Chapter 93: Wang Li’s Plan For Mao Caiwei
Wang Li nodded once, his lips curling into a knowing smirk.
“Furthermore,” he added, “information I received from Su Yuerong, an Inner Disciple at the Azure Peak Sect, paints a disturbing picture. Apparently, only the most talented and gifted individuals among the former Stone Mountain Sect disciples were chosen by the main branch elders. The rest were scattered amongst the smaller branches of the Azure Peak Sect.”
He paused for a dramatic effect, his eyes twinkling with a dangerous glint. “But here’s the suspicious part. Su Yuerong noticed many beautiful women, despite lacking the required talent or cultivation base, managed to be chosen by the main branch. All because Ye Fan vouched for them,” Wang Li concluded, his voice dripping with a chilling implication. “And apparently, Ye Fan is seen with many of these women on a regular basis.”
A slow smile spread across Xia Bingling’s face, her eyes gleaming with realization. “Excellent! Mao Caiwei can easily confirm this with her former comrades from the Stone Mountain Sect now residing in the Azure Peak Sect. Surely, she has friends among those ‘chosen’ women who lack talent or cultivation. This will strengthen our case considerably.”
Wang Li nodded, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. “Precisely, Madam Xia. With this information, coupled with the suspicious timing of Ye Fan’s arrival and the convenient elimination of the Stone Mountain Sect’s leadership, we can weave a compelling narrative that will sow seeds of doubt in Mao Caiwei’s mind.”
The plan settled, a comfortable silence descended upon the room.
The following days unfolded in a carefully orchestrated dance. Wang Li, Xia Qingwu, and even Wang Xiangyi, each recounted their encounters with Ye Fan, painting a picture of a cunning manipulator who dabbled in demonic techniques. They spoke of his arrogance, his ruthless ambition and desires, and the unsettling aura that clung to him like a shroud.
Mao Caiwei listened intently, her heart a battleground of conflicting emotions.
The stories resonated with the inconsistencies she had observed during Ye Fan’s stay at the Stone Mountain Sect.
The convenient timing of his arrival, the escalating attacks that conveniently eliminated leadership figures… it all began to paint a different picture.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon casting long shadows across the room, Wang Li along with Xia Qingwu led Mao Caiwei to a secluded chamber. The air crackled with a sense of anticipation.
“Mao Caiwei,” he began, his voice sincere, “The events at the Stone Mountain Sect… they weigh heavily on you, I can sense it.”
Mao Caiwei nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. “I don’t understand. Why would the demon attack us? Why would it kill Sect Leader Huang and the elders?”
Wang Li stepped forward, his hand outstretched. “Because there was no demon, Mao Caiwei. It was Ye Fan. He orchestrated the entire charade.”
He then proceeded to unveil his meticulously constructed theory, a narrative that painted Ye Fan as the mastermind and the demon itself. He spoke of Ye Fan wielding demonic techniques to eliminate troublesome elders, disciples, and even the esteemed Sect Leader Huang. Each word was a calculated piece of the puzzle, pointing to Ye Fan’s convenient arrival, the suspicious deaths, and the ultimate benefit the Azure Peak Sect gained from the chaos.
Mao Caiwei’s breath caught in her throat. The pieces began to fall into place, forming a picture far more sinister than she ever dared to imagine.
“But… why?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Why would Ye Fan do such a thing?”
“Perhaps,” Wang Li stated, his voice firm, “he sought to bolster the Azure Peak Sect while simultaneously gaining favor with the beautiful women of your sect. After all, eliminating the leading figures of the Stone Mountain Sect would certainly pave the way for him to achieve both goals. And don’t underestimate his capabilities. I have fought him myself when he was wielding demonic techniques, so I know what he’s capable of.”
He paused for a moment, then offered a proposition. “To prove my sincerity and dispel any doubts you may harbor,” he declared, “I am willing to enter a Soul Contract with you. This contract will bind me and ensure that I have never and will never collaborate with demonic forces.”
The concept of a Soul Contract held immense power. It was a binding oath, etched into the very essence of one’s being. If Wang Li were to break the contract, he would face severe repercussions, even death.
Mao Caiwei stared at him, her mind in turmoil. Could she trust him?
Wang Li held her gaze, his expression resolute. “The choice is yours, Mao Caiwei. But know this – the truth deserves to be revealed. Justice demands it.”
The weight of the decision settled upon Mao Caiwei’s shoulders. She looked at Wang Li, then at Xia Qingwu, who stood beside him, her face etched with concern. A flicker of something akin to hope ignited within her. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was a chance to unravel the truth, to find solace amidst the ashes of her former life.
Taking a deep breath, she met Wang Li’s gaze, her voice firm despite the tremor that ran through her. “I… I accept the Soul Contract.”
A satisfied smile spread across Wang Li’s face. He clasped her hand, and together they initiated the complex ritual that bound him to the oath. As the final words were uttered, a blinding light filled the room, then faded, leaving behind an undeniable sense of finality.
Exhausted but resolute, Mao Caiwei emerged from the chamber alongside Wang Li. A newfound sense of purpose flickered in her eyes. She would help them expose Ye Fan, whatever the cost.
The following hours were dedicated to meticulous strategizing. Wang Li, his brow furrowed in concentration, outlined a course of action. “We need to gather evidence,” he declared, his voice laced with a steely determination. “Mao Caiwei, can you discreetly contact some of your former sect sisters who are now residing at the Azure Peak Sect?”
Mao Caiwei’s mind raced, sifting through the remnants of her memories. Relief washed over her as she recalled a handful of close companions who would likely lend her an ear. “Yes,” she nodded, her voice gaining strength. “There are a few… friends I can trust.”
Wang Li’s expression brightened. “Excellent. Reassure them that they are not alone,” he instructed, his voice softening with empathy. “Tell them you are working to expose Ye Fan and the truth behind the Stone Mountain Sect’s demise.”
He paused, a glint of cunning flashing in his eyes. “Additionally, reveal that you have joined the Jade Lotus Palace as an outer sect disciple. This will establish your legitimacy and ease their doubts.”
Xia Qingwu leaned forward, her voice laced with a sharp edge. “And there’s more,” she interjected. ” Tell each of your friends to be vigilant. Encourage them to carry activated Vision Recording Stones at all times, particularly when interacting with Ye Fan.”
Mao Caiwei’s eyes widened in understanding. A Vision Recording Stone, a jade imbued with a special enchantment, could capture not only visual details but also sound and even traces of spiritual energy. If Ye Fan truly harbored malicious intentions, it was inevitable that he would slip up, revealing his true nature. Capturing such a moment on a Vision Recording Stone would be irrefutable proof.
“Brilliant!” exclaimed Wang Li, a wide grin spreading across his face. “With such evidence in hand, we can expose Ye Fan’s duplicity for all to see. The entire cultivation world will know the truth of his demonic ways and his manipulation of the Stone Mountain Sect tragedy.”
A spark of determination ignited in Mao Caiwei’s eyes. She would use her connections within the Azure Peak Sect, her status as an outer sect disciple of the Jade Lotus Palace, and the power of the Vision Recording Stones to unveil his treachery. Justice for the fallen members of the Stone Mountain Sect, for Sect Leader Huang and all the innocent lives lost, would be served.
“I understand,” Mao Caiwei affirmed, her voice resolute. “I will go to the Azure Peak Sect under the guise of visiting my former sect sisters. I will discreetly contact them, relay your message, and encourage them to use the Vision Recording Stones.” She paused, her brow furrowing slightly. “But how do I acquire these stones? They are quite valuable, especially for someone like me who is only an outer sect disciple of the Jade Lotus Palace sect.”
Wang Li patted a pouch hanging from his waist. “Consider it taken care of, Mao Caiwei,” he said with a reassuring smile. “We have procured a few Vision Recording Stones for this task.”
The weight of the stones felt heavy in Mao Caiwei’s hand, a tangible reminder of the responsibility she now bore. Each smooth, jade disc held the potential to expose the truth about Ye Fan.
With a final bow of gratitude to Wang Li and Xia Qingwu, she turned and headed towards her assigned room within the Xia Family Manor.
The next morning, a crispness filled the air as dawn painted the eastern horizon with hues of orange and pink.
Mao Caiwei, clad in the simple robes of an outer sect disciple of the Jade Lotus Palace, stood ready for departure.
Joining her was Liu Xue, a striking young woman with eyes that sparkled with intelligence and a hint of mischief. Her presence, as a Core Disciple of the Jade Lotus Palace, served two crucial purposes.
