"But the Chen clan has the support of the Zhou clan. If our clan were to take action, wouldn’t that be openly defying them?"
At the mention of the Zhou clan, the gathered clan members fell into silence. The power of the Zhou clan was not something they could oppose. Even a minor vassal clan under their command still carried the Zhou clan's dignity.
Many of them showed clear reluctance. For a moment, even Shi Yan Hong was at a loss. Just then, Shi Potian shook his head and spoke.
All eyes turned to him, surprised.
Unfazed by the attention, Shi Potian continued, calm and steady.
"Why did the Chen clan gain the Zhou clan’s favor? Because of the Blood Rice, right? Without the Blood Rice, there’s no real connection between them.
"So are we targeting the Chen clan just to steal their Blood Rice?"
"No. Since this isn’t about seizing the Blood Rice, it doesn’t harm the Zhou clan’s interests. In their eyes, this is a trifling matter. Even if they find out, they probably won’t care. Besides, our people can act under disguise. As long as the Chen clan can’t prove anything, how can they say it was our Shilin clan?"
The logic struck home. Many clan members nodded in sudden understanding.
Indeed, the only link between the Chen and Zhou clans was the Blood Rice. This time, they weren’t making a move for it. And the Zhou clan had countless vassals—why would they risk their standing for one small incident?
They could act without fear of reprisal.
"Clan Chief, Potian is absolutely right!" someone declared.
Excitement spread. Some could barely contain themselves.
Above, Shi Yan Hong let out a quiet sigh.
"Even so, there’s no such thing as a secret that doesn’t leak. If word gets out and the Zhou clan comes for us, how will we handle it?
"Our clan is large and prosperous now—we can’t afford that kind of risk. Besides, each time the Zhou clan comes to collect the Blood Rice, the one leading the charge is Zhou Honglang.
"He isn’t a big name, but his maternal uncle is Zhou Huai’an. According to our reports from Yunmeng City, the Zhou clan is currently in the middle of choosing a new clan chief.
“Zhou Huai’an, a Martial Expert in the Qi Realm, is one of the candidates—and a strong one at that. At a time , we must be extra cautious. We cannot be careless."
The news surprised many. They hadn’t known. If Zhou Huai’an truly became the next head of the Zhou clan, the Shilin clan would need to tread carefully. A new leader often made an example out of someone—Shi Yan Hong could not allow their clan to become that example.
Shi Potian stepped forward again.
"Exactly because the Zhou clan is now busy with the election, we should move quickly. If we wait until things stabilize and they station people at the Chen clan estate, we’ll have missed our chance.
"Right now, they don’t have the attention to spare. If we eliminate the Chen clan in one strike, it can serve as a test. If the Zhou clan does not respond, we can push forward and wipe them out completely—seize the Blood Rice.
"Once we control the Blood Rice, the new clan chief will likely already be in place. At that point, we can present our tribute. If the Chen clan offered five, we offer six. If they gave six, we’ll give seven. Would the Zhou clan really reject greater profit?"
The hall quieted again, this time with deep thought. Even Shi Yan Hong looked contemplative.
"This plan... may work," he finally admitted.
"Potian’s reasoning is sound."
Heads nodded all around. No one spoke in opposition now.
Seeing their approval, Shi Potian eased a little. With the elders' support, his plan was unlikely to face much resistance.
Still, the chief’s hesitation gnawed at him.
During the clan’s early days, such caution had been necessary. But now that the Shilin Clan had found its footing, he believed bold moves were essential to break through the stagnation and rise further. This moment was the perfect opportunity. They had already let too many pass them by.
They couldn’t afford to miss this one.
If only I had the talent... He clenched his jaw. If he had broken into the Innate Realm, the position of clan chief might already be his.
After a long pause, the clan chief finally spoke.
“Potian makes a fair point. But the Zhou clan’s influence runs deep. For now, the clan must consider the broader picture.”
He tapped his fingers on the armrest, then continued.
“Let’s do this. We’ll send the Mei Shan brothers. If the Zhou clan investigates, it won’t trace back to us.”
“Chief, you are wise.”
“This is the more prudent course.”
The clan members nodded in unison.
Shi Potian offered no further comment. He knew the two men well—infamous in the region as the “Two Evils of Mei Shan.”
Both were Innate Realm cultivators. Their strength was genuine, and they survived by preying on merchants and travelers who passed through Mei Shan. Their names were reviled, but they still lived comfortably under the silent protection of the Shi clan.
The Chen clan had sent many martial artists to Mei Shan, but the strongest among them were only at the late stage of the Blood Coagulation Realm. If the Mei Shan brothers struck, success was virtually guaranteed.
This trial would reveal everything. If the Chen clan didn’t turn to the Zhou clan for help, then the clan chief would have no more reason to hesitate.
On a misty slope along Mei Shan’s mountainside, a black-robed figure stood in the shade of an old pine. His face was veiled, his voice slow and even.
“If you complete this task well, the two of you may earn the right to become honorary elders of the Shi clan.”
Before him stood two men of similar build. At first glance, they looked no older than thirty, but their eyes betrayed their years. Ascending to the Innate Realm had extended their lives, leaving their bodies youthful while their minds grew sharper.
One of them, the elder of the two, bore a jagged scar slashing through his eyebrow. It lent his already fierce face a permanent edge of menace.
Hearing the veiled figure’s words, both men bowed respectfully.
“To ensure your safety, I prayed to the clan totem for divine protection. Here—receive its blessing.”
He flicked a stone no larger than an egg toward them.
But neither took it lightly. The scarred man reached out with both hands, cradling the stone with care. His expression grew solemn.
The figure gave a slight nod.
“Once the deed is done, use the Wind Spirit Bird to send word. And remember—leave no survivors.”
With those final words, he turned and vanished into the mist.
The younger of the two brothers let out a breath and grinned.
“Brother, let’s move. That cargo is worth thirty thousand jade coins! All ours—and we’ll be named elders of the Shi clan!”
Excitement lit his face, his handsome features animated with greed.