Xiao Han chuckled and said, "Brother Qiao, after all, Lu Mei Niang is Yan Zhengting’s wife. The Yan Family and our Xiao Family are on friendly terms, and this time, we owe Yan Zhengting’s guidance for being able to seek the Sixty-Year Four-Season Water here. For his sake, let’s let Lu Mei Niang go this time. After all, there will be opportunities to deal with her in the future, and it’s always good to leave some room for maneuver."
Daoist Zi Mei, hearing this, grew irritated and said, "Yan Zhengting? Hmph, if not for his letter, Jiulang could have effortlessly waited for the emergence of the Sixty-Year Four-Season Water. Why should we have gone through this unnecessary trouble?"
Xiao Han’s eyes revealed a playful glint, and he said, "Can I not see through Yan Zhengting’s schemes? He’s trying to play both sides, not wanting to openly offend our Xiao Family while secretly currying favor with another lineage. His letter forced his demon wife to offend us while he remained unscathed—truly a cunning old fox. Fortunately, Lu Mei Niang has been cultivating overseas for years with little foresight and insufficient precautions, letting her daughter inadvertently leak their plans, which allowed us to preemptively act."
Daoist Zi Mei sneered and said, "That daughter of Lu Mei Niang is truly foolish, deluded into thinking she could marry into the Xiao Family. Does she even consider that our Xiao Family, with its millennia-old noble heritage, could accept a demoness like her as part of the household?"
Xiao Han smiled indifferently and said, "If this mission yields success, I can reluctantly accept her as a concubine."
Daoist Zi Mei thought for a moment and then said, "It appears Zhang Yan is approaching soon. How does Jiulang plan to deal with him?"
Xiao Han’s eyes flashed with killing intent, his voice icy cold as he said, "Such an opportunity is a divine gift—it naturally calls for his complete elimination!"
Daoist Zi Mei immediately grew excited, rubbing his hands together, and asked, "Does Jiulang intend for me to handle this? I’ve heard that Zhang Yan is a Sword Cultivator who not only broke the Four Symbols God-Slaying Formation but also defeated multiple True Disciples from Six Rivers and Four Islands. I’d love to meet him in battle."
When Xiao Han heard this, his expression turned grim, and he snorted coldly, "Zhang Yan merely relied on the power of the Beiming Dutian Sword to break the Four Symbols Formation. Anyone else with this sword could do the same. As for Six Rivers and Four Islands, their disciples hail from low-grade families and are incomparable to those of the Xiao Family. You wouldn’t find it beneath your dignity to deal with him, would you?"
Daoist Zi Mei raised his eyebrows and asked, "Then what does Jiulang plan to do?"
Xiao Han revealed a confident smile and said, "Didn’t Lu Mei Niang’s brother, Lu Junbai, express his intention to pledge allegiance to the Xiao Family? When Fourth Uncle visits the island, I have already sent word to call him here. Given that he’s a Hua Dan Cultivator, he should easily be able to handle Zhang Yan."
Daoist Zi Mei was momentarily stunned but then clapped his hands in delight and said, "Brilliant, brilliant! Jiulang’s strategy is perfect. This way, once he kills Zhang Yan, Lu Mei Niang will have no choice but to stand on the Xiao Family’s side, even if she resists. Even Yan Zhengting wouldn’t be able to explain clearly. When the great calamity arrives, she’ll have no other option but to rely on our noble family."
Xiao Han nodded and said, "That’s precisely the idea. When the calamity strikes, no one can predict its course. The overseas territories must not be overlooked either. Once we subjugate Lu Mei Niang, we can leave her as a hidden pawn for future use."
Daoist Zi Mei was about to speak when suddenly he lifted his head and looked skyward. He saw a tunneling light piercing the clouds and descending, and he laughed, "Jiulang, it seems Lu Junbai has arrived."
The tunneling light sank down and landed before the two. Out stepped a short and rotund Daoist, who approached and cupped his hands toward them, saying, "My apologies for my tardiness—please forgive me."
If Zhang Yan were present, he would surely recognize this person as the same short and fat Daoist who had seized Yan Zhenhua during Elder Yan’s longevity banquet at the Beichen Sect. However, the Daoist’s eyes now carried a hint of anxiety and unease, lacking the brilliance of that day.
Xiao Han scrutinized him and said coldly, "Lu Daoist, you’re half an hour late. You’ve likely been gathering news, haven’t you? What is it? Did you learn of any developments on the island?"
The short and fat Daoist sighed, bowed deeply, and said, "Concerning my elder sister, I ask fellow Daoist to show some leniency."
Xiao Han stared at him and said, "Naturally so. However, the year’s end is near, and Zhang Yan is expected to arrive shortly to claim the Sixty-Year Four-Season Water. Therefore, Fellow Daoist, I hope you can make a trip on our behalf to extend greetings."
Lu Junbai hesitated momentarily before he solemnly said, "Since Daoist Xiao values this humble Daoist, I shall personally attend to the matter and ensure your satisfaction."
Xiao Han neither affirmed nor denied, a faint smile forming at the corner of his lips as he said, "How does Fellow Daoist plan to proceed?"
Lu Junbai replied expressionlessly, "On the East Sea, a few deaths are but commonplace."
Xiao Han nodded approvingly, swept his sleeve, and said, "Very well. Go ahead—I await good news."
Lu Junbai bowed, then wordlessly ascended, riding his tunneling light into the clouds. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from sight.
Daoist Zi Mei turned to Xiao Han, smiling, and said, "Jiulang, your journey to the East Sea not only secures the Sixty-Year Four-Season Water but also rids you of the troublesome Zhang Yan. Upon your return, the family is sure to reward you generously."
Xiao Han sneered coldly and said, "I’ve never regarded Zhang Yan as anything significant. If it were Zhuang Bufan or Luo Qingyu, they’d be worth considering. But it’s those cowardly old ghosts in the family constantly worrying this and fretting that."
Daoist Zi Mei leaned in slightly and spoke in a low voice, "I hear that your adoptive father’s visit this time isn’t solely for escorting Jiulang but also has another purpose. May I know what it is?"
Xiao Han glanced at him, smiled faintly, and said, "An adopted brother isn’t an outsider—I don’t mind telling you.
Fourth Uncle’s trip to the East Sea is not for my sake but to rendezvous with Elder Lin and Elder Qiu from the Nanhua Sect and Elder Ye from the Taihao Sect. This time, the four Nascent Soul True Masters will join forces to capture Tao Zhenhong, the traitor of the Nanhua Sect."
Upon hearing this, Daoist Zi Mei’s eyes lit up with excitement. He rubbed his fists eagerly and said, "With your adoptive father and the other three Nascent Soul True Masters working together to apprehend someone, it’s bound to be earth-shattering. When the time comes, I must implore your adoptive father to allow me to witness the spectacle!"
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)