Shen Yuan strolled out of his abode, his robes billowing lightly in the evening breeze. His steps were unhurried, almost lazy, though his mind was anything but pure chaos. The smirk playing on his lips reflected his delight, every piece of his plan had fallen perfectly into place. Now, it was time to execute the final stroke, confronting the elders and pushing them over the edge.
The towering doors of the Elders' Hall loomed before him, carved with scenes of mythical battles and symbols of authority. Shen Yuan pushed them open with a casual flick of his hand, the creak of the ancient wood reverberating through the vast chamber. The sound drew the attention of the elders seated in their ornate chairs, their expressions ranging from mild surprise to outright hostility as they turned to face the intruder.
Shen Yuan walked in as if he owned the place, his every step deliberate and confident. His hands were clasped casually behind his back, and his face bore the most genuine, friendly smile, an expression so out of place that it only added to the tension in the room.
"Ah, the esteemed Council of Elders," Shen Yuan began, his voice light and cheerful. "Such an illustrious gathering. I must say, it's an honor to bask in the presence of such unparalleled wisdom."
The sarcasm was so thick that even the densest among them couldn't miss it. A ripple of irritation spread through the elders, their collective auras stirring the air.
"Shen Yuan," one elder said, his tone sharp, "this is a place for serious matters, not for some insolent child's games. State your purpose or leave."
Shen Yuan's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Serious matters? Oh, I couldn't agree more. And what could be more serious than addressing the unspoken... ah, discord within this council?"
The room fell silent for a moment, tension crackling like static. Several elders exchanged wary glances, their suspicion growing.
"What nonsense are you spewing now?" another elder snapped, slamming his hand on the armrest of his chair.
"Nonsense?" Shen Yuan feigned offense, placing a hand on his chest. "I only speak the truth. Surely, you've felt it, haven't you? The lack of trust among yourselves, the whispers in the dark, the quiet plotting. It's almost... palpable."
"You dare accuse us of treachery?" Elder Hu, one of the more hot-headed members of the council, stood abruptly, his face flushed with anger.
"Oh, I'm not accusing anyone," Shen Yuan said with a shrug, his tone mockingly innocent. "I'm merely pointing out the cracks. After all, a house divided cannot stand, can it?"
"Enough of your riddles!" Elder Hu barked. "Speak plainly or face the consequences!"
Shen Yuan chuckled, a soft, menacing sound. "Ah, but isn't it amusing how easily your temper flares? It's almost as if you've got something to hide."
The elders' auras flared in unison, filling the hall with an oppressive weight. The room felt like the calm before a storm, the tension coiling tighter with each passing second. Shen Yuan, however, remained unfazed, his smile never faltering.
"You come here uninvited," Elder Tian Xu said, his deep voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. "You insult us, provoke us, and sow discord. Do you think yourself untouchable, boy?"
"Untouchable?" Shen Yuan echoed, tilting his head. "Not at all. But I do think I'm necessary. After all, without someone to unite against, where would all your righteous fury go?"
Tian Xu's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he scrutinized Shen Yuan. "Your arrogance blinds you to the precarious position you're in."
"Arrogance?" Shen Yuan laughed, a cold, sharp sound. "Oh no, Elder Tian Xu, this isn't arrogance. This is confidence. You see, I know exactly what I'm doing. The question is, do you?"
The hall erupted into murmurs once more. The elders were visibly agitated, their carefully maintained facades cracking under Shen Yuan's relentless provocation.
"I tire of your games," Tian Xu said, rising from his seat. His aura surged, shaking the very foundations of the hall. "You've crossed the line, Shen Yuan. This is no longer a matter of discipline. You've declared yourself our enemy, and as such, we shall treat you as one."
Shen Yuan's eyes gleamed with triumph as the words he had been waiting for finally fell from Tian Xu's lips. He spread his arms theatrically, his smile twisting into something darker, more sinister.
"An enemy, you say?" he said softly, his voice carrying a dangerous edge. "How delightful. If that's how you see it, then who am I to argue?"
"This is war," Tian Xu declared, his voice reverberating through the hall.
The other elders, though hesitant, began nodding in agreement, their anger overtaking their caution. The atmosphere grew heavier, charged with the promise of conflict.
Shen Yuan bowed mockingly, his smile widening into a grin that sent chills down their spines. "War it is, then. But do remember, dear elders, wars are won not by brute strength, but by cunning. Let's see if your wisdom can match my... creativity."
With that, he turned and walked out of the hall, his steps echoing ominously. As the heavy doors closed behind him, the elders remained in their seats, their expressions a mix of fury and unease.
Tian Xu's gaze lingered on the doors, his fists clenched at his sides. "Prepare yourselves," he said, his voice cold and resolute. "The boy has sealed his fate. In this war I shall show him the true terror of the Nirvana Realm!"
Outside, Shen Yuan inhaled the crisp night air, his grin still firmly in place. "Everything is falling into place," he murmured to himself, his mind already several steps ahead.
This was the first time he felt like suppressing his laughter was hard from the amusement he was getting.