C14 A Brilliant Plan
After dinner, Zhou Ruo said, "Young Master Jee, I apologize for the intrusion today. I wanted to express my gratitude for last time..."
Meow...
Just then, Snowy sauntered over.
Lo Yingying quickly tugged at Zhou Ruo's sleeve, recalling Snowy's prior warning. They dared not provoke such a formidable being.
Zhou Ruo, sensing the gravity of the situation, promptly corrected himself:
"Actually, I've come to seek your assistance with a matter."
If Lo Yingying had harbored any doubts about Jee Faang's capabilities before, they were now completely dispelled. Who else but an Expert could have prepared such an exquisite dinner?
And who but a supreme Expert could care for a Ferocious Beast like Snowy?
In that moment, Zhou Ruo humbled himself to the utmost.
Jee Faang was taken aback.
What's this? A powerful Immortal Cultivator is seeking my help?
Noticing the shift in Jee Faang's expression, Lo Yingying hastened to clarify, "Young Master Jee, to be frank, I am the daughter of the Sect Master of the Immortal Sect. However, my father wishes to betroth me to the son of one of our elders..."
Lo Yingying spoke cautiously, gauging Jee Faang's reaction. Seeing no discernible change, she allowed herself a measure of relief.
She had decided to reveal her identity as the sect master's daughter upon their meeting, reasoning that transparency was best when dealing with a senior like Jee Faang. Otherwise, she risked complicating matters should he discover it on his own.
Observing Jee Faang's composed demeanor, as if he had anticipated this revelation, she felt reassured by her decision. Clearly, he had seen through it all.
Unbeknownst to Lo Yingying, Jee Faang's calm stemmed from the fact that these matters were of no concern to him. Even if she were the Jade Emperor's daughter, it would make no difference to him.
Lo Yingying proceeded to recount the situation.
In essence, her father, the Sect Master, had recently assumed control of the sect, but the First Elder dominated some of the sect's factions. Now, the First Elder intended for his son to wed the Sect Master's daughter, a move that clearly aimed to undermine and intimidate the Sect Master's authority.
Upon hearing the tale, Jee Faang was momentarily at a loss for words. The storyline seemed all too familiar...
Such melodramatic plots were abundant in future novels and TV dramas, yet he never imagined they'd be present in the cultivation world as well.
Lo Yingying implored urgently, "Please, Young Master Jee, can you think of a solution for me?"
Jee Faang's tension eased considerably at her request. "This issue? It's manageable," he reassured.
His demeanor visibly relaxed. Had it been a conflict between sects, he would have promptly shown them the door. But this type of scenario was something he could handle with ease, thanks to the countless palace dramas and web novels he had consumed.
"Do you truly have a method?" Lo Yingying asked, her eyes filled with hope as she gazed at Jee Faang.
Jee Faang, noticing the anxious looks from Lo Yingying and Zhou Ruo, allowed a slight smile to play on his lips. Internally, he mused about how the Immortal Cultivators of this world seemed to lack cunning, finding it not at all challenging to come up with a simple scheme.
"There's a highly esteemed Great Sima at your Immortal Crossing Mountain, isn't there?" Jee Faang said, turning to Lo Yingying. "Why not use his influence to counterbalance the First Elder?"
Zhou Ruo let out a sigh. "Young Master Jee, while the Great Sima is indeed respected, he prefers to remain neutral and not ally with anyone. He maintains his impartiality without intervening."
Her heart sank a bit; they had already considered this angle.
"Now it's Miss Lo's turn to shine," Jee Faang said, looking at the still-concerned Lo Yingying.
"What can I possibly do?" Lo Yingying asked, her confusion apparent.
"If the First Elder has already arranged for Miss Lo to be betrothed to his son, what would happen if Miss Lo's affections were for the Great Sima's son instead?"
With that revelation, they all understood.
In such a scenario, two powerful factions would vie for an alliance with the Sect Master through marriage, thereby weakening their respective strengths. This would present Lo Yingying with the perfect opportunity to expand her influence.
Mother and daughter alike regarded Jee Faang with newfound admiration.
What defines an expert?
This was the epitome.
His cultivation level was beyond measure, and with just a single strategy, he could effortlessly stabilize the realm.
A scholar can bring peace to the nation, while a warrior can secure its stability.
Such individuals are truly deserving of respect and fear.
At that moment, Lo Yingying rose to her feet and bowed respectfully to Jee Faang. "Thank you, Young Master Jee."
It was well known that affairs within the sect were deeply intricate. She had been restless and unable to find peace, never expecting Jee Faang to resolve the issue so effortlessly.
Zhou Ruo also promptly stood up. "Young Master Jee's strategy is truly ingenious. You are a benefactor to our Immortal Cultivator Sect, and we shall be indebted to you."
Jee Faang offered a nonchalant smile. "It was merely a suggestion; there's no need for such formality."
At this moment, Jee Faang's spirits were high. He had established a positive rapport with the Immortal Crossing Sect, which provided him with additional security in the perilous world of cultivation.
...
Within the Immortal Crossing Mountain Sect.
Master Lo was frowning deeply, his face flushed with anger.
He shoved the tea from the table onto the floor with a loud "Bang!"
"The First Elder truly doesn't respect my position as Sect Master, dreaming that I would allow my daughter to marry his unworthy son!"
"How could a tiger's daughter be suited to a dog's son? It's laughable."
The attendants nearby kept their heads bowed, silent and fearful.
Footsteps echoed in the distance as a woman approached slowly from behind.
"Master, the lady of the house has arrived."
Master Lo glanced at the newcomer and settled back into his chair with a huff.
"What has upset you so, Master?" Zhou Ruo inquired, looking at Master Lo with curiosity.
"Just read the invitation yourself. It's infuriating."
We already sought advice from an elder on this matter a few days ago and have devised a strategy.
"Master, you could initially feign acceptance of his proposal," Zhou Ruo suggested with a smile.
"Has Yingying consented to marry him?" Master Lo asked, bewildered.
"My daughter will not be marrying that man."
"We could leverage the Great Sima's influence to counter the First Elder!" Zhou Ruo suggested, squeezing Master Lo's shoulder.
"Even though the Great Sima could stand against the First Elder's power, I've tried to win him over numerous times, but he feigns ignorance," Master Lo sighed with a sense of resignation.
"But we still have our daughter," Zhou Ruo remarked.
"Daughter?" Luo Qiuqiu turned, puzzled, to look at Zhou Ruo behind him.
"Master, although we've outwardly agreed to the First Elder's son's marriage proposal, Yingying is now set on marrying the Great Sima's son. I suspect the Great Sima will struggle to maintain his composure," Zhou Ruo observed, watching Luo Qiuqiu closely.
As the two powerful factions vie against each other, their strength will inevitably diminish. And that will be our chance to rise!
