Put Away Your Divine Techniques Now! Chapter 1154 - 344: [No Way, Right?]_2

East Sea stated with indifference, "I grasp your meaning, but I can assure you, it wasn't me who committed this act."

A frown creased Chen Yan's brow.

East Sea continued, shaking his head, "To arrange an ambush on the flying ship carrying representatives from the Noble Sects midway, to stage it as the work of the Demon Race, thereby framing them—this was not my doing, nor did I command anyone to carry it out."

Chen Yan already knew the perpetrator: Third Young Master Gu from the Gu Family, Gu Tongbing.

However, Gu Tongbing had later informed Chen Yan that it was his organization, hired for the task, that executed this particular mission.

Gu Tongbing, deeply devoted to his "Great Mission," sought to amass funds for significant endeavors, travel the world, attract capable individuals, and unite like-minded souls. Thus, in his capacity as the esteemed Third Young Master of the Gu Family, he had joined an underground assassin network, participating in this assignment.

Initially, Chen Yan had assumed that Gu Tongbing's organization, to which he was so dedicated for his Great Mission, was the very group responsible for ambushing the Noble Sects' flying ship.

He had even thought at the time that this organization didn't align with Gu Tongbing's description of seeking to dismantle exploitation; rather, they seemed more akin to terrorists orchestrating ambush attacks.

Later, as their bond deepened, Chen Yan came to realize that the "Great Mission Organization" Gu Tongbing envisioned had not yet materialized; it existed solely within Gu Tongbing's beliefs.

The group that Third Young Master Gu had joined to ambush the flying ship was, in fact, just a mercenary assassin syndicate.

Third Young Master Gu was merely seeking practical experience, venturing into the world, searching for opportunities, and hoping to recruit kindred spirits during his travels.

Naturally, regardless of the circumstances, Chen Yan never entertained the idea of joining Gu Tongbing's cause—his own pursuits were not born out of mere idleness.

"Those who were hired to ambush the Noble Sects and frame the Demon Race... it was Zhan Li's faction that carried it out."

Without hesitation, East Sea directly disclosed the answer to Chen Yan.

Chen Yan pondered for a moment, nodded, and then let out a sigh.

This revelation was not particularly surprising.

"Zhan Li's mentor, named Luo Xiuqing, was the former matriarch of the Ghost Race—now deposed and confined to Ghost Cloud Cliff for introspection.

One couldn't accuse that woman of lacking capability. In terms of aptitude and skill, she was among the exceptionally intelligent matriarchs of the Ghost Race in recent generations.

However, her flaw lay in being too intelligent, possessing numerous minor clevernesses but lacking profound wisdom. Consequently, her actions often led her into disadvantageous situations."

As East Sea elaborated, Chen Yan interjected, "...How so?"

"Individuals with limited cleverness tend to have two inherent flaws.

The first is that clever individuals tend to over-calculate; in doing so, they overthink. Due to excessive concern for potential gains and losses, they become fixated on superficial benefits and detriments.

The second flaw arises during excessive contemplation, inevitably leading to overthinking. They become entangled in their own calculations and schemes, lose considerable courage, and gradually sink into a mire from which they cannot escape."

East Sea's tone dripped with disdain as he continued, "This entire affair bears the hallmarks of Luo Xiuqing's machinations; Zhan Li himself personally oversaw and strategized the operation in the City of No Return.

Naturally, I comprehend their motives.

The Ghost Race in the Southern Border wishes to contend with the Demon Race, and thus, they aim to garner support from more Noble Sects, hoping to align them with the Ghost Race's cause.

To this end, they have undertaken numerous actions over the years, such as strengthening trade relations with the Noble Sects, even at the cost of significant concessions, using these benefits to secure the Noble Sects' allegiance.

For example, this operation was conceived to fracture the relationship between the Noble Sects and the Demon Race. Framing the ambush as the Demon Race's doing is not an unsophisticated ploy; it might even yield some results.

But these methods..."

Before East Sea could finish, Chen Yan sighed and cut him off, continuing, "These methods are all trivial stratagems, unworthy of serious consideration."

East Sea's eyes brightened, and he smiled at Chen Yan, "The ancestor predicted you would undoubtedly grasp this matter."

Chen Yan shook his head, replying, "I wouldn't claim complete understanding, but I can discern the fundamental principles."

East Sea chuckled heartily, "Do elaborate."

Chen Yan slowly articulated, "Ambushing the representatives of the Noble Sects and framing the Demon Race is a tactic; it's not particularly brilliant, but it's workable.

Firstly, the Demon Race has a consistent reputation for acting in quite... barbaric or rapacious ways.Secondly, the Demon Race and the Ghost Race are natural adversaries. With the Ghost Race conducting their Heaven-Crashing Ceremony, the Demon Race sought to sabotage it, leading them to ambush the participating representatives en route—this chain of events is logical and holds credibility. As for the Noble Sects dispatching investigators afterward to uncover the truth, it's ultimately inconsequential. Given that the Ghost Race commands local influence, they possess ample methods to fabricate a convincing scenario, planting visible clues that would impede any external investigators from discovering the reality. Furthermore, the truth itself isn't crucial because..." As Chen Yan elaborated, he cast a glance toward East Sea and gave a dismissive shake of his head, "Because the hired assassins who managed to execute the ambush were only capable of targeting Noble Sects ranked second-rate or below; they couldn't even scratch the truly elite, top-tier sects. It was merely the elimination of a few representatives from mid-to-low-tier sects, which isn't enough to stir significant turmoil. The highly ranked Noble Sects wouldn't concern themselves with such trivialities—only the paramount Noble Sects and their affiliated forces truly dictate the grand scheme of things. The demise of a handful of representatives from lesser Nobles simply serves to sway public opinion further in favor of the Ghost Race. Therefore, these are, in essence, just minor, insignificant machinations.