Chapter 11: Crisis Approaches, A Closed-Door Breakthrough.
“The Yue Family? They probably can’t even fend for themselves right now!”
As soon as those words were spoken, the Wang and Jiang clan heads immediately looked at him with curiosity, eager to hear more.
Seeing this, a trace of disdain flashed across the Chu Clan Head’s face — “Frogs at the bottom of a well,” he thought inwardly. How could they not know of such a significant matter?
“Let me tell you — our current Emperor is already at death’s door!”
Those words caused the two to jolt in shock. But after a moment, they came to a sudden realization.
When the current Emperor ascended the throne, he was already quite advanced in age.
Over the years, he’d indulged far too much in worldly pleasures and had made little progress in cultivation. Even now, he hadn’t managed to break through to the Heavenly Phenomenon Realm Grandmaster.
One had to know — a Divine Sea Realm cultivator had a lifespan of only four hundred years. He was already over three hundred when he took the throne. Now, he was merely relying on medicinal elixirs to prolong his life. He couldn’t hold on for much longer.
But… what did that have to do with them?
Perhaps seeing their confusion, the Chu Clan Head continued his explanation.
“Right now, in the capital, the struggle between the crown princes has reached its most intense phase. The Yue Clan Head’s younger sister has a son who has also joined the succession battle. The Yue Family has already taken a side!”
“Unfortunately, though this prince is favored because of his mother’s influence, his development has been far too short. Compared to the other princes, he’s still far behind.”
“The Yue Family is strong, yes. But in the imperial capital — the core of the Great Xia Dynasty — they’re only average. Right now, they’re being targeted by several major factions. A mere Ye Family is the least of their concerns!”
“The Tu Hai Saber Sect has always been a neutral faction, courted by all sides. If the Yue Family offends them over the Ye Clan and forces them to take sides, it would be a terrible miscalculation.”
“What’s more, the Yue Family marriage alliance — marrying Yue Rushuang to the Ye Family — was never about favor or care. It was just repaying an old debt.”
“Now that the Yue Family is in trouble, how could they spare attention for the Ye Family? That Yue Rushuang may be called a Holy Maiden, but to put it harshly — she’s a cripple that the Yue Clan gave up on long ago!”
“So, when it comes to dealing with the Ye Family, we don’t need to consider the Yue Family stance at all!”
Hearing this, the heads of the Wang and Jiang clans finally let out a breath of relief.
Even so, some hesitation lingered.
After all, the Ye Family was one of the few that had survived the last imperial succession struggle. They’d been developing for a long time — who knew what hidden cards they still had?
Seeing this, the Chu Clan Head grew a little annoyed.
He hadn’t expected these two to be so cowardly and cautious now.
Two years ago, when they were looting Ye Clan’s resources alongside him, they certainly weren’t acting .
Left with no choice, he decided to reveal his trump card.
“Relax. The Tu Hai Saber Sect is sending their Second Elder to personally oversee this matter — to ensure not a single member of the Ye Family escapes!”
“If you both perform well, he might even show his appreciation — maybe even friendship!”
The moment those words were spoken, the two clan heads’ eyes lit up.
The Tu Hai Saber Sect’s Second Elder — a veteran Heavenly Phenomenon Realm Grandmaster — had been famous in the Great Xia Dynasty for over a hundred years!
If they could form a connection with someone like that, it would greatly benefit their clans’ future development.
Besides, they were already mortal enemies with the Ye Family. Now that the Ye Family was taking the lead, why hesitate?
Just as they were about to speak, all three of them — even the Ye Family Head — suddenly noticed a flickering on the storage rings on their fingers.
They didn’t think much of it and quickly retrieved a transmission jade slip.
In moments, a message entered their ears.
“The Ye Family has discovered a Vital Energy Stone vein — roughly three thousand li in length!”
As this news sank in, the three clan heads’ eyes instantly turned red with greed.
A Vital Energy Stone vein — if they could get their hands on it, their clans would surely rise in power.
Immediately, the Wang and Jiang clan heads spoke without hesitation.
“Brother Chu, rest assured — destroying the Ye Family is our duty. But regarding that Vital Energy Stone vein…”
Chu Clan Head’s eyes glinted. He smiled.
“Don’t worry — a mere mine like that is beneath the Tu Hai Saber Sect’s notice. When the time comes, we’ll divide it based on our contributions. How’s that sound?”
“Excellent!” the two replied in satisfaction.
The three of them continued to discuss plans for a while longer before finally going their separate ways.
Watching the two leave, the Chu Clan Head’s smile gradually faded.
A cold glint flashed in his eyes, and a sneer curled his lips.
“Heh… and you think you’re worthy of sharing that Vital Energy Stone vein?”
The Chu Clan Head’s ambition was vast — he had no intention of sharing the spoils.
More importantly, he was determined to make the Chu Clan the number one family in Leiyun County, and he would not let this opportunity slip away.
“With this mine, I can use it to build ties with the Second Elder and help the Chu Clan secure our place as the dominant force in Leiyun.”
Of course, he knew that with the Chu Clan alone, it would be a pipe dream to swallow the Ye, Wang, and Jiang clans all at once.
But with a Heavenly Phenomenon Realm Grandmaster aiding him, it was entirely possible.
With his plans decided, he left the main hall and made his way to a large courtyard within the Chu Clan’s estate.
He bowed respectfully.
“Chu Renxin of the Chu Clan seeks audience with the Second Elder.”
The heat of June was particularly oppressive. Even cultivators found themselves restless despite their training.
Suddenly, Leiyun County began to feel desolate. Several large markets and merchant guilds abruptly closed their doors.
Those with keen senses quickly noticed something was wrong and hurried home, locking their doors tightly.
They were old residents of Leiyun — they could sense that something ominous was brewing.
Sure enough — not long after — a furious, thunderous roar erupted from the Ye Clan’s estate and reverberated across the entire county capital.
“Chu Renxin! What is the meaning of this from your three clans? Do you intend to have a life-or-death battle with the Ye Family?!”