The black great blade seemed to be cutting through the mountains, and if not for the array blocking it, its power would be enough to split the earth and open the mountains.
The aftermath of the collision spread, causing the ground to shake and many people to turn pale with fear.
"This attack, it’s a strike from a Golden Core Zhenren!"
"We’re doomed, with a Golden Core leading, our clan protection array won’t hold for long."
"The Demon Suppression Department really wants to eradicate our Shen Family."
One by one, the Shen Family exclaimed and sighed, anxious and uneasy.
The Second Elder, who was just scolding Shen Wang, immediately retracted himself, having no mind to question Shen Wang further. Chapters first released on NoveIꜰire.net
"Father, big brother, those willing to leave with me should prepare as quickly as possible."
Shen Wang said to the Clan Leader and Shen Nian. Initially, he wanted to save more people, but seeing some had illusions and were unwilling to leave the family wealth here, he felt what the Black Death Blade King said was correct.
After the family grew, everyone had different thoughts, and unity was hard to achieve. It’s impossible to save everyone; those unwilling to leave he couldn’t be bothered with.
His focus was on saving the people from his branch.
"Wang’Er, you come over here first."
Clan Leader Shen Qingyun gestured to Shen Wang, who walked over to the side.
Shen Qingyun was the last in the generations of eternity, perpetuity, the eight-character generation. Shen Wang’s generation no longer followed generational rankings, waiting for two generations later to reshuffle, so ten generations were precisely two or three hundred years, with not much left from the previous cycle.
He came outside, and speaking alone to Shen Wang, said: "Your sudden return urging everyone to flee surely arouses suspicion."
"Father, do you think I’m with the Demon Suppression Department?"
Shen Wang was speechless; after all, his old father was the Clan Leader, quite cautious, and guessed correctly.
Regardless of whether he actively became part of the Demon Suppression Department, he was basically counted as part of it now.
"It’s not that I doubt you, but the risks outside remain significant."
Shen Qingyun shook his head: "Without the reliance of the array after going out, unfamiliar with the paths, getting chased could easily mean dying halfway, staying within the family at least has foundations, perhaps holding out until the Celestial Travel Sect comes to our aid."
"Father, don’t worry about that, the Celestial Travel Sect is currently overwhelmed, they can’t deal with us."
Shen Wang said helplessly: "Look at the great blade outside, Golden Core level has already moved out, and with their experience in dealing with family and sect forces, our array simply can’t withstand it; if we don’t leave, we’ll be trapped like fish in a barrel."
Perhaps coordinating with Shen Wang, the cold transmission of the Black Death Blade King echoed: "Shen Family, surrender now and you can still live; if the array is broken, I will go on a killing spree!"
These words made the Shen Family cultivators’ faces look bleak, some even considering surrender.
Immediately an elder intimidated: "Humph, don’t think surrendering will make things better; they’re here to destroy us and intimidate the Celestial Travel Sect, how could they not kill people?"
"Did you know something, how did you return at just the right time?"
Shen Qingyun suddenly asked: "For years, not relying on the family, not only fixing your Dantian, but reaching Foundation Establishment, with cultivation not inferior to mine. Is it because of the resources from the Demon Suppression Department?"
"Father, you’re indeed capable of being the Clan Leader."
Shen Wang chuckled, saying: "Your son has his own opportunities. If you choose to trust me, do as I say; if not, I’ll leave immediately. This time I return only to have a clear conscience, not asking for much."
Hearing this from Shen Wang, Shen Qingyun nodded: "It seems you indeed came to help everyone; I won’t further question your secrets and choose to trust you."
After speaking, he told Shen Nian: "Eldest, go and prepare; we need to take a gamble."
"Okay, I’ll arrange it immediately."
Shen Nian nodded; he couldn’t manage other branches, but making his own branch ready was no problem.
Seeing his father make a decisive decision, Shen Wang nodded: "You’ve made the right choice."
"Don’t blame me, even if I don’t question you, others would suspect by considering deeply."
Shen Qingyun shook his head: "Fortunately if considered deeply, this time our Shen Family is likely unable to withstand the outside enemy. Even if you truly are from the Demon Suppression Department, there’s only a difference between dying early and late."
"No wonder you can be Clan Leader, indeed you have the courage."
Shen Wang joked, frankly, he fled back suddenly to lead people away, which undoubtedly raised suspicion.
The Black Death Blade King’s statement of killing half seemed to believe not everyone would follow him.
"Clan Leader, wouldn’t it be too impulsive; we can still deliberate over this matter."
The Great Elder commented, "We’ve already informed the Celestial Travel Sect; they’ll definitely send someone to save us and hold out until they arrive."
"Did they say they’d come in person?" Shen Qingyun coldly countered.
The Great Elder failed to respond; indeed, there hadn’t been a clear reply from Celestial Travel Sect for support, as they were overwhelmed themselves.
"Since not, why must we place our lives entirely on others?"
Shen Qingyun sneered.
"Clan Leader, but you can’t believe Shen Wang can lead us out of danger; he might be a pawn sent by the Demon Suppression Department to dismantle us."
The Second Elder retorted angrily.
Shen Wang frowned, unable to say much; even if spoken, it wouldn’t entirely clear suspicions.
He calmly replied: "Suit yourselves, today I only take my family branch, not forcing anyone."
"Shen Wang, I think you’re deliberately undermining everyone’s confidence; you run with your people, what’s left for the others to think?"
The Great Elder rebuked: "If you still consider yourself part of the Shen Family, listen to arrangements properly instead of yelling about escaping."
Shen Wang’s mind sank; indeed, the more people, the more thoughts, making it difficult to save even half.
He snorted: "Suit yourselves, I’m not involved in this; after all, the one who dies isn’t me."
"What attitude is this? The enemy hasn’t invaded yet, and you’re cursing your own people here?"
The Second Elder was furious: "I see you indeed have issues; guarding the ancestral grave and then fleeing, no sense of responsibility at all."
Shen Qingyun interrupted, speaking seriously: "Gentlemen, according to clan rules, in a crisis moment, whom should you listen to, you or me as the Clan Leader?"
The Second Elder could only say: "Listen to you, Clan Leader."
"Since it’s me, do as I say. Otherwise, distracting now and infighting, do you want to save the enemy effort in eradicating our Shen Family?"
Shen Qingyun countered, glancing at everyone: "I’m chosen as Clan Leader to lead everyone in action; now go pack up, the clan protection array won’t last long!"
"Clan Leader, if he truly has issues?"
The Great Elder still had doubts.
"If issues arise, our Shen Family will fight to the death; dying here or outside, what’s the difference?"
Shen Qingyun stared at them: "I see you’ve been comfortable too long, lacking any blood qi, don’t you?"
"I’m not afraid of death; I just don’t want the Shen Family to perish."
The Great Elder naturally didn’t admit.
"Going out still offers a chance to flee; hiding here only leads to gradual eradication, stop dreaming, act quickly!"
Shen Qingyun added anger, finally driving the elders into action, beginning preparations to leave.