'Then what if the Su family gave up control of the secret realm? Wouldn't that put an end to the war for them?'
The System found itself at a loss for words. What do you mean by giving up control? What about the treasures? Wouldn't it mean all the resources the Su family invested would go to waste, or worse, only benefit the Wang and the Golden Lotus?
Yang Huo offered a faint smile. "Consider this. If the Su family stubbornly defends the secret realm and chooses war, what would they gain?"
[Well... if they were to win, they could claim all the treasures of the secret realm!]
'Oh? Do you think other outsiders would just sit idly by?'
[Eh but...]
The System wanted to argue that only the Wang and the Golden Lotus were aware of the secret realm. However, it swiftly recognized the flaw in its reasoning. How could a conflict involving three major factions not result in widespread chaos? Moreover, the defeated party could easily reveal the existence of the secret realm, sowing further discord.
'Ever since the news leaked, the secret realm is no longer owned by the Su family. To the Wang family and the Golden Lotus pavilion, it's now a free for all.'
As they continued their discussion, Yang Huo glanced across the hall, where multiple paths diverged.
"Try to view this from a neutral standpoint. Doesn't this war seem utterly pointless? Despite the goal to secure more treasures and resources from the secret realm. Once the war ends.... will it truly be a profit?"
Will the eventual gains outweigh the losses incurred in terms of lives and resources? And how long will this war persist? A month? Several months? Perhaps even a year? What guarantees that the secret realm harbors such invaluable treasures?
Yang Huo pressed on. "Yes, the victor may rise to dominance and control the city, but objectively speaking, haven't all parties involved ultimately suffered losses? If they're unlucky with the treasures, hasn't the overall strength of the city diminished instead?"
As the System absorbed Yang Huo's words, it felt a growing sense of something amiss. Initially, it had assumed that Yang Huo intended to forge an alliance or at least support the Su family to dominate the city. But from how this look, was his ultimate goal the entire city itself?
Yang Huo slowed his steps and cast a glance at the owl. "With that in mind, do you still believe allowing the war to develop is beneficial?"
The System shook its head slowly.
Yang Huo then stopped in his tracks and turned to the owl and ask the same question again.
'So, what concerns you more? The traitor? Or the war?'
The System was taken aback. [Eh...?]
After all the discussion, wasn't it even more obvious that stopping the war was the top priority?
[The... traitor?]
It was evident that the System didn't understand why Yang Huo was so insistent on the latter, and its indecisive response prompted Yang Huo to give a classic "-_-" expression.
'Nevermind, we've veered off topic. Just remember, as long as the Patriarch is somewhat capable, he should realize that joining the war is an insane choice for them.'
It would be wiser and safer for them to observe from the sidelines and remain vigilant for opportunities as other factions depleted their resources. They could even profit by supplying the warring parties.
After all, in war, the arms dealers always win,
The System nodded several times, but it was unknown whether it truly understood or not.
[But Host, how can we prevent the war with just a meeting? And didn't you mention that this letter wouldn't catch the traitor? What if the Elder refuses to send the invitation?]
Yang Huo responded with a playful smile.
.....
After looking at the letter in his hand for so long, Elder Su Zhenhua still couldn't decipher Yang Huo's intentions.
'Is he a sham? Have my senses dulled with age?'
No... that couldn't be it.
Despite only meeting him for barely an hour, the Elder was certain that the rumors about Yang Huo were all made up.
The way he carried himself was not something that could be faked so easily. His actions and words exuded confidence and composure, as if he were in complete control.
'Whether it's mere bravado or genuine skill, Yang Huo is clearly accustomed to these things.'
'But... this letter makes absolutely no sense. Why would we invite those people...' Elder Su Zhenhua rubbed his temples in frustration.
It was evident that the meeting was intended to stall the impending war. However, the issue lay in Yang Huo's words to send the letter to as many parties as possible. This would inevitably expose the secret realm's existence to an even more broader audience.
Could it be that Yang Huo's intention wasn't to assist them but to worsen the Su family's predicament?
Elder Su Zhenhua ran his fingers through his hair in exasperation. "Urghhh!!! Who in their right mind would send this invitation? It's practically suicide!"
That damn Yang Huo was clearly testing him.... why else would he leave immediately after giving this letter?
Arghhh, he couldn't believe a day would arrive where he would be tested by the younger generation like this!!! Did that rascal not know who he was dealing with?!
"Father, what do you think the meeting will be about?" his son, Su Zhiyuan, suddenly asked, his curiosity evident.
At this question, Elder Su Zhenhua glanced at his son and delved into a deeper contemplation.
...Right, what kind of meeting would it be? Given the current state of affairs, the tension in the meeting would definitely be high. And no matter what topic or suggestion we offered, the likelihood of cooperation from the Wang family and the Golden Lotus pavilion seemed slim to none.
Just what topic could possibly...?
Suddenly, Elder Su Zhenhua's eyes widened as a realization dawned upon him.
'Wait a moment, it's not just the two of them attending the meeting. We'll also invite numerous others as well...'
Though he couldn't think of anything further, Elder Su Zhenhua felt he had stumbled upon a crucial insight. Yes, he was certainly onto something.
He swiftly turned to the head of the secret guardians.
"Su Jun! Quick, what kind of topic would we discuss when we invited everyone to the meeting!"
The head of the secret guardians was taken aback by the urgency in the Elder's tone. He hadn't anticipated the Elder taking Yang Huo's seemingly insane suggestion so seriously.
"Uh...."
When Elder Su Zhenhua realized that this guy was useless, he swiftly turned to the next person. "Son! Quick! What do you think the topic would be?!!?"
"What? But I'm the one asking firs–"
Ignoring his son's protest, Elder Su Zhenhua grabbed him and shook him vigorously.
"Anything! Just say anything!!!"
"E-elder, I think you should calm dow–"
"Arghh! Father, I don't know!!! Maybe how to make peace?! I mean we're about to go to war, right?!"
Plop!
Elder Su Zhenhua dropped his son like a useless tool that had fulfilled all its purpose now.
That's Right! Why had he assumed the meeting was solely to delay the war? Why not aim to stop it altogether?!
And whatever the topic, this topic required more people to know about the secret realm to effectively stop the wa–
Suddenly, Elder Su Zhenhua thought of a simple yet profound solution, a proposal.
Yes, a proposal that could prevent the war entirely. One that would allow the Su Family to retain control of the secret realm without a drop of bloodshed!
"Bahahaha!! I see, I see!"
In a sudden fit of laughter, the Elder stroked his long beard furiously, shocking both Su Zhiyuan and Su Jun as they watched their respected Elder seemingly lose his mind.
"I-I'll call the physician right awa– ...u-uncle?"
Su Zhiyuan attempted to rush for help, but Su Jun blocked his path.
"Your father is fine."
He didn't know what's so special about this letter written by that Yang Huo. But when Su Jun gazed at the Elder's eyes, he felt a sense of nostalgia wash over him.
It had been so long since he had seen the man once known as the Golden Saint, who monopolized the ore businesses of multiple cities, transforming their city into a prosperous hub while providing the Su family with endless wealth for generations.
'I never imagined I would witness this sight again.'
Elder Su Zhenhua was overcome with joy and ecstasy.
Yes, how could he have overlooked this? Wasn't this akin to business? In the end, whether they were a cultivation family, an organization, or even the royal family, they were all chasing after profit!
As long as they coveted the treasures, they were no different from businessmen chasing after money!
DING!
[Congratulation, you've successfully manipulated a core elder of the Su family into helping you to gain a major opportunity!]
DING!
[However, since this move has not yet reached its full potential, you will only receive a portion of the rewards!]
DING!
[You've gained 200 System points!]