Deal from the Shadows

Freya contemplated for awhile, before she felt her sense of rivalry surge forth. She finally found someone she needs, so that she can grow stronger. The pressure of Ragna being so far ahead was able to boost Freya's determination.

The three Elders were already done laying down the formation, and was able to witness Ragna's battle with Elise. When they saw the clone fighting, they felt numb, they knew that Ragna would win no matter what, but the way he won, the techniques he used, were one of a kind.

"Is he really in the Transcending Mortality realm? He can summon a clone of himself, not a perfect copy but something almost similar, not even the ancestor of the Heavenly Sword sect, had that kind of ability."

"I wonder if bringing this youth back to the Heavenly Sword sect, is really the right decision? Someone as powerful as him can turn our sect upside down." One of the Elders look at the other two with worry.

"We can't do anything about this anymore, also he doesn't seem hostile towards our Heavenly Sword sect. As long as we don't gain his anger, he might be able to bring our sect to new heights."

"Fine then, we need to take this gamble, if it goes wrong... My brothers are you willing to forfeit your lives for the sect?" The two Elders bowed their heads in acknowledgement.

While the conversation among the Elders of the Heavenly Sword sect was going on, Leylin was talking to someone outside of the formation set up by the Three Elders.

"Are you sure those Elders from the Heavenly Sword sect wont notice... No the more important question is, are you sure Ragna won't notice I'm out of the formation, or that I'm talking to you."

"Yes young master, even if the brat called Ragna was in the Nine Core Phase Forming realm, he still wouldn't notice." The man covered in a black hood answered respectfully.

"Very well, I trust your capabilities. How goes the progress in luring a pack of Magical Beasts in our location?"

"We are ready to bring them here anytime."

Leylin nodded at the Hooded man's response, "Very well then, while the pack of Magical Beasts are attacking, Ragna will be distracted, and as he said he can't be babysitting the city lord's daughter. So when he separates himself from Elise, that's when you and your men ambush her. If by some miracle she survives, and escapes your ambush, you know what to do right?"

"Me and my men will blow up our dantians, and wipe out any clue related to the clan."

"Very well then, you may proceed with the plan... Glory to the clan."

"Glory to clan... May you succeed young master." The hooded man bowed and left the premise.

"Ragna became an unknown variable, but I must continue my plans for the future of the Li clan... So how about you come out now, Baiyi." From the shadows another figure emerged.

"Since when did you notice me Leylin?" Baiyi smiled at Leylin.

"I knew you were there since the beginning, unlike my subordinates, I've known you for a long time. I noticed you following me after Ragna issued his challenge. You didn't even get distracted from my body double." Leylin chuckled, as he turned to look at Baiyi.

"Hmph, you know me, but that can also be interpreted the other way. I know you better than most, the moment you switched with your double, I was already aware, so I followed you."

"So Baiyi, what is it that you want?" Leylin asked Baiyi curiously looking at him.

"I know you purposely showed me your hand, and made me hear your assassination attempt on the city lord's daughter. Shouldn't I be asking you what you want from me?" When Leylin heard what Baiyi said he was genuinely surprised.

"Who knew that Baiyi, the arrogant young master of the Loir clan was actually so smart?" When Baiyi heard Leylin's comment he scowled at him.

"Hey no need to be angry, that was a compliment, not an insult."

"Enough with this farce, what is it you want Leylin?" Seeing Baiyi scowl even more Leylin smiled even more brightly.

"Let me tell you something Baiyi, I never really liked Freya like you did. She was just something that can help me, improve the clan. So it didn't really bother me when her attention was all on Ragna, you on the other hand can't even conceal your rage."

"What's your point Leylin?"

"My point is, even though I don't view Ragna as a love rival, I do view him as an eyesore to my plans."

"So what? There isn't anything you can do to him, even me who is blinded by rage can see that."

"That's where your wrong Baiyi, I actually have a way to deal with him, but I would need your cooperation."

"My father will never allow a cooperation between the Loir, and the Li."

Leylin chuckled at Baiyi's response, "Why are you laughing Leylin, are you mocking me?!"

"It would be a lie to say I'm not, still I thought you were pretty smart, but it turns out you just had a fluke. I didn't say I need your clan Baiyi, I said I need you."

"Casting aside that insult of yours Leylin, why would I trust you? Even if you tell me this so called plan of yours to eliminate Ragna, how can I be sure it will work? Or if it doesn't work how can I be sure you won't just stab me in the back?"

"I can't really say its foolproof, I can only say there is a chance for you to be able to eliminate Ragna. For me it doesn't really matter if you follow the plan or not."

"I don't like how confident you are Leylin, what if I just go tell Ragna, Elise, and the three Elders of the Heavenly Sword sect your plans?" Baiyi looked at Leylin's unperturbed face with irritation.

"Baiyi, the moment you tell anyone my plans, I can simply stop the operation, even if you tell them during the operation, I can simply tell them your the one who really planned it, and your just framing me. Think about it Baiyi, who will they believe, you who is always arrogant, and angry... Your not actually hiding your ill intent from anyone. Or me the guy who is on friendly terms with almost everyone in this trip?"

When Baiyi heard Leylin's assessment of the situation he clicked his tongue and asked, "Just tell me your plan then, I'll decide wether to follow it or not."

"I won't have it any other way Baiyi..." Leylin smirked, 'With this I have more options for escape just in case.'