Ringing the Bell for a Hundred Years, I Became the Sect’s Ancestor – Chapter 89

Chapter 89: Hundred Flowers Palace Falls

Xing Province.

Prince Luo’s Residence.

Divine Sword Sect’s big move was naturally crystal clear to Prince Luo’s Residence.

“This fool is so careless, he actually exposed the news in advance, infuriating this Prince.”

Prince Luo sat on his throne, frowning, his expression grim.

Originally, he had planned to concentrate his forces and catch Divine Sword Sect off guard. By taking down Divine Sword Sect as quickly as possible, he would be able to block the passage between Taixing Circuit and Kunwu Circuit.

Now that the plan was exposed in advance, everything had to be done openly.

“Has Hundred Flowers Palace given a reply yet?”

He suddenly asked.

“Your Highness, Hundred Flowers Palace’s reply is ambiguous. They clearly want to remain neutral.”

The black-clothed strategist holding a feather fan spoke.

“Hmph, that Hua Lianhua is truly foolish. She actually thinks she can still stay out of it and remain neutral. What a woman’s perspective.”

Prince Luo snorted coldly. “Fine, let’s give her the opportunity to be neutral for now, and deal with her Hundred Flowers Palace later.”

“Your Highness, we can change the plan steps. Since Divine Sword Sect knows we are going to attack them, why not make a feint and take Hundred Flowers Palace instead? Hundred Flowers Palace’s territory is connected to Shuchuan Circuit. Prince Fan’s Residence, which occupies Shuchuan Circuit, is not strong itself and is wavering. Moreover, there are only two major martial arts factions within the feudal state, and they are not very strong.”

A glint flashed in the black-clothed strategist’s eyes, and he lowered his voice, saying: “As the saying goes, ‘Plan for defeat before planning for victory.’ If the situation becomes unfavorable, we can retreat to Shuchuan Circuit. As long as we hold Jing Pass, Your Highness will be able to protect yourself and not have your retreat cut off.”

Prince Luo’s face showed a thoughtful expression.

He knew that Mister Wen was resourceful and always made accurate judgments in advance. In the previous rebellion in the Jade Capital, it was Mister Wen who sensed something was wrong and withdrew his people in time, so the losses were not particularly heavy.

He had coveted Shuchuan Circuit for a long time.

But Hundred Flowers Palace stood between Prince Luo’s Residence and Shuchuan Circuit, always a thorn in his side.

“What about Divine Sword Sect? If we don’t take down Divine Sword Sect, wouldn’t we be unable to cut off Prince Ye’s Residence’s entry?”

One of Prince Luo’s confidants at the scene couldn’t help but say.

Suddenly changing the plan might lead to unpredictable consequences. “Actually, under the circumstances of the plan being leaked, it is basically impossible to quickly take down Divine Sword Sect. It might even drag our Prince Luo’s Residence into a quagmire.”

Mister Wen, the black-clothed strategist, walked to a large map, picked up a pointer, and pointed to a location. “We only need to take Xuan Province’s Smelting City. Deploying heavy troops along this section of the Qishui River will be enough to prevent Divine Sword Sect and Prince Ye’s Residence’s armies from heading south.”

Prince Luo couldn’t help but get up and walk over, subconsciously drawing a large circle with his hand, then burst into laughter. “Mister Wen, with you as my advisor, you are worth two Celestial Beings!”

“Take my order, adjust the deployment immediately according to Mister Wen’s words.”

Immediately following, he returned to his main seat and issued the order.

“As you command.”

The several confidants present hurriedly accepted the order.

Xuan Province’s Smelting City.

This was one of the most important resources within Divine Sword Sect’s territory. Divine Sword Sect had strengthened the garrison force here, and there were even Grandmasters of Elder with Real Authority level guarding it.

In addition, a Martial Arts Legion of several thousand soldiers was also urgently mobilized to the vicinity of Smelting City.

The Great Chang army was mainly divided into two categories: ordinary troops dispatched by the imperial court and local governments, and Martial Arts Legions controlled by the Martial Emperor.

Most of the commanders and generals of these Martial Arts Legions were members of the imperial clan or martial arts experts related to the imperial clan.

Many even came from the Imperial Martial Arts Academy.

Although they were called Martial Arts Legions, it was impossible for all soldiers to be Ranked Martial Artists. The lowest-ranking soldiers were often just Martial Apprentices, mainly practicing legion martial arts.

Legion martial arts were purely battlefield killing techniques, emphasizing formations and cooperation.

Therefore, although Martial Arts Legions were mainly composed of Martial Apprentices and low-ranking martial artists, they possessed extremely powerful combat strength in legion warfare.

The most important thing was that a complete Martial Arts Legion could unite the morale of the army and greatly resist the Martial Intent deterrence of powerful martial artists.

It was precisely for this reason that the imperial clan could suppress the forces of the world. In addition to cultivating enough high-ranking martial arts power, another major factor was that they controlled many powerful Martial Arts Legions.

The imperial clan had the biggest prohibition on local feudal lords, which was to strictly limit the number of private armies.

This private army actually referred to Martial Arts Legions.

Once a Martial Arts Legion reached a certain scale, it was very terrifying.

Night fell.

In Smelting City, the Divine Sword Residence was brightly lit.

Many people were coming and going, appearing exceptionally busy.

In an underground secret chamber.

Elder Shi sat cross-legged.

As the only Grandmaster dispatched by Divine Sword Sect to Smelting City, he was now in a dangerous situation.

Once Prince Luo’s Residence launched an attack on Divine Sword Sect, Smelting City would be the front line, the first place where the war would break out, and a Grandmaster like him would definitely be the main target for decapitation.

However, since he had come here, he was naturally prepared to die in battle.

“Elder Shi, this is the list of personnel entering and leaving Smelting City today.”

Someone came in and handed over a stack of papers.

“It seems they are not hiding anything.”

Elder Shi muttered to himself after reading them one by one.

Judging from the list, many strangers had entered Smelting City.

As a major city for smelting and mining, Smelting City had a large number of merchant caravans coming and going, and the flow of people was very frequent.

However, there had been an unusually large number in the past few days.

Now that the situation was turbulent and Prince Luo’s Residence could attack Divine Sword Sect at any time, there were still many merchant caravans entering. It was obvious that there was a problem.

Suddenly, Elder Shi’s expression changed slightly. His Spiritual Perception sensed the sound of fighting coming from outside.

“Immediately send a Flying Eagle Message to the sect. Prince Luo’s Residence has made their move.”

Elder Shi immediately gave the order, got up and left the secret chamber, leading a group of hidden Divine Sword Sect experts into a passage.

At this moment, on the ground of the Divine Sword Residence, many black-clothed martial artists charged in from the darkness.

Divine Sword Sect Inner Sect Disciples and martial artists from other affiliated forces hurriedly fought back.

A fierce battle began.

At the same time, in other parts of Smelting City, including those iron mines, fighting was also taking place.

Near the military camp stationed ten miles away from Smelting City, a large number of sturdy martial soldiers, wearing standard heavy black armor, carrying swords, spears, shields, and bows and arrows on their backs, approached the camp quietly like a black torrent.

“Enemy attack!”

Suddenly, a shrill roar rang out.

In an instant, the entire military camp was like a pot that had exploded. A large number of martial soldiers in dark blue battle armor poured out from the tents, quickly forming formations.

“Kill!”

Under the cold and stern order, the black torrent suddenly accelerated, instantly breaking through the camp and fiercely colliding with the dark blue Martial Arts Legion that had just formed in the camp.

Divine Sword Sect.

The elder of Flying Eagle Hall ran into Divine Sword Hall holding a bamboo tube.

“Sect Master, Flying Eagle Message from Xuan Province’s Smelting City.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu hurriedly took the bamboo tube, checked it, and then untied the lacquer seal, pouring out the paper strip inside. After deciphering it, his face became solemn.

“Xuan Province’s Smelting City is under attack.”

He said in a deep voice.

If Prince Luo’s Residence wanted to make a move, they definitely wouldn’t just attack Smelting City.

Other important strongholds must also be targets of Prince Luo’s Residence.

As for the location of Divine Sword Sect’s mountain gate, it was even more crucial.

“Pass down the order, let all disciples be ready for battle.”

He issued the order.

Soon, Elder with Real Authority took the order and went out.

“When will the Celestial Being from Prince Ye’s Residence arrive?”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu asked again.

“At the latest, he should arrive tomorrow morning.”

Another Elder with Real Authority said.

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu nodded.

But he still felt uneasy. The current Divine Sword Sect had no Celestial Being in charge. Once Prince Luo’s Residence launched an attack, it would be difficult for Divine Sword Sect to hold on for long with its own strength.

After all, Prince Luo’s Residence would definitely dispatch Celestial Beings.

Time Bell Pavilion.

Li Qian had just finished his bell-ringing cultivation when he saw Hall Master Xu running up the mountain.

“Senior Brother Li, the Sect Master’s order: once an enemy invasion occurs, the Time Bell will ring nine times to remind all disciples to be ready for battle.”

Hall Master Xu hurriedly said.

Li Qian nodded.

“It seems a great battle will happen soon.”

After Hall Master Xu left, Li Qian sighed in his heart. He was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to cultivate peacefully by ringing the bell from now on.

No one knew how the subsequent battle situation would develop.

Time passed bit by bit.

The higher-ups of Divine Sword Sect were all waiting for the enemy’s attack.

It wasn’t until the next morning that a Celestial Being from Prince Ye’s Residence finally arrived.

The hearts of the Divine Sword Sect higher-ups finally settled down.

With Celestial Being Xiao not yet having returned, having a Celestial Being from Prince Ye’s Residence in charge, Divine Sword Sect finally had a little more confidence.

But everyone was very puzzled. Why hadn’t Prince Luo’s Residence’s attack come yet?

Not only that, but apart from Xuan Province’s Smelting City, no news of attacks had come back from other places.

Under normal circumstances, speed was essential in war. If Prince Luo’s Residence wanted to attack Divine Sword Sect, they wouldn’t just attack one place.

Divine Sword Hall.

“Greetings, Celestial Being Ye. Thank you for coming to support our Divine Sword Sect.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu, along with many peak masters and Elder with Real Authority, received the Celestial Being from Prince Ye’s Residence.

Celestial Being Ye from Prince Ye’s Residence was a purple-robed elder. After sitting down, he asked: “Sect Master Feng, I received news that Prince Luo’s Residence was about to attack your Divine Sword Sect, so I rushed here day and night, not daring to delay for a moment. Why is there no movement at all after I arrived?”

“Celestial Being Ye, we don’t know what happened on Prince Luo’s Residence’s side. They only attacked Xuan Province’s Smelting City and there has been no other movement.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu said.

“Only attacked Smelting City?”

Celestial Being Ye frowned. “Your intelligence wouldn’t be wrong, would it? Or has Prince Luo’s Residence given up on attacking Divine Sword Sect?”

“Celestial Being Ye, the situation is unclear now. We have to wait for the spies and Flying Eagle Messages from Prince Luo’s Residence.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu shook his head and said.

◈◈◈

“Alright then, arrange a place for me to cultivate in peace. Come and inform me if anything happens.”

Celestial Being Ye waved his hand.

“This way, Celestial Being Ye.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu hurriedly said.

Such a Celestial Being naturally had to be well entertained.

Once Prince Luo’s Residence attacked Divine Sword Sect, they would need this Celestial Being to take action.

For several days in a row, there was no movement.

Instead, news came back from Smelting City.

Smelting City had fallen, and the Martial Arts Legion stationed there had also been defeated.

Moreover, Grandmaster Shi had unfortunately fallen in Smelting City while covering the retreat of his disciples.

Although some of the Divine Sword Sect martial artists had retreated, they had still suffered heavy losses.

The force that Prince Luo’s Residence used to attack Smelting City was far stronger than imagined.

“Do you think Prince Luo’s Residence has given up on attacking our Divine Sword Sect? Did they take Smelting City just for the iron ore?”

Peak Master Hou Shuwen of Unity Peak frowned and said.

“The problem is, what’s the use of taking Smelting City? Prince Luo’s Residence is so far away from Smelting City that they can’t actually control it. It’s estimated that only Mysterious Netherworld Sect can control it. Once Prince Ye’s Residence’s army heads south and cooperates with our Divine Sword Sect, it won’t be difficult to take back Smelting City.”

Peak Master Wan Xiangu of Purple Lightning Peak said.

“It’s still not the same. If Prince Luo’s Residence deploys heavy troops along the Qishui River, they can completely prevent Prince Ye’s Residence’s army from heading south.”

Hou Shuwen shook his head. He got up and walked to a huge map, drawing a line. “But this way, Prince Luo’s Residence will have to defend passively.”

He couldn’t figure out what Prince Luo’s Residence was trying to do.

At this time, the elder of Flying Eagle Hall hurriedly arrived, handing over a piece of intelligence.

After reading it, Sect Master Feng Shaoyu’s face suddenly became strange.

“Sect Master, what news?”

Peak Master Xie Tiancheng of Martial Melody Peak hurriedly asked.

“Prince Luo’s Residence didn’t attack our Divine Sword Sect, but instead attacked Hundred Flowers Palace. Judging from the intelligence, Hundred Flowers Palace’s mountain gate has been breached.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu said.

The entire hall fell silent.

Everyone was a little incredulous.

What was going on?

“Hundred Flowers Palace has always been neutral. They didn’t even participate in the previous rebellion in the Jade Capital. Prince Luo’s Residence should be trying to win them over. Why would they attack Hundred Flowers Palace at this time?”

Peak Master Wei Quansheng of Spiritual Void Peak asked in astonishment.

“I understand. Prince Luo must be worried that after the intelligence leak, he might not be able to take down our Divine Sword Sect in a short time, so he can only settle for the next best thing. Xiang Province, where Hundred Flowers Palace is located, is the only way to Shuchuan Circuit. Once Prince Luo’s Residence controls Xiang Province, they will have a firm grip on the gateway to Shuchuan Circuit and can drive straight in at any time.”

Peak Master Hou Shuwen of Unity Peak clapped his hands and said: “It seems Prince Luo’s Residence has already planned their retreat.”

When the Great Chang was established, the division of spheres of influence among the feudal lords and martial arts sects in the world was carefully designed to check and balance each other, thus forming a delicate balance across the entire Great Chang territory.

The imperial clan could thus control the world.

Hundred Flowers Palace controlling Xiang Province was to restrain the forces in Shuchuan Circuit. Controlling Jing Pass was equivalent to holding the gateway to Shuchuan Circuit.

Moreover, the forces in Shuchuan Circuit, including Prince Fan’s Residence, were not strong enough to seize control of Jing Pass from Hundred Flowers Palace.

Furthermore, if Prince Fan’s Residence dared to have such thoughts, they would immediately face ruthless reckoning from the imperial clan.

“If Hundred Flowers Palace doesn’t want to be destroyed, they have no choice but to join Prince Luo’s Residence.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu sighed.

Hundred Flowers Palace was no weaker than Divine Sword Sect.

But they were still breached.

If Divine Sword Sect were to be suddenly attacked by Prince Luo’s Residence without any preparation, he shuddered at the thought.

“Doesn’t Hundred Flowers Palace have a Celestial Being? How could they be breached so easily?”

An Elder with Real Authority suddenly said.

“Hundred Flowers Palace, like our Divine Sword Sect, only has one Celestial Being, and this Celestial Being is also very old. If they were ambushed and besieged without any preparation, the result is obvious.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu sighed and said.

Celestial Beings were very strong.

But Prince Luo’s Residence had more Celestial Beings.

If Prince Luo’s Residence had ambushed Divine Sword Sect, even with Celestial Being Xiao guarding the sect, the possibility of him falling in a surprise attack was very high.

Now, as long as they waited for Grand Martial Uncle Xiao to return, plus the Celestial Being from Prince Ye’s Residence, there would be two Celestial Beings. Even if Prince Luo’s Residence launched a full-scale attack on Divine Sword Sect, they would have the strength to fight back and wouldn’t be breached so quickly like Hundred Flowers Palace.

A few days later.

Divine Sword Sect remained safe and sound.

Celestial Being Xiao finally returned.

He even brought back two Celestial Beings.

The higher-ups of Divine Sword Sect were overjoyed.

“Grand Martial Uncle, who are these two seniors?”

In Divine Sword Hall, after bowing to Celestial Being Xiao, Sect Master Feng Shaoyu couldn’t help but ask.

“This is Celestial Being Chai from the imperial clan, and this is Celestial Being Hua from Hundred Flowers Palace.”

The bald, white-haired elder, Celestial Being Xiao, immediately introduced them.

The higher-ups of Divine Sword Sect hurriedly bowed, but they were all shocked.

“Celestial Being Hua?”

Wasn’t Hundred Flowers Palace breached by Prince Luo’s Residence a few days ago?

How could Celestial Being Hua be here?

This Celestial Being Hua looked rather weak, as if she was seriously injured.

“Fortunately, Celestial Being Xiao rescued me halfway, otherwise, I’m afraid I would have already perished.”

Celestial Being Hua was an old woman with white hair, her wrinkled face devoid of any blood color. She sighed.

At this time, a figure in purple robes strode in from outside.

It was Celestial Being Ye from Prince Ye’s Residence.

“Madam Hua, at the Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet, I told you that under the current situation, you can’t stay out of it. If you had made a decision earlier, you wouldn’t have lost the thousand-year foundation of Hundred Flowers Palace.”

Celestial Being Ye said in a deep voice.

Celestial Being Hua from Hundred Flowers Palace could only smile bitterly.

“Brother Ye, I didn’t expect it was you who came to support our Divine Sword Sect.”

Celestial Being Xiao got up and cupped his hands.

“Brother Xiao, long time no see. I didn’t expect your old bones to be so tough, to have survived the chaos in the Jade Capital.”

Celestial Being Ye said with a smile.

He hadn’t gone to the Jade Capital during the chaos.

It was another Celestial Being from Prince Ye’s Residence who went.

“To be able to live now is a blessing from heaven.”

Celestial Being Xiao shook his head and smiled.

If he hadn’t been lucky during the rebellion in the Jade Capital more than a year ago, his grave would probably be overgrown with grass by now.

Even so, after recuperating for so long, he still hadn’t fully recovered.

For a Celestial Being of his age, being seriously injured would also result in a significant loss of Natal Yuan Qi. Every injury would shorten his lifespan.

So he looked much older than he did a year ago.

Then Celestial Being Ye started talking with Celestial Being Chai from the imperial clan.

With four Celestial Beings talking, the others couldn’t get a word in edgewise and could only listen from the side.

In any case, Celestial Being Xiao’s return finally gave the higher-ups of Divine Sword Sect a backbone.

Next, they had to find a way to retake Xuan Province’s Smelting City.

Time Bell Pavilion.

Li Qian had been very puzzled these past few days.

Wasn’t there supposed to be a war? Why was there no movement at all?

It made him nervous these past few days.

After all, he was always ready to ring the Time Bell nine times.

“But it’s better that there’s no war.”

Li Qian grabbed the striker and struck the Time Bell heavily.

As the clear bell sound rang out, five times in a row, he bathed in the bell sound, feeling refreshed all over. He immediately let go of the striker, drew out Sword Eighteen, and started cultivating.

At this time, a figure quickly ran up from the mountain.

It was Hall Master Xu from Odd-Job Hall.

He greeted Liu Ming first.

He was naturally very envious in his heart.

Liu Ming was too lucky. He had only been at Time Bell Pavilion for a few years and had already become a Ranked Martial Artist.

After Li Qian finished practicing, he cupped his hands and said respectfully: “Senior Brother Li, the Inner Sect announced that the lockdown is over.”

“Over?”

Li Qian jumped down from the bell tower, greatly surprised.

Could it be that the crisis was over?

That would be even better.

This meant that he could cultivate peacefully by ringing the bell again.

So he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

There was no way around it, his current strength was simply not enough.

He was neither high nor low.

Let’s not talk about whether he could deal with a Celestial Being, even if he could, Celestial Beings also had strengths and weaknesses.

He preferred crushing people with his realm rather than fighting above his level.

Even if he couldn’t crush them with his realm, he should at least be at the same level, right?

He didn’t feel safe at all until he reached the Celestial Being realm.

So his biggest ambition now was to reach the Celestial Being realm as soon as possible.

PS: Four chapters for now, 18,000 words, equivalent to eight chapters in the public period. There will be more updates during the day. Please vote for me. Thank you, readers!