Looking at Flal’s aggrieved expression after being reprimanded, K sighed with a trace of reluctance in his heart and said, "I know your grievances with Pei Yan originated from fighting for our realm’s interests, and I also know I have wronged you regarding Moira. I haven’t forgotten these and will give you the compensation you deserve."
Then he shifted his tone and looked outside at Pei Yan by the competition grounds, saying sternly, "But rember not to trouble Pei Yan again in the future! You are no longer his match!"
At this point, K raised his hand to stop Flal from trying to argue, and continued, "Pei Yan, he is now stronger and mightier than you, perhaps the most outstanding presence in this competition! But what use is it? I have seen countless people like him throughout history, people hailed as prodigies and genius, only to shine brightly and fall rapidly like teors across the night sky. Those who truly live to beco the sect leader and hold a domain are often those not considered the most extraordinary among their peers. I learned a term in Pei Yan’s hotown: ’The tall tree in the forest is the first broken by the wind,’ do you understand?"
As K said this, he turned to Flamir with a cold smile and said, "This competition might very well trigger a war; the conflict may be large or small, but once fighting starts, people like Pei Yan are sure to lead the charge. Isn’t it good to have such people relieve us of our worries and pressure? And would it be strange if they unfortunately die in fierce combat?"
"Teacher, I understand." By now Flal understood his teacher’s intent, or else his mind truly would have been beaten into foolishness.
K saw his disciple’s mindset restored and confidence regained and nodded satisfactorily, then asked, "Have the news from the Foundation Plane been sent out? How did they react?"
"It’s been sent out. They weren’t surprised, seeming to have obtained the information from elsewhere and didn’t give a clear response. But judging from various clues, they are preparing a rescue operation." At this point, Flal looked up at the teacher and asked, "Teacher, should we send soone to assist?"
"No need. Sending the ssage to his family is the last bit of sentint I owe as a teacher, huh!" K snorted disdainfully, adding, "Information obtained elsewhere? It’s all from his new master. Since he’s valued so much, let them handle it; we won’t get involved. If our identity is exposed and held against us, it would be unwise. Right now, just watch and wait."
Flal respectfully agreed and was about to turn and leave to give orders when K called him back, reminding him, "The Demon God is very dissatisfied with our past actions and has not supported in recent supre battles, leaving passive! We must quickly restore relations with the Hell Plane; in the possible upcoming battles, we’ll increase support for Hell, and the marriage alliance with the Demon Race has been finalized. Prepare yourself; after the competition, you’ll marry your bride."
Hearing the word "alliance," the muscles on Flal’s face twitched, but he restrained his discontent and bowed to his teacher, agreeing, "As you wish, my teacher."
In the other most-watched party’s private room, the Candle Dragon was similarly watching Pei Yan outside the venue while listening to intelligence read by Mu Fanchen behind him. When the last word was read, the Candle Dragon’s fingers tapping the window fra stopped abruptly. He released a corner of the curtain and smiled bitterly, "So now no one can stand against Pei Yan?"
"Yes, at least according to the intelligence I’ve gathered," Mu Fanchen closed the folder and shrugged helplessly.
"Then inform others to proceed according to plan," the Candle Dragon said as he returned to his chair firmly and continued, "Have they decided to act today?"
"Yes, initiating a sudden attack as the competition ends, catching the Investigation Hall off guard," Mu Fanchen replied.
"What do you think of this?" The Candle Dragon picked up a tea cup, took a sip, and continued to ask.
"A trap!" Mu Fanchen said without hesitation.
"Oh? Why?" The breath from the Candle Dragon lightly skimd the steaming tea surface; he was not surprised but still asked.
"It’s too obvious. If we alone received the intelligence, it might be negligence by the Investigation Hall, but when multiple factions receive it, Gu Shenghui wouldn’t make such stupid mistakes unless it was deliberately leaked," Mu Fanchen smiled slightly, "Their true intention is to clear spies possibly infiltrated by the Investigation Hall during its expansion. They’ve succeeded in this; I’m afraid our carefully inserted agents are now thoroughly exposed! It’s so hard to find a smart person these days; this trap seems to be a catch-all. If soone falls into it, great; otherwise, they lose nothing. Sir, shouldn’t we dispatch soone to warn them?"
"Why warn? We’ve fulfilled our ally duty by relaying the intelligence and even diverted manpower to assist, which will likely die with them in this trap. We’ve done our utmost, what more to say? Since they enjoy navigating many fronts and overestimate their own power, let them suffer a setback! A disobedient dog needs a beating; it’s better to use others’ hands to beat them. Pain teaches them their worth and the importance of their master."
As the Candle Dragon said this, he drank so tea, frowned, and set down the bowl, saying, "Ah, I’ve tried for so many years but still can’t get used to this stuff." He wiped his mouth corner with a silk handkerchief, flung it casually to fortify the already sound-proof room, and said, "Fanchen, compared to this petty matter, our own affairs are most important. How are the plans progressing?"
"Everything is proceeding smoothly. Thanks to this sword competition, everyone’s focus is on the match, reducing surveillance intensity across various planes significantly, accelerating our plan’s progress. I estimate after this competition, within a year, we can fully implent it."
"Another year? We’ve taken such risks, and now we have to wait so long?" The Candle Dragon was clearly displeased with the tiline Mu Fanchen provided and frowned.
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