The next moment, a faint glow flickered on Ji Yang's branches.
The clan's crisis had been averted, allowing him to continue absorbing moonlight.
Countless green dots emerged from the glowing leaves, drifting down to the injured clansmen below.
As these life-filled dots entered their bodies, the previously breathless and nearly lifeless individuals began to groan.
The wounds of those still bleeding began to close.
Though not fully restored, several severely injured clansmen managed to preserve their lives and even expressed gratitude to the sacred tree.
After completing this healing process, Ji Yang's remaining life force decreased by four points, leaving him with only two points, far from his initial expectations.
The severity of the clan members' injuries required more vitality than expected.
Ji Yang's current condition was even worse than when he started.
As for the other injured clansmen, Ji Yang decided to ignore them unless their injuries were fatal.
He couldn't risk further weakening himself if the Chen clan didn't sacrifice a few more spirit beasts.
Seeing the Divine Tree's renewed power, Chen Xingzhen's gratitude went beyond words; actions would have to suffice.
With Ji Yang's healing, the entire clan felt an overwhelming mix of emotions.
The power of the Sacred Tree today had far exceeded their comprehension---even those on the brink of death could be brought back.
Did this mean that as long as they drew breath, they didn't have to fear their imminent demise?
The clansmen's minds swirled with various thoughts, some even contemplating self-sacrifice.
Amidst the charged atmosphere, Chen Xingzhen spoke again:
"Although this battle has taken a heavy toll on our clan, we have emerged victorious!"
His words hung in the ancestral hall, followed by a brief silence. Then the clan erupted in joyous cheers, their faces aglow with relief and triumph.
In fact, despite the twists and turns, the battle against the Li Clan ended in their favour.
According to the clan's tally, the Li Clan suffered significant losses---several Nascent Soul realm warriors, and even more of the Body Tempering realm, nearly a dozen casualties.
If not for their formidable late-stage Nascent Soul warrior at the end, they might have faced total annihilation.
Even so, the Li Clan was already in decline and posed no significant threat. On their side, the price they paid was relatively small.
With the help of the Divine Tree, they lost only three people, none of whom were Nascent Soul realm cultivators.
This battle wasn't just a victory; it was a resounding triumph!
Amidst the cheers, the oppressive cloud that had been hanging over their clan dissipated.
Even Chen Xingzhen couldn't help but smile faintly as he listened to the joyful voices.
Raising his hand, he called for silence once again. Despite their injuries, determination gleamed in the eyes of his people.
"Although we have achieved a great victory in this battle, the remnants of the Li Clan refuse to fade away. They have not been completely eradicated, so we must remain vigilant!"
"The hardships our clan has endured cannot be erased by a single triumph."
With these words, Chen Xingzhen issued new orders.
"Tianyu, gather some people and oversee the clan's repairs."
"Tianjing, led a group to investigate the Liu family's movements. We haven't fully regained our strength, so caution is paramount."
"Qingyu, assemble others and head to the Li Clan immediately. Show no mercy to any remnants you encounter!"
As the tasks were assigned, the assembly in the ancestral hall swiftly dispersed.
Just as Chen Qingyu was about to leave, Chen Xingzhen reminded him once again:
"If the Li Clan has any captured beasts, be sure to bring them back."
"Understood," Chen Qingyu nodded.
After taking care of everything, Chen Xingzhen turned his gaze toward the ancestor tree.
With reverence, he declared,
"Today's great victory is all thanks to the Ancestral Tree."
"Starting tomorrow, our clan will hold a seven-day grand festival in its honour!"
Hearing Chen Xingzhen's promise, Ji Yang felt a sense of relief.
For now, he wouldn't be treated like firewood. As for the rest of the Li Clan, it seemed like he didn't need to intervene.
With the threat of the Li Clan gone, Ji Yang felt a bright future ahead of him.
Finally, he could experience the wonders of the new world and enjoy a life worthy of a tree.
Despite the battle with the Li Clan lasting only a few hours, the sky remained pitch black, though the rain that had drenched their heads mysteriously vanished.
After the conflict, several torches illuminated the Chen clan's vicinity, where many members worked diligently to rebuild the homes ravaged during the fierce clash.
In the distance, Chen Qingyu led the clan to the Li Clan's territory. Both clans were located near Chaotic Burial Mountain, and the journey took only fifteen minutes.
This time, they hadn't completely annihilated the attacking Li clan, allowing Li Yongcheng and the late-stage Blood Coagulation Realm expert Li Cailiang to escape, presumably back to their own clan.
However, with the weakened state of the remaining Li clan, Chen Qingyu's group anticipated handling them with ease.
As dawn approached, the final curtain fell on this great battle.
Ji Yang stood quietly in the Ancestral Hall, observing the bustling clan members outside.
Despite their dishevelled appearance and exhaustion, their faces glowed with newfound Qi and strength.
Chen Xingzhen returned to the ancestral hall shortly after, carrying several incense sticks.
They were not only seeking the blessing of the Sacred Tree but also hoping to gain the favour of the Ancestral Spirits.
After last night's battle, the protective aura of the ancestral spirits had dissipated with the demise of their physical vessel. From now on, the clan could only rely on their own strength.
These thoughts brought a hint of sadness to Chen Xingzhen's face.
Unfortunately, the cultivation levels of the deceased clan members were too low.
Even if they processed using the clan's secret method, its effectiveness would be limited.
The secret method required a warrior to have reached at least the Innate Realm level before death to be fully effective.
According to legend, during the glory days of the clan, the ancestral hall was even blessed by a late-stage Blood Coagulation Realm ancestor
However, Chen Xingzhen, born into a declining clan, had only heard tales of such formidable ancestors from the elders.
After a moment of solemn reverence, Chen Xingzhen placed the incense sticks in the front censer.
Just then, footsteps echoed from behind. Chen Xingzhen turned to see Chen Qingyu and the others returning.
"Clan Chief, the Li family has vacated their compound. When we arrived, only a few unrelated servants remained," Chen Qingyu reported.
This outcome didn't surprise Chen Xingzhen. Li Yongcheng was cautious; relocating clan members after such a defeat was expected.
However, the situation was far from resolved.
Despite the Li family's significant losses, surviving members remained.
Notably, no young Li warriors had been seen during the attack. Without further investigation, this could pose future complications.