C10 Zhou Mo's Plan

"The Zhou family is actually this calm? They can endure such a huge loss?"

The letter contained the latest intelligence on the Zhou family, clearly gathered by someone Lau Ruyan had covertly deployed.

Lau Ruyan, with furrowed brows, said, "It seems Liu Tianlin's visit to Hui City is not as straightforward as it appeared..."

Initially, Lau Ruyan believed the Liu family's arrival was aimed at her, and she had simply come to observe the spectacle last night. However, after witnessing the Zhou family and Liu Tianlin's actions, she realized the situation was more complex. Liu Tianlin had brought a number of specialists in search and sensing from the capital, indicating a long-standing plan. Had it not been for her unforeseen involvement, Liu Tianlin and Zhou Mo would have executed their plan quietly, without alerting other powers in Hui City.

It was indeed a twist of fate. Had the Zhou family not targeted Lau Ruyan, she might never have uncovered their plot. Everything happens for a reason.

"This jade plate we possess is undoubtedly what Zhou Mo has been seeking in Hui City for years. Now that we've disrupted their scheme, Zhou Mo and Liu Tianlin won't just stand by. But," Lau Ruyan paused, "what exactly are they wary of? They've already shown they're willing to confront me directly, so clearly, they're not intimidated by the Lau family's backing."

Lin Hann interjected, "No matter their intentions, Ms. Yan, you must be vigilant moving forward. We're so far from the capital, and they'll resort to any means necessary!"

Lin Hann's assessment was logical, but what he didn't realize was that Zhou Mo had already shifted his focus onto him. The person who should be cautious wasn't Lau Ruyan, but Lin Hann himself!

In the affluent eastern district of Hui City, Lee Haoxuan observed an elderly man with graying hair brewing tea.

The old man served Lee Haoxuan a cup and said, "Here, Haoxuan, this is the Mao Feng tea I've treasured for a long time. Give it a taste."

Lee Haoxuan took a delicate sip from the cup, savoring the sweet, orchid-like fragrance and the profound aftertaste. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Excellent tea!" However, his visit today wasn't to indulge in tea with the elder.

He set the teacup aside and addressed the elder, "Dad, this is indeed fine tea, but I'm just not in the right frame of mind to appreciate it right now."

The elder was none other than the former head of the Lee family in Hui City, father to Lee Haoxuan—Lee Anliang! In his youth, he was a notable figure in Hui City. He lived through the time when the Lee family transitioned from their murky past to legitimacy. It was under his leadership that the family's reputation was painstakingly built. After passing the reins to his son, Lee Haoxuan, he gradually withdrew from the limelight, focusing instead on personal cultivation and enlightenment.

With a gentle chuckle, Lee Anliang dismissed the concern, "Haoxuan, you're letting your emotions get the better of you."

"How can I stay calm?" Lee Haoxuan retorted. "When you entrusted the family to me ten years ago, we were the most formidable power in Hui City, second only to the Ye family. But now, the Zhou family is steadily gaining on us, squeezing our Lee family's influence within Hui City!"

"Do you think you haven't performed well, or is it something else?" Lee Anliang inquired, his tone steady and calm.

Lee Haoxuan, unable to contain his frustration any longer, burst out, "I may not be the best patriarch, but Zhou Mo, that cunning fox, is utterly vile. He never faces us head-on, preferring to sabotage us from the shadows! If he were brave enough, he'd face me in an open and fair battle!"

"But consider the outcomes," Lee Anliang responded. "Isn't it always us who end up on the losing side? Zhou Mo's tactics may be underhanded, but hasn't he consistently achieved his goals? That's why I've always said, Haoxuan, as the leader of our family, you can't afford to think as you used to. You must consider the broader picture and the underlying factors, rather than being so direct."

"What's happened this time?" Despite his critique, the old man couldn't help but ask.

Taking a moment to compose himself, Lee Haoxuan replied, "Last night, I learned that Zhou Mo was orchestrating a major scheme, with covert support from the Liu family in the capital. I led our men to confront them. Though we failed to seize their objective, we managed to thwart their plans. But I'm concerned about Zhou Mo's next move."

After listening to Lee Haoxuan's explanation, Lee Anliang shook his head and said, "Why didn't you discuss this with me beforehand? You've let yourself be used as a pawn by others!"

Lee Haoxuan felt somewhat defiant. "Dad, it may have been impulsive, but it was ultimately successful. I thwarted Zhou Mo's plan. Regardless, had he succeeded, who knows what repercussions it could have had for our Lee family?"

Lee Anliang, slightly exasperated, replied, "That's just it; you're only seeing the surface of things. Tell me, despite the Zhou family's recent dominance, have they truly caused us any real harm? Beyond a minor economic setback, the Lee family hasn't been significantly affected. Moreover, we were never the Zhou family's primary target."

"But how can you be sure he wouldn't escalate his actions in the future?" Lee Haoxuan challenged.

Pouring another cup of tea, Lee Anliang continued, "Haoxuan, you still don't grasp the dynamics of Hui City. There's always been just one major power here, and that's the Ye family. For years, they've maintained their superior status by expertly balancing the city's power dynamics. When our Lee family was on the rise, the Ye family didn't confront us directly. Instead, they brokered a deal with the Liu family, gaining considerable advantages while introducing a new rival for us—Zhou Mo—effectively keeping us in check without lifting a finger. Consider this: without the Ye family's tacit consent, how could the Zhou family have risen so swiftly?"

"However, the Zhou family's growth is nearing its limit. With the Liu family behind them, the Ye family won't sit idly by and allow a formidable contender to emerge on their doorstep."

Standing by the artificial lake outside his villa, Lee Anliang watched a robust willow tree sway violently in the wind, its backdrop a picture of serenity. He chuckled to himself and turned to enter the villa.

Experience does come with age, and Zhou Mo had underestimated the Lee family's formidable ally.

Later that afternoon, Lee Haoxuan arrived back at his villa. A subordinate approached and murmured something in his ear. Recalling his father's advice, Lee Haoxuan restrained himself and promptly called Lee Anliang.

Two days later, within the Zhou family's villa, Zhou Mo and Liu Tianlin were eagerly awaiting the cloak of nightfall.

"Uncle, if your prediction holds true, tonight Lau Ruyan and that kid Lin Hann will vanish from Hui City!" Liu Tianlin said, his face alight with anticipation.

Zhou Mo maintained his composure as he replied, "Were it not for the Ye family's influence, I'd have a hundred ways to handle them. But Hui City is Hui City, and the Ye family is the Ye family. Despite our agreement with them, there are many actions we simply cannot take under their scrutiny. However, tonight is different. We're about to enjoy the show!"

Meanwhile, Lin Hann and Lau Ruyan were deep in cultivation within a forest on the outskirts of the city. Given that Lin Hann would be known as a Wood Element Esper to outsiders, he was diligently honing his skills with this ability.

"To adeptly wield the Wood Element, one must engage in relentless practice. And there's no better place to do so than in an environment rich with the Wood Element, like this one," Lau Ruyan advised, standing next to Lin Hann.

Lin Hann was exploring another aspect of his ability: catalysis. The Spiritual Energy released by the Wood Element, brimming with nature's essence, could spur plant growth in mere moments. Carrying an assortment of seeds, he could swiftly transform any battlefield into familiar terrain. Moreover, catalysis required significantly less Spiritual Energy than creating plants from nothing, making it an essential skill for any Wood Department Esper.

As the two were immersed in their training, Zhou Mo and Liu Tianlin, accompanied by their men, quietly approached. Observing Lin Hann's display of power, Zhou Mo's initial concern subsided substantially.

Turning to Liu Tianlin, Zhou Mo observed, "Tianlin, take note, Lin Hann's performance is clearly that of a Wood Element Esper. Lau Ruyan's association with him is undoubtedly due to his abilities. Even if the kid is deeply tied to the Lau family, it's of no consequence. We'll take care of Lau Ruyan and dispose of him as an afterthought. As long as we're clean about it, the Lau family will have no grounds for objection. The crux lies in an incident from years past; the Ye family bears no goodwill towards the Lau family. This eliminates any chance of the Ye family intervening. This is the most ideal scenario I could have planned for!"

After listening to Zhou Mo's breakdown of the situation, Liu Tianlin nodded in agreement. "Uncle, if that's the case, why don't we just head over there and apprehend them?" He glanced back at the twenty or so skilled fighters behind him. Unlike the search party from the other night, these were combat-ready members from both the Zhou and Liu family's elite squads.

Zhou Mo gestured dismissively, "Hold on. Not all the guests for tonight's event have arrived. Even though I'm confident these two aren't linked to the Ye family, I'm not about to gamble on even the slightest chance. We'll have someone else do the probing for us."

A chilling glint appeared in Zhou Mo's eyes. "Just capturing those two wouldn't be enough to satisfy me. Tonight presents an excellent opportunity. If we don't take down all our adversaries in one fell swoop, wouldn't that be a waste of all the planning I've done these past days?"

Liu Tianlin ventured cautiously, "Uncle, are you suggesting that the people arriving tonight are also our adversaries?"

Zhou Mo responded with a sly smile, "The Lee family had the audacity to strike at us last time. Do they really think they've survived these few years on their own merit? Without the Ye family's interference, the Lee family would have been eradicated from Hui City long ago!"

Liu Tianlin was taken aback by Zhou Mo's revelation. He realized just how formidable his uncle was, able to manipulate their enemies against each other with ease. With his impatience now curbed, Liu Tianlin settled in to watch the drama that Zhou Mo was orchestrating unfold.

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