Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan-Chapter 2012 - 1475: Treasure Hunt

The major Immortal Dao powers clearly know this as well, understanding that if they do not explain thoroughly, issuing such an order would be useless—many factions would refuse to comply, or merely pay lip service.

Therefore, they must patiently clarify everything, doing their utmost to have most cultivators understand and accept this command.

"Though our pursuit of the Dao differs, splitting us into the Immortal and Demonic paths, at heart we are the same, all belonging to the human race."

The Heavenly Immortal spoke earnestly: "In the past, internal strife was perhaps unavoidable, but now the Alien Race grows powerful; countless of our kin are wantonly slaughtered, vast territories seized, and the survival space of the human race is constantly shrinking."

The purpose of these words is to weaken the conflict and opposition between the Immortal and Demonic paths, emphasizing their shared human identity.

"The proverb 'when the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold' is well understood by everyone, so I need not say more. Though our connection to the Demonic Tao is not close, if their strength is severely depleted, the pressure upon us will only increase."

"I believe everyone is aware—the human race has dominated the Primal Spirit Realm for far too long. Many powers and races seek to overthrow us and secure their own ascendancy."

"Without the Demonic Tao to help shoulder the burden, we may no longer luxuriate in secluded cultivation for years to come."

This is to inform everyone of the dangers to the Immortal Tao if the matter is left unattended, and the disadvantages it may bring.

"Of course, aside from these grand principles, the Demonic Tao has paid a steep price, and only then did we agree."

Finally comes the explanation of the benefits.

"The Demonic Tao is willing to hand over two Heavenly Immortal Rank Secret Realms, five Earth Immortal Rank Secret Realms, and twelve Human Immortal Rank Secret Realms. Furthermore, none of these Secret Realms will be entrusted to any single Immortal Dao power, but managed jointly by all. In future, the number of people allowed to enter will be determined based on their performance during this expedition to the East Sea."

The cultivators who were initially discontented—even furious—found their breath catch at those words.

Such a number of high-grade Secret Realms—even if they were formerly Demon Secret Realms—given time and proper management, could become abundant realms yielding large quantities of Spiritual Objects.

"In addition to this, we offer a vast trove of Immortal Dao Cultivation Techniques, Divine Powers, Secret Techniques, and so on—methods from Heavenly Immortal Rank to Human Immortal Rank, as well as Spiritual Objects."

The Immortal and Demon paths have battled for so many years; many Immortal Dao powers were destroyed by the Demonic Tao, and their methods naturally fell into the Demonic Tao's hands, and vice versa.

The terms offered by the Demonic Tao are truly a bleeding sacrifice, hoping to use this chance to drive the Sea Clan from the Western Continent, or at least rein in their expansion.

At the same time, it frees a hand to finally resolve the Ghost Clan, that persistent rash.

Indeed, even now, in the eyes of Demon Cultivators, the Ghost Clan is hardly worth mentioning—not a true threat, merely opportunists who seized territory during their battle with the Sea Clan.

But to return to the matter!

After the persuasion of that Heavenly Immortal and the promise of such considerable benefit, the majority of cultivators accepted the order to attack the East Sea and relieve the Demonic Tao.

Of course, inevitably there are some cultivators unwilling, or intending only to feign compliance—sending a token few to make a show of it.

Li Debo was among the latter, though it was solely his own thought; for such a momentous affair, obviously he could not make the final decision alone.

Thus, he summoned all the elders to confer, to learn their opinions.

"This is a rare chance to strengthen the family's foundations. We must not only accept, but give it our all!"

"Indeed! The Fifth Elder is right! We should strive to reap the greatest gains from this affair!"

The majority of elders, upon hearing of the many rewards, agreed without hesitation, fearing that any delay would cost them the opportunity.

Only a few elders shared Li Debo's mindset, unwilling to devote themselves wholly to this matter.

In their view, the family's lack of foundation was not due to external causes, but because its development had been too rapid; it simply needed time to accumulate and settle.

Hence, careful cultivation for several millennia would resolve any deficiency in the family's foundation; there was no need for such reckless risk.

Regrettably, too few elders supported this stance; even with Li Debo alongside, they could not outweigh the other faction.

Helpless, Li Debo could only adopt a compromise: the family would not make participation mandatory, leaving the clansmen free to choose to join or abstain as they wished.

Yet what surprised Li Debo was the clansmen's enthusiasm surpassed anything he imagined! 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

As soon as news spread, many clansmen hurried to sign up.

In just an hour, two or three thousand clansmen had volunteered for the assault on the East Sea to alleviate the Demonic Tao's plight—and more continued to arrive at the registration point.

But even more frenzied than the clansmen were the small factions, loose cultivator powers, and Loose Cultivators themselves!

Li Debo could understand their response; they possessed nothing. If they wished to grow, to thrive, they had to risk everything and stake their lives!

But the clansmen's eager participation left him bemused.

It was a friendly elder who perceived his confusion and explained with a smile, "The family has indeed prospered these years, but that's overall; it doesn't mean every clansman lives well."

"Among those signing up, some seek more Spiritual Objects to boost their cultivation quickly, while others hope to temper themselves through this opportunity."

Li Debo frowned on hearing this and said, "You make sense, but why are so many clansmen registering?"

"Doesn't this suggest the family's development hasn't benefited the clansmen very much?"

The elder's expression stiffened; he immediately fell silent.

"It seems I hit the mark."

Li Debo turned slowly to leave, his face growing colder; the family had enjoyed calm for years, and now it seemed many had forgotten certain rules!

It was time to teach them a lesson, so others would remember what lines cannot and must not be crossed!

"Sigh!"

The elder sighed helplessly. Though he had not meddled in some matters, much he had seen with his own eyes.

He knew that once Li Debo stirred trouble, the family would face yet another storm...

"Perhaps it's just as well; those damned fat rats can't be fed forever."

His words faded into emptiness; no one remained at the scene.

...

The Immortal Dao's summoning of cultivators for the expedition to the East Sea caused quite a stir, not to mention that there were spies within their ranks—so the Sea Clan quickly learned of the matter.