https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-705-The-Legend-of-the-Night-Demon/12982481/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-707-What-s-the-Use-of-This-Thing-/12982489/
Chapter 706: Night Demon's Strategist [Two-in-One]
Chapter 706: Night Demon's Strategist [Two-in-One]
Yan Beihan immediately felt relieved and first gave a few instructions to Bi Yunyan, who was beside him, before turning to Feng Yun, "Isn't Night Demon from your Southeast Headquarters? Little Yun'er, congratulations on having a formidable general under your command. It seems your Southeast Headquarters is about to rise."
He then instructed Zhou Meieri, who was taking notes on the side, "Look into what happened between the Southeast Protector and Night Demon and report back to me immediately."
"Yes," Zhou Meieri agreed and promptly left.
Feng Yun, seeing Yan Beihan's message, couldn't help but curve his lips, saying, "Xiaohan, there's no need to beat around the bush with me. I want to meet Night Demon, so please arrange it."
Yan Beihan replied, "Why do you need to go through me to meet Night Demon? He's the leader of your subordinate sect."
Feng Yun paused for a moment and said, "Xiaohan, let's be straightforward with each other. There's nothing we can't say openly between us. I know Night Demon is your person, and if you don't speak up, he won't dare to meet me."
"He's afraid I'll kill him or assign him a dangerous task to send him to his death!"
With this, he laid out the entire matter.
A cold light flashed in Feng Yun's eyes. If the conversation had reached this point, and Yan Beihan still wanted to deny it, then he either had ulterior motives or had lost his composure and stature.
He waited for Yan Beihan's response.
If Yan Beihan still denied it, then no matter how valuable Night Demon was, Feng Yun would send him to his death.
I can pretend to be stupid, but you can't assume I'm truly foolish. If you think so, I'll ruin your plans!
This was Feng Yun's warning.
This time, Yan Beihan remained silent for a long time.
Finally, he replied, "I'll make the arrangements."
Feng Yun let out a cold huff, feeling as if his heart was stifled after reading this message.
After all this time, you finally spoke the truth! Yan Beihan, what are you up to by making your move in the Southeast so early? He immediately replied, "Good, I'll await your news."
After cutting off the communication, Feng Yun's face turned gloomy.
Then he realized his anger and reflected on the warning he had given Yan Beihan, showing a loss of composure.
He had acted a bit out of character.
As a superior, one must maintain a calm and composed mind. The last thing I said about 'sending him to his death' was unnecessary. The phrase 'I know he's your person' already conveyed everything implicitly, and it even showed grace by not explicitly stating it.
Adding that harsh statement only ruined the tone. If it were the Eastern Strategist, he would never have said it, but I failed to keep my composure.
Feng Yun introspected, calming himself down completely.
After a long silence, he said, "Is Xiaohan currently dealing with White Cloud Palace?"
He was extremely dissatisfied with Yan Beihan at the moment, but he still addressed him as 'Xiaohan' as usual, whether it was to outsiders or his own people.
Feng Yi replied, "Yes. Recently, we received news from Sir Yan's people that White Cloud Palace is already in the process of disintegrating."
"Xiaohan's methods are quite impressive."
Feng Yun said, "White Cloud Palace is actually being taken down by her. This is the second secluded mountain gate, right?"
"Yes, Master. The first was Cold Sword Sect, and the second is White Cloud Palace. Now, White Cloud Palace is in its final stages."
Feng Yi, who had just contacted his secret informant, answered.
"It seems the forces are too weak to create chaos. It's better to let Xiaohan take full control and grasp the power."
Feng Yun smiled, "Very good. It's impressive to be so clear-headed and react immediately. Yan Beihan has now earned my genuine respect."
This time, he used the full name.
Xiaohan was a childhood playmate, and Yan Beihan was a competitor.
"Or perhaps someone reminded her," Feng Yi said cautiously.
"Wrong. If someone reminded her, it's still her ability."
Feng Yun said, "But for the next mountain gate, it must not go as smoothly. If we capture three in a row, the momentum and prestige will rise, and the reputation will greatly increase. By then, a group of people will start cheering."
"So, the third mountain gate will face greater resistance, and even if it succeeds, it can't go according to Yan Beihan's plan."
Feng Yun instructed, "Send a message."
"Yes, Master. But Young Miss Yan hasn't decided on the next target yet."
"I understand."
Feng Yun's eyes flickered, and a mocking smile curved his lips as he said, "White Cloud Palace will take her a long time to digest."
"Currently, Cold Demon is in Young Miss Yan's camp," Feng Er reminded.
"Cold Demon..."
Feng Yun frowned, "This... There can't be any targeting."
He shook his head, "Cold Demon is too strong, and the Madman Spear... Cold Demon's strength is even higher than the Madman Spear, especially now with the universal blizzard, Ice Heaven Snow's combat power in the blizzard can almost naturally double."
Feng Yi instantly understood, "I get it, Master."
"Now, let's wait for Yan Beihan's message."
Feng Yun changed the topic, "How many junior sect leaders did we bring from the Southeast?"
"One hundred and ten."
Feng Yi replied.
"A total of eight hundred and ten, and we brought one hundred and ten from the Southeast?"
"Are all the other places also in the hundreds?"
"Yes."
"Tsk... The higher-ups really value the Southeast."
Feng Yun smiled faintly, "What about the previous records?"
"Thirty years ago, the Southeast had 400 junior overlords, none of whom survived. Six years ago, there were 630 junior overlords, but by the third year, they were all annihilated. Three years ago, 500 junior overlords were sent, and they all perished."
"In the Southeast, the Guardians are the strictest when it comes to suppressing the junior overlords of our sect."
Feng Yi flipped through the documents and reported, "Not all of them died."
Feng Yun spoke indifferently, "They just didn't establish a sect, and were considered annihilated. Some of them were beaten back to headquarters and have been living in secrecy. There are quite a few who returned, and I personally know of several thousand."
"Some of them couldn't establish a sect, so their subordinates all died, and they couldn't return either. They ended up hiding in the Southeast, even marrying and having children here..."
Feng Yun's eyes flashed with a hint of bewilderment, "It's said that recently, the higher-ups performed another blood sacrifice."
Feng Yi was taken aback.
He couldn't react because the young master's thought process was too unpredictable.
He couldn't fathom how the junior overlords living in the Southeast in seclusion could have any connection to the higher-ups' blood sacrifice.
Feng Yun said, "Moreover, the previous junior overlords who died... not all of them were killed by the Southeast Guardian. At least one-third of them died at each other's hands, and another third were killed by the original Southeast Five Sects..."
"The ones truly annihilated by the Guardian are probably not even a quarter of them."
At this point, Feng Yi also couldn't help but sigh, "Our Only Righteous Sect's self-inflicted slaughter is too severe."
"It's not severe, it's necessary."
Feng Yun sighed and said, "Feng Yi, remember this: their origins."
"Their origins?"
"Yes, their origins are from the Toad Ascension Plan, and it's been done twice. Both times, the plan was called Toad Ascension. So, even after being dispatched, they are still part of the Toad Ascension Plan... do you understand?"
Feng Yun asked.
"I... think I understand."
Feng Yi scratched his head.
"Haha."
Feng Yun laughed and said, "It doesn't matter if you don't understand. These matters are only understood by the winners of the Toad Ascension Plan, or they will understand in the future."
"So, you don't oppose the mutual slaughter below?" Feng Er, on the other hand, understood.
"How could I oppose it? This is their mission."
Feng Yun said, "Those who can kill are the real talents. Those who are killed naturally have a way to die. If they are killed, they are mediocre, and no matter how talented they are, they are still mediocre."
"I understand."
"Toad Ascension..." Feng Yi muttered to himself.
"Yes, Toad Ascension."
Feng Yun spoke indifferently, "Don't think that our Only Righteous Sect's Toad Ascension Plan is cruel. In fact... the entire world, from ancient times to the present, and even in the future, whether there is a Sky Centipede God or not... the entire world is engaged in Toad Ascension!"
"The entire martial world is a battlefield for Toad Ascension!"
"The court is also, and the common people are too."
Feng Yun's lips curled into a mocking smile, "Even reincarnation... can be considered a Toad Ascension Plan. That's all."
Feng Yi said, "But why are you so dissatisfied with the Night Demon Sect killing...?"
"I don't care about Wei Yishan, nor do I care about the Heaven Person Sect."
Feng Yun spoke indifferently, "He encountered the Night Demon Sect, and in the end, only one of the two sects could survive. So his death was inevitable. Moreover, when he was in danger, he sought my help, which was already breaking the rules and showing cowardice and a reluctance to die. Such a person's death is not worth pitying. If the Night Demon Sect hadn't killed him, I would have found a reason to do so in the future. At the very least, there would be no important position for him."
"I'm not dissatisfied with the Night Demon Sect because they destroyed the Heaven Person Sect and killed Wei Yishan. There's another reason."
Feng Yun said, "The reason I'm most dissatisfied with is that I can't understand why the Night Demon Sect Leader never came to see me. He could only rely on Yan Beihan, and relying on anyone else would be a dead end. This is his only chance for survival, and I understand that."
Feng Yun said, "Because... after the General Level Toad Ascension Plan, even if he had a way to join my command, it would be difficult for me to protect him."
"..."
Feng Yi was bewildered again.
"Yan Beihan can tear things up with me, but I can't do the same with her. This is my disadvantage."
Feng Yun sighed.
Feng Yi said, "If the old sect leader comes out, it would be great. The young master wouldn't have to hold back like this."
Feng Yun smiled bitterly, "If the old sect leader really comes out, I would be even less able to tear things up with Yan Beihan."
"Why is that?"
"The older generation values seniority the most."
Feng Yun sighed, "Yan Beihan's seniority is far above mine. If I were to compete with her, it would be considered a violation of seniority. This is the greatest taboo among the nine vice sect leaders."
I want to move up, but I can't touch this taboo."
As he spoke, Feng Yun's mood became a little low.
"How is Feng Xing?"
"Young Master Xing is currently in the Grand Sect, competing with Chen Yun. It's said that the battle between them is quite intense."
"Hehe..."
Feng Yun gave a faint smile and stopped talking.
Feng Yi knew that the young master's mood for conversation had faded, so he quietly left with Feng Er.
Looking out the window at the mountain forest.
Feng Yun's eyes showed contemplation, confusion, and a hint of disdain.
"The mystery of the Night Demon will be solved when we meet."
"Yan Beihan, how will you arrange it? If you arrange for me to meet the Night Demon, will you come? If Yan Beihan comes, what should I do? And if Yan Beihan doesn't come, what will I do?"
...
Over there, Fang Che received a message from Yan Beihan: "Night Demon, where are you?"
"This subordinate is currently hiding in a secret cave, evading pursuit."
Yan Beihan burst out laughing.
After investigating what the Night Demon had done, even Yan Beihan himself was thrilled.
A single person's power shook the Southeast?
This kid has made it!
But now, this kid should be chased like a stray dog. If he had just changed to Fang Che's identity, it would have been fine... Oh, he's still leading a group of subordinates, so he can't change it.
"It's said that you once displayed awe-inspiring might, intimidating the entire Southeast to the point of paralysis?"
Yan Beihan sent a message with a smile.
"Sir Yan, you're joking. That was just bad luck... Who would've thought that in such heavy snow, they'd run straight into the enemy's main force? In such a vast world, you usually wouldn't encounter anyone even after traveling for ten days, but this time, while rushing at full speed, they collided head-on with tens of thousands of people..."
Fang Che sighed, "At that moment, I was stunned... I'm telling the truth, I'm not lying."
Yan Beihan burst out laughing.
She could perfectly imagine this situation: Blizzard, with nothing visible beyond three feet, the Night Demon and his subordinates soaring freely... Then, after popping out, they collided head-on with the enemy's tens of thousands of troops, face to face, staring at each other...
Just thinking about it was comical.
"But you're quite bold. At that time, you still dared to confront them head-on, making them hesitate to strike. This courage is also something that makes me look at you with new respect."
Yan Beihan genuinely admired this.
Fang Che, appearing as the Night Demon, was unknown to the Guardian, and if he had been killed at that time, he would have been killed.
It was a truly dangerous situation.
"This is an unavoidable matter. This subordinate could only try his best. Moreover, Sir Yan also knows that the Guardian sent out search and rescue teams... Although they aren't mediocre, there won't be any super experts among them."
Fang Che replied, "Otherwise, this subordinate would never dare."
Yan Beihan immediately understood.
Yes, it was certain that the search and rescue teams wouldn't have super experts, just like how the grand marshal of the three armies wouldn't personally escort the supply train.
But Yan Beihan thought a little deeper. As Fang Che, the Night Demon's other identity, he was fully aware of the details of the search and rescue teams.
He could be certain that there were no threatening individuals in the opposing team, which was why he dared to act so recklessly.
Thinking of this, the legendary halo of 'one man holding off ten thousand troops' suddenly seemed less impressive.
"Let's talk about serious matters. There are two things."
Yan Beihan stopped joking.
"Please instruct me, Sir Yan."
"The first matter is about the White Cloud Palace... Those who are loyal to the Guardian have already parted ways... There are thirteen million people, including their families."
Yan Beihan said, "I didn't make it difficult for them. Moreover, the one who came to receive them from the Guardian is the Severing Emotion Blade, and ordinary people can't stop him. Ice Aunt has gone after them, but she did so only to meet the Severing Emotion Blade, not to stop them."
Fang Che's heart skipped a beat. "Who is Ice Aunt?"
This time, it was truly surprising.
Who is Ice Aunt? How dare she pursue Xue Fuxiao? Does the Only Righteous Sect have an existence that rivals Duan Xiaying?
And she's a woman?
Even if she just caught up to verify her cultivation or test their strengths, it would still be an unbelievable matter!
"Yes, Ice Aunt is Ice Heaven Snow. You'll come to know her in the future."
Yan Beihan didn't elaborate.
Fang Che's expression was one of disbelief. He had never heard of the name Ice Heaven Snow... Wait, it seemed he had heard it before. Yan Beihan had mentioned her once; she was the one who tried to snatch the Jade Sky Flower once.
But at that time, Fang Che wouldn't have imagined that the one who dared to snatch the Jade Sky Flower was such a top-tier demon.
He had subconsciously assumed that a woman wouldn't have such strength, but now it seemed that his thought process was as simple as that of a pig.
"However, the remaining forces in the White Cloud Palace are too complicated. Various factions, even factions within factions, and even small groups within small factions... It's a mess of competing interests."
Yan Beihan was in extreme pain.
"And they're all high-level experts... The neutral factions haven't left, and they're constantly bickering and fighting every moment."
Fang Che said, "That's to be expected."
The history of White Cloud Palace is no less than that of our Only Righteous Sect, and after so many years of development, it's inevitable that various factions would have emerged. Although we split them, it doesn't mean we didn't play into the hands of certain individuals. So in this situation, it's hard to say who the real winner is."
"Yes, exactly the kind of situation you're describing."
Yan Beihan said, "Now it's a complete mess. I'm having a headache over this."
Fang Che said, "Elder Yan, you're mistaken again."
Yan Beihan asked, "I'm mistaken again? How so?"
"Yes," Fang Che replied.
"Elder Yan, you've fallen into a misconception. Even if you spend a few years organizing things, it won't be easy given the current state of White Cloud Palace. Moreover, they might not submit to you or our Only Righteous Sect. Although White Cloud Palace has split, the pride of a top-tier secluded mountain sect remains intact, right?"
"Yes," Yan Beihan acknowledged.
"So no matter how much time you spend on White Cloud Palace, it's all in vain."
Fang Che quickly added, "The reason I say you're mistaken, Elder Yan, is that you've misplaced your priorities and overstepped your boundaries."
"Can you elaborate?"
"These matters aren't your responsibility, yet you've gotten yourself entangled in them."
Fang Che analyzed with clarity, "What is your primary task, Elder Yan?"
Yan Beihan's mind suddenly cleared, and he broke out in a cold sweat, "I..."
"Your primary task is to split the secluded mountain sect, ensuring its complete demise. And you've already accomplished that!"
"Your task is complete."
"The remaining tasks of organizing, summarizing, digesting, and delegating... these aren't your responsibilities. You've continued due to inertia, and that's why you feel burdened."
"Now, you need to leave these matters for the Grand Sect to worry about. You should immediately gather your team and set out to identify the next target, continuing your mission of splitting sects."
"Getting entangled in White Cloud Palace is unwise. You only need to send a message to Vice Sect Leader Yan, saying, 'I've already split White Cloud Palace. The Only Righteous Sect has taken control, so please send people to take over. From now on, White Cloud Palace's affairs are no longer your concern.'"
Fang Che said, "Elder Yan, what do you think?"
"Your words truly awaken me from my slumber!"
Yan Beihan felt as if the clouds had parted, revealing a clear sky.
His entire field of vision seemed to open up, and he felt a sense of relief throughout his body.
"Yes, this isn't my responsibility."
Yan Beihan was thrilled.
Fang Che continued, "It's even better if you leave without taking anything."
He kept offering suggestions.
"Understood!"
Yan Beihan's heart blossomed with joy, "Night Demon, hahaha, you're truly my brilliant strategist!"
"Elder Yan is too humble. It's just that you've been blinded by the trees and missed the forest."
Fang Che said, "According to common sense, after conquering a sect, we should immediately organize and settle things. We should collect resources, make arrangements for those who submit to us, and plan for the future. This is the normal procedure."
"It's very understandable that Elder Yan fell into this misconception. Anyone could have made the same mistake. It's a natural instinct to follow the flow."
"Usually, without someone pointing it out, almost no one can break free. I only needed to say a few words for Elder Yan to understand."
"This is the territory I've worked hard to establish! These are the achievements I've struggled to attain! How can I just let it go?"
"Hahahaha..."
Yan Beihan burst into laughter.
Because that's exactly what he had been thinking.
It was indeed the territory he had worked hard to establish, and of course, he wanted to manage it.
"Vice Sect Leader Yan deliberately didn't remind you, probably to see how you would handle the situation. If you remained entangled, Vice Sect Leader Yan would eventually remind you. He wouldn't let you stay stuck forever. But if Vice Sect Leader Yan had to remind you... Elder Yan, you would lose face. Although he's your own grandfather, when it comes to ability... you understand."
Fang Che said, "Therefore, I suggest that you immediately stop talking to me and report to Vice Sect Leader Yan. Since Vice Sect Leader Yan's reminder could come at any time, you must report before he reminds you, for it to have meaning and value."
"But don't mention that you were reminded! It's not about diminishing my achievements but showcasing your abilities that is most important."
"Understood."
Yan Beihan immediately said, "Then wait for me for a moment. I'll talk to you later."
He promptly ended the communication.
Then, he summoned the Five Spirit Toad and used the communication jade to call Yan Nan. He immediately sent a message: "Grandfather, I've conquered White Cloud Palace long ago. Why haven't you sent people to take over? I'm waiting to clean up the next target. You're too slow."
(End of Chapter)
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