Chapter 2157: We Will Never Leave

When Qi Xiong said this, his expression was solemn, his face full of seriousness.

But actually he was already delighted inside; when he first learned of this yesterday night, he was overjoyed on the spot.

Originally from the start, Qi Xiong had been troubled by the number of devotees.

Which normal sect would have tens of thousands of devotees? This isn't a joke.

But before, there had never been a good reason to let these people leave, so in the end he could only resign himself to it.

But unexpectedly, thanks to a twist of fate, Li Hongyan also helped him solve this big problem.

Qi Xiong was delighted inside; this way he could legitimately reduce the number of devotees—good, really good.

However, what Qi Xiong didn't expect was that before he could finish speaking, the devotees in the hall all shouted out indignantly.

"Sect Master, what do you mean?"

"Exactly, when did we ever say we were leaving?"

"Sect Master, what are you saying? We have absolutely no second thoughts about the sect."

"Yes, I already refused my elder brother yesterday, vowing to live and die with the sect."

"Not bad, it's just Wuji Xiancheng—what do we have to fear?"

"We wish to live and die with the sect."

"We wish to live and die with the sect."

The crowd shouted indignantly; eventually someone started it, and the hall erupted in chants of "live and die with the sect."

Seeing this, Qi Xiong's face darkened; "Do you want me to make you live and die with the sect?"

"Besides, my Dao One Immortal Sect won't perish either."

Qi Xiong's purpose was to use this opportunity to trim the number of devotees.

A sect needs devotees, but tens of thousands is excessive; it's best to keep the number within a proper range.

Facing the crowd's opposition, Qi Xiong was unwilling to give up this rare opportunity, so he could only speak earnestly.

"Please quiet down, let me finish speaking first."

He gestured for everyone to quiet down; after the hall regained calm, Qi Xiong then continued.

"I know your feelings for the sect; my Dao One Immortal Sect also thanks you for your strong support over this time, having helped the sect through crises several times."

"But the more so, the more I, Qi, cannot let you be troubled."

"You also have your own families and sects; now my Dao One Immortal Sect and Wuji Xiancheng are gradually coming into conflict, and I don't want you to be caught in the middle."

"As the saying goes, a drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring; I, Qi, will certainly not repay kindness with betrayal."

"So, I, Qi, appreciate your good intentions; after this is over, if you still wish to return, my Dao One Immortal Sect will surely welcome you with open arms—for now, please go back, so as not to trouble the sect's fellow disciples and your family relatives."

Qi Xiong's words were tactful, but if you leave now, it will be hard to come back later.

"Look, during this time, does the Dao One Immortal Sect still intend to recruit devotees?"

"Even if someone recommends them, Qi Xiong will firmly refuse; he absolutely cannot increase the number of devotees again."

And once these people leave, they're truly gone.

But none of those present are fools; on the contrary, they are ancient monsters who have lived for who knows how many years.

Everyone is deep‑minded; how could Qi Xiong's little scheme escape them?

"If you leave now and come back after things settle, will you really be able to return then?"

"Want to deceive us? Hah, no way—we simply cannot leave."

"So, as expected, everyone present decisively refused, shouting in unison their vow to live and die with the sect."

"As for being caught in the middle, that's impossible; moreover, Qi Xiong need not worry—they will handle it themselves and certainly not cause trouble for the sect."

"Seeing that even after saying all this it was useless, Qi Xiong's face darkened."

"You just don't understand what I'm saying."

"Such a good opportunity—could we really just let it slip? No, we must not miss this rare chance."

"Qi Xiong is determined; this time, no matter what he says, he will cut down the number of devotees."

"It's rare that Li Hongyan is so helpful; Qi Xiong can't afford to slip up—if he fails to seize this opportunity, there will be even less hope later."

"Thinking this, Qi Xiong didn't care, ignored what everyone said, and just threw out a line."

"I understand your good intentions, but let's not speak of this anymore; my Dao One Immortal Sect does not want to put friends in a difficult position, nor our own people."

"You needn't feel guilty; my Dao One Immortal Sect will certainly not blame you for this—on the contrary, we feel only deep gratitude."

"Alright, pack up and leave within three days; we'll meet again in the Immortal Realm—we remain fellow Daoists and brothers."

"Having said that, without waiting for a reply, Qi Xiong turned and left; the matter seemed settled."

"Watching Qi Xiong say he'd leave and just go, everyone in the hall stared blankly for a while before coming to their senses, when someone murmured."

"Could it be that Qi Xiong has long wanted to drive us away?"

"Eighty percent likely—he's seized this excuse."

"Li Hongyan, that fool, capable of failure more than success, has brought us suffering."

"Never mind all that; what now? He really did seize the opportunity."

"Refuse to leave?"

"Well, it's not impossible."

"Qi Xiong's action is practically an open attempt to drive them out; the devotees naturally see it and now guess his true intent."

"But the crowd is angriest at Li Hongyan; if it weren't for that fool's excellent assist, where would Qi Xiong find such an opportunity?"

"Now it's settled—Qi Xiong insists it's for everyone's consideration, leaving them unable to refute."

"Right now they're just driving people out............."

"Someone suggested refusing to leave, which is not wrong—after all, leaving is impossible; once gone, by Qi Xiong's decision, it's certain they cannot return."

First stay, then think of a way; that's certain.

However, how could Qi Xiong not think of this? So after leaving the main hall, he directly said to the steward beside him.

"Go to the canteen and inform Yè Chánglǎo: just say that a batch of offerings, due to the Wuji Xiancheng matter, are in a dilemma; I have already agreed to let them leave the sect, so from today on, there's no need to prepare their meals."

Still want to linger and not leave? I, Qi Xiong, will directly hit you with a "cut off the fire under the pot" tactic—no food to eat, what else do you have to cling to?

Upon hearing this, the steward, though startled, still respectfully nodded and said.

"Yes."

He then turned and hurried toward the canteen.

Qi Xiong has really gone all out this time; he will use this opportunity to weed out a batch of offerings, no matter what.

Otherwise, it will be hard to come by such a good opportunity again in the future.

"Li Hongyan, Li Hongyan, you truly are my, Qi Xiong's, lucky star, well done."

Qi Xiong secretly sighed in admiration; Li Hongyan, this move, was beautifully executed.