Chapter 211: Killing Through Another's Hands

Translator: Timothy_ Editor: Chrissy

Song Qiming hesitated before speaking.

Dongfang Xi chuckled, stood, and said, "In that case, I'll take my leave."

"Hold on, Brother Dongfang, please sit. There's nothing I can't discuss. While we can't utilize national resources, we can draw troops from the south, north, and west. However, we can't use training as the sole pretext. The operation must be brief—no more than eight hours."

Song Qiming then addressed Ou Feng and Li Mingqiang: "We have four Yellow Level masters; Predecessor Li is a Black Level intermediate master."

Dongfang Xi sat, taking another sip of tea.

Seeing Dongfang Xi remain silent, Song Qishen, growing impatient, asked, "Mr. Dongfang, your thoughts?"

Dongfang Xi set down his cup and slowly replied, "An ancient saying: Know yourself, know your enemy, and you can fight a hundred battles without defeat. I believe Song Family Leader knows Ye Mo's current location and activities."

Song Qiming nodded. "Indeed, he's on a mission to retrieve something."

Dongfang Xi nodded. "Since you're so forthright, I'll be direct. Ye Mo likely sought data—data he won't find."

Song Qiming stared coldly at Dongfang Xi. "How do you know this?" This was a state secret; his father, through extensive Beijing contacts, only uncovered scant information. He hadn't expected Dongfang Xi to be aware.

Dongfang Xi seemingly ignored Song Qiming's glare, looking at the other Song family members without comment.

Song Qiming immediately understood. "Song Hai and Qishen remain. Ou Feng and Predecessor Li Mingqiang, stay as well. Everyone else may leave."

Soon, only these individuals remained.

"Now, Mr. Dongfang," Song Qiming said, "let's talk."

Dongfang Xi looked at Ou Feng and sighed. While unsure why Ou Feng was kept, he knew he couldn't dismiss him.

"I'm here to propose a deal. I'll help the Song Family eliminate Ye Mo, but you must promise me two things," Dongfang Xi stated calmly.

Song Qiming noted Dongfang Xi's glance at Ou Feng but said, "Very well, Mr. Dongfang. If Ye Mo is eliminated, the Song Family will make any necessary sacrifices."

"Excellent. Since you're so straightforward, I'll be blunt," Dongfang Xi said decisively. "I'm now a member of North Sand. I presume Brother Song has heard of them..." Dongfang Xi paused.

Song Qishen abruptly stood. "What? You're from North Sand?"

Song Qiming's face darkened. He reproved Qishen, "Qishen, don't interrupt Mr. Dongfang. Sit down." He was disappointed; he'd hoped to recruit Dongfang Xi into the Song Family, but now it seemed impossible.

Ignoring Song Qishen's shock, Dongfang Xi continued, "I know the country opposes North Sand, but that doesn't affect our deal. With North Sand's assistance, Ye Mo will have nowhere to hide. He'll be delivered to the Song Family or die a gruesome death."

Song Qiming, emotionless, said, "Mr. Dongfang, let's discuss your two conditions."

"First, Ye Mo captured several North Sand members. Help secure their release. Second, after this, return the data Ye Mo obtained," Dongfang Xi said, calmly sipping his tea while awaiting Song Qiming's response.

Song Qiming's expression shifted before he finally said, "The first condition, perhaps I can secure the release of one person. The second is impossible. That data is classified top secret. I cannot release it. Furthermore, even if I possessed it, handing it to North Sand would be treason."

Dongfang Xi showed no disappointment, merely smiling. "Very well. If you can identify the data's location and security measures, and secure the release of that woman, that suffices."

Dongfang Xi never expected to obtain the data from Song Qiming. He knew it was impossible, but Song Qiming could reveal its location. Without that, cooperation was pointless.

"Agreed." Song Qiming glanced at the elder.

Dongfang Xi anticipated this agreement. Addressing the group, he said, "Ye Mo is not just a fighter; he's intelligent, but his greatest weakness is arrogance. Had I not underestimated him last time, he'd be dead."

"Mr. Dongfang, enlighten us," Song Qiming said, showing no doubt. Dongfang Xi's reputation in China was well-known.

Dongfang Xi nodded. "I've studied Ye Mo. While from the Ye Family, he seems estranged from them. However, he's close to his siblings."

"You mean kidnap his siblings to threaten him?" Song Qishen frowned.

Dongfang Xi sneered. "If that were all, I wouldn't be needed." He paused. "Though Predecessor Li is strong, I believe Ye Mo is his equal. He cannot be defeated with numbers alone. Can you defeat Predecessor Li with sheer numbers?"

Though Dongfang Xi spared Li Mingqiang's feelings, everyone understood the point. While Li Mingqiang was strong, against firearms and superior numbers, he'd be vulnerable. Dongfang Xi implied Ye Mo was far stronger. Li Mingqiang, though aware, remained silent.

Dongfang Xi disregarded Li Mingqiang's feelings. "Hua University has three campus queens. The first is Nie Shuangshuang. She's staying with a relative—a distant Song family member."

Dongfang Xi looked at Song Qiming, who looked at Song Hai.

Song Hai quickly responded, "Nie Shuangshuang resides with Song Fei. She's a distant relative."

Song Qiming, only vaguely familiar with the name, questioned, "And the point?"

Dongfang Xi smiled. "Though decisive in killing, Ye Mo has a fatal flaw: he cares deeply about relationships. He also meddles in matters that pique his interest. If he saw a beautiful girl like Nie Shuangshuang in danger, wouldn't he save her? Once he saves her, seducing Ye Mo with Nie Shuangshuang's beauty shouldn't be difficult."

"Once Ye Mo falls for Nie Shuangshuang, our plan proceeds. His sister, Ye Ling, is also a Hua University campus queen—quite attractive, I believe."

Song Qiming's interest piqued. He addressed Song Hai, "Song Hai, some tea for Mr. Dongfang. Please continue."

Dongfang Xi continued, "A month from now, an auction will take place at a Daoist temple in Wuliang Mountain. Many hidden sect masters will attend. Those without invitation will be killed. I know the entrance..."

"So?" Song Qiming pressed.

"Tell Nie Shuangshuang to bring Ye Mo to Wuliang Mountain and contact Ye Ling, claiming her brother is there, bringing her to the auction. Ye Mo will surely die," Dongfang Xi smirked cruelly.

Everyone awaited the explanation.

Dongfang Xi continued, "The entrance is guarded by two hidden sect masters. One is at the peak of Black Level; the other is reportedly nearing Earth Level. Crucially, they're extremely lecherous. Once they see Nie Shuangshuang and Ye Ling, they'll act."

"You mean they'll abduct the girls and fight Ye Mo?" Song Qiming asked.

Dongfang Xi shook his head. "Not exactly. It's against the rules for Ye Mo to simply enter, but the sect members can't abduct girls. Have Nie Shuangshuang seduce one. The other won't be able to resist Ye Ling. A proud man like Ye Mo, betrayed and with his sister harassed, will be enraged, weakening his fighting abilities. The key is, both opponents are formidable."

"Why not Ning Qingxue?" Song Qishen asked.

Dongfang Xi shook his head. "I have other uses for her. After Ye Mo is captured by the sect masters, he'll die. Even if he escapes, he'll be severely injured. At the exit, we'll have Predecessor Li and Yellow Level masters. Then, two more Yellow Level peak masters will stop him. He'll have no escape, but have men nearby to prevent him from fleeing into the forest."