Yun Zhan and Long Ming were talking when Long Lingxin walked over and wrapped her arms around Yun Zhan’s. They were very close, and Long Ming, caught off guard, was force-fed a large dose of affection by the two of them.
So, Long Ming said to Long Lingxin, "Lingxin, you should go back to practicing. I have something to discuss with Yun Zhan."
"Uncle, what is it that you need to hide from me?"
"Don't be difficult. I need to discuss the cooperation between our Long family and the Tianshan Sword Sect. You can't help and will only cause trouble. Hurry up and go practice!"
"Lingxin, you go ahead. I'll find you after I'm done talking with Uncle. It won't take long," Yun Zhan said with a smile.
"Alright!" Long Lingxin pouted and ran off to practice her flying sword. The tree that had been hit by the flying sword was now chopped into firewood by a series of swift cuts.
"Let's go, this is very important. We'll talk in my study!"
The two entered the residence one after another and arrived at Long Ming's study.
"Uncle Long, what is it you wanted to see me about?"
"Nephew Yun Zhan, I've asked you here today to discuss a very important matter. Someone has slandered your Tianshan Sword Sect, claiming that your sect and your father have joined a heretical path!"
Upon hearing this, Yun Zhan jumped up.
"That's impossible! This is blatant slander. For thousands of years, the people of our Tianshan Sword Sect have been sworn enemies with those from the heretical path! Uncle Long, please tell me who dares to slander our Tianshan Sword Sect like this. We will not let this matter rest!"
"Heh heh, Nephew, please calm your anger. I, Long Ming, naturally know what kind of people you and your father are. Rest assured, with me here, their conspiracy to frame you will not succeed. I suspect that perhaps your father or someone from your Tianshan Sword Sect has offended someone. You should communicate with your father and ask him to be careful. After all, if rumors are spread enough, they can become truth!"
"Alright, Uncle Long, I will definitely relay this matter to my father. However, I still hope you can tell me who it is that is slandering our Long family."
Long Ming smiled and took out a document, pushing it towards Yun Zhan. This document contained detailed information about Ling Tian, including his sect, his strength, and his connections. Such information was considered top-secret within the Righteous Alliance!
"It's this fellow. He insists that your father is from a heretical path. Even though I argued logically in the meeting, those old fogeys, I don't know what they were thinking, sided with this young man. You must understand that when petty individuals cause trouble, things become difficult!"
"Alright, Uncle Long, thank you for the information. Rest assured, this matter will soon be calm, without even a ripple!"
Both were intelligent individuals, one an old fox and the other a young one, able to discern each other's intentions with a mere gesture. It was clear that Long Ming was subtly implying that Ling Tian was the source of the trouble, and to resolve the trouble, one must eliminate the person who knows about it – in other words, he was suggesting a plan of assassination by proxy. For the Tianshan Sword Sect, they had no choice but to become this blade, willingly manipulated by Long Ming, as their actions were ultimately for the benefit of their own sect.
"Nephew, no matter what, ensure the aftermath is clean. Do not leave any loopholes or clues that can be traced!" Long Ming specifically cautioned as they parted.
"Don't worry, sir. We at the Tianshan Sword Sect have always acted cleanly and efficiently!"
Emerging from Long Ming's study, Yun Zhan looked at Long Lingxin, who was still enthusiastically practicing her flying sword in the distance. He did not disturb her. Instead, he went to a secluded corner. After confirming he was alone, he took out a mobile phone. This phone was three times thicker than a regular smartphone and had an antenna, resembling a satellite phone. It was a specially made device, its information heavily encrypted, making it difficult to eavesdrop. Even if intercepted, the recipient would only receive a string of gibberish.
Soon, the call was answered. On the other end was Yun Hantian, the sect leader of the Tianshan Sword Sect.
"Father, it seems there's been a slight mishap with our Tianshan Sword Sect's plan. The matters on your end have been exposed, and the Righteous Alliance is already preparing to investigate... However, fortunately, that old fellow Long Ming is cooperating. He said the investigation will be led by him, and we just need to go through the motions and give him some face."
"How did the people from the Righteous Alliance find out?" Yun Hantian asked with a grave expression from the other end of the line.
"From what I know, it was a young man named Ling Tian who informed the Righteous Alliance. The information states that this is the same young man who foiled the Heavenly Demon Sect's operation at Misty Pavilion!"
"So, it was him!" Yun Hantian's pupils contracted sharply, and a killing intent emanated from him. This young man, Ling Tian, had left a profound impression on him. After all, there weren't many people in this world who could withstand his flying sword and survive!
"What does that old fellow Long Ming mean?" Yun Hantian continued to ask.
"He means to use us as a weapon, of course. That old scoundrel is very cunning!" Yun Zhan said dismissively.
"Very good. I am pleased that you can see through that old fellow's scheme. However, this is an open scheme. Keeping that Ling Tian alive poses a significant threat to our Tianshan Sword Sect! Here's what you do: gather information on Ling Tian's movements and formulate a plan. I will dispatch several honored elders from Tianshan. We won't rush. We'll find an opportunity. He will eventually reveal a weakness, and at that moment, we will strike decisively and avenge this!"
"Understood, Father."
"By the way, how are things between you and that girl from the Long family? How far has the flying sword technique you taught her progressed?"
"Father, your son knows how to handle women. That little girl is completely smitten with me right now. I've only taught her some flashy, impractical tricks, which she treasures as if they were profound techniques. Rest assured, I will hold back. I will not teach her any of the ultimate or lethal moves. On the contrary, during this time, through Long Lingxin, I have obtained many of the Long family's martial arts manuals."
"Very good, my son. Thank you for your hard work and for enduring this hardship."
"Father, I don't feel wronged. In fact, I haven't lost out at all. That girl, Long Lingxin, apart from being a bit lovestruck, is truly outstanding in other aspects. Taking a woman like her as a wife is not a loss for me, nor for our Yun family."
"Good, I am relieved to hear you say that!"