Chapter Six : Baited Blades and Hidden Schemes
About four miles from the mining area lay a picturesque little canyon. Below, a babbling stream flowed gently, flanked by birdsong and blooming flowers along its banks.
At this moment, six cultivators were gathered above the canyon. All of them were at the Core Formation stage, each wielding powerful weapons and standing guard at strategic positions, fully prepared.
Leading the group were the patriarchs of the Zou and Wei clans. Like Fang Ting, both were mid-stage Core Formation cultivators, but they had already lived over a hundred years—with no hope left of ever breaking through to the Violet Palace realm.
Still, they believed that if they could become the sole major clan in Yunshan City and concentrate all resources under their banner, there was at least a chance they could nurture a Violet Palace cultivator in the future.
And when that time came, their family's overall strength would rise accordingly, granting them higher status and more abundant resources—a virtuous cycle.
With that goal in mind, the two clans came to an agreement: eliminate the upstart Fang clan, which had recently begun to threaten their dominance.
The Zou patriarch, Zou Kui, was a burly man with a laborer's build.
"Let's hope that brat Fang Ting brings along as many elders as possible," he said gruffly. "That way we can wipe them all out in one fell swoop. Cleaning up afterward will be much easier."
The Wei patriarch, Wei Sanyuan, was a short man with a goatee and beady eyes. He gave a sly chuckle.
"Best if all seven of their old geezers show up."
Zou Kui nodded. "That would be ideal."
Just as the words left his mouth, the warning formation they had set up in the distance flared to life.
"Eyes sharp! The fish has taken the bait!!"
All six Core Formation cultivators instantly suppressed their auras, crouching like venomous snakes lying in wait for prey.
Whoosh!
Boom!!
A streak of light shot across the sky—a gray flying vessel appeared. Then, as if it had crashed into something, a loud boom echoed through the canyon.
"Now!!"
Zou Kui leapt out, raising his hand high. In an instant, light screens rose from all directions, forming barriers like towering walls, sealing off the ship completely.
Clearly, this was a pre-arranged entrapment formation. The flying vessel was now like a caged bird—no way to escape, no room to struggle.
The others sprang out as well, weapons in hand, launching a ferocious barrage of attacks without hesitation.
Blades slashed, explosions roared, and dazzling techniques filled the air in a chaotic storm of power.
Zou Kui, in particular, brought out a radiant, yellow, square-shaped seal—a rare high-grade Profound-tier weapon. Under his control, the seal expanded into a massive thousand-feet-wide mountain and came crashing down with overwhelming force toward the flying ship.
Most flying artifacts weren't just fast—they offered some degree of defense, too. But this "Flying Eagle Vessel" was only a high-grade Yellow-tier treasure. Under the relentless assault of six Core Formation cultivators, it didn't last long.
Especially not after being struck by Zou Kui's massive seal. With just one hit, the vessel shattered into pieces.
As the smoke cleared, Zou Kui's brows furrowed.
"Where are they? Not a single person?!"
They had assumed the Fang clan members were aboard and hadn't held back in their initial attack. Yet after obliterating such a valuable flying treasure, they detected no trace of any cultivator's aura.
As confusion set in, a handsome man with an ethereal presence flew over, riding a leaf-shaped artifact.
Fang Ting stood atop the leaf, hands clasped behind his back, robes and hair fluttering in the wind. Compared to the rough Zou Kui and the sly Wei Sanyuan, he looked every bit the image of a true immortal.
"Gentlemen, were you looking for me?"
Seeing Fang Ting unharmed, the group was dumbfounded.
Zou Kui blurted out, "You! Why weren't you on the vessel?!"
Fang Ting chuckled softly and glanced appreciatively at Wei Sanyuan.
"Many thanks, Brother Wei. Just like we agreed: after we destroy the Zou clan, we split the spoils seventy-thirty—your side takes seventy."
Wei Sanyuan was stunned.
What are you talking about?
When did we make that kind of deal??
Hearing this, Zou Kui exploded with rage. He pointed at Wei Sanyuan and bellowed, "I knew something was off! So this was your doing, you treacherous old fox—you sold us out!!"
Seeing that Zou Kui was about to turn and attack him, Wei Sanyuan hurriedly cried out, "Wait! Brother Zou, this is a misunderstanding! I don't know how our plans were leaked, but I swear I didn't betray you! He's trying to sow discord!!"
He was close to panicking.
Even if their ambush had failed, they still held the advantage. But if Zou Kui turned on him now, their entire plan would collapse—and his life might be next.
Fang Ting smiled. "Brother Wei, no need to act anymore. The time has come—let's take care of them together and split the Zou clan's fortune."
Zou Kui had cultivated for over a century—he wasn't a fool. After thinking it through, he suddenly realized the truth.
If Wei Sanyuan really intended to betray him, he would've struck long ago. There was no reason to wait this long. His earlier outrage had clouded his judgment.
Pointing at Fang Ting, Zou Kui shouted, "You cunning brat! I almost fell for your trick!!"
The Wei clan members all breathed a sigh of relief.
After all, Zou Kui still controlled that incredibly powerful high-grade Profound-tier weapon. If he had believed Fang Ting's words and turned against them, they wouldn't stand a chance.
Why does working with someone so impulsive always feel like walking a tightrope?
Wei Sanyuan raised his voice. "Fang Ting, your little scheme failed. Now, how would you like to die?"
Fang Ting calmly replied, "I never expected it to work. I was just stalling for time."
Stalling?
The Zou and Wei clans exchanged puzzled glances, unease rising in their hearts.
Could it be that Fang Ting had called in reinforcements?
Yes! That had to be it. Why else would he dare appear alone, acting so calm and collected?
Realizing this, panic began to set in. Could they be the ones getting killed instead?
Wei Sanyuan quickly tried to steady everyone. "Don't worry. If he really brought a Violet Palace cultivator, we'd all be dead by now—there'd be no need for this back-and-forth."
Zou Kui nodded, gripping his yellow seal tightly.
"Right! With this weapon, even if Fang Ting brought all the elders from his clan, it won't change a thing."
Wei Sanyuan shouted, "Enough talk—let's kill him now!"
For some reason, his chest felt tight, like a bad omen loomed over him. Best to end this quickly and be done with it.
Zou Kui waved his arm.
"Attack!"