Chapter 11: Escape

Ancestor Li Zhao's voice cut through the tension, calling out to Li Xian with a tone of resignation. "Young one, I believe today may mark the final chapter of the Li Clan's rule. It is my counsel that you gather the people in your life ring's inner world and embark on a new journey. Establish a new Li Clan, one that can aspire to equal or surpass the power we hold now."

His words, heavy with regret, carried the weight of a decision made too late. Ancestor Li Zhao sighed deeply, his gaze reflecting the burden of past actions. "We, the old ones, should not have opposed you. Instead, we should have supported your ascent to greater power. Alas, there is no turning back for us, and regret, my young one, has no remedy."

Li Xian, his resolve undeterred, questioned the somber advice. "Ancestor Li Zhao, why do you speak as if both you and Ancestor Li Peng are fated to meet your demise today? What about the other clans? Shouldn't they stand with us against the sects?"

Ancestor Li Zhao's response carried a hint of anger, a sentiment born from the bitter reality they faced. "They remain silent, unwilling to respond to our communications. It seems they, too, have chosen not to assist us. They may not have attacked us directly but make no mistake—they will not lend us their aid."

The revelation struck Li Xian with a mix of disbelief and frustration. The isolation of the Li Clan in its time of need was a bitter pill to swallow. As Ancestor Li Zhao's words hung in the air, the weight of impending doom cast a shadow over their once-mighty Li clan. Li Xian, however, remained resolute, ready to face whatever fate awaited the Li Clan and prepared to carve a new path, if possible, whether within the ruins of the old or amidst the rebirth of a new era.

Ancestor Li Zhao's words carried the weight of finality as he addressed Li Xian. "Take two other divine transformation realm elders with you and flee to another divine continent. Do not return until you have amassed enough power, or, if the place proves suitable, consider it your new home. Your task is to keep the Great Li Clan alive at all costs."

Turning his attention to two other elders, Li Zhi and Li Fang, Ancestor Li Zhao instructed, "Li Zhi and Li Fang, accompany Li Xian using my flying artifact. With it, traversing the great ocean should pose no difficulty for you. Go now, for the survival of the Li Clan is at stake."

"Promise me, Li Xian, that the new Li Clan you establish will not succumb to internal factions and the divisive atmosphere that plagued us. Ensure its unity by any means necessary. Do not repeat the mistakes we have made."

As Ancestor Li Zhao spoke, he tossed a high-level flying artifact towards them. This artifact possessed the ability to soar through the skies at a speed comparable to that of an Ascension realm cultivator. It was their ticket to a new beginning, a chance to preserve the legacy of the Li Clan.

These solemn words marked the final guidance from Ancestor Li Zhao before he would that day come to the inevitable conclusion of his life.

In unison, Li Zhi and Li Fang spoke, their urgency evident. "Young master, we must leave as soon as possible."

Li Xian, resolute and ready, responded with a determined nod. "Let's go."

With that, the trio took to the skies, soaring away from the Li Clan's ancestral ground. Li Zhi and Li Fang formed a protective formation around Li Xian, their collective purpose clear—to ensure the safe departure of their young master. 

After their swift departure from the Li Clan's ancestral ground, Li Xian, accompanied by Li Zhi and Li Fang, made their way to a secluded spot. There, away from prying eyes, Li Xian summoned his cultivation artifact and initiated the process of gathering everyone into his life ring's inner world.

As the cultivators, elders, and other members emerged within the confined space, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension painted their faces. The Li Clan found solace within the inner world; a realm molded by the distinctive attributes of the life ring. It served as a refuge, shielding them from external perils and the impending downfall that loomed over their existence.

Li Xian, positioned at the heart of the assembly, conveyed a solemn message to those gathered. "We have departed from the ancestral ground to secure our survival. Our destination is beyond this continent, a place where we can establish a safe haven for the Great Li Clan. Together, we must construct a new foundation for the Li clan."

The members, acutely aware of the seriousness of the situation, responded with nods of understanding. Li Xian, along with Li Fang and Li Zhi, guided the way towards the boundless ocean. The wind swept them away from the chaotic occurrences they had left behind as they embarked on the airborne journey on the flying artifact bequeathed by Ancestor Li Zhao.

As they soared over the ocean, the uncertainty of their future mingled with the determination to forge a new path. The artifact moved swiftly, carrying the remnants of the Great Li Clan towards an unknown horizon.

In the solitude of a mountain range and a deserted forest, Li Xian decided to release the Li Clan members who had been sheltered within the inner world of his life ring. It was time to rebuild—not just the physical structures but the core values that would define the Great Li Clan's resurgence.

In the midst of nature's embrace, Li Xian guided the members with teachings of brotherhood, unity, and the lessons learned from the past. The Great Li Clan, once fractured by internal conflicts, was now on the path to redemption. The core members, having witnessed the destruction of their clan, were determined to prevent history from repeating itself.

Then, against the backdrop of the northern divine continent's serene landscapes, Li Xian reached a pivotal moment. With the accumulation of his cultivation and the experiences gained during the arduous journey, he broke through to the Ascension realm. The newfound strength symbolized not just personal growth but also the resilience of the Great Li Clan.

In the shade of the towering mountains and within the whispers of the deserted forest, Li Xian laid the foundation for a new era of the Great Li Clan.

.....

Present time,

The Great Li Clan of the northern divine continent, once shattered and on the brink of extinction, had risen from the ashes like a mythical phoenix. Under the leadership of Li Xian, the clan had undergone a profound transformation, evolving into a powerhouse that cast a formidable shadow over its past glory.

At the helm of the reinvigorated Great Li Clan were not one or two but five Ascension realm cultivators, a testament to the resilience and dedication of its members. Li Xian, the Ascension realm cultivator who had guided them through the tumultuous journey, stood as the paragon of strength and wisdom.

The other four Ascension realm cultivators, once disciples and followers, had grown under Li Xian's guidance. They now radiated strength and prowess, each contributing to the clan's newfound dominance on the northern divine continent. Their collective might echoed through the cultivation world, garnering respect and fear alike.