Chapter 463: Chapter 275: Conspiracy (Part 2)

Wei Qianxing nodded in understanding. "I know this won’t be easy. But believe me, if we join forces, we are certain to succeed. No matter how strong Fang Yue is, he can’t withstand our combined power."

The Blood-Clad Master fell silent for a moment, appearing to consider Wei Qianxing’s words.

After a moment of silence, the Blood-Clad Master’s gaze swept across the faces of the other Shadow Association masters in the manor, as if seeking consensus or asking for their opinions.

The atmosphere in the manor grew so tense it was suffocating. Everyone knew, deep down, that this decision would shape the entire future of the Shadow Association.

Finally, the Blood-Clad Master spoke again, his voice tinged with resolve. "Your proposal, Wei, is something we will consider seriously. However, we must ensure this operation is foolproof; the consequences of failure would be unthinkable. But first, you must give us half the payment. Otherwise, I will have nothing to report to our Leader!"

Hearing this, Wei Qianxing felt a wave of relief.

He knew he had persuaded the masters of the Shadow Association. Now, he just needed to give them a little more time and confidence to finalize their cooperation.

Wei Qianxing raised a slight eyebrow. He understood this was a test from the Shadow Association masters—a test of his sincerity in this partnership.

He knew well that this was no time for hesitation or stinginess, lest all his previous efforts be for naught.

So, he agreed without hesitation. "Fine. I can give you half the payment upfront. However, I also expect you to honor your commitment and give your all in dealing with Fang Yue."

"You truly are straightforward, Wei!" the Blood-Clad Master exclaimed in praise. "Since you’ve shown such sincerity, we of the Shadow Association are not without honor. As long as our Leader agrees, we will cooperate with your actions."

"Excellent. In that case, I will take my leave." Wei Qianxing nodded and departed immediately.

「 」

After Wei Qianxing left, the Shadow Association masters in the manor were lost in thought.

They sat gathered under the dim lamplight, their faces cloaked in mysterious shadows that made it impossible to discern their true thoughts.

"Everyone, what are your thoughts on Wei Qianxing’s proposal?" the Blood-Clad Master was the first to break the silence, his voice still hoarse and low.

"That Wei Qianxing, he’s certainly playing his own game."

A man in black sneered. "He wants to use us to deal with Fang Yue. But the terms he offered are indeed tempting—one hundred thousand taels of Gold and enough weapons and armor to equip fifty thousand men. That’s no small sum."

"The Gold is one thing, but the weapons and armor are the real prize. With those, our Shadow Association can rapidly expand our forces, recruit more men, and prepare for our future ambitions," another master added.

"That may be, but we can’t let all this gold, weapons, and armor go to our heads,"

the Blood-Clad Master reminded them. "Fang Yue’s strength is not to be underestimated; dealing with him won’t be easy. And the Wei Family are no pushovers either. We must be wary of them turning on us once we’ve served our purpose."

"Indeed. The Shadow Association has no need to get caught in the struggle between the Wei Family and Fang Yue. However, if we can use this chance to weaken both sides while securing the Wei Family’s financial backing, it would be a rare opportunity for us," another master offered his opinion.

"Good. It’s settled then. We’ll kill Fang Yue, and we’ll kill the Wei Family’s people too!"

The manor once again fell into a heavy silence, as everyone weighed the pros and cons.

The Blood-Clad Master’s words had shattered the silence, leaving everyone in shock.

After all, this meant the Shadow Association would be making enemies of two powerful forces at once. The risks would undoubtedly increase exponentially.

"Is... is this really a good idea?" one of the Shadow Association masters said with some hesitation.

"Our current objective is to take Gongzhou Prefecture. If we make enemies of the Wei Family and Fang Yue at the same time, isn’t that too risky?"

"Risky? Hmph. In this world, what great reward comes without risk?"

The Blood-Clad Master snorted coldly. "Wei Qianxing has made us an offer we can’t refuse, and he knows our strength. As long as we succeed in dealing with Fang Yue, the Wei Family will be ripe for the taking. Then, all of Gongzhou Prefecture will be ours!"

Hearing the Blood-Clad Master’s words, the other masters of the Shadow Association were moved. They had joined the Shadow Association in pursuit of power and wealth.

And now, a golden opportunity lay before them. If they succeeded, they could ascend to the heavens in a single step.

The atmosphere in the manor began to turn feverish, with everyone filled with fighting spirit and confidence.

It was as if they could already see themselves standing at the apex of Gongzhou Prefecture.

"Alright! We’ll follow Brother Blood-Clad’s lead!" a master shouted, pumping his fist in the air.

"That’s right! Who has the Shadow Association ever feared? The Wei Family, Fang Yue—they’ll all just be stepping stones for us!" another master chimed in.

Seeing their reactions, the Blood-Clad Master nodded in satisfaction. He knew he had successfully ignited their fighting spirit and confidence.

Now, the arrow was nocked and could not be held back.

"Good! Since everyone agrees with my plan, let’s get started!"

the Blood-Clad Master declared loudly. "We’ll let the Wei Family and Fang Yue know that the Shadow Association is no pushover they can just toy with!"

At the Blood-Clad Master’s command, the Shadow Association masters in the manor sprang into action.

They began to discuss specific plans and operational steps, preparing to launch a fatal strike against both the Wei Family and Fang Yue.

Meanwhile, Wei Qianxing was still unaware that the Shadow Association had changed its mind. He was still waiting joyfully for their good news.

He had no idea, however, that a storm targeting him and the Wei Family was already gathering on the horizon.

「 」

Fang Yue sat upright in his study. The candlelight flickered, stretching his shadow long against the wall, making it look like a towering mountain peak.

His gaze was as deep as the ocean, as if it could see through all the falsehood and truth in the world.

’So, the Shadow Association’s rebellion has captured over a dozen county seats. They’ve amassed a Rebel Army of one hundred thousand and are now marching on the Prefecture City.’

Fang Yue sat upright in his study, the intelligence report in his hands rustling softly.

His eyes, sharp as a hawk’s, scanned the lines detailing the Shadow Association’s movements.

The candlelight danced across his resolute and unyielding face.

He took a deep breath, his mind clear. This battle would be of monumental significance to Gongzhou Prefecture, and perhaps to the entire Great Wei Dynasty.

Fang Yue had long expected the Shadow Association to make a big move, but he hadn’t thought they would act so quickly or on such a large scale.

’At the Rebel Army’s current pace, they’ll reach the walls of Gongzhou Prefecture City in less than three days!’

’And we only have twenty thousand defenders in the city. On top of that, the nearest imperial reinforcements won’t arrive for another ten days.’

Fang Yue’s brow furrowed slightly as he gently set the report down. He knew the current situation was extremely disadvantageous for Gongzhou Prefecture.

The Shadow Association’s Rebel Army was massive, while the city’s defending force was severely undermanned.

Worse still, the ten-day wait for imperial reinforcements gave the Shadow Association a perfect window of opportunity.

"So, Wei Family, Shadow Association, Blood Dragon Platform... I wonder when you’ll all decide to enter the city..."

Fang Yue’s murmur echoed in the empty study. His gaze seemed to pierce through the thick city walls, seeing the storm that was about to break.

He knew full well that the Wei Family, the Shadow Association, and even the Blood Dragon Platform were all stirring in the shadows, waiting for the opportune moment to launch a fatal strike against Gongzhou Prefecture.

And their confidence was built on one thing: the city’s insufficient defenses and the long delay before the arrival of imperial reinforcements.

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