Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 2101 1519: Preparations (2)

Everything, I can only say, is destined!

With a heavy sigh, he vanished without a trace.

...

Not long after, the sea east of Sea Division City returned to its peaceful state. From the surface, one could not tell that a brutal conflict had transpired here recently. However, the ruler of this domain had shifted from cultivators to the Water Devil.

Presently, the surrounding powers of the Immortal Dao were no longer deliberating over this sea, likely lost forever, but instead focused on the severely weakened Cave Abyss Sect.

Mount Wanxian, Family Hall.

"How did the Cave Abyss Sect decline to such a state?" Li Qingwen voiced with deep emotion.

Who could have foreseen that in merely a few millennia, the once preeminent Immortal Dao force on the eastern continent would fall so drastically.

Furthermore, their clash with the Sea Clan invasion resulted in a substantial loss of disciples, critically hindering their future progress. If no unforeseen fortunate events occur, the Cave Abyss Sect might face a continuous decline, possibly settling into the status of a moderately powerful Heavenly Immortal force.

Should circumstances worsen, there's even a tangible risk of their heritage being severed, leading to the sect's ultimate demise!

The plight of the Cave Abyss Sect served as a cautionary tale for the Li family, advising against impulsive ambition. To bolster their strength, they must advance methodically, step by step, shunning recklessness.

Naturally, this perspective was also influenced by the Li family's current lack of engagement in breaching the Profound Immortal Realm and their absence of exaggerated urgency regarding Heavenly Immortal Cultivators.

They would not suddenly lose their composure and enact any hazardous gambles.

"Clan Leader, should we seize this moment to strike at the Cave Abyss Sect while they are vulnerable?" a certain elder inquired discreetly, concerned about being overheard.

"Hmm?"

"The Cave Abyss Sect's downfall means they've surely amassed numerous Spiritual Objects and cultivation methods over the years. If our clan could acquire some, it would be immensely beneficial!" The elder's excitement grew palpable as he painted a picture of this prosperous future.

"Indeed! Clan Leader, we cannot be the only ones eyeing the Cave Abyss Sect's treasures; wouldn't other powers harbor similar desires? Individually, we may not be a match for them, but if we ally with other Heavenly Immortal powers, wouldn't we easily overcome them?"

A few other elders voiced their agreement, not only concurring but also proposing strategies, already mentally sketching out initial plans.

"No! For such critical matters, the family must maintain composure and must not be the first to act!"

Li Qingwen, however, remained composed, entirely unfazed by their fervor, and stated solemnly, "While the Cave Abyss Sect is akin to a wounded tiger, they still possess considerable danger; whoever strikes first will inevitably face the brunt of their final desperate resistance!"

"The family can opportunistically gather benefits after others have made their move, but we absolutely must not be the primary force assaulting the Cave Abyss Sect!"

Having declared this, he cast a stern gaze upon the elders who had spoken earlier and demanded pointedly, "Speak! Have you secretly corresponded with other powers and accepted their inducements?"

The elders, caught off guard, displayed a fleeting flicker of unease on their faces.

"Hmph, you dare engage in secret dealings with other factions behind the family's back!"

Witnessing this scene, Li Qingwen could deduce the truth instantly. He bellowed, "Seize them! Secure them and conduct a thorough interrogation to ascertain who instigated the Li family towards such reckless action."

"Clan Leader! Clan Leader! I understand my transgression! I shall never dare again, please grant me leniency." One elder cried out desperately, his voice thick with despair.

The Li family's methods for dealing with internal traitors were not necessarily characterized by extreme brutality, but once guilt was established, the repercussions were invariably severe.

Of course, simply executing them would be exceedingly wasteful! After all, these elders, regardless of their current incompetence, possessed Human Immortal cultivation, making them ideal candidates for various essential roles!

"Take them away! If you are truly innocent..."

Facing their desperate pleas, Li Qingwen remained unmoved, his expression impassive as he watched them being escorted out.

The remaining elders finally regained their senses, wanting to interject, but ultimately chose silence. What valid points could they possibly raise? That they were acting in the family's best interest, urging these actions for its benefit?

While this might sound plausible, in matters of such gravity, the gravest offense is the inception of such an idea!

Even if proven blameless and not having truly betrayed the family in the end, trust, once fractured, can never be fully mended.

The family assembly concluded at this juncture. Li Qingwen had further matters to attend to concerning the implicated elders, leaving other deliberations for a later time.

"They've truly lost their senses, daring to consent to such ventures," one elder muttered with clear displeasure.

Although the other elders remained silent, their expressions unmistakably conveyed similar sentiments.

Meanwhile.

Through initial questioning, Li Qingwen ascertained the agreements made by the elders on behalf of their family and the benefits they received. Thankfully, they weren't entirely foolish and managed to avoid divulging any crucial family secrets, which would have been utterly unforgivable!

According to their testimonies, the Yumen He Family, the Five Elements Sect, the Changlin Sect, and various other Immortal Dao powers neighboring the Cave Abyss Sect, both large and small, had all decided to participate in dividing the spoils of the Cave Abyss Sect. With such a multitude of powers converging, they were convinced that dealing with the Cave Abyss Sect was a foregone conclusion.

These factions had dispatched representatives to make discreet contact, seeking their favorable consideration during the family assembly to pave the way for future actions. Soon, cultivators would be arriving discreetly to formally extend an invitation for the Li family to join their ranks. Naturally, this initial interrogation was merely the first of three essential rounds. Only upon successfully passing all stages could their reputations be fully vindicated, allowing them to resume their normal lives and cultivation within the family.

Their accounts, gathered through individual interrogations, were remarkably consistent, lending credence to their statements. As for their positions as elders, it was clear they should no longer harbor aspirations for such roles; escaping unharmed was the extent of their fortune.

Following a thorough series of interrogations, they were ultimately released. While their confinement hadn't been excessively harsh, they emerged looking rather disheveled. More importantly, their titles as elders were revoked, and they were reinstated as ordinary family members.

"I trust you will take this as a stern warning."

With these words, Li Qingwen turned and departed, leaving the dejected family members standing still, their visages etched with profound regret and remorse. There is no remedy for regret; time's passage cannot be undone.

Li Qingwen returned to the family hall, a contemplative frown on his face. He was deliberating whether the family should align itself with the impending action against the Cave Abyss Sect. Clearly, such a significant decision could not be made unilaterally; it necessitated deliberation with the other elders and the explicit approval of the ancestors. After all, in the grand scheme of dividing the Cave Abyss Sect, the Heavenly Immortal Ancestors would constitute the core fighting force, with everyone else relegated to supportive roles. Thus, he was currently weighing the potential advantages and disadvantages this endeavor might bestow upon the family.

The benefits were apparent: substantial acquisitions of Spiritual Objects and cultivation Methods from the spoils of the Cave Abyss Sect. The drawbacks, however, lay in the potential casualties among their family members. On balance, the prospective gains seemed to outweigh the risks.

Having reached this conclusion, Li Qingwen convened all the family elders. Once everyone was seated, he declared, "The question before us is whether the family should participate in the forthcoming division of the Cave Abyss Sect!"

The elders displayed surprise at the Clan Leader's shift in stance but proceeded to voice their perspectives. Those elders who opposed participation expressed concerns over the potential for significant casualties among their kin. Conversely, those who favored involvement were enticed by the prospect of acquiring the Cave Abyss Sect's abundant Spiritual Objects and Methods. The dissenting voices were in the minority, comprising less than a third of the assembly. Nevertheless, no arguments ensued; opinions were calmly exchanged, with each side reasoning their stance. They all understood that for matters of such magnitude, the ultimate arbiters were not them, but the revered ancestors!

"Very well, I have heard your thoughts!"

After listening attentively, Li Qingwen rose and announced, "I shall now seek the ancestors' counsel. Should they concur, we shall prepare the family for this undertaking."