Chapter 29: The final preparation
Chapter 29: The final preparation
“The arrangements for the elderly and children in the clan are complete?”
In the ancestral hall of the Chen Clan, Ethan Chen asked.
Mason Chen replied from the side, “There are forty-two elderly and children in the clan, all of whom have entered the secret passage.”
Ethan nodded slightly. At this moment, Elijah Chen also stepped forward to report, “Clan Chief, there are eighteen warriors above the mid-stage Body Tempering Realm in the clan, and they are all present now.”
Ethan looked ahead, recognizing countless familiar faces.
Eighteen people were not few, and the ancestral hall seemed somewhat crowded with them. Including the four Blood Condensation Realm warriors, there were a total of twenty-two people.
These twenty-two were the last remaining glory of the clan. Unfortunately, among the eighteen warriors, there were few in the late-stage Body Tempering Realm, and many were quite old, with few younger ones.
This indicated that the Chen Clan was in a state of decline.
Today’s battle would determine the future of the clan.
Facing the expectant eyes of his people, Ethan took two steps forward and solemnly spoke, “Our Chen Clan has been in this Disordered Burial Mountain for over twenty years. Despite the hardships, we have not perished.”“But in recent years, the clan has been declining, the situation worsening, and external enemies coveting us. Now, we are at the brink of life and death.”
“Today is the day of our decisive battle with the Li Clan. If we win, the clan will thrive. If we lose, the clan will perish.”
Hearing Ethan’s impassioned words, many clan members below showed determination and resolve, and the atmosphere became solemn.
At this moment, there was no room for surrender, only a fight to the death.
Seeing the clan’s fervor and readiness for a death battle, Ethan continued, “Although our current strength may not match the Li Clan, today is different from the past because we have the Sacred Tree’s protection!”
“As long as the Sacred Tree exists, there is hope for the clan!”
“Before today’s battle, we will worship the Sacred Tree once more to gain its protection!”
Ethan’s words caused some confusion among the clan members.
With the enemy at the gates, shouldn’t they be finding ways to deal with the Li Clan? Why worship the Sacred Tree at such a critical moment?
Wouldn’t it be better to worship after the battle if the clan still existed? If the clan were gone, what would be the point of worshiping?
For a moment, many clan members hesitated.
Suddenly, a figure stepped forward to worship the Sacred Tree.
“Oliver?”
Many clan members were surprised to see who was leading the worship.
It was known that Oliver Chen had been the most opposed to the Sacred Tree, even suggesting several times at clan meetings to cut it down.
Although he had been stopped by the Clan Chief, this had left many clan members with a bad impression of the Sacred Tree.
A few days ago, the Sacred Tree had shown its divine power, changing some clan members’ views, but they still didn’t believe the Sacred Tree could save the clan from its current crisis.
But seeing Oliver worshiping, the others no longer hesitated and began to worship the Sacred Tree as well.
Ethan Chen and Mason Chen, along with a few others, worshiped sincerely.
After all, the three of them knew that the Sacred Tree was now the clan’s only hope.
As everyone worshiped, the Sacred Tree emitted a faint glow. Countless green specks flew from its branches and leaves, swirling around the ancestral hall.
Those who absorbed the green specks felt a surge of confidence.
Not only that, but after the green specks dissipated, seven or eight bright green lights shone from the Sacred Tree.
These green lights flew from the branches and landed in the hands of several clan members.
Upon closer inspection, the green lights had transformed into dark green sophora leaves.
Only Ethan and Oliver knew the effects of the sophora leaves. Seeing these leaves, Ethan smiled faintly.
The sophora leaves did not fall randomly. A closer look revealed that those who received the leaves were the strongest in the clan.
Besides Oliver and a few other Blood Condensation Realm warriors, there were several late-stage Body Tempering Realm warriors.
The recipients of the sophora leaves were puzzled, not knowing their purpose.
Other clan members curiously observed the leaves, their eyes filled with confusion.
Ethan explained, “These are the Sacred Tree’s blessings. At a critical moment, crush them to use their power!”
“Remember, the Sacred Tree can only protect you for a short time. Use it wisely!”
Seeing Ethan’s seriousness, those who received the leaves carefully put them away.
Oliver Chen snorted softly, casually putting away his leaf, but his movements were cautious.
“Alright, with the Sacred Tree’s blessing, everyone, follow the plan and begin the operation!”
With that, the clan members in the ancestral hall began to move in an orderly manner.
In no time, only Ethan Chen remained in the hall.
The clan’s plan was simple: lure the enemy into a trap.
The Li Clan was constantly monitoring their actions. Any unusual move would alert them.
Today, Ethan had sent most of the clan members into the secret passage, leaving only warriors above the mid-stage Body Tempering Realm.
Sensing something was wrong, the Li Clan would surely attack.
Their task was to launch an assault once the Li Clan entered their territory.
The plan was simple but practical.
They might catch the Li Clan off guard initially, but ultimately, it would come down to strength. Given the current disparity between the two clans, even with the Elder Ancestor’s help, they might not stand a chance.
Now, Ethan could only pray that the Sacred Tree’s protection was effective enough!
Looking at the slightly withered branches and leaves of the Sacred Tree due to the exertion of its divine power, Ethan bowed once more before heading to a room in the ancestral hall.
The once crowded hall was now empty.
Above, Noah Ji sighed.
The fate of the Chen Clan and his own survival as a tree depended on tonight’s battle.
Noah had sacrificed a lot for this fight.
His vitality had dropped from 26.3 to just 6 points.
The initial green specks hadn’t consumed much of his vitality; they were just for show.
The real drain came from his One Leaf Hindrance supernatural power.
Each sophora leaf had different amounts of vitality infused.
For instance, Oliver Chen, a key player in this battle, had 5 points of vitality infused into his leaf.
Mason Chen and Elijah Chen each had 3 points infused into their leaves.
Other late-stage Body Tempering Realm warriors had 2 points infused into their leaves.
With his vitality greatly diminished, Noah’s condition had deteriorated, but his consciousness remained intact, allowing him to see through the roots’ extended reach.
The remaining 6 points of vitality were to sustain himself and to aid the Chen Clan members with the Reversal Pill supernatural power.
In a battle, injuries were inevitable.
The Chen Clan had few members, and any loss would hinder Noah’s growth.
His Deduction Points could only be obtained from the Chen Clan members.
He had already used many points in his previous three deductions.
For his own sake and the Chen Clan’s, Noah had done his best. The rest was up to them.