Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 465 Decision-making
Daishan.

The Soul Suppressing Sect.

In the unnamed hall, there were more than a dozen figures, some standing and some sitting.

The leader was thin with a hooked nose and his gray hair was neatly combed, making him look particularly dignified.

His gaze was cold and stern as he swept his eyes over the crowd below, and said indifferently, "Did any of you awaken me for something important?"

A tall, middle-aged cultivator stepped forward and respectfully replied, "Reporting to the sect leader, the situation on Mount Dai is truly complex, and no one can come up with a solution. We need your personal decision."

"Charter?"

Another gloomy cultivator in a red robe sneered, "It's obvious, why bother with any rules? The Sheng Yi Sect's heavy blow is a godsend for us. Elder Cao, are you afraid?"

"Elder Luo!"

Cao Nan's face darkened: "It is true that Shengyi Sect is besieged by demonic beasts, but Bailu Sect has already sent reinforcements and even ordered us to join in the rescue. Humans and demons are different. It's one thing if we don't help, but to attack Shengyi Sect at this moment would be to defy the world."

Upon hearing this, the red-robed cultivator scoffed, "When we were seizing the outer properties of the Shengyi Sect, where were you to stand up and speak for the greater good? Now that you've had your fill, you suddenly think of defying the world. In my opinion, you're like someone in a cesspool trying to be a pure white lotus—wishful thinking!"

"Luo Shengxuan, you..."

Cao Nan looked furious.

Luo Shengxuan's gaze was sharp; he met her head-on, refusing to back down.

Shen Hunzi, who was sitting at the head of the table, couldn't help but frown.

He had only been in seclusion for a few years when he encountered a major upheaval in Daishan, a change unprecedented in a century.

The Shengyi Sect, which was originally a mortal enemy of the Zhenhun Sect, actually appeared quite weak under the impact of the beast tide.

The elders council, responsible for making decisions within the sect, immediately passed a resolution to gradually annex Shengyi Sect, ultimately swallowing up a large number of Shengyi Sect's peripheral industries and vassal forces.

In other words, during his absence, the Soul Suppressing Sect achieved a great victory that it had never seen in the past ten years.

The elders, led by Luo Shengxuan, were naturally excited and hoped to further expand their interests, or even eradicate the existence of Shengyi Sect once and for all.

However, some elders, such as Cao Nan, worried that this move would make the Zhenhun Sect a target of public criticism.

After all, the first batch of cultivation forces to seal off Pu County were all veterans of the Nanbin battlefield. No matter how bad the relationship was between the Zhenhun Sect and the Shengyi Sect, they were once "brothers" on the battlefield.

It's one thing for brothers to fight amongst themselves now.

It would be too offensive for the Zhenhun Sect to rely on the power of demonic beasts to attack the Shengyi Sect if word got out.

Putting aside other families, Hengyue Sect will definitely be unhappy.

In addition, the Soul Suppressing Sect must take into account the thoughts of the surrounding forces.

For example, the White Dew Gate.

As the leader of Pu County, Bailu Gate has already sent troops to support Shengyi Gate.

If the Soul Suppressing Sect attacks the Victory Intent Sect at this critical juncture, will it provoke dissatisfaction from the White Dew Sect?

With the White Dew Sect and the Victory Intent Sect combined, the Soul Suppressing Sect really can't handle it.

In short, the two groups each had their own ideas and couldn't reach an agreement, making a mess of the sect. He had no choice but to leave seclusion.

"Alright, we're all on the same side, what's all the arguing about?"

Shen Hunzi waved his hand, signaling everyone to calm down, and then turned his gaze to a tall and upright young man. "Si Nian, I heard that the beast tide is showing signs of moving north?"

Tong Sinian nodded: "This disciple personally went to Lingyue Peak to investigate. The beast tide has repeatedly failed to break through and is already discouraged. Some of the demon beasts are trying to divert to the north. At the same time, a large group of demon beasts is also gathering in Puyin Mountain. I think the next target of the beast tide is very likely our Zhenhun Sect."

"Did you hear that?"

Luo Shengxuan snorted heavily, "The beast tide will come after us in the second half. If we can't defeat Shengyi Sect before then, who will defend us from their counterattack after we are surrounded? At that time, we will not only have to give up those newly controlled industries and vassal forces, but we will also lose what we already have."

These words immediately sparked a heated discussion among the audience.

A full-scale attack on Shengyi Gate is no easy task.

The fact that Shengyi Sect was helpless in the face of the beast tide did not mean they were obedient in front of them. If they wanted to take down this old enemy, it would really mean death.

Despite the fierce battles between the two sects in the past, the casualties among Foundation Establishment cultivators have remained relatively low. To put it bluntly, Foundation Establishment is no easy feat, and no one wants their century-long cultivation journey to be wiped out in a single day. However, if they were to attack the Shengyi Sect's mountain gate—Lingyue Peak—even if they could take advantage of the beast tide, the Shengyi Sect also has a protective array, which would inevitably lead to a significant increase in casualties.

Who can be without concerns?
Luo Shengxuan, relying on his high cultivation level, didn't take it seriously, but most of the elders chose to stand on Cao Nan's side.

However, the unusual movements of the beast tide forced Cao Nan and others to reconsider this decision.

Making them spit out what they've eaten is worse than killing them.

Shen Hunzi observed everyone's expressions, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said, "Elder Cao, go see Wen Zhengju and have him come to meet me. Elder Luo, mobilize the sect's disciples. Whether it's dealing with Shengyi Sect or resisting the beast tide, we must be fully prepared. Also, Si Nian, closely monitor the movements of the large group of demonic beasts in Puyin Mountain. I need to hear reports from them every day."

"Yes!"

"As ordered."

Everyone responded in unison.

Shen Hunzi sat alone in a high position, his gaze deep and unfathomable.
-
Night fell, and the moonlight was obscured by thick, dark clouds.

Scattered points of light shone on the battlefield, revealing mottled bloodstains and broken limbs, making it almost suffocating.

"Which wave is this?"

In the darkness, a deep, questioning voice sounded particularly jarring.

"Can not remember."

The other person answered, and then fell to the ground.

Seeing this, Ji Shilun squeezed next to a young man of medium build and whispered, "Lai Yong, the monsters from Puyin Mountain are attacking our camp one after another. This is a sign that a beast tide is coming."

Chi Laiyong turned his head and gave a wry smile.

How could he not know?

Even a small number of monsters caused everyone great suffering.

If they were to encounter a beast tide, the Mad Lion Demon Hunters would likely be like fallen leaves in autumn, swept away by a gust of wind and reduced to dust, utterly powerless to resist.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Ji Shilun became anxious: "Our supplies are almost all used up. If we continue to hold out, something bad might happen!"

Chi Laiyong's expression became even more hesitant.

If he were truly at his wit's end, he would naturally not hesitate to run away.

But at least there are still 20-30% of the pills and talismans left, and the camp guarded by the Mad Lion Demon Hunting Group has not been breached yet. If they just leave like this, what will Hall Master Li think of him?

"Master Li isn't in Monkey Valley!"

Ji Shilun continued to persuade, "Besides, our mission is simply to monitor the monsters of Puyin Mountain and send back news of potential beast tides. That's enough. We don't need to stay here and fight the beast tide head-on, do we?"

At this point, Ji Shilun lowered his voice: "You should know that even Hall Master Li ended up severely injured and had to return home in the face of the beast tide."

"Shh!"

Chi Laiyong grabbed Ji Shilun and whispered, "Are you out of your mind? How dare you discuss Hall Master Li like that? Besides, what's a few minor injuries to Hall Master Li who fought against the Bone-Melting Demon Cultivator head-on? With the Li family's resources, he'll be back in no time."

"Yes, yes, you're absolutely right."

Ji Shilun helplessly spread his hands: "The problem is, we don't need to risk our lives."

"You think I want to fight?"

Chi Laiyong immediately retorted with a question, then said sullenly, "Isn't it because that guy surnamed Xu is refusing to leave?"

I am afraid of comparison in everything!
Currently, the Mad Lion Demon Hunting Team and the Evil Dog Demon Hunting Team are both on the first line of defense outside Puyin Mountain.

The man surnamed Xu was desperate to impress Master Li, he was practically risking his life.

If he lets the Mad Lion Demon Hunting Team leave in disgrace now, his position as the core member might be in jeopardy!
After much deliberation, Chi Laiyong gritted his teeth and said, "Let's wait a little longer. Let's at least wait until we run out of supplies before we leave. That way, we'll have an excuse and won't seem like we're too cowardly."

Ji Shilun sighed and could only nod, "Alright, let's hold on a little longer. If things get bad, we'll have to retreat immediately!"

"Then pray that the guy surnamed Xu doesn't hold out too long."

(End of this chapter)