Chapter 398: Doubts, Loyalty, Choosing Opponents
"Lord Tiance, now that everyone has gathered, why don't you tell us the plan? After all, the True Phoenix Clan's strength is no small matter."
In the mountain cave, the moment Luo Tianshen finished speaking, all eyes turned toward Xiao Tiance.
Indeed, the True Phoenix Clan's formidable strength was undeniable. Xiao Tiance had already confirmed this through his soul searching of Feng Zhen's memories.
Assessing the Enemy
The True Phoenix Clan boasted nine Heavenly Sovereign level powerhouses. Among them were Feng Mingtian, the clan leader, and the previous clan leader, now the Grand Elder. Both were at the half step Saint Heavenly Sovereign stage.
These two alone could be considered as Saint level Heavenly Sovereigns due to their immense combat strength.
In addition, there were:
Three Immortal Heavenly Sovereigns: one late stage, one mid stage, and one early stage.
Four Spirit Heavenly Sovereigns: two late stage, one mid stage, and one early stage.
Sixteen Earth Sovereigns: five at the Great Perfection stage, seven high tier, and four low tier.
A countless number of Sovereign level fighters below Earth Sovereign.
When Xiao Tiance first learned of their strength, even he felt the odds were against him. Initially, his goal was simple: deal with Feng Lin and Feng Ying, the two culprits behind the attack on his disciples, and move on.
However, after rescuing Moyang, Huang You, and First Snow, he changed his mind. Their hatred toward the True Phoenix Clan ran deep three millennia of imprisonment had left scars. To win their loyalty, Xiao Tiance knew he had to take on their vendetta.
Crafting a Plan
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Tiance addressed the group. "You're right, Lord Luo. A fight against the True Phoenix Clan cannot be haphazard.
First, let me outline their strength: nine Heavenly Sovereigns, two of whom are half step Saint Heavenly Sovereigns. Three Immortal Heavenly Sovereigns and four Spirit Heavenly Sovereigns make up the rest.
They also have sixteen Earth Sovereigns, divided into five Great Perfection, seven upper tier, and four lower tier."
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle in.
"In short, if we decide to engage, we must ensure that their top tier fighters are occupied at all times. Otherwise, the consequences will be disastrous."
Unease in the Ranks
The cave fell silent. Even though many had anticipated the True Phoenix Clan's strength, hearing it laid out so clearly was daunting.
Suddenly, one man stood up. Liu You, the Vice Leader of Ghost Sect, spoke with a grim expression.
"Lord Tiance, with all due respect, may I ask how many Heavenly Sovereigns we have on our side?
I am grateful to you for helping our leader, and we've brought all our Eight Sovereign and higher fighters here on his orders. But I must admit, I was against this from the start.
We assumed our strength was at least on par with the True Phoenix Clan, or at least not too far off. But now…"
Liu You's voice trailed off as he scanned the room, his words resonating with those who shared his doubts.
"If we are to face nine Heavenly Sovereigns, can we truly match them? If we can, I will fight without hesitation. But if we cannot…"
He left the rest unsaid, but the implication was clear.
A Growing Tension
"Stand down, Liu You!" Liu Changkong, the Ghost Sect Leader, snapped.
He bowed deeply to Xiao Tiance. "Lord Tiance, please forgive Liu You's rudeness. Regardless of our doubts, the Ghost Sect stands ready to follow your orders to the letter."
The cave grew heavy with tension. While Liu Changkong's words were reassuring, the underlying concern was evident. No one wanted to throw their lives away in a futile battle.
Xiao Tiance, however, smiled faintly and waved a hand dismissively.
"No need to apologize. Liu You only voiced what many of you are likely thinking," he said calmly.
Turning the Tables
Xiao Tiance continued, his tone even and confident.
"To answer your question: we do not have as many Heavenly Sovereigns as the True Phoenix Clan.
But battles are not decided by numbers alone. Strategy and preparation can turn the tide of any conflict.
For instance, I can hold off Feng Mingtian. Moyang, equipped with Shift the Stars, can handle their Grand Elder. That takes care of their strongest fighters.
The rest of the Heavenly Sovereigns? Huang You, First Snow, Lin Dong, and Xun'er each have the means to occupy at least one opponent. Lin Dong, in particular, with his Ancestral Symbols, can likely take on two."
He glanced at Lin Dong, who nodded resolutely.
"As for the Earth Sovereigns, I have prepared arrays to trap or neutralize most of them.
We may not be able to destroy the True Phoenix Clan entirely, but we can inflict enough damage to leave them licking their wounds for centuries.
That is, of course, assuming everyone here is prepared to contribute. If anyone has doubts, now is the time to speak."
Earning Their Loyalty
The cave remained silent. Xiao Tiance's plan was bold but carefully thought out.
Finally, Moyang stood up. "Lord Tiance, I trust you completely. The True Phoenix Clan has wronged me and my siblings for millennia. Even if this battle costs us our lives, we will fight alongside you."
"Same here," Huang You and First Snow echoed, their eyes gleaming with determination.
"Lord Tiance, the Luo Clan stands with you," Luo Tianshen added, rising to his feet.
One by one, the others followed, voicing their loyalty. Even Liu You, though hesitant at first, eventually bowed his head.
Assigning Opponents
Seeing their resolve, Xiao Tiance smiled, his voice steady as he began assigning roles.
"Moyang, you'll take the Grand Elder.
Huang You and First Snow, you'll handle the late and mid stage Immortal Heavenly Sovereigns.
Lin Dong, you'll take on two Spirit Heavenly Sovereigns with your Ancestral Symbols. Xun'er, you'll handle one of the others.
As for the rest of you, your task is to hold off the Earth Sovereigns and lower tier fighters. I'll provide arrays to assist you.
Remember, this battle isn't about complete victory. Our goal is to deliver a decisive blow while minimizing casualties."
A Call to Action
As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the cave, Xiao Tiance stood, his aura radiating calm authority.
"This battle will not be easy, but with everyone's cooperation, we will show the True Phoenix Clan that their actions have consequences."
The cave erupted into cheers, their doubts replaced with determination.
The stage was set, and the battle against the True Phoenix Clan was about to begin.
Despite the immense pressure of impending battle, Xiao Tiance's calm and methodical approach reassured the group. His words were deliberate, carrying a clear message: victory would not come without careful planning, and he would never gamble with their lives.
Earning Trust
"Changkong, sit down," Xiao Tiance said with a gesture, his smile calm and reassuring.
Though Liu Changkong wanted to say more, he respected Xiao Tiance's authority and sat down, glaring at Liu You as he did so. Liu You, meanwhile, remained unmoved. He still believed that his cautious approach was justified, both for the sake of Ghost Sect's people and his own survival.
Xiao Tiance let his gaze sweep across the group, a faint smile on his lips.
"Hehe, Vice Sect Leader Liu You isn't wrong," he began. "If we can't neutralize the True Phoenix Clan's nine Heavenly Sovereigns, then no matter how many people we bring, it will only be sending them to their deaths.
This is the reality. I understand it, and I don't shy away from it. After the strategy is finalized, anyone who feels they lack confidence is free to leave. I won't blame anyone for making that choice."
He paused, his words hanging in the air.
A Show of Loyalty
Before anyone else could speak, Luo Tianshen stood.
"Lord Tiance, regardless of your decision, the Luo Clan will stand firmly by your side. Even if we bleed out on the True Phoenix Clan's ancestral grounds, we will have no regrets."
His voice echoed through the cave, the resolve in his tone undeniable. To further emphasize his commitment, Luo Tianshen waved his hand. A golden figure shimmered and materialized beside him the Heavenly Demon Puppet gifted to him by Xiao Tiance.
"Lord Tiance, this gift alone demonstrates your faith in me. In return, the Luo Clan offers everything: myself, three Nine Sovereign experts, and four Eight Sovereign experts a total of eight people, all at your command. Wherever you lead, we will follow, even into the abyss."
His declaration silenced any doubts, though Liu You's face darkened in discomfort.
On the main seat, Xiao Tiance nodded, his expression appreciative. Luo Tianshen's unwavering support further solidified his trust in the Luo Clan.
Strategic Calculations
In truth, Luo Tianshen wasn't acting on blind loyalty.
He reasoned that if Xiao Tiance dared to challenge the True Phoenix Clan, he must have a plan. And even if this battle ended in tragedy for the Luo Clan, as long as Xiao Tiance survived, his promise of a spot for a Luo Clan disciple in his forces would ensure the clan's eventual resurgence.
"Luo Tianshen's steadfastness touches me deeply," Xiao Tiance said, smiling warmly. "I thank you for your loyalty."
The declaration caused a ripple of respect among those present, particularly the group who had traveled with Xiao Tiance from the Dou Qi Continent. For them, Luo Tianshen's courage was admirable and worthy of recognition.
"Lord Tiance, your thanks are unnecessary. The Luo Clan merely fulfills its duty," Luo Tianshen replied, bowing before taking his seat.
Rising Spirits
Inspired by Luo Tianshen, Shi Hao a smaller presence in the room rose with a grin.
"Lord Tiance, my thoughts align with Senior Luo's. Though my strength is modest I've barely reached the late Eight Sovereign stage and our Desolate Clan has no other experts at this level, I will follow wherever your sword points. That is my direction."
His declaration surprised many. Even Liu You, skeptical of the battle, found himself puzzled by Shi Hao's boldness. How could someone with such limited strength willingly charge into certain death?
Xiao Tiance, however, laughed heartily.
"Shi Hao, you've earned my admiration. Though your strength may not be extraordinary, I promise you this: you will never regret your decision."
Shi Hao's genuine loyalty warmed Xiao Tiance's heart. Regardless of his modest power, Xiao Tiance resolved to support the Desolate Clan as a reward for Shi Hao's unyielding faith.
"Thank you, Lord Tiance. No matter the outcome, I will have no regrets," Shi Hao declared firmly, stepping back into place.
A Growing Resolve
Following Shi Hao and Luo Tianshen's example, other prominent figures Principal Tianqiong, Wan Sui, and Tong Sihai voiced their unwavering loyalty. Even those who remained silent conveyed their support through their eyes.
Of course, exceptions remained. Liu You's group, particularly those standing behind him, didn't share the same conviction.
Seeing this, Xiao Tiance smiled, satisfied.
"Thank you all for your trust. Facing such a formidable foe as the True Phoenix Clan, your loyalty is invaluable," he said, his voice calm and steady. "But as Vice Sect Leader Liu You noted, this battle is no small matter.
Before we proceed, we must ensure that each of us can neutralize or occupy the True Phoenix Clan's nine Heavenly Sovereigns."
Choosing Opponents
Xiao Tiance continued, his gaze steady.
"I have means to contain Feng Mingtian, the True Phoenix Clan's leader and a half step Saint Heavenly Sovereign.
The rest of you assess your strength and choose your opponents accordingly. If we can account for all their top fighters, we proceed. If not, we'll resort to alternate strategies."
He cast a brief glance at Liu You, his expression neutral, before turning back to the room.
Without hesitation, Moyang stood and declared, "If Lord Tiance takes on Feng Mingtian, then I'll deal with their Grand Elder, also a half step Saint Heavenly Sovereign. Leave that one to me."
"Excellent. Who's next?" Xiao Tiance asked.
Huang Jiuji stepped forward. "I'll handle one of their late Immortal Heavenly Sovereigns."
"Good," Xiao Tiance said, nodding.
First Snow followed suit. "The mid stage Immortal Heavenly Sovereign will be mine. Though my strength isn't as high as my brothers', I'll manage."
Conclusion
As each powerhouse declared their chosen target, the room's tension began to shift into determination. Xiao Tiance's clear and strategic approach, combined with the loyalty of his allies, was slowly solidifying the foundation for the battle ahead.
The plan was coming together. The fight against the True Phoenix Clan would be brutal, but with such unity and resolve, victory didn't seem so impossible after all.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1