222: Chapter 222 Feigning Weakness to Lure the Snake Out

Although Xu Ruyu's tone sounded calm, the word "clearance" carried an unquestionable decisiveness.

"Specifically, how do we do it?"

Lady Qingli's eyes brightened slightly as she pressed for details.

Xu Ruyu lowered his voice, ensuring Lady Qingli could hear clearly and that Xiao Nianyin in the corner could vaguely hear; this was both a discussion and a display of authority.

"When we go to the Council Hall later, facing those Elders, I will intentionally show weakness, even directly expressing that I don't want to be the Sect Master, that the pressure is too great, and that I'm incapable of the role."

A look of realization flashed through Lady Qingli's eyes.

Xu Ruyu continued, "Those who were already dissatisfied with me being a 'Parachuted Sect Master,' or those who have long harbored ambitions to replace me, will surely be secretly delighted to hear me say this."

"And they will go with the flow. On the surface, they might feign attempts to make me stay, but in the shadows, they will definitely start plotting how to take advantage of the opportunity to pull me down, or even..."

He paused, his voice turning colder: "It's highly likely they won't be able to hold back on the spot and will jump out to question me, or unite with others to pressure me into abdication. They might even start arguing and fighting right there to compete for the position of Successor. It's not impossible."

"After all, if they miss this opportunity, they might have to wait for many years."

"Moreover, these people will certainly worry that if they don't act, others will seize the initiative."

"Therefore, I believe that as long as I show weakness and express my willingness to step down for someone more capable, those with ulterior motives will surely reveal themselves."

"If these people truly refuse to acknowledge me as the Sect Master, their hearts must be elsewhere!"

Xu Ruyu said decisively, "They aren't truly considering the Sect's interests; they only want to seize power."

"Furthermore, I, the Sect Master, was personally appointed by both the Founding Ancestor Mo Hehuan and Old Ancestor Qingtian!"

"The Ancestral Master has only just left, and they already dare to openly question or even plot to replace me. This is a contempt and betrayal of the Ancestral Master's decree!"

"Such people will surely be a disaster if left alone!"

"When the time comes, we will see who jumps the highest, who is most eager for me to step down, and who takes the opportunity to form factions."

"Of course, we must also see who remains silent, who speaks out in opposition, and who firmly expresses support for me to continue as Sect Master."

Xu Ruyu analyzed, "Basically, we'll be able to see who harbors evil intentions, who are the fence-sitters, and who..."

"Perhaps still have a sliver of possibility for salvation, or are at least temporarily usable."

"We will use this opportunity," a cold light flashed in Xu Ruyu's eyes, "to take down those 'dissidents' who jump out with hidden malice on the spot!"

"At that time, I'll need you, Sister Qingli, to step forward and play the bad cop. Of course, if others step forward, that's even better—we'll use the charges of 'contempt for the Ancestral Master, plotting rebellion, and endangering the Sect' to cripple those who should be crippled, imprison those who should be imprisoned, and... for those who should be killed, we must not be soft-hearted!"

When he said the word "killed," his tone didn't fluctuate at all, as if he were stating an objective fact.

Heavy penalties for chaotic times, extraordinary measures for extraordinary periods—he understood this principle.

Kindness to the enemy is cruelty to himself and those willing to follow him.

"Sister Qingli, I'll need your help when the time comes."

Xu Ruyu looked at Lady Qingli, his gaze honest and pleading: "With your cultivation and influence within the Sect, combined with my title as 'Sect Master,' if we join forces and strike like a thunderbolt, we should be able to control the situation and clear out the main troublemakers in the shortest time possible."

"Can you help me?"

After hearing Xu Ruyu's plan, Lady Qingli's beautiful eyes sparkled with brilliance.

She hadn't expected that this young man, who seemed to have been suddenly pushed to the forefront and was somewhat at a loss, could calm down so quickly after a brief moment of panic and devise such a clear, even ruthless and decisive strategy!

Leading the snake out of its hole, using a pretext to make a point, thunderous suppression... this didn't look like a move a green, inexperienced youth would come up with; it was more like a veteran well-versed in power politics and decisive in killing.

Although the plan was still a bit rough and needed details filled in, the general direction had grasped the core of the problem—if the internal situation is unstable, everything is lost.

This insight into the situation, this courage to draw a sword in a desperate situation and even take the initiative to create chaos to distinguish friend from foe, this wisdom to use his own 'legitimacy' (appointed by the Ancestral Master) and leverage (using her power)... all made Lady Qingli see Xu Ruyu in a new light.

She didn't answer immediately but pursed her lips and smiled. Her eyes rippled as she looked at Xu Ruyu and asked a question in return:

"The plan is good. Cleaning up the internal ranks is indeed the top priority."

"But... Xiao Yuer, what then?"

Her tone shifted, becoming serious: "Even if we successfully clear out the internal unstable factors and temporarily stabilize the situation, what about the external crisis?"

"What about those enemies watching like tigers? Especially Xiao Nianyin's old rivals. Once they learn that her cultivation is sealed, the Hehuan Sect is in internal turmoil, and its strength is greatly diminished, it won't be long before their armies are at our borders!"

Lady Qingli looked at Xu Ruyu and said word by word: "With the Hehuan Sect's current strength, even if we clear the internal troubles, we absolutely cannot resist the siege of those prepared and fully-powered enemies!"

"By then, we will have just finished our internal purge, our Origin Qi will not have recovered, how will we respond?"

"Will the Sect Master position you just secured have to be handed over to others on a silver platter, or even cost everyone their lives?"

This was the most critical issue and the biggest flaw in Xu Ruyu's plan—internal troubles solved, but external threats remained unaddressed.

However, faced with Lady Qingli's questioning, Xu Ruyu's face did not show panic or confusion.

He seemed to have already considered this problem, and his expression became even more determined.