Relief and a hint of exhilaration washed over Wang Li as he and Wang Xiangyi emerged from the dense forest. The setting sun cast long shadows across the land, painting the sky in fiery hues. Their mission had been a success. The Song delegation was no more, their demise a brutal yet well-deserved fate.
Returning to the familiar grounds of the Xia Family Manor, a sense of accomplishment settled in Wang Li's chest. He strode towards his chambers, his steps lighter than usual. Briefly stopping by his own quarters to shed his travel-worn disguise, he made his way towards Xia Qingwu's chamber, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes.
A gentle knock resonated through the chamber door. Hearing Xia Qingwu's soft "Enter," he pushed it open, revealing the woman who held his heart captive. Her jade green robes shimmered in the fading light, her face etched with worry that melted into relief at the sight of him.
"Wang Li," she breathed, a hint of a smile gracing her lips. "You're back."
He stepped into the chamber, the door closing softly behind him. "Indeed," he confirmed, his voice brimming with confidence. "Everything went according to plan."
A wave of relief washed over Xia Qingwu. She gestured towards a nearby chair. "Sit," she offered, her eyes searching his face. "And tell me everything."
Wang Li settled into the chair, recounting the events of their pursuit. He described the demonic ambush, the ruthless slaughter, and his keen observation about the incident. He revealed their discovery of the demonic gang's hideout, a hidden cave pulsating with a demonic energy.
Excitement flared in Xia Qingwu's eyes. "Excellent work," she exclaimed, clapping her hands softly. "The Song Family has suffered a devastating blow. But what now?"
A sly smile played on Wang Li's lips. "Now, we wait." He explained his plan, outlining how they would leverage the communication talismans to further sow confusion.
"Song Weiguang's wife will undoubtedly contact us within the next few days, inquiring about their return. You," he said, his gaze locking onto hers, "will respond with a carefully worded message. Express confusion and concern. Inform her that the delegation departed several days ago according to our agreement, and ask if they haven't reached the Song Family manor yet."
A cunning smile curved Xia Qingwu's lips. "Perfect. This will sow the seeds of doubt within the Song Family."
"Indeed," Wang Li continued. "This will prompt them to send investigators. Here's where things get interesting. We'll form a team, a mix of our most loyal Core Formation and early Nascent Soul cultivators."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Naturally, I'll lead the team. We'll head straight for the Song Family manor, arriving shortly after their investigators."
"And your mission there?" Xia Qingwu inquired, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"To 'convince' Song Weiguang's wife," Wang Li smirked, "that an alliance with the Xia Family is in her best interests. We'll offer to help her manage the Song Family, quell any internal rebellions, and initiate a search for the missing delegation."
Xia Qingwu's smile widened. "A wolf in sheep's clothing," she mused. "They'll be desperate, making them more susceptible to our proposition."
"Precisely," Wang Li declared. "We'll appear magnanimous, offering a lifeline during their time of crisis. But in reality, we'll gain a foothold within the Song Family, and eventually, control."
A hush fell over the room as they absorbed the implications of their plan. The Song Family, once a proud rival, was on the verge of collapse. This was their chance to not only neutralize a potential threat but also expand their influence significantly.
"Li," Xia Qingwu began, her voice firm with resolve, "I trust you to handle this delicate situation."
Wang Li grinned, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Consider it done, Qingwu. We'll leave them with an offer they can't refuse. The Song Family will soon fall under the Xia banner, not through brute force, but through calculated strategy."
With a final conspiratorial look, Wang Li swept out of the chamber. The wheels of their plan were in motion, and the future of the Song Family hung precariously in the balance.
~~
Two days crawled by each one filled with a tense anticipation.
Finally, on the second day, a faint hum resonated through the chamber, signaling the arrival of a new message.
A triumphant gleam lit up Xia Qingwu's eyes as she snatched the talisman. "It's from Song Weiguang's wife," she declared, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips.
Wang Li leaned in as Xia Qingwu activated the talisman, revealing a distraught woman's voice. "Esteemed Mistress Xia," it pleaded, "my husband, Patriarch Song Weiguang, along with the delegation, departed for the Xia Family several days ago. They haven't returned, and I fear something may have gone wrong. Could you shed some light on their situation?"
Xia Qingwu exchanged a knowing glance with Wang Li before composing her reply. Her voice, though laced with concern, maintained a carefully crafted air of innocence.
"To Esteemed Mistress Song," she began, "Greetings. This is Xia Qingwu of the Xia Family. We received your communication talisman and were surprised to learn that the Song delegation has not yet returned. They departed from our manor five days ago."
A pause, then she continued, her voice tinged with a hint of faux sympathy, "We understand this must be a confusing and distressing situation. Perhaps unforeseen circumstances have delayed their arrival. However, we fear situations like internal rebellion occurring in the Song Family or even the Song Family facing external attacks from your rivals during this time of uncertainty."
Her final words carried an offer of assistance. "To ensure the Song Family's stability, we would be willing to dispatch a team of Xia Family cultivators to assist you in managing the situation until your husband and the delegation return. Please respond if you wish to accept our assistance."
With a satisfied nod, Xia Qingwu sent the message soaring towards the Song Family manor. The bait was set. Now, they awaited the response.
Days blurred into one another as they waited.
During this time, Wang Li meticulously chose the team that would accompany him to the Song Family. Each cultivator, handpicked for their loyalty and discretion, was a master of their craft and wielded immense power at the peak of the Core Formation Realm or the early stages of the Nascent Soul Realm.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the confirmation arrived. The Song Family graciously accepted the Xia Family's offer of assistance.
Donning his signature White Eagle Mask, Wang Li led the team out of the Xia Family manor.
Aboard their flying swords, they cut through the crisp morning air, leaving a trail of white condensation in their wake.
Finally, after a tense three-day journey on their flying swords, the Xia Family delegation, led by Wang Li, descended upon the Song Family territory.
As they entered the Song Family territory, Wang Li couldn't help but be impressed.
Lush, rolling hills gave way to verdant valleys, punctuated by vibrant pockets of rare forests and sprawling mines.
The vastness of the territory spoke volumes about the Song Family's influence and strength, rivaling their own. But what truly struck him was the palpable difference in the air.
"The spiritual energy here," he murmured, his senses heightened, "it's denser, purer. Undoubtedly this has been accomplished with the help of a superior grade Spiritual Gathering Array Formation."
A sly grin spread across his face. That formation, he realized, would be a valuable addition to the Xia Family's arsenal. Perhaps, during his visit, he could "convince" Song Weiguang's wife to relinquish the formation's manual. After all, in their current state of disarray, she wouldn't be in a position to refuse.
Their journey unfolded swiftly.
They finally arrived at the imposing gates of the Song Family manor.
The sheer size of the structure dwarfed even the Xia Family's Manor, a testament to the Song Family's wealth and power.
Landing gracefully within the designated landing zone, Wang Li stepped forward, his demeanor radiating authority.
"Greetings, fellow cultivators," he addressed the approaching guards, his voice firm and laced with a hint of power. "We hail from the Xia Family and come bearing a message for your esteemed Matriarch."
The guards, their faces etched with suspicion, exchanged glances. "Proof of your affiliation," one demanded, extending a hand.
Wang Li wasted no time.
With a flourish, he produced the official Xia Family medallion, its intricate design shimmering in the sunlight.
The guards scrutinized the medallion with practiced eyes before stepping aside, a flicker of respect replacing their initial wariness.
They guided the Xia Family team through sprawling courtyards and ornate gardens, finally arriving at a grand hall.
Inside, a lone figure sat regally on an intricately carved chair, the remaining seats noticeably empty. Her beauty, calm yet regal, held traces of worry etched around her eyes.
It was Song Jingyan, Song Weiguang's first wife and by default, the one in charge of the Song Family during these troubled times.
Her gaze fell upon the White Eagle Mask, her voice cool but tinged with a flicker of curiosity. "Eagle Masked Expert," she greeted, "what does the Xia Family want in return for helping my Song Family?"