Chapter 39: Preparations
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**Name**: Li Wei
**Cultivation Rank**: Core Formation (Later Stage)
**Spiritual Roots**: Dual Element Root (Ice and Fire)
**Meridian Status**: Harmonious Meridians
**Elemental Affinity**:
- Ice: Strong
- Fire: Moderate
**Soul Depth**: Deep Soul
**Combat Aptitude**: Combat Adept
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**Experience Points (EXP)**: 1750
**System Coins**: 0
**Skill Points**: 0
**Reputation Points**: 5
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**Attributes**:
- **Health**: 125/125
- **Spiritual Energy**: 115/115
- **Strength**: 17
- **Agility**: 12
- **Intelligence**: 14
- **Endurance**: 16
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**Skills**:
- **Ice Techniques**: Basic Ice Manipulation
- **Fire Techniques**: Basic Fire Control
- **Combat Techniques**: Novice Swordsmanship
-—
Li Wei sneered to himself as he watched the minuscule adjustments to his data after besting the opponent, it wasn't particularly unexpected that the only stats that had a perceptible change were his health and spiritual energy. The Exp acquired was also pretty minimal given as his opponents were merely a class away from him.
"Young hero Li Wei, I fear that the Shen and Zhen clan won't let this be…" Patriarch Liu came out of the mansion and saw the miserable form of Wu Zhen on the ground, while Li Wei stood over his body arrogantly.
Li Wei laughed out loud evidently untroubled by the menace of the two big clans, plainly untroubled by the threat of the two great clans. "Let them come," he urged, his voice oozing with confidence. "I've already showed them a taste of my might. If they desire to confront me further, they are welcome to try."
Patriarch Liu sighed, apprehension visible in his eyes. "While your might is evident, Li Wei, the Shen and Zhen clans have deep roots and several formidable friends. It's not simply a matter of your ability but the overwhelming number of their armies. We must be strategic."
Li Wei's gaze sharpened slightly as he glanced at the frightened grandfather. "I appreciate your concern, Patriarch Liu. However, my route is plagued with morons such as these that are continuously putting on airs. If they decide to stand in my path, I shall chop through them as well."
Just then, Lady Chen XI approached, her demeanor fairly somber. "Li Wei, while your confidence is wonderful, we need to prepare for what's to come. The Shen and Zhen clans won't behave impulsively. They will assemble their forces and attack when we least expect it."
Liu Feng was very shocked by his wife's initiative and made a mental note to keep a tight check on her, 'Chen Xi has grown pretty fond of this person, I can't afford to be complacent.' The patriarch realized now wasn't the moment to interrogate his spouse hence he stayed mute and preferred to observe the events.
'This Liu Feng is getting distrustful of his own wife, it seems my appeal is rather problematic.' Li Wei chuckled slightly at the prospect of having the distinguished Liu clan patriarch don the green hat, which if brought to light may drive the clan leader to needlessly stake his life and seek to assassinate Li Wei.
A frail partnership was still an alliance and Li Wei wouldn't make enemies out of everyone, "Your words are reasonable Lady Chen Xi, I'll be sure to not underestimate the two clans no matter how meager there tactics may be." A knowing smile danced across Li Wei's attractive face, which left Lady Chen Xi slightly bewildered.
However, the matriarch was quick to gather her calm and provided a proper reply. "Young Hero Li Wei is truly wise beyond his years." The seasoned woman gave a gorgeous grin much to the dismay of her husband, who had a look as rigid as stone.
——-
In the heart of the Shen Clan estate, the news of Shen Mu and Zhou Tian's loss sent shockwaves through the ranks. Patriarch Shen sat in his vast room, surrounded by his most loyal counselors and soldiers. The lavish décor and opulent furniture looked incongruent with the stress that suddenly filled the space.
"We cannot let this insult go unanswered," Patriarch Shen exclaimed, his voice ringing across the hall. This kind of humiliation had taken place during his term leaving him immensely agitated by the lack of respect given by the opposition, going as far as to knock down his clansmen and leave his servant at his last breath.
One of the seniors, a wizened guy with a long white beard, nodded. "We should call upon our allies and join hands. This Li Wei's two fist cannot possibly equal four palms" The wizened man had been a Shen clan elder for nearly a century, which was why this disrespect angered him the most. If the Shen clan could not cope with this situation there would no place were they could set their face in Crescent Moon City.
Patriarch Shen's eyes narrowed. "Send word to the Zhen Clan. We shall need their cooperation in our quest. And guarantee that our most formidable troops are ready for fight." This time he wasn't going to make a fool of himself after already suffering a loss to a mere junior. A dreadful spark of light flashed through the patriarch's eyes, as he gave the command to beseech all the Shen clan resources to dispatch a mere junior.
Grand Elder Shen Zi was in perfect favor of Patriarch Shen's decision and would stop at nothing to guarantee that Li Wei is left without a decent corpse, only then could sleep well knowing that 'justice' had been done.
The Shen Clan estate swarmed with activity, a sharp contrast to its typically calm environment. Every able-bodied member of the clan was occupied in bolstering their powers and preparing for the upcoming fight with the Liu clan. The sound of hammers and the banging of metal filled the air as shields were strengthened and weapons sharpened.
"That upstart does not know the trouble he has caused…" Elder Xu observed the Shen clans preparations as he knew that his Zhen were doing the same, it was a testament to the resentment accumulated by both clan to kill a youngster that had wronged them both.
With an authoritative and unwavering presence, Patriarch Shen stood before the assembled warriors at the Shen Clan estate. There will be repercussions for this insult to our dignity. The power of the Shen Clan will be demonstrated to Crescent Moon City.
In response, the army of trained combatants roared as one. Their weapons shone in the sunlight, and their expressions were one of stern discipline.
With a calm demeanor, Elder Xu advanced. "Patriarch Shen, you have the support of the Zhen Clan. If we stand united, we can easily defeat this brazen newcomer."
With icy, analytical eyes, Patriarch Shen nodded. "Then how about we get ready?" We march at daybreak."