Chapter 627: Initiates an Attack
Soon, the upper echelons of the sect were summoned to the sect's main hall. After a brief discussion, everyone agreed to Zheng Chao's plan of taking the initiative to attack.
On one hand, this decision was influenced by Meng Zhang's inclination towards it. Given his authority within the sect, no one would directly oppose or contradict him.
On the other hand, Taiyi Sect was currently on the rise, growing stronger day by day. The leaders of the sect not only had ambitious aspirations but also a strong desire for expansion beyond their borders.
Even though Zheng Chao clearly informed everyone that Sea Clan's strength surpassed that of Taiyi Sect, it didn't dampen their enthusiasm for seizing the territory of the demon beasts.
The multiple victories in external wars had brought Taiyi Sect to its current position. Every cultivator within Taiyi Sect had undergone blood and fire, forging them into resilient individuals. From the top to the bottom, they were not only unafraid of battle but also embraced it with eagerness, at least not fearing war.
Since everyone agreed to launch an offensive and occupy the territory of the demon beasts, gaining a strategic advantage over the Sea Clan, Meng Zhang wasted no time and immediately began preparations.
Timing was crucial; the sooner they acted, the greater their advantage. They needed to catch both the Sea Clan and the demon beasts off guard.
Taiyi Sect's current territory was vast, and that didn't even include the Endless Sea of Sand. Just on the side of Demon Wind Gobi, there were many strongholds.
During regular times, the number of disciples stationed at the Hundred Grass Slope, the main gate of Taiyi Sect, accounted for less than 30% of the total number of disciples. Among them were mostly newcomers, those undergoing training, or low-ranking disciples with modest cultivation bases.
The majority of Taiyi Sect's disciples were scattered throughout the expansive territory, responsible for maintaining control. Especially in recent years, with the significant development of Demon Wind Gobi, an increasing number of external cultivators had flooded in, causing disorder and a decline in security. Thus, Taiyi Sect needed to dispatch patrol teams to various places, strengthening surveillance and maintaining peace in their domain.Additionally, Taiyi Sect was fully engaged in opening up commercial routes in Jiuqu League, and many outstanding disciples had been sent there.
Taiyi Sect had numerous flying boats and mounts in its territory. However, it would still take time to gather all disciples from various places.
If they mobilized cultivators from the entire Hanhai Alliance to participate in the war, it would take even more time.
Fortunately, Taiyi Sect's Gold Core cultivators were currently within the sect, and the situation wasn't too bad.
Since time was of the essence and they couldn't afford to wait for all disciples to assemble, Meng Zhang and the sect's high-ranking members decided to send out a group of Gold Core Daoist Masters as the vanguard. The remaining leaders would gradually gather the disciples as reinforcements.
Apart from mobilizing Taiyi Sect's strength, they also needed to conscript the Hanhai Alliance's forces for this endeavor.
Over the years, the members of the Hanhai Alliance had benefited from following Taiyi Sect. Now, it was time for them to repay the favor.
Meng Zhang, accompanied by four Guardian Spirit Generals and Zheng Chao, who was familiar with the western side of Demon Wind Gobi, set off swiftly as the guide.
A team of six Gold Core cultivators is enough to handle any situation. Even if the expedition encounters difficulties, they have the ability to retreat safely.
Niu Dawei, the senior disciple temporarily remaining at the sect, began mobilizing Taiyi Sect as the acting Sect Master, ordering the elite cultivators of Taiyi Sect who were outside to return immediately.
Simultaneously, a messenger was dispatched to all members of the Hanhai Alliance, issuing an urgent conscription order.
Niu Dawei's reason for mobilizing Taiyi Sect and the Hanhai Alliance cultivators to participate in the war was the impending massive invasion of demon beasts deep within Demon Wind Gobi. Taiyi Sect needed to concentrate its forces to resist the invading beasts.
As for the details of seizing the demon beast territory and resisting the Sea Clan, he did not reveal them to the public.
Though Niu Dawei's time as a Gold Core cultivator was relatively short, he already possessed a minimum combat strength expected of a Gold Core cultivator.
After gathering various cultivators and forming a grand army, Niu Dawei would lead this army, along with Wen Qiansun, Hu Jing, Yang Xueyi, and others, to embark on the expedition.
Jin Qiao'er from Qiaoshou Sect would be responsible for guarding Taiyi Sect's territory and dealing with any troublemakers or disturbances that might arise.
As a rising force, Taiyi Sect did not carry the inertia of long-established sects. The orders and communication channels within the sect were smooth, resulting in a highly efficient mobilization.
Although the member forces of the Hanhai Alliance might be slightly less efficient, they dared not slack off or hesitate when faced with the strict orders from Taiyi Sect's envoys, and they acted immediately.
Having established the Hanhai Alliance for many years, Taiyi Sect's authority had deeply rooted itself within each member force. Once the order for mobilization was issued, the entire Hanhai Alliance moved swiftly.
Taiyi Sect was now like a high-speed war machine. Once activated, it erupted with formidable power.
In Taiyi Sect's territory, flying boats began taking off, carrying personnel and supplies from various places in Demon Wind Gobi towards Taiyi Sect's main gate, the Hundred Grass Slope.
Facing Taiyi Sect's sudden large-scale actions, cultivators from all parts of Demon Wind Gobi felt uneasy and began discussing the situation.
Upon receiving the message from Niu Dawei, Jin Qiao'er wasted no time and led a group of Qiaoshou Sect cultivators, rushing from the Northern Desert towards Demon Wind Gobi. Instead of going directly to Taiyi Sect's Hundred Grass Slope, she started patrolling various areas of Demon Wind Gobi.
Taiyi Sect's mobilization efficiency was high, and in just 2-3 days, the elite cultivators scattered throughout Demon Wind Gobi had mostly gathered at the main gate.
The assembly speed on the side of the Hanhai Alliance was slightly slower, as the cultivators from various member forces had not fully gathered yet.
According to the original plan, Niu Dawei and Wen Qiansun would jointly lead the grand army of the Hanhai Alliance cultivators, while Yang Xueyi and Hu Jing would be in charge of the grand army composed of Taiyi Sect cultivators.
The gathering point for the forces of the Hanhai Alliance was not at the Hundred Grass Slope but at a frontier stronghold located about two thousand miles west of it.
Although their cultivators had not completely assembled yet, Niu Dawei was prepared to depart and meet up with them.
At this moment, an unexpected visitor proactively arrived at their doorstep.
"Someone from Beast King Mountain wants to see me?" Niu Dawei was momentarily stunned upon hearing the communication from his disciple.
"Which Beast King Mountain? New Beast King Mountain or Old Beast King Mountain?" As soon as he spoke, Niu Dawei already had a good idea of the answer.
Old Beast King Mountain was far away in the Crossing Severing Mountain Range. Only New Beast King Mountain, a member of the Jiuqu League like Taiyi Sect, would have any dealings with them.
As expected, the one seeking an audience with Niu Dawei was Qiu Mingze, the representative of New Beast King Mountain on this side of Demon Wind Gobi.
[Read at Patreon.com/maxnkoga , without ads and support the work.]