A Sect from a Spirit Vein

Chapter 321 - 281: Sudden Upheaval

However, regardless, since Lu Qian has made great contributions and brought Ning Songzhi an opportunity, it is only natural to support him. If Master Fengfeng speaks, I will do my best to fight for him again.

In addition, the reactions of several subordinate sects vary. Kong Lingde is full of envy and anticipation, hoping Chongming County can use this opportunity to reverse the situation and reclaim their Kong Family Castle.

Shouzhuo Sect’s new Sect Leader Qin Zhiyi, on the other hand, is extremely envious after being shocked, and even feels a strong sense of jealousy.

The former Yunshan Sect Leader was merely a Mid-Stage Qi Cultivation, and Yunshan Sect seemed far inferior to Shouzhuo Sect. How, in just over three years, has there been such a difference?

Both are young sect leaders. Lu Qian is leading his sect in expansion, but what about himself?

Due to the lack of Foundation Establishment protection, dozens of his disciples, ten have been killed in yesterday’s battle. If it continues like this, Shouzhuo Sect will be uprooted under his leadership!

He also tried seeking help from Kong Lingde, but only met Kong Pengfei, watching a former friend with a face of difficulty, hesitating to speak, he finally understood.

Once allies, the Kong Family now considers Shouzhuo Sect a subordinate sect.

Looking in the bronze mirror, at his hair turning gray overnight, Qin Zhiyi felt bitter and sullen. He paced around in the tent, suddenly a thought emerged in his mind.

The object of his envy and jealousy, Yunshan Sect Leader Lu Qian, might truly be the one who can help him!

He heard that after his sect was destroyed, he led a few disciples to Chongming County, and acquired such a large estate in just a few short years. If anyone could provide guidance in his grand revival, it would be Sect Leader Lu!

Thinking it over, he made up his mind.

Meanwhile, Spirit Talisman Sect’s situation is more complex. Yunshan Sect achieved a great victory, which of course makes them happy, but Gold Dawn Peak is now occupied by Yunshan Sect.

Friendship is friendship, interests are interests, neither Yinn Hongbo nor Zhuang Qing thought reclaiming Golden Dawn Peak was possible.

Should preparation be made to turn against Yunshan Sect, to reclaim Golden Dawn Peak?

Zhuang Qing and Yinn Hongbo exchanged a heavy look.

Compared to the generally jubilant Chongming County army, the decision-makers hovering around Kong Family Castle in Sanshan County naturally felt gloomy.

In fact, they learned about the Mingsha Bay battle situation much earlier than Chongming County’s people.

Because Yuchi Hui immediately reported the defeat to Liyuan Sect Leader after escaping, while Lu Qian waited until he had cleared out the remaining enemies to announce the good news.

Knowing this, Master Yeguang was naturally infuriated, simultaneously ranting about Yuchi Hui betraying expectations and being utterly undeserving of life, while contemplating immediate troop division or another surprise attack to drive Yunshan Sect from Mingsha Bay.

But Liyuan Sect Leader urged patience, pointing out that with the armies of two counties facing off, Kong Family Castle and Fucang Mountain surrounded by scouting posts, any action would be immediately noticed by the opposing side, making direct deployment from the main force impossible lest it provide the enemy with a chance.

If troops must be deployed, they can only be drawn from within the county. Yet, currently, only four Foundation Establishment cultivators remain in Sanshan County, and regardless of the impact on defense, Yunshan Sect defeated even six Foundation Establishment practitioners and six hundred elites. What result can four Foundation Establishment cultivators possibly achieve?

"Could it be that we should let Yunshan Sect flaunt in Mingsha Bay? If they suddenly rampage through the county, what should we do?" an elder asked.

Master Yeguang angrily replied, "Look at your well-trained disciple, ruined a great situation! Our Liyuan Sect Leader’s disciple, defeated by a subordinate sect, returned in shame, nearly wiped out—what face is left to return!"

Such words—weren’t you formerly praising Yuchi Hui for being calm and collected, strategic, a rare commanding talent?

Liyuan Sect Leader, grumbling inwardly, was equally angry and frustrated, tinged with regret. Knowing beforehand, he might have agreed to Yuchi Hui’s retreat.

Earlier, he berated Yuchi Hui harshly, ordered him to stay indoors for punishment, but it is still his disciple, his heir, so he had to defend him somewhat.

"Chihui’s defeat was mainly due to inadequate intelligence—who knew Yunshan Sect, initially seeming unremarkable, would possess such battle power?" Liyuan Sect Leader carefully explained, "Although defeated, a few results were achieved, Yunshan Sect suffered significant damage, the probability of them intruding into the county is low. The cultivators stationed in the county should widely deploy scouts to guard by array, ensuring safety."

He paused and requested Master Yeguang’s compassion to heal Yuchi Hui’s poison wounds.

Master Yeguang coldly snorted, "With both sides in a standoff, healing the poison now would be wasteful and provide an advantage to the enemy. Yuchi Hui should return to Sanshan County first; post-battle, I’ll assist."

Liyuan Sect Leader relieved, realizing his Supreme Elder was upset but still rational.

Setting aside Yuchi Hui’s matter, Sanshan County’s original plan must be altered.

Previously, scouting detected the rapidly declining Blood Sea Devouring Spirit Array covering the Floating Mountain, estimated to dissipate by noon, consistent with Master Yeguang’s judgment, though potent, such demon cultivator methods are short-lived lacking constant blood supply.

Sanshan County initially planned to regroup troops and attack once the blood array dissipates. But now, with Chongming County’s unconcerned flanks, soaring morale, their encirclement plan is scrapped—though still superior, it is now a war of attrition.

Based on calculations by Master Yeguang and All Elders, attacking Chongming County would result in sacrificing over half of their Foundation Establishment cultivators and losing six to eight hundred Qi Cultivation elites.

With such heavy casualties, even if they defeat Chongming County’s army, what comes next?

Their own battle force completely declines, leaving aside further advance to occupy all Chongming County, even Sanshan County might be stalked by enemies. It becomes two tigers fighting, benefiting other beasts—indeed inadvisable.

Discussing back and forth, until the sun ascends, the sky brightens, Master Yeguang finally decides.

"Assemble the army, assume offensive posture, prepare for negotiations. Send a letter to that one-armed child, as long as he agrees to treaty on current territory and compensates some battle losses, we will cease hostilities."

"Chongming County is empty, even worse off than us—if he remains sensible—"

Just then, a cultivator hurried in, apologized, and presented a message.

Master Yeguang paused, raised his eyebrows: "Such a matter? Quickly summon him in."

Several elders exchanged glances, astonished and uncertain, Liyuan Sect Leader felt a hint of delight.

If true, the situation shifts again, Sanshan County will achieve even more glorious results, negotiations can wait!