One-Click Upgrade: Super Decomposition System

Chapter 398 - The Poisonous Scheme the Spider and the Fly

After all, the best strategy is often to retreat!

He himself was particularly fond of this approach, prioritizing survival above all else.

The other elders' eyes darted about, clearly contemplating retreat, yet no one spoke up.

Though they harbored thoughts of withdrawal, it wasn't their call to make.

If they suggested that Chen Qi flee now, failing to fulfill the master's mission could lead to Chen Qi scapegoating them later!

Moreover, fleeing without a fight would surely tarnish the prestige of the Nether King's Hall.

Even if they saved their skins today, they'd inevitably face the Hall's reckoning later—no one would be spared.

No one was willing to shoulder that burden!

If the elders could foresee this, so could Chen Qi.

Chen Qi found himself in quite the quandary.

”Second Elder, propose your alternative plan,” Chen Qi commanded.

The Second Elder obliged, “This plan carries some risk.”

“It's similar to the best strategy, but we'll stay put and wait to secure the Baiqi Killing Sword and the martial cultivator method!

But we can't just hand it over yet!

We could have the Hsu Family take Jiang Hao's father hostage, ensuring our safe departure with the item before releasing him!”

“As for Jiang Hao's subsequent dealings with the Hsu Family, that's no longer our concern!”

With that, the Second Elder stepped back, his piece said.

The Second Elder's strategies were merciless—either way, the Hsu Family was destined to be their fall guy.

Perhaps this was an outcome the Hsu Family never anticipated.

After a weighty silence, Chen Qi reached a decision.

“Let's hear the worst-case scenario!”

“I refuse to believe that the ten of us, united, can't take down a mere child!”

“Besides, we are members of the Nether King's Hall. He may not have the audacity to turn against us!”

“Still, that's just a precaution!”

“Perhaps Jiang Hao genuinely wishes to join the Nether King's Hall, and all will be well.”

Chen Qi had made his decision, and no one dared to contest it. They were now in this together, like grasshoppers tied to the same string!

“Third Elder, see to it that the Hsu Family takes care of this matter,” Chen Qi commanded.

The Third Elder promptly followed the command, exiting the main hall to make his way to the rear quarters.

Unbeknownst to them, a spider had been perched on a beam in the main hall, silently observing everything. And trailing the Third Elder, a fly buzzed along.

……

Eventually, the Third Elder reached the Hsu Family's back hall.

Jiang’s father and Uncle Hai, along with Wen Tao and the others, were bound in a room, closely watched by numerous guards.

In a separate room, a young man with bandaged legs was swearing up a storm.

An old man stood behind him, his face twisted in displeasure.

If Jiang Hao had been present, he would have instantly recognized this elder.

It was Xu Wei Zhong, the same man who had once postured before Jiang Hao, attempting to take him on as a disciple.

“Xu Tianming, do you realize you're throwing the Hsu Family into the flames?” he chastised.

“The Nether King's Hall may be formidable, but their influence lies overseas.

You've pledged allegiance to the Nether King's Hall, yet you've taken Jiang Hao's father captive.

Once the Nether King's Hall achieves their goal and departs, we'll be left as their sacrificial pawns, bearing the brunt of Jiang Hao's wrath alone!”

“Considering how much the Nether King's Hall fears Jiang Hao, is he really someone we can afford to provoke?”

Xu Wei Zhong saw the situation with clarity, but his naive son, Xu Tianming, was thoroughly convinced of the Nether King's Hall's invincibility.

The formidable presence of those from the Nether King's Hall was etched into his memory; he couldn't fathom anyone instilling fear in them.

Now, as one of their own, he believed that attacking him would mean crossing the Nether King's Hall, a direct affront to their authority.

He was confident that no one would dare take such a risk!