Chapter 255: Planning

The Old Ancestor of the Yan family, hearing the scholar's crucial questions, nodded in approval and responded:

"Regarding the Blood Spirit technique, while our Yan family ancestors didn't bring it out, their notes highly praised it as the foremost demonic art in the 'Myriad Spirit True Scripture.' They believed that once mastered, it could dominate the Six Demonic Sects and was one of the most fearsome secret arts in existence. However, this method is exceedingly potent. To prevent a backlash, it requires joint cultivation by a male and a female. The practitioner's spiritual root aptitude is crucial for how deeply they can cultivate it. Without sufficient aptitude, one might only manage two or three layers, rendering it a weak and ineffective skill. Therefore, Ruyan's Heavenly Spiritual Root makes her the ideal dual cultivation partner they've always desired. Similarly, the Young Master of the Ghost Spirit Sect possesses the extremely rare Dark Spiritual Root, which is also perfect for cultivating the Blood Spirit. With their combined exceptional aptitudes, if they were to truly cultivate the Blood Spirit together, they would undoubtedly master this secret technique to a profound extent, making it conceivable for them to sweep across the Six Demonic Sects. This is why the Ghost Spirit Sect is so eager to win us over, even risking the disclosure of the Six Demonic Sects' impending invasion of Yue State. Their ultimate goal is for the Ghost Spirit Sect to dominate the entire Southern Heaven Region."

"As for how they learned about our Yan family's origins, that's easier to explain. Before our ancestor passed away, he once sent someone to contact the Ghost Spirit Sect. It's likely that from that point on, our Yan family drew their attention. They have probably been plotting Ruyan's involvement for a long time, only now seizing this opportune moment to use both persuasion and coercion to make our family agree." The Yan family's Old Ancestor offered a wry smile at this point, clearly feeling helpless about his ancestor's hasty decision to contact the Ghost Spirit Sect.

"While they did inform us of the Six Demonic Sects' imminent invasion, we had already sensed trouble regarding the fall of Jiang State and Cheqi State days ago. Our agents in those two countries, who should have routinely sent reports, have remained completely silent. It seems their account is likely true. As for how they easily conquered both nations, they claimed it was because several sects within those countries had been secretly bought off by the Six Demonic Sects beforehand. Thus, with a powerful surprise attack and internal betrayal, both nations were swiftly subdued. Currently, the Six Demonic Sects are likely eliminating any remaining unyielding cultivators in those territories and making final preparations before invading Yue State, as they did suffer some losses."

"And you can no longer rely on the Righteous Alliance of Fengdu State. Shortly before this meeting, I received news that the Righteous Alliance has also invaded and nearly conquered a neighboring mid-sized country. It appears these two major powers must have struck some secret deal to simultaneously launch such large-scale expansion."

The Yan family's Old Ancestor presented his points with clear logic, leaving the assembled group below utterly astonished and shocked.

"The Demonic and Righteous Dao simultaneously expanding their influence? Heh, if that's true, how interesting!" The scholar remarked with a smile after hearing the Old Ancestor's words, his tone thought-provoking.

"Xuan Ye, what exactly do you mean by that?" a pale-faced elder sitting opposite the scholar impatiently inquired.

"Second Uncle! It's nothing, just a minor theory of mine," the scholar replied, waving his hand dismissively. "It doesn't concern our Yan family at the moment. Let's focus on our current predicament."

"Hmph!" The elder, rebuffed, shot an annoyed glare at the scholar. However, in the presence of the Yan family's Old Ancestor, he could only grudgingly settle back into his seat.

"Oh! Well then, afterwards, perhaps you could share this 'little guess' of yours?" The Yan family's Old Ancestor, however, seemed quite interested.

"If Old Ancestor wishes to hear, Xuan Ye would certainly not conceal it," the scholar said respectfully, bowing slightly.

"Good! But let's focus on the immediate matter. This time, a wrong choice for our Yan family means one of two outcomes: either we become a mere tool for others, eventually swallowed up, or we offend them and face complete annihilation at the hands of the Six Demonic Sects." The red-haired elder's voice carried a hint of helplessness. After all, the Yan family's strength was simply too meager; even with their hidden power, the thought of outright confrontation was impossible.

"Indeed, Old Ancestor is right. The Yan family is truly caught between a rock and a hard place right now. Agreeing to their terms might lead to us being absorbed, but refusing them means facing an overwhelmingly powerful foe with endless repercussions." A thoughtful expression flickered in the scholar's eyes.

"However, my suggestion is still to accept their terms and join the Ghost Spirit Sect!" the scholar declared resolutely.

Then, without waiting for any objections from the Yan family members, he continued:

"Everyone has been preoccupied with the dire consequences of refusing their terms. But have we considered if we would gain enough from the Seven Sects if we don't agree? While the Seven Sects outwardly maintain good relations with us, they secretly fear our Yan family's continued growth, which could threaten their interests. This is precisely why they have been subtly suppressing us in various ways in recent years. Even if we refuse the Ghost Spirit Sect's terms or reveal the news of the demonic invasion to the Seven Sects, I doubt we'd gain anything substantial. The interests of Yue State have long been divided among the Seven Sects; why would they willingly give us a share? Furthermore, with all Six Demonic Sects invading Yue State simultaneously, even if the Seven Sects of Yue State bring in cultivators from other states to fight the demonic forces, I believe their chances of victory are not high. Our Yan family's path to survival lies in aligning with the victor. After all, even the most favorable promises made by the losing side will never be fulfilled."

"Conversely, in considering the Ghost Spirit Sect's demands, we shouldn't focus solely on the drawbacks; we must also recognize the potential benefits! Aside from the Deputy Sect Master position and the advantages Ruyan will gain from mastering the Blood Spirit technique, the Demonic Dao is currently in a golden age of expansion. By joining them, our Yan family would be able to openly develop its own influence. Of course, we must remain vigilant and ensure we are not simply used as cannon fodder, needlessly depleting our resources. Once our Yan family has grown strong enough to stand as their equal, they will naturally be unable to absorb us. In fact, if our strength were to surpass theirs, who's to say the Ghost Spirit Sect might not even bear the Yan surname then?"

The scholar spoke eloquently, laying out a grand vision for the future that invigorated many of those present.

Naturally, some of the more experienced members remained deeply concerned. After all, it seemed unlikely the Ghost Spirit Sect would be so benevolent as to genuinely allow the Yan family time to gradually grow stronger.

However, the scholar's subsequent words managed to put those concerns to rest.

"Of course, we cannot simply commit ourselves without any means of constraint. If they genuinely wish for our Yan family's submission, then let their Young Master and the two accompanying Core Formation cultivators exchange Life-Death Curses with Ruyan and our family's two uncles. This would ensure they cannot harm our Yan family for at least two or three hundred years, which is precisely the time we need to grow stronger. If the Ghost Spirit Sect is unwilling to pay even this small price, then we shouldn't entertain the thought of aligning with them at all. It would merely prove that everything they said was nothing more than a trap set for our Yan family." The scholar's proposed method to test their sincerity earned repeated nods of approval from the Yan family's Old Ancestor and everyone present, who found it exceedingly reliable.

"Ruyan, Yan Wen, Yan Qi! Go to the reception hall and sign the Life-Death Curse with the Ghost Spirit Sect guests. If they refuse, immediately activate the grand formation in the hall and trap them here until they perish." The Yan family's Old Ancestor closed his eyes for a moment in thought before opening them and giving his command.

"As you command, Old Ancestor!"

The stunning young woman by the Yan family's Old Ancestor's side smiled sweetly, then gracefully stepped forward to accept the command, accompanied by two other middle-aged men.

"Ruyan, be careful. If things go awry, prioritize your escape. I will arrange for others to meet you outside!" The Yan family's Old Ancestor, evidently doting immensely on the young woman, had a face full of concern.

"Don't worry, Old Ancestor! I have the Violet Cloud Flag for protection; I'm confident in my escape," the young woman reassuringly replied before exiting the grand hall with the two middle-aged men.

The red-haired elder, watching his most beloved great-granddaughter depart, still felt a pang of worry. Without hesitation, he issued a series of commands, creating an inescapable trap around the reception hall to ensure Yan Ruyan's support and prevent the guests from breaking through the formation and escaping.

For a period, a tense silence settled over the council hall as everyone anxiously awaited news from Yan Ruyan and the two others.

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a sound transmission talisman suddenly flew into the council hall and directly into the Yan family's Old Ancestor's hand. He gently crushed the talisman, and Yan Ruyan's clear voice emerged.

"Old Ancestor, it's done. As soon as my two senior uncles and I made the request, they agreed. The Life-Death Curse was also cast very smoothly. I am now accompanying them towards the main hall, as they said they have more to discuss with you. Please prepare yourself."

The Yan family's Old Ancestor and the others all exhaled a sigh of relief upon learning the Life-Death Curse was complete. However, when they then heard that the guests intended to come to the council hall, everyone present was momentarily stunned.

"Everyone else, disperse immediately! Only Xuan Ye needs to remain with me here!" The Yan family's Old Ancestor pondered briefly before giving his decisive command.

Immediately, the many elders and stewards in the hall promptly obeyed and dispersed.