Yuanshan wasted no time and leaped back toward the camps, specifically targeting the Hei Clan's area. Now was the perfect moment to enact the next stage of his plan.
Moving stealthily through the campsite, he observed the Hei Clan members tending to their wounded.
The camp, although in a state of disarray, was a hub of activity as injured clan members received treatment. Yuanshan quietly observed the scene, searching for his target.
His gaze soon fell upon a figure, a youth wearing a green robe.
He crept closer, making sure to stay in the shadows, while the youth continued tending to the injured with several other members of the Hei Clan nearby.
Remaining unnoticed, Yuanshan continued to observe the youth from a discreet distance. The youth was diligently caring for the injured, surrounded by several other members of the Hei Clan.
Yuanshan swiftly employed his mental manipulation technique, causing an immediate disturbance in the young man's behavior. He seemed to be in a daze for quite some time, undergoing a range of emotions from peaceful to angry, paranoid, and finally to overthinking. He began acting recklessly and started berating the exhausted servants for not attending to their ailing clansmen. Although the servants were visibly displeased, they found themselves unable to voice their discontent due to their subordinate position.
Yuanshan, having achieved significant success with the initial stages of his plan, moved away stealthily, confident that over 34% of his plan was going smoothly. While unexpected events hadn't occurred thus far, he reflected on the results of the first two sections: the assassination of the two Tuo elders and the subsequent deaths of the Tuo Clan Leader and two elders of the Hei Clan.
Each clan originally boasted a total of four elders, with the Ruo Clan having five.
As he approached the third section of his strategy, Yuanshan intended to use distraction techniques against key healers and fighters, causing them to become sluggish in healing, reckless in combat, and ultimately succumbing to defeat. These losses would provide a moral advantage to the faction he supported if used correctly.
Having emerged as the symbol of hope for Sky View City, Yuanshan would now handle the affairs of the Hei and Tuo clans, leveraging his position to boost his reputation to unprecedented levels. This would pave the way for him to initiate the fourth phase of his plan, merging the Tuo and Hei clans.
Yuanshan's reputation would catalyze a potential transformation in public perception. While the plan's fourth phase revolved around uniting the two clans, a darker truth lay beneath the surface.
The true goal was to hypnotize the entire city using a powerful formation, effectively enslaving its inhabitants. This ambitious plan was the ultimate culmination of his efforts.
The hypnotization of the city was but the sixth phase of his plan, following a fifth phase where he would annex the Ruo Clan and assimilate their people into his ranks of slaves. In short, the ultimate goal was total domination.
As Yuanshan reflected on his progress thus far, he remained confident in his ability to bring his vision to fruition, knowing that each step brought him closer to complete control over Sky View City.
However, as a skilled and slightly experienced individual, he understood the need for caution and patience as he moved forward with his grand design, knowing that the path to absolute power was fraught with challenges and unexpected obstacles.
[A Week Later]
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Yuanshan walked into a magnificent hall that exuded opulence and grandeur. The walls were adorned with intricate decorations, and delicate veins of flowers cascaded down stylish pillars throughout the room. Every fourth table boasted a glossy black pot emitting aromatic incense, adding to the air of luxury. The attendees, both men and women, donned a stunning array of robes, each with its unique style - some with slightly tight fits, others with loose drapery, and some with separated sleeves. The hall's lofty ceiling and tall vertical windows created an awe-inspiring ambiance. As the crowd converged in the center, an overwhelming sense of happiness, excitement, curiosity, and relief filled the air.
With three parts of his grand plan successfully executed, Yuanshan turned his attention to the remaining three phases. Yet, his mind was occupied by the thoughts of what lay ahead. He pushed aside his concerns and focused instead on the excitement that beckoned him, entirely within his grasp.
As he met with the elders of each clan in Sky View City, he found himself encountering a range of sentiments. Some demonstrated genuine respect, while others expressed exaggerated mourning for their fallen comrades.
Despite the artificial nature of such expressions, Yuanshan couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease at seeing heartfelt sentiments warped in such a manner. However, he quickly pushed aside these feelings, having grown up without the benefit of genuine care and compassion. As a result, any act of kindness, even if manufactured, genuinely touched his heart.
Amidst the feigned affection and deception, however, Yuanshan's attention turned to the Hei Clan leader and his only daughter, Hei Shun. He had only recently learned the name of the clan leader - Hei Tong and now found himself face-to-face with his future bride, a true beauty.
Hei Shun, described by the system as ranking among the Great Beauties, was a sight to behold. She had lustrous black hair, rosy pink lips, pearly white eyes, and snow-like pale skin, along with a voluptuous figure marked by her sizeable bust. Her outfit, a black robe embellished with golden designs made of real gold, accentuated her delicate and seductive nature.
In contrast, Yuanshan's own appearance was quite different. He had a porcelain complexion, a slender figure that exuded a sense of fragility and innocence, red lips, and light grey hair. He was dressed in a luxurious white robe, the fabric adorned with intricate details that added to his air of refinement.
Despite his physical differences, there was an unmistakable air of mystery and charm surrounding him. People watched him discreetly, drawn in by his unique combination of elegance and vulnerability, creating an irresistibly intriguing aura.
While their outer appearances seemed different, some commonalities did bring them together. Both possess an air of innocence, with her innocence tinged with a slight hint of seduction, whereas he emanates purity and fragility.
As Hei Shun extended a silent invitation, Yuanshan was briefly taken aback but quickly regaining his composure. His steps were measured and fluid as he approached her, guided by the grace of his mastery of high-level martial arts, specifically the "Water Flow Steps." Having practiced this technique countless times, his movements had become naturally fluid and elegant.
With his head bowed in greeting, he said, "Yuanshan greets Madam Hei Shun."
Hei Shun glanced at him, her words slightly shaky as she spoke, her voice softer than before, and a blush tinted her cheeks.
"You don't need to be so formal, you know," she said. "We're going to be husband and wife soon." As she spoke, her voice seemed to falter slightly, her earlier confidence giving way to a hint of nervousness.
Yuanshan observed the flush on her cheeks, but kept his innocent air, refusing to react.
"You look incredible in that," he complimented sincerely, referring to her dress.
Hei Shun smiled shyly, her face turning even more red. "Umm...don't say that," she responded softly, her eyes avoiding his gaze.
Feeling an opportune moment, Yuanshan suggested, "There's not much to do, anyway. Should we dance?"
Hei Shun, slightly amused by his suggestion, gave a small yet coy smile, and extended her right hand toward him, silently accepting his proposal.
Accepting her hand with gentle elegance, Yuanshan guided her to the makeshift dance floor that had been set up. The gentle music playing in the background set the pace of their dance, allowing them to move with a grace and synchronization that seemed almost magical.
As they danced, each movement was precise yet carried a subtle hint of fluidity. Their steps perfectly matched, as if they had danced together for years. The surrounding spectators couldn't help but steal glances as they moved with poise and grace, a beautiful sight to behold.