Chapter 755: My plan?

He Yun sat in the chief seat, holding the letter sent by Yan Buji in his hand, his brows slightly furrowed. He raised his head to look at the elders below: "Elders, what do you think of this matter?"

Other elders exchanged glances, their eyes meeting and conveying complex emotions. Some furrowed their brows, some shook their heads slightly, and in unison they turned their gazes to the Sect Master seated in the chief position, then they all bowed with clasped fists and said respectfully: "Sect Master, Elder Yuan's actions this time, while undeniably motivated by some self-interest, have over the years indeed been diligent and outstanding in service to our sect! Back when the sect faced numerous difficulties, it was Elder Yuan who stepped forward, traveling everywhere, that allowed the sect to overcome the crisis. And now the Grand Merchant Guild is mighty and pressing step by step; if our sect were to stir up any internal trouble at this moment, the consequences would be unimaginable."

He Yun lightly waved his hand and said, "That's not what I'm asking!" After saying that, he slowly rose to his feet and walked steadily toward the window. Sunlight streamed through the window onto his body, as if draping him in a layer of golden radiance.

He stood there silently, gazing at the vast and profound sky outside the window, as if pondering some important question.

After a moment, he finally turned his head, his gaze fixed on the elders, and asked solemnly: "What I really want to ask is, what exactly do you think of Yan Buji?"

Everyone was taken aback, then they laughed and said: "Hall Master Yan is exceptionally capable and utterly loyal to the sect—a rare talent."

He Yun slowly turned around, a fleeting, hard-to-read playful glint flashing in his deep eyes. He slightly lifted the corner of his mouth, gave a soft cold chuckle, then spoke in a slightly mocking tone: "Utterly loyal? Heh..." That faint laugh seemed to carry endless chill, making everyone present shudder inwardly.

Immediately afterward, He Yun turned his gaze to the assembled elders, his eyes becoming sharp and stern. He slightly raised his voice and continued: "Elders, do you know that those so-called 'utterly loyal' individuals have actually colluded with Yuan Zhen, secretly embezzling an astonishing amount of Precious Light Ore?" He paused deliberately, as if giving the elders time to digest this shocking news.

The surrounding elders' faces changed drastically: "This..."

'Embezzling Precious Light Ore?'

'Although such a thing could be guessed, it seems Yuan Zhen and his group have quite a big appetite.'

'After all, we are all elders of the sect; isn't lining one's own pockets and using power for personal gain something we're all skilled at?'

'So the letter in your hand is the one sent back by Hall Master Yan Buji?'

'There's no need to be nervous,' He Yun waved his hand. 'I've known about this for a long time. Not only do I know, I've even tacitly allowed it.'

The surrounding elders widened their eyes: 'Sect Master, you...'

'Hmph! Do you really think I don't know what he's been up to in that mining area?' He Yun curled the corner of his mouth, revealing a faint look of contempt, and spoke in a flat tone. His deep, sharp eyes seemed to see through everything.

'Let me tell you, it's not just that simple; I know exactly how many spies the Grand Merchant Guild has planted in the mining area, as well as each of their identities and missions.' After saying this, He Yun paused slightly, his gaze sweeping around, as if observing everyone's reactions.

He then continued: 'These spies are like poisonous snakes hidden in the dark, constantly monitoring every move in the mining area. Yet they don't realize they've already been seen through by me.'

He walked to a higher place and shouted: 'That's why I tacitly allowed them to embezzle Precious Light Ore—only then will the Grand Merchant Guild believe they have a chance and take action!'

The elders suddenly understood: 'Ah, I see! Sect Master, you're brilliant!'

He Yun turned to look out the window: 'Now is the time for us to strike back. Pass the order—let Yan Buji continue his plan. As for the Grand Merchant Guild...' A flash of cold light crossed his eyes, 'let them enjoy their smugness for a while longer.'

Elsewhere.

Yan Buji, having received the reply letter, wore a puzzled expression.

'Huh?'

'What does the Sect Master mean?'

Seeing the letter instructing him to continue his plan and urging the Grand Merchant Guild to act quickly in the mining area left Yan Buji looking utterly bewildered.

After thinking for a while, Yan Buji suddenly realized: 'Could it be that the Sect Master also has spies in the mining area?... No, perhaps it's that he tacitly allowed us to split some shares of the Precious Light Ore?'

Yan Buji's expression shifted as many thoughts came to him.

If the Sect Master already knew about this, wouldn't that mean he also knows Li Wan Hua is passing information to the Grand Merchant Guild?

'So the Sect Master's original goal was to use my hatred with Yun Hua to strike at the Grand Merchant Guild?!'

Yan Buji's pupils contracted—could it be that the Sect Master intends this?

'It seems Elder Yuan also knows about this.' Yan Buji stroked his chin, thinking carefully: 'Then my self‑proof letter would have offended Elder Yuan, wouldn't it?'

Yan Buji gave a bitter smile and helplessly shook his head.

After greeting Ye Lin and the others, Yan Buji rushed for several days and returned to the sect's mining area.

As soon as Yan Buji returned, Wu Yuan found him, his expression solemn: 'Hall Master Yan, Elder Yuan is looking for you.'

'Yes.' Yan Buji sighed, knowing he had probably truly offended Elder Yuan and couldn't escape.

Arriving at Yuan Zhen's secluded cultivation chamber, Wu Yuan sat in the secret room and asked: 'Hall Master Yan, how are your preparations for the plan coming along?'

'Huh?'

Yan Buji raised his eyebrows: 'What do you mean by that, Elder Yuan?'

'Didn't you already discuss this with the Sect Master?' Yuan Zhen asked.

Yan Buji's face twitched, his eyes shifted, and he suddenly realized Elder Yuan might think the self‑proof letter he sent back was a matter discussed with the Sect Master, so he clasped his hands and said: 'Elder Yuan, since this is the sect's decision, I still think the risk is great.'

'Oh?' Yuan Zhen chuckled: 'What's your opinion?'

'Although I'm not entirely clear on why the Sect Master wants to act against the Grand Merchant Guild, our mining area has only just gotten underway, and there is also trade with the monster tribe involved; if something happens to the mining area, it will inevitably affect that trade.'

'Hahaha, Hall Master Yan, so that's your plan.' Yuan Zhen laughed twice, seeming to understand Yan Buji's plan, and said:

'If that's the case, then let's do as Hall Master Yan says.'

'Huh?'

'What did I say?'

Yan Buji scratched the back of his head, unsure of the tacit understanding between the Sect Master and Elder Yuan, and unsure what plan he himself had.

His plan had come to a standstill after the deaths of Yun Hua and Song Xing.