yang Bai's plan on its head. Instead of allowing fear to drive the families apart, he would use that fear to unite them—through calculated deception and careful positioning.
Yang Kai: "We'll appear divided. Some of you will act like you're willing to consider surrender, as if you've bought into Yang Bai's false promises. That will make them overconfident."
He paused, letting the gravity of the situation sink in.
Yang Kai: "While they're preparing to break us from within, we'll strike. We'll draw them into a trap of our own. They'll think they're in control, but we'll be ready."
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Doubts and Resolve
As Yang Kai finished explaining his plan, the room buzzed with renewed tension. Some of the elders, especially those who had been on the brink of giving in to Yang Bai's offer, looked uncertain. Could they really trust this plan? Could they afford to gamble on the word of someone who had been their rival just days ago?
Elder of the Xie Family (still wary): "It's a dangerous game you're playing, Yang Kai. How do we know your confidant won't betray us?"
Yang Kai met the elder's gaze, his voice calm but firm.
Yang Kai: "You don't. But if you don't trust me now, you'll be signing your own death warrants. Yang Bai doesn't intend to spare any of us."
The weight of his words hung heavily in the air. Slowly, the majority of the elders began to nod, realizing that they had no other option. Yang Kai's leadership, his ability to remain calm under pressure, and his clear strategy were enough to sway them.
Elder of the Gao Family: "We've followed you this far, Yang Kai. You have our support."
Meng Wuya (nodding): "It's our best chance."
With the majority of the families in agreement, the plan was set. They would execute Yang Kai's strategy and prepare for the final confrontation with Yang Bai. The deception had to be perfect, and every move carefully coordinated to ensure their survival.
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Yang Kai's Secret Mission for Shen Qing Luo
As the room began to break into smaller groups to discuss their roles in the plan, Yang Kai quietly approached Shen Qing Luo, who had returned to the sanctuary after delivering Yang Bai's proposal. She had played her part perfectly, and now, it was time for the next phase of the plan.
Yang Kai (in a low voice, to Shen Qing Luo): "There's something I need you to do."
Shen Qing Luo nodded, her eyes gleaming with understanding. Though she remained outwardly calm, she knew how dangerous this next task would be. But for Yang Kai, she was willing to take the risk.
Shen Qing Luo (softly): "Tell me what you need."
Yang Kai: "You've already shown me the technique you used to send the proposal without raising suspicion. We'll use that same method to communicate with the others on the inside. I need you to slip away from the sanctuary, undetected, and plant false information in Yang Bai's camp."
She understood immediately. The secret technique she had taught Yang Kai was a method of sending silent, undetectable messages between distant locations, using spiritual energy in a way that few could trace. It was a risky move, but it could turn the tide of the war if used correctly.
Shen Qing Luo (with a smirk): "I see. Leave it to me. I won't let you down."
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Preparing for the Final Confrontation
As the sanctuary's leaders prepared for battle, Yang Kai stood at the entrance of the protective barrier, his eyes locked on the horizon where Yang Bai's forces were waiting. The final confrontation was coming, and everything hinged on the success of their deception.
Yang Kai (to himself, determined): "We'll make him think he's already won."
With Shen Qing Luo dispatched to carry out her secret mission, Yang Kai felt a surge of confidence. He had the support of the families, a strategy in place, and the element of surprise on his side. But he knew that Yang Bai would not go down without a fight.
The chapter ends with Yang Kai stepping out of the sanctuary, ready to face Yang Bai in the coming battle. The real fight was about to begin.
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