Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 1950 - 1444: Ambush

The horde of Demon Cultivators and Devil Beasts showed absolutely no desire to hide their approach; on the contrary, they surged forward toward the Li family stronghold in a massive, flashy display, behaving as if they worried the Li family might somehow miss their arrival.

Furthermore, when the Li family patrol squads spotted this force a thousand miles away from the stronghold, the enemy didn't launch any strikes or eliminate them—instead, they allowed the patrols to retreat safely while hurling loud taunts at their frantic, pitiful flight.

"Hahahaha, did you catch how those Outer Realm cultivators bolted in terror? Utterly ridiculous!"

"Those pests must be terrified beyond reason! They realize they're utterly outmatched, which is why they're scrambling away in desperation. Perhaps by the time we show up, they'll collapse on their knees, pleading for mercy to spare their lives from the slaughter."

"Let's go! Pursue them! Teach these bold intruders a harsh lesson! Show them we're not ones to mess with!"

Despite the bravado, they made no effort to quicken their pace, persisting in their bold jeers, as though their sole aim was to play games with the Li family members. Their booming laughs shook the skies and ground alike.

"Damn it!"

"These vile creatures are far too cocky!"

The handful of Li Family members pulling back felt a fierce anger ignite within them as these taunts reached their ears. Were it not for the Elders' strict orders to play along with this performance—boosting the foes' overconfidence and luring them to belittle the Li family—

A further objective involved scouting the enemy's numbers and power meticulously, allowing the clan to grasp the full scope of the threat ahead.

Without the weighty duties weighing on them, they would gladly risk their lives to whirl back and unleash hell upon this swarm of fiends, revealing the depth of genuine fury!

Li Xiuting joined their ranks too, his inner rage flaring hot, yet his face hardened further as he murmured lowly, "The clan has readied a proper welcome for these monsters. Soon enough, it'll etch an unforgettable mark. Avoid sabotaging the family's strategy over momentary fury."

In truth, his early detection of the onrushing local horde and his prompt responses had drawn Li Zhirui's notice, leading to his appointment as head of this scouting team.

"Huff, huff, huff—"

They grasped this logic completely, yet suppressing their fury proved tough, their breaths coming in harsh, labored gasps as they fought for composure.

The pursuing army dismissed Li Xiuting and his companions as mere specks, unworthy of notice, permitting their unhindered departure.

Even should those Outer Realm beings in the stronghold receive the alert, what of it? With barely more than an hour left, what feats could they pull off? They'd resist a touch longer at best, but the outcome stayed unaltered.

While the army pressed on leisurely, Li Xiuting's team made it back to the stronghold and delivered a thorough briefing on the incoming enemy's composition to Li Zhirui.

Seven powerhouses from the Demon Cultivators and Devil Race at the Realm of Human Immortality spearheaded the charge, backed by more than thirty thousand soldiers in total; included were at least a hundred Individual Immortals, plus numerous at Mahayana and Tribulation Transcendence stages.

Such a formation and might—in the Primal Spirit Realm—would hardly faze Li Zhirui or the Li family; any of Zhirui, Zhixuan, or Ming Yao could crush it effortlessly alone.

Truth be told, no personal involvement would be required. Dispatching just three or four Earth Immortal Clan members would suffice to scatter the foes after some exertion.

Yet this realm wasn't their domain; their strengths faced severe restrictions, prompting even Li Zhirui to regard the threat gravely, devising layers of countermeasures with utmost care.

Li Zhirui held no doubt about overpowering this local horde personally—with his direct command, and given the many Demon Cultivators among them ripe for his dominance—

The true worry lay in the heavy toll on his clan members' lives.

Should that occur, victory would ring hollow, a costly triumph. And if the natives rallied swiftly for a follow-up assault, the stronghold could fall entirely.

"Relay the command: inform all of the invading army's complete might and count. The epic clash looms near!" Li Zhirui banished his wandering thoughts and issued a firm, resolute order.

"Ancestor Rui, doesn't this seem unwise? Revealing it now could spark widespread panic, sapping our strength, and drive some to desert..." one Elder voiced concern.

"Indeed, with combat so close, aren't we just undermining our position?"

Particularly the Loose Cultivators, who prized survival above all. Learning the peril's depth, countless would likely seize the moment to escape prior to the fray.

Various Elders appeared baffled, struggling to see why Li Zhirui opted for a move that seemingly harmed their cause.

"Actually, isn't this a positive step?"

Li Zhirui countered, "By weeding out the hesitant or morale-drainers early, the remainders commit more solidly. Truly, it aids our impending fight."

"Plus, the fortress brims with people currently. Allowing a few cultivators to depart creates extra room for tactics and mobility."

Upon hearing this, realization dawned on all. How had they overlooked such insight?

"Then, broadcast the announcement at once!"

"Proceed."

Thus, Li Zhirui gestured dismissively, urging them to handle it promptly.