The Azure Peak Sect's inner court was divided into three factions. Elder Feng led the conservative faction, favoring traditional methods and slow advancement. Elder Mo commanded the progressive faction, embracing faster but riskier techniques. Sect Master Yun remained neutral, holding the balance of power.
Liu Yan aligned with Elder Mo—hardly surprising, given his forced cultivation method. Elder Mo likely supplied the Crimson Phoenix Art in exchange for Liu Yan's future loyalty.
Chen Wei saw the web of causality clearly now. Liu Yan would attempt Core Formation within six months. Before then, Elder Mo would arrange for him to receive a perfect-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, probably by claiming Liu Yan deserved it as the top outer disciple.
Elder Feng's faction would oppose this as favoritism. Sect Master Yun would decide based on Liu Yan's performance in the upcoming Outer Sect Championship.
If Liu Yan wins spectacularly, Chen Wei calculated, probability of receiving the pill: 94%. If he wins normally: 61%. If he loses: 8%.
Chen Wei needed Liu Yan to lose. But not obviously. An unexpected defeat that seemed like bad luck rather than sabotage.
The Championship was three months away. Time to prepare.