Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan

Chapter 420 - 426: Spinning the Web

”Esteemed members, please look, this is the power distribution around the Li family,” an elder with a regular and solemn expression stood up, walked to the center, and activated the Memory Stone in his hand.

Such a large-scale assembly is generally not convened suddenly; after all, it requires time for the elders to prepare and strategize, enabling them to discuss and agree on resolutions more quickly.

Lei Tian and the other elders all looked up at the light screen in The Void, with the yellow in the middle representing the Li family, which was gradually slipping out of control, and to its southwest was Green Mountain State, also marked in yellow.

To the northwest, the red symbolized the hostile Devil Race, the east was dominated by the boundless ocean filled with Water Devils, and to the west, the submissive green represented three vassal forces under Shen Leishan, which from south to north were the Black Water Fan Family, the Mingguang Sect, and the Hongluo Sect.

”The Devil Race is the archenemy of the human race, and we must not ally with them!” as the elder spoke, the northwest and the east simultaneously faded away, leaving only the rest.

The Devil Race is indeed the archenemy of the human race, and any association with them will lead to a united extermination by the entire human race!

Of course, this is only the official line. After countless years, the deep-seated hatred between the two races has been forgotten, and now the fighting is merely for the sake of interests.

So, as long as itʼs not done blatantly, without being caught red-handed, having any kind of undercover relationship with the Devil Race isnʼt dangerous.

”Green Mountain State will surely stand by and watch, and might even secretly help the Li family.” After all, Green Mountain State doesnʼt want to see a powerful Shen Leishan; theyʼd rather watch Shen Leishan descend into chaos.

That leaves only the Black Water Fan Family, the Mingguang Sect, and the Hongluo Sect as three vassal powers that can be utilized.

”But the problem is, even though they have several Golden Core cultivators, they are definitely not willing to sacrifice themselves for the sectʼs sake, and it would take at least two of them joining forces to contend with the Li family!”

According to intelligence collected by the sect over the years, all the elders present knew that the Li family currently had six Golden Core cultivators—Li Zhixuanʼs breakthrough elsewhere was unbeknownst to them, and even the people of the Li family were unaware—but among these six Golden Core cultivators, at least two had third rank Spirit Beasts.

Both the Black Water Fan Family and the Mingguang Sect only had three Golden Core cultivators, while the Hongluo Sect had slightly more, but only four in total. If they were to face the Li family alone, not only would they be unable to win, but they would also risk being annexed!

Two families joining forces would seem equally matched, but they would certainly suffer significant casualties and losses, something they are unwilling to accept.

Even if all three families combined their forces, they would only be slightly stronger, and even if they were to win in the end, it would be a Pyrrhic victory, and their own strength would be greatly diminished!

The crowd remained silent. The strength of the Li family was insignificant to Shen Leishan, who could easily dispatch an overwhelmingly larger number of cultivators to effortlessly annihilate them.

But the issue is, they couldnʼt take direct action themselves, for if they did, the other vassal powers, even if not outwardly visible, would certainly be extremely fearful and unsettled!

After all, if Shen Leishan took action against the Li family today, then in the future, they might just as likely be the next to be eradicated, and having a justification would change nothing!

”Who would have thought that the once small Golden Core family would grow so swiftly!” an elder who had had interactions with the Li family remarked quietly.

In the beginning, it was precisely because of the Li familyʼs shallow foundation, being a small clan that had migrated, that the lofty Shen Leishan did not take them seriously. But who could have guessed that in just over a hundred years, they would grow to such an extent.

This was also closely related to the Li familyʼs low profile and their distance from Shen Leishan among other factors.

One only needs to look at the records to know that over the years, the Li family rarely made appearances in front of Shen Leishan. Whether it was conscription or tribute, everything was done properly and modestly, neither standing out nor lagging too far behind, so unremarkable that they were not worth a second glance.

”According to the latest messages sent back, the Li family now only has four Golden Core cultivators in residence, and the most noteworthy among them is Li Zhirui, who is rumored to be in the Golden Core Late Stage!” the Intelligence Elder declared gravely.

”What does it matter if heʼs at the Golden Core Late Stage? Our sect has at least a dozen of them!” an Elder disdainfully said.

The Intelligence Elder glanced at him, and within his cloudy eyes reflected an aged figure, speaking indifferently, yet with a hint of mockery, ”Because heʼs not yet three hundred years old, and doesnʼt even have half of the five hundred years lifespan!”

”He is also a Centennial Golden Core. He went to The Secret Realm of Wanxian a few years ago!”

——

All seated were Golden Core cultivators, naturally knowing how difficult it was to make a breakthrough at this realm. A Golden Core cultivator in his two hundred years was considered one of the top geniuses at Shen Leishan!

”Support those three vassals and demand they make a move against the Li family, or they shouldnʼt blame the sect for not being polite,” said a particularly radical Elder.

Shen Leishan couldnʼt afford to get involved personally, only able to employ the power of their vassals, but how this was done covertly was known to no one.

”Letʼs leave it at that for now,” Sect Leader Lei Tian muttered, then got up and left.

The Elders also dispersed one after another, but before long, Lei Tian and several Elders returned to the main hall.

”Elder Liu, you go contact the Monohorn Behemoth tribe and tell them that the Li familyʼs strength has grown significantly and that they threaten to avenge the past grievance!”

Although Shen Leishan hadnʼt targeted the Li family before, many reports and messages had all been recorded. After the beast tide years ago, when the Monohorn Behemoth caused another beast tide, this fact was now being dug up by them.

”Elder Qi, contact the Devil Race of Great Void Province, tell them the sect will soon withdraw from several of the Immortal Cities to the south.”

Even though the Devil Race bore no hatred against the Li family, they liked devouring the flesh and blood of cultivators and the human race and would certainly not miss this excellent opportunity!

Moreover, there was enmity between the Li family and the Devil Race. Years ago, Li Shiqing had risked his lifespan to lead a group of Li family cultivators to escape from the hands of a Tier-4 Great Devil—this blood-deep vendetta, presumably, the Li family would not forget.

”This...” Even though he was a trusted follower, Elder Qi still hesitated somewhat, as this concerned his own safety.

After all, if the plan was too obvious, once trouble arose, Shen Leishan would be the prime suspect, and by then, he could very well turn into a scapegoat, the one taking the fall for the sect!

”Rest assured, in some time, I will announce our move against Green Mountain State and capture it, giving us a reason to redeploy the cultivators who guard the border cities.”

”Yes!” Elder Qi pondered and then nodded in agreement.

”Elder Ni, Elder Jiang, and Elder Qi, Iʼll leave it to the three of you to disguise your identities, head to the Fan Family to enhance their strength, while also monitoring whether they are being diligent in their efforts.”

As Lei Tian issued order after order, the conspiracy against the Li family began to weave into a net. Will they get caught in it, struggle in vain, and never escape; or will they avoid the traps, continue to strategically protect themselves?

Or will they powerfully shatter everything, once and for all breaking free from Shen Leishan...

The future remains unknown!