6. The Beginning of the Deception
This exchange meeting probably had the most foreplay ever.
Fortunately, after this setback, Yin Wuzong didn’t bother them again.
The rest of the meeting proceeded as usual, with Yin Wuyai and Gu Falie giving their customary lectures and introducing Ruohuai Daoist Mountain as a new third-tier sect.
Throughout the meeting, Miss Gong’s attention was fixed on the white-haired elder, Yin Wuyai.
His surname was Yin, so his identity was obvious. But Gong Yiling instinctively felt that this smiling, friendly old man wasn’t a bad person.
If she could confirm his stance, she might gain a powerful ally.
The exchange lasted the entire afternoon. During this time, Lan Suqin, with her excellent social skills, managed to form alliances with several sects that had conflicts with Shenqi Daoist Mountain, alleviating Ruohuai Daoist Mountain’s initial isolation.
That night, Miss Gong changed her clothes and went to the secret message drop they had arranged with the Divine King’s Court.
As expected.
A letter was tucked into the crevice of the rock.
There was nothing there last night, so this must have been left today.
As for who left it—”Finally getting impatient?”
Her words earlier today were meant to provoke Yin Wuzong, forcing him to act prematurely and disrupting his plans.
And now, her goal was achieved.
The letter stated that tomorrow night, Yin Wuzong would incite the demoted sect, spreading rumors that Gong Yiling had cheated to get them demoted.
People tended to believe what they wanted to believe.
This sect had been established for many years, and this defeat was a huge blow to their morale.
How to assuage this? By blaming the opponent for using underhanded tactics.
It made sense. Ruohuai Daoist Mountain, who had performed so poorly in the third round of practical combat, how could they have achieved such incredible results in the first two rounds… they must have known the questions or the tricks in advance!
So, the letter stated that tomorrow night, other Daoist sects would provide cover and a frontal assault—of course, they wouldn’t know the full details of the plan.
Once the fighting began, wouldn’t it be easy to capture that Immortal Master’s disciples?
“Their plan is quite good.”
Back in her room, Gong Yiling spread the letter on the table and said to the others, “We’ve been acting for so long. If we don’t reach a climax soon, the audience will get bored.”
“You seem to be enjoying this.” Yan Chuyue chuckled. “So, tomorrow night is the final battle? Do or die?”
“It’s not that dramatic.” Gong Yiling stared at the letter, a mischievous plan forming in her mind.
This plan was incredibly bold, even more so than her scheme against Shangguan Long in Yanlie City.
Then, she looked at the people around her, rested her chin on her hands, and said with a sly smile, “I’ll call this plan… the Great Deception.”
—
—
The next morning, Gu Falie received an anonymous letter.
Its contents shocked him. He discreetly asked who had delivered it, but his attendants had seen nothing.
To verify the letter’s contents, he had to go somewhere.
Meanwhile, Gong Yiling was discussing the matter with Lan Suqin, about the potential battle that night.
“Is that so?” Lan Suqin, upon learning of this, wasn’t as calm as Gong Yiling. After all, regardless of the outcome, the other disciples of Ruohuai Daoist Mountain, unaware of the situation, would be in danger.
As the Senior Sister, she was responsible for them.
“Should we inform the instructors and elders?”
“Shenqi Daoist Mountain has a complex network. If we inform them, they’ll know we’re aware of their plan.”
“Not only will we lose the element of surprise, but they’ll also suspect a leak. There won’t be a next time.”
“But…” Lan Suqin was still hesitant.
Gong Yiling understood her concerns.
With just a few of them, facing off against an established and powerful sect, and not just one, was practically suicide.
But… Gong Yiling patted her shoulder confidently. “Don’t worry. Your people will be safe tonight. And if you need a strong ally, I have one.”
“But didn’t you say the instructors wouldn’t believe us, and that they’re all under Shenqi Daoist Mountain’s influence?”
“That’s true.” Gong Yiling recalled the letter she had sent to the old man.
The letter didn’t mention the Divine King’s Court or the Mingjue Sect. After all, convincing him of Shenqi Daoist Mountain’s involvement was practically impossible.
So, the letter was about something else, something that could be easily verified, a crucial part of her plan.
Now it all depended on whether the old man could figure things out.
“I hope everything goes as smoothly as you say.”
“Have I ever failed? I don’t think so.”
Miss Gong clapped her hands confidently, then turned and gave a simple wave.
Although her words sounded a bit arrogant, they were true.
Ever since she came to this world, with her judgment and a few reasonable cheats, she had managed to turn the entire Heartflame Empire upside down, even tricking Shangguan Long.
Now, facing another group of schemers, Miss Gong had a similar plan.
And she was about to see if she could pull off another stunning victory.
