Humans cannot outwit fate.

That saying had been passed down for countless generations, so naturally, it contained a fair bit of wisdom.

For instance, no matter how thoroughly Ye Zichen made his calculations, he couldnt have anticipated such a perfect opportunity to slip an agent into the Xiao Family, and one that he could trust absolutely at that.

He ought to thank the heavens; it seemed they were standing on his side.

From the way things were proceeding, it really seemed like the situation was increasingly in his favor, but he didnt worry about what would happen next. Right now, all he had to worry about was just how to safely, quietly insert Yang Jian into the Xiao Family without making the other /party suspicious.

The group waited for Ye Zichens plan, but naturally, Xuan Ji kept her distance.

Given her current position, buying this stretch of land for Ye Zichen was already the limit of what she could do. If she helped him plot, that would cross her bottom line.

She simply crossed her arms and looked away. From her behavior, Ye Zichen could tell that Xuan Ji didnt want to get involved in this, but he didnt mind.

The way he saw it, as his aunt, Xuan Ji had already done an awful lot for him. He was already grateful.

Now it was time to get Yang Jian into the Xiao family.

Ye Zichen stroked his chin and gazed at the towering, dignified Xiao Family estates out of the corner of his eye. This was the Lightning Emperors clan, with an inheritance that had been passed down for generations. From the outside, all people could see was the imposing beauty of their estate, but no one knew what went on inside.

Especially now, at a time like this. The Xiao Family was secretly cooperating with yao and demons.

Ye Zichen wasnt even sure whether the ordinary Xiao Family members knew about this or not, but he was certain at least some of them did.

At a time like this, the Xiao Family was sure to be even more cautious than usual. Even if Xiao Ting took the initiative to try and lure Yang Jian over, it didnt mean that, should Yang Jian accept, hed be welcomed without suspicion.

Furthermore, the Xiao Family had towered proudly over the God Realm for all these years without falling. If Yang Jian went undercover, hed undoubtedly encounter danger on all sides. On the surface, if he ran into trouble, Ye Zichen could lead his people in to rescue him. In reality, if something went wrong, who knew if Yang Jian would ever even get the chance to call for help?

Whether it was out of concern for Yang Jians safety or to ensure their plan succeeded, they couldnt afford the slightest mistake.

No rush. After pondering in silence for a while, Ye Zichens expression darkened and he said suddenly, If we sent him over directly, itll look too desperate. According to conventional logic, even if we really suspected Yang Jian, wed take time to investigate him, and it would take time for our differences to reach the boiling point. Seeking refuge with the Xiao Family will be reasonable only after our conflict boils over and we break out into turmoil.

Next, Ye Zichens gaze landed on Yang Jian. He warned him, In the near future, the Xiao Family might send people to talk things over with you, but you cant look too eager or desperate. You can seem interested, but not like youre just longing for them to take you in. If your performance is too over the top, even if they dont suspect treachery, theyll think you are too disloyal and not worth roping in.

This was all basic knowledge of human nature.

Everyone had their selfish desires, and everyone made decisions for the sake of their future. Birds carefully selected which branches they built their nests on, and cultivators carefully selected which factions they served based on which could help them develop themselves better. There was nothing wrong with this.

But if Yang Jian really made it seem like the moment they offered him superior incentives, hed happily switch sides.

Then wouldnt the Xiao Family worry that the second someone offered better conditions, Yang Jian would up and leave them too?

Of course they would worry!

This way, they naturally wouldnt expose Yang Jian to any of the Xiao Familys secrets. After all, if theyd lured Yang Jian away from his employers again, hed take their secrets along with him.

If Yang Jian was to obtain their trust, he had to present as loyal, except, since Ye Zichen didnt treat him loyally in turn, angry and with nowhere left to turn. He had to make it seem that out of anger due to his unjust treatment, hed turned to the Xiao Family. This was the only possible way to win their regard, or at least, even, not to be treated with distrust and disdain.

When Yang Jian heard Ye Zichens analysis, he nodded. Ye Zichen continued, For the new future, dont act too close to the Great Sage. Hes the source of our apparent conflict, and the reason well have a falling out. You have to act like mortal enemies, and the Great Sage has to treat you equally poorly. You can argue with each other throughout this process, or even fight. This will make things seem more realistic.

They both nodded practically at the same time, then glared at each other, as if they were about to fight again. However, because Ye Zichen and Pu Jingwan were there too, they held back. Still, the contempt and anger in their gazes was obvious.

Ye Zichen couldnt help but nod approvingly. This was the level of playing the part needed to make this work.

To Ye Zichens surprise, Pu Jingwan had a theatrical flair too. He hadnt arranged a role for her, but of her own volition, she put herself between them and played the part of the anxious peacekeeper trying to keep them calm.

This was even better, and more realistic.

A big game started just like that, with Xiao Ting taking a hint of a liking to Yang Jian and Ye Zichen having a sudden burst of inspiration.

As for what happened after this, it was out of his control. It was all up to fate!

They didnt keep putting on a show. Yang Jian and the Great Sage stopped for now. If they kept at it, it might seem like they were trying too hard, or that it was deliberate.

As their alliance leader, Ye Zichen had to maintain tranquility. He made it seem like, because of his low cultivation, he couldnt maintain control of his subordinates despite his best efforts.

He let out an exasperated sigh, then walked up to Xuan Jis side.

Little guy, you really understand human nature, huh? She laughed without even looking at him. Ye Zichen smiled too.

Hed lived for quite a while, and had seen all facets of humanity. Also, back in the Modern Realm, hed watched quite a few TV dramas, and hed picked up a few skills from them.

Lets call it a day, then. Right, Auntie, have you been keeping an eye on the Battle of Geniuses? asked Ye Zichen.

He still remembered how strangely Murong Xue and the others had acted, and was still worried about the Anti-Upheaval Society, so he decided to take this opportunity to ask Xuan Ji and see if she knew anything.

Why do you ask?

Its nothing. Id just like to know how the rest of Anti-Upheaval is doing. Its been a long time since I last saw them, and I want to know how theyre faring. Ye Zichen wasnt actually all that concerned. It had never occurred to him that the situation could be all that bad.

This was Heavenly God City. The way he saw it, nothing too extreme could happen. At worst, someone would take a few minor injuries or theyd wash out of the competition.

He asked Xuan Ji simply for reassurance.

Against all expectations, when he asked about Anti-Upheaval, Xuan Ji noticeably tensed up and paused for a moment before responding, Theyre. Doing quite well.

Thats good, then.

Ye Zichen nodded. Just then, he saw one of Xuan Jis Divine Generals destroy a tall building with his hammer. He didn't know why, but for some reason, he had a sudden ill premonition.

Auntie, I asked you to leave me the Skyspan Trading Company. You didnt forget, did you?

Do you think I have dementia? You only just said it! Of course I havent forgotten! Xuan Ji rolled her eyes, then pointed. Isnt that the Skyspan Trading Association? I left it for you.

Before she could finish her sentence, she saw her hammer-wielding subordinate land right in front of the nine-story building. As he slammed his weapon into the building, a pained smile flashed across her face.

Well, I didnt forget, but I did forget to tell them.