Rebuild the Xiuxian Family

Neither side was willing to pay a heavy price to launch an attack.

But the sea creatures were not willing to give up, because they knew that this opportunity was rare and that if they missed it, they would not know how many years it would be before they had another chance. So they kept probing and trying to find the weakness of the Sea Dividing City so as to break through the cultivators' defenses.

Unfortunately, as time went by, more and more cultivators arrived, and with so many cultivators guarding the area so closely, there was no opening at all.

"Continuing like this won't do any good; on the contrary, it's constantly consuming a lot of spiritual resources. I think we should just give up now." Some high-level water demons were already unwilling to continue teasing them.

The leading dragon noticed that many water demons, though silent, stood behind the other party, clearly supporting its idea.

On the other hand, the water demons on their side have dwindled in number.

"Very well, we have just occupied a new sea area, which may become the front line for future battles with the Immortal Path. We must take good defensive measures." The dragon could not go against the will of the crowd and could only agree.

"However! We can't just retreat like this. If the cultivators launch a pursuit, it could very well cause a large-scale rout."

"So we should first send the injured tribesmen back, evacuate them in batches, and at the same time, we should take various defensive measures. We should also leave a lot of tribesmen behind to guard this place!"

The sea creatures nodded in agreement, acknowledging the decision.

Then they couldn't wait to leave and make arrangements for their retreat.

"Pity!"

The dragon looked in the direction of Fenhai City, sighed, and murmured, "I didn't expect the Dongyuan Sect to bow down and ask for help at the first opportunity."

According to the analysis within the Sea Clan, given the pride of the Dongyuan Sect, they would only seek help from the Immortal Path when they had lost Fenhai City and could no longer hold on.

While the immortal sects are organizing and sending support cultivators, they may have already occupied several bodies of water. When the roles of offense and defense are reversed and the sea creatures become the defenders, it will not be so easy to drive them away.

Unexpectedly, the Dongyuan Sect sought support immediately, which prevented the sea tribes from even breaching Fenhai City. Instead, they suffered heavy casualties in the process.

But things have already turned out this way, and there's no use having any more thoughts or feeling resentful.

The cultivators naturally noticed the commotion caused by the sea creatures.

"Are they retreating?" a cultivator asked expectantly.

“That’s right! They are retreating!” a cultivator of the Earth Immortal realm gave an affirmative answer.

"Great!"

"The great battle is finally over! I survived!"

The cultivators on the city wall immediately erupted in joyful shouts, filled with delight and excitement, but mostly with relief at surviving a calamity.

The sound reached the ears of the cultivators who were resting and healing in the city. After a while, an even louder cheer rang out.

"Should we take this opportunity to hunt down the water demon?"

Retreating on the battlefield is the most troublesome thing, because it can easily attract the enemy's pursuit, and if a rout occurs, the situation will be even worse.

"No! The sea creatures' retreat is clearly planned. If we launch a pursuit, we'll likely fall into their trap." The earth immortal rejected the suggestion without hesitation.

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately calmed down, stopped having any other thoughts, and obediently waited for the battle to end so they could return with their spoils.

Meanwhile, inside the city lord's mansion.

Several celestial cultivators sat cross-legged here.

"Now that this matter is settled, we should return to our families," said the celestial being from the He family of Yumen.

The forces that came to support us this time have suffered considerable losses and received little in return, so their attitudes are naturally not very good.

The other celestial beings also spoke up, preparing to leave.

"Many thanks to all fellow Daoists for your great help this time. If there is any need for assistance in the future, our Dongyuan Sect will definitely do our duty without hesitation!" The Dongyuan Sect Celestial Immortal quickly stood up and made a solemn promise.

"You're very kind, fellow Daoist."

The crowd's expressions improved slightly, but it was nothing more than that.

For the next period of time, spirit lights would fly away from Fenhai City at any time.

In just one day, Fenhai City, which was originally bustling and crowded with people, became deserted.

"Alas! This time, not only have we lost face, but more importantly, we have revealed the strength of our sect."

Even though all the forces knew that the Dongyuan Sect would suffer significant losses in strength and foundation due to its failure in five consecutive Xuanxian Thunder Tribulations, they were still aware of the situation.

However, the specifics are not very clear.

However, this time, the invasion of the sea creatures caused the Dongyuan Sect to seek help from all sides, which immediately exposed their current strength.

As a result, many forces will no longer respect them as they did before.

For example, in the past, how could the He family of Yumen, a Celestial Immortal power, have dared to directly express their dissatisfaction with the Dongyuan Sect?
"Sigh! I don't know if the decision to promote a Xuanxian to regain the sect's status was a good thing or a bad thing..."

The fairy recalled the scene from that year. Everyone was unwilling and seemed to be caught in anger. Some impulsively made this wrong decision in retrospect.

But he knew very well that the sect's decision was not wrong, and the sect should not have lost that power.

Who could have imagined that after so many years, wasting a lot of resources and losing six Celestial Immortals at the peak of their cultivation, they would still have gained nothing?

All I can say is that it's all fate!
He left behind a heavy sigh and then disappeared.

……

Before long, the sea east of Fenhai City returned to calm. On the surface, there was no indication that a bloody battle had recently taken place there.

However, the master here has changed from a cultivator to a water demon.

However, the immortal forces in the vicinity are no longer discussing this sea area that is very likely to be lost, but rather the Dongyuan Sect, whose strength has greatly declined.

Wanshan Mountain, the family hall.

"How did the Dongyuan Sect become like this?" Li Qingwen said with a sigh.

Who could have imagined that in just a few thousand years, the once number one immortal power in the eastern part of the Eastern Continent would have fallen so drastically in strength?

Furthermore, the sect faced an invasion by the sea race, resulting in the loss of many disciples and severely limiting its future development. If nothing unexpected happens, the Dongyuan Sect is likely to continue its decline and eventually become a relatively powerful Celestial Immortal force.

If the situation is more serious, there is a possibility that the lineage will be cut off and the sect will perish!
The fate of the Dongyuan Sect served as a warning to the Li family: do not act impulsively, and do not be overly ambitious. If they want to improve their strength, they must proceed steadily step by step and not act rashly.

Of course, this is also because the Li family has not yet broken through to the Profound Immortal Realm, and they do not have such an exaggerated sense of urgency regarding becoming Celestial Immortal cultivators.

They won't suddenly lose their temper and make risky decisions.

"Clan leader, should we take this opportunity to kick the Dongyuan Sect while it's down?" an elder suddenly whispered, as if afraid of being overheard.

"Ok?"

"The strength of the Dongyuan Sect has declined greatly, but it must have accumulated a lot of spiritual items and techniques over the years. If the family can obtain one or two of them, it will be a good thing for the family!" The elder became more and more excited as he spoke, as if he could already see this bright future.

“That’s right! Clan leader, we’re definitely not the only ones coveting the Dongyuan Sect. Don’t other forces also want those good things? Our family alone is no match for the Dongyuan Sect, but what if we unite with other Celestial Immortal forces? Surely we can deal with them then?”

The other elders followed suit, not just by simply echoing each other, but by offering their advice and already having some initial plans in mind.

"No! Especially in situations like this, the family must remain calm and not be the first to act!"

Li Qingwen remained calm and unaffected by their presence. He said in a deep voice, "Although the Dongyuan Sect is already a sick tiger, it still poses a great threat. Whoever makes the first move now will have to bear their final retaliation!"

"Families can follow behind other forces and pick up some easy wins, but they absolutely cannot be the main force attacking the Dongyuan Sect!"

As he spoke, he coldly swept his gaze over the elders who had just spoken, and hissed, "Speak! Did you secretly contact other forces and accept bribes from them?!"

Caught off guard by this trick, the elders panicked and their expressions betrayed a flaw.

"Fine! You dare to trade with other forces behind the family's back!"

Seeing this, Li Qingwen had no doubts. He immediately shouted, "Men! Tie them up! Take them away and interrogate them carefully to find out who is trying to incite the Li family to take action."

"Chieftain! Chieftain! I know I was wrong! I will never do it again, please forgive me!" One of the elders cried out, his face full of grief, as if he had collapsed.

The Li family's methods of dealing with traitors were not actually that cruel or bloody, but once a traitor was identified, the consequences would be extremely serious.

Of course, it's not about simply killing them; that would be such a waste! After all, even the weakest of these elders possess the cultivation of a Human Immortal, making them excellent candidates for whatever task they undertake!
"Drag them away! If you are innocent,"

Despite their pleas and cries for mercy, Li Qingwen remained unmoved, watching expressionlessly as they were dragged away.

The other elders then realized what was happening and opened their mouths to say something, but in the end, Ah Shi remained silent.

What are you saying? Are you saying they didn't betray the family, and that they wanted to expedite this process for the family's sake?
That makes some sense, but for them, the worst thing about this kind of thing is having it done the first time!
Even if they are eventually proven innocent and did not betray their family, trust is something that, once lost, is lost forever and can never be regained.

This family meeting is now over. Li Qingwen has to deal with the elders' affairs, and we'll talk about other things later.

"They're completely bewitched, agreeing to something like this," one of the elders said, curling his lip in dissatisfaction.

Although the other elders did not speak, their expressions clearly showed that they shared the same view.

the other side.

After an initial interrogation, Li Qingwen learned what the elders had agreed to on behalf of the family and what benefits they had received.

Fortunately, they weren't completely stupid enough to reveal any family secrets, otherwise they would have been willing to die a thousand deaths!
According to them, various immortal forces, large and small, near the Dongyuan Sect, including the He family of Yumen, the Five Elements Sect, and the Changlin Sect, are all involved and want to divide up the Dongyuan Sect.

With so many forces involved, it's safe to say that dealing with the Dongyuan Sect is a sure thing for them.

Those powerful forces sent people to contact them privately, hoping they would say good things about them at the family meeting, laying the groundwork for future steps.

In a while, cultivators will quietly visit and formally extend an invitation to the Li family.

Of course, this was only the first simple interrogation. There were two more rounds of interrogation to follow. Only after passing both rounds could the doubts be completely eliminated and the person be allowed to live and cultivate normally within the family.

The things they said were obtained through separate interrogations, and they were all largely the same, so they shouldn't be lying.

As for the position of elder, they should give up any further hope; being able to leave unscathed is already the limit.

After a series of careful interrogations, all of them were released.

Although they didn't suffer too much in the cage, they were still made quite disheveled. Most importantly, they were no longer the elders of the clan, but had become ordinary clansmen again.

"I hope you can learn from this."

After saying that, Li Qingwen turned and left, leaving the few disheveled clansmen standing there motionless, exuding a strong sense of frustration and regret.

However, there's no going back in life, and there's no way to reverse time.

After returning to the family hall, Li Qingwen hesitated, considering whether the family should join the campaign against the Dongyuan Sect.

Of course, such a big matter could not be decided by him alone; he needed to discuss it with the elders and obtain their consent.

After all, the Celestial Ancestors were the main force in the operation to divide up the Dongyuan Sect, while everyone else was just a supporting character.

He is now considering what benefits this matter will bring to the family, as well as what drawbacks it will bring.

The benefits were obvious: a large number of spiritual items and techniques were obtained during the division of the Dongyuan Sect; the drawbacks were also clear: casualties among the clansmen.

Overall, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

After thinking it through, Li Qingwen summoned all the elders and, once everyone was seated, asked, "Will the family participate in the division of the Dongyuan Sect?"

The elders were surprised by the patriarch's change in attitude, but they also expressed their own thoughts.

The elders who disagreed were worried about large-scale casualties among their people, while the elders who agreed coveted the spiritual objects and techniques of the Dongyuan Sect.

The former group is relatively small, even less than one-third the size of the latter.

However, the two sides did not argue; they simply expressed their opinions calmly and listed their respective reasons.

Because they knew in their hearts that the real decision-makers in such important matters were not them, but those few patriarchs!

"okay, I get it!"

After listening, Li Qingwen stood up and said, "I will go and ask the elders for their opinions. If they agree, then the family should begin preparations." (End of Chapter)