The seven were all formidable cultivators and had no particular need to rest. Exchanging insights in this relaxed atmosphere, they all gained something instead.
They kept talking until noon.
Tang Yan took out a jar of wine, filled everyone's cups, and said steadily, "Medicine Valley is powerful and rampant. Thank you all for withstanding the pressure to support Reach the Summit.
"Asking you to withdraw doesn't mean I doubt your resolve to stand with us through thick and thin. Medicine Valley is coming with overwhelming force, and confronting them head-on would inevitably mean a bloody battle.
"Giving ground may cost us face, but it won't damage our foundations.
"Allow me to raise a cup to you all!"
They clinked cups and drained them.
"Young Master Tang, with us here, Medicine Valley would never dare get serious.
"Once Medicine Valley arrives, we'll settle these grievances with them. After that, our well water won't mingle with their river water. Why should we hide?" Zhuang Zhile declared boldly.
"Sect Master Zhuang is right!" Xu Bai and the others voiced their support.
Tang Yan cupped his hands and explained, "Medicine Valley will arrive in half an hour. Although I don't know how many experts they have in total, they definitely have more Saint-Level experts than we do. More importantly, Yao Zhonglou is coming too.
"We have no chance of winning.
"Medicine Valley has mobilized this force to wipe out Reach the Summit.
"On the surface, the grievances between our two sects haven't reached the point where one must die for the other to live.
"But Medicine Valley lost three elders and four Saint-Level allies trying to capture the Spirit Shaman Clan. Since they can't find the true culprits to settle that debt, their fury naturally falls on Reach the Summit.
"Besides, you've overlooked one