Chapter 52 The First Attack Has Arrived

City Lord Manor, the Central Hall.

“A demonic cultivator is a calamity wherever he goes. If we don’t deal with him, our city will never be peaceful. Now that we know the location where this demonic cultivator is hiding, I hope everyone can cooperate with us to eliminate this calamity,” Fu Bo, seated at the main seat, spoke with a solemn face.

The many Cultivators in the Central Hall were all from high-grade families around the central area of Red Maple City. Naturally, their foundations were much deeper than those from other high-grade families. When they heard the words of the City Lord, Fu Bo, their expressions varied—some solemn, some sneering, some smirking, some expressionless, and some serious. Despite being level 10 Foundation Establishment Cultivators, they felt no fear toward a single Core Formation Demonic Cultivator, given their superior numbers.

“City Lord, while this demonic Cultivator might be a Core Formation Cultivator, he is alone. Now that we know his location, he is like meat on the board. We just need to send a few Core Formation seniors and several false Core Formation Cultivators to deal with him,” the Song Family Patriarch said.

“That’s right. What Brother Song said is exactly what I think. He is just a single Core Formation Cultivator; he can do nothing to us. He is at his end now,” the Tang Family Patriarch added.

Although the Song Family and Tang Family were high-grade families, their status was almost equal to that of the great families. They just lacked some foundations to reach that level. As a result, their words were agreed upon by many cultivators present.

“I think Patriarch Song and Patriarch Tang are underestimating the enemy. From what I’ve heard, this demonic cultivator could be on par with Lord Tie Tu in terms of strength. Moreover, his methods are unpredictable and hard to guard against. In my opinion, we should deal with him with all our strength, lest he be able to escape,” the Yuan Family Patriarch reminded.

The Yuan Family, like the Song Family and Tang Family in terms of strength, commanded respect, and no one dared to take his words lightly.

“Brother Yuan, what’s there to be afraid of? If your Yuan Family is too cowardly, I don’t mind sending one Core Formation Cultivator, five false Core Formation Cultivators and another twenty Foundation Establishment Cultivators to join this operation. This will guarantee your Yuan Family cultivators’ safety,” the Song Family Patriarch said, his eyes showing a hint of disdain.

“Don’t provoke me with childish tricks. My Yuan Family is not cowardly. Since you can dispatch a Clre Formation Cultivator, five false Core Formation Cultivators, why can’t my family do the same?” the Yuan Family Patriarch retorted.

“Good, good. I believe Brother Yuan will keep his word, worthy of the Yuan Family. Well, my Tang Family will also dispatch one Core Formation Cultivator, five false Core Formation Cultivators to join this operation,” the Tang Family Patriarch spoke.

Seeing that three leading families had already declared their positions, one by one, the others also shouted their support.

“My family will dispatch three false Core Formation Cultivators.”

“My family will dispatch three as well.”

“My family, too.”

“The same for my family.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“My family has limited resources; two are our bottom line.”

“My family faced some issues recently; we will dispatch two.”

“Our family’s ancestors are coming out; many elders need to welcome them. We can dispatch two.”

“Our family’s foundation isn’t deep enough; we can only dispatch one false Core Formation Cultivator.”

“The same for my family; our elders have other tasks to deal with. We can dispatch one.”

Despite some families only dispatching one or two false Core Formation Cultivators, the number quickly reached around 100.

Two Core Formation Cultivators and one hundred false Core Formation Cultivators formed a force strong enough to dominate any high-grade family, and even a great family couldn't call out such a force. Thus, Shangguan Yi seemed destined for doom.

Seeing that many high-grade families understood the larger picture, Fu Bo, who had been quietly observing, nodded with satisfaction. The threat of the demonic Cultivator was lifted from his mind. Even he would face a difficult situation dealing with such a number of Cultivators, let alone the demonic Cultivator.

“Since everyone has contributed such a great deal, my City Lord Manor, as a leader, will send three Core Formation Cultivators,” Fu Bo announced.

“Three Core Formation Cultivators!” Everyone exclaimed in unison.

A single Core Formation Cultivator was more precious than several false Core Formation Cultivators. In fact, it was more than enough to lead 100 false Core Formation Cultivators. The announcement that three Core Formation Cultivators would lead made everyone realize just how deep the City Lord Manor’s foundations were.

“Alright, since everyone agrees, we will discuss the plan. We can’t afford any mistakes in this operation. We will start by blocking every possible escape route,” Fu Bo said.

Immediately, his words were approved by many present. They discussed the plan for an hour before reaching a conclusion.

“Alright, since everyone agrees, we will take action tonight,” Fu Bo concluded.

Everyone nodded and began to return to their families to prepare.

Before parting, the Tang Family Patriarch mentioned, “Brother Song, do you think it’s necessary for City Lord Manor to dispatch three Core Formation Cultivators for this operation?”

Hearing this, the Song Family Patriarch pondered for a moment before replying, “It’s not necessary, of course. The City Lord Manor just wants to restore their reputation. I heard that Lord Tie Tu was utterly defeated, and all his elite members who went with him died. This information has become widely known, causing the City Lord Manor to lose face. I can understand their actions.”

….

Xia Family - Night

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a pale glow over the Xia Family's encampments spread out in four directions. The family members were gathered in their respective camps, discussing their plans and strategies with caution and vigilance, unaware of the imminent threat approaching from the City Lord Manor and its allied families.

West Camp

In the west camp, Xia Feng and Xia Cao were strategizing with a group of elders around a large, makeshift table illuminated by several lanterns.

"Remember, our primary goal is to protect our territory and hold our ground," Xia Feng said, pointing at a detailed map of the area. "We have the level 3 array that Great Ancestor set up, the Serpent's Embrace Entrapment Array. It will buy us time and disorient any attackers."

One of the elders, Xia Rong, nodded thoughtfully. "We must stay alert. The enemy could attack at any moment. I suggest we rotate the watch shifts more frequently."

Xia Cao agreed, "Good idea, Xia Rong. We can't afford to let our guard down, even for a second."

East Camp

Meanwhile, at the east camp, Xia Kun and Xia Kui were briefing their group of elders. The tension in the air was palpable as they went over their defensive tactics.

"The Serpent's Embrace Entrapment Array that Great Ancestor set up can prevent enemy to see us," Xia Kun stated firmly. "We can make the sneak attacks. But remember, we must conserve our essence. Use it wisely."

Xia Kui added, "Stay vigilant. If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately. We cannot afford any surprises."

South Camp

In the south camp, Xia Fu was leading his team in a similar discussion. His face was set in a grim expression as he addressed his group.

"We have the Serpent's Embrace Entrapment Array to hide us and trap the enemy. Use it to our advantage," Xia Fu instructed. "Stick to the plan and stay in formation. We must be prepared for anything."

An elder named Xia Wei spoke up, "Should we send scouts to monitor the perimeter? We need to know if the enemy is approaching."

Xia Fu nodded, "Yes, send out scouts in pairs. They should report back every hour."

North Camp

At the north camp, Xia Zu stood with Xia Kong and Xia Xiu. The young Cultivators listened intently to their First Ancestor, their excitement tempered by the seriousness of the situation.

"Xia Kong, Xia Xiu, you both will follow me to the first line of defense," Xia Zu said, his eyes reflecting his confidence in them. "Remember, we have the level 3 array to support us, but you must stay focused and disciplined."

Xia Kong clenched his fists, determination evident in his eyes. "We won't let you down, First Ancestor."

Xia Xiu added, "We are ready for anything."

As the Xia Family members continued their preparations, an uneasy calm settled over the camps. They were aware of the potential dangers but remained focused and resolute. Unbeknownst to them, the allied forces from the City Lord Manor were closing in, their numbers vast and their intentions deadly.

Shangguan Yi, deep in meditation, could feel the tension in the air. His connection to the arrays allowed him to monitor the situation closely. He knew that a great battle was looming, one that would test the limits of their strength and resolve.

“Oh, they have come earlier than I expected. My second array isn’t finished yet,” Shangguan Yi sensed the incoming group of Cultivators,and opened his eyes.