Chapter 2335: Qingshan Leads the Expedition

“Seventh Brother, we'll go with you.”

Wang Qingfeng volunteered. Most Soul Transformation cultivators in the clan were at the early stage, with few at the middle stage. He and Dong Xueli had hunted many demonic beasts over the years and had rich combat experience, making them suitable for participation.

“Venerable Ancestor, I am willing to participate.” Wang Lihe stood up and said, already a mid-stage Soul Transformation cultivator.

“I'm also willing to fight.”

“Count me in.”

“And me. After cultivating for many years, I can finally face the foreign races.”

Wang Lijiao, Wang Lihe, Wang Lihai, and others stood up, all willing to follow Wang Qingshan into battle.

“Ninth Uncle is in seclusion for cultivation; let's not disturb him. Inform Ninth Aunt instead! Such a major event should be brought to her attention.” Wang Qingshan said to Wang Qingcheng. Wang Changsheng had contributed greatly to the family, and there was no need for him to always be at the forefront. It was time for them to step up. His Dharma Idol had condensed one-sixth, and with the complete set of nine Heaven-reaching Spirit Treasures, he would be fine as long as he was careful. The large-scale beast tide had not yet erupted, so it was better for Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan to remain stationed on Green Lotus Island.

Wang Qingcheng agreed, telling Wang Qingshan and the others to continue discussing the selection of personnel. He personally went to Green Lotus Peak and sent a sound transmission talisman to Wang Ruyan. Soon after, Wang Ruyan flew out from Green Lotus Peak, her expression solemn.

“How did a racial war suddenly break out? Without any warning?” Wang Ruyan asked, puzzled.

“Our clan members mainly operate in this sea area. Border City is too far from here, so we are unaware of its situation. The prolonged delay in the large-scale beast tide's eruption is likely related to this racial war.” Wang Qingcheng's tone was heavy. Based on calculations, the large-scale beast tide should have erupted long ago. They had assumed it was merely delayed, but the foreign races attacked Border City at this specific time, which was no coincidence.

“This means other foreign races are likely to attack us by sea, launching a two-pronged land and sea assault on the human race. Let's discuss this further in the council hall.” Wang Ruyan frowned, stating that the matter must be handled with extreme caution, or the family could face a crisis of annihilation. She arrived at the council hall, and Wang Qingshan and the others immediately stood up.

“Ninth Aunt (Venerable Ancestor).” Wang Ruyan took the head seat, motioned for Wang Qingshan and the others to sit, and listened to their report.

“Ninth Aunt, I'll lead the team to Border City! The large-scale beast tide hasn't erupted yet, and foreign races might also attack humans via the sea. It would be better for you and Ninth Uncle to stay and guard Green Lotus Island.” Wang Qingshan proposed, his expression serious. Zhenhai Palace had only conscripted one Void Refinement cultivator, so it was more appropriate for Wang Qingshan to lead the team. Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan combined were much stronger.

“Mother, Xueli and I will go with Seventh Brother to confront the foreign races.” Wang Qingfeng volunteered.

Wang Lihe, Wang Lijiao, Wang Lihe, and others all expressed their willingness to follow Wang Qingshan to fight the foreign races.

“Take more puppet beasts and cultivation resources from the family treasury. Once at the front line, obey all of Qingshan's commands and don't act recklessly, understand?” Wang Ruyan admonished them with a stern tone. She knew very well that once at the front line, things would be unpredictable. Wang Qingshan was only at the early Void Refinement stage and didn't have much authority. Wang Qingfeng and the others readily agreed, knowing that bringing more puppet beasts could increase their survival rate.

Wang Ruyan finalized the selection of ten Soul Transformation cultivators and instructed Wang Qingcheng to choose Nascent Soul cultivators. The others gradually withdrew, leaving only Wang Ruyan, Wang Qingshan, Wang Qingfeng, and Dong Xueli.

“Qingfeng, once at the front line, avoid conflicts with others. Always listen more to your Seventh Brother's advice. Qingshan, Xueli, keep an eye on Qingfeng.” Wang Ruyan cautioned them with some apprehension, as Wang Qingfeng was her biggest concern. There weren't many clan members who had cultivated to the late Soul Transformation stage. Otherwise, she wouldn't have wanted to send Wang Qingfeng, who wasn't skilled at dealing with people and easily offended others.

“Understood, Mother.” Wang Qingfeng pouted and agreed.

“Don't worry, Ninth Aunt, I'll watch over Qingfeng.” Wang Qingshan promised.

“I hope so! At the front line, you might not be in control of your circumstances, so all of you must be extra careful. I hope you return safely. Here are three Nine Nether Shadow Evasion Talismans I refined. Qingshan, Qingfeng, Xueli, take them!” Wang Ruyan took out three Nine Nether Shadow Evasion Talismans and gave one to each of them. She wished she could give a Nine Nether Shadow Evasion Talisman to every participating clan member, but sixth-tier talismans were difficult to refine. Having produced only three over the years was already quite impressive. Wang Qingshan and the other two thanked her and accepted the talismans. After a few more words of caution, Wang Ruyan sent them back to prepare.

Three days later, on a ten-thousand-mu bluestone plaza, a hundred-zhang-tall azure palace stood directly in front, adorned with upturned eaves, intricate brackets, carved beams, and painted rafters. A gilded plaque bore the three silver characters "Green Lotus Hall," which served as the Wang family's ancestral hall, enshrining the spirit tablets of deceased clan members, including Wang Qingling's. The hall was spacious and bright. Wang Ruyan stood at the very front, while Wang Qingshan and over a hundred other clan members stood in neat rows.

“Ancestors of the Wang family, look upon us! Qingshan and his team are about to lead the charge against the foreign races. Please bless them with a safe return.” Wang Ruyan lit sandalwood incense and placed it in a massive censer, taller than a person, then kowtowed three times with heavy thuds. Wang Qingshan and the others knelt and kowtowed, their expressions solemn.

“This battle will certainly claim lives, but I hope all of you return alive. Should you unfortunately perish, the family will care for your descendants. However, if anyone retreats from battle or begs foreign races for mercy, they will not be spared.” Wang Qingshan's tone was severe. Begging for mercy was absolutely unacceptable when fighting foreign races, as it would dishonor the entire family. Surrendering to foreign races and aiding them would bring disaster upon the entire clan.

“Yes.” Wang Qingfeng and the others responded in unison.

Wang Qingshan summoned the Qian Light Shadow Evasion Shuttle, channeling a magical incantation into it. The shuttle instantly expanded to over a hundred zhang in length, and Wang Qingfeng and the others leaped onto it.

“Let's go.” Wang Qingshan performed a hand seal, and the Qian Light Shadow Evasion Shuttle glowed brightly, transforming into a streak of light that flew out of Green Lotus Hall and vanished into the horizon.

Wang Ruyan watched their departing figures, letting out a soft sigh, her eyes filled with worry. Every racial war was exceptionally brutal; she wondered how many clan members would return alive.

Heavenly Roc Island, the Golden Roc clan's stronghold. In an expansive manor, Jiao Mingzhu and Jin Shuo sat in an azure stone pavilion, sipping tea and chatting.

“What? Attacking humans? It would be difficult for the Golden Roc clan alone, wouldn't it?” Jiao Mingzhu frowned. She was now part of the Golden Roc clan; if anything happened to them, she would also suffer.

“Of course, it's not just our Golden Roc clan. The Multi-Eyed race, the Bat race, and several other races will also participate.” Jin Shuo explained.

“What about the Golden Scale race? If they participate, our pressure would be somewhat less.” Jiao Mingzhu asked, puzzled.

“I'm not sure about that. Perhaps the Fiery Essence race's terms weren't favorable enough, or maybe the Golden Scale race wants to observe, letting us fight the human race to the death and then reap the benefits. Our Venerable Ancestor has already agreed to deploy troops, so we have no choice but to fight.” Jin Shuo's tone was heavy. It was unknown how many experts would perish in this war. Jiao Mingzhu nodded, a hint of worry in her eyes.