The System Arrives: Leading My Clan to Become the Strongest

125: Chapter Erosion of the Netherworld SectJiang Chen’s heart jolted; he had initially thought he had only killed Bai Hanye, but he hadn’t expected it to involve such a massive conspiracy.

”Killing him was certainly a service to the people, but it’s also the equivalent of poking a hornet’s nest.”

Zhan Ding looked at him, his tone solemn.

”The Bone-Corroding Netherworld Sect is extremely vindictive and acts like rats in a sewer, specializing in sneak attacks. Once the news of Bai Hanye’s death reaches the Sect, they will never let it go. They will surely dispatch stronger Cultivators to hunt you down, and it might even involve your Family. With your current strength, you can handle the Spirit Transformation Realm, but if you encounter a Void Refining Realm evil Cultivator or an old monster of the Sect, I’m afraid the odds will be against you.”

These words rang in Jiang Chen’s ears like an alarm bell, and he clenched his fists.

Although he was guarding the Jiang Family and Lu Xin was there at the Spirit Transformation Realm, the consequences would be unimaginable if the Netherworld Sect targeted them.

Seeing this, Zhan Ding changed the subject, and admiration rekindled in his eyes.

”However, the fact that you could slay a Soul Transformation expert across two major Realms while in the Nascent Soul Stage, and even possess Sword Intent that restrains evil, makes your talent and courage extremely rare among the younger generation of the Human Race. The Ancestral Court exists to protect human geniuses, absorbing the top combat forces of various groups to jointly resist Desolate Beasts and these malicious evil Cultivator Sects.”

”I can formally invite you on behalf of the Ancestral Court—join us. Within the Ancestral Court, there are vast cultivation resources, ancient Cultivation Techniques, and countless top powerhouses who can guide your cultivation. Furthermore, we can provide you with absolute protection, ensuring the Netherworld Sect won’t dare to move against you easily.”

This temptation was by no means small; the protection and resources of the Ancestral Court were opportunities that countless Cultivators dreamed of.

But Jiang Chen pondered for a moment before slowly shaking his head, his gaze firm: ”Thank you for your kindness, Your Excellency, but I cannot agree.”

A flicker of surprise flashed in Zhan Ding’s eyes, seemingly not expecting him to refuse: ”Oh? Do you know how many people long for this opportunity?”

”I am aware of the Ancestral Court’s prestige and appreciate Your Excellency’s kindness.”

Jiang Chen said in a deep voice.

”But as the head of a Family, I cannot abandon my Clan Members to go to the Ancestral Court alone. Besides, isn’t the Ancestral Court Grand Competition happening in a year? I will go and take a look then.”

These words were spoken with conviction, without the slightest hesitation.

Hearing this, Zhan Ding did not become displeased; instead, he clapped and laughed heartily.

”What a man of sentiment and righteousness! When the Ancestral Court recruits talents, we look not only at strength but also at Heart-Nature. Having such a sense of responsibility makes you even more exceptional.”

He dropped his inviting posture, and his tone softened considerably.

”Since you are unwilling to join, I won’t force you. However, the threat from the Netherworld Sect is by no means empty talk; you must be careful.”

Jiang Chen’s heart stirred as he took the opportunity to ask:

”Your Excellency, could you tell me more about the Bone-Corroding Netherworld Sect? For instance, their core combat power, their common sneak attack methods, or the Ancestral Court’s strategies against them?”

”Of course.”

Zhan Ding nodded without any intention of hiding anything.

”The Bone-Corroding Netherworld Sect currently has three Void Refining Realm Elders, and their Sect Master is an old monster at the Integration Realm who excels in Soul Devouring and Possession, making him extremely difficult to deal with. Most of their Cultivators practice the ’Netherworld Soul Devouring Scripture,’ which allows them to conceal their presence, use poison for sneak attacks, and they are especially skilled at fighting at night or in places with heavy Yin Qi.”

He paused before continuing:

”The Ancestral Court has been searching for them all these years, even dispatching many Law Enforcement Teams into the Deep part of the Great Wilderness to secretly track them. But this Sect is too cunning, like rats in a gutter, moving from place to place. They specifically sabotage the Ancestral Court’s measures to maintain the peace of the Human Race—such as spreading plagues in the safe territories we’ve established, assassinating leaders of human forces supported by the Ancestral Court, and even triggering Desolate Beast Tides in an attempt to overthrow human rule.”

”By killing Bai Hanye, you have essentially cut off one of their future powerhouses. They will certainly seek frantic revenge.”

Zhan Ding looked at Jiang Chen with a warning in his eyes.

”If you encounter Cultivators from the Netherworld Sect, do not force a confrontation. You can crush this Communication Jade Talisman, and the Ancestral Court’s nearby Law Enforcement Team will come to your aid immediately.”

As he spoke, he tossed a green jade talisman, which landed in Jiang Chen’s hand.

The jade talisman was warm and smooth, engraved with complex runes, faintly emitting the Righteous Aura unique to the Ancestral Court.

Jiang Chen took the jade talisman and cupped his hands in thanks: ”Thank you for the warning and the assistance, Your Excellency.”

”It’s a small matter.”

Zhan Ding smiled slightly.

”You are a pillar of the Human Race, and the Ancestral Court will naturally not stand by and watch you be harmed by them. If you change your mind in the future, or if the Jiang Family encounters a crisis that cannot be resolved, you can contact the Ancestral Court through this jade talisman.”

His figure moved slightly as he prepared to take to the air, leaving one last sentence before departing:

”Remember, the Netherworld Sect is most adept at using schemes and trickery. Keep your wits about you in all things. Your Sword Intent restrains them and is their bane; you must never expose your trump cards easily. Take care.”

As his voice faded, Zhan Ding’s figure turned into a streak of light and disappeared into the horizon, leaving behind only a faint Righteous Aura that dispelled the last traces of Ghostly Energy in the valley.

Jiang Chen held the Communication Jade Talisman, looking in the direction Zhan Ding had left, his heart filled with a mix of emotions.

He had thought that everything would be fine once Bai Hanye was dealt with, but he hadn’t expected to be drawn into such a massive vortex.

The threat of the Bone-Corroding Netherworld Sect followed him like a shadow, but the appearance of the Ancestral Court also provided him with an extra layer of protection.

”Jiang Family... Netherworld Sect...” Jiang Chen murmured softly, a flash of determination in his eyes.

Regardless of how difficult the road ahead might be, he would protect his Family and ensure those who preyed on the Human Race paid the price.

He truly couldn’t understand why, as fellow members of the Human Race, the Bone-Corroding Netherworld Sect would commit such atrocious acts.

Harming Mortals, hunting fellow Cultivators, and colluding with Desolate Beasts to subvert human peace—how was such behavior any different from that of alien Vicious Beasts?

Was it merely to Cultivate that sinister ’Netherworld Soul Devouring Scripture’?

Even in the pursuit of power, why must it come at the cost of the entire race’s safety?

These thoughts swirled in his mind without end, yet there were no answers.

The most important thing now was to recover from his injuries as quickly as possible and return to Qingyun Peak.

The Netherworld Sect’s retaliation would come sooner or later; he had to seize the time to increase his strength and protect everyone in the Jiang Family.

He sat cross-legged on the open ground of the valley and began to circulate The Primordial Undying Record.

As the technique circulated, the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi slowly gathered, and streams of warmth traveled through his limbs and bones, repairing his damaged Meridians.

That sword strike earlier had exhausted his Nascent Soul power, leaving the spiritual energy in his Dantian depleted. Now, as the Spiritual Qi poured in, he felt a sense of relief.

The blood at the corner of his mouth had long since dried, and his pale complexion gradually regained some color.

The wind in the valley blew gently, carrying the fragrance of plants and dispelling the last trace of Ghostly Energy.

The sunlight shone warmly on him; Jiang Chen slowly opened his eyes, a sharp light flashing through them.

His injuries were seventy to eighty percent healed, and his Nascent Soul power had mostly recovered, enough to support his return to Qingyun Peak.