Previously on Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan...
The defense lines of Cave Abyss Sect have fallen to the Sea Clan, forcing the Sect Leader to conscript all available disciples and allies to defend Sea Division City. Facing heavy losses and a desperate situation, the sect swallows its pride and broadcasts a signal for help to neighboring Heavenly Immortal powers. While some powers criticize Cave Abyss Sect's predicament, the Li family and others agree to assist, not to save the sect, but to prevent the Sea Clan's invasion from spreading. With newfound reinforcements, Cave Abyss Sect launches a counterattack, but the fierce battle quickly devolves into a stalemate as both sides suffer heavy casualties.
Neither side exhibited any inclination to incur the substantial expenditure required for launching an offensive. Yet, the Sea Clan harbored reluctance to simply cease their endeavors, recognizing the rarity of such an opportune moment. They feared that another chance might not present itself for many years, and thus, they persisted in their attempts to identify vulnerabilities within Sea Division City's defenses, aiming to breach the cultivators' lines.
Unfortunately for them, as time progressed, an increasing number of cultivators converged upon the city. With such a formidable and vigilant presence, any potential flaws in their defenses were virtually nonexistent. "Continuing in this manner yields no tangible benefits and, quite the opposite, leads to the depletion of a vast quantity of Spiritual Objects. I believe it would be prudent to discontinue this action," suggested a high-ranking Water Demon, expressing a desire to withdraw. The leading Dragon Tribe representative observed that while many Water Demons remained silent, their tacit agreement with this sentiment was evident. In stark contrast, the number of Water Demons supporting the continued engagement had dwindled considerably.
"Very well, we have recently secured a new sea region, which may serve as a future front against the Immortal Dao. Therefore, establishing defensive measures is imperative." The Dragon Tribe, finding themselves unable to oppose the collective will, reluctantly assented. "However! We cannot simply retreat without precaution, lest the cultivators seize the opportunity for pursuit, potentially triggering a full-scale rout." "Consequently, let us dispatch the wounded back first. While retreating in stages, we must concurrently erect various defensive fortifications, and a contingent of our kin shall remain to hold this position!" The Sea Clan readily concurred, endorsing this strategic plan. Following this, they eagerly moved to orchestrate the withdrawal.
"What a shame!" The Dragon Tribe cast a gaze toward Sea Division City, emitting a sigh before murmuring, "I had not anticipated the Cave Abyss Sect would stoop to beg for aid so swiftly." Based on the Sea Clan's internal assessments, the proud nature of the Cave Abyss Sect suggested they would at least wait until Sea Division City fell and their situation became dire before soliciting assistance from the Immortal Dao. During the interval required for the Immortal Dao to mobilize and dispatch reinforcements, the Sea Clan might have already captured several oceanic territories. At that juncture, the roles of attacker and defender would have shifted, and dislodging them would prove considerably more challenging. Who could have foreseen, however, that the Cave Abyss Sect would seek immediate support, resulting in the Sea Clan's failure to capture Sea Division City and, instead, incurring substantial casualties in the process. Nevertheless, with events having transpired as they have, further contemplation or regret would prove futile.
The significant stir caused by the Sea Clan did not escape the notice of the cultivators. "Are they withdrawing?" inquired one cultivator, his voice tinged with hopeful anticipation. "That is correct! They are indeed retreating!" confirmed an Earth Immortal cultivator present. "Excellent!" "The conflict is finally concluded! I have survived!" Amidst the cultivator ranks on the city walls, shouts of jubilation, excitement, and, predominantly, profound relief at escaping a perilous ordeal, erupted. The sounds carried to the ears of those cultivators engaged in recuperation and healing within the city, prompting an even more resounding chorus of cheers shortly thereafter. "Should we seize this moment to pursue the Water Demons?" The act of retreating on a battlefield is inherently perilous, often inviting enemy pursuit, and a subsequent rout can exacerbate the situation dramatically. "Negative! It is evident that the Sea Clan is executing a deliberate withdrawal. Should we initiate a pursuit, we are highly likely to fall into their carefully laid trap," the Earth Immortal rejected the suggestion without a moment's hesitation. Upon hearing this, everyone promptly fell into line, abandoning any further pursuit, and contentedly awaited the battle's conclusion, prepared to gather their spoils and depart. Meanwhile, within the confines of the City Lord's Mansion. Several Heavenly Immortal cultivators were engrossed in meditation. "Now that this engagement has concluded, it is time for us to return to our respective families," stated the Heavenly Immortal from the Yumen He Family, being the first to voice his intention. The supporting factions from various origins had sustained considerable losses during this conflict with minimal gains, resulting in a generally discontented sentiment among them. The other Heavenly Immortals likewise began to express their intentions to depart. "We extend our deepest gratitude to all Fellow Daoists for your invaluable assistance. Should you require our aid in the future, the Cave Abyss Sect shall not hesitate to offer our full support!" The Heavenly Immortal representing the Cave Abyss Sect promptly stood and earnestly extended this solemn promise. "Fellow Daoists, your thoughtful sentiments are deeply appreciated." A slight improvement in everyone's demeanor was noticeable, but it was marginal. In the ensuing period, streams of Spirit Light began to depart from Sea Division City in constant succession. Within a mere day, the once bustling and crowded Sea Division City was rendered strikingly desolate.
"Alas! Not only did we lose face this time, but more importantly, the Sect's strength has been exposed."
While various powers were aware that the Cave Abyss Sect had sustained significant losses from failing the Profound Immortal Thunder Tribulation five times consecutively, the precise details remained unclear.
However, the recent invasion by the Sea Clan prompted the Cave Abyss Sect to seek assistance from multiple factions, inadvertently revealing their current capabilities.
Consequently, many forces will no longer hold them in the same high regard as before.
For instance, powers such as the Yumen He Family and other Heavenly Immortal Powers would never have dared to voice discontent towards the Cave Abyss Sect in the past.
"Alas! Who can say if the decision to dispatch a Profound Immortal to reclaim the Sect's standing back then was truly the correct one..."
The Heavenly Immortal reminisced about past events, recalling the collective unwillingness and seething anger, which now, in retrospect, appeared to be an impulsive and ill-advised choice.
Yet, he was acutely aware that the Sect's choice was not flawed; they absolutely should not have relinquished that power.
But who could have foreseen that, after so many years, after squandering immense resources and sacrificing six predecessors at the Heavenly Immortal Perfection stage, they would still achieve nothing?
