The Shrewd Old Ancestor of the Zhou Household

True Person Yunting returned to the Luochuan Sect with a batch of War Law Artifacts provided by Yunhua.

Inside the main hall, looking at the Storage Ring in his hand, the Grand Elder sighed inwardly, but was not surprised. Given the relationship between the two parties, Yunhua's actions were already more than enough.

"Distribute these War Law Artifacts among the disciples so they can prepare for war," the Grand Elder said solemnly, handing Storage Ring to True Person Tianyun.

The latter took the Storage Ring and asked expectantly, "Grand Elder, what did True Person Shi Chong say? Did the Mountain and River Hall agree to sell us the Nascent Spirit Transformation Pill?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the other elders in the hall also looked over. At present, Luochuan Sect urgently needs Spirit Transformation Realm warriors to guard it. If there were Spirit Transformation Pills, True Person Wanying would have a chance to break through to the Spirit Transformation Realm.

Only with Spirit Transformation cultivator guarding the Sect-Protecting Grand Formation's protective formation can its power be unleashed to the fullest. Even if all of the Zhou Household's Spirit Transformation Early Stage cultivators came to attack, they would find it difficult to break through the Luochuan Sect's painstakingly constructed defensive Formation.

Although the Grand Elder was barely maintaining his Spirit Transformation Realm, all the other Nascent Soul elders knew his physical condition. If he were to preside over the Sect-Protecting Grand Formation's protective formation, he would likely fall from the Spirit Transformation Realm soon, and it wouldn't be surprising if he were to perish.

This is precisely why the importance of a newly Spirit Transformation becomes apparent.

While a newly born Spirit Transformation wouldn't bring Luochuan Sect back to its peak, it could at least preserve the sect's foundation. As long as the foundation remains, the sect will eventually recover.

Mentioning this matter, the Grand Elder finally relaxed, and he smiled and said, "The Mountain and River Hall has agreed to our request and agreed to sell us the only Spirit Transformation Pill left in their inventory."

"That's wonderful!" The elders were overjoyed, as if the mountain that had been pressing down on them had been lifted a little.

The Grand Elder breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the scene before him. What he didn't tell the other elders was that he had given up the Sect-Guarding Treasure, the Luochuan Banner, in order to purchase the Spirit Transformation Pill.

Now, having lost both their Life-Bound Law Treasure, the Ice Immortal Chariot, and the Sect-Guarding Treasure, the Luochuan Banner, and suffering severe injuries, the Grand Elder's strength has completely plummeted to rock bottom.

At this moment, even Nascent Soul Great Perfection could probably exchange blows with him.

"As long as Wanying can break through to the Spirit Transformation, then everything she has sacrificed will be worthwhile!" the Grand Elder comforted Self Dao.

Then, he looked at the Third Elder, True Person Yan Yuan, and asked, "How are the sect's retreat preparations going?"

"Preparations are complete. If anything happens to the sect, they will go into hiding and lie low," True Person Yan Yuan said solemnly.

"Your talent is the best among these Nascent Soul elders, second only to Wanying. If the sect truly suffers a calamity this time, remember not to act rashly. Lead your disciples as far as possible, and rebuild our Luochuan Sect when you are strong enough," the Grand Elder carefully instructed.

True Person Yan Yuan clenched his fists, a sense of suffocation rising in his heart. He never imagined that the powerful Luochuan Sect would be forced into such a predicament.

"Understood!" True Person Yan Yuan said in a low voice.

Zhou Commandery, Zhou Household.

This Lineage's history is not as long as that of the Luochuan Sect, but it is still over 1,600 years old.

The Zhou Household is skilled in Formations, with two Fifth Tier Formation Masters in the clan, which allowed them to deal with the Cold Tide with considerable ease.

Even during the demonic calamity more than a hundred years ago, when Zhen Leizi of the Luochuan Sect perished, the Zhou Household was almost completely unharmed.

Thanks to their exceptional mastery of Formation Dao, the Zhou Household not only survived the calamity but also reaped considerable rewards and made significant contributions.

More than 20 years ago, Zhou Household family used up all the resources accumulated in the clan to cultivate another Spirit Transformation cultivator.

At this point, the Zhou Household now has four Nascent Spirit Transformation cultivators. Although all of them are at the Spirit Transformation Early Stage, this is far better than the current Luochuan Sect.

"Well, have you found out the truth about the rumors circulating in Luochuan Commandery? Is it true or false? Did True Person Beigong really perish?" Zhou He, the Zhou Household's Inheritance Elder, asked his clansmen below, a hint of anticipation on his rugged face.

The Zhou Household member gave a wry smile and said, "Reporting to the Inheritance Elder, the Luochuan Sect has kept the news too tightly under wraps, making it difficult to verify its authenticity. However, judging from the mobilization of various forces within the Luochuan Sect, they are making active defensive deployments."

If True Person Beigong had not perished, these preparations would seem somewhat superfluous.

Of course, it cannot be ruled out that Luochuan Sect was trying to cope with the decline in sect strength caused by the heavy injury to the Grand Elder.

However, in my opinion, the first hypothesis is more likely.

"So, you're inclined to believe that True Person Beigong has already perished?" A slightly aged voice came, somewhat hoarse, carrying an inexplicable sense of authority.

Upon hearing this voice, the Zhou Household members standing below immediately looked towards the main seat.

On the dark throne sat an elderly man dressed in a long black robe with gold threads embroidered on the cuffs. He had a square face and exuded an air of authority.

This person was none other than Zhou Hong, the patriarch of the Zhou family, who possessed the strength of the peak of the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm. He had once fought against the Grand Elder to a draw.

Zhou Hong held an extremely high position in the Zhou Household and was highly respected and loved by his clansmen; the Nascent Soul below Zhou Household was no exception.

Upon hearing Zhou Hong's question, he quickly replied, "Yes, Old Ancestor, I believe that the news of True Person Beigong's demise is most likely true."

However, we need to be wary of the messenger's motives; this is a force hidden in the shadows.

If True Person Beigong has truly perished, it's almost certain that this force was responsible. Their aim is likely to instigate conflict between us and the Luochuan Sect, so they can profit from it."

"Hmm, not bad, it's worth the Lineage's hard work in raising you." Zhou Hong first praised him, then changed the subject and said, "However, these are all just guesses."

Until it is confirmed that True Person Beigong has perished, the unknown forces you mentioned do not exist.

"Our top priority is to confirm True Person Beigong's specific situation before we can make any further arrangements."

"Remember, even if you're 99% certain something is true, you should treat it as false for now if you don't have solid evidence, or you'll suffer a great loss sooner or later."

"Grandson understands!" The Zhou Household member thought for a moment and nodded.

Zhou Hong nodded slightly and ordered, "Immediately send clansmen to the border to provoke and test the attitude of the Luochuan Sect."

"If the Luochuan Sect adopts a defensive posture, Zhou He, you and Zhou Chang should go to Luochuan Island and directly attack their sect's Sect-Protecting Grand Formation, forcing True Person Beigong to show himself. If True Person Beigong doesn't show himself at all, then the rumors will be true."

"Zhou Yuan, go and gather your clansmen now, and prepare to attack Luochuan Commandery."

Once Zhou He confirms that True Person Beigong has perished, they will immediately launch an attack.

Remember, do not occupy the territory of Luochuan Commandery; only plunder resources, and do not touch the Mortal people.

"Old Ancestor, why is that?" Zhou He asked, puzzled.

"Hehe, don't forget, Luochuan Commandery has more than just us as neighbors. Although the Mountain and River Hall won't directly intervene due to the rules, the Purple Moon Yang Household doesn't have so many taboos."

I even suspect that the Yang Household family was behind the fall of True Person Beigong, in order to instigate a war between my Zhou Household and the Luochuan Sect, destroy the Luochuan Sect, and then clean up the mess.

Not only can you gain immediate benefits, but your reputation will also remain undamaged—a win-win situation.

"Really? With the Yang Household's power, why would they need something this complicated?" Zhou He said, pursing her lips.

Zhou Hong rolled his eyes at him, but he didn't expect his burly grandson to understand the intricacies of the situation.

However, he still explained, "After all, the Yang Household has only recently separated from Luochuan Commandery. If we take action against our former enemies now, what will other forces think of the Yang Household?"

How will the Mountain and River Hall view them?

And then there are the Golden Core and Foundation Establishment factions below.

No one likes a heartless and ungrateful Lineage, as this would greatly affect their reputation and the foundation of their rule.

But if my Zhou Household strikes first, things will be completely different. The Yang Household will become saviors, a righteous army! The impact of these two decisions will be worlds apart.

"This..." Zhou He was a little confused. "Is it really necessary to go through all this trouble?" he muttered.

"Of course!" This time it wasn't Zhou Hong who spoke, but another Spirit Transformation cultivator, Zhou Chang.

He was Zhou He's Uncle. Looking at his nephew, he chuckled softly, "Reputation is sometimes useless, but sometimes it's more important than a Saint Treasure."

The key lies in seizing the right moment, and the head of the Yang Household has done a great job in this regard. That Blade Venerable Great White is not someone to be underestimated.

"Then should the Zhou Household still fight? According to you, the territory we worked so hard to conquer will eventually be given to the Yang Household. Aren't we being taken advantage of?" Zhou He asked.

Zhou Hong smiled faintly, "Of course we have to fight! As long as it is proven that True Person Beigong is dead, Luochuan Sect is a toothless tiger with only one Grand Elder whose Primordial Spirit has been burned out and who is barely clinging to life. He is not worth worrying about."

Even if they don't gain territory, the resources they plunder alone would amount to a huge sum.

Moreover, we can send people to negotiate with the Yang Household. We can give up the territory, but the Yang Household will have to pay a certain price. I have long coveted the Purple Moon Merchant Association.

If we can seize this opportunity to join in and get a share of the profits, the development of our Zhou Household will be much smoother.

"However, these are all just speculations at the moment. Everything can only proceed after it is confirmed that True Person Beigong has indeed perished."

Therefore, Zhou He and Zhou Chang!

"Exist!!"

"Set off immediately and attack Luochuan Island!"

"Yes, sir!"

Upon receiving the Old Ancestor's order, Zhou He excitedly grabbed his Uncle Zhou Chang and left the main hall, transforming into Escape Light and flying West.

Watching his two grandsons' retreating figures, Zhou Hong's expression turned slightly grave, and he murmured, "The Yang Household..."