Cultivation: I Can Reincarnate Into Various Worlds-Chapter 73. Brothers confront each other with weapons (seeking to be read)

Chapter 73: 73. Brothers confront each other with weapons (seeking to be read)

"Take action..."

King of Sorrow Yao Dang, seated on the Tiger Skin Chair, remained silent.

Back then, only six people had escaped from the Big Snow Mountain at the northern border, and Silent was one of them. He was also an old servant of the Yao Family, always known for his loyalty, the least likely to betray Yao Dang.

Loyalty is beyond doubt! He had been indecisive for so many days that even Silent was losing patience... This wasn’t a good omen. ƒreewebɳovel.com

Back when they were at Mount Siming and Tiger Soul River, he hadn’t acted against Xu Xing. Firstly, he was concerned about his reputation. Secondly, although Xu Xing’s accomplishments did pose a threat, Xu Xing held no military command, and his influence hadn’t grown large enough for Yao Dang to resolve to eliminate the potential disaster. However, after arriving in Guanxi Road, even if he had wanted to act, while his own forces had grown, they were far weaker than the power Xu Xing commanded.

The gentry of Guanxi Road all heeded King Xing Tian’s commands, paying no mind to him, an outsider.

Furthermore, with the issuance of the Decree of Noble Donation and the Decree of Military Officer Donation, the ranks of the Righteous Army had swelled with many sons of influential local families taking up officer positions. This, in turn, had indirectly expanded the Xu Family’s power.

"What about Third Brother?" Yao Dang asked, not answering Silent’s earlier implied question. "Has Third Brother not arrived yet?"

Compared to his own forces as the King of Sorrow, or Xu Xing’s as King Xing Tian, Heavenly Kun King’s contingent was smaller, yet it represented a critically important strength. With Heavenly Kun King present, our chances of victory would be slightly greater, he thought.

"Replying to Heavenly King," a Righteous Army general stood up and reported with a cupped fist salute, "King Xing Tian was invited back to the Mountain Stronghold by Heavenly Kun King... so... we did not invite him..."

Although Heavenly Kun King Chang Kun was more inclined towards the King of Sorrow’s faction, they still had to be cautious. Regardless of his countless reasons, inviting King Xing Tian into the Mountain Stronghold... that was the most fundamental error Heavenly Kun King had committed. A ruler who is not discreet loses his ministers; a minister who is not discreet loses his life. If the King of Sorrow’s plan failed, perhaps King Xing Tian, mindful of their sworn brotherhood, might grant him a decent end. But as for us... we would undoubtedly be plunged into a state beyond redemption.

"How did we brothers end up like this?" Yao Dang sighed. "How did it come to this?"

He recalled the blood oath they had sworn. Even though he had harbored ulterior motives, allying with such a great talent as Xu Xing had filled him with a sense of élan. They had grandly discussed the state of the world, issuing bold pronouncements, feeling so heroic and free... And now, he was on the verge of becoming a despicable schemer plotting against his sworn brother.

Unexpectedly, before his words had faded, a voice called out, "Big Brother, I’m here!"

In the next moment, Heavenly Kun King’s hearty voice followed.

"Third Brother?" Yao Dang’s face lit up with surprise and delight.

The others present, though shocked at how Heavenly Kun King Chang Kun had learned of their gathering, also showed expressions of joy. Judging by the tone of Heavenly Kun King’s voice, he was siding with the King of Sorrow! They hadn’t informed Heavenly Kun King of the meeting beforehand, fearing he might leak the secret or waver in his allegiance. However, his uninvited arrival and entry were enough to alleviate some of their worries.

However, their expressions soon turned grim.

Outside the door, the sound of dense footsteps approached. Just by listening to the sound, there must be many soldiers gathering, they thought.

A Righteous Army general, his face paling slightly, spoke, "Those arriving... there are at least three thousand elites. Their footsteps are heavy; they must be wearing heavy armor. It’s the Xu Family’s Trap Array..."

After the forces from Mount Siming entered Guanxi Road, the Xu Family had made immense contributions to its conquest. Moreover, with King Xing Tian backing them, the Xu Family had privately raised their own army. Among the Xu Family’s forces, the Trap Array was the strongest. It was a formidable force composed of carefully recruited elite family retainers. Inside the hall, the gathered Righteous Army generals numbered only around thirty. If the Trap Array surrounded them, it would be the day of their deaths.

The moment the footsteps halted outside the door, King Xing Tian Xu Xing’s voice followed. "I heard that Big Brother and the generals were secretly discussing important matters in here, so I brought Third Brother along. I wonder... what important business requires you to hide it from Third Brother and me?"

Each word penetrated the secret chamber.

The King of Sorrow Yao Dang’s face flushed then paled. He was both ashamed and annoyed. As for shame, it went without saying; the guilt of plotting against his sworn brother, he, the eldest, found it hard to bear. And he was annoyed, infuriated that Heavenly Kun King was playing both sides. He and Heavenly Kun King had been acquainted for many years. Could that bond be weaker than one forged with Xu Xing over a single year?

"This matter..." Yao Dang began, his voice heavy. "I, as the eldest brother, am at fault. I... I am willing to abdicate my position to someone more virtuous. I only ask that Fourth Brother does not harm these generals."

His initial surge of emotion having subsided, Yao Dang rose and, infusing his voice with deep internal energy, projected his words out the door.

"Heavenly King..."

"Heavenly King..."

The generals below were visibly moved. Some began to loudly curse Xu Xing and Chang Kun, calling them traitors.

A brief silence fell outside the door.

"Big Brother," Xu Xing’s voice came again. "Do you know why I haven’t opened the door yet?"

Before Yao Dang could respond, Xu Xing continued, "If I were to open this door, we would become mortal enemies. Though I, Xu Xing, am untalented, I still understand the meaning of the word ’righteousness’."

Some of the Righteous Army generals in the room were immediately overjoyed. From Xu Xing’s words, the situation hadn’t reached a dead end; there was still room for negotiation... They had opposed Xu Xing before to vie for power and to remain loyal to the King of Sorrow. But now, if the army outside stormed the meeting hall, they would surely die. They wouldn’t even have a chance to fight for their lives. Compared to power, life was far more important. Seeing this glimmer of hope, how could they not be overjoyed?

"Fourth Brother," Yao Dang couldn’t discern Xu Xing’s true intentions and asked aloud. "Are you serious?"

Outside the door, Xu Xing didn’t immediately answer the King of Sorrow’s question. He glanced at the sky; it was dusk, and the clouds blazed like fire. In a corner of the corridor lay a small garden, planted with flowers of various hues. Most were gladioli—red, purple, and pink—blooming in a riot of color. Such should be the scenery of early spring. Beside the garden stood an artificial mountain, its peaks adorned with clusters of climbing wisteria. A small swing, set within the artificial mountain, swayed gently in the breeze. It only lacked the presence of a fair lady, he thought.

After taking in the scenery, he composed himself, cast a sidelong glance at Heavenly Kun King, whose face was a mask of indecision, and then finally spoke, "The art of war states... ’Encircle on three sides, leave one open.’ Generals, I have left an opening to the northwest. That corner... is unguarded. Please, consider your options."

A cornered beast will still fight, he mused. But if it’s no longer cornered, it loses the will to fight.

His words were like a stone tossed into a calm pond, sending ripples through the room.

Several Righteous Army generals in the room exchanged glances, then ripped pieces from their lower garments to cover their faces. They hurriedly smashed a window and fled towards the northwest.

Since the northwest corner is unguarded, if we escape... After today, we can act as if nothing ever happened, they reasoned.

More and more people escaped.

In just a quarter of an hour, fewer than ten people remained in the meeting hall.

The King of Sorrow’s influence should not have waned to the point where only these few die-hards remained. However, those present at this secret meeting were all mid-to-high-ranking generals from Mount Siming; their limited number was thus understandable.

"Big Brother," Xu Xing’s voice sounded again. "It’s time for us to have a thorough talk."

The red-lacquered, carved wooden door was slowly pushed open by his personal guards.

Outside the door, soldiers stood as dense as a forest. King Xing Tian and Heavenly Kun King stood at their head.