Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 2153 - 1546: Brilliance (Part 2)
Previously on Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan...
"Who wouldn’t agree? We initially believed that Da Kong Immortal City, situated near the Changqing Mountain Range with constant cultivator traffic, would surely thrive. However, fate dealt us a harsh blow, forcing us to endure a devastating great war…"
"Precisely! After toiling for a whole year, hoping to accumulate some Spirit Stones, we now find ourselves in such a predicament. Minimizing our losses feels like a victory in itself."
Several neighboring shopkeepers chimed in, echoing their sentiments of despair.
This unfortunate state of affairs was not isolated; most businesses faced similar plight, not just within Da Kong Immortal City but across the entirety of Kong Mountain State.
Remarkably, this situation defied the usual economic patterns!
Wars typically do not spell decline for commerce; on the contrary, they often spur prosperity, especially for essential resources whose prices inevitably skyrocket.
Yet, the establishments in Kong Mountain State reaped none of these anticipated profits.
The underlying cause was the relentless and brutal nature of the battles, which actively deterred cultivators from remaining in the area.
With cultivators fleeing in droves, how could any semblance of business persist?
A portion of the widespread chaos plaguing Kong Mountain State could be attributed to the Beixuan Sect.
When some cultivators dared to report and expose the identities of Li Zhirui and Fu Chengguang, they faced severe repercussions, including the forfeiture of a substantial quantity of Spiritual Objects.
Unable to meet these demands, they were compelled to resort to robbery and plunder simply to amass the required Spiritual Objects swiftly!
It is crucial to acknowledge that among these perpetrators were several Earth Immortals. When such formidable cultivators acted, how could ordinary cultivators possibly resist, leading to a grim escalation in cultivator casualties?
Concurrently, the high-level cultivators within Kong Mountain State had begun to perceive the anomaly and were actively convening to devise a resolution.
"Should we directly confront these plundering cultivators? Eliminating their disruptive presence would undoubtedly restore a significant measure of calm."
"Absolutely not! This situation, while chaotic, possesses a unique local dynamic and is indeed the root of the current unrest. If we eliminate these elements now, Kong Mountain State will revert to its previous state once the war concludes. This is not necessarily a favorable outcome."
"Then, what course of action do you propose to rectify the problem?"
Cultivators who merely identify issues without offering solutions invariably prove the most vexing.
That particular cultivator was left momentarily speechless, utterly at a loss for words.
However, no one else dared to advocate for direct confrontation with the robbing cultivators, as they too recognized the validity of the preceding argument.
...
Furthermore, the desire for an swift end to the war was not exclusive to them; high-level cultivators from other regions shared this sentiment!
The war’s sudden and peculiar eruption, coupled with its far-reaching consequences, proved detrimental to both the Ten Thousand Rivers Realm and their individual interests.
To hasten the world's return to peace, they began implementing restrictions, forbidding their juniors from departing their mountain sanctums and clan territories. This measure effectively reduced the number of cultivators abroad, thereby curbed the escalation of conflicts.
Through a combination of these diverse strategies and concerted efforts, the war was eventually contained. Over time, the conflict gradually subsided, the malevolent Tribulation Evil Energy began to dissipate, and the world slowly regained its clarity.
Subsequently, numerous factions undertook assessments of their losses, discovering that a significant number of their disciples had perished or gone missing. Some smaller factions faced complete annihilation.
It could be unequivocally stated that in the wake of this abrupt conflict, not a single faction emerged unscathed; all endured casualties and losses to varying degrees.
...
Within a secluded and mysterious Cave Heaven.
"Alas!"
A Heavenly Immortal observed the tumultuous state of the world with a heavy sigh, lamenting, "How did matters devolve to such a dire condition?"
Their original objective was to locate two hidden Outer Realm Creatures, yet this endeavor inadvertently spiraled into an internecine conflict that claimed the lives of countless cultivators.
The genesis of this entire catastrophe could be traced back to their fateful decision!
No! This predicament could not be laid solely at their feet; the true culprits were those accursed intruders!
Had they not breached the sanctity of the Ten Thousand Rivers Realm, none of this devastation would have transpired. Consequently, they must be apprehended and prevented from lingering any further.
"However, the immediate challenge is that we are unable to locate these detestable Outer Realm Creatures. How then can we expel them?" another Heavenly Immortal inquired, their voice laced with frustration.
"Since direct pursuit proves futile, we shall devise a method to compel their emergence!"
The aged Daoist, whose hair was entirely white, spoke with a somber expression, stating, "What is the ultimate objective of these two Outer Realm Creatures? Whether they are preparing for an invasion or seeking profound enlightenment to enhance their comprehension of the Great Dao, their actions will inevitably be driven by intent."
"Regardless of their specific purpose, provided there are sufficient inducements, they will be tempted to act, thereby revealing their hidden positions. At that juncture, our concern regarding their whereabouts will be entirely alleviated."
While this strategy appeared promising, the pertinent question remained: what kind of Spiritual Objects could possibly be offered as bait to draw out those two elusive entities?
Ordinary Spiritual Objects would certainly be insufficient; only exceedingly rare and valuable Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures would suffice.
Furthermore, another significant question loomed: who would supply these coveted Spiritual Objects?
Although each individual possessed a few cherished items, their reluctance to part with them was palpable, precisely because these were their treasures.
After all, if any mishap occurred during the process, leading to the loss or damage of a Spiritual Object, wouldn't they incur a substantial personal loss?
One person voiced the collective concern directly, "Daoist Yu, whose precious item shall be utilized?"
"I shall provide it!" The white-haired Daoist declared, his teeth clenched, making a visible effort to mask his deep-seated heartache.
A wave of relief washed over the assembled group, and they readily offered praise for his supposedly honorable action, the simple act of uttering kind words costing them nothing but a fleeting breath.
Subsequently, with meticulous planning and collective effort, a scheme targeting the two unwelcome intruders began to materialize, poised and ready for the moment the pair stumbled into the carefully laid trap.
However, the ultimate outcome might very well shatter their expectations!
...
Two blossoms unfurl, each signifying a distinct path.
Within the confines of Beixuan Mountain,
As the first hint of the war's conclusion emerged, Li Zhirui acutely perceived the rapid dissipation of the world's Tribulation Evil Energy. Extending his Divine Sense outward, he swiftly corroborated the accuracy of his intuition.
"The war has concluded?"
A sense of profound sentimentality washed over him; this conflict had truly swept through their lives with an astonishing swiftness, appearing and vanishing in the blink of an eye.
Nevertheless, the swift termination of hostilities was undeniably a boon for them, enabling their return to previous cultivation practices without the necessity of further dedicating time to the Alchemy Dao.
Consequently, Li Zhirui promptly gathered the Spiritual Objects he held, settled back onto his meditation cushion, and commenced the process of calming his mind, adjusting his internal state, regulating his breathing, and maintaining a tranquil mental disposition. As his Divine Sense ascended towards the heavens, an unknown duration elapsed before he entered a peculiar otherworldly space.
Within this ethereal domain, countless Laws converged, and a dazzling array of Spirit Lights shimmered in a breathtaking, magnificent interplay.
Yet, beneath this outwardly beautiful panorama, a truly terrifying killing intent lay concealed and coiled!