After thinking it over carefully, Xuan Ye Wang felt the plan was thorough enough. It could take down Xu Yi, earn him merit, and win the Xiang Family's favor—all in one fell swoop. "I'll do as Senior instructs. When do you plan to set things in motion?"
Xu Yi said, "That depends on what you can manage, young friend. The key is to draw away the patrolling Ding Shen and Jia Shen. You know which area would be easiest to clear out. We'll make our move there. Wait for my message, then come arrest them and catch them red-handed. That'll be enough to crush Xu Yi in one stroke."
Xuan Ye Wang paused. "Having me move the troops doesn't seem right. If we alert anyone with an eye for this sort of thing, it could become a liability."
Xu Yi said, "At this point, can't you see? If someone investigates, then it's a problem. If no one investigates, what problem is there? I'm asking you to help. Would I also make you clean up afterward? If word got out, wouldn't your elders laugh themselves sick?"
"I was worrying too much." Xuan Ye Wang finally put his mind at ease. He had just remembered that Senior Gong Chu had been introduced by one of his own elders. With that connection, there was no need to be as wary as he would be with an outsider; that would only make the Aristocratic Clan lose face.
Once everything was settled, Xuan Ye Wang took his leave. He needed to look into things and find a convenient time and place to set the trap, so Xu Yi would be doomed beyond redemption.
After hearing Xu Yi's account, Black Wind Venerable pushed back his hood, both startled and delighted. "Third Brother, what a brilliant scheme!