noveltune Chapter 23: The Decisions of the Four Single-Attribute Clans and the Situation in Mo City
Chapter 23: The Decisions of the Four Single-Attribute Clans and the Situation in Mo City
The following day, the patriarchs of the four single-attribute families gathered at the Haotian Sect.
Titan, the patriarch of the Power Clan, is as burly as an iron tower and is an 82-level Soul Douluo.
Bai He, the patriarch of the Min clan, is lean and wiry, and is an 81-level Soul Douluo.
Niu Gao, the patriarch of the Yu clan, is as solid and imposing as a city wall, and is a level 78 Soul Saint.
Yang Wudi, the patriarch of the Broken Clan, possesses a hidden sharpness like a drawn sword, and is a level 78 Soul Saint.
The four men sat in the conference room, their expressions solemn.
Tang Xiao briefly explained the migration plan to everyone.
"That's just how it is," Tang Xiao concluded. "The migration route is extremely dangerous, and we'll have to start all over again once we reach Mo City."
"Would the four clan leaders be willing to accompany us?"
A long silence.
Titan spoke first, his voice booming like a bell: "Sect Master, there's no need for further words. The Power Clan has followed the Clear Sky Sect since our ancestors, remaining loyal for centuries. Now that the sect is in trouble, if our clan were to retreat, wouldn't we be ridiculed by the world? Wherever the Sect Master goes, our clan will go!"
Baihe nodded: "The Min clan excels at reconnaissance, and they need our clan to scout ahead and provide early warnings during their migration. Sect Master, count us in."
Niu Gao slammed his hand on the table and said, "I, Old Niu, don't understand any grand principles. I only know that the Haotian Sect is dissatisfied with my clan. The Yu clan is most skilled in defensive fortifications. Once we arrive in Mo City, leave the task of building the city and fortress to me!"
Yang Wudi slowly rose to his feet. "Thirty years ago, my father was being hunted down by his enemies. It was Elder Tang Zhen who saved him, allowing the Po Clan to survive. The Po Clan will never forget this kindness, and the Po Clan is willing to live and die with the sect."
Tang Xiao was deeply moved and rose to bow solemnly: "The four clan leaders are truly virtuous. On behalf of the entire Haotian Sect, Tang Xiao thanks you!"
The four of them quickly returned the greeting.
With the major decision made, the subsequent discussions went much more smoothly.
A few more days passed.
As dusk fell, three dusty figures quietly returned to the Haotian Sect and went straight to the meeting hall.
It was the reconnaissance team sent by Tang Wei—three Soul Saint-level deacons, all core members of the Clear Sky Sect cultivated for many years, whose loyalty was beyond question.
"How is the situation?" Tang Wei was already waiting there, and Tang Xiao and Tang Kun also rushed over after hearing the news.
Tang Lin, the head deacon, took out a detailed map and spread it out on the long table.
"Reporting to the Sect Master and elders, we have basically ascertained the situation in Mo City."
His finger pointed to the map: "Mo City is located in the southeast of the Barak Kingdom, at the border of the Tiandou Empire and the Xingluo Empire. Its actual control fluctuates between the two empires, making it a no-man's-land."
"The city is of medium size, with a permanent population of about 300,000, who make a living through trade and hunting soul beasts. The largest power in the city is the 'Mo family,' to which the city lord of Mo City belongs. It has a history of over two hundred years, and the current patriarch, who is also the city lord, Mo Wentian, is a level 72 Soul Saint with the martial soul 'Mysterious Iron Heavy Sword.' In addition, there are three other families with considerable power, each with a Soul Emperor-level Soul Master in charge."
Tang Xiao examined the map carefully: "What about the Spirit Hall's forces?"
"Mo City does indeed have a branch of the Spirit Hall," Tang Lin said.
"But it's very small in scale, with only one Soul Emperor-level Hall Master and a dozen or so low-level Soul Masters. It's more of a symbolic existence."
"We observed them secretly for three days and found that they did not contact the outside world frequently, so they must be a marginalized branch temple."
Tang Kun frowned slightly: "Could it be a disguise?"
"It's unlikely," another steward interjected. "We risked infiltrating once, and the branch hall was poorly furnished and lacked supplies. There was only one cultivation room."
"If it were truly an important stronghold of the Spirit Hall, it wouldn't be so shabby."
"Furthermore, we also discovered that the local branch hall master of the Spirit Hall has a great connection with the Mo family, and his wife is the daughter of the Mo family patriarch."
"Once we take control of the Mo family, we will basically be able to control the entire Mo City."
Tang Wei nodded: "It seems that Mo Cheng is indeed a good choice."
"What about the terrain?"
Tang Lin pointed to the mountain range marker on the map: "Mo City is backed by the 'Cloud and Mist Mountains,' and the depths of the mountains border the outer edge of the Star Dou Great Forest."
"If we are attacked in the future, we can retreat into the mountains and use the complex terrain to our advantage, which will at least buy us time to move out."
"Moreover, we also discovered several mineral veins in the Cloud Mist Mountains, containing refined iron, black iron, and even a small amount of cold iron!" Tang Lin said, his eyes shining.
It should be noted that most of the disciples of their Haotian Sect are skilled forgers, capable of multiplying the value of these mineral resources several times over, thus eliminating any worries about funding shortages, since rebuilding the sect requires significant financial resources.
Hearing this, Tang Xiao finally showed his first smile in days: "Good, very good. You've worked hard, go and get some rest."
The three deacons bowed and withdrew.
Only three senior executives remained in the conference room once again.
"It seems that Mo City is indeed the best choice." Tang Kun sighed. "It has natural defenses, resources, and is far away from the core territory of the Spirit Hall."
"But the journey will not be peaceful," Tang Wei said solemnly.
"From the Clear Sky Sect to Mo City, spanning most of the Heaven Dou Empire, such a large-scale migration cannot be completely concealed. Once the Spirit Hall discovers it, they will definitely not sit idly by and watch us leave safely."
Tang Xiao's expression was solemn: "This is also what I'm most worried about. So we can't rush things; we need to consider this matter carefully."
The three remained silent for a long time.
Tang Xiao suddenly looked up, a resolute glint in his eyes: "I have an idea."
"Since large-scale migration is too risky, we will proceed in batches."
"The first batch, led by the Grand Elder, will consist of a small number of elite disciples and some members of the four single-attribute clans, heading to Mo City to take control and establish a stronghold there in preparation for the arrival of the main force later."
"That's a good idea." Tang Kun's eyes lit up. "Small groups of people will be less likely to attract attention. Once we have control of Mo City and established a stronghold, we can transfer the sect's core disciples and supplies there in batches."
Tang Wei pondered for a moment: "It's feasible, but the first batch of candidates must be carefully selected. They must be capable enough to handle the dangers along the way, and also know how to conceal their whereabouts."
"Moreover, once we arrive in Mo City, we must seize control of it with overwhelming force, and at the same time, try our best not to reveal our identities."
"This requires the cooperation of the four clans with a single attribute," Tang Xiao said. "They are in the open, while we are in the shadows."
Tang Xiao said this because, although the four clans with single attributes are quite powerful and well-known, their influence is only limited to a small area. Moreover, Mo City is very far from the current sphere of influence of the Haotian Sect and the four clans, and few people know about the four clans.
Even if someone knows the four clans, they might not necessarily associate them with the Haotian Sect. After all, since they all plan to develop in a low-key manner, the Haotian Sect naturally needs to give the outside world a smokescreen, which is to pretend to be in seclusion while secretly developing.
"Once we reach Mo City, our own disciples should refrain from taking action as much as possible. The four clans should be the main force. Elder, you only need to give them a warning to prevent them from fighting to the death," Tang Xiao added.
"Once you have control of Mo City, we will proceed in batches."
"If there are no problems, then it's settled." Tang Xiao looked up at the other three.
"I'm fine," Tang Wei said first.
"I'm fine with it too," Tang Hao and Tang Kun echoed at the same time.
"Alright, then proceed according to plan." Tang Xiao stood up, his gaze firm. "The following day, please invite the four clan leaders to come and discuss the matter."
"Elder, select fifty elite disciples from within the sect. They must be at least Soul Emperor level and skilled in stealth and combat."
"At the same time, Second Elder, you should prepare the personnel and material arrangements for the upcoming relocation of the sect."
"Yes!" they both answered simultaneously.
Three days later, the Haotian Sect officially announced the reclusive monks.
At the same time, Tang Wei led fifty disciples of the Haotian Sect, divided into five caravans, and set off from the back gate of the Haotian Sect.
Within the territories of the four clans with single attributes, dozens of caravans also set off at the same time.