Chapter 97: The Birth Of Two Headed Yin Yang Dragon

The news of the Two-Headed Yin Yang Dragon's birth rippled through the Xia Family Manor, but only amongst the most trusted inner circle.

Acting Matriarch Xia Qingwu understood the gravity of the situation.

A beast of such legendary lineage, a symbol of immense power and potential, could ignite a frenzy amongst the cultivation sects. Both righteous and demonic factions would undoubtedly covet the dragon, seeking to bend it to their will.

Therefore, secrecy became paramount.

Official records dubbed the creature a "Two-Headed Viper," a cunning moniker that masked its true nature.

Only time would tell when the dragon would reach maturity, when its unique dual-elemental aura would become undeniable.

By then, the Xia Family hoped to be powerful enough to deter any attempts at forceful acquisition.

Inside Wang Li's quarters, a different kind of heat rose. His cousin, Wang Xiangyi, her curvaceous form nestled against him, voiced her concerns.

"Li," she began, her voice a silken whisper, "while I applaud the righteous sects' cooperation against the White Bone Sect, I fear Ye Fan might emerge from this a hero."

Wang Li, his fingers tracing idle patterns across Xiangyi's exposed skin, acknowledged her worry.

"Indeed, Xiangyi. If Ye Fan plays a pivotal role in dismantling their demonic altar, his reputation as a demon-slaying cultivator will reach new heights. Our efforts to expose his lies through the Jade Lotus Palace might then ring hollow."

A soft moan escaped Xiangyi's lips as his touch intensified. "What then, Li?" she inquired, her voice laced with a hint of unease. "Have you devised a plan?"

He chuckled softly, his gaze distant. "This is why, Xiangyi, I'm pushing for such rapid expansion of the Xia Family. We're building strength, acquiring resources, and most importantly, shaping public perception. Only a powerful Xia Family can counter Ye Fan's fabricated narrative."

Xiangyi shifted closer, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "You're always several steps ahead, Li. But tell me, how exactly do you plan to shape public opinion?"

A slow smile spread across his face.

"There are many ways, Xiangyi. We can leverage the resources we've acquired to offer substantial aid to the surrounding towns and villages. Imagine the Xia Family as a beacon of fair pricing and quality goods, a stark contrast to the exploitative practices of the righteous sects.

We can also capitalize on our recent discoveries, perhaps showcase a few of the more impressive tamed beasts, subtly demonstrating our growing power."

He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear.

"Remember, Xiangyi, perception is reality. Through strategic actions and calculated exposure, we'll solidify the Xia Family's image as a force for good, a defender of the common man. Ye Fan's fabricated heroism will eventually pale in comparison."

A satisfied sigh escaped Xiangyi's lips. "Brilliant, as always, Li."

Their conversation drifted, their lips meeting in a passionate embrace.

The future held uncertainties, but with cunning and unwavering determination, Wang Li and Xiangyi were confident in the Xia Family's inexorable rise.

Beside him, a tall, wiry figure with eyes that burned like embers spoke in a raspy voice. "Elder Mo, fret not. The first wave was a mere taste of what awaits them. Our formations are strengthened, and our demonic beasts hunger for battle."

A cruel smile twisted Elder Mo's lips. "Excellent. Let them come. They shall witness the true cost of defying the White Bone Sect!"

~~

The days following the initial clash at the White Bone Sect were a flurry of activity. Reinforcements poured in from the five major righteous sects – the Jade Lotus Palace, Emerald Sea Palace, Golden Bell Temple, Crimson Rock Sect, and Ye Fan's own Azure Peak Sect.

Disciples and elders alike arrived, faces grim with determination, clutching an arsenal of rare demon-slaying artifacts and potent demon-suppressing talismans.

Meanwhile, within the Xia Family Manor, a different kind of battle was unfolding. Wang Li, disguised in his White Eagle Mask and a set of regal robes, sat beside Xia Qingwu, the Acting Matriarch, as they negotiated with representatives from the Supreme Commerce Union.

The mask, a symbol of the Xia Family's mysterious Eagle Masked Expert, disguised Wang Li perfectly, allowing him to engage in business while evading his wanted status.

The air crackled with tension as Wang Li, with a smooth, confident voice, laid out the Xia Family's proposition. They wished to increase their trade volume with the Supreme Commerce Union, selling a wider range of weapons, artifacts, and medicinal pellets. In return, they demanded a significantly higher commission for these sales and a hefty discount when purchasing raw materials.

The Supreme Commerce Union representatives, seasoned merchants with a keen eye for profit, balked at first. They cited operational costs, salaries, and the inherent risks involved.

Wang Li, however, was a master negotiator.

He countered their arguments with a calculated threat.

"If the Supreme Commerce Union is unwilling to accommodate our demands," he stated coolly, "then the Xia Family may consider forging a new partnership. The Wayfarer Mercantile, despite its fledgling transport network, is ambitious and eager for collaboration. We are prepared to invest in their infrastructure, expanding their trade routes and acquiring a substantial stake in their future."

The representatives exchanged worried glances. The Wayfarer Mercantile, with its rapid growth and the Xia Family's potential involvement, posed a real threat to their dominance. They couldn't afford to lose the Xia Family's business.

Hours of intense negotiation followed. Finally, a compromise was reached. The Supreme Commerce Union agreed to increase the commission on Xia Family sales and offer a thirty percent discount on all raw materials. This was a significant victory for the Xia Family, securing better business terms and bolstering their resource acquisition.

However, Wang Li wasn't done.

"I want to conduct another deal," he declared, his voice taking on a more serious tone.

"The Xia Family wishes to support a righteous cause," he declared, a hint of righteousness in his disguised voice. "We want you to utilize your fastest flying beasts for transporting weaponry, artifacts, and medicinal pellets to the allied camp at the White Bone Sect. Cost is no object, and the Xia Family will cover the entire transportation expense."

Wang Li added, with one crucial stipulation. "A member of the Xia Family will accompany your team," he stated. "This individual will be authorized to sell the goods at their discretion, setting the price based on the needs of the righteous sects."

The representatives readily accepted. The Xia Family shouldered the transportation cost, while the Supreme Commerce Union facilitated the delivery, incurring no losses. It was a win-win scenario.

With this deal secured, a satisfied smile played behind Wang Li's mask.

The Xia Family was not just a silent power gathering resources; it was subtly influencing the flow of the battle.

The rapid movement of supplies to the righteous sects would undoubtedly bolster their efforts, while the Xia Family would reap significant profits from the wartime demand.

News of the Xia Family's generosity quickly spread through the camp. Tales of their timely supplies and fair pricing reached the ears of weary disciples battling the demonic forces.