"Wang Jiujiu" had a general understanding of the Three Immortal Sword Sect.
He knew that "Kongxu Shengzi" was the biological son of "Yuhua Jianxian".
This person was ignorant, lecherous, and a typical spoiled heir.
Such spoiled heirs were easy to deceive.
Had the Yingzhou Sword Sect already secured "Kongxu Shengzi" in advance?
The more "Wang Jiujiu" thought about it, the more likely this seemed.
The cost of securing "Kongxu Shengzi" was not high, only requiring a honey trap.
"Wang Jiujiu" looked at Mr. Ryūyū with eager anticipation, hoping for a positive reply.
To his disappointment, Mr. Ryūyū shook his head without hesitation.
"Although Kongxu Shengzi is a scoundrel, devoid of talent and virtue, he is, after all, Yuhua Jianxian's only biological son. As long as Yuhua Jianxian is alive, the Penglai Sword Sect will not change its mind and will not ally with the Great Xin Dynasty."
Hearing this, "Wang Jiujiu"'s face showed undisguised disappointment.
"What do we do now?"
Mr. Ryūyū smiled inwardly.
This was precisely the question he wanted to hear!
Mr. Ryūyū immediately said.
"Prince Jiujiu, do not be anxious. Now we will discuss Prince Nihon's true plan!"
"Although Kongxu Shengzi is the designated next Holy Son of the Penglai Sword Sect... the Three Immortal Ascendancy Ceremony has not yet begun. The selection of the Holy Son is not truly finalized. Who it will be remains to be seen!"
"Wang Jiujiu"'s eyes lit up upon hearing this, but then his gaze dimmed again.
"To my knowledge, the Yu family holds a dominant position within the Penglai Sword Sect! Kongxu Shengzi's father, Yuhua Jianxian, is the current Sect Leader. Kongxu Shengzi's grandfather, Yuan Jianxian, was the previous Sect Leader! With the Yu family's influence, Kongxu Shengzi is deeply entrenched in the Penglai Sword Sect, and no one can contend with him!"
"Wang Jiujiu"'s analysis hit the nail on the head.
The Yu family's influence in the Penglai Sword Sect was unparalleled.
The other "quasi-Holy Sons" within the Penglai Sword Sect clearly understood their own positions; they were merely participants, with no intention of vying for the "Holy Son position".
"Kongxu Shengzi" was currently in a state of being utterly unconcerned about any rivals, completely unaware of what a competitor was.
Indeed, no one in the entire Penglai Sword Sect dared to stand against him!
Mr. Ryūyū smiled.
"Prince Jiujiu, you may not know this, but just because there is no one within the Penglai Sword Sect competing with Kongxu Shengzi, it does not mean there is no one outside competing with him!"
"Wang Jiujiu" was momentarily confused, unable to understand what Mr. Ryūyū was implying.
"Someone outside competing with Kongxu Shengzi? Are you joking, sir! To my knowledge, the ascension ceremonies of the Three Immortal Sword Sects are all internal competitions within each sect. Outsiders are not allowed to participate, so where would external competitors come from?"
Mr. Ryūyū gently fanned himself, exuding an air of confident wisdom. He chuckled and said.
"That was in the past! In the past, the ascension ceremonies of the Three Immortal Sword Sects were indeed internal competitions. But for this ascension ceremony... the rules have changed!"
"Through the efforts of our Yingzhou Sword Sect, this ascension ceremony now has a new rule: inter-sect challenges!"
"Every quasi-Holy Son has one opportunity to issue an inter-sect challenge. For instance, a quasi-Holy Son from our Yingzhou Sword Sect can challenge a quasi-Holy Son from the Penglai Sword Sect! If the challenge is successful, and the Holy Maiden of the challenged sect is willing, the quasi-Holy Son can become the new Holy Son candidate through an inter-sect challenge!"
Mr. Ryūyū's words carried immense weight. "Wang Jiujiu" was stunned for a moment before recovering.
His eyes blazed with surprise and delight.
"Sir, are you suggesting that in this ascension ceremony, the Yingzhou Sword Sect can send a quasi-Holy Son to challenge Kongxu Shengzi? If successful, the Yingzhou Sword Sect can gain control of the Penglai Sword Sect?"
"Heh heh..."
Mr. Ryūyū smiled coyly.
"Prince Jiujiu, you jest. Our Three Immortal Sword Sects are of the same root, inseparable. It's not a matter of who controls whom. However... if a quasi-Holy Son from our Yingzhou Sword Sect becomes the new Holy Son of the Penglai Sword Sect, it would quell the opposition within the Penglai Sword Sect and expedite the alliance between the Three Immortal Sword Sects and the Great Xin Dynasty!"
Although "Wang Jiujiu" was young and his thoughts were somewhat naive, he was not a fool. With things explained to this extent, he understood Mr. Ryūyū's intentions.
"Sir, if you have something to say, say it directly. How can our Great Xin Dynasty be of assistance in this ascension ceremony?"
Mr. Ryūyū had painted such a grand picture, naturally wanting the full support of the Great Xin Dynasty.
Mr. Ryūyū smiled and praised.
"Good, Prince Jiujiu, you are indeed forthright. Then I shall not beat around the bush. Yes, we do require the help of the Great Xin Dynasty this time, or rather, your help, Prince Jiujiu!"
"My Prince Nihon wishes for his younger brother, Quasi-Holy Son Dongba, to challenge Kongxu Shengzi. Quasi-Holy Son Dongba possesses exceptional talent, courage, and strategic thinking, far surpassing Kongxu Shengzi."
"However, Kongxu Shengzi is, after all, Yuhua Jianxian's biological son. Who knows what trump card Yuhua Jianxian might have prepared for Kongxu Shengzi?"
"To be safe, my Prince Nihon plans to have Prince Jiujiu act as an auxiliary guest elder to assist Quasi-Holy Son Dongba in defeating Kongxu Shengzi!"
"Wang Jiujiu" understood. "Prince Nihon" valued his strength and wanted him to team up with "Quasi-Holy Son Dongba" to deal with "Kongxu Shengzi".
"Wang Jiujiu" wasn't particularly opposed to this. After a moment's thought, he nodded.
"Alright, I agree! But..."
A sharp glint flashed in "Wang Jiujiu"'s eyes, and he said in a deep voice.
"After Quasi-Holy Son Dongba defeats Kongxu Shengzi and becomes the new Holy Son candidate of the Penglai Sword Sect, please, sir, make every effort to expedite the alliance between the Three Immortal Sword Sects and the Great Xin Dynasty!"
Upon hearing "Wang Jiujiu"'s agreement, Mr. Ryūyū's mood greatly improved, and he quickly nodded and guaranteed.
"Prince Jiujiu, rest assured. As long as Quasi-Holy Son Dongba emerges victorious, the alliance will be all but secured!"
"Wang Jiujiu" was not easily swayed. He continued in a deep voice.
"There are also three merit statues that need to be selected and built as soon as possible!"
"That... I understand..."
Mr. Ryūyū responded vaguely.
An alliance between the Three Immortal Sword Sects and the Great Xin Dynasty was fine, but building three "merit statues"... that could be discussed later.
The two discussed further details. During this time, "Wang Jiujiu" repeatedly brought up the matter of constructing the "merit statues," but Mr. Ryūyū skillfully changed the subject.
It was not until late into the night that Mr. Ryūyū and "Wang Jiujiu" concluded their discussions, and Mr. Ryūyū took his leave.