Effective Methods Are Always Simple and Crude

Wang Jingyuan didn't play coy. "You're going to die, and so will Liu Zhengfeng's entire family."

Qu Feiyan was startled, but Qu Yang continued to eat and drink as if unaffected by Wang Jingyuan's words. After all, he was at his age, having wandered the Jianghu for most of his life. His eyelashes were practically hollow; he'd seen plenty of these intimidation tactics.

Although the person before him treated him with unusual regard, it was still only their first meeting. Moreover, the other party was a disciple of Mount Hua. How could he know if Wang Jingyuan's words were just a bluff?

However, Wang Jingyuan wasn't a conventional Jianghu figure; he was simply lazy and didn't want to waste time with theatrics. He continued, "Zuo Lengchan already knows about your relationship with Liu Zhengfeng. He intends to use this opportunity to weaken Hengshan. No matter what preparations Liu Zhengfeng has made, Zuo Lengchan will definitely not let him complete the Golden Basin Hand-Washing Ceremony smoothly."

Hearing this, Qu Yang finally put down his wine cup. Qu Feiyan couldn't contain herself and asked, "Then Grandpa Liu he..."

Qu Yang raised his hand, interrupting Qu Feiyan, and looked at Wang Jingyuan. "I thought we just met by chance on the road, but I didn't expect you to be here for me."

Wang Jingyuan shook his head. "I knew you'd be going to Hengyang City, but who knew I'd run into you here? Since I did, it would be a waste not to use you, wouldn't it?"

Qu Yang nodded. "If what you say is true, then this news is indeed worth more than a thousand pieces of gold. I owe you one. Whatever you need, just ask."

"You've probably guessed it. I'm going to Hengyang to save Liu Zhengfeng. But I'm not doing it for free. First, I want to undermine the prestige of the Songshan Sect, and second, I want to force Hengshan Sect to owe me a favor."

Qu Yang probed, "I heard the Five Great Sword Sects are like brothers."

Wang Jingyuan waved his hand. "That's just talk for outsiders. They're a plastic alliance; behind closed doors, they'd tear each other's guts out. Otherwise, why would Zuo Lengchan target Liu Zhengfeng? Songshan stabs Hengshan in the back, and my Mount Hua stabs Songshan in the back. It's only logical."

"What do you mean by 'plastic'?"

"You wouldn't understand even if I explained."

Qu Yang asked again, "What about Mount Tai and Mount Hengshan?"

"They're just irrelevant bystanders who know nothing and are only good for cheering from the sidelines."

"What do you mean by 'bystanders'?"

"It's inconvenient to explain in detail."

Qu Yang started to understand. "So, I was part of your plan from the beginning?"

Wang Jingyuan smacked his lips. "Originally, you had nothing to do with this. But since you've jumped into the picture yourself, I'll get two birds with one stone. I'll force you to owe me a favor first. I know you and Liu Zhengfeng intend to retire from the Jianghu and live in seclusion. But your plan won't work. I'll help you revise it. I'll sell you this information along with the previous intelligence as two favors. You'll have to help me twice."

Qu Yang extended his hand. "A gentleman's word."

Wang Jingyuan reached out and high-fived him. "Mission accepted."

Qu Yang withdrew his hand, looking somewhat puzzled. "I've never heard such a saying before. Now, can you tell me everything?"

"It's simple. You rush to Hengyang City immediately and beat Liu Zhengfeng half to death."

"What?"

"You've heard of a bitter scheme, right? Before you beat him, remember to scold Liu Zhengfeng for breaking Jianghu rules, pretending to befriend you, only to try and ambush and kill you with others when you let your guard down. The Golden Basin Hand-Washing Ceremony is approaching. By my calculations, the Songshan Sect has already sent people to spy on the Liu residence. The ambushers are all in place. To make it look more convincing, remember to find them and kill them. That will make your story seem more credible."

Qu Yang frowned. "You said it yourself, it's a bitter scheme. Won't others suspect something?"

Wang Jingyuan waved his hand. "I have my own arrangements. I'll stir up the waters enough so that no one cares whether your actions are true or false."

"I'm eager to hear more."

"I'll find a way to spread rumors in Hengyang City."

Hearing Wang Jingyuan's answer, Qu Yang was somewhat disappointed. "Mere rumors..."

Wang Jingyuan waved his hand. "I haven't finished speaking. I know ordinary rumors are useless; they can be easily debunked with a simple explanation. But as everyone knows, people have a 'big head' and a 'small head.' The 'big head' has a complex structure, so it prefers logically sound information. For example, when I write a story, if there's even a slight logical flaw, people will pick at it. More discerning individuals will chew on it repeatedly, trying to find any inconsistencies. But the 'small head' is different; its structure is simple, so it's easily satisfied. I've never seen anyone scrutinize the plot of erotic fiction for realism. As long as the 'small head' is satisfied, nothing else matters. So, I plan to spread yellow rumors directly. Combined with my excellent writing skills, this will be very effective. I guarantee no one will focus on its authenticity. Once it spreads, its effect will kick in. Yellow rumors have two characteristics: first, they are difficult to disprove, and second, even if disproven, the interest in the truth is far less than the rumor itself. Therefore, the truth won't spread widely, while the yellow rumor itself will endure."

Qu Yang asked confusedly, "What are these 'big head,' 'small head,' and 'yellow rumors'...? Never mind."

"From now on, you just need to watch my performance. I guarantee that Liu Zhengfeng will be able to complete his Golden Basin Hand-Washing Ceremony smoothly. It will be hard for him to go back on his word and not retire from the Jianghu."

Seeing Wang Jingyuan's confidence, Qu Yang was also curious about his methods. Even if they didn't work, the information Wang Jingyuan had already provided was enough for him to do many things.

So, Qu Yang prepared to leave. "Then I'll await your good news."

But Qu Yang suddenly looked at his granddaughter, a troubled expression on his face. Wang Jingyuan understood. "I know, sometimes it's difficult to get things done when you have a tagalong."

Qu Feiyan pouted. "You're the tagalong!"

Wang Jingyuan acted as if he hadn't heard her and said to Qu Yang, "From now on, she's an orphan I found on the road and has taken under my wing. If your luck is truly terrible and you roll a critical failure on your check, she'll at least have the protection of Mount Hua. If you succeed, I'll let her find you. However, that will be three favors."

Qu Yang nodded. "That would be excellent."

Wang Jingyuan scratched his chin, a hint of confusion on his face. "That's strange. This is the first time we've met, and I didn't even prepare a presentation. I just started talking, and you were willing to entrust your granddaughter to me. Do I just naturally have protagonist aura?"

Qu Yang chuckled. "Your words, I don't fully believe them, except for one point. But it's that one point that makes me willing to trust you."

"Which point?"

"The Five Great Sword Sects are outwardly united but inwardly divided."

Qu Yang continued, "Since they aren't united, it must be over fame and fortune. I observed that your internal energy isn't strong, and your martial arts are mediocre. Even so, you dared to scheme against me, Brother Liu, Mount Song, and Hengshan.

This shows that Mount Hua has considerable ambitions. My three favors, falling into your hands, will likely be put to great use. I believe you will take good care of Feifei."