Chapter 10: Battle

In the heart of the Li Clan's ancestral ground, amidst the chaos of battle, Li Xian stood resolute, leading the charge against the invading sects. His sword clashed with that of the enemy, the metallic ring echoing through the air as sparks flew from the collision. The cacophony of combat surrounded him; the clash of weapons, the shouts of warriors, and the occasional burst of spiritual energy formed a chaotic symphony.

Beside him, loyal members of his faction fought valiantly, each displaying their unique martial skills. Their movements were a dance of blades, a display of agility and precision as they engaged the enemy. The scent of metal, sweat, and the subtle undertone of spiritual energy filled the air, creating an intense and charged atmosphere.

Despite the chaos, Li Xian's focus remained unwavering. His eyes, sharp and vigilant, assessed the battlefield, issuing commands and adjusting strategies on the fly. The ancestral ground, once a place of tranquility, now bears witness to a fierce struggle for their clan's survival.

Amidst the unfolding skirmish, Li Xian found a brief respite, taking a moment to catch his breath. His sharp eyes surveyed the battlefield, revealing the aftermath of the intense clash—fallen warriors scattered across the ground. The pungent scent of blood permeated the air, a grim reminder of the sacrifices made in the arduous struggle for the Li Clan's survival.

Turning to his comrades, a mixture of exhaustion and relief played across Li Xian's features. His gaze communicated both acknowledgment and gratitude to those who fought alongside him. The weight of the ongoing battle pressed upon them, but for that fleeting moment, Li Xian shared a silent understanding with his fellow warriors, acknowledging their resilience and collective commitment to safeguarding their home.

"Fortunately, we received intelligence just before the sects launched their attack," Li Xian said, his voice cutting through the noise of battle. "All non-combatants and weaker clan members have been safely transported into my life ring's inner world. Our ancestors are engaged in a fierce battle against the Ascension realm cultivators of the alliance."

His eyes met those of his trusted aides, and a brief moment of understanding passed between them. The decision weighed heavily on Li Xian's shoulders, but he knew it was a necessary one for the clan's survival.

"Given the circumstances," Li Xian continued, "I believe our best course of action is to temporarily leave the Li Clan grounds. We'll find a safe refuge and bide our time until the opportune moment to strike back presents itself. Our unity and strategic retreat will ensure the preservation of our strength and the continuation of the Li Clan's."

The urgency in Li Xian's tone reflected the gravity of the situation. The enemy Ascension realm cultivators posed a formidable threat, and a strategic withdrawal would allow the Li Clan to regroup and plan their counterattack effectively.

His aides nodded in agreement with Li Xian's words. Together, they fought their way to the battlefield, which was now on the ancestral ground.

Li Xian's sharp and discerning gaze swept across the unfolding battlefield below, where the pillars of the Li Clan, Ancestor Li Peng and Ancestor Li Zhao, stood resolute against the formidable foes. The clash of swords and the burst of spells echoed in the air as four enemy cultivators confronted the stalwart defenders of the Li Clan.

In the midst of the chaos, memories of the turbulent days resurfaced in Li Xian's mind. The internal strife within the Li Clan had once torn the members apart, with allegiances divided between supporting Ancestor Li Peng and the emerging figure of Li Xian himself. The scars of that conflict still lingered, etched into the history of the clan.

Li Xian, now at the last stage of the divine transformation realm, found himself at the crucial juncture before Ascension. The air crackled with energy, and the weight of responsibility rested heavily on his shoulders. He knew that the outcome of this battle would not be good for the Li Clan.

With a deep breath, Li Xian descended into the battlefield, his cultivation techniques intertwining with the ancestral energy of the Li Clan's grounds. 

The clash of swords and the cultivation techniques were all over the battlefield. Li Xian can feel that each movement of his is a step toward the Ascension realm. Li Xian's eyes gleamed with determination as he faced the enemy cultivators, his every strike infused with the sword techniques of the Li Clan.

In the midst of the bustling battles, Li Xian's mind reflected on the teachings imparted by his mentor. 

Elder Li Sheng, a staunch supporter, had guided him with the wisdom of experience. "Li Xian, your path may be fraught with challenges, but true strength lies not just in power but in the ability to navigate the currents of change and to lead the people who believe in you," Elder Li Sheng had counseled, his gaze holding the weight of countless experiences. 

As he fought the enemies.

As Li Xian absorbed the significance of those words, his thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Ancestor Li Zhao standing ahead, drenched in blood that dripped steadily to the ground. The stark contrast of the once-mighty Ancestor now bearing the visible toll of battle stirred a complex mix of emotions within Li Xian.

Ancestor Li Zhao, who had stood on the opposing side during the internal strife that had plagued the Li Clan, now bore the physical scars of the impending conflict. Li Xian, despite the past conflicts, couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy as he witnessed the older cultivator's.

The ache in Li Xian's heart was a testament to the shifting dynamics within the clan. The internal strife, once fueled by division, had transformed into a collective struggle against an external threat. Ancestor Li Zhao's sacrifice, albeit on the opposing side, bridged the gap between past grievances and the present unity against a common foe.

At that moment, Li Xian realized the profound truth in Elder Li Sheng's teachings. Leadership was not just about personal strength but also about understanding the currents of change, forging alliances, and leading with empathy. The sight of Ancestor Li Zhao served as a poignant reminder that the people he led were not just soldiers on a battlefield but individuals with their own sacrifices and stories.