By the time the banquet ended, it was already dusk.

Fine, drizzling rain continued its descent, the mist enveloping Mist Rain Lake carried an inexplicable charm.

Lu Ran stood at the main gate of the banquet hall. The cold wind gusting by cleared his mind considerably.

"Rustle~"

From the woods not far away came the sound of leaves brushing against each other.

Lu Ran turned his head to look and vaguely spotted two lithe silhouettes.

Hidden behind the bushes, the two women wore long dresses in yellow and green, each holding a quaint oil-paper umbrella.

"Ah!" The woman in yellow met Lu Ran's gaze and let out a soft cry.

She quickly raised her small hand to cover her mouth.

The torchlight near the banquet hall entrance illuminated Lu Ran's face, accentuating his pitch-black eyes.

"Hurry, hurry." The woman in the yellow dress widened her almond-shaped eyes and pulled her companion along in a panicked escape.

Even in the distance, Lu Ran could faintly hear their whispered exchanges.

"Did you see? How does the First Heavenly Pride look? Is he handsome?"

"He's… just okay, I guess."

"You cheeky little minx, your face is red! Just okay?"

"Ahhh~~ You're the cheeky minx here!"

"Hahaha~" The silvery laughter gradually faded away, swallowed by the misty rain.

Lu Ran: "..."

So, this is what Chenghua disciples are like!

Wasn't Chenghua Sect supposed to be composed of refined and graceful individuals?

"Let's go, junior brother?" He Yingcai held up a lotus leaf, shielding Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi from the drizzle.

"Let's go." Lu Ran nodded.

He bid farewell to the surrounding island masters and boarded He Yingcai's verdant lotus leaf, setting off westward by boat.

Before the banquet ended, the two island masters from the Sky Phoenix Sect had warmly invited Lu Ran to stay at Bright Moon Island.

However, Lu Ran ultimately decided to head to He Yingcai's Green Lotus Island.

For one, Green Lotus Island was relatively close to the shore, making it a frontline should enemy activity be detected.

For another, Lu Ran found himself annoyed.

He understood the Thousand Boat Alliance's principles and the members' determination to defend the archipelago at all costs.

But understanding didn't mean he agreed!

If war was unavoidable, shouldn't they strike first?

Pure defense was far too passive!

The Thousand Boat Alliance was no longer at the stage where the four major sects had to huddle together in retreat.

They had Wuji Peak's Big Wind Hall to bolster their presence.

And powerful allies like the Ran Sect—aggressive and formidable in battle—yet they still refused to change their mindset and take bold action?

Ah...

Thunder Mountain preyed on the soft, timid nature of these defensive sects, emboldening their unrestrained provocations!

"Junior brother." On the verdant lotus leaf, He Yingcai spoke softly.

Lu Ran's mood, naturally, influenced the surrounding atmosphere.

Having consumed a bit more fruit wine, the alcohol slightly magnified his emotions.

"Hmm?"

"Don't be upset." He Yingcai's voice was gentle, her eyes carrying a hint of apology.

It was hard to imagine a Sea Realm island master speaking so mildly to someone from the River Realm.

Yet, He Yingcai wasn't an anomaly. Earlier at the banquet, the many Sea Realm island masters were all respectful and courteous toward Lu Ran.

Jiang Ruyi instinctively lowered her cold jade-like hand, brushing aside Lu Ran's wide sleeve and gently grasping his hand in silent comfort.

"Hoo~" Lu Ran exhaled deeply.

He Yingcai's tone softened further: "When we get back to the island, I'll brew you some Smoke Rain Tea to ward off the chill and help you sober up."

Lu Ran's expression soured—his stature as the dignified Master of Ran Sect temporarily reduced to that of a 19-year-old youth: "Forget it, you might as well give me lake water to drink…"

"At least that's sweeter~"

He Yingcai: "..."

Soon, everyone returned to Green Lotus Island, and Lu Ran found himself back at the forested courtyard where he had previously stayed.

After shutting the main hall's door, only familiar faces remained inside.

All except the Island Master of Green Lotus, He Yingcai—she wasn't technically part of the Ran Sect. Seeing that internal discussions were about to begin, she initially intended to leave but was stopped by Lu Ran.

Gathered around the large square table, Lu Ran got straight to the point: "The banquet—you all attended. What are your thoughts?"

Across from him, Deng Yuxiang silently sipped tea, while the Phoenix and Swallow Generals seated to her right also remained quiet.

Jiang Ruyi sat beside Lu Ran, her gaze swept over the gathered generals before ultimately settling on Yu Changsheng and He Yingcai seated to the left.

Truth be told, when Lu Ran took charge and arranged for He Yingcai to sit beside Yu Changsheng, Jiang Ruyi felt a twinge of something unexplainable.

And as Jiang Ruyi, embodying the presence of the sect master's wife, surveyed the warriors around her, He Yingcai experienced an even stronger sense of displacement.

Could it be—she was being absorbed into the Ran Sect?

As the Island Master of Green Lotus, He Yingcai operated independently within the Thousand Boat Alliance, bound more to her sect than the alliance.

Yet, in this room, He Yingcai suddenly felt like she'd become a subordinate.

Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi carried an undeniable air of leadership...

"Ahem." Receiving the lady's meaningful glance, Yu Changsheng cleared his throat. "In the past ten days or so, Thunder Mountain hasn't launched a full-scale attack; they've only been sighted near Mist Rain Lake.

It seems they are investigating, keeping a close watch on the Thousand Boat Alliance."

Lu Ran sighed, "An invasion could happen at any time..."

Yu Changsheng, however, shook his head: "Judging from intelligence gathered across the islands, the frequency of Thunder Mountain's appearances isn't as high as expected.

Perhaps we've misunderstood their true strategy."

"Oh?" Lu Ran asked in confusion, "What do you mean?"

Yu Changsheng pondered: "A few days ago, in the battle between the Thousand Boat Alliance and Thunder Mountain, both sides tested each other's strength.

While Thunder Mountain gained the upper hand, the Thousand Boat Alliance also demonstrated it has the capability to fight back.

The results were clear—Thunder Mountain even lost a Sea Realm Great Power in the process."

Lu Ran nodded thoughtfully.

The Thousand Boat Alliance was a tough bone to gnaw; edible, yes, but not easily so.

Yu Changsheng turned to He Yingcai: "What do you believe Thunder Mountain's primary objective is?"

He Yingcai mused briefly and replied: "Prevent the emergence of a Heavenly Realm powerhouse within the Thousand Boat Alliance?"

"Exactly!" Yu Changsheng affirmed with a nod, "We've always assumed Thunder Mountain intends to obliterate the Thousand Boat Alliance completely.

But in truth, the two factions have coexisted for over a decade without direct conflict.

What ignited the flames of discord was when Alliance Leader Yun attempted to ascend, shaking the very foundation of Thunder Mountain's existence!"

The gathered warriors all nodded in agreement.

Thunder Mountain and the Thousand Boat Alliance had shared coexistence for years—that was an indisputable fact.

Yu Changsheng stated gravely: "I believe the teams appearing around Mist Rain Lake are primarily tasked with reconnaissance, monitoring when Alliance Leader Yun begins his ascension!"

As Jiang Ruyi poured tea for Lu Ran, she asked, "Mr. Conglong's theory is that Thunder Mountain plans to strike during Alliance Leader Yun's breakthrough?"

Yu Changsheng turned to the sect master's wife: "Thunder Mountain has only one goal, hasn't it?

Think about it—if they were to assault the Thousand Boat Alliance outright, Thunder Mountain would suffer heavy losses, an outcome that hardly benefits them.

But if they interrupt Yun Qianzhou's ascension—it's a decisive blow that ensures their advantage!"

With a contemplative look, He Yingcai admired Yu Changsheng's calculated demeanor as he unraveled the situation.

Yu Changsheng continued: "Once Alliance Leader Yun has begun the process of ascending and the heavens respond, Thunder Mountain's opportunity for sabotage becomes impeccable—utter destruction with minimal effort!"

"Ruthless." As Lu Ran lifted his teacup, he muttered under his breath.

If you bother someone merely preparing for a breakthrough, there's a chance they might recover one day.

But meddling after they've initiated the process, engulfed in worldly mist—cutting it off forcibly?

That's pushing someone straight into ruin, mercilessly kicking them into the abyss!

"Truly ruthless." He Yingcai lowered her gaze, a crease of worry forming between her brows.

Deng Yuxiang spoke with an icy tone, her words sharp: "Though the four sects boast strong defensive capabilities, I doubt the Thousand Boat Alliance can adequately protect Alliance Leader Yun during ascension day.

Destroying the Thousand Boat Alliance and disrupting Alliance Leader Yun's breakthrough are two entirely separate matters.

The East Thunder believers—a Second-class Divine Disciple—their River and Sea Realm Techniques are formidable.

The River Realm Technique could summon an enormous Thunder Battle Spear, with devastating power!

Their Sea Realm Technique is even more terrifying!

The East Thunder disciples could summon dark clouds and call forth the wrath of thunder—a storm resembling heavenly punishment!

The Chenghua Sect's River Realm Technique, Heavenly Umbrella Cover, indeed has considerable defensive power and a wide area of effect, but is it truly capable of withstanding their relentless bombardment?

Deng Yuxiang strongly doubted it.

He Yingcai glanced at Yu Changsheng once more, her voice gentle: "Does Mr. Conglong have any solutions to break the deadlock?"

Yu Changsheng opened his paper fan, his words sharp and direct: "Since Thunder Mountain only seeks reconnaissance without committing to full-scale invasion...

We'll force them to invade!"

"Oh?"

"Force them?" All eyes turned to Yu Changsheng.

Yu Changsheng confirmed: "Isn't there a Thunder Mountain scouting party near Mist Rain Lake? We can eliminate them—one team comes, one team gets wiped out!

Just like how the sect master crushed Lingfeng Hall."

Lu Ran pondered quietly for a while, then exclaimed, "Mr. Conglong, what an excellent strategy."

This approach could consistently chip away at enemy strength, preparing for an eventual grand battle.

It could also drag Thunder Mountain into the fray, forcing them into war.

You send scouts? They won't return!

If you refuse to remain blind and wish to control the flow of intelligence, you'll have to dispatch larger forces.

So? You'll come, and we'll fight!

"Indeed." Deng Yuxiang's gaze revealed approval, clearly liking the proposal. "How could we just let the enemy have their way, lurking in the shadows?"

"Ha." He Yingcai chuckled bitterly and shook her head.

Mr. Conglong's tactic wasn't merely about provoking Thunder Mountain into a large-scale invasion.

It was also about forcing the Thousand Boat Alliance to take initiative in combat...

But Mr. Conglong's analysis was correct.

Thunder Mountain had eighteen Sea Realm Great Powers!

They only needed to converge here during Alliance Leader Yun's breakthrough, unleashing successive River and Sea Realm Techniques to achieve their objective.

If interference was inevitable, then why not move the conflict forward—before Yun Qianzhou's breakthrough even begins!

Yu Changsheng lightly twirled his paper fan, smiling at Lu Ran: "Hall Master He and her Big Wind Hall cannot initiate battles with other factions.

So we'll let Big Wind Hall become the invaded party early instead.

The sect master didn't bring these monks here from miles away just to let them feast on cured meat and sip fruit wine."

Lu Ran met Yu Changsheng's gaze and let a faint smile creep onto his face.

Sir,

You understand me!

...

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