Chapter 282 - Ye Clans Decision (1/2)
The burning ashes of the Xiwu Empire filled the air.
Even though the Capital City was not directly hit by the war, its river was stained a bloody red.
In the entire Capital City, a total of sixty-three families were wiped out for being traitors and countless significant members of the Imperial Court were also killed. Since there was concrete evidence of their betrayal, nobody spoke out on Great Emperor Mingwu’s ruthless method. They knew that every one of them was in danger. The Capital City was still under the rule of Yin Clan of the Royal Tribe hence, nobody dared to make any reckless move for now.
Great Emperor Mingwu had gathered the elite forces from all counties and assigned them to the Capital City. The gold-armored imperial guard alone numbered ten thousand. Meanwhile, the other armies were as large as hundreds of thousands.
In a war between two kingdoms, the most critical factor was the battle between their most powerful fighters. Still, if the size of the army was large enough then it could still pose a significant threat, especially considering that they were armed with unique hidden weapons. Even Earthly or Heavenly Venerable Rank fighters would not dare to carelessly step into the massive army’s formations.
Great Emperor Mingwu and the rest of them secluded themselves and spent their time cultivating, waiting for the final battle. The Nanman Kingdom had been wiping out the counties of the Xiwu Empire one after another. They had yet to launch a direct assault on the Capital City. It was still unknown exactly what they were waiting for.
When two kingdoms conflicted against each other, the martial art sects of the kingdom also played a significant role. Unfortunately, the ones backing the Xiwu Empire had mostly fallen while those on the side of the Nanman Kingdom were constantly on the rise. This was not going to be a war fought on equal footing.
Donglin County, Ye Clan Valley.
The flames of war continued to rage on outside but the atmosphere within the Ye Clan Valley was still tranquil. The valley stood still like a haven closed off to the outside world as the fragrance of the Spirit Tree filled the entire valley.
Under the effects of the Spirit Tree’s fragrance, the Ye Clan members were put in a refreshed and calming mood. This fragrance seemed to have a positive effect on one’s cultivation. Furthermore, mystical beasts also had an affinity for the Spirit Tree as they continuously circled it. The fragrance spread to the forests nearby. As a result of the fragrance, even the Lingzhi in the forests also seemed to grow fresher.
The origin of the Spirit Tree was still unknown. After it had grown for several months, it began sprouting small fruits. These fruits were not ripe yet and they were only the size of a fingernail. These green fruits were crystal clear like pieces of emerald.
Ye Changxuan, Ye Zhantian, and the rest gathered in the Ye Clan hall. All of them furrowed their brows and were in a tense mood.
“What’s the situation outside like?” asked Ye Changxuan. Even though the Ye Clan was very safe inside the valley, they still routinely sent men out to ambush the Nanman Kingdom’s forces. They had saved plenty of civilians but had also lost several of their men in the process. Fortunately, with the help of the mystical beasts, they were able to kill many Nanman Kingdom fighters without suffering large casualties.
“The Nanman Kingdom had already taken over six counties. The other counties are up in flames,” Ye Zhantian replied. Logically speaking, the Ye Clan should not be in any danger and they could choose to not be involved with it. However, Ye Zhantian and the others clearly understood that the Ye Clan had their history with the Nanman Kingdom. If the Xiwu Empire was brought down, then they would be in trouble too for a body cannot survive without its head.
Up till now, the Nanman Kingdom was still unable to find out the whereabouts of the Ye Clan, but they were sure to find them eventually! Once the Nanman Kingdom started sending several Heavenly Venerable Rank fighters to search in the Lianyun Mountains, it would only take several months for the Ye Clan Valley to be discovered. The only reason the Nanman Kingdom had not done that was that they were short of hands at the moment!
The members of Ye Clan were aware of the dangers they faced. They had already contacted several large families to join them in opposing the Nanman Kingdom.
“Xiwu Empire is in a precarious situation now. I’m afraid Donglin County cannot hold on much longer. We can only try our best to do our part. If we still cannot turn the tides of the battle, then so be it.” Ye Changxuan sighed. If Donglin County had fallen, where was the Ye Clan supposed to go? Remaining in the valley might not be the safest course of action.
“We just received news that the Nanman Kingdom army had wiped out twenty-seven towns in Donglin County. Tens of thousands of people were slaughtered!” Ye Zhanxiong informed. He had his fist clenched, trying to suppress the raging anger inside him. “Granduncle, Brother, are we supposed to sit idly and watch?”
The crowd was silent. In wartime, the lives of people were like loose straws in the air. For Ye Clan’s strength, it was an extremely tall task to try to turn the tides of this battle. If the Ye Clan risked it all in a battle, they would end up being crushed by the mighty forces of the Nanman Kingdom.
It was either they save themselves or be massacred in a moment of anger.
Most people in this situation would choose to save themselves first. No one else would blame them for choosing to do so. However, one day, they would find themselves waking up in the middle of the night with guilt, knowing that they had stood by and watched as countless civilians were slaughtered.
“Zhantian, what do you think?” Ye Changxuan asked, looking at Ye Zhantian. “Since Little Chen isn’t here, that makes you the chief. Whatever decision you make, the Ye Clan will follow you until their deaths.”
Ye Zhantian stayed silent for a long time. After much contemplation, he seemed to have come to a final decision. He said firmly, “Even though our Ye Clan may not be the most powerful, we’re no cowards either. We mustn’t abandon our integrity, else we’ll lose face when we meet our ancestors. We of the Ye Clan can account for the heavens above and also account for the common people in our lives. I, Ye Zhantian choose to risk it all if it means that I can live up to the name of the Ye Clan!” Even though they would not swear fealty to the Yin Clan of the Royal Tribe, this was the land they were born and raised in!
“I, Ye Zhanlong, am willing to follow Brother until my death!”
“I, Ye Zhanxiong, am willing!”
“The men of Ye Clan aren’t cowards. We’re willing to follow you until our deaths!” the men of the Zhan Cohort rose, proclaiming one after another.
“Zhantian, since you have made your decision, I, Ye Changxuan will also give you my full support. From here on, you’re in charge of the Ye Clan,” Ye Changxuan declared solemnly.