Chapter 68 Great Forces in Red Maple City
The news of a demonic cultivator of the Xia Family spread quickly throughout Red Maple City. Previously, just a warrant was not enough to draw significant attention to this demonic cultivator.
However, at this moment, the City Lord Manor, along with all the high-grade families in the central area, released this news altogether, making all families, both mortal and cultivator, aware of this demonic cultivator.
Despite not knowing his name yet, the appearance of a demonic cultivator had been widely publicized throughout Red Maple City.
Some even didn't believe that a demonic cultivator could be this young, appearing to be only in his twenties. They guessed that it was just his appearance, and his real age must be more than 100 years.
Many were in panic, hoping that the City Lord Manor would quickly restore peace to Red Maple City.
At the same time, many families cursed the Xia Family for being involved with a demonic cultivator, enraged and swearing to kill every member of the Xia Family they encountered. Some families that had relationships with the Xia Family were already destroyed within an hour. The public's rage was not something a single family could handle.
The Lin Family was one of the families that had a relationship with the Xia Family. At this moment, it was completely destroyed. The once mid-grade family had turned into ruins, with all members, both cultivators and mortals, slaughtered.
Two miles away from Red Maple City, a youth of 16 cried out, his tears turning to blood, but he couldn't stop crying. "Father, Mother, Sister, Xiao Xin. If not for the Xia Family, how could you guys end up like this? I, Lin Feng, promise that if one day I become stronger, I will come back and make the Xia Family and Red Maple City pay a thousandfold."
Clang!
Suddenly, a thunder strike hit Lin Feng hard, and he fell unconscious right there. However, inside his body, a thunder soul emerged.
…
City Lord Manor
"Oh, there is such a character appearing in my city," Fu Jun, one of the ancestors of the City Lord Manor and a level 4 Core Formation Cultivator, remarked. He was the most proficient Array Master, and upon hearing the report from Fu Bo, he gave his comment.
This time, he had been informed about a demonic cultivator proficient in arrays, prompting him to leave seclusion specifically to deal with the threat.
"It's my fault for lacking in responsibility and letting such a threat enter the city," Fu Bo said guiltily. Despite having a higher cultivation than Fu Jun, he still showed respect in front of him.
Fu Jun shook his head slightly. "A demonic cultivator with some skills—the fact that he could enter the city without being detected by my array proves that his attachment to arrays might be at the same level as mine. If there's any blame, it's on me for being incapable of building a higher-level array to protect the city."
"What are you saying, Uncle? Your attachment to arrays is something that can compare with the experts in Xi'An. If your array wasn't high-level enough, then who in Red Maple City would have one that is?" Fu Bo retorted suddenly.
"It's still the same with you. Despite being a dignified level 5 Core Formation Cultivator now, your flattering skills haven't downgraded at all," Fu Jun looked at Fu Bo and said.
"Hehe," Fu Bo laughed lightly, "What dignity of level 5? I'm still far from your level."
Fu Jun shook his head slightly and responded.
The two began recounting their experiences after years of not meeting.
#Yuan Family
Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Yuan Family, the atmosphere was solemn as they accepted the level 5 Core Formation Cultivator.
"The City Lord Manor might wake up Fu Jun to deal with the array. You all don't need to worry about it. What you should focus on is the coming chaos time," Yuan Dao, an ancestor of the Yuan Family and a level 5 Core Formation Cultivator, seated in the main seat, spoke to Yuan Han and the other elders.
"Yes, we will arrange everything as the ancestor commands," all of them responded with respect.
#Tang Family
"I wonder which old friend will come out this time. I hope this won't bore me," Tang Long, a level 5 Core Formation Cultivator, whispered.
His gazes swept through Tang Family Cultivators and nodded.
#Song Family
"Hm? My son was killed in the Xia Family? What a disgrace! I swear to use the blood of a demonic cultivator and Xia Family cultivators to dye your graveyard!" Song Yuan, a level 5 Core Formation Cultivator, exclaimed.
The aura of the level 5 Core Formation Cultivator spread throughout the Song Family residence, making all cultivators below Core Formation have a hard time breathing. The mortal were already kneeling before this might.
…
#Zhao Family
In the Zhao Family residence, the atmosphere was tense. The three Core Formation Cultivators—Zhao Family Patriarch Zhao Liang, Great Elder Zhao Feng, and First Elder Zhao Jian—gathered in the main hall to discuss the overall situation.
"We cannot underestimate the threat of this demonic cultivator," Zhao Liang stated, his expression serious. "However, waking up our ancestors should be our last resort. We must assess the situation thoroughly first."
Zhao Feng nodded in agreement. "Indeed, the city is already in turmoil. Our ancestors' presence must remain a secret weapon. Zhao Jian, as the First Elder, you will join the operation and observe the situation closely."
Zhao Jian nodded slightly. "I see, leave this matter to me. I will ensure our family's interests are protected and gather all necessary information."
#Jing Family
The scene was similar in the Jing Family residence. Patriarch Jing Tian, Great Elder Jing Hui, and First Elder Jing Ming were deep in conversation, strategizing their next move.
"The demonic cultivator's actions have caused chaos throughout the city," Jing Tian said, his tone grave. "But we must remain cautious. Waking up our ancestors is a decision that should not be taken lightly."
Jing Hui concurred. "I agree, Patriarch. Our strength lies in our patience and strategy. Jing Ming, as the First Elder, you will represent our family and join the operation. Your task is to assess the threat and report back with your findings."
Jing Ming nodded firmly. "I understand."
#Aqua Crystal Sect
In the serene halls of the Aqua Crystal Sect, the atmosphere was unusually heavy. Sect Master Shui Ling, Great Elder Shu Yuan, and First Elder Shi Han sat in a secluded chamber, discussing the recent developments.
Shui Ling's calm demeanor belied the tension in the room. "The news of the demonic cultivator has spread like wildfire. However, I believe our best course of action is to remain neutral. We cannot afford unnecessary entanglements."
Great Elder Shu Yuan nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Sect Master. Our primary focus should be on preserving our sect's strength and stability. Engaging in this conflict could bring unforeseen consequences."
First Elder Shi Han added, "The city is already in chaos. By closing our doors and maintaining our neutrality, we ensure the safety of our disciples and the longevity of our sect."
Shui Ling concluded, "It's settled then. We will close our doors and remain uninvolved. Let the other forces handle this matter."
#Tiger Rage Sect
In stark contrast, the Tiger Rage Sect buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Sect Master Hu Yan, Great Elder Hui Xiong, and First Elder Huo Bao gathered in the main hall, their expressions fierce and determined.
Hu Yan spoke first, his voice filled with a mixture of eagerness and resolve. "This demonic cultivator has caused quite a stir. It's an opportunity for our sect to demonstrate our strength and influence."
Great Elder Hui Xiong, a formidable peak level 2 Core Formation cultivator, grinned widely. "I've been itching for a good fight. This is the perfect chance to show Red Maple City the might of the Tiger Rage Sect."
First Elder Huo Bao nodded enthusiastically. "With Great Elder Hui Xiong leading the charge, we can seize this opportunity to expand our influence and possibly gain new resources."
Hu Yan concluded, "Then it's decided. Great Elder Hui Xiong, you will represent our sect and join the operation. Show them the true power of the Tiger Rage Sect."
Hui Xiong rose, his aura exuding confidence and strength. "Leave it to me, Sect Master. I will make sure our sect's name is feared and respected."
#Ling Family
In the grand hall of the Ling Family, the air was thick with a sense of impending decision. The absence of a patriarch left the responsibility of leadership to the two Core Formation cultivators: First Elder Ling Shan and Great Elder Ling Hui.
Ling Shan broke the silence, his voice calm yet firm. "The news of the demonic cultivator has reached every corner of the city. What is our stance on this matter?"
Great Elder Ling Hui, a wise and cautious man, nodded thoughtfully. "We must consider our family's strength and the potential risks. Engaging in this conflict may bring unnecessary danger to our family."
Ling Shan agreed. "Indeed. We do not have the resources or the influence of the other great families. It is best for us to remain neutral and focus on our internal affairs."
Ling Hui added, "Let the other forces handle this chaos. Our priority is to ensure the safety and stability of the Ling Family."
With a final nod, they concluded their brief discussion. The Ling Family would stay out of the conflict, choosing neutrality over confrontation.
Meanwhile in Ling Han's residence.
Ling Han received the news of the demonic cultivator's appearance. Instead of concern, a sneer played on his lips.
"So, the city is in turmoil over a mere demonic cultivator," he muttered to himself, his tone dripping with disdain. "Let them panic. It has nothing to do with me."
Unperturbed by the chaos outside, Ling Han returned to his task, meticulously refining essence pills. His focus was unwavering, his ambition clear. The turmoil in Red Maple City was but a minor distraction on his path to power.