Free Web NovelChapter 473: Chapter 69: Fighting While Retreating, The Strategy of Sowing Discord
The actions of Jiu Li also alerted the spies within Youxiong working for Jiu Li, and Xuanyuan soon received the information.
Frowning, he said, "Summon Huanlimu and others for a discussion."
Moments later, several figures hurried over, in addition to many of Xuanyuan’s ministers.
Ma Shihuang and Chi Songzi were among them.
There were also Fang Lingyun and others; after Guang Chengzi’s previous speech, they had also joined the core decision-making group of Youxiong.
Xuanyuan had also started to heed their advice more and even developed Immortal Technique versions of guns and cannons.
"Did Jiu Li attack so quickly? Weren’t they supposed to heal the Common Lord first?
Could it be that the Common Lord has already healed?"
Chi Songzi was stunned; it was too quick, especially after their last retreat against Youxiong to preserve strength.
They knew Jiu Li had no immediate plans to engage them militarily.
Because Jiu Li had to integrate many of Lie Mountain’s clan members and land, and also treat Shennong.
They thought it would be a long time before things calmed down, given that Shennong’s injuries hadn’t healed in so many years.
Could it be that joining Jiu Li led to a quick recovery?
"Impossible, absolutely impossible. The master’s injuries can’t be that easy to heal."
"Even I am at my wit’s end and can only assist from the side."
Ma Shihuang wore a look of astonishment, having followed Shennong for so long, he felt that Shennong’s internal injuries were impossible to recover from.
Unless another True Immortal, like Shennong, proficient in healing, appeared, the recovery seemed impossible.
Moreover, he felt a hint of unease, as they had reasons to claim Xuanyuan as the designated Common Lord successor by Shennong.
Feeling that Lie Mountain couldn’t resist Jiu Li, they went to Youxiong in advance to strengthen defenses, a legitimate reason.
Besides, they anticipated that if the Common Lord didn’t come to Youxiong, Jiu Li’s resources wouldn’t suffice to heal the Common Lord.
If another great battle happened, the survival of the Common Lord would be questionable.
After all, there’s another True Immortal in Jiu Li.
They didn’t expect the Common Lord not only survived but also healed.
That being said, if Jiu Li marched east on Youxiong, the Common Lord would surely come.
How should they face the Common Lord then?
"Du Xiu of Jiu Li, although practicing witchcraft, has a deep understanding of exotic plants and exotic beasts,
perhaps the Common Lord’s recovery owes a lot to his witchcraft.
It seems there’s indeed something to consider in witchcraft." Xuanyuan nodded, never underestimating Jiu Li.
Underestimating his enemy equates to underestimating himself.
Not to mention, they had suffered minor losses confronting Jiu Li many times.
If one can’t even defeat an underestimated enemy, it makes one appear more incompetent.
Fang Lingyun, now restored to Tier Eight strength, held the title of Commander in the Xuanyuan Tribe.
A position almost equal to those of important ministers like the Wind Queen.
He said, "With Ying Dragon and Princess Drought Demoness not yet returned, how should we resist Jiu Li’s aggressive advance?"
Xuanyuan shook his head, "Without True Immortals among us, the Common Lord and Du Xiu will at most provide support from the sidelines, not directly engage the Low Tier Human Clan.
No Immortal Level entity is allowed to interfere in battles below the Immortal Level.
This is a rule set by the Fuxi Celestial Emperor."
Fang Lingyun slightly raised his eyebrows, discreetly glanced at the others, noticing they weren’t surprised.
It seemed the conflict was still within limits.
Even the legendary Fuxi Celestial Emperor was likely observing the current state of the Human Race.
Being the first Common Lord of the Human Race, his words still carried immense authority.
At least within the Human Race’s territories, no one dared to offend.
"Moreover, this isn’t subjective but objective; back then, Fuxi Celestial Emperor led the Human Race to survive among ’demons.’
He expanded the territories of the Human Race so much.
Do you know why the Great Wilderness is so vast, but the Human Race’s activities are confined to Jiuzhou?"
Xuanyuan seemed quite interested in explaining, continuing without waiting for Fang Lingyun’s question.
"This land of Nine Provinces is shrouded under Fuxi Celestial Emperor’s ’Eight Trigrams,’ if any Immortal Level being strikes beings below the Immortal Level, committing mass slaughter,
they would perish under the ’Eight Trigrams.’ In the past, there were Human Immortal Level exotic beasts that entered Jiuzhou using some means."
"Once they targeted those below Immortal Level, the result was death."
Fang Lingyun nodded, indicating understanding, "In that case, it’s nothing more than battles between our ancestors and Chi You.
And battles among those below, with Du Xiu and Shennong making Jiu Li stand invincible at all times."
Xuanyuan’s face turned grim, nodding, "Indeed, though Immortal Level can’t directly intervene in battles below Immortal Level.
But even if they merely hold a position, the presence of the Common Lord assures Jiu Li of unending combat strength."
"Therefore, the ascendancy of Ying Dragon and Drought Demoness to True Immortal is a must, to restrain the opponent’s True Immortals.
Otherwise, continuous battles will rapidly deplete our living forces."
Li Mu furrowed his brows, "If that’s the case, we can only fight while retreating, focusing on defense.
Endure until Ying Dragon and Princess Drought Demoness return."
"Indeed."
Xuanyuan also felt somewhat helpless, as without restrictions on Shennong, no matter how fierce the battles at the lower level were, as long as he wasn’t killed outright,
he might reappear lively on the battlefield shortly after.
Almost endless, it’s fundamentally difficult to contend with.
If not focusing on defense, four or five major battles might exhaust all of Youxiong’s living forces.
By then, even with Ying Dragon and others returning as True Immortals, Youxiong might find it challenging to counter Jiu Li.
Fang Lingyun, however, said, "Actually, ancestor, you might send a message to the Common Lord, for you are recognized as the successor by the Common Lord.
Attempt to bring the Common Lord to our side, or at least have him remain neutral."
"After all, the battle between Jiu Li and Youxiong could be seen as one determining the position of the Common Lord, with the Common Lord in Jiu Li.
It’s a bit too biased, and it’s best to publicize this matter..."
Xuanyuan slightly nodded, agreeing it was feasible.
"And even if it’s not possible, it might create a gap between Jiu Li and Lie Mountain, as both tribes are so large.
Though Shennong can accept being under Chi You, not all followers of Shennong might."
Fang Lingyun continued, "If they start internal conflicts, it will certainly weaken their combat capabilities."
"Da Hong, have someone handle it at that time."
"Yes!"
Xuanyuan then looked at Li Mu, "But regardless, we must first resist; Li Mu, you will immediately lead the army to the frontline.
Ma Shihuang, Chi Songzi, you also proceed, or else if Li Mu gets encircled by Jiu Li’s Human Immortal forces..."
Ma Shihuang and Chi Songzi exchanged glances, nodded helplessly, "Understood!"
They initially came to Youxiong to avoid facing Jiu Li, and now, not long after defecting,
they found themselves heading back.
Difficult indeed!
