Chapter 773: The Fox Tribe's Assault

However, what Yan Buji did not anticipate was that the situation unfolded far more tangled and complex than he had estimated. Within just a few days, an unexpected urgent message thundered through the sect like a bolt of lightning—around the Sect Mining Area belonging to the sect, the cultivators of the Blue Fox Tribe kept appearing!

These mysterious and cunning beings roamed around the mining area like ghosts. Even more shocking, some of the Blue Fox Tribe cultivators seemed not satisfied with merely scouting the outskirts; they actually attempted to breach the multiple defenses and sneak into the core of the mining area. Fortunately, the mining area's indestructible defensive formation played a crucial role, successfully keeping these uninvited guests at the gate.

Yan Buji immediately realized that the Fox Tribe's actions were already accelerating. He hurried to the mining area, personally taking command on site. At the same time, he continued to monitor the movements of the Blue Fox Tribe and the Fox Tribe through the sect's intelligence network.

"Hall Master Yan, although the Blue Fox Tribe cultivators were blocked, they seem not to intend to give up," reported a cultivator in charge of the mining area's defenses.

Yan Buji nodded, his voice low, "Continue to strengthen the defenses; do not give them any opening. Also, send someone to covertly track those Fox Tribe cultivators and see what they truly intend."

Finding a moment, Yan Buji even contacted Xiong Ba Tian, stationed in the royal capital, hoping he could help inquire why the City Lord Xiong allowed Fox Tribe cultivators to harass and even damage their sect's mining area.

Unfortunately, Yan Buji once again realized his own status was insufficient; he hadn't even received a reply from Xiong Ba Tian.

"Tsk, does it look like the Fox Tribe is pressuring the royal capital?"

Yan Buji frowned; after all, it was the Fox Tribe causing the damage, which had nothing to do with their own Fox Tribe, nor with the Demon Race; ultimately, their troublemaking could be described as a conflict between the Human Race and the Otherworldly Race, so what does it have to do with my Demon Race?

Indeed, there's nothing we can do about them.

Fine.

Yan Buji spends each day patrolling everywhere, and incidentally reports the situation to Yuan Zhen.

The Blue Fox Tribe cultivators' activities near the mining area grew increasingly frequent, with some even openly provoking the sect's defensive formation. Yan Buji understood that the Fox Tribe was testing the sect's response, trying to find a flaw in the defenses.

However, Yuan Zhen did not rush to counterattack; instead, he held his troops, waiting for the Fox Tribe to reveal a larger weakness.

Yan Buji also timely displayed a zealous demeanor eager to earn merit for the sect, but each time he requested battle, Yuan Zhen refused.

Meanwhile, the Rabbit Tribe also sent news. Tu Nuo Duo personally led an elite squad, covertly infiltrating Qingqiu Continent, and began investigating the Fox Tribe's movements. The Rabbit Tribe's arrival greatly boosted Yuan Zhen's confidence in this contest.

A few days later, Tu Nuo Duo sent crucial intelligence: the Fox Tribe was planning a large-scale operation targeting the sect's mining area. The Fox Tribe intended to use the Blue Fox Tribe cultivators, coordinating inside and out, to annihilate the sect's mining area in one blow and cut off its resource supply.

Upon learning this, Yan Buji immediately reported the situation to Yuan Zhen. Yuan Zhen, his expression solemn, said, "The Fox Tribe's actions are faster than we anticipated. We must act at once, or the consequences will be unimaginable."

Yan Buji nodded, "Elder Yuan, I am already prepared. As long as the Fox Tribe dares to come, we can be sure to capture them all in one net."

Yuan Zhen nodded with satisfaction, "Very well, Hall Master Yan, leave this matter to me. You all assist from the side; be extremely cautious and give the Fox Tribe no opening."

Everyone around solemnly clasped their hands and said, "Elder Yuan, rest assured; we will not disappoint you."

That night, the Fox Tribe's operation officially began. The Blue Fox Tribe cultivators, under the Fox Tribe's command, suddenly launched a fierce assault on the sect's mining area.

However, they did not know that Yuan Zhen had already set a sky‑and‑earth net around the mining area.

When the Blue Fox Tribe cultivators rushed into the mining area, the sect's defensive formation instantly activated, trapping them within. Simultaneously, Yan Buji led the sect's elite cultivators, cutting through from all directions to encircle the Blue Fox Tribe cultivators.

"Yuan Zhen, you truly were prepared!" Great Elder Qingming emerged from the shadows, staring coldly at Yan Buji.

Yuan Zhen gave a slight smile, "Great Elder Qingming, your plan has long been uncovered by us. Surrender now, and perhaps you can still save a life."

Great Elder Qingming snorted, "You think this will stop us? The Fox Tribe's power is far beyond what you can imagine!"

As the words had not yet fully fallen, Great Elder Qingming's expression darkened, a cold glint flashing in his eyes; he suddenly raised his hand and waved, a dazzling radiant light burst forth. Immediately, a mysterious and powerful Accumulation Device materialized out of thin air, ring‑shaped and golden‑jade in hue, yet exuding a terrifying aura that made hearts race.

In an instant, the Accumulation Device shot away like a meteor, bearing incomparable force, slamming into the sect's defensive formation. A thunderous, earth‑shaking roar rang out, the formation quivered violently, countless runes flashed brilliant light, yet could not withstand the massive impact.

With a crisp "crack" sound, the previously indestructible defensive formation shattered like glass, breaking into specks of starlight that faded into the void.

Almost simultaneously, elite Fox Tribe cultivators hidden in the shadows revealed themselves, brandishing various magical weapons, each with a ferocious expression, surging like a tide toward the sect's interior.

Facing the sudden assault, the sect's cultivators did not back down. They reacted swiftly, unleashing their supreme techniques; sword qi criss‑crossed, spells flew, and a fierce battle erupted with the Fox Tribe cultivators.

Seeing this, Yuan Zhen immediately ordered the sect's cultivators to steady themselves, "Everyone stay calm! Follow the plan! Hall Master Yan, go contact the Rabbit Tribe cultivators!"

"Yes!" Yan Buji covertly contacted Tu Nuo Duo, requesting the Rabbit Tribe's support.

The ferocious battle lasted the entire night! Under the night's veil, countless dazzling spell lights fluttered across the sky like meteors, intertwining with the ebbing explosions, creating a breathtaking scene. Myriad divine radiances shone brilliantly, as if to tear the dark night apart and illuminate the whole world.

Both sides fought with everything they had, refusing to yield an inch. After prolonged, grueling combat, they paid a heavy price. Many were scarred, blood staining the ground beneath them; even Yan Buji was exhausted, yet he gritted his teeth and kept fighting.

Seeing the Fox Tribe cultivators about to breach the sect's solid defenses, the situation became perilously critical.

At that hair‑trigger moment, a squad appeared behind the battlefield like divine troops descending, revealed to be elite Rabbit Tribe cultivators arriving just in time!

"Brother Yan, be careful," Tu Nuo Duo said, worry evident in his eyes, then, seeing the Fox Tribe cultivators, his murderous intent flared, and he charged forward with the Rabbit Tribe squad!

They silently flanked to the Fox Tribe cultivators' rear and, while the enemy was unguarded, launched a sudden raid!

In an instant, deafening shouts and battle cries rang out; the Rabbit Tribe cultivators unleashed their sharpest techniques and Accumulation Devices, delivering heavy blows from behind. The Fox Tribe cultivators, once confident and aggressive, were caught off guard by the sudden turn and instantly fell into chaos.

The Fox Tribe cultivators, taken by surprise, instantly fell into disorder. Yuan Zhen seized the opportunity, leading the sect's cultivators in a final counterattack that utterly crushed the Fox Tribe cultivators.

After the battle, Great Elder Qingming was captured alive by Yuan Zhen, and the Fox Tribe was completely annihilated.

"Yuan Zhen, you have won," Great Elder Qingming said dejectedly.

Yuan Zhen stared coldly at him, "Great Elder Qingming, your plot was uncovered by us long ago. Now you can only pay the price for your stupidity."

Great Elder Qingming forced a bitter smile and fell silent.

Yuan Zhen took Great Elder Qingming away and assigned Wu Yuan to oversee the battlefield cleanup. Though the battle was won, the sect suffered a considerable cost. Yan Buji knew this contest was far from over; the Fox Tribe would not give up easily.