The Other Side of A Cultivation Story

When everyone was left open-mouthed by the appearance of Mo Clan elders, particularly the one who had the Emperor grade 'Spirit Mount' skill, the Han Village chief was unmoved—not even by the emperor aura of the elder.

It was the same skill the Purple Mist Sect elder had activated at the start of the Wasteland affair—the that had the 'Spirit' Teratorn appearance.

The Han Valley chief of course knew the Mo Clan elder known to be Elder Long and was not unfamiliar with the skill—they were actually old time 'friends.'

Thus, one of the reasons why the Mo Clan elder Emperor came was not to arrogantly impose the superiority of the Mo Clan but to actually see an old friend.

The Han Valley chief was actually a female cultivator—she was one of the more sought-after ladies in the region. Although stuck at half-step Emperor realm for many years, she was more known for her Wood elemental affinity and her learned skills.

And her name was Xing Yi.

Chief Xing Yi was actually around 80 years of age but really looked like in the early thirties—there was actually a widely known but rare pill that could retain the youthful appearance popular among female cultivators; and to many, the Han Valley chief must have used one.

"Welcome to our dearest Han Valley," Xing Yi greeted.

"Xing Yi."

It was the Mo Clan elder who first reacted. Many who heard the elder spoke had different thoughts—some felt the elder was too arrogant to impolitely call the chief without title; some thought he was probably acquainted with the chief.

"Greetings, Han Valley chief..," the rest replied, including the Shu brothers, with a slight bow.

"You all came just in time," the chief said with a smile.

Everyone simply smiled back at the chief. Most of them didn't how to react in front of her—she wasn't particularly strong as compared to most clan patriarchs many of them knew of; but Xing Yi had that kind of strong vibe that made people around her give the sense of respect.

"It's about time we start," she said.

***************

Few moments later, inside the town hall, the deliberations about the details of the event started.

"We are currently unaware of the true strength of the bandits," one of the Han Valley elders discussed.

"As of now, our records show that the recent attacks were made in groups which numbered around a dozen or so.." another one described, "..and each group were led by at least three sage realm cultivators."

"And so far the strongest sage we have encountered was at the peak of Sky stage," the first elder again spoke.

"And by our deduction, that cultivator isn't even the leader of the bandits..," he added. "I won't even be surprised if the true leader turns out to be an emperor."

Many who listened was slightly shocked by the analysis of the Han Valley and started to murmur among each other.

"Ahem," the Han Valley chief sounded.

"This explains why we need the aid of other cultivators..," she said. "By ourselves, we may not be a match with the strength of the bandits.."

"We have right now, fortunately, the support of the Mo Clan and 'The Hunters' Plateau'," the chief added. "They were here because we asked them to participate in our initial plan of the Bandit Extermination event."

From then onwards, the Han Valley chief explained to the elders present of the minor requests of the Mo Clan and Shu family and described the kind of impact the two groups would bring in the affair.

The elders had no problems about the reward system Qai previously suggested and to their other requests. What they were uncertain of was wether the presence of the two groups could truly attract other cultivators to join their cause.

"I don't know about the big families in this town..," the Mo Clan emperor interrupted, "..but about the strength of the team the Mo Clan would send, it will be composed of four sage disciples and I will personally lead them."

He said those words to assure the rest of those present that there was nothing to worry about the participation of the Mo Clan and to assure them that a strong cultivator would be present in the extermination.

The Han Valley chief felt elated by the words of his old friend.

"Thank you, elder Long," she said with a big smile.

Many of the elders present in the meeting also felt assured. They thought that they can now send their elite disciples with an emperor leading the way.

"I could not say the same thing with great assurance for our family," Shu Wu suddenly said.

"As you all know, the strength of 'The Hunters' Plateau' was not that great..," he added. "I would actually lead our party with my two other siblings and two disciples.."

Shu Wu was not yet done explaining when Xing Yi quickly interjected.

"There is nothing to worry about it, dear guests of the Han Valley," she said.

"First and foremost, without your help, we wouldn't be able to get the aid of the Mo Clan," she explained.

Everyone slightly nodded in approval.

"And secondly, your participation is enough for us to be thankful of.. I'm pretty sure with your family joining us, many other cultivators would participate," one elder described.