Chapter 213: Tang Family

Over three months later, Wang Changsheng and others arrived at Myriad Snake Valley.

The Five Sects of Wei State had dismantled Myriad Snake Market and constructed a massive city at the location of the spirit stone mine, fortified with formations.

Inside a magnificent palace, Li Haifeng, Feng Yue, Sun Junyan, and Tong Tianqi were discussing something.

“What does Qu Xiong mean by this? He’s willing to concede the medium-sized spirit stone mine to us? And he even voluntarily dismantled the market city built on the border?”

Li Haifeng frowned deeply, holding a jade slip in his hand. They had expected to catch the Three Sects of Shu State off guard, but to their surprise, the Shu sects had dismantled their border market city and sent a letter, stating their intention to cede the medium-sized spirit stone mine to the Five Sects of Wei State.

“Hmph, this is definitely a delaying tactic. Not only have they withdrawn from the border market city, but the personnel assigned to the two prefectures allotted to them have also gradually pulled out. It’s clear they intend to preserve their strength. If I’m not mistaken, the Three Sects of Shu State have likely allied with Tang State to jointly confront us. This communication jade slip is merely a diversion to lull us into complacency.”

“Exactly. Even if the Three Sects of Shu State are not as strong as our Five Sects of Wei State, they wouldn’t be so cowardly. I’m concerned that Shu State has allied not only with Tang State, but also with the Four Sects of Chu State and the Three Sects of Medicine King Valley. Qu Xiong is not a timid person; this doesn’t align with his usual style. Furthermore, both Western Jin and Western Liang have already agreed to send troops, on the understanding that we would make the first move. If we remain idle, they won’t deploy their forces. If we wait for Tang State and Chu State to begin invading Wei State, Western Jin and Western Liang might change their minds and invade us instead.”

Sun Junyan analyzed calmly, his tone heavy. The Five Sects of Wei State were now caught between a rock and a hard place. They were unwilling to relinquish the medium-sized spirit stone mine they had already "swallowed." More critically, Western Jin and Western Liang had pledged to send troops for a joint three-state attack on Shu. If they were to retreat now, it would be akin to making fools of Western Jin and Western Liang! There was a high chance that Western Jin and Western Liang might then unite with Shu State against Wei State. This battle, Wei State was compelled to fight.

“Madam Feng and Fellow Daoist Sun are right; we absolutely must fight this war. To be cautious, we need to consolidate our forces to guard against sneak attacks from Tang State and Chu State. This battle must be swift and decisive; we must strive to annihilate Shu State before Tang State and Chu State deploy their troops. I refuse to believe Shu State can stand against three powers simultaneously.”

Li Haifeng’s eyes gleamed with cold light. He was already at the ninth layer of Core Formation, and if he could secure this medium-sized spirit stone mine, he had hopes of forming his Nascent Soul. Among the surrounding states, he was the only one who had cultivated to the ninth layer of Core Formation, and as a sword cultivator, he held little regard for other Core Formation cultivators. He believed that as long as Shu State was swiftly eliminated, his ninth-layer Core Formation deterrence would prevent Chu State and Tang State from destroying Wei State. Of course, his greatest reliance was the Taiyi Immortal Sect. With the Taiyi Immortal Sect protecting them, the Yellow Saint Palace would not be wiped out.

A tall young man in a yellow robe entered and respectfully said, “Master, the immortal cultivation families conscripted by the Hundred Spirits Sect have arrived. There are twelve families in total, and they have been properly settled as per your instructions.”

“Go at once and relay the order: have the Foundation Establishment cultivators from all twelve families come here. There are matters I need them to attend to.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Fellow Daoist Li, do you intend to have the Hundred Spirits Sect lead the charge?”

Li Haifeng nodded and said, “This spirit stone mine was discovered by Fatty Guang. He needs to remain in the rear to guard against Tang State and cannot be on the front lines. In that case, let his disciples and the affiliated immortal cultivation families lead the charge. We can’t let him take all the benefits. The Three Sects of Shu State are certainly prepared, so we’ll let the Hundred Spirits Sect go first to deplete Shu State’s strength, and then we’ll move in later.”

Not long after, Wang Changsheng and over twenty other Foundation Establishment cultivators entered, led by the young man in yellow.

“Greetings, honored seniors,” Wang Changsheng and the others bowed to Li Haifeng and the rest, speaking in unison.

“Dispense with the formalities. I won't waste any more words. Your timing is perfect. Our Wei State has allied with Western Jin and Western Liang to jointly subjugate Shu State. You will be responsible for leading the assault: seize Shu State’s spirit stone mines, metal ore veins, and spiritual medicine gardens. Whatever you acquire will be yours to keep, and those who achieve great merits will receive additional generous rewards. Those who shrink back in battle will be executed without mercy. Now, let’s assign your tasks.”

Li Haifeng took out a map and assigned tasks to each immortal cultivation family. Some were responsible for attacking Shu State’s immortal cultivation family strongholds, while others were tasked with seizing Shu State’s metal mines, spirit stone mines, or spiritual medicine gardens. The tactics were significantly different from before.

“Alright, ask if you have any questions. If not, depart at once! The sooner you leave, the sooner you return.”

“May I ask, Senior Li, will Shu State’s Core Formation cultivators intervene?”

Li Haifeng shook his head and said, “Theoretically, no, but it’s hard to say. If you encounter a Core Formation cultivator, you’ll have to fend for yourselves! Once your tasks are complete, you may return to rest.”

“Senior Li, must this task be completed? What if we fail to complete it? Is there a deadline?” Wang Changsheng stepped forward two paces and asked.

The Wang family’s assigned task was to conquer an immortal cultivation family’s stronghold. Broadly speaking, their objective was to inflict casualties on Shu State cultivators, plunder resources, and indirectly weaken Shu State’s power.

“That’s right, everyone’s tasks must be completed. Failure to do so will result in punishment. Merit will be rewarded, and transgression will be penalized. There is no deadline. If you wish to grow wealthy, then fight bravely. A word of warning: you will be deep within Shu State territory. If your whereabouts are exposed, there will be no reinforcements. Therefore, you had better act decisively and without mercy.”

Li Haifeng cautioned them meaningfully.

“Yes, Senior Li.”

After answering a few more questions, Li Haifeng sent them off.

Upon returning to their residence, Wang Changsheng and Wang Mingjiang immediately gathered their clansmen, left Myriad Snake City, and headed straight for Shu State.

Hanzhong Commandery was one of Shu State’s seventy-five commanderies. Mount Huayang, one of Hanzhong Commandery’s three great spiritual lands, was also the Tang family’s stronghold. The Tang family’s ancestors were disciples of the Poison Gu Sect. The family had been established for over a thousand years and possessed a profound foundation. Many Tang family members had joined the Poison Gu Sect, making them an affiliated force of the sect.

At midnight, the night was still.

On a small hill a few miles from Mount Huayang, Wang Changsheng and Wang Mingjiang were discussing something, alongside Wang Mingzhan and others. To be frank, if Wang Changsheng had a choice, he wouldn't want to confront the Tang family. However, with Li Haifeng personally assigning the task, he couldn't refuse.

“Uncle Twenty-One, all the market cities built on Shu State’s border have been dismantled. Given the Tang family’s close ties with the Poison Gu Sect, they must have received news as well. If I were a Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Tang family, I would certainly set up formations to guard against enemy raids. So, I’ll lead half the people in to attack, and you stay behind with the others, ready to provide support at any moment.”

Wang Changsheng said solemnly. It was his first time doing something like this, and he lacked experience.

“No, that method is too risky. I’ll lead half the people in to attack, and you stay behind. If we are outnumbered or defeated, you must immediately retreat with the others.”