It had been nearly a week since Li Tian, under his guise as Zhao Ming, had integrated himself into the Yong Clan. The once serene environment now buzzed with tension. The fragile peace that had held sway for so long was shattered; the sounds of distant battles echoed through the valleys and hills surrounding the clan. War had broken out, and the borders of the Yong Clan were bathed in blood.
Reports of skirmishes and ambushes poured into the clan compound daily. The tension was palpable, with elders, warriors, and even servants all working tirelessly to maintain the clan's defenses. The once bustling streets now held an eerie quietness, punctuated only by the hurried footsteps of messengers delivering grim updates. The clan's training grounds, where Li Tian had sparred just days ago, had been converted into a staging area for the wounded and the preparation of battle supplies.
Li Tian sat in his assigned quarters, his expression calm yet calculating. His thoughts swirled with the information he'd gleaned over the past week. The Yong Clan was embroiled in a brutal territorial war against the neighboring Fengxian Clan. While both sides had suffered losses, it was clear that the Yongshen Clan was slowly losing ground. The Fengxian Clan's relentless assault, bolstered by their formidable Rank 4 Peak Stage Gu Master leader, Feng Xiu, threatened to push them into a corner.
Despite the chaos, Li Tian maintained his guise as Zhao Ming, keeping a low profile while observing the situation. His primary goal was to uncover opportunities that could further his plans. He'd already formed alliances with key figures in the Yongshen Clan, earning their trust through his impressive display of strength during his sparring match with Yong Shen Wei.
As Li Tian stepped out into the courtyard, the air was thick with the metallic tang of blood and the faint smell of burning wood. Xiao Lan approached him, her face pale but composed. "Mr. Zhao Ming, the clan leader has summoned you to the strategy hall. He'd like your input on the current situation."
Li Tian nodded, his expression unreadable. "Lead the way."
The strategy hall was filled with clan elders and warriors, their faces etched with worry. A large map of the region lay sprawled across the central table, marked with red and blue tokens representing the positions of the two clans. Yong Shen Wei stood at the head of the table, his brows furrowed as he gestured toward the map.
"Zhao Ming, your insights during the sparring match demonstrated your strategic mind. I need your advice. The Fengxian Clan's forces are pressing hard on our northern flank. We've lost three outposts in as many days. If this continues, they'll breach our borders and strike at the heart of the clan. What would you suggest?"
Li Tian studied the map intently, his eyes darting across the markers. His mind worked swiftly, piecing together a plan. "Your northern flank is exposed because of the lack of coordination between the outposts," he began. "The Fengxian Clan is exploiting this gap. I suggest consolidating your forces into a single stronghold. Use it as a base to launch counterattacks and disrupt their supply lines. Simultaneously, fortify your southern border to prevent them from flanking you."
Yong Shen Wei listened intently, nodding as Li Tian spoke. "A bold strategy. It'll require precise coordination and sacrifice, but it could turn the tide."
An elder chimed in, his tone skeptical. "But what of their Rank 4 Peak Stage Gu Master? Feng Xiu alone could dismantle any defense we muster."
Li Tian's lips curved into a faint smile. "Then we don't defend. We lure him out. Create a scenario where he believes he has the upper hand and then strike him when he's isolated. But for that, I'll need some resources and a bit of leeway."
The room fell silent as the clan members exchanged glances. Yong Shen Wei finally spoke. "Very well. You'll have what you need. But remember, Zhao Ming, the fate of the Yongshen Clan now rests partly in your hands."
Li Tian inclined his head. "I won't disappoint you, Clan Leader."
As the meeting concluded, Li Tian stepped out into the open air, his expression thoughtful. The war presented both challenges and opportunities. The question wasn't whether he could survive—it was how much he could gain.
He made his way toward the medical hall. The acrid scent of blood and faint cries of the injured filled the air, creating a somber atmosphere. The once bustling pathways of the Yongshen Clan were now crowded with injured warriors being tended to by hurried healers.Inside the medical hall, Xiao Lan moved between rows of makeshift cots, her hands deftly applying salves and tending wounds. Her robe was stained with streaks of crimson, but her focused expression didn't waver. Li Tian paused at the entrance, leaning against the frame as he observed her.
Moments later, she glanced up and noticed him. Her face softened, though fatigue was evident in her eyes. She made her way over, brushing loose strands of hair from her face. "Mr. Zhao Ming," she said, her voice quieter than usual. "You're out early today."
Li Tian's lips curled into a small, amused smile. "And you've been working tirelessly, I see. It seems this war has spared no one."
Xiao Lan chuckled lightly, though it lacked warmth. "These men fight to protect the clan. The least I can do is ensure they survive to see another battle." She paused, studying him. "What about you? How are your injuries?"
Li Tian spread his arms slightly, his smile growing playful. "As you can see, I'm nearly as good as new. Your care was more effective than I could have hoped."
Her cheeks flushed faintly at the compliment, but she quickly recovered, adopting a more professional demeanor. "If you're feeling better, you should visit the strategy hall. The clan leader values your insight. He may have a new task for you."
Li Tian nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he spoke. "I'll take your advice. But don't forget to take care of yourself, Xiao Lan. The clan needs healers as much as it needs warriors."
Her expression softened as she watched him leave. As he walked away, Li Tian's playful demeanor faded, replaced by his usual calculating expression. He had already made her fallen in love with him by rizzing her up and now he using her just to get on the good side of the Gu Immortal.