303: The mantis stalks the cicada!

He did not feel the slightest bit of sadness for the two siblings who had perished, even though one was his eldest son and the other his youngest daughter.

To him, blood relatives were no more than weeds; his heart held only the resolve to sacrifice everything for his Superior.

Since the Superior wanted the Black Sha Marsh to be an outpost for the Profound Spirit Domain, he had to take it.

Since the Superior wanted a power capable of sweeping across the Northern Border, he had to pave the way.

As for who was sacrificed or abandoned in the process, it didn't matter—including himself!

Murong Jingyang looked toward the Teng Family's territory, a cold sneer playing on his lips.

If Teng Qianjue acted as expected, he would surely be unable to wait to strike at the Hu Family after confirming that "Murong Jingyang is dead."

After all, with no more worries and having taken all the sacrifices, why wouldn't he want to take the lead? Why wait for the Liu Family to come and claim a share of the spoils?

As for the Liu Family... he had intentionally had Hu Hai warn them before, merely to give them a heads-up so that things wouldn't happen too abruptly.

When the time came, Liu Wusheng would only think he had made a lapse in judgment and wouldn't carefully consider if there was any underlying problem behind the matter.

After all, in the face of a choice piece of meat like the Hu Family, not everyone could remain absolutely calm.

As long as the Teng Family moved fast and ruthlessly enough to snatch most of the benefits before the Liu Family could react, the balance would be broken.

And with Teng Qianjue's greedy nature, he would never spit out what he had already swallowed.

The Liu Family's domineering style would also never allow them to watch the Teng Family grow stronger without doing anything.

If the two families couldn't agree on the distribution of interests, then their only option would be to fight!

When both families had fought until they were both wounded, that would be his time to appear!

One link after another—the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind!

...The Teng Family's movements were startlingly fast.

By the very next day, a complete and comprehensive plan had already been drawn up.

Inside the council hall, twelve core Elders of the Teng Family were lined up on both sides, their gazes—some burning with passion, others solemn—all converging on the figure seated upon the main throne.

Teng Qianjue sat in the primary seat, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest as his gaze swept over the twelve core Elders present.

"Three days!" he declared, his voice calm yet carrying an unquestionable decisiveness. "Within three days, I want the Hu Family to be renamed Teng!"

The hall fell silent for a moment, followed by a chorus of sharp intakes of breath.

Even though they were mentally prepared, such urgency still caused several Clan Elders to frown.

"Old Ancestor, is this not a bit too rushed?"

One of the Clan Elders couldn't help but speak up, a hint of worry in his voice: "Although the Hu Family is plagued by internal strife, they still have their foundations after all. Their Third-Grade Clan Protection Array is certainly not just for show.

Furthermore, the Liu Family is still watching from the side like a tiger eyeing its prey. If we make such a major move, if we happen to attract Liu Wusheng's attention, then..."

"There are no 'ifs'!" Teng Qianjue interrupted him with a wave of his sleeve. "Murong Jingyang is dead. Now, there are only two Golden Core powers in the Black Sha Marsh. This is a once-in-a-century opportunity for our Teng Family!"

"As for Liu Wusheng..." Teng Qianjue leaned forward slightly.

"That old fox is likely still testing the waters and waiting. By the time he figures it out, the Hu Family will already be in our Teng Family's pocket.

By then, the situation will be settled, and with our strength having grown while theirs remained the same, they'll have to think twice even if they want to turn hostile!"

Having finished, he stood up abruptly, his gaze sweeping over every Clan Elder present like a torch, his tone brooks no argument.

"The Hu Family is currently in the midst of internal conflict. The branch led by Hu Li, whom we support, has already gained the upper hand. Conversely, the branch led by Hu Hai, supported by the Liu Family, is consistently a step behind because Liu Wusheng has always been unwilling to provide resources."

"As for those stubborn members of the Main Branch..."

Teng Qianjue let out a sneer. "They are nothing more than paper tigers. The reason they are still holding on now is simply because they lack a way to save face—a fig leaf to mask their submission."

"Does the Old Ancestor mean for us to give them a way to step down?" another Clan Elder asked tentatively.

"No, no, no!" Teng Qianjue wagged his index finger, a look of contempt on his face. "They are just a bunch of people lingering on their last breaths; there's no need for such trouble!"

"Then, Old Ancestor, what do you mean...?"

"Hmph, the most effective way to swallow a Family that has lost its Golden Core protection is to crush their last bit of hope with absolute strength!"

Teng Qianjue sat back down, his voice cold and indifferent.

"Send word to Hu Li. Tell him to suppress the other two branches within three days at all costs! At the same time, push with all his might for the entire Hu Family to merge into our Teng Family and become a Vassal Family.

However, do not push them too far, or even a cornered rabbit will bite. So, for the time being, let them retain their Bloodline Legacy and some of their rights!

But remember, this is only temporary pacification. Once the situation stabilizes in the future, we will settle the scores!"

"Is there any risk in leaving this to Hu Li?" an Elder frowned. "What if he turns against us?"

"Risk?" Teng Qianjue laughed, his laughter filled with the confidence of someone in total control.

"Hu Li has betrayed his Family's interests; he has long since had no way back. Aside from clinging tightly to our Teng Family's leg, where else can he go?"

"The Hu Family won't be able to tolerate him, and would the Liu Family take in a dog that betrayed its master?"

At this point, he paused, a cold light flashing in his eyes. "However, your reminder is not without merit."

"Anying!"

"Present!"

From the shadows in the corner of the hall, a blurred figure emerged in response.

"Select some capable hands from the Dark Guards and have Hu Li find a way to plant you among them.

If he refuses, it means he has something to hide. If he agrees, then your mission is to quickly take over several key nodes of the Hu Family's Clan Protection Array, while also controlling the overall situation to ensure nothing goes wrong!!"

Teng Qianjue's words were beyond dispute.

"As you command!"

The dark figure immediately took the order and then quietly receded.

Finally, Teng Qianjue looked at everyone present and said word for word.

"Pass down my order to immediately open the Family Secret Vault and make preparations for war!"

"This time, I will completely establish the Teng Family's hegemony in the Black Sha Marsh!"

From the moment Teng Qianjue's will was handed down, the entire Teng Family began to operate at full speed like a massive machine.

That night, three inconspicuous gray-black Flying Boats quietly sailed out of the Teng Family's territory, disappearing into the gray mist that hung over the Black Sha Marsh year-round.

Inside the cabins of the Flying Boats, besides being loaded with a large amount of supplies, were the elite Cultivators secretly trained by the Teng Family—the Dark Guards!

On the outskirts of the Hu Family's territory, in a hidden marsh hollow, Hu Li had already been waiting.

When he saw the three Flying Boats land one by one and the expressionless but formidable-looking Cultivators walk out of the cabins, the corners of Hu Li's mouth couldn't help but curl up slightly before he quickly hid it.

"Fellow Daoist Li, sorry to keep you waiting!" Anyu, the commander of the Dark Guards, stepped forward, his voice flat and devoid of emotion.

"The Old Ancestor has ordered: a three-day limit to purge the internal rebels and submit to the Teng Family. Once successful, the position of head of the Hu Family will be inherited by your branch for generations to come!"