Chapter 1019 - 1015: A Decisive Choice After Weighing
For Mizuno Pengyu, this was undeniably a difficult decision, but upon reflection, isn’t that the case with many things?
Benefits and risks may not always be equal, as often benefits far exceed risks, which is why many giants are willing to take on risks.
However, it cannot be denied that despite the asymmetry, risks and benefits complement each other, like inseparable intimate partners.
To gain substantial benefits, one must bear the corresponding risks. Everyone is willing to engage in sure-win deals, but the question is, just because you’re willing, can you?
After a brief moment of consideration and weighing options, Mizuno Pengyu suddenly leapt into action, filling the void left by the unfortunate expert at lightning speed.
This was an opportunity, a very tempting one for him. Despite knowing the risks and potential losses were significant, Mizuno Pengyu couldn’t resist giving it a try!
The elders of the Mizuno Clan were taken aback when Mizuno Pengyu rushed forward without a word, clearly this scene exceeded everyone’s expectations.
Nevertheless, these individuals were astute, quickly grasping Mizuno Pengyu’s intentions, though internally they couldn’t help but ponder whether this was the right approach.
Of course, everyone knew that it was no longer about their personal opinions; Mizuno Pengyu’s sudden move, without consulting anyone, clearly conveyed his stance.
No matter how imprudent and impulsive it seemed, they had no choice but to brace themselves and charge ahead!
Soon after, an elder with flowing hair stood up with a solemn expression, ordering in a steady and deliberate manner: "Everyone attack in batches, ensure the Hunter is killed in the shortest possible time!"
"Moreover, if necessary, launch suicide attacks; we absolutely cannot let the royal family and Fujino Martial Arts Hall take advantage!"
The long-haired elder’s gaze turned fervent; the royal family’s recent actions seemed poorly executed, likely observing from the shadows, waiting to reap the benefits.
As for the Fujino Martial Arts Hall, given the magnitude of the event, they couldn’t possibly be unaware. Perhaps a large group is already on their way now.
Since the decision to kill the Hunter was made, the credit must be solely claimed, otherwise, even if victory is achieved, a portion of the benefits will be divided.
After all, Mizuno Clan successfully killing the Hunter, versus Mizuno Clan and Fujino Martial Arts Hall jointly accomplishing it, are two entirely different concepts—it’s like night and day!
Besides, the disparity isn’t merely superficial; the critical issue is the distribution of benefits.
If Mizuno Clan independently kills the Hunter, they can later feign financial hardships due to significant losses, emphasizing how much they sacrificed, thus stirring public sentiment and elevating their prestige above the royal family.
Even if temporary, Mizuno Clan could gain substantial profits; even if they can’t escape the royal family’s influence, they can outshine Fujino Martial Arts Hall by miles!
Regarding the batches of attacks, the decision was made considering the long-haired elder’s status as a top expert. As the strategy involves groups versus a single opponent rather than a group battle, too many attackers at once could hinder effectiveness and hinder free movement.
Moreover, the reserve personnel can prevent Xiao Tian’s breakout internally and avert the royal family and Fujino Martial Arts Hall from stealing credit externally, minimizing losses and ensuring safety.
...
Watching the clan’s experts quickly replace Mizuno Pengyu, along with several others perishing under Xiao Tian’s hands, the long-haired elder cursed the middle-aged man’s treachery. If he had acted, the opponent could be killed without a scratch, yet he vanished at the critical moment.
To attribute this to coincidence would be absurd!
As for the middle-aged man’s motivations, the long-haired elder thought it was merely an opportunity to weaken their own high-end strength—reasonable in logic but difficult emotionally.
"Are you thinking that our majesty wants to use this chance to weaken our organization’s high-end strength?"
The long-haired elder, startled, snapped out of his thoughts to find Mizuno Pengyu smiling at him. Relieved, yet with a sigh, he acknowledged that he is the only one who could articulate his thoughts effortlessly.
"Indeed!"
The long-haired elder admitted frankly, "Though it was anticipated, one shouldn’t waste such an opportunity... But taking a step back, if he really acted to kill the Hunter, we wouldn’t have this rare chance."
However, Mizuno Pengyu shook his head slowly and chuckled, "You’re mistaken; from the start, he never intended to actually kill the Hunter."
The long-haired elder furrowed his brow, then suddenly aware, he murmured, questioning yet answering, "Because of his daughter?"
Mizuno Pengyu replied solemnly, "In part, yes."
The long-haired elder pondered for a while, worry evident as he said, "If that’s the case, might he help the Hunter? Just like the Hunter’s previous disguise, if we can’t catch any evidence, yet lose so many experts, wouldn’t it be..."
Before he could finish, Mizuno Pengyu interrupted confidently, "No, he will eventually act; it depends on how much our forces deplete and how long the Hunter can endure the battle of attrition."
After finishing his sentence, Mizuno Pengyu displayed a smirk and added, "Still, whether the Hunter will truly be killed is another matter!"
After a while, the long-haired elder laughed at himself, shaking his head slowly, realizing, "Yes, indeed, I overlooked that."
"No!"
Mizuno Pengyu refuted the long-haired elder’s statement, saying, "It’s not oversight; you simply weren’t considering. If I weren’t present now, you would see it as before, making the most reasonable arrangement without my indication!"
These words made the long-haired elder’s heart tense; Mizuno Pengyu’s comment seemed praiseworthy but subtly criticized him for acting on his own, without Mizuno Pengyu’s cue.
"With the urgent situation, I feared delaying the opportunity, hence the unauthorized orders. Please, forgive me!" he said, bowing respectfully, his neat long hair instantly disheveled.
Unseen by the long-haired elder, a hint of amusement passed through Mizuno Pengyu’s eyes as he stepped forward, patting the elder’s shoulder, "I am not blaming you; besides, your arrangements are very sensible."
After standing straight, the long-haired elder remained silent, knowing Mizuno Pengyu had more to say...