"Since that's the case, let's not mention this matter for now. As for Zuoqiu Qingyun, he had a rough youth and became arrogant after a fortuitous encounter," Celestial Maiden Tianyan said solemnly. "Moreover, he has recently been promoted from a core disciple to a personal disciple at Qing'an Academy, under the tutelage of the powerful Yaoguang Master."
"Coming from a fourth-grade clan with a direct ancestor in the Zifu Realm and a Zifu Realm mentor at the academy," Wang Shouzhe nodded, "he indeed has the capital to be arrogant, but that doesn't mean he can do whatever he wants."
"Exactly, the academy has its rules, and the clans have their ways of survival. However, Master Wang, have you heard of an organization called 'Tianque'?" Celestial Maiden Tianyan asked with a serious expression.
"'Tianque'? Never heard of it, but the name sounds more formidable than the likes of the Flood Dragon Gang," Wang Shouzhe shook his head, though he grew more cautious inside.
"It's normal not to have heard of it. 'Tianque' has been established for less than a century and has always acted discreetly, but its foundation and strength are formidable," Tianyan whispered. "As far as I know, people from Tianque have secretly contacted Zuoqiu Qingyun, hoping to recruit him. Although he hesitated, this time he secretly commissioned Tianque to do something... and I happened to learn about it."
"Interesting," Wang Shouzhe chuckled, "it seems Senior Tianyan holds a significant position in Tianque."
"Not that high, just some opportunistic moves for unavoidable matters," Celestial Maiden Tianyan smiled lightly. "Zuoqiu Qingyun doesn't know that Young Master Shouzhe is also a target Tianque seeks to win over. After my mediation, Tianque declined Zuoqiu Qingyun's request."
"So, I owe Tianque a favor?" Wang Shouzhe frowned slightly.
"Having delivered my message, I'll take my leave," she bowed slightly to Wang Shouzhe and Ancestor Long Yan before gracefully departing.
Ancestor Long Yan's eyes turned serious. "Shouzhe, could this be a trap?"
Wang Shouzhe held the fragrant paper, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Not likely a trap. Judging from Tianyan's words and the situation, Tianque is openly trying to drag us into the fray. If we act against Zuoqiu Qingyun, we'll be colluding with Tianyan, which is exactly what she wants."
"Tianyan is a cunning woman; mutual blackmail is never a good thing," Ancestor Long Yan frowned. "Perhaps we should abandon dealing with Zuoqiu Qingyun to avoid falling into Tianyan's scheme."
"That's not an option either. First, the tree wants to be still, but the wind won't stop. If Zuoqiu Qingyun has already developed evil intentions, there will be a second time. If Tianque fails, they might find another way," Wang Shouzhe's eyes flashed with a cold light. "You can't guard against a thief forever."
"Second, since Tianyan has decided to sell out Zuoqiu Qingyun, she won't do it halfway. Judging by her character, she won't leave things unfinished," Wang Shouzhe said. "Even if we don't act tonight, Zuoqiu Qingyun is unlikely to escape this calamity. Once the truth is exposed, will the Zuoqiu Clan believe we're innocent?"
"Neither option works," Ancestor Long Yan's beautiful eyes flashed with anger. "Are we just going to let Tianyan manipulate us? Perhaps I should take action and eliminate those demons and monsters."
"Don't be hasty, Ancestor," Wang Shouzhe remained calm. "We can't afford to offend Tianque right now. However, as long as we haven't clearly taken sides, Tianque won't want to offend us without reason."
"From the current situation, there are two factions emerging in the Imperial Heir Struggle. One includes Long Wuji and possibly Cao Youqing, while the other includes Tianque and Celestial Maiden Tianyan. Behind them are the two Quasi-Imperial Heirs."
"Since Tianque has contacted Zuoqiu Qingyun, is it possible the other faction has also tried to recruit him?"
"Now that Zuoqiu Qingyun is 'entangled' with Celestial Maiden Tianyan, is it possible he's been bought by Tianque and decided to join their faction? If I were a competitor, wouldn't I think of destroying him if I couldn't have him?"
"Shouzhe, you mean..." Ancestor Long Yan raised an eyebrow. "You're planning to frame Long Wuji's faction?"
"Saintly Land prodigy Cao Youqing is known for her fiery temper and loyalty. Eliminating a rival for her Quasi-Imperial Heir is reasonable," Wang Shouzhe's eyes gleamed with a smile. "Since that Celestial Maiden has been hiding in the shadows, let's keep her busy for a while. At the very least, we can muddy the waters."
"And since Tianyan wants to bind our Wang Clan with her schemes, we can't let her benefit so easily."
Ancestor Long Yan pondered for a moment. "Shouzhe, it's a good plan, but I've only fought Cao Youqing once. It might be hard to perfectly mimic her techniques, especially her Purple Sky Thunder Sword Intent. I can only imitate a bit of its essence, which might not be convincing."
"Ancestor, Cao Youqing is a Saintly Land prodigy. If she were to kill, would she dare reveal her true identity?" Wang Shouzhe chuckled. "If I were Cao Youqing, I would hide my identity and sword intent as much as possible. Only under pressure would I inadvertently reveal some traces, making it more believable. There's no need for you to fully display the Purple Sky Thunder Sword Intent."
"..." Ancestor Long Yan was speechless, feeling a bit of sympathy for Cao Youqing. How did she end up provoking Shouzhe?
Thinking of the fate of Wang Clan's previous enemies, Cao Youqing would surely regret her actions. And that Celestial Maiden Tianyan wouldn't have a good end either.
Wang Shihai was finally allowed in, looking regretful. "Fourth Uncle, why did Celestial Maiden Tianyan leave so soon?"
"Shihai, you came just in time," Wang Shouzhe patted his shoulder. "There's an important task for you, the little troublemaker, involving some of your scoundrel friends." Then, he whispered a few words.
Wang Shihai looked furious. "Zuoqiu Qingyun dared to threaten Celestial Maiden Tianyan for a private meeting?"