Now the question arises; let’s see how he deals with it.
Knowing there’s a trap yet willingly stepping into it—isn’t that just asking for trouble?
Since you enjoy playing so much, I’ll accompany you.
Ye Donglai kept his head down, muttering to himself, what’s the deal? His sighing wasn’t exactly subtle, and the exaggerated motion of raising his cup for a drink was hard to miss—anyone who wasn’t blind should have noticed.
He waited for a while and still didn’t get a response, which left Ye Donglai feeling a bit anxious.
Could it be that they didn’t see it?
Although the possibility of them missing it was slim, what if they genuinely didn’t notice?
Just as Ye Donglai was about to try again.
A familiar voice broke the silence.
Lin Fan let out a heavy sigh, raised his cup, and drank alone, his expression irritated, concealing hidden concerns.
"Brother Lin, what troubles your mind? Feel free to share; your junior here would surely help alleviate your worries," Ye Donglai asked habitually. But as soon as the words left his mouth, he realized—why was he asking this? It should be the other way around; Lin Fan should’ve been asking him!
Lin Fan didn’t stand on ceremony. "Brother Ye, this matter is rather frustrating. You see, I’ve had some conflicts with Ye Zhen Tian—these conflicts can range from minor to major. But if I don’t deal with him, I just can’t feel at ease. Then again, you know my mother is the Supreme Elder. If I take action, it may come off as bullying."
"If you, junior brother, are willing to lend a hand, this would be resolved easily. Of course, if you feel it’s difficult, then just forget it."
Lin Fan’s demeanor and tone made it impossible to discern whether he was being deliberate or merely casual.
To Lin Fan, if you want to play shameless, I’m happy to join you in the game—it’ll be interesting to see who answers first.
Ye Donglai was utterly baffled by Lin Fan’s response. He genuinely froze for a moment, unable to react.
The very thing Ye Donglai had planned to say to Lin Fan—Lin Fan had now turned around and said it to him.
This left Ye Donglai wondering how to respond.
To the side, Nan Gongjin was privately amused. Brother Lin is certainly a step ahead; he’s seized the initiative. Now, let’s see how Ye Donglai responds.
He knew Ye Donglai’s banquet for Brother Lin wasn’t for anything good; it was definitely tied to some sort of scheme.
Now that Brother Lin had struck first, it left Ye Donglai in a passive position.
"Junior Brother Ye, is there a problem?" Lin Fan asked.
He knew this wouldn’t stump Ye Donglai; someone as brazen as him could twist the conversation back around with ease.
Ye Donglai replied, "Brother Lin, what could be the issue? In fact, the matter I wanted to discuss with you is also related to Ye Zhen Tian. Ye Zhen Tian’s arrogance is unchecked, and many disciples have suffered under his actions. Yet, it must be said—Ye Zhen Tian’s luck is truly remarkable."
"Recently, he discovered a Spirit Vein, and since then, his behavior has grown increasingly reckless, as if he doesn’t regard anyone at all."
"Thus, I wanted to join forces with Brother Lin to suppress Ye Zhen Tian together."
Ye Donglai originally intended for Lin Fan to go against Ye Zhen Tian, using Lin Fan as a tool. Even if Ye Zhen Tian were killed, no trouble would arise—after all, Lin Fan’s mother held her powerful position.
However, between True Disciples, internal conflicts that led to fatalities could still result in significant repercussions.
Lin Fan shook his head and said, "It’s not convenient for me to act personally. If I do, the consequences would be too big, and I can’t afford to embarrass my mother. Given my status and position, dealing with Ye Zhen Tian would be seen as bullying."
"While I don’t mind bullying others, it can’t be so blatant."
Ye Donglai had been feeling uncertain at first, but when Lin Fan said these words, his mood lifted instantly. Lin Fan seemed far simpler than he had imagined—really just a pretentious fool enjoying his brief triumph.
Pretending to be clever, but in truth, nothing but an idiot.
Ye Donglai spoke softly, "Brother Lin, since you don’t want to be overt, I have an idea that, if successful, would allow you to exact your revenge."
"Oh? What’s the idea?" Lin Fan asked, feigning surprise. Damn it, what sly scheme does this guy have? Might as well hear it out.
Ye Donglai whispered, "After discovering the Spirit Vein, Ye Zhen Tian has been forcefully recruiting disciples from smaller sects due to a lack of manpower. Though it’s said he provides Spirit Stones to those disciples, from what I’ve heard, almost everyone sent there ends up heavily damaged, with many dying outright."
"Taiwu Immortal Sect is a prestigious Immortal Dao Sect, and the Sect Leader takes the sect’s reputation very seriously. If he learns that Ye Zhen Tian is exploiting small-sect disciples to such an extent for mining, it’s certain he’d never let it slide."
"Although it’s an unspoken rule to use disciples from small sects for Spirit Vein mining, you’re different, Brother Lin."
"Your mother, as the one in charge of the Punishment Hall, just needs you to say a word to the Supreme Elder, and Ye Zhen Tian will be doomed. His Spirit Vein may even be confiscated, leaving him utterly devastated."
Lin Fan nodded—truly vile. Even he hadn’t considered such an approach.
But the key consideration here was that Ye Donglai truly loved using others as pawns. If Ye Zhen Tian were thoroughly destroyed, Ye Zhen Tian would only focus his vengeance on him, while Ye Donglai would stand aside, enjoying his reward.
Although Lin Fan was tempted to adopt this tactic.
He didn’t like being used as someone else’s tool.
If Ye Donglai’s ploy succeeded, it would infuriate him to no end.
"Brother Lin, this is an opportunity. If you say the word, success is certain. No one else can pull this off," Ye Donglai coaxed softly near Lin Fan’s ear.
How he desperately hoped Lin Fan would enthusiastically respond by clapping in agreement.
Lin Fan feigned reluctance and said, "This plan won’t work. You should go say it; I can back you up while you do. If I were the one proposing this, it could tarnish my image in my mother’s eyes. Considering my status, I should be caring for you juniors, not persecuting others—isn’t that right?"
Ye Donglai maintained a composed facade, but in his heart, he cursed Lin Fan to hell and back. He abhorred it when people posed pompously in front of him.
What status and position?
If it weren’t for the dumb luck you stumbled into, would anyone tolerate your arrogance?
"Brother Lin, this..." Ye Donglai was practically squirming in discomfort. His initial goal was for Lin Fan to take the lead against Ye Zhen Tian, leaving him unaffected. Now, Lin Fan was suggesting he handle it himself—pitting him against Ye Zhen Tian while Lin Fan stayed uninvolved.
He was unwilling and reluctant to accept this.
Nan Gongjin added, "Peak Master Ye, my brother’s reasoning makes a lot of sense. Perhaps if Peak Master Ye handles this, the outcome might even be better."
Ye Donglai glanced at Nan Gongjin, initially wanting to snap, "Mind your own business and eat your food." But he couldn’t behave that way, so instead, he forced a bitter smile and said, "Brother Nan Gong, you don’t understand—I’m facing difficulties myself."
Lin Fan looked at the time; it was getting late, and the rain outside had stopped.
"Alright, let’s wrap up here for today. Brother Ye, take some time to think it through—once you’ve made up your mind, come find me," Lin Fan said, standing up and cupping his fists. "Many thanks for the hospitality today, Brother Ye—it was satisfactory, quite nice."
Ye Donglai grew anxious and said, "Brother Lin, let’s talk more."
"No, no, my mother insists I rest early daily—you know how it is. She’s the one in charge of the Punishment Hall; disobedience results in punishment. Unlike you," Lin Fan replied coolly, adding another dose of pretense.
Ye Donglai took a deep breath.
Will it kill you to stop mentioning your mother?