Chapter 132: Conspiracy

Ye Zheng spent the entire night atop the mountain, deep in thought. Next, Gu Mojiang would probably be quietly contacting the various families. Since that was the case, he decided to give him some time to prepare properly. Meanwhile, Ye Zheng went to the Chu family to visit the little ones.

With free time on his hands, chatting aimlessly with them was less fulfilling than doing something that brought him joy. Accompanying the children was an excellent choice. If possible, he wanted to take them to Tianming for a while; the air was fresh, the environment pleasant—perfect for the kids to play.

“Qingxiu, I’ll be away for a while. You must stay well in the water and be careful not to be caught and tested,” Ye Zheng said gently, smiling warmly as he looked at the grass carp in the river.

At first, he had thought to roast the fish for a meal, but then he considered that it was a living being and let it go. Whenever bored, he would come here to visit, occasionally bringing food and even quietly channeling some spiritual energy to the fish.

“Sigh, I’m going to see my beloved little ones now. I hope that when I return, you will have taken human form!” He tossed a handful of food into the water and then began his descent down the mountain.

From now on, he would be coming down more often. He wondered if there would be a chance to bring the children to see where he lived, or even to live alongside them here.

“Fang He, don’t follow me. Have you finished all your tasks? You’re not some shadow to trail me around all the time.” If he truly had nothing to do, he could return to Duan Tianya to check on Fang Hua and the others.

Although no one had died in that incident, several cities were completely destroyed, and the Yu family had lost everything. Not only that, the Yu family had fallen from a lofty height to the depths of disgrace within the Three Realms; everyone looked down on them.

They were mocked, ridiculed, and spat upon!

Those who had once been close to them now added insult to injury, each calling others to witness the Yu family's downfall. To those people, the Yu family was no different from the beggars at the city walls.

Everyone felt free to bully and scorn them. They had once flattered the Yu family, but now they trampled and oppressed them.

These opportunistic scoundrels would regret their deeds someday. The Yu family would rise again.

As long as Ye Zheng was alive, Yu Liu Hui would stand tall before those fools and trample them underfoot once more.

***

Before leaving, Ye Zheng asked Fang He to cast a divination—it foretold ill fortune.

Never mind; knowing the outcome, why torment oneself?

Gu Mojiang was likely gathering many talented individuals from the great families of the Gu clan, deliberating how to rebel and dethrone their master.

“I’ve searched his study. He has a restriction; he must not kill, or he will be doomed by rebellion,” Gu Mojiang told the crowd with certainty, even producing records he had taken from Ye Zheng’s study.

Those who had been skeptical fell silent, their eyes fixed tightly on the records in Gu Mojiang’s hand.

If possible, they would welcome the control point being held by someone from the Gu family.

This man was full of cunning and cleverness but lacked great power, meaning any of them could potentially become the ruler of the control point.

The very thought excited them. Their eyes gleamed as they stared at Gu Mojiang’s hand, eager to see the contents.

If this plan was confirmed, they would give it their all to bring matters to a swift conclusion and see who the spoils would favor.

“I assure you, everything is true. All that’s left is for you all to lend a hand,” Gu Mojiang said, his sly gaze now concealed behind an earnest expression.

Such manipulations, exploiting others, were the hallmark of the Gu family.

Whether it was their ancestors or Gu Mojiang himself, this skill seemed hereditary—everyone excelled at it.

“Young Master Gu, consider it settled. The Chi family will contribute!” The brash illegitimate son of the Chi family had long since secured his footing there.

“The Wu family will also participate. As for personnel, we must carefully screen them when we return. You can rest assured, Young Master Gu,” said a Wu family disciple from a collateral branch. Since they lacked decision-making power, they needed to consult further.

“We agree as well. The list will be sent to you in a few days, Young Master Gu. Thank you for your efforts,” the remaining families expressed their consent, saluting Gu Mojiang before departing.

The Chi family’s illegitimate son and the Wu family’s representative left one after another. Seeing everyone’s agreement, a wild smile crept onto Gu Mojiang’s lips.

Master, what does it matter anymore?

***

The controller of the control point had far more wealth than Ye Zheng’s disciples.

There was a vast difference between being the disciple of the controller and being the controller directly.

“Mojiang, can we really rely on this? Are you certain this will work?” The head of the Gu family and the elder both felt something was off.

Ye Zheng was a terrifying existence. Were they really going to gamble everything on a rumor of uncertain truth?

What if Ye Zheng had deliberately spread false information, trapping them like fish in a barrel? Such an outcome was not impossible.

And if the news was true, could they truly stand against Ye Zheng?

Even if he avoided killing, he could severely injure them all. Would rebellion be feasible then?

No matter the scenario, their chances of victory were slim. Could this plan really succeed?

“Grandfather, rest assured. Not only is he forbidden to kill, but his cultivation will be suppressed outside Wumei Mountain. At that time, his power won’t surpass yours by much,” Gu Mojiang said firmly, unwilling to hear further doubts.

He sneered inwardly at his grandfather’s concerns. “Grandfather, I am one hundred percent sure. What I’ve done recently is to divert their attention.”

His tone was respectful, but his lowered eyes brimmed with disdain.

Such a rare opportunity—if he didn’t act now, would he just watch it slip away?

Great achievers do not fuss over trivialities or hesitate.

He glanced at the record book in his hand, passed it to his father, and then walked out without looking back.

He had other matters to attend to and could not waste time entertaining their doubts.

Since he had seized the opportunity presented by Ye Zheng, he would prepare thoroughly to claim all he desired—by any means necessary!