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Chapter 28: "The Pruning Operation"
Chapter 28: "The Pruning Operation"
To ensure the mission's success, the mysterious benefactor had even arranged an operational guide for Li Sibao and promised him a Yellow-Tier spell in advance.
The first step of the mission was to gradually accumulate conflicts with Xiao Chen by deliberately opposing him, creating plausible reasons for an eventual confrontation.
The second step required using this fabricated conflict as pretext to feign drunkenness and ambush Xiao Chen when he was alone.
The contact's official explanation to Li Sibao was simple dislike for Xiao Chen and a desire to teach him a lesson. The true purpose, however, was far more sinister - to test Xiao Chen's actual strength and determine whether he warranted the "Pruning Operation."
This "Pruning Operation" was a specialized elimination plan targeting outer sect disciples of the Lihuo Sect who lacked influential family backgrounds yet showed significant cultivation potential.
Li Sibao had no idea he'd already stepped onto a path of no return. His mind now fixated on creating the perfect conflict with Xiao Chen to complete the first phase. To make the subsequent attack seem unremarkable, this initial stage needed flawless execution.
Though Li Sibao had spent years looking for reasons to bully others and fantasizing about crushing rivals beneath his feet, the moment of truth found him hesitating. Every plan he devised felt too contrived.
While he pondered, the group arrived at the grand red-carpeted plaza atop the Sect's Main Peak, where crimson lanterns swayed overhead. The Three Sects Joint Competition - a grand spirit beast tournament hosted by the Lihuo Sect, Cangyan Sect, and Sihai Sect - had crowned its champion: the pinnacle of Li Zhou's younger generation in spirit beast mastery.
The top ten competitors represented the future of the entire region's spirit beast cultivators. In thirty years, these rising stars would become pillars of their sects.
The Song family had cause for celebration - not only did they claim two top ten spots, but Song Zhongming's Foundation-Building sixth layer cultivation had secured tenth place, bringing immense prestige to both the Lihuo Sect and Song clan. To showcase their prosperity, the Songs spared no expense on this victory banquet, personally funding an extravagant feast.
As Xiao Chen and his companions entered the plaza, attendants guided them to their seats. The once-vast space now brimmed with red carpets, banquet tables groaning with delicacies, and a stage where dancers performed behind towering silk curtains that framed musicians playing traditional instruments.
"Amazing! They've even served spirit wine!" Chen Guangyu exclaimed first, his family's recent financial struggles making the luxury particularly striking.
"Indeed", Liu Benxin agreed, sampling a spirit-fruit confection. "This sweetmeat alone would cost me two months' stipend."
Jiang Si Xuan smiled teasingly. "Brother Liu, with your wealth, who worries about stipends? I'd wager you could harvest a field's worth of spirit herbs anytime."
"Hardly", Liu demurred. "Most of our herbs are cultivated for clients. We earn honest wages, not wasteful luxuries."
While the others chatted, Xiao Chen quietly ate, embodying his usual policy of listening more than speaking. Ye Fei, seated opposite, mirrored his silence.
Li Sibao grew anxious. He'd planned to oppose Xiao Chen's every word, but his target hadn't spoken a single sentence.
The ceremony began with the Song brothers' speech under Song Fengming's ancestral founder. As conversation turned to spirit beasts, Liu finally asked, "Senior Brother Xiao, what spirit beast would you choose?"
Li Sibao perked up - finally, an opening! He prepared to declare whatever beast Xiao Chen chose as his personal least favorite.
But Xiao Chen simply pointed to Song Fengming's dragon-blooded Black Tortoise. "That one."
Li Sibao shot up, ready to speak, then froze. Insulting Song Fengming's beast at his own banquet could get him killed.
"Li Sibao?" Steward Chen noticed his sudden movement. "Something wrong?"
"J-just a leg cramp, Master", Li stammered, forcing a smile. "All better now."
Steward Chen frowned. "You look unwell. Should I excuse you?"
"No need", Li insisted, desperate to stay and continue his mission.
After Chen Guangyu's jealous jab about Xiao Chen's talent, Li joined the attack. "Senior Brother Xiao's cultivation progresses like drinking water - effortless! Of course he'd disdain ordinary disciples' beasts."
Liu Benxin defended fiercely. "Li, you dare accuse Senior Brother Xiao of arrogance? He cultivates six hours daily, more than any of us!"
Steward Chen intervened. "Enough! Chen Guangyu, Li Sibao, Liu Benxin - all three of you will reflect on your transgressions facing the sect's discipline wall for a day!"
As Liu and Chen departed, Li lingered, shooting Xiao Chen a venomous glare. "Pretentious fool", he muttered. Though punished, he'd successfully planted seeds of conflict.
His first mission phase complete, Li plotted his next move - an alcohol-fueled confrontation using his magic artifact.
(End of Chapter)
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