Song Wanníng had been holding herself back the entire time, yet the pain and hatred in her eyes stayed painfully clear.
That look alone made the disciples feel miserable.
"Patriarch, the Dragon Clan is our only hope. We have to take them back."
"Exactly. Why should those people get to steal our prey? That Dragon Clan is tied to our Yao Family's rise."
"Don't tell me our secret has been exposed and those people want to snatch it too?"
Song Wanníng did not need to say much. The disciples already filled in the blanks themselves. One by one they grew even more agitated.
Compared to the Second Elder's death, losing the hope of the Yao Family's revival was something they simply could not accept. It was tied to every one of their futures. Having it stolen right in front of them, no one could swallow that humiliation.
Even the elders were unhappy.
Song Wanníng let out a soft sigh and said, "We should accept our fate. Their strength isn't something we can fight head on. Thinking we can take the Dragon Clan back is nothing but a delusion. Our power weakens by the day. If we stay low key, maybe we can hang on for a while longer."
She sighed heavily again. Tears filled her eyes.
"It's just that… the Second Elder was wronged. She died for me… and I can't avenge her. But once our people grow strong enough, I'll give up everything in the Yao Family and go seek revenge for her."
Her scattered, trembling words made the already furious disciples burn with even deeper hatred. But she also made sense. They might not be able to win.
The disciples gathered in clusters, murmuring among themselves. None of them wanted to let the matter go. Once they recovered the Dragon Clan and rebuilt the Yao Family, what would they have to fear?
They might as well gamble everything.
Soon, one disciple spoke up.
"Patriarch, we can't just swallow this. We have to demand justice. If we go secretly, we'll gain nothing. So let's make it big. Big enough that they won't dare act recklessly."
"Right. As long as we take the advantage in public opinion, even if they're furious, they can't just slaughter us. They have to care about reputation."
"We have to bring the Dragon Clan back, and we have to kill the one who murdered the Second Elder."
"Exactly. We can't let this slide."
Everyone chimed in. A few elders hesitated, but still agreed. Only by rebuilding the Yao Family could they secure a brighter future. If they kept declining like this, sooner or later their enemies would wipe them out.
In that moment, courage filled everyone. They shouted about avenging the Second Elder.
Song Wanníng sneered inwardly. This was human nature. For the sake of hope, no one would ever willingly back down.
She paused with a conflicted expression. "I'm afraid something will go wrong. If they refuse to admit it, we can't do anything."
Her act of worrying for them made the disciples trust her even more.
"Patriarch, don't worry. We won't act rashly. We're going to retrieve what's ours, not to rob anyone."
"Exactly. And even if something does go wrong, it's our bad luck. It's not your fault."
Everyone began comforting Song Wanníng.
In the end, Song Wanníng agreed as if she had been reluctantly persuaded.
The first step was to recall every disciple outside. After all, the ones out there were impossible to control. If someone died, better that everyone died together. The more people involved, the livelier it would be. Within days, all Yao Family disciples received the message. Once they realized it concerned the life and death of the clan, they all rushed back.
Song Wanníng was very satisfied. She trained them while waiting for the rest to return, even preparing pills and supplies.
The disciples felt the pressure and made every preparation.
And the rumor that Qingyun Sect stole the Dragon Clan and killed the Second Elder spread like wildfire.
The outside world erupted.
Everyone knew the Yao Family and the Dragon Clan bore a grudge. But why would Qingyun Sect steal the Dragon Clan?
Did they want the Dragon Clan's talent? Its bloodline?
People gossiped non stop.
The rumor quickly reached Qingyun Sect. The sect master ordered an investigation.
No one had stolen the Dragon Clan. No one had killed the Second Elder.
Of course, it was possible some disciple knew something and kept quiet.
But the sect master did not care. The Yao Family was nothing to Qingyun Sect. They might be a threat to ascended disciples, but they were nothing to a major sect.
Even if the Yao Family really came knocking, Qingyun Sect could ignore them. So the matter was tossed aside.
Half a month passed and the Yao Family disciples finally all returned.
Song Wanníng confirmed no one was missing, then held another meeting, stoking their hatred for Qingyun Sect to the limit.
She chose Qingyun Sect for two reasons. It was close, and it was strong enough to wipe out the Yao Family easily.
After all, everyone had the duty to repel invaders.
With the way she planned things, Song Wanníng had no psychological burden at all.
The disciples were riled up, itching to rush over and demand justice.
Song Wanníng did not waste time. She led everyone straight to Qingyun Sect.
Their aggressive formation attracted many bystanders who followed, eager to watch the show. By the time they reached Qingyun Sect, a whole crowd trailed behind them.
People admired their courage. Daring to challenge Qingyun Sect meant they truly had guts.
With so many outsiders gathered, the Qingyun Sect master could not ignore them. He came with elders and disciples to the front gate.
Qingyun Sect's presence alone was overwhelming. Just standing there was enough to make hearts tremble.
The Yao Family disciples, who had been fully fired up earlier, instantly sobered. The anger on their faces faded. Some even thought about retreating. But now that they were here, leaving was impossible. They stiffened their backs, trying to look imposing, but anyone could see they were forcing it.
This was exactly what Song Wanníng wanted.
She rose into the air and shouted at Qingyun Sect's people, "Qingyun Sect, hand over the Dragon Clan right now.
And whoever killed the Second Elder of my Yao Family, get out here and kneel to apologize. If not, I'll tear Qingyun Sect apart today."
Her tone was arrogant and domineering. The words made the Yao Family disciples tremble with regret. These were the same things they had used to persuade her earlier, but now…
They looked at the Qingyun Sect disciples and instantly regretted everything. They should have listened to Song Wanníng.
Hidden within the crowd, the real Song Wanníng, along with her system, blended in quietly.