109 Puppet Jade Part 1
Yi Nan, on guard, asked, "What do you want us to do?"
"Make Zhao Fen and Yao Huang believe that you want to join forces with Fenglan, capture us, and exchange our team's members with the healing ability evolver for retaining your own Puppet Jade."
Upon hearing these words, both brothers, Yi Dong and Yi Nan, had a slight change in their expressions.
Zhuang Yao smiled and said, "Or maybe it's not just 'believing.' In fact, you have had this idea for a while, but now you are surrounded and dare not make any rash moves. Isn't that right? Now, due to the additional piece of Puppet Jade, a rift has emerged between Fenglan Society, Zhao Fen, and Yao Huang. This is your best opportunity."
"Since you know the implications of our actions, aren't you afraid that we will truly join forces with Fenglan Society?"
"Not afraid, because Fenglan Society won't be satisfied with just that. The person with the special ability in our team desires what you possess—your Puppet Jade. Zhao Fen and Yao Huang only want to defeat you and dominate Luoyang. Fenglan Society can fulfill their desires, and they have no conflicting interests between themselves. So, they can cooperate. But what about you? Are you willing to collaborate with them?"
Zhuang Yao's words hit the mark. Yi Dong and Yi Nan had indeed considered cooperating with Fenglan Society to overcome their predicament. However, their greatest concern was that Fenglan Society would ultimately not spare their Puppet Jade. Therefore, they hesitated to take action. In this conflicting situation, no one dared to make the first move and instead watched each other's actions.
Zhuang Yao continued, "Since we don't trust each other, let's keep our options open. For now, we only cooperate on one thing—to dismantle the alliance between Fenglan Society, Zhao Fen, and Yao Huang. It is most appropriate for you to provoke them. Besides, you can use this opportunity to test Fenglan Society. Who knows, you might actually unite with them to confront us. Of course, if their ambitions are too great, you will have a way out."
Yi Dong retorted coldly, "What benefit do we gain from knowing all this?"
"What benefit? Of course, it's seeing Zhao Fen and Yao Huang growing suspicious of Fenglan Society. The trust between them is crumbling. Initially, Zhao Fen and Yao Huang were already dissatisfied with Fenglan Society due to their Puppet Jade. Now, if you take action, they will become even more uneasy. Honestly, I'm not worried at all that you will cooperate with Fenglan Society because you won't. They will never let go of the Puppet Jade in your hands, not now or in the future."
"What if Zhao Fen and Yao Huang react with some extreme behavior because of our actions?"
"Extreme behavior? Launch an attack? It's just a matter of time before they do. Do you think that by remaining silent, everything will stay calm and peaceful? Initiating a conflict now, especially if provoked by Zhao Fen and Yao Huang, is actually the most suitable timing. Both Fenglan Society and they are in a state of chaos, and the trust between them is at a critical point. Fenglan Society will certainly try to mend their alliance. This is the most vulnerable moment for their relationship. If Zhao Fen and Yao Huang initiate an attack now, it will only worsen their situation. If they are foolish enough to do so, it would play right into our hands. However, they shouldn't be foolish enough to go that far."
Wei Zi and his brother exchanged a glance, each with their own thoughts.
Zhuang Yao looked at them and guided them deliberately, "Since you have the intention to cooperate with us but cannot respond immediately, then show some sincerity in wanting to collaborate. We have already provided you with important information about the Puppet Jade. This task should be carried out by you. Isn't that convenient?"
Yi Dong responded, "What if Fenglan Society agrees? What if they don’t?"
"If they agree, it's a good thing. You can unite and easily eliminate Zhao Fen and Yao Huang. Then, control will be in your hands. You can choose to cooperate with us and seize the Puppet Jade of Fenglan Society. No, you can even choose not to lift a finger. They are only six people, and we can handle them. Or you can choose to cooperate with Fenglan Society and use us to claim 'bounties.' Whichever choice you make, you won't lose out. Of course, I believe you will choose the former. By then, I will take the Puppet Jade of Fenglan Society and leave, while you continue holding onto your jade and become the rulers of Luoyang. And, as allies, you and Lu Yun will have a non-aggression pact in the future. If they disagree, there won't be much loss either. We can still achieve the goal of provoking Zhao Fen and Yao Huang. We can spread rumors about it, and Fenglan Society won't be able to deny it. With their concealment of the Puppet Jade being exposed, can Zhao Fen and Yao Huang still trust them?"
Everyone present couldn't help but glance at Zhuang Yao. Not to mention the three outsiders, even the teammates who had been with Zhuang Yao day and night were amazed by his cunning scheme.
He fabricated the existence of Puppet Jade within Fenglan Society's group, not only making everyone in Luoyang believe it, but even confusing Fenglan Society itself. With this small scheme, the cooperation between Fenglan Society and Zhao Fen, znd Yao Huang became precarious. Zhuang Yao made Wei Zi believe that they were targeting the Puppet Jade of Fenglan Society, thus relaxing their guard and muddling the previously clear three-way hostile situation. Now, it was uncertain who the enemy was and who the ally was. It seemed like a reshuffling was necessary. At least for now, Wei Zi couldn't differentiate between friend and foe and was being led by the nose. At this critical juncture, as long as the next plan was executed successfully, if Zhao Fen and Yao Huang initiated the battle, they could watch from the sidelines and conserve their energy.
Knowing the inside story, several people couldn't help but shiver.
Yi Dong said, "We need to consider this matter."
"It's best to act quickly. Today is the perfect opportunity, while Fenglan Society itself is in disarray and hasn't resolved misunderstandings with Zhao Fen and Yao Huang. It's the best time to do all of this."
Yi Nan narrowed his eyes. "I understand. If we decide to take action, it will be today."
After the conversation ended, the two brothers left.
Once they were gone, Yan Huiyang couldn't help but say impolitely, "What kind of medicine are you really selling? When you're gone, Wei Zi won't let us off."
"Don't worry. After this battle, they won't have the energy to deal with you anymore."
Yan Huiyang replied coldly, "You handle things in a mysterious way. How can I trust you?"
Zhuang Yao's voice turned cold. "If you don't trust us, you can disband right now and watch us fight to the death. In the end, you can only leave it to fate to determine who wins. Even if we win, we won't spare you. But as you can see, when this plan reaches its conclusion, no faction can escape unscathed. Every power will be weakened. Isn't this what you want to see? Besides, you didn't have a choice but to seek cooperation with us, right? If you don't stand with us, can you join forces with Wei Zi, whom you have always been at odds with, or with Zhao Fen and Yao Huang?"
Yan Huiyang moved his mouth but remained silent.
"Boss Yan, if you had enough value to be used, Fenglan Society would have approached you from the beginning. It's because he didn't see your value that you need to cooperate with us. We are all smart people. Face reality. Selling you out serves no purpose for us because we wouldn't achieve anything. What are you worried about?"
Yan Huiyang sarcastically remarked, "This way of stabilizing people's hearts is quite special."
"As long as it is effective," Zhuang Yao waved his hand. "Go back and prepare. Get the information on the six members of Fenglan Society's group and bring it to me as soon as possible."
Yan Huiyang, a man in his forties, was initially quite reluctant to be bossed around by a kid of around ten years old. However, Zhuang Yao's extraordinary wisdom and decisive aura made people instinctively listen to him.
After Yan Huiyang left, Cong Xia asked with uncertainty, "Will the Wei Zi brothers really follow through?"
"They definitely will," Zhuang Yao said firmly.
"Do we have to do it today? Why not wait until Tianbi breaks through to the second stage?"
"I also hoped that the changes would occur after Tianbi broke through to the second stage. However, in reality, Tianbi breaking through to the second stage is the change I planned for. I have calculated everything, but I couldn't have predicted that it would take 15 hours for Tianbi to break through. Currently, everything is proceeding according to my plan. I anticipate that Zhao Fen and Yao Huang will launch their attack tonight. Today is the best opportunity. If we go beyond today, Fenglan Society might wake up and perhaps discover the secret of the energy storage Jade Talisman. At that point, even Cong Xia's abilities might be at risk of exposure, and Zhao Fen and Yao Huang might be persuaded and regain their senses. We must push things to an irreversible state while they are still unaware. Therefore, success or failure depends on tonight. Regardless of whether Tianbi breaks through or not, the plan must proceed."
Cong Xia sighed, "I'm somewhat worried."
"No need to worry excessively. Tonight's attack by Zhao Fen and Yao Huang won't be directed at us. It will definitely target Wei Zi."
"But what if Fenglan Society actually agrees to cooperate with Wei Zi?"
"In that case, it will be Zhao Fen and Yao Huang who are eliminated tonight, not us. However, the likelihood of that happening is extremely low, only one percent. It would require some unforeseen variable on Fenglan Society's side for them to consider cooperating with Wei Zi."
"Regardless, are we safe tonight?"
"No, there is a 30 percent chance that we will face a probing attack from Fenglan Society before Zhao Fen and Yao Huang attack Wei Zi."
Cong Xia exclaimed in surprise, "What?"
Liu Fengyu frowned. "30 percent? How did you calculate that, kid? You're not just fooling around, are you?"
"Based on calculations considering various existing conditions."
"Why didn't you tell us earlier?"
Zhuang Yao taunted, "Why didn't anyone tell me that Tianbi would take 15 hours to break through to the second stage?"
Cong Xia helplessly said, "I couldn't have predicted it either."
"You all created unnecessary complications for me. How can you blame me for not telling you? Before I could even say anything, Wei Zi's two men arrived. Originally, Tianbi was supposed to handle the probing attack from Fenglan Society, but now we need to assign that task to someone else."
"Why are you so sure it's a probing attack?"
"Later today, they might discover some secrets about the Jade Talisman. I don't know the precision level of their equipment. If they can pinpoint a certain jade talisman, they will be shocked by its presence and come to us for answers out of curiosity. Their curiosity about the stored energy talisman means they won't launch a full-scale attack against us because they will fear us. There is a 70 percent chance that this attack won't happen, which means their equipment isn't precise enough. They might not even know why they detected the energy fluctuations of the Puppet Jade in their own base, and they won't be able to find those agate jade pieces. In that case, they won't dare to act and will send reinforcements from Beijing. However, at that time, the preemptive actions of Zhao Fen and Yao Huang will force them to join the battle."
Tang Yanqiu nodded and said, "So whether we will be harassed by them depends entirely on the precision of their equipment."
"That's right. But even if they come, you all are capable of holding them off."
Deng Xiao smirked. "Leave it to me. No matter who comes, I will protect Cheng-ge until he safely exits."
He added with a smug look towards Cong Xia, "Don't worry, Cong-ge."
Cong Xia couldn't help but laugh and cry.
Zhuang Yao chuckled softly. "Now, let's wait for the news. Once Wei Zi goes to find Fenglan Society, we will execute the third step of the plan."
Everyone felt a bit tense, knowing that tonight they might face a large-scale battle. Especially Cong Xia, as Tianbi was currently in the crucial moment of breaking through to the second stage. He worried about Tianbi's progress and whether they would be able to handle what was to come.
It was already past 4 PM, getting darker, and there was still no news from Wei Zi's side.
Liu Fengyu started to get anxious. "Could it be that Wei Zi won't go after all?"
Zhuang Yao was indeed full of confidence. "They will definitely go."
"But it's getting dark now."
"There's no rule that says it has to be before it gets dark."
Just as Cong Xia was starting to get anxious, someone sent by Yan Huiyang arrived with a message, saying that Yi Dong and Yi Nan had gone to Fenglan Society's base.
Zhuang Yao sneered, "Very good. This timing is even better than I imagined." He said to the person, "Go back and tell Boss Yan that we can start the operation."
They had already made an agreement with Yan Huiyang that once Zhuang Yao gave the order, he would immediately send people to spread the news that Fenglan Society had agreed to cooperate with Wei Zi, and they would first eliminate Zhao Fen and Yao Huang, followed by them and Lu Yun.
109 Puppet Jade Part 1
Yi Nan, on guard, asked, "What do you want us to do?"
"Make Zhao Fen and Yao Huang believe that you want to join forces with Fenglan, capture us, and exchange our team's members with the healing ability evolver for retaining your own Puppet Jade."
Upon hearing these words, both brothers, Yi Dong and Yi Nan, had a slight change in their expressions.
Zhuang Yao smiled and said, "Or maybe it's not just 'believing.' In fact, you have had this idea for a while, but now you are surrounded and dare not make any rash moves. Isn't that right? Now, due to the additional piece of Puppet Jade, a rift has emerged between Fenglan Society, Zhao Fen, and Yao Huang. This is your best opportunity."
"Since you know the implications of our actions, aren't you afraid that we will truly join forces with Fenglan Society?"
"Not afraid, because Fenglan Society won't be satisfied with just that. The person with the special ability in our team desires what you possess—your Puppet Jade. Zhao Fen and Yao Huang only want to defeat you and dominate Luoyang. Fenglan Society can fulfill their desires, and they have no conflicting interests between themselves. So, they can cooperate. But what about you? Are you willing to collaborate with them?"
Zhuang Yao's words hit the mark. Yi Dong and Yi Nan had indeed considered cooperating with Fenglan Society to overcome their predicament. However, their greatest concern was that Fenglan Society would ultimately not spare their Puppet Jade. Therefore, they hesitated to take action. In this conflicting situation, no one dared to make the first move and instead watched each other's actions.
Zhuang Yao continued, "Since we don't trust each other, let's keep our options open. For now, we only cooperate on one thing—to dismantle the alliance between Fenglan Society, Zhao Fen, and Yao Huang. It is most appropriate for you to provoke them. Besides, you can use this opportunity to test Fenglan Society. Who knows, you might actually unite with them to confront us. Of course, if their ambitions are too great, you will have a way out."
Yi Dong retorted coldly, "What benefit do we gain from knowing all this?"
"What benefit? Of course, it's seeing Zhao Fen and Yao Huang growing suspicious of Fenglan Society. The trust between them is crumbling. Initially, Zhao Fen and Yao Huang were already dissatisfied with Fenglan Society due to their Puppet Jade. Now, if you take action, they will become even more uneasy. Honestly, I'm not worried at all that you will cooperate with Fenglan Society because you won't. They will never let go of the Puppet Jade in your hands, not now or in the future."
"What if Zhao Fen and Yao Huang react with some extreme behavior because of our actions?"
"Extreme behavior? Launch an attack? It's just a matter of time before they do. Do you think that by remaining silent, everything will stay calm and peaceful? Initiating a conflict now, especially if provoked by Zhao Fen and Yao Huang, is actually the most suitable timing. Both Fenglan Society and they are in a state of chaos, and the trust between them is at a critical point. Fenglan Society will certainly try to mend their alliance. This is the most vulnerable moment for their relationship. If Zhao Fen and Yao Huang initiate an attack now, it will only worsen their situation. If they are foolish enough to do so, it would play right into our hands. However, they shouldn't be foolish enough to go that far."
Wei Zi and his brother exchanged a glance, each with their own thoughts.
Zhuang Yao looked at them and guided them deliberately, "Since you have the intention to cooperate with us but cannot respond immediately, then show some sincerity in wanting to collaborate. We have already provided you with important information about the Puppet Jade. This task should be carried out by you. Isn't that convenient?"
Yi Dong responded, "What if Fenglan Society agrees? What if they don’t?"
"If they agree, it's a good thing. You can unite and easily eliminate Zhao Fen and Yao Huang. Then, control will be in your hands. You can choose to cooperate with us and seize the Puppet Jade of Fenglan Society. No, you can even choose not to lift a finger. They are only six people, and we can handle them. Or you can choose to cooperate with Fenglan Society and use us to claim 'bounties.' Whichever choice you make, you won't lose out. Of course, I believe you will choose the former. By then, I will take the Puppet Jade of Fenglan Society and leave, while you continue holding onto your jade and become the rulers of Luoyang. And, as allies, you and Lu Yun will have a non-aggression pact in the future. If they disagree, there won't be much loss either. We can still achieve the goal of provoking Zhao Fen and Yao Huang. We can spread rumors about it, and Fenglan Society won't be able to deny it. With their concealment of the Puppet Jade being exposed, can Zhao Fen and Yao Huang still trust them?"
Everyone present couldn't help but glance at Zhuang Yao. Not to mention the three outsiders, even the teammates who had been with Zhuang Yao day and night were amazed by his cunning scheme.
He fabricated the existence of Puppet Jade within Fenglan Society's group, not only making everyone in Luoyang believe it, but even confusing Fenglan Society itself. With this small scheme, the cooperation between Fenglan Society and Zhao Fen, znd Yao Huang became precarious. Zhuang Yao made Wei Zi believe that they were targeting the Puppet Jade of Fenglan Society, thus relaxing their guard and muddling the previously clear three-way hostile situation. Now, it was uncertain who the enemy was and who the ally was. It seemed like a reshuffling was necessary. At least for now, Wei Zi couldn't differentiate between friend and foe and was being led by the nose. At this critical juncture, as long as the next plan was executed successfully, if Zhao Fen and Yao Huang initiated the battle, they could watch from the sidelines and conserve their energy.
Knowing the inside story, several people couldn't help but shiver.
Yi Dong said, "We need to consider this matter."
"It's best to act quickly. Today is the perfect opportunity, while Fenglan Society itself is in disarray and hasn't resolved misunderstandings with Zhao Fen and Yao Huang. It's the best time to do all of this."
Yi Nan narrowed his eyes. "I understand. If we decide to take action, it will be today."
After the conversation ended, the two brothers left.
Once they were gone, Yan Huiyang couldn't help but say impolitely, "What kind of medicine are you really selling? When you're gone, Wei Zi won't let us off."
"Don't worry. After this battle, they won't have the energy to deal with you anymore."
Yan Huiyang replied coldly, "You handle things in a mysterious way. How can I trust you?"
Zhuang Yao's voice turned cold. "If you don't trust us, you can disband right now and watch us fight to the death. In the end, you can only leave it to fate to determine who wins. Even if we win, we won't spare you. But as you can see, when this plan reaches its conclusion, no faction can escape unscathed. Every power will be weakened. Isn't this what you want to see? Besides, you didn't have a choice but to seek cooperation with us, right? If you don't stand with us, can you join forces with Wei Zi, whom you have always been at odds with, or with Zhao Fen and Yao Huang?"
Yan Huiyang moved his mouth but remained silent.
"Boss Yan, if you had enough value to be used, Fenglan Society would have approached you from the beginning. It's because he didn't see your value that you need to cooperate with us. We are all smart people. Face reality. Selling you out serves no purpose for us because we wouldn't achieve anything. What are you worried about?"
Yan Huiyang sarcastically remarked, "This way of stabilizing people's hearts is quite special."
"As long as it is effective," Zhuang Yao waved his hand. "Go back and prepare. Get the information on the six members of Fenglan Society's group and bring it to me as soon as possible."
Yan Huiyang, a man in his forties, was initially quite reluctant to be bossed around by a kid of around ten years old. However, Zhuang Yao's extraordinary wisdom and decisive aura made people instinctively listen to him.
After Yan Huiyang left, Cong Xia asked with uncertainty, "Will the Wei Zi brothers really follow through?"
"They definitely will," Zhuang Yao said firmly.
"Do we have to do it today? Why not wait until Tianbi breaks through to the second stage?"
"I also hoped that the changes would occur after Tianbi broke through to the second stage. However, in reality, Tianbi breaking through to the second stage is the change I planned for. I have calculated everything, but I couldn't have predicted that it would take 15 hours for Tianbi to break through. Currently, everything is proceeding according to my plan. I anticipate that Zhao Fen and Yao Huang will launch their attack tonight. Today is the best opportunity. If we go beyond today, Fenglan Society might wake up and perhaps discover the secret of the energy storage Jade Talisman. At that point, even Cong Xia's abilities might be at risk of exposure, and Zhao Fen and Yao Huang might be persuaded and regain their senses. We must push things to an irreversible state while they are still unaware. Therefore, success or failure depends on tonight. Regardless of whether Tianbi breaks through or not, the plan must proceed."
Cong Xia sighed, "I'm somewhat worried."
"No need to worry excessively. Tonight's attack by Zhao Fen and Yao Huang won't be directed at us. It will definitely target Wei Zi."
"But what if Fenglan Society actually agrees to cooperate with Wei Zi?"
"In that case, it will be Zhao Fen and Yao Huang who are eliminated tonight, not us. However, the likelihood of that happening is extremely low, only one percent. It would require some unforeseen variable on Fenglan Society's side for them to consider cooperating with Wei Zi."
"Regardless, are we safe tonight?"
"No, there is a 30 percent chance that we will face a probing attack from Fenglan Society before Zhao Fen and Yao Huang attack Wei Zi."
Cong Xia exclaimed in surprise, "What?"
Liu Fengyu frowned. "30 percent? How did you calculate that, kid? You're not just fooling around, are you?"
"Based on calculations considering various existing conditions."
"Why didn't you tell us earlier?"
Zhuang Yao taunted, "Why didn't anyone tell me that Tianbi would take 15 hours to break through to the second stage?"
Cong Xia helplessly said, "I couldn't have predicted it either."
"You all created unnecessary complications for me. How can you blame me for not telling you? Before I could even say anything, Wei Zi's two men arrived. Originally, Tianbi was supposed to handle the probing attack from Fenglan Society, but now we need to assign that task to someone else."
"Why are you so sure it's a probing attack?"
"Later today, they might discover some secrets about the Jade Talisman. I don't know the precision level of their equipment. If they can pinpoint a certain jade talisman, they will be shocked by its presence and come to us for answers out of curiosity. Their curiosity about the stored energy talisman means they won't launch a full-scale attack against us because they will fear us. There is a 70 percent chance that this attack won't happen, which means their equipment isn't precise enough. They might not even know why they detected the energy fluctuations of the Puppet Jade in their own base, and they won't be able to find those agate jade pieces. In that case, they won't dare to act and will send reinforcements from Beijing. However, at that time, the preemptive actions of Zhao Fen and Yao Huang will force them to join the battle."
Tang Yanqiu nodded and said, "So whether we will be harassed by them depends entirely on the precision of their equipment."
"That's right. But even if they come, you all are capable of holding them off."
Deng Xiao smirked. "Leave it to me. No matter who comes, I will protect Cheng-ge until he safely exits."
He added with a smug look towards Cong Xia, "Don't worry, Cong-ge."
Cong Xia couldn't help but laugh and cry.
Zhuang Yao chuckled softly. "Now, let's wait for the news. Once Wei Zi goes to find Fenglan Society, we will execute the third step of the plan."
Everyone felt a bit tense, knowing that tonight they might face a large-scale battle. Especially Cong Xia, as Tianbi was currently in the crucial moment of breaking through to the second stage. He worried about Tianbi's progress and whether they would be able to handle what was to come.
It was already past 4 PM, getting darker, and there was still no news from Wei Zi's side.
Liu Fengyu started to get anxious. "Could it be that Wei Zi won't go after all?"
Zhuang Yao was indeed full of confidence. "They will definitely go."
"But it's getting dark now."
"There's no rule that says it has to be before it gets dark."
Just as Cong Xia was starting to get anxious, someone sent by Yan Huiyang arrived with a message, saying that Yi Dong and Yi Nan had gone to Fenglan Society's base.
Zhuang Yao sneered, "Very good. This timing is even better than I imagined." He said to the person, "Go back and tell Boss Yan that we can start the operation."
They had already made an agreement with Yan Huiyang that once Zhuang Yao gave the order, he would immediately send people to spread the news that Fenglan Society had agreed to cooperate with Wei Zi, and they would first eliminate Zhao Fen and Yao Huang, followed by them and Lu Yun.
