Unforeseen Change

The ownership of the three demonic beast corpses was a bit troublesome. The three from the Li family had helped to hold off the demonic beasts and contributed significantly, but the Wang family had put in even more effort. It wasn't quite appropriate for either side to claim all three corpses.

Wang Daoyuan mused inwardly, The Li family intends to foster good relations, and Li Xinghe is a good friend of our clan leader. Outside Golden Goose City, the clan leader even took the initiative to help the Li family out of a tight spot, which also indicates his intention to befriend them.

This time, the Li family's assistance means we owe them a small favor. Perhaps it would be best to give all three demonic beast corpses to the Li family. That would repay the favor and also express our goodwill.

Thus, he spoke, "We are greatly indebted to the three fellow Daoists for your assistance this time. Otherwise, our Wang family members would have inevitably suffered casualties. Please accept these three demonic beast corpses."

Li Xinghe, the patriarch of the Li family, replied, "Young friend, you are too kind. My Li family's three juniors are not very capable and didn't offer much help. We owe the killing of these three demonic beasts to your more than twenty talismans. You should keep them."

The two politely declined each other's offers for quite some time. In the end, they decided that the Li family would take two demonic beasts, and the Wang family would take one.

The three from the Li family suffered no losses and gained two demonic beast corpses, which were worth fifty to sixty spirit stones. They were all beaming with joy. Wang Daoyuan obtained one demonic beast corpse. Although its value was far less than the more than twenty talismans, he didn't care about such a small matter. Being able to build good relations with the Li family made this small loss insignificant.

After eliminating the second wave of demonic beasts, the horde seemed to have given up on probing the small hill, and no more demonic beasts appeared. Wang Daoyuan finally had some time to survey the overall situation of the battlefield.

On the sheer cliffs to the left of the small hill, most demonic beasts struggled even to climb up, so only a few attempted to probe. The families guarding that area were idle.

The flat ground to the right of the small hill was very lively. Thousands of demonic beasts charged forward desperately. The Yang family, along with several other families, relied on the earth wall and shot down demonic beasts with spirit crossbows. When the demonic beasts got closer, they were met with talismans and spells.

The cultivators on the cultivator side were at ease, easily holding the demonic beasts at bay twenty paces away. Beyond twenty paces from the earth wall, the corpses of over a thousand demonic beasts were piled up, the pile as tall as the earth wall.

With the obstruction of the corpse pile, the damage caused by the spirit crossbows decreased, while the demonic beasts' charge grew stronger with each wave. Some demonic beasts even reached the base of the earth wall. If this continued, the earth wall would be breached within fifteen minutes.

On the east side of Cart Gorge, over a thousand people were ambushed, mostly from older families and direct disciples of the Netherworld Sect who were close to the older families. Except for the small team led by Yang Zhiyuan, the other small teams faced fewer demonic beasts.

It had to be said that the Yang family had good connections. As soon as they were in trouble, other small teams immediately sent reinforcements, helping the Yang family stabilize their defense line.

However, the reinforcements were few, only a little over a hundred cultivators. After all, the other small teams still had to guard their own lines. If they sent too many reinforcements, their own lines would not hold, and they would definitely be dealt with by the Netherworld Sect afterward.

Half an hour passed. Under the relentless onslaught of the demonic beasts, the earth wall built by Yang Zhiyuan collapsed with a roar. Thousands of demonic beasts directly charged into the cultivator ranks, and both sides engaged in close-quarters combat.

Wang Daoyuan was confused by the situation. The demonic beasts were trapped, and the cultivators on the west side of Cart Gorge, instead of striking while the iron was hot and annihilating the demonic beasts, allowed them to attack the weakly defended east side of the gorge. It looked like a scheme to kill with a borrowed knife, using the demonic beasts to deplete the strength of the older families.

Wang Daoyuan's guess was accurate. More than ten miles west of Cart Gorge, three Violet Mansion elders were in a husp.

Liu Jinhui said anxiously, "The desire of the two elders to deplete the strength of the older families is not a big deal, but they shouldn't let personal grudges override public duty. If the demonic beasts escape, the Netherworld Sect will suffer the greatest losses. Elders, please know when to stop. If you don't act soon, all the demonic beasts will escape."

Zhou Qi nodded and said, "Elder Liu is right. Let's know when to stop and prioritize the bigger picture."

The Black Robe Elder wished for the complete annihilation of the older families, and the plan to kill with a borrowed knife was his strong recommendation. Since Elders Zhou and Liu had no ties to the older families, and the Black Robe Elder insisted repeatedly, even invoking Elder Jin, they found it difficult to refuse.

At this moment, the cultivators on the east side of the gorge had suffered heavy casualties, and it was only a matter of time before the demonic beasts broke through. Although the Black Robe Elder wanted to eliminate the older families, it didn't mean he wanted to risk his own future. If the demonic beasts escaped, all three Violet Mansion elders would be held accountable.

Therefore, the Black Robe Elder no longer objected. With a command from Zhou Qi, the three thousand cultivators ambushing on the west side of Cart Gorge pounced on the demonic beasts like hungry tigers released from their cages.

Moments later, the three thousand cultivators charged into the demonic beast horde. After several rounds of attrition, only about four thousand demonic beasts remained, and less than three thousand demonic birds.

Over two hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators flew in the air, encircling and eliminating the demonic birds. Another few dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators assisted the Qi Refining cultivators on the ground in clearing out the demonic beasts.

There was no longer any talk of sniping breakthroughs. The entire battlefield had descended into chaos. Occasionally, a few cunning demonic beasts tried to escape in the confusion, but as soon as they left the battlefield, they were beheaded by the flying swords of the observing Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Given the current situation, the elimination of the demonic beasts and birds was a foregone conclusion, but such a large-scale melee would result in heavy casualties.

The Netherworld Sect's own cultivators were well-equipped and were the last to enter the battle, so their casualties would not be too high. However, the situation for the family cultivators was uncertain.

Wang Daoyuan secretly resolved, After returning, the family should adjust its goals. Before, we were wholeheartedly trying to integrate into the Netherworld Sect, but now it seems unreliable. The Yang family has a Violet Mansion ancestor in the Netherworld Sect, and they were still tricked this time.

Even if the Wang family has Foundation Establishment cultivators within the Netherworld Sect, they are incomparable to the Yang family. In the end, wouldn't they just be cannon fodder? Is enduring humiliation and groveling to join the Netherworld Sect just to become cannon fodder?

A wise rabbit has three burrows to avoid death. The Wang family only has the Netherworld Sect as its burrow, and they are not even taken seriously by the Netherworld Sect. Now, the Netherworld Sect and Crimson Sun Palace frequently engage in major battles. Who knows when they might be used as cannon fodder and sent to the front lines?

After all, the Wang family has long since accumulated maximum hostility from the Crimson Sun Palace. They are simply the perfect bait.

For the continuation of the family, there must be a fallback. After this battle, I must persuade the clan leader to make plans early.

The battle situation below the small hill was already one-sided. It would take at most two to three hours to end the battle, and they could even clean up the battlefield afterward.

The cultivators who did not participate in the melee also relaxed their vigilance, thinking they would be going home soon.

Wang Daoxing happily said, "This outing was truly exhilarating. It's a shame we have to go home now."

The six grand-uncles were also in good spirits. Although they had been mentally prepared not to return when they set out, no one wanted to die if they could return alive.

Wang Daoyuan feared they would become too complacent and react too slowly if anything unexpected happened. He spoke up to remind them, "It's not that simple. Everyone, don't let your guard down."

Everyone looked surprised. Only Wang Shouye chuckled and said, "You've also noticed something is wrong? Why don't you say it, and let's see if my judgment is the same as yours."

Wang Daoyuan produced a soundproofing talisman to prevent anyone from overhearing, and then said, "These demonic beasts advance and retreat in an orderly fashion, as if someone is commanding them.

And that black wind during the ambush on the merchant caravan, which can increase the attack range of spells. I've never heard of human cultivators or demonic beasts having such spells.

It might be a secret technique created by a human cultivator, or a spell from a mutated demonic beast, or perhaps a magic tool.

In my opinion, no matter which it is, a Foundation Establishment cultivator simply cannot use such a spell.

This group of demonic beasts is not as simple as it appears on the surface. At the very least..."

Wang Shouye chuckled, "At the very least, there is a Third-Order Demonic Beast, or a Violet Mansion cultivator hidden behind the scenes. The only reasonable explanation for the hidden party to reveal their methods is that they want more Netherworld Sect elders to come.

Since they have paid the price of over ten thousand demonic beasts and birds to set up this trap, it will definitely not end so easily. Their goal is not to deal with us insignificant individuals, but most likely to target the elders of the Netherworld Sect.

The hidden party used so many demonic beasts and birds as bait to lure the Netherworld Sect elders, and they should have sufficient means to deal with three elders.

The Netherworld Sect should also have countermeasures. The next step will depend on whose strength is greater.

Unless the hidden party feels they have no chance of winning and stops making a move. Otherwise, a battle between Violet Mansion cultivators is imminent. We Qi Refining ants should quickly find a way to save our lives!"

Wang Daoyuan secretly thought, The clan leader's judgment of people is indeed accurate. Uncle Twelve always appears carefree and indifferent to most matters, but he is indeed qualified to be a clan leader. His insight and judgment are definitely not inferior to mine.

The Netherworld Sect used dozens of carriages as bait to lure Demonic Beasts, and the other side was using a horde of Demonic Beasts to lure the Netherworld Sect. The Netherworld Sect likely had a backup plan as well. Both sides were seasoned players, and it all came down to who was the ultimate angler.

The other eight members of the Wang family were stunned. They thought they were heading home, but unexpectedly, it was a case of "the rat pulling the shovel—the big head is behind."

Seeing everyone at a loss, Wang Daoyuan stopped wasting words. "Stop overthinking, everyone. Get ready. If anything happens, first use your Defense Talismans to protect yourselves, then look for an opportunity to escape.

Remember, absolutely do not be the first to flee, or you will definitely be held accountable later. Wait until the number of people fleeing exceeds fifty before you run. Afterward, the Netherworld Sect won't be able to find fault with us.

Also, make sure to run separately. Once the enemy makes a move, their strength will be far beyond what we can resist. Staying together is meaningless and will only attract attention.

After escaping, do not return to Golden Goose City, lest you be captured by the Netherworld Sect again and used as scapegoats. Head directly back to Jade Spring Peak."

Wang Shouye had no objections. The others were already stunned, only able to nod blankly, naturally unable to voice any opinions.

Wang Daoyuan then gave each of them five escape talismans and quietly awaited the arrival of the ****.

The Demonic Beasts and demonic birds on the battlefield were dwindling, and Wang Daoyuan grew increasingly nervous. The hidden attackers could make their move at any moment. Knowing that something was about to happen but being powerless to stop it, unable to even flee in advance, and forced to wait for the crisis to descend—this feeling was suffocating.

The Demonic Beasts on the battlefield were quickly wiped out, and the Netherworld Sect cultivators were cleaning up the battlefield. Such a fortunate task naturally wouldn't fall to non-Netherworld Sect members, let alone the older family cultivators.

After eliminating all the Demonic Beasts and demonic birds, Wang Zhian returned to the small hill. After all, Wang Zhian was the only Foundation Establishment cultivator in the Wang family, and he had been pulled away to deal with the demonic birds. Without a Foundation Establishment cultivator present, the Qi Refining cultivators could suffer heavy losses.

Wang Zhian landed on the small hill and saw that none of his clansmen had died or been injured, which surprised him.

Wang Daoyuan transmitted a message, reporting on the battle with the Demonic Beasts and his and Wang Shouye's deductions. Before he could finish transmitting, he heard a "buzzing" sound of insect wings flapping. A moment later, the flapping sound became like thunder, echoing throughout the entire valley.