The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 361: Sowing Dissension

Sowing Dissension . . .

Long Tianyun, the embodiment of caution and strategy, refrained from immediate action. Instead, he kept his unwavering gaze locked upon the enigmatic man shrouded in black.

Every subtle nuance of the man's movements was under his keen scrutiny.

His thoughts raced, grappling with the enigma before him. [My initial assertion that he hailed from the Cyan Cloud Sect... seems less certain now. His martial prowess, his speed, his techniques, his very presence – they don't quite align with the image of anyone I know.]

Puzzlement gnawed at his mind. [His sword... it feels inadequate, though his techniques bear undeniable potency. There's an incongruity within his style, as if he's forcefully assimilating disparate elements.]

[His incredible agility defies expectations, yet it seems coerced, as if he's cobbled together a composite art. It doesn't flow naturally... Could he be masking his true abilities?]

[In a stand-off against more than twenty cultivators, while they may not be the most elite in the Sky Origin Stage, it's still a daunting challenge. Yet, he's deliberately holding back his full potential, maintaining a nonchalant fa?ade. Few from the two great sects could match his strength.]

[This cannot be a representative of the Sunlight Sect or the Starlight Sect... So who could he be?]

Despite the wealth of information, Long Tianyun struggled to piece together a coherent theory about the man's identity.

Over time, reinforcements arrived, swelling their ranks to over thirty individuals, collectively encircling their mysterious adversary.

Fighting against numerous opponents posed a formidable challenge for cultivators at his level. He was even more disadvantaged as he was intent on concealing his true identity.

The man in black exhibited prodigious strength, but it began to wane under the onslaught. Gradually, he faltered.

In the heat of battle, a stroke of ill fortune saw his robe slashed as a testament to the danger he faced. He narrowly avoided a potentially lethal blow.

Frustration welled within him, and in a moment of agitation, he unleashed a forceful palm strike that momentarily slowed the encroaching adversaries. With mounting frustration, he addressed Long Tianyun, "Long Tianyun, do you wish to see me slay these men here and now? Do you believe your followers can actually contend with me?"

Long Tianyun's response was grim, a resolute affirmation of their collective determination. "Whether we survive or perish at your hands is your prerogative, but be assured, we shall fight to the end."

His words infused his comrades with renewed determination, stoking the flames of their resolve.

The air crackled with tension as the combatants realized that this confrontation would likely result in death, but they were resolute to inflict as much harm as possible upon their enigmatic adversary.

The man in black found amusement in their determination and addressed them with a sardonic laugh, "Why, gentlemen, are you all blindly following Long Tianyun's misguided lead? His plan is commendable, but its success hinges on the survival of the designated group. Any mishap could spell ruin. Even if the plan proceeds smoothly, only one of your clans will possess the supreme dan beads, gaining unparalleled power. I needn't spell it out explicitly; you are all astute enough to discern the truth. It looms over you, plain as day. Why then, are you so committed to sacrificing your lives for the sake of others? Inescapable as this may be, perhaps an alternative course of action is in order."

His words resonated with some of their number, causing a momentary hesitation among the combatants.

Alarmed, Long Tianyun retorted, his voice carrying authority, "Do not be swayed by his words. While my plan carries risks, as long as we stand united, we have a fifty percent chance of success. We are all equal in this endeavor, with the Long Clan having no hidden agendas. He is endeavoring to sow discord among us. If we do not vanquish him together, our shared future will unravel."

This plea rallied the combatants once more, prompting them to renew their assault on the man in black. His precarious position intensified.

Yet, the man in black's smile remained, cold and composed. "Did I deceive you? My words hold true; the plan is sound. However, as each clan begins marshaling its forces, some may grant special orders to their own adherents, an all-too-familiar strategy, I am sure. There are individuals from other clans also in possession of supreme dan beads; we are not the sole bearers. These treasures are scattered across Chen-Xing City."

A sinister chuckle escaped his lips. "Should you endure and emerge victorious, seize every opportunity to acquire these coveted beads. The day shall dawn when there are no longer eight noble clans within the Land of Han-Yang. In their place, the Long Clan shall reign supreme."

As his discourse continued, the man in black navigated their relentless strikes with uncanny dexterity, perpetually teetering on the precipice of death.

He began with generic assertions about various clans but gradually honed his focus on the Long Clan, adding a chilling specificity to his words.

The man in black's words struck like a powerful detonation amid the gathered crowd of cultivators. What was once a united assembly from the eight noble clans now lay fragmented, their solidarity shattered by the explosive force of his allegations.

Disbelief and mistrust now tainted their faces.

Long Tianyun, seething with anger, retorted vehemently, "How dare you level such slander against us? How could I ever entertain such notions?"

The man in black responded nonchalantly, "Oh, have I overstepped? Perhaps I was indiscreet?"

As his words reverberated, individuals from other clans adopted peculiar expressions that seemed to collectively convey the sentiment, "Aren't you?"

Without question, their silent agreement with the man in black's insinuations was clear: Long Tianyun, the purported mastermind behind the plan, bore the suspicion of ulterior motives.

This accusation transformed Long Tianyun's visage into a shade of furious purple, and his lips quivered in indignation. He hurled insults, denouncing the man in black, "You… You malevolent, despicable rogue! You seek to sow discord among us through your false allegations!"

The man in black emitted a peculiar, eerie laugh, responding, "But did I not admit to being indiscreet? Imagine my commentary when you devise the plan. 'I merely need to provide them with a nudge,' I may say… Hahaha…".