"So, what do you mean, big brother...," Han San asked.
A fierce glint flashed in Liu Shiyi’s eyes.
"The probing has completely failed, and Kong Xiangdong might suspect something, so we might as well just rebel."
Liu Shiyi feared Kong Xiangdong like a tiger and knew him best.
He was well aware that after this commotion, Kong Xiangdong was likely suspicious.
And the first suspect would definitely be himself.
Instead of waiting for death, it was better to fight desperately; perhaps there was still a chance of survival.
The people present exchanged glances, all seeing the hesitation and fear in each other’s eyes.
Having followed Kong Xiangdong for years, his prestige was deeply ingrained in their hearts.
They didn’t think much of their previous minor disturbances, but hearing that Liu Shiyi intended to openly rebel, their hearts naturally filled with anxiety.
Liu Shiyi understood their thoughts and sneered, "What? Regretting and hesitating now? I tell you, it’s too late!"
"From the moment you secretly hid fish jerky that should have been handed over with me, you had no way back."
"You’re all familiar with Kong Xiangdong’s temper. He won’t tolerate any betrayal among his subordinates. To be blunt, the only path forward is to join me in taking down Kong Xiangdong. When I become the leader, you’ll benefit too, or we all die together."
This wasn’t Liu Shiyi exaggerating.
Given Kong Xiangdong’s previous nature, he was indeed capable of such actions.
After a brief silence, someone spoke first, "Damn it, Kong Xiangdong isn’t invincible, let’s do it!"
"Count me in!"
"I’m in too!"
Han San also became excited at this time.
Evidently injured slightly by the bowl thrown by Kong Xiangdong in front of everyone earlier, the humiliation he felt was clear.
The sum of these new and old grievances made Han San more supportive of Liu Shiyi’s decision than anyone else.
"Big brother, just say the word, when do we act?" Han San asked in a deep voice.
Liu Shiyi had always been decisive and swift in executing his decisions.
Especially since this involved his own life, there couldn’t be any hesitation.
So he pondered for a moment and then spoke, "The sooner, the better. We’ll act tonight!"
The expressions of the people in the tent all changed.
No one expected it to be so soon.
Liu Shiyi explained, "I believe Kong Xiangdong is already suspicious. Delaying further will only make him more wary. It’s better to strike first while he’s not fully on guard."
"Alright, we’ll follow your lead."
Since they were in this together, there was nothing more to say.
Everyone immediately started making their final preparations.
In an instant, the seemingly calm camp was roiling with tension, an invisible killing intent targeting the large central tent.
Liu Shiyi calmed himself and drank a cup of wine, muttering to himself, "Kong Xiangdong, don’t blame me for being ruthless; I learned it from you."
"You’ve been the Sea Gatherers’ leader for years while I’ve managed internal affairs for just as long, but you never saw me as an equal. To you, I’m just a watchdog."
"When pleased, you reward me; when displeased, you ignore me, so I am not satisfied! Why should you be the leader?"
"Now, your actions have made you unpopular, causing complaints among the brothers. It’s time to change positions and let me be the leader!"
Initially, Liu Shiyi was just cheering himself up, but as he spoke more, his excitement grew, and his eyes filled with greed and longing for power and wealth.
Soon, everyone was secretly gathered, and Liu Shiyi distributed a pouch to each person.
"This is a pouch I’ve developed, specifically counteracting Kong Xiangdong’s poison attacks."
Receiving the pouch, everyone felt reassured.
Kong Xiangdong’s most feared tactic was his mysterious poison attacks.
Now, with this protective pouch, everyone’s confidence naturally increased.
Looking at the group standing in the darkness, Liu Shiyi was also excited. Years of waiting for this moment.
"Move out!" Liu Shiyi waved, and the group, under his leadership, headed straight toward the central large tent.
They encountered no obstacles along the way.
After all, it was already midnight, and although the temperature in the Northern Realm Snowfield was relatively high this year, it was still unbearably cold at this hour.
No one would venture out without a reason.
They didn’t even encounter a single patrolling guard, reaching the large tent smoothly.
"Big brother, what now? Should we burn the tent down?" someone suggested viciously.
"No, these tents are connected. Once a fire starts, it’ll be uncontrollable. We’re targeting only Kong Xiangdong, and harming innocents is meaningless." Liu Shiyi shook his head, rejecting the suggestion.
"Then how do you want to do it?"
"First, surround the tent tightly, then a few agile ones follow me inside," Liu Shiyi instructed in a low voice.
Following his orders, they quickly surrounded the large tent completely.
Then Liu Shiyi, leading several agile members, armed with sharp blades, quietly approached the tent, intending to ambush Kong Xiangdong while he slept.