Chapter 1282: Turning Over A New Page (2/2)
Zhang Baitu was also present. Li Qiye’s words left Hong Tianzhu’s group and those of the previous generation embarra.s.sed. The Zhang Clan was squeezed out of the lake completely while the other clans divided up their docks.
Hong Tianzhu hurriedly said: “Young n.o.ble, the Hong Clan shall hand our seven docks back to the lake. We will distribute the heavenly grottos and roads as well in accordance with the iron creeds.”
In fact, the Hong Clan was very powerful right now since they had seven out of the eighteen docks. Nevertheless, Hong Tianzhu was the first to give these resources back to the lake.
“Our Lin Clan is also willing to return our five docks.” The others came forward and willingly gave back their territories.
Li Qiye nodded: “This is for the best. The lake’s future will be in your hands. Remember, your clans must unite with great solidarity just like your ancestors. Competing for petty authority and power will only lead the lake down a path of destruction. Your internal conflicts will destroy you before your enemies can even make a move.”
Some elders felt their faces burn after hearing this. It wasn’t that the lake wasn’t strong or lacked resources. Unfortunately, ever since those Virtuous Ancestors focused on gaining more power, outsiders started to think that the lake was easy to bully. Ultimately, even lineages like the Bloodshark Village and Wyvern threatened them with military expeditions.
“The four regiments have returned to their positions. The iron creeds shall take effect once more.” Li Qiye looked at them and said: “From today on, a new page shall be turned for Dongting Lake. This is all I will do to help, the future will be up to you all.”
With that, he got up from his chair and took one last glimpse at the banner and portraits before leaving the chamber.
The members present were quiet. They lowered their heads with countless emotions running through their minds.
Li Qiye was an outsider, yet he could control their lake’s spectral army and the Trident. Moreover, his own power could suppress everyone here. However, he didn’t even take a single glance at this great force before him. He had no love for the authority here nor did he demand their resources.
As for themselves, the lake clearly belonged to everyone, but they selfishly killed and marginalized each other, resulting in great disunity. As the descendants of the clans, they never treated the lake as their own home, only a feast to be divided.
No matter how they looked at it, it was a very shameful matter. They had let down their ancestors.
While drowning in this shame, many elders and protectors clenched their fists. If they didn’t cherish and protect their own home, why would others respect them? The lake was the home of every disciple and descendant, it didn’t belong to an individual.
Li Qiye didn’t leave the lake right away. He stayed for several days to bask in the atmosphere of this place while fully enjoying the scenic waters.
This might his last chance to stay at the lake. In the future, he might never come back, so he wanted to rest and make some new memories.
He sighed while looking at the sparkling water. Countless heroic souls were buried at the bottom of the lake. In their final moments, they decided to refine their souls and turned into spectral soldiers that permanently rested in this place.
In the eyes of others, such actions prevented them from entering the reincarnation cycle. To be reincarnated was a source of hope for many cultivators, so they would never be willing to do such a thing.
However, this once invincible battalion ultimately chose to do so. It was because of their great love and attachment to this land. Even in death, they chose to protect this land and their descendants.
Li Qiye sentimentally reflected: “Perhaps this is the best place for home.” In the long years, everyone had their own path.
At this time, someone knocked on the door.
Li Qiye focused his mind and lightly spoke: “Come in.”