Chapter 60 The Border of Despair (2)

Chapter 60 The Border of Despair (2)

As the leaders finalized their plans, Tang Family Ancestor raised a crucial point. "What about the serpents? It seems the demonic Cultivator can summon serpents to interfere with us. How do we deal with that threat while setting up the defensive array?"

Tie Tu frowned, clearly concerned. "Yes, the serpents are a significant threat. They could disrupt our progress or even damage our setup if we're not careful."

The atmosphere became quiet for a while as they were in deep thoughts.

Suddenly, Tie Tu pointed out. "That's right! We seem to forget something, the serpents are not too strong as we are worried. The fact that I can destroy one in a second, so there should be no problem if our false Core Formation Cultivators work together."

Yuan Family Ancestor added, "Just like Lord Tie said. Moreover, before the serpents appear, the ground shakes for a second. We can use this brief window to deploy earth-type techniques to stop them."

Xie Xie nodded in agreement. "The serpents could pose a challenge, but with these countermeasures, we can handle them effectively. I suggest we set up a secondary defensive layer specifically designed to deal with these serpents."

Tang Family Ancestor suggested, "We could deploy some of our false Core Formation Cultivators and Foundation Establishment Cultivators as dedicated serpent hunters. They would focus on neutralizing or driving away any serpents that appear."

Yuan Family Ancestor agreed, "That's a good idea. We can also monitor the ground closely and use earth-type techniques to intercept the serpents as soon as we sense them."

Tie Tu added, "We should also have scouts on the lookout for any signs of Shangguan Yi's approach. Early detection will allow us to address any serpent interference before it becomes a major issue."

Xie Xie replied, "Additionally, I can use some of the array's power to create a repelling field that might help to deter the serpents. It won't be perfect, but it could reduce the likelihood of them interfering with our setup."

The group agreed on the plan. Yuan Family Ancestor and Tang Family Ancestor began organizing the deployment of Cultivators to handle the serpents and set up traps. Xie Xie worked on integrating the repelling field into the defensive array, while Tie Tu coordinated the overall strategy and scout efforts.

…

Red Maple City, City Lord Manor. 

Fu Bo couldn't cultivate with a peaceful mind; the uneasy feeling overwhelmed him, as if something big was about to happen. Finally, he ended his cultivation and called up the Fu Family's butler, an old man surnamed Liu. Old Liu, a level 1 Core Formation Cultivator, had served the family for almost century and was trusted implicitly by Fu Bo.

Old Liu arrived promptly, his expression grim. "My Lord, you called for me?"

"Yes, Old Liu," Fu Bo replied, his voice filled with concern. "I cannot shake this feeling of unease. Something is brewing, and I fear it bodes ill for Red Maple City. What is the situation with Tie Tu?"

Old Liu bowed slightly, his face reflecting the seriousness of the situation. "My Lord, there has been no contact from Tie Tu and his forces since they engaged near the Xia Family's territory. It has been almost ten hours."

Fu Bo's worry deepened. "No contact for that long... This is not good. Tie Tu is one of our best. For him to be out of contact for so long means they must be facing significant resistance."

Old Liu nodded. "Indeed, my Lord. The defensive array of the Xia Family that Tie Tu mentioned is proving to be a formidable challenge. They might be facing some difficulties with it."

Fu Bo sighed, the weight of leadership heavy on his shoulders. "I hope that is the case. On the surface, we have five Core Formation Cultivators, including yourself. We can't send any more Core Formation Cultivators to participate."

Old Liu thought for a moment before speaking up. "My Lord, the situation may not be dire, but I will still send some of our elite false Core Formation Cultivators to investigate within the hour."

Fu Bo nodded, considering the suggestion. "That's a prudent idea. I can't remain at ease with this uncertainty; it's best to have information within the hour."

Old Liu bowed slightly. "I will make the arrangements immediately. The chosen elite Cultivators will be dispatched and should return within the hour. I will keep you updated on their findings."

With a sense of urgency, Old Liu left to carry out his task, while Fu Bo remained in deep thought, his mind racing with concerns about the unfolding events.

…

The same in the Yuan Family's Estate.

The Yuan Family Patriarch walked restlessly around his study, his mind clearly troubled. After a few moments of agitation, he called for two of his trusted Core Formation Cultivators: the Great Elder and the First Elder.

The Great Elder, a towering figure and a level 2 Core Formation Cultivator, entered first, followed closely by the First Elder, a level 1 Core Formation Cultivator with a thoughtful demeanor.

Yuan Family Patriarch spoke up the moment he saw them, "Elders, it has been far too long that we didn't receive any news from our ancestor who went to join the battle. I'm growing increasingly concerned. Have you noticed anything unusual, or have you received any updates from him?"

Great Elder was looking troubled, "Patriarch, we haven't received any communication from the ancestor for several hours now. It's unlike him to remain out of contact for this long, especially given the critical nature of our situation."

First Elder nodded with a worried expression, "I concur. His absence is troubling. It's crucial we determine what might have gone wrong. I suggest we immediately send a team to investigate the situation."

Yuan Family Patriarch was nodding in agreement, "Yes, do that. Ensure the team includes some of our most capable cultivators. We need to find out what happened to him and address any issues promptly."

Great Elder said, "I will arrange for the investigation team to be dispatched right away. They will be instructed to search thoroughly and report back with their findings as soon as possible."

First Elder added, "In the meantime, we should also bolster our defenses and ensure our communications are secure. If there's a problem, we must be prepared for any eventuality."

Yuan Family Patriarch nodded, "Agreed. I want to be kept informed of any developments. We cannot afford to be caught off guard. Our ancestor's well-being and the stability of our family are at stake."

As the Elders departed to execute the tasks, the Yuan Family Patriarch remained in his study, his mind preoccupied with the uncertainty surrounding their ancestor's fate.

…

Meanwhile, in another part of Red Maple City, at the Ling Family, one of the three great families in the city, Ling Han sat in his seat, sipping his tea with a casual demeanor.

Standing a few steps before him was none other than the recovered Zheng Su. Despite his injuries not being fully healed and his inability to use his full strength, Zheng Su was unwilling to stay in bed. He stood before Ling Han with respect and gratitude.

Ling Han sipped his tea, his gaze fixed on Zheng Su, who stood before him. The atmosphere in the room was calm despite the gravity of their situation.

"Old One," Ling Han began, using the new name he had given Zheng Su, "although I can help heal your injuries, I must admit that I can't fully remove the scars with my current capacity."

Zheng Su nodded, his expression respectful and grateful. "Young Master, your assistance has already been more than I could have hoped for. The fact that you saved my life is enough. I understand the limitations of your abilities."

Ling Han felt slight discomfort with the mention of limitations of his capabilities, he placed his cup down and leaned forward slightly. "En, you're in no condition to fight at your full strength right now. But even in this state, your presence here provides me with a sense of security. Don't worry with enough ingredients, I can help you with it in three months."

Zheng Su's eyes, though marked by pain, were filled with determination. "I am committed to your cause, Young Master. Even in my current state, I will do everything in my power to support you. Once I recover, I will be ready to repay your kindness and aid you in any way I can."

Ling Han nodded approvingly. "I trust your loyalty, Old One. For now, tell me in detail what happened and how you were injured to this extent."

Zheng Su took a deep breath, preparing to recount his recent ordeal. "Young Master Ling, the situation unfolded as follows: I was in the process of claiming the Skystrike Lightning Spear from the Zheng Family's hidden vault. This spear is a powerful, supreme-grade level 3 artifact. However, while I was unlocking the spear, a demonic Cultivator suddenly appeared out of nowhere. He was not overly strong, just a mere level 2 Core Formation Cultivator. However, his techniques were highly abnormal. False Core Formation Cultivators couldn't withstand him at all. Even with my Core Formation cultivation, I couldn't fully defend against his techniques."

Ling Han's expression grew serious. "Is that so? What was the nature of this demonic Cultivator? Did he have any specific intentions or alliances?"

Zheng Su shook his head slightly. "The demonic Cultivator was wearing a mask, hiding his identity, and his motives were unclear to me. But I think his primary goal seemed to be disrupting my mission rather than pursuing any specific personal vendetta. Because I had to unlock the seal on the spear, I was forced to focus solely on defense. In my weakened state, I suffered critical injuries from his flames."

Ling Han's gaze softened with concern. "And how did you end up in such a state? Did you have any allies or assistance?"

Zheng Su's eyes reflected the hardship of his journey. "I was left in a dire condition, struggling to find herbs and aid. It was during this desperate search that I encountered you, Young Master. Your timely intervention was a stroke of fortune, and I am deeply grateful for your help. Without your assistance, I would likely have succumbed to my injuries."

Ling Han nodded thoughtfully. "I see. It seems fate had a hand in our meeting. Rest assured, you will definitely have a chance to find him and seek revenge in the future."

Zheng Su bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Young Master. I am truly indebted to you. I will focus on my recovery and await your further instructions."

Ling Han gave a reassuring nod, signaling the end of the discussion. "Very well. Take the time you need to heal. If I need anything, I'll call for you."

Zheng Su bowed deeply and left.