Battle(1)

The news of the Li Clan patriarch's death had spread like wildfire across the region. The passing of Li Wuhao, the ex-clan head, created a ripple effect that caught the attention of many, including the Zhou and Peng Clans. For years, these rival families had ideas against the Li Clan, held in check only by the reputation of their powerful patriarch.

Now, with Li Wuhao on death bed, the Zhou and Peng Clans believed the time was ripe to strike. They had little knowledge of the Li Clan's recent advancements, completely unaware of the clan's newfound strength and resources. All they saw was the perceived weakness of a spineless clan leader spreading rumors to deter them.

In the past month, the Li Clan had been quiet, too quiet, they thought. To the Zhou and Peng Clans, it appeared that the Li Clan had fallen into mourning and stagnation because of their previous patriarch's situation. With their spies reporting no notable movements from the Li Clan and now with Li Wuhao's death they took this as a sign that the family was vulnerable, weakened, and ripe for conquest.

Thus, under the cover of night, the Zhou and Peng Clans began to plot their attack.

Inside the Li Clan Estate, the atmosphere was calm but brimming with latent energy. Li Bao, now the official head of the Li Clan, sat in the council chamber, speaking to the elders. The recent advancements in their cultivation made their presence palpable, and the once humble council room now buzzed with power. 

Li Leyue, Li Jun, and Li Runchu stood in front of him, each exuding confidence. Their breakthroughs in cultivation had elevated their strength, but more importantly, it had bonded them even closer as a family unit. They were prepared for what was to come.

"We're being watched," Li Bao said, his voice calm yet commanding. "The Zhou and Peng Clans think we're weak because of the patriarch's death. They've sent spies, but they don't realize the transformation our clan has undergone."

Li Jun cracked his knuckles, his voice tinged with excitement. "Let them come. We'll show them what happens when they underestimate us."

Li Leyue remained more cautious, her eyes scanning the room thoughtfully. "They're not just going to rush in blindly. They think we're weakened, but that doesn't mean they won't be cautious. They could have reinforcements."

Li Bao nodded, appreciating her insight. "True. We need to be prepared for everything. I've stationed more guards at key points across the estate, and we'll use the defensive array if necessary. But I have no doubt in our strength. We will crush them."

Li Runchu, ever the calm strategist, added, "If the enemy brings overwhelming numbers, we'll need to control the flow of battle. I'll take command of our forces and ensure that our defense is tight."

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the Li Clan Estate, the Zhou and Peng Clans had assembled a combined force of over 150 cultivators. They stood in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

A tall, imposing figure stepped forward, the leader of the Zhou Clan forces. Zhou Feng, a seasoned elder with decades of experience, scanned the horizon. "The Li Clan thinks they can hide behind their walls, mourning their dead patriarch," he said with disdain. "They won't see us coming."

Next to him stood Peng Yue, the head of the Peng Clan's forces, equally arrogant. "The old patriarch's death is a sign of weakness. Now is our chance to take what should have been ours long ago. Their territory, their resources—it all belongs to us."

The combined forces were confident, believing that they could overwhelm the Li Clan with sheer numbers. They had no idea that they were walking into a lion's den.

Back at the Li Clan Estate, Li Bao gathered the clan members for a final address before the anticipated battle. Standing in front of the grand hall, his presence commanded respect and attention. Behind him, the elders stood ready, their Qi surging, creating a palpable aura that filled the space.

"Tonight, we face a test," Li Bao began, his voice steady and clear. "The Zhou and Peng Clans think we are weak. They think that because our patriarch has passed, we are defenseless. But they are wrong. They have no idea what we have become."

The clan members, many of whom had also benefited from the rapid advancements over the past month, stood tall, their confidence swelling with each word from their leader.

"We are stronger now than we have ever been," Li Bao continued. "The Spirit Vein, the new techniques, the cultivation pills—they have transformed us. Tonight, we will show the Zhou and Peng Clans what it means to challenge the Li Clan."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. The clan members were ready, their spirits bolstered by their newfound strength.

"Li Leyue, Li Jun, Li Runchu," Li Bao called, gesturing for them to step forward. "You three will lead the charge. Our enemies will bring their elders, thinking they can overpower us. You will show them otherwise."

Li Leyue gave a slight bow, her eyes filled with determination. "I'll handle the Zhou Clan elder."

Li Jun grinned, rolling his shoulders in anticipation. "The Peng elder is mine."

Li Runchu, ever composed, simply nodded. "I will support the clan members. Let's keep the battle under control."

With that, the plan was set.

As midnight approached, the Zhou and Peng forces crept closer to the Li Clan Estate, their confidence unshaken. But as they reached the outer perimeter, a low hum filled the air. The Tier 9 Defensive Array had been activated.

"What is this?" Peng Yue asked, his brow furrowed.

Zhou Feng sneered, waving his hand dismissively. "It's a simple defensive array. It won't stop us."

They surged forward, ready to breach the Li Clan's defenses. But as they reached the outer gates, a series of blinding lights exploded across the sky. The array had fully activated, creating an impenetrable barrier around the estate.

From the top of the estate wall, Li Bao stood watching, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Let them come," he muttered under his breath.

The Zhou and Peng forces collided with the barrier, and immediately, the battle began. Cultivators from both sides unleashed their Qi techniques, their power clashing against the glowing barrier.

Li Leyue, Li Jun, and Li Runchu took their positions. As the array shimmered and pulsed with energy, Li Bao watched the battlefield unfold. His confidence in the elders was unshaken, knowing that their training and cultivation would be more than enough to turn the tide.

As the first wave of attackers slammed into the barrier, it became clear—the Zhou and Peng Clans had no idea what they were up against.

The battle was about to begin in earnest, and the Li Clan was ready. The Zhou and Peng Clans would soon learn the consequences of underestimating a clan that had undergone a radical transformation. And as the night wore on, Li Bao's mind raced with strategies, knowing that the coming battle would be the one that solidified his clan's dominance in the region.