Setting a trap
The Sun family's meeting hall buzzed with tension as key members gathered to discuss the alarming revelations. Luo sat near Sun Qing, his eyes fixed on the map of the state displayed on the table. Sun Suo stood at the head, his presence commanding the attention of all present.
"We have confirmed the Lei family's involvement in the trafficking of Spirit Beasts," Sun Suo began, his voice grave. "Their alliance with the Wu family is not only a betrayal of the state but a direct threat to us. We cannot let this go unanswered."
Murmurs of agreement filled the room, though the undercurrent of fear was palpable. The Wu family's growing power had already made many within the Sun family uneasy.
Luo's gaze sharpened as he spoke up. "We need to expose their operation and hit them where it hurts. Publicly. If we can turn the other families against them, their alliances will crumble."
Sun Qing nodded. "But how? The Lei family won't leave any evidence lying around. And the Wu family will deny everything."
Luo leaned forward, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "We'll make them show their hand. But first, we need to set the perfect trap."
---
**A Dangerous Plan**
The group spent hours crafting a plan that would force the Lei family to act recklessly. Luo proposed baiting them with false information, spreading rumors of a Spirit Beast being transported under Sun family protection. The idea was simple: lure the Lei family into attacking and catch them in the act.
"It's risky," Meilin pointed out. "If they see through the ruse, they could turn it against us."
"They won't," Luo replied confidently. "The Wu family is too ambitious to ignore a chance to cripple us. They'll send their pawns to test the waters."
Sun Suo's gaze lingered on Luo, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded. "We'll go with Luo's plan. But this operation will require precision. One mistake, and we'll be at a disadvantage."
Sun Qing stepped forward. "I'll lead the operation."
"No," Luo interjected, his tone firm. "They'll expect you. Let me do it."
The room fell silent, the weight of Luo's words hanging in the air. Sun Qing opened his mouth to protest, but Sun Suo raised a hand to silence him.
"You're confident you can handle this?" Sun Suo asked, his eyes boring into Luo.
"I am," Luo replied, meeting his father's gaze without hesitation. "This is my fight, and I won't fail."
---
**The Bait is Set**
The plan was set in motion the next day. News spread quietly yet deliberately through the state that a rare Spirit Beast, capable of advancing cultivation, was being transported to the Sun family's northern outpost. The information was planted in places where Lei family spies were known to operate.
Luo and Meilin led a small team to the outpost, setting up decoys and traps along the way. The system chimed in Luo's mind as they worked.
**"New Quest: Capture the Lei family's operatives. Rewards: 15 Attitude Points."**
By the second night, the tension was palpable. Luo's team lay hidden, waiting in silence. The decoy caravan, carrying a sealed container meant to resemble a Spirit Beast cage, was positioned in the open as bait.
"Do you think they'll take it?" Meilin whispered, her eyes scanning the dark forest.
"They will," Luo replied, his voice steady. "They can't resist the opportunity."
---
**The Lei Family Takes the Bait**
As midnight approached, faint rustling sounds echoed through the forest. Luo tensed, signaling his team to prepare. Moments later, masked figures emerged from the shadows, their movements precise and coordinated.
"They're here," Meilin whispered, her grip tightening on her daggers.
The Lei family's operatives approached the caravan cautiously, their leader barking silent orders. Luo watched from his hiding spot, his mind racing. The time had come to spring the trap.
"Wait for my signal," he whispered to his team, his eyes never leaving the intruders.
As the operatives reached the caravan, the leader gestured for his men to open the container. The moment the seal was broken, a blinding flash of light erupted, followed by a deafening roar. The operatives stumbled back, disoriented, as the Sun family guards sprang into action.
"Now!" Luo shouted, leaping into the fray.
---
**The Clash**
The battle was chaotic, the forest alive with the clash of weapons and the shouts of combatants. Luo fought with precision, his movements fluid and confident. The system's voice echoed in his mind, rewarding his actions.
**"Defeated an enemy: +3 Attitude Points."**
**"Strategic Execution: +5 Attitude Points."**
Meilin moved like a shadow, her daggers finding their marks with lethal accuracy. The Lei family's operatives, caught off guard, began to falter under the combined assault of the Sun family's forces.
The leader of the operatives, a man with a fierce aura, charged at Luo, his blade gleaming in the moonlight. Luo met him head-on, their weapons clashing with a burst of sparks.
"You think you're clever, boy?" the man sneered, pressing his blade against Luo's.
"I don't think. I know," Luo retorted, a smirk playing on his lips.
With a sudden surge of strength, Luo disarmed the man, landing a powerful blow that sent him crashing to the ground. The battle ended soon after, the remaining operatives either captured or fleeing into the night.
---
**Aftermath**
As dawn broke, the Sun family's forces regrouped, their captives bound and ready for interrogation. Luo stood over the fallen leader, his gaze cold.
"Tell me," Luo said, his voice low. "What's the Wu family planning?"
The man laughed bitterly. "You think this changes anything? The Wu family's rise is inevitable."
Luo's expression darkened, but he said nothing. The system chimed in his mind once more.
**"Quest Complete: Capture the Lei family's operatives. Rewards: 15 Attitude Points."**
**Current Attitude Points: 106/2000 (Level 2 System Locked).**
---
**A Grim Warning**
Back at the estate, Luo and Sun Qing presented their findings to Sun Suo. The Lei family's involvement was undeniable, but the information they extracted revealed a larger threat.
"The Wu family isn't just after us," Luo said, his tone serious. "They're building an army. If we don't act soon, they'll bring the entire state to its knees."
Sun Suo's expression was unreadable, but his voice was firm. "Then we'll strike first. The Sun family will not bow to anyone."
As the meeting ended, Luo stood alone in the courtyard, his thoughts racing. The path ahead was becoming clearer, but the stakes were higher than ever.
"This isn't over," he muttered, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Not by a long shot."