Vol. 1 - Chapter 240 - A New Mission

However, this was never a long-term solution.

Chen Xingzhen shook his head slightly. After completing the ritual at the Divine Tree, he prepared to return and commune with his father in a dream, hoping his father would offer other suggestions.

Just as he was about to leave, the locust tree above him suddenly rustled.

He instinctively looked up.

Several locust leaves drifted down from above, slowly floating toward him.

He reached out and caught them, a trace of doubt flickering in his eyes. He couldn’t quite grasp the sacred tree’s intent.

Moments later, his body stiffened slightly. His gaze shifted back to the leaves in his hand, and surprise flashed in his eyes.

This might actually work.

…

“Xingsong, do you still remember the path our clan took during the migration?”

Upon hearing the Clan Leader’s question, tears welled in Chen Xingsong’s aged eyes.

“Clan Leader, I remember the path we took back then well. I still recall the locations of the graves of those who died along the way. I would never forget.”

“Good, Xingsong. This time, the family is entrusting you with an important mission. Go and bring back the fallen members of the Chen Clan.”

Chen Xingsong froze, his face filled with confusion.

The clansmen are all dead. How am I supposed to bring them back? Does he mean for me to go down there myself?

While his thoughts spiraled, Chen Xingzhen took out several locust leaves and began explaining the purpose of each one.

"This fully green locust leaf can heal your injuries."

"This half-black, half-green leaf can help you advance your cultivation realm."

"This black locust leaf will help you find the clansmen. All you need to do is...”

Chen Xingsong stared at the various colored leaves in his hands. His confusion lingered, yet he listened intently.

When he finally heard the leaf's purpose, he understood.

During the clan’s migration, many clansmen perished. Now, with the Divine Tree’s power, they could bring those people back. Wouldn't that be a way to strengthen the clan?

The thought of seeing clansmen and elders he hadn’t met in years ignited a spark in his clouded eyes, filling them with a fighting spirit.

“Clan Leader, I will complete this mission! I will return safely!”

Though he was only at late-stage Body Tempering Realm, Chen Xingsong’s face radiated unwavering determination and confidence.

"Good! Be extremely careful on this journey. Act with caution in everything you do. Whether or not you succeed, you must return to the clan safely within two months."

“I understand.”

Chen Xingsong packed his belongings carefully and set off at a slow, steady pace, leaving the clan behind.

Though no clansmen came to see him off, he felt the gaze of the clan leader—and of countless fallen clansmen—on his back. That silent weight straightened his slightly hunched figure.

Chen Xingzhen watched him depart from afar, his gaze following until Xingsong’s silhouette vanished completely. Only then did he turn back toward the clan.

Last night, after the Divine Tree revealed the power of the locust leaves, Xingzhen had quickly devised this plan.

Now, the clan had few members, whether living or dead. They couldn’t afford to lose any more of the living, nor could they bring the dead back to life. Why not seek out the original clansmen?

Before the migration, the clan had several hundred members.

Even if the distance was vast, the journey arduous, and more than twenty years had passed, there must be some hope of success.

Those clansmen died for the rebirth of the family, and they shouldn't be left buried and forgotten in the wilderness.

…

Yong’an City. Inside the grand hall of the Shi family, several clan elders gathered and listened as the clansmen below reported their news.

Following the clan’s last assembly, Shi Chenghong and the elders swiftly decided which family to pledge allegiance to: the Le’an Sun family.

The Fang family of Xiangshui was too far away. Also, since the defeated Liu family from Xiangshui City was now living near Yong’an City, the Fang family likely wouldn’t agree if they learned of this.

As for the Cui family of Qinghe, rumor had it that their current clan leader held no real power, and that several elders controlled everything. Moreover, those elders were deeply divided, making them an unsuitable choice.

After much deliberation, the Sun family of Le’an City seemed to be the best choice. The clan had also heard that the Sun family had many minor families under its banner, meaning their chances of acceptance were considerably higher.

"Clan Leader, the plan isn't going very smoothly..."

Shi Chenghong had been expecting good news, but his brows furrowed upon hearing this. He immediately asked,

“What happened? Explain in detail!"

"Yes, Clan Leader. A few days ago, after I arrived in Le’an City, I went straight to the Sun family, hoping to meet their elder or clan leader. But I wasn’t even allowed past the main gate."

“Did you tell them that our clan had an important matter to discuss with their elder?”

"I did. But he told me to get lost, saying that just any stray cat or dog could not meet their clan elder.”

The clansman below spoke in a timid voice.

Upon hearing this, the faces of those present turned grim.

This matter was of great importance. They had to meet with a key figure from the other clan before revealing anything or negotiating. Otherwise, if word of this leaked, they would surely offend the Zhou family. If the clan couldn’t find any allies by then, it would truly be the end.

"Hmph! That damned Sun family—they dare look down on the Shi Clan!"

“They’re going too far!"

At first, they thought the Sun family was simply unwilling to agree or dissatisfied with what the Shi Clan offered. But who would have thought that their clansman couldn’t even step through the main gate?

These great families were truly detestable.

Yet, despite their inferior strength, Shi Chenghong hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Elder Chengfang, this matter is extremely important. How about you make the trip yourself?”

After hearing this, one of the clan elders nodded.

For now, this was the only option.

"To avoid any setbacks, let's send two more elders to approach the other two major families."

He refused to believe that all three families would reject them.

“What about the Xie family? What did the elders decide?”

“I’ve already spoken with Xie Yanmiao, but the Xie family wants fifty percent of the Blood Rice.”

“Hmph! They don't need to lift a finger—they just need to stay out of this matter—and yet they're demanding half of the Blood Rice? That’s outrageous!”

"But if it means we won't have to worry about the Zhou family, then fifty percent it is. After all, the Chen family still has an Earth-grade battle technique.”

Shi Chenghong spoke helplessly.

"However, we can only agree to that once we find a clan capable of countering the Zhou family."

"This goes without saying."

…

"Clan Leader, the Shi family has dispatched three more elders, each heading in a different direction..."

In the Xie family, Xie Yanmiao listened to the report from his clansman, his brows slightly furrowed.

While there was no need to pay much attention to other people in Yong’an City, the elders of the major clans were worth keeping an eye on.

Yet, hearing that the Shi family had sent three elders in three different directions left Xie Yanmiao puzzled. For a moment, he couldn’t figure out what the Shi family was planning.

"Bring me a map."

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