บท 26: Chapter 26 Jie Xiu City
In Jie Xiu City, one of the 36 cities under Shanxi County situated at the southernmost part of Shanxi, there is a population of 30 million, with around 3 million of them being cultivators. However, the power structure here is much more complicated than in Xi'An, as there are many forces that are not registered in the country's system.
These forces are called unorthodox forces. Some call them bumpkins, and others refer to them as demonic forces. These forces are banned from entering big cities like Xi'An.
Being a border city like Jie Xiu, where the influence of Xi'An couldn't fully reach, there are many of these kinds of forces. Conflicts arise every day, with the weak being trampled by the strong. Killing and stealing are normal sights here, and those who suffer can only blame themselves for their weakness.
As of now, the news of chaos time has already arrived in Xi'An. Of course, the news is limited to the higher-ups of the city, leaving many cultivators and mortals in the dark. Still, the situation in Jie Xiu is not peaceful at all. Fights occur daily, with many small families being destroyed overnight, one by one. The mid-sized families are embroiled in constant conflict and fighting.
The air was thick with the scent of blood and the echo of battle cries. The fighting had reached unprecedented ferocity. Small families vanished overnight, becoming the prey of larger families. Mid-sized and large families, once pillars of stability, now found themselves locked in brutal conflicts, each struggling to survive another day.
Amid the tumultuous upheaval, the Azure Cloud Pavilion's branch stood as one of the overlords of the city. Despite having a Core Formation cultivator guarding it, the branch was under immense pressure. The allure of the pills stored within its walls made it a prime target. Before chaos time, the Azure Cloud Pavilion inspired fear and respect. But in these dire times, when survival was uncertain, fear had lost its grip on the hearts of men. No one felt secure, and thus, no one felt afraid.
Lu Yuan, the master of the Azure Cloud Pavilion's branch, sat in his dimly lit chamber, his hand pressed against his forehead. His face, usually composed and authoritative, was now etched with worry. As a Core Formation cultivator, Lu Yuan possessed the strength to flee and save himself. Yet, the thought of abandoning the people who depended on him gnawed at his conscience. The disciples and members of the pavilion were like family to him—they would all be slaughtered if he chose to escape alone.
His disciple, Yao Wang, stood before him, shifting nervously from foot to foot. Yao Wang was a prodigy in refining pills, but his combat abilities were less impressive. Against the feral cultivators now roaming the streets like hungry wolves, Yao Wang would be captured and likely killed.
"Master, what are we to do?" Yao Wang's voice broke the silence, filled with a mixture of fear and determination.
Lu Yuan sighed deeply. "Yao Wang, I have thought of this every night since chaos time began knocking at our door. We are running out of options."
"We could flee, Master. Together. With your strength, no one could catch us," Yao Wang suggested, though his eyes betrayed his own doubt.
Lu Yuan shook his head. "If it were just about us, I might consider it. But think of the others. If we leave, this place will be overrun. Everyone here would die. I cannot bear that weight."
"Then we fight," Yao Wang said, a trace of resolve hardening his voice. "We protect the Pavilion and everyone in it."
The older man's gaze softened as he looked at his disciple. "Your spirit is commendable, Yao Wang, but our forces are limited. Even with my cultivation, we cannot hold off the combined might of those who covet our resources."
The conversation was interrupted by a loud crash. The door burst open, and a young woman, another disciple, stumbled in, her face pale. "Master, they're here. A group of Devil Claw Sect cultivators has arrived. They've breached the outer gates."
Lu Yuan's heart sank. The time for deliberation was over. "Yao Wang, gather everyone in the inner courtyard. Prepare them for defense. I will join you shortly."
Yao Wang nodded and ran out, the urgency of the situation pushing aside his fear. Lu Yuan stood, drawing a deep breath to steady his nerves. He walked to his desk and picked up a jade talisman, an artifact of great power, his last resort. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a message to the Azure Cloud Pavilion in Xi'An, recounting the situation in Jie Xiu.
In fact, Manager Li Ming had already informed Lu Yuan about the situation of chaos time, and they were in the process of transporting the ingredients from Jie Xiu to Xi'An. Most of the resources had already been transported. Lu Yuan had planned to take his people and leave in a few months, but an unexpected situation arose. Many demonic forces also learned of the transportation and obstructed them. Many members were killed shortly after leaving the territory of the Azure Cloud Pavilion, so Lu Yuan could only try to gather and preserve their strength.
Minutes later, Lu Yuan joined his disciples in the inner courtyard. The atmosphere was tense, but his presence brought a semblance of calm. "Listen well," he began, his voice steady. "Today, we face our greatest trial. We have trained for this, and we will fight not just for our lives, but for the lives of those who cannot fight."
The walls shook as the enemy pounded against them. The cultivators were relentless, driven by greed and desperation. Lu Yuan led the defense, his movements precise and deadly, every strike imbued with his formidable power. Yao Wang, though not as skilled in combat, fought bravely beside his master, using his techniques to create barriers and support his fellow disciples.
Despite their valiant efforts, the enemy numbers seemed endless. The inner gates began to give way, and Lu Yuan knew they could not hold out much longer. Desperation clawed at him. He had to protect Yao Wang, who, despite his talents, was too valuable to lose.
"Yao Wang!" Lu Yuan called out amidst the chaos. "Take the others and retreat to the inner sanctum. Use the hidden passage. It will lead you to safety. Once you reach there, make your way to Xi'An. If fate allows, we will see each other there."
"But Master—" Yao Wang began to protest.
"Do as I say!" Lu Yuan's tone brooked no argument. "I will hold them off. Go, now!"
Tears welled in Yao Wang's eyes, but he obeyed, leading the remaining disciples toward the hidden passage. Lu Yuan watched them go, fierce pride mingling with sorrow. As the last of them disappeared, he turned back to the advancing enemies, determination hardening his resolve.
With a roar, he unleashed the full extent of his power. The courtyard blazed with the intensity of his attacks, forcing the cultivators back momentarily. Yet, he knew it was only a matter of time before they overwhelmed him. He reached for the jade talisman, preparing to activate it. If he was to fall, he would ensure the enemy paid a steep price.
"Hmph! Old Lu, don't be stubborn! Just step out from the pavilion and we will spare you!" A Sect Master of the Devil Claws Sect spoke.
Lu Yuan turned a deaf ear as he channeled his energy into the talisman. A blinding light erupted, scorching the ground and disintegrating several attackers.
"Not good! This old man wants us to die with him!"
The force of the blast sent shockwaves through the courtyard, buying precious moments. Lu Yuan staggered, the effort leaving him drained. He fell to his knees, but the fire in his eyes remained.
…
The news of Jie Xiu reached the Azure Cloud Pavilion in Xi'An in a few days later.
Manager Li Ming sat at the head of the table in the solemn meeting room of the Azure Cloud Pavilion's main branch in Xi'An. Old Wang and several other key figures of the Pavilion were gathered around.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," Manager Li began, his voice carrying a weight of concern. "As you are aware, we've received distressing news from Jie Xiu. The chaos has started, and our Jie Xiu branch has become the first target to suffer."
Old Wang nodded gravely, his expression reflecting the gravity of the situation. "We've lost contact with Lu Yuan and the Jie Xiu branch. It's imperative that we take decisive action."
"Although Lu Yuan is stubborn and kind, he won't fight to the death. But for him to abandon the pavilion and escape is not his way either; he might fight and get injured. We can't afford to lose such a Core Formation powerhouse," Manager Li continued, his tone firm. "Two Core Formation Cultivators will be dispatched to investigate and rescue Lu Yuan if possible. Time is of the essence."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. The urgency was palpable.
"Furthermore," Manager Li continued, "we cannot afford to overlook the safety of our other branches. I propose that we recall all our personnel from the branches in the surrounding five cities back to Xi'An. We must consolidate our strength and prepare for any further escalations."
Old Wang nodded again, his expression thoughtful. "It's a prudent decision. We cannot risk a similar fate befalling our other branches."
"I will personally oversee the preparations for the reinforcements and the relocation of our personnel," Manager Li declared. "We must act swiftly and decisively."
The meeting continued late into the night as they discussed logistics, strategies, and contingencies. Each decision was made with the weight of their fallen comrades in Jie Xiu heavy on their hearts, and the determination to protect their pavilion and its members burning brightly.
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