Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan

Chapter 1976: Chapter 1457: Replacement

Because both sides were currently locked in a dead-even battle, and the disciples of the Yinghua Sect, facing Water Devils with strength and numbers several times greater, had surprisingly not suffered severe casualties—at least for the moment.

“Didn’t expect these loose cultivators to be this competent.”

“Yeah, no wonder they’ve made a name for themselves in Shanhai State.”

Thus, the Li family members even had the leisure to comment instead of immediately jumping in to assist.

“Steady your minds and prepare for combat!” Xiu Ting did not join the battle, but kept his focus on the battlefield, reminding everyone not to lose concentration.

After another half a quarter hour, the difference in strength began to show, and Jiang Ying’s group could barely hold out any longer.

“Circle behind the Water Devils and follow my lead to unleash your killing moves!” Xiu Ting saw that the opportunity had arrived; the Water Devils had neglected their rear, making it a perfect moment for a sneak attack.

The group spent just under a quarter hour, silently moving to the Water Devils’ rear, and, catching them unprepared, unleashed their most powerful attacks.

With a thunderous burst, the Water Devils, who had thought victory was assured, were thrown off by this unexpected turn, and the situation pivoted abruptly—the Water Devils now found themselves plunged into peril.

Upon seeing Xiu Ting and his group act, Jiang Ying and the other loose cultivators could finally let go of their worries. Instantly, Jiang Ying roared, “Kill!”

The weary crowd felt a surge of strength from within, and used even fiercer Divine Ability Spells.

Though it was their first time fighting together, both parties displayed a surprising rapport, attacking the Water Devils from all sides until they descended into chaos.

Once the Sea Clan realized they were outmatched and tried to break out, they found that their casualties were dire, and escaping now would cost them dearly—with perhaps only two or three out of ten able to flee.

“You despicable and shameless, cunning cultivators! Even if I die, I won’t let you have it easy!” The lead Human Immortal Water Devil shouted, surging its mana, and conjured two shards of ice radiating chill in its hands, lunging toward Jiang Ying.

Seeing the Water Devil’s desperate posture, Jiang Ying’s heart tightened; he dared not slack, and immediately summoned a Defensive Magical Artifact to block the attack.

But what he didn’t expect was that, just as the Water Devil drew near, it suddenly veered off to the side and, at even greater speed, fled into the distance—the ice shards weren’t for attack after all, but served as boosters for its escape!

In just the blink of an eye, it vanished without a trace, showing no concern for the other Water Devils left behind.

The remaining Water Devils were thrown into even greater confusion, giving Xiu Ting and the cultivators an opening to intensify their assault, and in short order they eliminated a significant number of Water Devils.

Of course, some Water Devils, once they realized what was happening, tried desperately to break through. Though their chances were grim—one in ten—but staying meant certain death, no hope at all!

So even with odds near impossible, without any alternative, they could only risk it all for a chance at survival.

But few managed to escape the encirclement—nine out of ten Water Devils were killed here by Xiu Ting and his group!

There were casualties and losses among them too, but compared to the glorious victory, those pale in significance.

After this battle, Xiu Ting and his clan members had fully resolved their own karmic debts!

Thus, he said to Jiang Ying, “We must return to the family base to exchange clan members. Why don’t you all come as well and take the chance to rest and recuperate for several days?”

“Thank you, Fellow Daoist, for your consideration.”

Jiang Ying had no choice but to agree.

So, after swiftly tidying up the battlefield, the group, led by Xiu Ting, flew toward a Li family stronghold in the Ten Thousand Spirit Sea Area.

Thanks to the Sea Clan’s old Dao Oath never to invade the Ten Thousand Spirit Sea Area, the Li family had not been diligent about fortifying it, leaving only a few Human Immortals stationed there.

But things had changed; at the outset of the great disaster, the Li family urgently deployed several Earth Immortals to hold Wanling Island and the Pearl Island Chain.

The former is the clan’s largest and most prosperous island in the sea, and years ago was one of only two family strongholds. Although, as the family’s power grew, the term ‘stronghold’ lost its importance, its special status kept Wanling Island above all others.

The latter, meanwhile, sits at the very edge of the Ten Thousand Spirit Sea Area, bordering the East Sea—a lively place, as many clan members and loose cultivators pass through to seek Spiritual Objects in the East Sea, but the defending force was never strong.

Now, with several Earth Immortals present and many clan members dispatched, defenses against the Sea Clan’s invasion have been greatly strengthened.

If the Sea Clan chooses not to attack the Ten Thousand Spirit Sea Area, so much the better—but should they invade, the Li family is ready to resist and defend.

Xiu Ting and his group were heading for a stronghold on the island chain.

The journey was smooth, and within a few days they arrived at their destination.

The clan members whose karmic debts were now resolved stayed behind, while Xiu Ting gathered a new team and procured Spiritual Objects for replenishing Spiritual Energy and healing wounds. After a few days, they set out again, entering the East Sea!

There were many clan members like Xiu Ting; thanks to their efforts, the family’s karmic debts were diminishing swiftly.

But losses and casualties were inevitable—more than a few clan members were wounded or killed.