“Patriarch, our Hong family has suffered too many losses. We must request the Supreme Elder to take action!”
Hong Ping immediately suggested.
“The Supreme Elder has already mobilised and is searching for Lin Xiao and the others.”
The reporting elder said.
The two were slightly stunned. The Hong family patriarch decided, “Leave Lin Xiao and his group to the Supreme Elder. Everyone else, search everywhere for traces of Lin Xiao. As for the Nine Nether Zhi Clan, I will handle them personally!”
“Yes!”
The reporting elder nodded.
Hong Ping also nodded. Then, following the patriarch, he led another Martial Saint elder and left headquarters, flying swiftly toward the direction the Nine Nether Zhi Clan had taken.
…
In the northeast Minzhou, the Xiao family.
In the main hall sat a dignified elder with white hair and beard, dressed impeccably, his face stern and authoritative.
This was none other than the Xiao family patriarch, Xiao Yufeng.
After hearing the report, a thoughtful expression appeared on Xiao Yufeng’s face.
Below the main seat sat several elders, each over two hundred years old, their faces aged but their bearing extraordinary.
“The Hong family, Ying family, and Tianji Sacred Land have each lost a Great Elder and a Martial Saint. The Jiang family patriarch is severely injured, and one of their Martial Saint elders has fallen. Add to that the Ji family headquarters being razed by Lin Xiao and his group, and over twenty Hong family branches wiped out. The prestige of the major forces has been greatly damaged. Finally, the spirit beast clans can no longer hold back.”
The Xiao family Great Elder said from his seat, “The Tianluo Spirit Snail Clan and Bimu Clan are attacking the Jiang family. The Nine Nether Zhi Clan is attacking the Hong family. The Winged Bull Clan is attacking the Ying family. Other spirit beast clans are restless. The Spirit Jackal Clan in our Minzhou will probably riot too. Patriarch, in my view, it would be wise to recall our clansmen to avoid heavy casualties.”
“Indeed. Though the Spirit Jackal Clan lacks top-tier combat power, their numbers are overwhelming. If they riot, it will be a beast tide. No matter how strong our Xiao clansmen are, we will suffer great losses. Even if we Martial Saints mobilise, we cannot reach every location.”
Another Martial Saint elder said.
Yet a more hawkish Martial Saint elder shook his head. “The Spirit Jackals are numerous, but most are weak. With our various branches and allied forces resisting, the Spirit Jackals would suffer unimaginable casualties. Moreover, our Xiao family has lost no Martial Saints. The Spirit Jackal Clan definitely lacks the courage.”
“Furthermore, if we strengthen our defences now, we can still withdraw if the Spirit Jackals riot. Withdrawing prematurely would cause huge losses in revenue and prestige, emboldening the Spirit Jackals to truly attack.”
The Xiao family Great Elder objected. “Spirit Jackals reproduce rapidly. Who knows how vast their numbers are now?
If conflict truly erupts, our Xiao family will still suffer heavy losses.”
“With the various beast clans rioting now, these beast forces must have coordinated long ago. The Spirit Jackal Clan will almost certainly riot. In times of chaos, preserving strength is the foundation of power.”
“If we act now, when the Spirit Jackal Clan originally dares not move, it will instead provoke them into rioting. Remember, our Xiao family is the true hegemon of Minzhou!”
The hawkish elder countered.
The elders began debating, each side holding firm.
Finally, the Xiao family patriarch Xiao Yufeng spoke. “All elders make valid points. However, whether the Spirit Jackals riot is beyond our control.”
“If they do not move and we act first, we will provoke them and earn a reputation for fearing the Spirit Jackal Clan. Even if they stay quiet now, they will surely riot in the future.”
“Therefore, we cannot recall our clansmen prematurely.”
“Still, to avoid surprises, order the entire clan to full alert and prepare for immediate withdrawal to headquarters.”
“All Martial Saint elders, lead large numbers of half-step Martial Saints and high-tier Martial Emperors to guard the branches and front lines.”
“Simultaneously dispatch numerous scouts to monitor the Spirit Jackal Clan’s movements. At the first sign of activity, order immediate withdrawal to headquarters.”
“Also, have some highly promising geniuses return to headquarters secretly.”
In the end, the other elders could only nod. Given the current situation, recalling everyone would be excessive and greatly damage the Xiao family’s prestige.
Not recalling them risked heavy losses if the Spirit Jackal Clan attacked regardless.
This was already the best option: mobilise all top elders to guard the various fronts, secretly recall geniuses, and minimise risk.
…
Similar events unfolded in the eastern Cangzhou Chu family, the southwestern Dantai family, and other forces near beast clans. All great families entered high alert.
During this time, Lin Xiao and his three companions quietly returned to Spirit Pool Island.
To prevent leaks, they mind-controlled a Spirit Pool Island spirit controller to approach Ximen Haoyue. Ximen Haoyue sent people to escort them in.
Long Tutian and the other two did not enter the island. Wearing masks provided by Lin Xiao, they lurked on the periphery.
Only Lin Xiao entered the island itself.
Of course, Lin Xiao also wore a mask.
It was now midnight. Night shrouded the entire lake. Guided by an elder, Lin Xiao arrived at an island with a towering building.
After the guide left, Lin Xiao entered unhurriedly and flew directly to the top floor.
From here, countless islands and lakes could be seen. In the simple room, at an antique tea table, sat a white-robed elder with refined features and spirited eyes, his white hair giving him an immortal air.
Though elderly, he seemed on the verge of regaining middle-aged vitality, full of vigour.
“In just a few months, you have stirred all the major forces into turmoil. Truly astonishing!”
This was Ximen Haoyue. He sipped his tea and remarked teasingly.
“The tree desires stillness, but the wind will not cease. A helpless move. I have caused trouble for Spirit Pool Island.”
Lin Xiao was not polite. He walked forward, sat opposite Ximen Haoyue, circulated his spiritual power to pour himself a cup of tea, and drank it in one gulp.
“Knowing it is trouble, you still come to Spirit Pool Island?”
Ximen Haoyue said.
“Elder Ximen, I have come this time to refine the Destruction Spiritual Energy.”
Lin Xiao said directly.
At this, Ximen Haoyue raised an eyebrow. “You want to refine the Destruction Spiritual Energy?
Has your spiritual power broken through?”
Lin Xiao nodded. “I refined an eighth-grade initial spirit-rushing pill and broke through one level.”
“Forcing a breakthrough is somewhat regrettable!”
Ximen Haoyue sighed lightly. “However, with your talent, you will soon make up for it. As for the Destruction Spiritual Energy…” He paused, then continued, “It depends on whether you have the ability. Follow me.”
With that, Ximen Haoyue rose and flew outward. Lin Xiao followed closely.
