159 Tais Plans (1/2)
”What's left to discuss?” Ed asked in confusion. After all, there was only so much that could be done in a couple days, and he was just a single outsider.
Tai's face grew slightly dark as he sighed. ”I was unable to extract my forces from the Purple Origin Sect.” He looked Ed in the eyes. ”You must understand that those are the elites of our sect. While some of the elites were here or traveling, the vast majority of them are still within the Purple Origin Sect. If what the other sects said is true, then they are all as good as dead once Sect Leader Fang activates the ancient formation.”
”I see.” Ed frowned while crossing his arms. ”In other words, this will weaken the overall strength of the Fire Dragon Sect. Even if the war is won, your sect will likely fall to being one of the weakest members of the Seven Sect Alliance. There will be nothing preventing them from stabbing you in the back.”
”Exactly.” Tai gave a slight smile. ”It's always pleasant talking to someone that understands quickly. I do believe that's why we get along so well.”
Suddenly, shadows shot out from Tai's body and enveloped the walls. The shadows were odd looking, forming a silver and black checkered pattern that flowed like a river current.
Ed's eyes widened in surprise. On an instinctive level, he could tell that the surrounding space had just been cut off from them. It was as if they were in their own dimension. It reminded him of the times he had teleported, whether it be with World Walker or the Water Snake Sect's teleporter. He frowned as he stared at his surroundings. 'Black and silver? Shadows... Is it a path of darkness? Or a step beyond it that becomes law?' He turned to Tai. 'Was darkness his other element? I've only ever seen him use fire previously.'
”No need to be nervous.” Tai smiled. ”This is the path of silver darkness. A crude sort of space manipulation that relies on the destructive mix of lightning and darkness. It's a precursor to quite a few powerful laws.”
”How long have you been able to do this?” Ed asked. As far as he knew, there was no way Tai could do this previously. Otherwise, it would have been used during their escape from the cage or their battle in Hawaii.
”Not long.” Tai honestly answered. Suddenly, red scales covered his body and wings sprouted from his back. A devilish whip-like tail swung behind him. ”I have Camazotz to thank for this.” He grinned as he rested his head on one hand and pulled out his fan with his other hand. ”You know.” He said as he waved his fan. ”It's rather difficult running an organization when there's a council. They prevent a strong central rule, making it impossible to maximize the power and efficiency of the organization. It doesn't matter whether it's a sect, a country, or something else. Division of power only leads to weakness.”
Ed remained silent as he listened.
”So, I eliminated the council.” Tai continued. ”Every elder in the sect that opposed me has met with Camazotz's tail, and the elders that remain are my puppets that properly follow orders.”
”I see.” Ed nodded. ”It seems you've been preparing for the war in your own way... So, your new powers come from the elders then?”
”Mm.” He nodded. ”How trash was that bat to not properly utilize such a gift? Did you know that I was born with the most ordinary two-elemental mana-core? Unfortunately, not even Camazotz's tail could fix that for me, but I've gained complete control over the paths of darkness thanks to it. Not only that, but I've also gained many laws of fire and darkness. I'm in an entirely new league. Not even my father was comparable to me when alive. ”
”And the downsides?” Ed curiously asked. ”There's no way such power comes at no cost. Every shortcut has a price.”
”Smart.” Tai smiled and nodded. ”I've truly paid a heavy price. A very heavy price...” He sighed. ”My mana-core is crumbling from the sudden stress I've put on it. I can feel it. Every day I lose a few more pieces and use of my powers only accelerates the issue.With war on the horizon, I likely only have a few more months to live at best.”
Ed's eyes widened in shock. For once, things had truly been beyond his expectations. ”Why?” He asked in confusion. ”What was the point of everything you've done until now if this is the result? ”
Tai leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and his head atop his folded hands. ”Do you remember what I said just a moment ago? A truly powerful organization or country needs a strong centralized power. It needs a great leader with no objectors.” He closed his eyes briefly. When he reopened them, there was a sharp gleam in his eyes. ”China has grown weak. On the surface, it is united. But in reality, it has been divided into seven smaller countries serving the Purple Origin Emperor known as Fang. He stalls the growth of our country, wasting all our resources on providing the citizens with such ordinary lives. He doesn't attempt to grow our economy nor technological developments. Any such developments we do obtain is limited to just the sects.” He frowned. ”It is a complete waste of our country's potential, and I have long been determined to fix it.”
Ed frowned. ”And how are you going to do that by getting yourself killed?”
Tai lifted his head proudly. ”There is a man that I will put on the throne. Not just the Purple Origin Sect, but the other six sects too. I'll destroy them all!” A hint of madness appeared in his eyes as he stared at Ed. ”One sect, one country. From there, the country will be rebuilt properly. Great cities with great economic power. The revival of China as Asia's great power in the Pacific. My sacrifice will allow this country to rise again!”
'Just what the hell is going on lately...' Ed sighed to himself. One development after another kept throwing him for a curve. The political situation over here was far messier beneath the surface than he had first thought. He glanced up at Tai. ”Who do you want to put on the throne, and where do I come into the plan?” He asked.
”For now, I can't reveal the name of who I want to put on the throne.” Tai answered honestly. ”But that person will definitely be a great ally for you and your rise in America. As for where you come in...” Tai's tail waved menacingly. ”I wish for you to take Camazotz's tail from me. There are hundreds of traitors in the sect with strong power, and it would be a waste to simply kill them all. With the combination of your powers, Camazotz's tail, and Camazotz's fangs, I know you can take their powers and transfer them to others. I need to strengthen my forces as much as possible over the next two days.” He stared into Ed's eyes, appearing slightly desperate. ”Please help me.”
Ed remained silent as he closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair. 'A new leader that I don't know... The unification of China under one sect by destroying all the others... Plans to bring the country back into the modern era... Who is so amazing that Tai would be willing to sacrifice his life for them to take control?' He opened his eyes and looked towards Tai. 'How much of what he said is true? His powers are definitely new developments... I can even vaguely feel him growing weaker, so his mana-core crumbling is probably true. But for him to kill sect elders and seize control? That isn't consistent with Tai's personality. He generally treats his soldiers like family. The Fire Dragon Sect is as important to him as his life though, so would he break his convictions if it meant it could rise higher?'
”Ed?” Tai pleaded, interrupting the silence.
'I don't have much choice.' Ed sighed. 'It's not like I can switch allegiance back to the Purple Origin Sect at this point. Well, at least I'll obtain Camazotz's tail as part of the deal.' He nodded, his face appearing slightly depressed. ”Fine, but only because were friends.”