Chapter 543

Listening to everyone's flattery, Hong Zun gritted his teeth in anger; if not for Wang Tieshu's broad, heavy hand firmly covering his mouth, he would have likely burst out cursing.

You damn guys, can you even speak?

As for Wang Tieshu, he was all smiles, nodding repeatedly in reply.

Haha, thanks for your thoughtfulness; when the wedding comes, we'll have to drink a couple more cups.

Sure, sure.

Definitely, definitely.

Whether it was Wang Tieshu or Hong Zun, they couldn't afford to offend them, so they could only keep nodding and smiling apologetically.

After a round of flattery, Wang Tieshu was beaming with delight, while Hong Zun's face grew increasingly grim.

Besides the Luo Xia Sect, Qing Yun Sect, Putuo Temple, Huang Ji Sect, Ghost Valley and other affiliated sects, there were also the Fomen and the Blacksmith Valley.

Other sects also successively expressed their willingness to support the Dao Yi Sect.

However, that statement is quite exaggerated.

Basically, the support spoken of by the major sects amounts to nothing more than some pills, talisman seals, formation disks, and the like.

There's not the slightest intention of actually going onto the battlefield themselves.

In response, Qi Xiong naturally understood their thoughts; even if some were wary of the Dao Yi Sect's current power and willing to send disciples to help, it was merely for show.

If you truly expect them to achieve any battlefield success, that's impossible.

After discussion, although all forces claimed they would fully support the Dao Yi Sect, in reality only a few sects could be trusted.

After seeing off the various sect masters and sect heads, Qi Xiong, Wu Shou, Hong Zun and the others sat in the main hall, where Wu Shou, his face displeased, said.

These guys are just waiting to see the outcome; if the Fomen wins, they'll probably all defect to it.

This is also normal, after all, the time is still too short.

Put bluntly, they're just fence-sitters who follow whoever wins, Qi Xiong said calmly.

It's mainly a matter of foundation disparity.

Although the Dao Yi Sect now dominates Dongzhou, compared to the Fomen of the West Province, its rise is still too recent.

Unlike the Fomen, which has deep roots in the West Province and has long since forged itself into an impregnable whole.

As for the Dao Yi Sect, it has only just risen, and the major sects of Dongzhou hardly have any loyalty to it.

Some smaller sects are of little use.

It's still the disparity in foundation, I suppose; the Fomen must have noticed this as well, which is why they dare launch a full-scale attack.

After all, this is clearly an excellent opportunity; if we gave the Dao Yi Sect more time to fully stabilize Dongzhou, that would be hard to contend with.

Upon hearing Qi Xiong's words, everyone present put away their usual laughter, their faces turning solemn.

Everyone knows this battle won't be easy to fight.

He swept his gaze over the crowd, and Qi Xiong spoke in a low voice.

This battle probably can't be won by mere tricks; it will be a real Xuè zhàn, involving bloodshed.

Upon hearing this, the crowd fell silent; they naturally knew this as well.

Perhaps in this battle the Dao Yi Sect will lose many disciples; the earlier traps and tactics will have little effect now.

It is a battle that requires genuine swords and spears, a real clash.

Seeing the crowd's silence, Qi Xiong continued.

But as long as we win, Dongzhou will have no further worries, and we can stabilize the situation there as quickly as possible.

This can also be considered one of the benefits of this battle.

After all, the simplest and most direct way to establish prestige is a great victory, especially when the opponent is the Fomen of the West Province.

As long as we win this battle, the major powers of Dongzhou will naturally dare not show any overt compliance but covert defiance toward the Dao Yi Sect, and the Dao Yi Sect can quickly win over hearts and stabilize the situation.

But all this rests on the foundation of victory; once defeated, the outcome needs no explanation.

Ultimately, the only thing they can rely on is their own Dao Yi Sect disciples.

For now, let's leave it at that; go do more mobilization, and there's no need to hide it from those little brats—let them know the importance and cruelty of this battle, so they don't lose their nerve when they reach the battlefield.

Qi Xiong waved his hand, indicating that everyone should prepare on their own; hearing this, Hong Zun and the others nodded and then left one after another.

Soon, the news of the impending great battle against the Fomen spread throughout the Dao Yi Sect.

Not only the Dao Yi Sect, but various places in Dongzhou also received the news.

After all, with all the major sects gathered in the Dao Yi Sect, the news naturally spreads faster.

Moreover, the next morning, due to the Fomen's invasion, the grand tournament of the four sects was temporarily halted.

Many sects proactively came to bid farewell, giving reasons that were impossible to refuse: they needed to go back and prepare.

But saying they're preparing is really just an excuse to run away.

As for this, Qi Xiong didn't stop them; forcing them to stay would be pointless.

As for these fence-sitters, they'll only make their choice after the final outcome is known, siding with whoever wins.

Any sect wishing to leave, Qi Xiong let them go without any obstruction.

At the residence of the Luo Xia Sect members, Yu Li was earnestly persuading Su Luoxing.

Shī xiōng, this is a great opportunity; if the Fomen defeats the Dao Yi Sect, then we could just break free, right?

I think we can completely remain as neutral observers this time; that wouldn't violate the heavenly oath either.

This old demoness actually wants the Fomen to win, and then use that to break away from the Dao Yi Sect.

And her words really stirred the hearts of many.

However, Su Luoxing, seated in the chief position, had a grim expression, his eyes fixed tightly on Yu Li.

Meanwhile, Yu Li, who was getting excited, didn't notice the change in Su Luoxing's expression at all, speaking animatedly; only after she finished did Su Luoxing coldly ask.

Have you finished speaking?

Hearing this, Yu Li only then noticed something was wrong; she raised her head and looked, seeing only that Su Luoxing's expression was grim and his tone icy as he spoke.

I, Su Luoxing, may hate that scoundrel Qi Xiong, but I am not the kind of treacherous villain who betrays trust and abandons righteousness.

Since we are already an affiliate of the Dao Yi Sect, how can we betray trust and abandon righteousness at a time like this?

Saying this, Su Luoxing glanced around at everyone present, then continued.

Have you all forgotten the heavenly oath we swore back then? Or, as the Saint of my Luo Xia Sect, do you consider promises to be so worthless in your eyes?

That scoundrel Qi Xiong never intended for us to be cannon fodder, the Dao Yi Sect has not committed any betrayal, and now you want me to break my own vow?

At the end of his words, Su Luoxing's gaze fell upon Yu Li, and he spoke sternly.

If that's the case, I hope this is the last time I hear such words; if there is a next time, Yu Li, even though you are my junior sister, I will certainly not forgive you.

But senior brother.........

Yu Li was still unwilling, but Su Luoxing gave her no chance to speak, cutting her off directly.

Enough, my matter with Qi Xiong is our own; it's none of the business of the West Continent Fomen, we will settle our own internal conflicts, joining forces with outsiders—do you think your idea is smart?

No, in my view, that is the stupidest idea; get out, if I hear such words again, I said I will certainly not forgive you.