Chapter 1218: Suppression
The crowd initially thought the disease matter had ended, but unexpectedly, it resurged after only two or three months!
Moreover, compared to the previous outbreak, it struck with even greater fury. As if overnight, it spread across thousands of miles, severely affecting spiritual objects that had not yet recovered from recent damage, with many wilting on the spot before any treatment could be applied.
Curiously, however, this second outbreak did not spread as swiftly.
The locations were also peculiar, situated near the border between Shanhai State and Canlan State, in the vicinity of the Cave Abyss Sect.
It's crucial to know that these lands have remained undeveloped by all three factions due to the overlapping mountains, rugged terrain, and average spiritual energy.
"Are you saying that both this outbreak and the previous one were orchestrated by someone?" Li Guangjie's eyes filled with killing aura, a fierce light flickering as he wished to immediately mobilize troops to sweep the mountainous area.
"It appears so, Clan Leader. Should we unite with the Cave Abyss Sect and Hundred Rainbow Sect to resolve this matter thoroughly."
"I'm afraid it might already be too late."
An elder, his face grim, said: "This must be organized by the demon cultivators, who always escape quickly, like rats. Such strange happenings will inevitably arouse suspicion, so how could they still remain in the original location?"
"According to you, does the clan have to swallow this down its throat?" The elder felt extremely aggrieved.
"Who says so?!"
The elder's eyes revealed a sharp gleam, and he coldly responded: "Those demon cultivators are definitely not few, usually hiding among loose cultivators, not easily revealing their identities."
"Over the years, their lack of exposure has likely lowered their guard, and if the clan acts with the swiftness of a spring storm, we could catch a batch of demon cultivators, extract more names from them, then publicly try and execute them to deter others!"
These words shocked everyone present.
"This..."
An elder hesitantly said: "Isn't this a bit too much? If it incites a war with the Demonic Tao, I'm concerned that the Demonic Tao might retaliate against the clan."
The Immortal Tao and Demonic Tao know about each other's spies within their territories, but have never used such drastic methods to uproot them.
Since even a slight misstep could spark battle, resulting in countless cultivator deaths and substantial consumption of spiritual objects.
"Our clan is far from the heart of the West Continent's Demonic Tao territories; even if demon cultivators seek retribution, how many can they deploy? Besides, with our clan's current strength, there's no need to fear." The elder remained firm in his stance.
"It's not wise at all! A war would lead to countless casualties, and the clan, by provoking the entire Demonic Tao, might not be able to defend every inch of its large territory if the demon cultivators start wreaking havoc. How would the clan counter that?"
"Indeed!"
"Clan Leader, please reconsider!"
Many elders chimed in, nearly none agreeing with the previous elder's proposal.
"Indeed, such action shouldn't be so extreme."
Li Guangjie, deep in thought, finally spoke: "This matter cannot end here. We might not clear out every demon cultivator in Shanhai State, but we should at least use this as an excuse to address those in a few Great Immortal Cities!"
This way, it wouldn't completely enrage the Demonic Tao, and it provides the clan with a measure while warning demon cultivators not to further muddle the waters, flaunting their strength.
"This..."
"That's how it should be done! The Li family is not what it used to be, no longer having to be so fearful!" Xiaoqing entered, speaking boldly.
Initially, many elders were full of concern, but with Xiaoqing's intervention, they refrained from saying more.
"Rest assured, Jiu will also take action this time."
Xiaoqing came because Li Zhirui instructed him to relay this matter, urging the clan to prepare promptly.
"Understood!"
There's no denying that Li Zhirui carries significant weight. With his involvement, the elders' confidence surged, and they agreed to the matter gladly.
On the other hand, Da Qing, somewhat puzzled, asked: "Jiu, why act this way? Isn't this too conspicuous?"
"For so many years, the clan has been too peaceful, facing almost no external dangers, breeding complacency among many clansmen, making them neglect their cultivation duty. It needs adjustment."
After his respite, Li Zhirui didn't return to seclusion but instead took a stroll within the clan lands, intending to advise the alchemists to master the pill recipe sooner, yet unexpectedly discovering other matters.
He noticed clansmen panicking, losing composure and having poor character. Their cultivation was average, with mana far less solid compared to previous clansmen.
Li Zhirui then changed his plan, opting to covertly observe the new generation instead.
The results revealed various issues and flaws running rampant among them; many already absorbed the habits of renowned sects and grand families, focusing more on enjoying life rather than cultivating.
Few clansmen were willing to devote themselves to peaceful study or arduous cultivation; the better their aptitude, the scarcer they were in number, with many even squandering the clan's extra-subsidized spiritual objects on entertainment.
Upon learning this, Li Zhirui felt immense anger as the clan provided an optimal environment and ample resources for improved cultivation, only to see the clansmen sell off the spiritual objects!