The Balance of Attack and Defense Shifts; Plans in the Inner Household

"Cease the offensive and observe the situation." Sect Leader Kang Da pondered for a moment, then a plan formed in his mind. "Continue the offensive ahead, await orders. Send a message to Yangming Mountain, instructing Elder Ye to immediately halt the transport of supplies and Yixin fortifying the defenses and preparing for battle."

As soon as he finished speaking, the people in charge of the surrounding families immediately understood.

After Kang Dabao finished speaking, the heads of the various families confirmed that he would not speak again. Then, carrying all sorts of defensive Law Treasure, they entered the formation and urged their disciples to work with their lives on the line.

Only after everyone had left did Duan Anle ask in a low voice, with a hint of worry, "Master, if we just leave without a fight, what will happen if the Duke's mansion blames us?"

"Right now I only have one pot, how can I cook two dishes at the same time?" Sect Leader Kang Da shook his head, then said, "I can't possibly let most of my disciples die before I'm satisfied with the Immortal Dynasty's kindness."

He knew that Duan Anle's concerns were not unfounded, but the situation had changed. If Preceptor Huang Mi returned alone, Kang Dabao might still be able to turn the tide.

But if they really led the elite troops of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall to outflank their own formation, how could their exhausted and worn-out troops withstand a pincer attack?

However, since Preceptor Huang Mi's team had ventured deep into Si Prefecture, and had completely trusted the gentlemanly agreement between the Nascent Soul behind both sides, without taking any precautions against Rouge Temple and Thousand Buddha Grove, it would take several days for them to return.

At this moment, there were no truly formidable opponents within Ink Cloud Marsh. If Sect Leader Kang Da were someone who was ambitious and prone to gambling, he might actually try to break through this thousand-year-old sect with his own forces.

Unfortunately, Kang Dabao was completely at odds with the word "adventure." After enduring another fierce attack from the enemy's elite forces, the disciples of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall who had been harassing the Double Brightness Alliance were in so much pain that they retreated several miles, complaining bitterly.

The leaders of the False Core then offered a long string of promises and reassurances, and announced the good news that the Grand Hall Master was about to return, which barely managed to boost the morale of the disciples.

However, these Pill Master later discovered that the Double Brightness Alliance's forces had already begun to slowly withdraw from Ink Cloud Marsh while they were boosting their morale.

When the Second Palace Master, Xia Ming, learned of this, the upper cultivator, upon hearing the news, realized that all his carefully laid plans were about to fail. His eyes flashed with anger, and he refused to comply, angrily exclaiming, "What does he take my Ink Cloud Marsh for? Someone who can come and go as they please?!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he leaped into the air from his high seat, then took out a blank token from his waist, pried it open, and took out a black spirit pearl, which he placed on a round table-sized map of the Ink Cloud Marsh next to his high seat.

"Boo"

Xia Ming's hand gestures changed, and with a soft sound, the black spirit pearl transformed into a thick cloud of smoke, which soon devoured the entire map.

Meanwhile, the cultivators of the Double Brightness Alliance, who were steadily retreating, felt that the surrounding black miasma seemed to have become even denser than before, and showed no signs of stopping.

Even True Lord of the Spirit Transformation finds it difficult to control the human heart.

Although the eight Liang families had made a somewhat disorganized advance, seeing the elite disciples of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall having their heads chopped off one by one, they still knew that they had the upper hand.

They were just hoping to get out of this quagmire and then they could finally get rewarded for their merits and receive their stipends.

But suddenly, the troops were to switch from offense to defense and retreat back to Xian Prefecture, which naturally made them uneasy. Favorable and unfavorable circumstances are only one word apart, but the behavior of these eight good families was worlds apart.

Suddenly, shouts and cries rose and fell; pushing and shoving for space and signs of disarray began to emerge. If it weren't for the fact that the disciples of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall in the swamp hadn't yet launched a full-scale counterattack, the scene might have already descended into chaos.

"Don't panic, don't panic,"

Kang Rongquan was extremely grateful for the tedious tasks that Sect Leader Kang Da had just assigned. If the latter had not forced him to lead the cultivators to plant Spirit Plant and clear the way they had come, who knows how many lives this tense team would have lost in this stagnant water on their retreat.

However, Ink Cloud Marsh, now activated by Xia Ming, was becoming much more dangerous.

Before long, those Spirit Plant, whose roots had already taken hold at the bottom of the swamp, were eroded by the black water and putrid fumes under Kang Rongquan's concerned gaze, turning into handfuls of rotten mud that melted into the swamp beneath his feet.

Seeing the silted land, which had been cleared by Spirit Plant when he arrived, gradually being swallowed up by the surging black water, Kang Rongquan was extremely anxious.

However, he did not lose his composure. He led his disciples to scatter a large number of Spirit Plant seeds and hurriedly urged the pure energy to gradually push away the thick miasma. Although the effect was minimal, it at least temporarily restored the light ahead.

But he was only a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator after all, how could he possibly turn the tide? The surrounding cultivators could only watch as the pure land in front of them was slowly being eroded back by the dense miasma, how could they not be alarmed?

At this moment, the central army banner, which was at the rear, Spirit Awakening patterns, and the dense miasma within several miles centered on it immediately faded away.

Along with the burst of spiritual energy, a calm male voice also rang out. "Don't panic, don't panic. You all cleared the way for me just now; I will cover the rear this time."

It's impossible that none of the cultivators in the Double Brightness Alliance harbored resentment that Sect Leader Kang Da's words were merely a pretense to win people over.

But to be fair, after hearing these words, most of the disciples surnamed Liang who had previously turned away and gone through fierce battles did indeed become much more clear-headed.

Upon seeing that the Azure Jue Guard, whom Chongming Sect had always valued highly and were reluctant to use, were still stationed under the banner and standing by the Sect Leader Kang Da, many cultivators who had felt timid because of the strange phenomenon of Ink Cloud Marsh calmed down.

Even though there were a few True Cultivator who refused to believe in the superstition and thought their methods were superior, they still had their heads taken by Liu Ya, the elder of the Chongming Sect's Punishment Hall, along with a group of False Core.

Afterwards, Liu Ya and several other False Core braved the miasma to ascend to the sky. Upon seeing the cultivators who had resurfaced and were making a ruckus, they disregarded their cultivation levels and were immediately cut down to the ground by the Daoist magic and sword light that attacked from above.

The surge of hot blood should have chilled the hearts of the cultivators in the formation, but seeing that the great banner behind them remained unmoved, the resentment within them quickly faded away.

The effects of Kang Rongquan's Spirit Plant were quickly devoured and destroyed by the black miasma, and it seemed that the road ahead was about to be bleak again. However, the Crimson Zhang Guard quickly spread out to the four corners of the formation.

The other cultivators could only watch as the Crimson Zhang Guard, guided by Jin Shilun, raised their Yang Fire Lanterns and quickly unleashed fiery talismans. The scorching flames connected along the lampshade array, barely managing to break through the almost solid black miasma and reveal light.

It was only through such hard work that the various factions, who had suddenly joined forces without any prior training, were finally brought under control. However, Sect Leader Kang Da showed no surprise whatsoever.

After all, retreating is inherently difficult. If morale is low, the team that Kang Dabao has painstakingly gathered to dare to attack may not fare much better than the scattered low-level Demon Beast hordes in the Cold Crow Mountain Range.

At that time, amidst the chaos of the soldiers, even the most elite disciples of the Chongming Sect would find it difficult to survive.

After all, Xia Ming wasn't exactly mediocre. Even if he couldn't defeat Sect Leader Kang Da, it wouldn't be difficult for him to delay the latter for a while.

If no one is capable of turning the tide, it wouldn't be surprising if the elite troops of the Chongming Sect selected by Kang Dabao were to be completely overthrown.

Seeing that the army behind him had retreated far away, even the usually composed Duan Anle showed a look of anxiety.

Before he could even ask Kang Dabao a question, the latter's powerful Divine Sense had already swept over the invading cultivators, and then the two False Core cultivators from the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall who were waving Golden Light outside their own sect's formation instantly perished.

This time, Sect Leader Kang Da showed no mercy, not even sparing the Pill Master's Storage Bag, immediately causing it to dissolve into smoke and vanish within the formation.

Seeing this, Xia Ming's expression changed slightly. Before he could give any orders, the Pill Master who had been wandering outside the formation returned to the dense formation and landed with the ordinary disciples.

Afterwards, Kang Dabao emitted two more Golden Light as a test, but they were ultimately blocked by the holy Buddhist light guided by the disciples of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall.

Knowing there was no advantage to be gained, Kang Dabao was about to lead his army away when Xia Ming, who was leading the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall army closer and closer, took action.

The latter flicked the blank token at his waist, and as the token lit up, a fake alchemist led his disciples to play the shamanic flute, while the Buddhist disciples chanted high-pitched Buddhist chants.

Chongming Sect felt streams of water rushing towards them without any apparent reason. Those with better eyesight could see clearly that they were narrow, knife-like spirit fish with swastikas on their backs swooping down.

As Duan Anle waved his command flag, the well-trained Azure Jue Guard shouted in unison, and the six-leaf blue lotus Dao seals on their white robes suddenly lit up, their spiritual energy converging into one.

A refreshing breeze suddenly arose in the area, seemingly washing away the lingering fishy smell.

With a shout from all the cultivators, disciples at each joint held array flags, and lotus leaves immediately unfurled, swirling and spinning intermittently.

The six-petaled azure lotus platform that suddenly appeared from the Double Brightness Formation did not frighten the low-level demons in the swamp. Even though they tried their best, they could not leave a trace on the lotus petal illusion, but they still rushed forward recklessly.

However, after the attack failed, the swastika seal on its back suddenly lit up, causing the flesh and blood of the narrow-bladed spirit fish to fly everywhere, while also creating a series of loud explosions on the lotus petal phantom.

"Retreat slowly! Retreat slowly!!"

Seeing that all the cultivators were sweating profusely, Duan Anle dared not be careless in the slightest and issued commands while holding the battle flag.

The Azure Jue Guard, however, proved to be quite capable. Despite consuming a great deal of resources from the Chongming Sect, they have now become a formidable fighting force.

The Azure Jue Guard, despite being surrounded by ten thousand fish summoned by Xia Ming, managed to retreat slowly and in perfect formation;

Even though disciples around them were dying from exhaustion of spiritual energy, the Azure Jue Guard did not complain and still followed the orders of the flag bearer meticulously.

These two points alone are enough to surpass many families with a well-established lineage.

However, Xia Ming's tricks obviously didn't stop there. There were still many narrow-bladed spirit fish with swastikas on their backs lining up to come. He flipped his wrist, made a hand seal, and muttered a few words. The spiritual soil under the feet of the Azure Jue Guard became even softer and more mushy.

The rotten nails hidden within could easily tear through ordinary robes, causing many Azure Jue Guards who stepped on or slipped to furrow their brows and feel intense pain.

At this moment, Xia Ming actually carried the Shaman Ancestor Banner and faced the Azure Jue Six-Leaf Battle Lotus Formation directly. He saw the Witch Ancestor's illusory image and the Azure Jue Lotus Leaves crashing around incessantly. Many disciples were caught off guard and their defenses were slightly lacking. As a result, they were shocked and their internal organs were shattered and they vomited blood from their seven orifices.

Even the Sect Leader Kang Da had not expected that Xia Ming, wielding the Shaman Ancestor Banner, would possess such power, almost enough to rival Preceptor Huang Mi in person.

Fortunately, once the Azure Jue Guard stabilized their formation, even the most powerful illusory image of the Witch Ancestor was unable to break through their formation for the time being.

Duan Anle continued to give orders, and Kang Changyan and Kang Changzhao, their faces solemn, stood under the banner, nervously watched over by Yuan Buwen. Seeing this, the disciples' already firm belief became even stronger.

Seeing the burly figure holding a short halberd in mid-air, he regained some courage and then took up various Spirit Artifact and Law Artifact to fight against the remnants of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall who were charging towards him.

Xia Ming, who was holding the Shaman Ancestor Banner, initially had the upper hand, but since the start of the battle, Sect Leader Kang Da had shown no signs of panic and remained so steady that he had not revealed the slightest flaw. This caused Xia Mingchu to become somewhat impatient and make some mistakes.

However, Kang Dabao did not rush into anything and instead proceeded steadily and cautiously.

Xia Ming's Shaman Ancestor Banner was first struck by Golden Light, then by the halberd's edge, followed by a series of fist strikes, causing the spiritual light on this Law Treasure, which inherited the hard work of several generations of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall, to greatly diminish.

Xia Ming grew increasingly alarmed as the battle progressed, and the Shaman Ancestor Banner, under his control, gradually lost its original power.

Only when the sound of the witch flute in the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall gradually thinned out and the chanting of Buddhist prayers no longer sounded as vigorous as before, did the Second Palace Master instantly realize that he could not keep Kang Dabao at all.

"Damn it! Isn't this guy supposed to be a loyal dog of the Immortal Dynasty? How come he's already scared away by my Great Palace Master after only getting the news?!"

He cursed inwardly, but he knew it was useless. Once the strategy of trapping the enemy inside failed, and Kang Dabao's side was prepared, Xia Ming, with only remnants of his army, could not hold them back.

Among cultivators who can live for three or four hundred years, how many are mentally impaired? After Xia Ming's thoughts gradually cleared, the two groups separated again with remarkable tacit understanding.

Kang Dabao has damaged the Shaman Ancestor Banner quite a bit this time, and his River Luo Mystic Armor is also missing a small piece of armor, so he needs to find a skilled craftsman to repair it.

At this moment, he was somewhat relieved. If he hadn't left now, and Xia Ming had actually lured him into leading a large army deep into enemy territory, then when Preceptor Huang Mi returned, it would have been difficult for any of his soldiers to return unscathed.

Just as he was about to lead his people out of Ink Cloud Marsh, Sect Leader Kang Da stopped, turned his head and probed the already somewhat blurred Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall group with his Divine Sense, feeling a pang of regret:

"If Xia Ming had reacted any slower, and had gotten closer to the outer room, my 'luring him out with a surprise attack' might have succeeded!"

He sighed, then pointed out two tokens, instructing Jin Shilun and Kang Rongquan to temporarily cease their high-level preparations. He then gathered his army and headed towards Xian Prefecture, where he joined forces with the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall to prepare for battle and heal their wounds.

---- Little Ring Mountain, Chongming Sect

Fei Shuhe had just returned from the Fei Residence in Fenglin Prefecture when she was greeted by the weeping Yuan Xiyue.

The latter wept bitterly, Fei Shuhe, the kind old woman, though quite puzzled, still comforted her with great concern before learning the reason from her.

Fei Shuhe's smile gradually faded, and after exchanging a glance with Zhang Qingran beside her, she said softly, "If you really want Brother Yan and Brother Zhao to live such mediocre lives, then keep crying."

Upon hearing this sound, Yuan Xiyue's beautiful eyes widened in surprise, but she dared not refute it. Instead, she changed her wailing into sobbing, still appearing pitiful as ever.

But Fei Shuhe continued to reprimand, "Brother Xi is also going to Two Rivers, Brother Yi also fought many bloody battles in his early years. Only the two young sons are not up to the task, and can only sit at home and rely on their father and brothers for protection?"

This was too much to bear, and Yuan Xiyue dared not respond, only stammering, "Sister, what are you saying, Xiyue?"

"Okay,"

Fei Shuhe, however, stopped listening to her and turned to Zhang Qingran, saying:

"I've just heard from my Lingyi that my daughter Wanqing attained the Golden Core two days ago, witnessed by Ancestor Ye Shui. Once her core essence has fully transformed, Lingyi can head to Ying Prefecture to study under a master."

Fei Shuhe couldn't hide the smile on her lips as she spoke, and the other two women also showed a hint of surprise, seemingly genuinely.

"Thank you, sister," Zhang Qingran said, her eyes reddening, bowing deeply.

Fei Shuhe, however, had no intention of taking credit, and said calmly, "This was for my daughter's sake, why should I say thank you?"

After speaking, she turned to Yuan Xiyue, who seemed hesitant to speak, and said, "Tell the two boys to work hard and go to Ying Prefecture as well. It will be less comfortable at home, but it will be good to help them hone their skills. Not a single member of the Kang Household can be left behind."