The Hou Family, for better or worse, controlled four prefectures at present, and they had experts like Hou Yuxiao and Hou Yuduan from the top ranks of the Demon Path's New Star Ranking, with an estimated over a hundred thousand sect members. The Shen Clan might match them in arm wrestling, but marching into Hexi was a bit too exaggerated, not to mention...
"Brother Shen, forgive my bluntness, but five years ago, Hou Yuxiao had already caught the eye of the Saintess, Sikong Yue, and in recent years, his relationship with Master Fanyin seems quite extraordinary. Aren't you worried that the Holy Church might hold the Shen Clan accountable for marching into Hexi?"
"Hmph, do you think my Shen Clan is unaware of these issues? If it weren't for that pretty boy who has received the Master's favor, how would Hou Family have taken Tongling and the three prefectures of Hexi."